Weekly Update
Friday, November 22nd
From Mr. Tortora
Dear Orchard Hill Families,
Well, the rain finally came and we had only our 2nd indoor recess of the school year. Along with the rain today came a beautiful rainbow! A few students during recess even tried to find the "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow!! (see pics below)
Thank you so much for all of the donations to our annual Food Drive! As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday and Friday next week for Thanksgiving break.
Have a great weekend!!
Mike
Dear 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families,
I am thrilled to invite South Windsor students in grades 3, 4, and 5 to participate in this year’s Invention Convention! Our first informational and work session will take place on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Timothy Edwards Middle School.
The Connecticut Invention Convention is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an interest in STEM careers by encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. During the program, students will have the opportunity to design and create their own invention to solve a problem of their choosing. Through this experience, they’ll learn about invention design, brainstorming techniques, and reflecting on challenges in their lives and the world around them.
The Invention Convention is a unique science fair that South Windsor students have participated in for many years, and we are excited to continue this tradition. While most of the project will be completed independently at home, there will be two additional work sessions where students can get feedback and support on their process. Students will present their inventions at our in-person South Windsor Public Schools Invention Convention tentatively set for March 1, 2025 at Timothy Edwards Middle School.
If your child is interested in participating in the 2024-2025 South Windsor Invention Convention, please take the following steps:
- Submit the "Intent to Invent" permission slip by Friday, December 9, 2024.
- Attend the introductory meeting on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Timothy Edwards Middle School. A family member must attend with their student. During this meeting, inventors will receive an overview of the invention process, the Invention Log, and suggested deadlines to help guide their work.
For additional details about the Connecticut Invention Convention, visit ctinventionconvention.org.
We look forward to seeing your young inventors at the Invention Convention!
Sincerely,
Karyn Kruzick
5th Grade Teacher
Orchard Hill School
South Windsor Invention Convention Coordinator
Winter Fair
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Looking for help with Set-Up Wednesday 12/11/24 6-8pm and Event Help Thursday 12/12/24 8am - 4pm!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BABA82AA2FD0-53429733-orchard
Thursday, December 12th
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We are very excited to give all students at Orchard Hill the ability to shop for their
families for the holidays. This year, outside craft vendors will be set up in the gym
with their items for students to purchase. A shopping list will be sent home with
each student so that families can work with their child on their list. Most items sold
will be priced between $2 – $10. Students will visit the Winter Fair with their
classrooms during the school day. All students will be included and any student who
elects not to shop at the fair will be given an Orchard Hill Buck to spend at the PTO
sponsored table to choose a gift for a loved one. Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions please contact Katie Lepak at orchardhilltreasurer@gmail.com
South Windsor Public Schools promotes an engaging and dynamic culture of learning that prepares students to achieve their own individual excellence. To accomplish this, engaging our students in learning everyday is critical. At Orchard Hill, we look forward to partnering with you to make sure your child has the opportunity to learn and thrive everyday.
We wanted to let you know attendance will continue to be a top priority this school year. Attending school regularly and engaging with the school community will nurture a sense of belonging and lead to lifelong success. When children miss school days, they miss out the opportunity to learn from their teachers. The more children miss, the harder it is for them to keep up with those who attend school regularly.
Missing just two days a month or 18 days in a school year can harm your child’s progress. We call missing 18 days in a school year “chronic absenteeism”. These absences may seem small as they happen, but your child is less likely to succeed if they are chronically absent. Research shows that:
Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade tend not to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
By middle and high school, chronic absenteeism is a proven early sign that a child is likely to fail academic courses and is at risk of eventually dropping out.
We recognize that some absences are unavoidable for health reasons or other important family matters. We also know that even when children have missed school for good reasons, too many absences can cause them to fall behind. Please know there are many people in our building prepared to help you if you or your child face challenges getting to school regularly or on time.
Going to school regularly matters for your child’s success and achievement!
Let’s work together to make sure that your child does not fall behind in school this school year. Please ensure that your children attend school every day and also arrive on time, by 8:45 a.m., so they benefit as much as possible from what is taught in the classroom. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime,
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Establish a morning routine.
Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.
Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
Talk to teachers and Amelia Steele, our school social worker, for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
Please let us know how we can work with you and your family to ensure your children show up for school on time every day. Like you, we want your child to be successful! If you have any questions or need more information please reach out.
Throughout the school year, there are many volunteer opportunities for parents/guardians ( for example - chaperoning a field trip, helping at a PTO event). If you would like to volunteer, you must complete a Volunteer Registration form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qAMRufE73HU1o6kY-a4M__z9n9tM9DJLUM_VlzbUi-c/viewform?ts=66cdd567&edit_requested=true