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Orchard Hill School

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The Orchard Hill Apple Core - Friday, September 11, 2026

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (03:31 PM)
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The Orchard Hill Apple Core

September 11, 2026
Hawks
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From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
After the first few weeks, our Lost & Found is already getting full.  I encourage you to write your child's name or initials on their lunchbox, water bottle, and jackets/sweatshirts.  
As a reminder, our Early Release Wednesdays begin this Wednesday, September 16th - 12:45 p.m. dismissal.
Have a wonderful weekend!
- Mike
 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Three adjustable spotlights cast bright yellow beams of light downwards.

Kelly Smagacz - Literacy Interventionist

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? This is my 28th year @ Orchard Hill. I taught K for 24 years and still adore that age group.  I also taught pre-k/SPED for 8 years in Mansfield. 
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? Building meaningful relationships with students and their families is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. I especially love seeing the moment when a student has a breakthrough and realizes, “I can do this!” I’m also grateful for supportive co-workers. 
  3. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? My favorite subject in high school was math.  So I thought I would be an accountant. Well, that was not a good fit for me.  My roommate was an education major. I thought her books, project and papers were interesting, so I switched and found the perfect fit for me! 
  4. Where did you grow up? Northford, CT  I bet you aren’t exactly sure where that is…
  5. What college did you graduate from? So many…. UCONN for undergrad, CCSU for my Masters and Saint Joseph’s for certification and lastly Albertus Magnus for my literacy certification.
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Volleyball, swimming, camping, Saturday AM cartoons! 
  7. What was your favorite childhood book or show? Charlotte’s Web can still bring me to tears.  It is such a beautiful story about the lasting power of friendship and helping others while expecting nothing in return. 
  8. Do you have any siblings? I have two brothers.  I’m the oldest and my brothers might agree that I’m the bossiest. 
  9. What do you like to do outside of school? Traveling - Our National Parks are breathtaking!! Time with family and friends.  This summer I tried two new things; Shuffleboard and trivia night! 
  10. Do you have any pets? I do!  I have a beta fish named Shadow who lives in our reading room! Come by and say “hi”. I also have a 16 year old Puggle named Owen. 
  11. What's your favorite food or snack? Boston Cream Pie, Pizza, all forms of potato, chocolate, to name a few! 
  12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Our National parks to start but there are truly too many places to name. 
  13. If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? National Park tour guide, ice cream flavor creator, kayak/paddle board guide
 

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

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Wednesday, September 16th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
 

Monday, September 21st

NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur
 

Friday Folder Flyers

Food Service Newsletter
Join Cub Scouts!
Girl Scouts
 

Girls on the Run

Lace up those sneakers—Girls on the Run registration is officially OPEN today, September 11th!  
We’re gearing up for a season packed with fun, friendship, and building confidence. Get your girl signed up by September 17th to enter our team lottery to be held on Friday, September 18th.
Registration Link
A promotional flyer for Girls on the Run, detailing program benefits, participant statistics, and Orchard Hill season details with dates and times.
 

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 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