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Orchard Hill School

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Friday, April 10th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 04/10/26 (03:35 PM)


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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, April 10th, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
While we are certainly looking forward to April Vacation, we are just as excited for the week we return, as we will be celebrating our annual Earth Day Parade! Please see the information below for details about this special event. We will also be holding our Spring Picture Day during that week.
I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful and relaxing April Vacation!
-Mike
 

End of Year Events

Orchard Hill Elementary School's 'End of Year Events' calendar lists dates for testing, showcases, field days, and more.
 

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.
 

May is Staff Appreciation Month!

We will be appreciating the amazing OH staff all month long in May! To donate, please click on the following link - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAD2BA1FEC16-63038010-ohstaff#/
 

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 woman with brown hair smiles warmly at the camera, wearing a white t-shirt.

AnnMarie Bars - Grade 3 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 4th Year at Orchard Hill, 11th in education
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? The kids! I love how proud our students are to be a part of OH. I used to work at a Grade 4/5 school and being able to see our students grow year after year is a gift - it adds so much joy to the job.  
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? During my last year of college, I took a gig teaching photography to 6-8th graders and I loved it. It made me rethink my whole future plan. I spent some time "helping out" in my mom's third grade classroom to be sure and then I made the leap!
  4. Where did you grow up? Ramona, CA
  5. What college did you graduate from? Rhode Island College and Lesley University 
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Swimming
  7. Do you have any siblings? 3 younger brothers- the youngest is a Kindergarten teacher!
  8. What do you like to do outside of school? See live music, run and cook!
  9. What’s your favorite childhood book or show?  The Giver by Lois Lowry and Boy Meets World
  10. Do you have any pets? Teddy- our 1.5 year old, fun- loving cream golden retriever
  11. What's your favorite food or snack? Nachos
  12.  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Italy
 

Upcoming Events

April 13 - 17

NO SCHOOL - April Vacation
 

Earth Day Pet Drive

Poster announcing Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2026, with a school band parade and a pet drive for animal shelters.
 

Monday, April 20th

Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Session 3 STEM After-School Clubs - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
FARI Reading Club - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
 

Wednesday, April 22nd

EARTH DAY PARADE - 9:15 a.m.
If you are available, please come line our parade route! The best viewing area is the sidewalk across from Orchard Hill (by the open fields). Non-OH students, siblings, and family members are not allowed to march, but we hope will certainly cheer on our students and staff!!
The roads will be closed shortly before 9:00 a.m., so if you are coming I suggest to arrive before 8:45 if you want to park in our parking lot.  
Below is the parade route:
Map showing a yellow route with black arrows indicating direction, labeled START/FINISH.
Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal

PTO Early Release Wednesday Clubs - 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
 

Thursday, April 23rd

Student Council - 7:30 a.m.
Spring Picture Day

Three children are featured in a flyer for Orchard Hill Elementary School's Spring Picture Day on 4/23/26.
Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

Friday Folders

Drug Take Back Day
Rising 6th Grader Open House
Rising Stars Summer Program
 

District Calendars *revised

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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