Friday, December 12th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 12/12/25 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, December 12, 2025

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

What a fun week we had here at Orchard Hill! Thank you for all of the toy donations during our annual Toy Drive to benefit families in need this holiday season. Thank you, also, to all of our parents/guardians who were able to volunteer at our PTO Winter Fair. Students were so excited to do some holiday shopping for their family members!

Have a wondeful weekend!!

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Elementary School Picture

A young girl with long, wavy hair smiles, missing a tooth.

Mrs. Bezzini - Kindergarten Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 9 years at Orchard Hill and 22 years in the field of Education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? Watching my students grow throughout the years and all of the wonderful friendships I have made with my coworkers!
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I distinctly remember being in Kindergarten and thinking it was the most magical place and I said when I grow up, I'll teach Kindergarten some day!
Where did you grow up? East Hartford! Met the love of my life in high school and we bought our home in my parents neighborhood. We're proud townies! Go EHHS Hornets!!
What college did you graduate from?Manchester Community College, University of Saint Joseph and CCSU...and Central wants me back-I've just been accepted into the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program...I'm going to be Dr. Bezzini one day!
Do you have any siblings? Yes, one sister and she is a news anchor/sports reporter in New York City!
What was your favorite sport/activity as I loved to make my friends laugh! I also was always reading and drawing or go out exploring on my bike.a child?
What do you like to do outside of school? I take American Sign Language class (I'm now at Level 3), I write and perform comedy, letterboxing, and love day trips around New England!
What's your favorite food or snack? Pretzels, Popcorn, Pistachios...I have a salt tooth
What's your favorite childhood book or show? Books: Corduroy, The Secret Garden, Bridge to Terabithia
Do you have any pets? We have 3 kitties! They are purrfection!!
If you weren't in education, what would you do? Dream Job: Writer on Saturday Night Live (ok, well at least an intern) VS. Realistic Alternative Job: Own and run a thrift/antique shop
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Aruba (this dream is coming true April 2026 to celebrate my acceptance in the Ed.D. program)!

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 15th

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

****Last of Session 1

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

Wednesday, December 17th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

***Parent/Teacher Conferences

Thursday, December 18th

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

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 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