Friday, December 5th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 12/05/25 (04:02 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, December 5, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

We had a great, albeit cold first week of December! We are excited about our annual Toy Drive and PTO Winter Fair next week. See below for more information.

Have a wondeful weekeend!!

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Elementary School Picture

A young girl smiles brightly, wearing a plaid dress with a white collar.

Danielle Buttafuoco - ML (Multilingual) Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? start of 4 yrs at OH, 12 years in educ, 10 as a ML Teacher
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I enjoy helping students learn and grow with the support of other friendly staff!
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I always wanted to help people and enjoyed lifelong learning.
Where did you grow up? Ellington, CT
What college did you graduate from?Assumption University (Worcester, MA) and CCSU (New Britain, CT)
Do you have any siblings? I have 1 sister and 2 stepsisters
What was your favorite sport/activity as a child? drawing
What do you like to do outside of school? walk my dogs
What's your favorite food or snack? chips and guacamole
What's your favorite childhood book or show?Arthur :)
Do you have any pets? Yes, two! Daisy is a 7 year old friendly beagle who loves food. Duke is a 5 year old playful beagle who loves chasing rabbits and squirrels!
If you weren't in education, what would you do? interior designer
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Spain (again)

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 8th

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

Wednesday, December 10th

Toy Drive

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

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

***Parent/Teacher Conferences

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

****LAST CLASS

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.

****LAST CLASS

Thursday, December 11th

PTO Winter Fair

Please check Apple folders for the shopping list and envelope to be sent back to school next week. Also a reminder that any children who are not able to purchase at the fair will be given an Orchard Hill dollar to buy from the PTO table.

A winter fair poster with a snowman, rabbit on a sled, and bear ice skating.

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

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

December Food and Nutrition News

Gingerbread House Festival

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.

PTO BINGO Night

Save the date! Bingo night is on 2/6/26 at Timothy Edwards Middle School! Tickets sales will start in January, but please consider volunteering using the link below so we can make sure it is a successful night! Thanks for your support and we are looking forward to seeing everyone at this fun event!

We need your help! Volunteer your time here!

A colorful poster announces a Bingo Night event.

2025-2026 District Calendar