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Orchard Hill School

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Friday, February 20th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 02/20/26 (03:30 PM)


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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, February 20, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
I am so excited to share that our very own Jackie Calkin (Bartomioli) is now a FINALIST for MagicSchool AI Educator of the Year! She is one of only THREE teachers in the entire country who has reached the final round. Let's help Mrs. Calkin win it all!!! Either click on the following link or the picture below to vote.
Have a great weekend!
- Mike
MagicSchool's AI Educator of the Year Finalist: Jaqulyn (Bartomioli) Calkin, a Grade 5 Teacher.
 

PTO Information/Events

PTO VIP and Me Dance Save the Date!

PTO VIP & Me Dance
Friday, March 13 from 6:30–8:30pm
Location: Orchard Hill Elementary School (Enter through the front doors of the school)

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, a photobooth, 80's theme activities in the cafeteria 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. PLEASE BRING SMALL BILLS FOR CONCESSIONS & RAFFLES. 

**We are looking for 80's themed toys & games (Rubix Cubes, Lite-Brites, ect.) to put out for kids to play with in the cafeteria during the dance. If you have something you'd like to donate, please reach out to Ashlee Levine at elges8047@gmail.com.

If you would like to volunteer, please click on the link below!
Poster for an '80s themed 'VIP & Me Dance' hosted by Orchard Hill PTO on Friday, March 13th.

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.

Yard Goats Save the Date

Save the date for Orchard Hill Night at the Yard Goats on Saturday, May 16th, with a 6:10 PM game start, pregame parade, and fireworks.
 
A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.
A woman and two children pose for a photo in a forest with fallen autumn leaves.

Melissa Bard - Math Intervention Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? This is my 3rd year at OH, and my 18th year in education! 
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I love the kindness and positivity of the staff, and all the fun I get to have with the students! 
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I was the oldest out of all of my cousins growing up, so I just have always loved being around kids. 
  4. Where did you grow up? Enfield, CT
  5. What college did you graduate from?Westfield State University (Go Owls!)
  6. Do you have any siblings? Yes - 2 younger brothers
  7. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Dance
  8. What do you like to do outside of school? Watch my kids shine in their activities... I'm a dance/soccer mom!
  9. What's your favorite food or snack? Chips or cheese and crackers 
  10. What's your favorite childhood book or show? All of the "Dear America" books 
  11. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Anywhere I haven't been yet. I love exploring new places.
A family of four smiles on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background.
 

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 began in January 2026. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.
 

Upcoming Events

Monday, February 23rd

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

Wednesday, February 25th

FULL Day - 3:20 p.m. dismissal
 

Thursday, February 26th

Read for the Record - Jumpstart’s Read for the Record® is the world’s largest shared reading experience, uniting millions to read the same book on the same day and raise awareness of early literacy. Now in its 20th year, this initiative connects caring volunteers with children to read aloud and distribute high-quality books, building foundational literacy skills and home libraries.

Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation Garden Marcus, shows kids the lessons he learned in his grandma’s garden when he was growing up.

See Marcus Grow is a vibrant picture book that introduces young readers to the wonders of gardening while exploring themes of curiosity, discovery, nurturing and growth. In this story, the young character named Marcus learns from his grandmother in her garden. The book beautifully illustrates the parallel between plant care and human development, sharing the wisdom that both children and seedlings need “water and air and sunshine. And space to grow.”
MOEMS Math Olympiad Club - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
 

Friday Folders

 

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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