The Orchard Hill Apple Core - Friday, October 2nd, 2026

Posted Date: 10/02/26 (03:35 PM)

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The Orchard Hill Apple Core

October 2, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,

Happy October! What a difference a week makes as it looks like this weekend is going to be beautiful Fall weather. It also looks like next week will be perfect weather for our Grade 4 Bike Week and Grade 3 field trip to Nowashe Village. Also, our PTO Book Fair is next week as well (see more information below).

Have a wonderful weekend!

- Mike

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Three adjustable spotlights cast bright yellow beams of light downwards.

Maureen Pfeifer - Kindergarten Teacher

# of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 7 years at Orchard Hill and 19 years in education
What do you enjoy most about working at our school? What I enjoy most about our school is our strong sense of community. We are a family at Orchard Hill who support one another. I value the relationships I have built with my students, families, and colleagues.
What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I have wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in elementary school. I enjoy helping students learn and grow and creating an environment where students feel valued, confident, and motivated to reach their potential.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in South Windsor and went to Pleasant Valley for elementary school.
What college did you graduate from? I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University for my Bachelor's Degree and received my Master's Degree from Saint Joseph College.
What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? I played doubles on the tennis team and the flute in the marching band.n my school's equestrian team.
Do you have any siblings? I am the oldest of three children. I have twin brothers.
Do you have any pets? I have a 5 year old Cavapoo named Charlie, and a 1 year old miniature poodle named Cooper.
What’s your favorite food or favorite snack? Pumpkin Spice Ice-coffee and Chocolate Covered Pretzels
What do you like to do outside of school? I enjoy watching my son play high school football and my daughter play soccer. I also love the beach and swimming.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would love to go to Europe on a Mediterranean Cruise.

A family of four poses together in front of a cruise ship backdrop.

Two fluffy dogs relax in a cozy indoor setting near a large window at night.

Upcoming Events

A colorful clipart image with the text 'It's Book Fair Time!' next to a table stacked with books and decorated with banners.

October 5 - 9

PTO Book Fair

PTO Book Fair

NEXT WEEK is the Book Fair!!

October 5-9 your student(s) will be visiting the Book Fair during school hours! Today the Scholastic Flyer and a flyer with the eWallet QR code was brought home by your child. Teachers will be communicating with you regarding when your students' shopping day is!

Things to Know!!!

Create your students eWallet to make for an easy shopping day. No cash the morning of: https://account.scholastic.com/my-scholastic/profile/ewallet.html?fairID=6206342&sUCN=600043286

Evening Hours on Tuesday 5-7pm & Wednesday 4-7pm! Shop with your entire family!

VOLUNTEER - In Need of HELP for evening hours! Wed/Thurs Too!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CA4AD29A3FA7-65683223-ohfall