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Orchard Hill School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

Friday, April 24th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 04/24/26 (03:35 PM)


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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, April 24th, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
We had a great first week back after vacation! Thank you to all of our families (and pets) who were available, for lining our Earth Day Parade route and cheering us on!
Below is information regarding the 2026 Spring Family Survey. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey, as it helps South Windsor and Orchard Hill develop goals to enhance our school climate.
Have a great weekend!

-Mike
 

2026 Spring Family Survey

Each year families are asked to complete a survey to measure how you view school and district practices related to school climate.  

Your responses to the survey will help teachers and administrators measure individual and school-wide goals for maintaining and enhancing a positive school climate. To help set a course for the future of South Windsor, we want to know what you think.

The survey will close on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EST. Please complete one survey for each school in which you have a child/children enrolled.

Please use the link below:

 

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.
 

Orchard Hill Spirit Wear

OH Spirit Wear Store - Now Open Online!


We are excited to launch our OH spirit store! The store is always open so you can order whenever you'd like!

Different logo, color and style options available. And ships to your home! 

***Now through 5/9 use OH15SH for 15% off your order!***

 

Early Release Wednesday PTO Clubs

Click the buttons below for more information and to register for the last session of our PTO Early Release Wednesday clubs!
Science Surprise
Art Ventures
 

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 smiling woman with blonde hair and bangs, wearing a striped top and a turquoise pendant necklace.

Karyn Kruzick - Grade 5 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 25 years at Orchard Hill 12 years in Windsor Ct, for a total of 38 years! Time really flies!
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? The students and families that I get to meet and the top notch staff who are not only co-workers but friends as well!   
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? In fourth grade, I was chosen to be a peer helper in the special education room—and that experience sparked my lifelong love of teaching. 💛
  4. Where did you grow up? Enfield Ct
  5. What college did you graduate from? I graduated from Saint Joseph University (twice) and University of Hartford
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up?  I was a majorette—baton twirling from age six all the way through high school!
  7. Do you have any siblings? I have two younger brothers.
  8. What do you like to do outside of school? I love reading , taking walks and camping with my husband
  9. What’s your favorite childhood book or show?  I loved the Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
  10. Do you have any pets? I have a cute cat named Ella
  11. What's your favorite food or snack? I love pizza and ice cream
  12.  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?  I would love to go to Portugal or Italy
  13. If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? I think I would love to be a stay at home dog mom!  
 

Upcoming Events

 

Monday, April 27th

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.
 

Tuesday, April 28th

Bus Driver Appreciation Day
 

Wednesday, April 29th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
PTO Early Release Wednesday Clubs - 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
 

Thursday, April 30th

Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

Friday Folders

Spring Cheerleading Registration
Starbase FREE Summer Camp
 

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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