Friday, February 27th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 02/27/26 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, February 27, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

There are still a few days to vote!! 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.

MagicSchool Educator of the Year Final Round Voting

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

TICKETS NOW ON SALE! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/orchard-hill-pto-vip-and-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!

Sign-up Genius Parent Volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E45AEAD2BA2FFC25-62209841-vipand#/

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'.

Melissa Potamianos - Grade 2 Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 30 years at OH 35 years in education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I love how we work, play, and learn as a "family."
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? My Godparents were both teachers and my mom was a school administrative assistant. I saw how much joy they got from their work with children.
Where did you grow up? Northampton, Massachusetts
What college did you graduate from?UMASS Amherst
Do you have any siblings? I have one brother David who is a physical education teacher.
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? My favorite sport was softball. I was also a cheerleader for multiple sports and of course, I loved to read.
What do you like to do outside of school? I like to garden and do yoga.
What's your favorite food or snack? My favorite food is pizza and my favorite snack is popcorn.
What's your favorite childhood book or show? Make Way for Ducklings was one of my favorite books We didn't watch much tv except for the Saturday morning cartoons and Sunday night it was popcorn and the Wonderful World of Disney.
Do you have any pets? I have two grandpuppies-FInnley and Murphy. Finn is golden retriever and Murphy is a black lab.
If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? I would own my own version of White Flower Farms or work in a library.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go back to Ireland to County Cork to see where my great great grandfather emigrated from as a young man.

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