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Friday, January 30th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 01/30/26 (03:35 PM)
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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, January 30, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
Today we had our HAWKS assembly in which we recognized students for being ATTENTIVE Learners! We also had a special presentation on Surya Namaskar - "Sun Salutation" - a series of 10 yoga moves designed to relieve stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. Students and staff were able to participate and practice these 10 yoga moves. Please ask your child about Surya Namaskar! If you would like to practice this at home, please click on the following link - SURYA NAMASKAR
Have a great weekend!
- Mike
Children practice yoga poses in front of a banner that reads 'Surya Namaskar (YOGA FOR HEALTH, HEALTH FOR HUMANITY)'.
 
A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

Jessica Bennett - Grade 4 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 12 years at OH, 24 years teaching
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? Friendships with colleagues and forming relationships with families
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Lewis, supported me through a tough year and made me believe in myself. I wanted to be for others what she was for me. 
  4. Where did you grow up? Storrs, CT
  5. What college did you graduate from?ECSU
  6. Do you have any siblings? One older sister
  7. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Basketball and softball
  8. What do you like to do outside of school? Being with family and doing anything outdoors
  9. What's your favorite food or snack? Tacos
  10. What's your favorite childhood book or show? Favorite book was Little Cloud
  11. Do you have any pets? Oliver is the sweetest dog in the whole world. 
  12. If you weren't in education, what would you do? Fashion designer 
  13. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy
 

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 2nd

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

Wednesday, February 4th

FULL Day - 3:20 p.m. dismissal
 

Thursday, February 5th

Student Council Meeting - 7:30 a.m.
MOEMS Math Olympiad Club - 3:45 - 4:45
 

Friday, February 6th

PTO BINGO Night
 

Valentine's Day Messages

A flyer announces a Valentine's Day message opportunity for students, with a sample message included.
 

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

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)

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
Screenagers
Family Fun Fair
 

PTO Information/Events

PTO BINGO Night

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


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.
 

District Calendars

2025-2026 District Calendar
2026-2027 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.
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