Friday, March 6th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 03/06/26 (03:35 PM)

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, March 6, 2026

A clock face shows the time advancing forward, with the text 'SPRING AHEAD' below.

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Let's hope winter is finally behind us! As a reminder there is NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, March 10th as it is a Professional Development day.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to "spring ahead"!!

- Mike

PTO Information/Events

SAVE THE DATE! THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING TO OH!

March 30 - April 2 your child will have the opportunity to visit the book fair with their classroom!

Family Evening Hours will be on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-7pm.

Volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CA4AD29A3FA7-62767666-spring

Save the Date for the OH Spring 2026 Book Fair, March 30 - April 2, featuring children reading on stacks of books.

BOOK FAIR - Seeking Volunteers!

ThThe book fair is taking place March 30- April 2 and we are seeking volunteers for help during the day and evening hours. If you have availability and interested in volunteering we welcome all parents/guardians to sign up. No experience with the book fair necessary!

Questions, contact Laura Hills at LEBurrill@gmail.com

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.

March PTO Meeting Minutes

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'.

Christine Zerella - Kindergarten Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 39 & 39!!! I have been at Orchard Hill for my entire teaching career!
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? I love watching kids get excited about learning! The staff has always been like a second family to me.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I love learning & children.
Where did you grow up? Windsor, CT
What college did you graduate from?UCONN, Wheelock & University of Hartford
Do you have any siblings? 3 brothers & 2 sisters - I am the oldest!
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? field hockey & softball; music
What do you like to do outside of school? Read, scrapbook, play the piano & spending time with my husband & son & my extended family
What's your favorite food or snack? shrimp dishes / chocolate & peanut butter treats
What's your favorite childhood book or show? The Best Loved Doll / The Sound of Music
Do you have any pets? I have a dog - a black lab named Bella Zerella!
If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? Physical Therapist
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Italy (again to visit relatives), an Asian country & Egypt

Food Advisory Board

The Director of Dining Services and I are looking to create a Food Advisory Board consisting of students, teachers, Admin, nurses, parents, lunch monitors, and any other faculty or staff who have a passion for food. The purpose is to meet regularly during the school year to discuss our nutrition program, the breakfast and lunch menus, wellness initiatives, etc.

Anyone interested can email me at jpaakkonen@southwindsorschools.org.

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.