Skip to main content

Orchard Hill School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

Friday, May 1st Weekly Update

Posted Date: 05/01/26 (03:35 PM)


logo

Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, May 1st, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
Happy May!! We are excited for SBAC testing starting for grades 3-5 on Monday!
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 wonderful 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.
 

PTO Ice Cream Social

Poster for a PTO Ice Cream Social on Friday, June 5th, from 6:30-8pm in the OH Cafeteria & Playground Area.
 

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!***

 

Orchard Hill Car Magnets

Car Magnet Fundraiser for the PTO!

Pick up a fun Orchard Hill magnet T and show your school spirit every time you head out. Your purchase helps the PTO fund special activities and memories for all our students, teachers and staff!
Every magnet you buy supports real experiences—from end‑of‑year events to classroom extras that bring learning to life. Thank you for standing behind our students and our school community. h
 

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'.

Allison Gustafson - Grade 2 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 9 years at Orchard Hill, but 12 years in education. I taught 3rd grade at Wapping!
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? We have the best staff and amazing OH families!
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I loved all of my elementary teachers- especially my 2nd grade teacher- Mrs. Montefusco
  4. Where did you grow up? Enfield Ct
  5. What college did you graduate from? I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Saint Joseph
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? I played Volleyball in high school- I loved it!
  7. Do you have any siblings? One sister, Jessica
  8. What do you like to do outside of school? Boating with my family, getting together with my friends
  9. What’s your favorite childhood book or show?  Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant and I loved anything from Kevin Henkes
  10. Do you have any pets? One cat named Charlie- he plays fetch!
  11. What's your favorite food or snack? I love all the forms of a potato!
  12.  If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Hawaii and Spain!
 

Upcoming Events

 

Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 15th

SBAC Testing (grades 3-5)
 

Monday, May 4th

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, May 6th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
PTO Early Release Wednesday Clubs - 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
PTO Meeting - 7:00 p.m. (cafeteria)
 

Thursday, May 7th

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

Friday Folders

Scouts Troop 186
Starbase FREE Summer Camp
Food & Nutrition Newsletter
SW Health & Wellness Fair
 

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.
vision
hawks