Friday, March 27th Weekly Update

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

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, March 27, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

We are excited for our PTO Spring Book Fair next week. See below for more information. As a reminder there is NO SCHOOL on Friday, April 3rd due to Good Friday. Also, the revised 2025-2026 District Calendar is below.

Have a great weekend!

- Mike

2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration

Colorful text reads 'Kindergarten' surrounded by school supplies like crayons, scissors, and a globe.

South Windsor Public Schools is excited to welcome our 2026 - 2027 Kindergarten class! Your child is about to take an exciting next step in their education. We are looking forward to the beginning of a collaborative partnership between home and school in order to provide a successful transition for both your child and your family.

The South Windsor full-day kindergarten program is available to children who are residents of South Windsor and who are (or will be) age five (5) on or before September 1, 2026.

If your child’s birthday is after September 1, 2026, and you would like them considered for kindergarten this fall, you may fill out the pre-registration form and check the appropriate box and the principal will schedule an assessment to determine if admitting your child would be developmentally appropriate.

Please click on the following link for more information and to start the registration process - https://www.southwindsorschools.org/kindergarten-information

PTO Information/Events

A colorful graphic lists upcoming PTO events including a book fair, staff appreciation month, PTO meeting, Hartford Yardgoats game, and a book fair & ice cream social.

Yard Goats Event

Flyer for Orchard Hill School PTO Family Night at the Yard Goats baseball game on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.

A family poses for a photo on a patio with palm trees and a sunset over the ocean in the background.

Alissa Vanderhoof - Math Intervention Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? This is my 6th year teaching at Orchard Hill and my 25th year in education. I was a second grade classroom teacher for 14 years before I started with Math intervention.
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? My OH family. The people I get to work with everyday, both teachers and students, are amazing.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? My father was a Science teacher and he passed away when I was young. I've met many of his former students who told me he was their favorite teacher, they loved his class and he made learning so fun. My dad was my inspiration.
Where did you grow up? West Springfield, MA
What college did you graduate from?I got my bachelor's degree from Assumption College and my Master's from AIC.
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? I played soccer and basketball...soccer was my favorite.
Do you have any siblings? Yes, I have 2 older brothers.
What do you like to do outside of school? Spend time with my family. My son is a sophmore in high school and my twin daughters are in 8th grade. They are getting too big, too fast.
Do you have any pets? We have a dog named Oakley. He's a Maltipoo and he's one year old. We are in love with him...he's so fun.
What's your favorite food or snack? Chicken Parmesan

Timothy Edwards Middle School Information

Poster for Timothy Edwards Middle School Entertainers presenting Beetlejuice Jr., with performance dates and ticket information.

From Principal Candice Irwin

Greetings Grade 5 Families-

I am excited to share information about the Timothy Edwards Music Program with everyone in order to help students and families make an informed choice about music classes in middle school. Click here to read the letter from the TEMS Music Department. Elementary music teachers will be meeting with fifth graders to note their selection, so it is incredibly helpful for parents and guardians to discuss this in advance.

The slides from the Welcome Evening in February are below, and I included an image with information about other upcoming transition activities below.

Welcome Evening Slides

A graphic displays upcoming transition information for March through June, including music class selection, middle school transition, counselor visits, and a field trip.

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.