Wednesday, November 26th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 11/26/25 (01:27 PM)

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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

A chalkboard with 'Happy Thanksgiving' surrounded by autumn leaves and a pumpkin.

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

A woman with brown hair smiles broadly, showing her teeth.

Jessica Schacht - Special Education Instructional Paraeducator

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 7 years at OH and 14 years in the field of education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? Getting to work with students in the grades of K-2
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? To be a positive influence in the lives of young children. I also wanted to give back to a community that once served me. I required special education services, had a IEP and had related services. Working at this school gives my life a sense of purpose and it makes my "teacher heart" happy to work here.
Where did you grow up? Enfield, CT
What college did you graduate from? I obtained my BLS degree from Bay Path University
Do you have any siblings? I have one younger sister, Alexis
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? basketball, bowling and badmitton
What do you like to do outside of school? I like to listen to music, take walks for exercise and watch TV
What's your favorite food or snack? My favorite snack is mildly dark chocolate. My favorite food is protein pasta.
What's your favorite childhood book or show? I grew up watching "Rugrats." I liked the Frank Asch bear stories
Do you have any pets? I currently have 2 dogs and 2 cats. I grew up with cats in my family
If you weren't in education, what would you do? I'd love to be a early childhood educational consultant.

Lost & Found **please write your child's name on the clothing

As a reminder, our Lost & Found will be in our lobby during parent/teacher conferences, so please take a look if your child is missing something! A great strategy to avoid having something lost, is to write your child's name on the tag of the clothing.

A metal rack filled with various clothing items on hangers.

Upcoming Events

Monday, December 1st

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

Wednesday, December 3rd

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.

An advertisement for school photo retake day with smiling faces.

Thursday, December 4th

Picture Retake Day

**click the attachment for more information and to pre-order

Colorful text reads 'Student Council' on a white background.

Student Council Meeting - 7:30 a.m.

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

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

**last practice

Orchard Hill Toy Drive

Orchard Hill Hartford Wolfpack Night

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

Wrestling Flyer

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

Upcoming PTO events listed on a pink and orange gradient background.

PTO Winter Fair

Winter Fair is fast approaching and we are looking for volunteers to assist with set-up/break down and of course helping our students shop. Please see the flier and link below for volunteer opportunities!

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C044CADAA2CA0FCC25-60408817-orchard

Orchard Hill Winter Fair poster with a snowman, rabbit on a sled, and bear ice skating.

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