

Orchard eNews

April 1, 2025
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy April Fool’s Day!
- April is Autism Awareness Month. Orchard School will acknowledge this in various ways, including starting our day with a morning announcement with a positive thought about tolerance and acceptance. Mrs. Mazzurco compiled a list of books featuring autistic or neurodiverse characters.
- We Are Better Together, our book of the month complements our monthly focus on teamwork and acceptance while also celebrating our Earth for Earth Day! Enjoy the story on our storywalk.
- It's time to elect our HSA Executive Board for next year. If you are interested in becoming more involved in your child's school or know somebody who would, please sign up or nominate someone to fill the role by April 4th.
Place your lunch order by 6 AM.
Pizza lunch is every Thursday!
Visit the Virtual Backpack
Check the Virtual Backpack and News section each week. Events, fundraisers, and local happenings can be found in one place.
Orchard Calendar of Events
Sync your calendar here and never miss a thing!
🌟 School News & Events🌟
International Night
Join us for an exciting celebration around the world at Orchard's Annual International Night on Friday, May 2nd. We invite all families to host a table. Check out this flyer to learn more!
Participants! If you are interested in participating, please complete this Google Form by April 17th. Today - your child is bringing home a worksheet that you can complete together. All are welcome to display their family heritage in even the smallest of ways. Please return the worksheet to your child’s teacher and we will collect in school.
The students voted: the winner of mARTch Madness 2025 is CDSea by Bruce Munro!
Yearbook Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for 1-2 parent volunteers from each grade to help review the yearbook at the end of April. If you are familiar with the students in your child’s grade and can check that their photos are correctly placed on each grade’s pages, we would love your help! The review process should take about an hour.
Let's Celebrate our Teachers!
Our teachers work wonders in the classroom, turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. Let's show them our appreciation with more than just words!
Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) is coming, and we're raising funds to provide them with treats, surprises, and a moment of relaxation.
Your donation will directly contribute to making this a special week, giving our teachers the recognition they deserve. Donate today and make a real difference!
Get More Involved at Orchard School!
Orchard HSA Executive Board is seeking candidates for the 2025-2026 term. Available positions include Co-President, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, and Recording Secretary. Nominate yourself or a friend by Friday, April 4th.
Your participation can make a positive impact! For questions or more information, contact the Nominations Committee. Thank you for supporting Orchard HSA.
There are also many opportunities to chair a committee for the 2025-26 school year! Whether you love planning events, organizing behind the scenes, or just want an excuse for adult interaction, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. Check out this comprehensive list of committees to see how you can help. No experience needed—just enthusiasm and a can-do attitude!
Interested? Curious? Email Vanessa Carr to learn more!
Dad's Night Out
Orchard Dads Night Out is finally here!. Prepare yourselves for the Axe Throwing Edition, a glorious evening of flying steel and friendly competition where the only thing sharper than the axes will be your wit.
We're taking over Bury the Hatchet in Paramus on Thursday, April 3rd, from 8 to 10 pm, for a night of pure, unadulterated dad-venture.
For a mere $60, you'll get to hurl axes like a Viking warrior and refuel with some hearty grub. Just remember to bring your favorite beverages to keep those throwing arms limber. No prior axe-throwing experience is required, just a healthy dose of competitive spirit.
Secure your spot now and get ready to unleash your inner woodsman.
Calling all Artists: Join the Earth Day Art Challenge!
CALLING ALL Elementary School ARTISTS! What Does Earth Day Mean to YOU? GREEN RIDGEWOOD is accepting poster entries for our 2nd Annual Earth Day Art Contest.
Here’s how it works: Design a poster that depicts what Earth Day means to you and drop off your poster to Ms. Chicas by Friday, April 4th.
Order School Supplies by July 1st
Pre-order your child's 2025-2026 school supply kit from 1st Day School Supplies. Kits are filled with teacher-approved supplies and delivered directly to the classroom before the first day. No shopping, no stress – just a smooth start to the school year. Order by July 1st.
Join us on Career Day! Tuesday, April 8th
It's Career Day at GW Middle School. Students will hear career presentations from parents and community members all day, with a final teacher-led reflection period. Sign up to share your career path, even in your child's class (if applicable).
Health Barn Assembly
🍎Orchard School learned firsthand from Health Barn USA how healthy food choices and physical activity contribute to overall well-being.
Nurse Notes
It’s officially allergy season. Read this letter from the nurse regarding seasonal allergies.
Attention 5th Grade: Nurse Caruso has an important reminder about vaccination requirements before entering middle school.
4/3 - Author Visit
4/9 - Delicious Apple Finale
4/10 - First Grade Play
4/14 - 4/19 - Spring Recess
4/24 - HSA Meeting
5/2 - International Night
5/5 - Teacher Appreciation Week
5/12 - NJSLA Testing
5/14-15 - Kindergarten Orientation
How to report an absence or tardy...
To report your child's absence or tardiness, please notify the school by 9:00 AM.
You can:
- Call the attendance line at 201-670-2730, option 1.
- Email Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Yook.
- If you email the teacher, cc the main office and this fulfills the notification requirement.
- Attendance line: 201-670-2730, prompt 1 (before 9 am), prompt 0 (after 9 am)