Friday, November 7th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/07/25 (3:52 PM)

View Original Post

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, November 7th, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

We are looking forward to honoring veterans form our Orchard Hill community at our Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday, November 11th (see below for more information).

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

New School Nurse

A red apple with a green leaf and a nurse's cap with a red cross.

Kayla Ryan

Please join me in welcoming back Kayla Ryan to our Orchard Hill community, this time as our registered nurse! Our previous registered nurse, Mrs. Flores, recently resigned to pursue other opportunities. Kayla is an Orchard Hill alumni, class of 2013!! Kayla has worked at CCMC and also has been a substitute nurse in SWPS for the past two years. Kayla's official start date is November 17th, but she will be subbing occasionally at OH - like today!

Veterans Day

All veterans from Orchard Hill Elementary School families are invited to participate in our special Veterans Day ceremony. You could be a relative, guardian, or family friend of an Orchard Hill student or staff member!

Please join us on Tuesday, November 11th, from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. in our gymnasium. Help us honor our active and veteran service members through songs, poems, and carrying the flag. Enjoy coffee and pastries in our cafeteria before and after the ceremony.

We would be honored to have you join us! If you are able to attend, please click on the blue "Veterans Day Sign Up" button below OR call our office at 648-5015. We hope to see you on November 11th!

Veterans Day Sign Up

Upcoming Events

Monday, November 10th

STEM After-School Clubs Session 1 - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Girls on the Run - 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A waving American flag with the text 'Veterans Day' and three stars.

Tuesday, November 11th

Veterans Day - Assembly 9:15 a.m.

WEAR RED, WHITE, AND BLUE!!

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

Wednesday, November 12th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

PTO Mad Science After-School Program - 12:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

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

PTO Art Ventures After-School Program - 12:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Colorful illustration with the words 'Once Upon a Mattress' in yellow.

Thursday, November 13th

Once Upon A Mattress Preview - SWHS performance for grades 2-5 11:00-11:30

MOEMS Math Olympiad Club - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Girls on the Run - 3:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

A movie night poster featuring Lilo & Stitch, popcorn, and a movie ticket.

Friday, November 14th

PTO Movie Night - 6:30 p.m. (gym)

Orchard Hill Reads

26-27 Peer Role Model Application for Preschool Outreach Program (POP)

A colorful square icon features stick figures of a boy and girl with arms raised.

South Windsor Public Schools is now accepting applications for community peer role models in the preschool outreach program (POP) for the 2026-2027 school year. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please complete the Preschool Outreach Program (POP) Community Role Model Application. Peer role model screenings will begin in January 2026. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.

Friday Folders

Cookies With Santa Flyer

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Maureen Pfeifer - Kindergarten Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 6 years at Orchard Hill and 18 years in education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? Building connections with staff, students, and families. We encourage and support each other.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in third grade because of the wonderful teachers I had growing up. I can name every single one!
Where did you grow up? South Windsor, CT and I went to Pleasant Valley
Do you have any siblings? Twin Brothers
What college did you graduate from? Eastern Connecticut State University (bachelors) Saint Joseph College (Masters)
Do you have any pets? Charlie, 4 year old Cavapoo, and Cooper a miniature poodle whose 10 months old
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? I was on the high-school tennis team and played flute in the Marching Band
What’s your favorite childhood book or show? Nancy Drew Mysteries and Saved By the Bell
What do you like to do outside of school? Watching my daughter play soccer and son play flag football and going to the beach
What's your favorite food or snack? Chocolate Covered Pretzels and Iced Coffee
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? On a Mediterranean Cruise
If you weren't in education, what would you do? I have always wanted to be a teacher!

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.

PTO Information/Events

A colorful flyer announces upcoming PTO events, including meetings, movie night, and a winter fair.

A flyer announces a Winter Fair at Orchard Hill on December 11th.

November PTO Meeting Minutes

2025-2026 District Calendar