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Orchard Hill School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

The Orchard Hill Apple Core - Friday, September 4, 2026

Posted Date: 09/04/26 (03:30 PM)
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The Orchard Hill Apple Core

The heart of what’s happening at Orchard Hill!

September 4, 2026
Hawks
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From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
We had a wonderful full week here at Orchard Hill! 
Today, we held our first HAWKS Assembly of the year! We reviewed our HAWKS expectations, had lots of fun, and even had a special appearance from our favorite mascot, Feathers! 
We’re already looking forward to another great week ahead! As a reminder, there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 7th, in observance of Labor Day. Also, Wednesday is a FULL day, and our Open House is Thursday night.  See below for more information.
Have an awesome Labor Day weekend! 
- Mike
 

Employment Opportunities at Orchard Hill

A blue recruitment banner with the text WE'RE HIRING, JOIN OUR TEAM, and APPLY NOW.
We’re always looking for great people to join our team!

At Orchard Hill, we believe that the people who work with our students make all the difference. We are proud of our collaborative, caring, and energetic school community, and we’re excited to welcome individuals who share our commitment to helping every student Dream Big Without Limits, Achieve their personal best, and Inspire others.

Whether you’re an experienced educator, just beginning your career, or looking for an opportunity to make a difference in a school community, we encourage you to take a look at our current openings.  

Come be part of the team. Come be part of Orchard Hill!

Click on the buttons below if you're interested in learning more!
Classroom Support Specialist
Recess Monitors
 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Three adjustable spotlights cast bright yellow beams of light downwards.

Melissa Potamianos - Grade 2 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 31 at OH and 36 years in education
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school?I love being part of the Orchard Hill family.
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I love working with children and my mom and god parents were in education.
  4. Where did you grow up? Northampton, Massachusetts 
  5. What college did you graduate from? Umass, Amherst and Uconn
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? I played softball and was a cheerleader. I loved to read and draw. 
  7. What was your favorite childhood book or show? I loved reading Make Way for Ducklings. I liked watching the ABC Afterschool Specials .
  8. Do you have any siblings? Yes, my brother David, who is a physical education teacher
  9. What do you like to do outside of school? I practice yoga and I enjoy gardening. 
  10. Do you have any pets? I don't have my own pets, but I have two grand-dogs, Finn and Murphy.
  11. What's your favorite food or snack? I love to eat pizza and I enjoy popcorn and if course anything with chocolate.
  12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go back to Ireland specifically to County Cork.
  13. If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? I always wanted to a teacher since I was 5, but I would probably work in a library.
 

From the Nurses' Office

Just a reminder to parents/guardians to complete the Parental Permission for Administration on Non-prescription medications form in PowerSchool.  Please be aware that Ibuprofen, sunscreen, and insect repellent must be provided from home and brought in by an adult.  For safety and legal precautions, students are not permitted to transport, or keep in their backpacks, any form of medication (i.e. cough drops, cough syrup, topical creams/sprays...).  Any over the counter medications sent in must be in its original packaging or it cannot be accepted.  Thank you!
 

Upcoming Events

Labor Day

Monday, September 7th

NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
 
Open House

Thursday, September 10th

Open House

Come learn more about Orchard Hill and your child's classroom!

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Principals’ Presentation (gymnasium)

7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Classroom Presentations Session I

7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Classroom Presentations Session II (repeat of Session I)

**this event is for parents/guardians/caregivers only
 
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Wednesday, September 16th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
 

Friday Folder Flyers

Food Service Newsletter
Join Cub Scouts!
Lacrosse Registration
 

Girls on the Run

A flyer for 'Girls on the Run' program featuring smiling girls and program details.
 

PTO Happenings

Orchard Hill Elementary PTO Newsletter for September 2026, featuring upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
 
September PTO Meeting Minutes
 
A colorful calendar displays events for Orchard Hill Elementary PTO from August 2026 to June 2027.
 

PTO Fun Run

A colorful flyer for the Orchard Hill Elementary PTO Fun Run Fundraiser on Friday, October 16, 2026.
A flyer for the Orchard Hill Elementary PTO 2026 Fun Run, explaining the Zeffy fundraising platform, participation options, and contact email.
 

PTO Room Parents

Sign up to be a OH Room Parent! 
As a Room Parent, you will help plan and host 2 class parties, one in the winter and another at the end of the year, as well as coordinate teacher gifts. There will be up to 4 volunteer parents for each class. If more than four people show interest, names will be randomly selected.
Due date is September 10.

 

PTO Fundraisers

Support our Orchard Hill community with these fundraisers that continue all year!

Quick links

Box Tops for Education: Download the Box Tops for Education app in your Apple or Android store.

Car/Fridge Magnets: 

Mabel's Labels:

Search: Orchard Hill Elementary School PTO
Poster detailing year-round fundraising opportunities for Orchard Hill, including Spirit Wear, Box Tops, Magnets, and Mabel's Labels.
 

Orchard Hill Family Night Event: UConn Men's Soccer Game


Cheer on UConn Men’s Soccer with Orchard Hill families ⚽🎉
Join us for a fun night in the stands as we come together outside of school to support our students and one another.

Ticket sales from this event support the Orchard Hill Elementary PTO initiatives and activities that enrich our students' experience and build our school community. Reserve your spots, bring your spirit wear, and enjoy the game with fellow Orchard Hill families.

Saturday, October 10 @ 6:00pm at Morrone Stadium, on the UConn Storrs Campus.

Tickets will remain on sale until they are sold out.

 

Questions email: Laura @ orchardhillvicepresident@gmail.com 
Poster for UConn Men's Soccer Orchard Hill Family Night on Saturday, October 10 at 6:00 PM.
 

PTO Early Release Wednesday Programs

We are excited to offer Mad Science and Imagine Arts Academy programs on early release Wednesdays starting 9/16! You are able to sign up for multiple sessions throughout the year now. Reserve a spot now!
A young boy intently focuses on a science experiment with a blue apparatus.
Crayola Imagine Arts Academy presents a 6-week after-school art adventure called Legends & Lore for ages 5-12.
Mad Science Registration
Imagine Arts Registration
 

2026-2027 District Calendar

2026-2027 District Calendar