OCTOBER NEWS FROM THE HILL!

It has been a busy month! Our teachers have been analyzing student data and supporting students in small group reading instruction, which is diversified, to meet the need of each different group. This is impressive because it requires training students to work independently while the teacher works with small groups. It also requires stamina for students to work independently on carefully assigned work. Additionally, in math we have started our PAWS groups (diversified math practice). After teachers teach whole class math lessons, they then separate students to enrich, reteach, or provide additional practice. This takes amazing grade level collaboration since students rotate to different teachers during this time!

When they appointed me as Principal of Orchard Hills, I was told on numerous occasions that the community support of the school was incredible. I was amazed at the support and generosity of all of you. Thank you for your support!

In grade level meetings with Mrs. Bradley, our School Counselor, students will learn strategies about being and choosing positive friends. This is a great book to listen to and discuss as a family.

Please submit your entires on this day! Remember the theme: I am Hopeful Because...

Please save the date for October 11th or 12th for Parent Teacher Conferences. Our teachers have so many wonderful things to share about your students! We will begin our conferences each day at 3:30 p.m. and end at 6:45 p.m. Please watch for the announcement from your teacher about sign-ups. We can't wait to see you!

Our Annual Dance Festival will be on October 18th. Students will be seated outside at 1:30 p.m. and the pre-show will begin at 1:45 p.m. The Festival will start at 2:00 p.m. Parents, please bring your own chairs for this event. TO OUR NEW FAMILIES, PLEASE CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

We have it on good authority that our playground benches will be installed before the first snowfall of the year! We are so grateful for our district personnel who tirelessly support all of our educational facilities. They work hard to support us! Thank you for your patience!

Parents, I have been carefully observing students and their excitement with Pokemon Cards. While I admit, it is fun to see them excited and having fun with their peers, I also have to admit that I am concerned with some of the problems that are arising because of them. For instance, I have several younger grade students coming to me in tears because they lost their best card to an upper grade student. Or, I have had students leaving class because they can't find their Pokemon Card binder and are too anxious to focus in class until we provide resources to help them find their cards. It has become a distraction, and I am having a hard time making this game equitable for all who play it, or even for those that don't have cards and wish to play it. I would appreciate students having fun with these cards at home and with friends, but not at school. Please support your child to help them understand this. Thank you.

CHOIR PERFORMANCE FOR THE NEBO BOARD OF EDUCATION: Nov. 8, District Office, 6:00 pm

THANKSGIVING BREAK: Nov. 22nd-24th

CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT FOR FAMILIES: Dec. 5th, 6-7 pm

DECEMBER PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES: Dec. 13th and 14th from 3:30- 6:45 PM

CHRISTMAS BREAK: Dec. 22nd, school dismisses at noon - students return on Jan. 8, 2024