Friday, October 17th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 10/17/25 (3:58 PM)

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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, October 17th, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

What a glorious day for our FUN RUN! Thank you for all of your generous donations and for the parents/guardians who were able to volunteer during the event. We have a busy week next week with Unity Day (wear orange), Picture Day and STEM Night!

As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 20th in honor of Diwali. For all of our families who are celebrating I wish you a very Happy Diwali!

- Mike

A wide green field with colorful autumn trees under a clear blue sky.

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Liz LaMontagne - Literacy Consultant

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? This is my 27th at OH and 31st in education.
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I've always loved seeing the kids run into the building each morning, smiling and happy to be at OH. I love hearing teachers and students greeting each other in the hallways and welcoming them into the school and day. I love that we have so many support staff and that students are happy to work with anyone who can support them.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I've wanted to be a teacher as far back as I can remember; but I'd say it was three of my teachers (Mrs. Vogel, Mrs. Smith, and Mrs. Ward) who really cemented that as a career path for me.
Where did you grow up? Mostly in Connecticut
Do you have any siblings? I have 1 sister and 2 brothers.
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? I loved reading, baking, and playing Barbies with my sister and cousin. I was also a majorette in middle and high school.
What’s your favorite childhood book or show? I had the entire Nancy Drew series. I read them all. I loved watching Little House on the Prairie and The Electric Company.
What college did you graduate from? Simmons College in Boston and Central CT State University.
What’s your favorite food or favorite snack? Chocolate or popcorn
What do you like to do outside of school? I love to read, cook, and scrapbook.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain.
Do you have any pets? I have none. But if I did, it would be a pug named Zoe.
If you weren't in education, what would you wnt to do? I'd be a chef. In fact, when applying to colleges, I briefly contemplated going to Johnson and Wales.

Employment Opportunity

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Part-Time Reading Paraeducator Position

Are you interested in joining our Orchard Hill team? If so, consider applying for our vacant 19.5 hour reading paraeducator position! This paraeducator will work collaboratively with reading interventionists to assist and guide students to reinforce reading skills. You can apply online here.