Friday, November 14th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/14/25 (3:35 PM)

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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, November 14th, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

It's hard to believe our first trimester is already coming to an end! Progress reports will be shared through ParentSquare at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. If you haven’t yet scheduled a parent/teacher conference with your child’s teacher, please take a moment to do so. These conferences play an important role in strengthening our home/school partnership.

Have a wonderful 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!

Lost & Found

You might think the picture below was taken in the jacket section of a retail store, but you would be mistaken! This is our Lost & Found filled with sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and much more - I think there's even one shoe :)

Our Lost & Found will be in our lobby during parent/teacher conferences, so please take a look if your child is missing something!

A metal rack filled with various clothing items on hangers.

Upcoming Events

Once Upon A Mattress

South Windsor High School Presents

Once Upon a Mattress

Fri Nov 14 @ 7:00

Sat Nov 15 @ 1:00 and 7:00

Purchase tickets at the door or online

https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/63500632

An illustrated dictionary with a black cover and a bookmark.

Monday, November 17th

South Windsor Public Library Dictionary Visit with Third Grade

A red apple illustration sits above the words 'Progress Reports' on a chalkboard.

Progress Report Distribution via ParentSquare - 4:00 p.m.

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.

Tuesday, November 18th

Orchard Hill Reads

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

Wednesday, November 19th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

***Parent/Teacher Conferences

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 20th

Coffee and Conversation

Come join us on Thursday, November 20th from 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m. in our media center for some coffee and conversation about Orchard Hill! We would love to hear from you and get your feedback, input, and ideas for continuing to strengthen home/school relationships and cultivate an inclusive and positive school community. We will have childcare, so you can bring your student(s) as well. If you are able and would like to attend, please RSVP below by Monday, November 17th so we know how many parents/guardians will be joining us, how many students we need to plan for, and, most importantly, how much coffee to get!!

Coffee and Conversation RSVP

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

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

Friday, November 21st

Thanksgiving Food Drive and Slipper School Spirit Day

Thanksgiving food drive flyer to benefit the South Windsor Food Pantry, with donation guidelines.

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

Gingerbread House Festival

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Julie Brayall - General Music Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? Over 20 years in education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I feel welcome and respected
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I was inspired to be an educator because of my experiences with teachers who have been a guiding light for me.
Where did you grow up? I lived in Berlin Connecticut until I was 10 then moved to Newington Connecticut
Do you have any siblings? I have one older brother, one younger brother, and a younger sister
What college did you graduate from? I graduated from Central Connecticut State University and earned my masters at American College of Education
Do you have any pets? I have two pets. Tidbit is rambunctious for a 12 year old dog and she is about 24 lbs. her sister is Precious who is 14 and a bit slow these days. She is a chihuahua mix.
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? My favorite activity growing up was being involved in the Newington Young People's Theater. I also enjoyed singing at school and at church.
What’s your favorite childhood book or show? Anne of Green Gables
What do you like to do outside of school? I love singing at church and in the chorus of operas. I also love spending time with my 4 grandchildren
What's your favorite food or snack? Ice cream and lasagna
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Either Greece or The Amalfi Coast in Italy Oh and I want to see the Northern Lights in person so probably Iceland
If you weren't in education, what would you do? I would be a nurse. I was a CNA for quite a while before I decided to go back to school. However, life had other ideas.

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

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

November PTO Meeting Minutes

PTO Skate Night

Click the picture below for more details and to register!

An event flyer for OH Skate Night 2025, featuring cartoon penguins ice skating.

2025-2026 District Calendar