Friday, January 23rd Weekly Update

Posted Date: 01/23/26 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, January 23, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Our students had lots of fun this week when we were able to get out to recess (see below). Stay warm and enjoy the snow this weekend!

- Mike

Two girls in winter clothing build a snowman in a snowy field.

Four girls build a large snowman in a snowy field on a sunny day.

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Amelia Steele - Social Worker

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? Fifth year at Orchard Hill and 8th year in Education! Former Social Worker at Windham High School and Fairfield Public Schools!
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I love getting to interact with all of our students and watch them learn and grow over the year/years! I also love our amazing OH family of staff- truly the best!
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I have always loved working with kids since I was one! I started babysitting at 14 and worked at various camps and after school programs before becoming a social worker! Building strong foundations for our students leads to success for our future!
Where did you grow up? Stratford, CT
What college did you graduate from?Eastern CT State University (Undergrad) and UCONN- Go Huskies! (MSW)
Do you have any siblings? Yes! I am the oldest of three siblings- I have a sister and a brother!
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? I loved dance and was competitive dancer through college where we placed 1st in the state and 7th in the nation at nationals!
What do you like to do outside of school? Spending time with my kids, family, and friends.
What's your favorite food or snack? Sushi!!
What's your favorite childhood book or show? I loved Harry Potter and The Series of Unfortunate Events!
Do you have any pets? Yes- Griffey (a 5.5 year old rescue lab mix) and Cleo (a 5 year old rescue lab mix)
If you weren't in education, what would you do? Party/event planning!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Greece!

Three smiling people pose for a photo outdoors, with one person wearing a graduation cap and gown.

A dance team poses for a photo in a gymnasium, holding a trophy.

A couple and their two dogs stand in front of the red covered bridge labeled "CORGI CROSSING".

A young child in a green shirt looks at a sleeping baby in a stroller on a gravel path.

Upcoming Events

The word STEM in large, colorful letters with icons representing science, technology, engineering, and math above.

Monday, January 26th

STEM After-School Clubs - 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 28th

FULL Day - 3:20 p.m. dismissal

Thursday, January 29th

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

Timothy Edwards Family Night (Grade 5 Families)

Invitation to Timothy Edwards Middle School Family Information Night on February 11, 2026, at TEMS Auditorium.

Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run:

Helps girls of all abilities grow confidence
Builds friendships, teamwork, and a sense of belonging
Combines fun movement with life skills like managing emotions and making friends
Ends with a Community Impact Project and a joyful 5K on May 9th

Girls on the Run is a special experience that works best when participants are excited to join and able to attend sessions regularly, as each lesson builds on the last. If full attendance may be tricky this season, we’d love for your family to consider a future session so every girl can enjoy the full experience—spots are limited.

Learn more in the short video or on the GOTR website. Use the QR code or link to register, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to the contact below with any questions!

Girls on the Run program flyer with season details and registration information.

Dr. Martin Luther King Essay Contest

A black and white portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. with the American flag in the background.

Senator Chris Murphy's 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest is open from Monday, January 20th to Monday, February 23rd. Important contest information can be found below and on the Senator’s website here: https://www.murphy.senate.gov/services/mlk-essay-contest.

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

SWHS Operation Graduation

Soccer Registration

Girls Lacrosse Registration

Baseball/Softball 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.

PTO VIP and Me Dance Save the Date!

Introducing the new PTO VIP & Me Dance happening Friday, March 13 from 6:30–8:30 pm! The theme is “Back to the 80’s,” so get ready to bust a move and get Footloose in your neon for a totally rad night of music, dancing, games and unforgettable memories. Students are invited to attend with a parent, guardian, or special adult for an evening of fun, school spirit, and quality time together. Family Raffles will be a part of this event and will be cash only. Ticket sales and parent volunteer sign-up details will be out soon!

Poster for an 'Everybody Dance Now... Back to the 80s' event, featuring neon lights and 80s-style graphics.

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.