Orchard eNews

• A math placement letter was mailed to all 5th grade families on March 3rd. The letter outlines Ridgewood Public Schools' math placement process. You must register your child for the placement exams by March 28, 2025.
• Current fifth graders must meet the required immunization deadline for Middle School entry. Please ensure all required immunization documentation is submitted to the middle school nurse before September. For any questions, please reach out to Nurse Caruso.

Technology plays a significant role in fostering creativity today, and our students are no exception! Here are a few ways your child can explore and develop their artistic abilities with technology.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the Orchard Marketplace debut on Thursday afternoon, supporting Orchard for LA. The event was a vibrant showcase of our community's talent, featuring stunning handcrafted goods and delectable homemade treats. Our students also contributed over 50 heartfelt cards, which will soon bring messages of hope to students in Los Angeles.

Thanks to your remarkable generosity, we raised over $2,000 to aid families devastated by the Los Angeles fires. This achievement is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our students and the entire Orchard community.

We are immensely proud—We are Orchard!

Orchard School was thrilled to host Ridgewood alumni Ali and Coach Stroker for an inspiring and educational visit. Their powerful message of overcoming adversity resonated with everyone. We were so fortunate to have them!

Join Mrs. Ferreri and the HSA for a Parent Book Club to discuss Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation. Read all, some or even none of the book. It will be a fun and informative event!

The Anxious Generation book talk will be held on Thursday, 3/27, at 7 PM at Paris Baguette. Join us for some coffee and treats as we unpack the book! Email Mrs. Ferreri if you plan to attend.

Make back-to-school easy! 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 1.

Orchard for LA Hats and 3-inch logo stickers are still available for purchase! They are so popular that we sold out in minutes at the Marketplace. Get yours today! We are also still accepting cash donations for this worthy cause. Contact Sarah McCourt, Alex Hayes, or Jenna Hammond for more information.

Orchard Dads Night Out is making its triumphant return. 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.

Attention all current and incoming GW Parents! George Washington Middle School's Career Day is Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Students will hear career presentations from parents and community members all day, with a final teacher-led reflection period. We need 20 more presenters! Sign up to share your career path, even in your child's class (if applicable). An optional 5-slide presentation template is provided. Attend one virtual planning session (March 19 or April 1, 7-8 pm, links provided upon signup). Email gwhsacareerday@gmail.com with questions. Gratitude, smiles, and fun guaranteed!

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.

Have you ever wanted to get more involved at school but weren’t sure where to start? Good news—there are 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!

Is your child's coat Missing? Our Lost & Found bin is over-flowing! Solve the problem while supporting Orchard HSA with Label Daddy!

Ultra-durable, waterproof labels for everything – and 25% of sales come back to our school! Get yours today!

The HSA seeks two fearless volunteers to help run Orchard’s float in the Ridgewood July 4th Parade. You are qualified if you can handle a little glitter, a lot of red, white, and blue, and possibly a rogue balloon or two! Help show off some school spirit and have a blast! No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm. Ready to join the fun? Let us know! Please email Vanessa Carr.

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)