Friday, January 9th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 01/09/26 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, January 9, 2026

Police officers and children stand together in a room, with boxes of Dunkin' donuts and coffee on a table.

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Happy New Year! I hope your 2026 is off to a great start!! We had a great first FULL week of 2026. In honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, some of our Student Council students dropped off treats and "thank you" cards at the South Windsor Police Department.

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Amber Cokash - Fifth-Grade Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 7 years at this O.H. as a teacher and 2 years at the old O.H as a para.
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? The people. Orchard Hill has always been a supportive space.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I play better with children than adults.
Where did you grow up? Manchester, CT.
What college did you graduate from?CCSU and University of Saint Joseph
Do you have any siblings? 1 sister and 1 brother.
What was your favorite sport/activity as Reading. I don't sport.
What do you like to do outside of school? Read all the books!! I've read 80 books so far this year!
What's your favorite food or snack? Peanut butter M&Ms
What's your favorite childhood book or show? Mr. Popper's Penguins was my favorite book. Price is Right was my favorite show. I still want to play Plinko!
Do you have any pets? Howie the Hound Dog. He is a Shepard/hound mix, so basically a nose on legs. He is so adorable, but not super smart. His tongue is also too long for his mouth, so it sticks out a lot. His snoot is my favorite to boop.
If you weren't in education, what would you do? Penguin trainer at Mystic. Penguins are my favorite and I would love to play with them.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? London

Upcoming Events

A word cloud highlighting 'Leadership' with associated positive attributes like Integrity, Strategy, and Commitment.

Monday, January 12th

Student Council Leadership Conference

The word STEM in colorful block letters with science and math icons above.

STEM After-School Clubs Session 2 - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

A yellow sticky note with the word 'Remember!' written in bold black letters, pinned with a red thumbtack.

Wednesday, January 14th

FULL Day - 3:20 p.m. dismissal

Thursday, January 15th

MOEMS Math Olympiad Club -3:45 - 4:45

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

Food Service Newsletter

Soccer Registration

PTO Information/Events

PTO BINGO Night

Save the date! Bingo night is on 2/6/26 at Timothy Edwards Middle School!

Click here to purchase tickets

We need your help! Volunteer your time here!

Poster announcing "BINGO Night" hosted by OH PTO, featuring bingo cards, a bingo cage, and game pieces.

PTO Spring Early Release Wednesday Clubs

Flyer for 'Just for Fun ART-Ventures' art classes for kids K-5, starting March 18th.

A flyer for 'Mad Science Secret Agent Lab' program with dates, times, and registration details.

January PTO Meeting Minutes

2025-2026 District Calendar

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.