Orchard Hill Friday, September 26th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 9/26/25 (3:30 PM)

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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, September 26, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

We’re excited to introduce a new feature in our weekly newsletter — Staff Spotlight! Each week we’ll highlight a staff member so you can get to know us better. You might even discover some shared interests and make new connections! Feel free to share this with your child(ren), too. I’m kicking things off as the first “guinea pig” this week. 😊

Also included below is an excellent video on the importance of attendance — I highly encourage you to watch it!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and don’t forget: No school on Thursday, October 2nd in observance of Yom Kippur.

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

A man in a suit smiles at the camera, with a blue background.

Mr. Tortora - Principal

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 18th year at Orchard Hill and 28th year in education (former 4th and 5th grade teacher in East Hartford and AP in Windsor)
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I love all of the daily interactions with staff and students. Each day is always different!
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? When I was in high school, I worked at summer camps and just enjoyed being around kids.
Where did you grow up? Glastonbury, CT
Do you have any siblings? Yes! 3 sisters and a brother. I'm the "middle child" :)
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Soccer
What’s your favorite childhood book or show? Where the Sidewalk Ends, "Scooby Doo"
What college did you graduate from? Villanova University
What’s your favorite food or favorite snack? Pizza and RED licorice
What do you like to do outside of school? (favorite hobby) I love to fish!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Australia
Do you have any pets? If yes, tell us about them! Yes! Teddy - he's a mini golden doodle and he's 1 year old!

A fluffy, cream-colored dog with brown ears looks directly at the camera.

A man holds up a large striped fish on a boat, with the ocean in the background.

The Importance of School Attendance

Upcoming Events

Monday, September 29th

Girls On The Run (GOTR) - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A yellow sticky note reads 'Early Release Day!' pinned with a blue tack.

Wednesday, October 1st

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

PTO Mad Science After School Progam - 12:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (STEM room)

An advertisement for 'Art-Ventures in the Rainforest' after-school program at Orchard Hill.

PTO Art-Ventures After School Program - 12:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. (art room)

Colorful text reads 'PTO Meeting' on a white background.

PTO Meeting - 7:00 p.m (cafeteria)

Illustration with the words 'Yom Kippur', a Star of David, and a shofar.

Thursday, October 2nd

NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur

National Custodian Appreciation Day

STEM Night Save the Date

Poster for Orchard Hill Elementary School's Family STEM Night, with event details and illustrations.

Friday Folders

Steven Hill Guest Speaker

PTO Information/Events

A flyer announces upcoming PTO events, including a Fun Run, Bookfair, and Movie Night.

Colorful hands with heart cutouts reach upwards, under the word 'VOLUNTEER'.

PTO Volunteer Opportunities

The PTO has a lot of opportunities for families to get involved with Orchard Hill events and activities all year long!

Interested in seeing what you can be a part of?

Click here: https://forms.gle/DuFRgL9KKXxtRYJj9

A colorful poster announces a Book Fair with illustrations of children reading.

PTO Book Fair Starts October 6th

Coming Soon our OH Fall Book Fair!!!!!

October 6-10th you student(s) will be visiting the Book Fair! Next week students will go home with the scholastic flyers!

Things to Know!!!

Create your students eWallet to make for an easy shopping day. No cash the morning of: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/content/fairs/how-ewallet-works.html?fairId=5712750

VOLUNTEER - Day & Evening Hours Available! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CA4AD29A3FA7-57722499-ohfall

Support our teachers classrooms by contributing to their eWallets: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pW6WG7dJMmhIsTPtaiQ6x6IAwbQ4TGapH67mTM2aufg/edit?usp=sharing

Evening Hours on Tuesday & Wednesday from 4-7pm! Shop with your entire family!

PTO Fun Run

Hello OH Families,

It is that time of year again when the PTO kicks off the annual Fun Run fundraiser! This is our largest fundraiser of the year. We have a school goal of $25,000!! All you need to do is sign up your student(s) (it’s free) and share their page with family and friends via email, text or social media. That’s it! Nice and simple.

Each student signed up will get a Fun Run Spirit Stick keychain!!

All the money raised during this fundraiser goes right back to the school and students. The PTO uses the money for curriculum enhancements to the teachers, support field trip costs, fund scholarships for alumni, offer lots of OH community events at minimal costs (think ice cream truck at the picnic), staff appreciation week and much more!

The Fun Run will be held on Friday, October 17th. All students will participate in a fun obstacle course during their recess. It is a really fun day! Be on the lookout for a volunteer sign up in the coming weeks!

Please reach out to orchardhillpresident@gmail.com with any questions!

A flyer for the Orchard Hill Elementary PTO Fun Run, with running silhouettes and event details.

Fundraising stats graphic with amounts raised, percentage to goal, student registration, and webpage shares.

When Should You Keep Your Child Home From School?

A guide titled 'Should I keep my child home or send them to school?' lists health guidelines.

2025-2026 District Calendar