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Orchard Hill School

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The Orchard Hill Apple Core - Friday, October 16th, 2026

Posted Date: 10/16/26 (03:35 PM)
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The Orchard Hill Apple Core

October 16, 2026
Hawks
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From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
Next week promises to be an exciting week as we have Picture Day on Thursday (see more information below) and our rescheduled PTO Fun Run on Friday!  We're up over $19,000 raised and have almost 50% of our students registered.  
Thank you for all of your support and have a wonderful weekend!
- Mike
 

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Three adjustable spotlights cast bright yellow beams of light downwards.

Monica Muello - Grade 3 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? I started teaching at OH 10 years ago with the opening of the new building. I taught at Wapping Elementary in South Windsor prior to OH. I have taught in the Reading Department as well as 1st and 3rd Grades. 
  2. What do you enjoy most about working at our school? It brings me joy to work with the Students, Families and Staff at OH! I love making connections with my Students, watching them grow over the course of the school year and beyond. I feel appreciated, respected and supported at OH. 
  3. What inspired you to become an educator?  I was inspired by educators growing up and as I got older, wanted to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of Students and their Families. I enjoy seeing Students grow academically, socially and emotionally. It is very rewarding knowing I am a part of helping a child reach his/her goals and dreams. 
  4. Where did you grow up?  I grew up in Newington, CT and have lived in South Windsor for 25 years. 
  5. What college did you graduate from? I graduated from Bryant College (now University) with a degree in Business. Many years later, I then graduated from the University of Hartford with my teaching degree. Teaching is my second career. 
  6. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Swimming was my favorite sport growing up. As a teenager, I lifeguarded and taught swimming lessons at the town pools in Newington. I loved reading and visited the town library frequently. As  kids we would play kick the can and hide & go seek for hours. 
  7. What was your favorite childhood book or show?  I was hooked on the Nancy Drew mystery series. Scooby Doo was a highlight in my earlier years as well. 
  8. Do you have any siblings? I am the oldest of 4. 
  9. Do you have any pets? We rescued a puppy that we named Theo in December 2025. He is a white, energetic, social Havanese. Theo brings laughs and love to our Family.  
  10. What is your favorite food or snack? A special meal would include pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, grated cheese and basil, preferably in Italy! 
  11. What do you like to do outside of school? I spend time with my 3 children and Theo our puppy. I visit the ocean, find coffee and museums, paddleboard, ride my bike, read and connect with Friends. 
  12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go back to Italy and get that pasta I mentioned earlier! I would also like to go out West and hike our National Parks. 
  13. If you weren't in education, what would you want to do? I have visions of opening a coffee house in a smaller coastal town where fantastic coffee is served and community is built around the regulars. 
 

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 19th

Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
STEM After-School Clubs - 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
 

Tuesday, October 20th

Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
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Wednesday, September 21st

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
PTO Mad Science Club - 12:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. (STEM Room)
 

Thursday, October 22nd

PICTURE DAY
Promotional flyer for Fall Picture Day at Orchard Hill School on 10/22/2026, featuring a woman hanging framed portraits and a pre-order code.
A school picture order form outlining packages with options for 3, 5, or 6 items, plus digital options.
Picture Day Info/Online Ordering
Girls on the Run - 3:40 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

Friday, October 23rd

PTO Fun Run -  **rescheduled
 

STEM/Math Night Save the Date

A colorful promotional flyer for Family STEM and Math Night with educational icons like an atom, lightbulb, and math symbols.
 

TRUNK OR TREAT and BOOS

Join the Fun! Orchard Hill’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat 
 YOU’RE INVITED! 
 Orchard Hill’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat! 
Get ready for some spooky fun! We’re inviting you to host a trunk at Orchard Hill’s 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat on October 30th!
 Here’s how it works:
  • Arrive at 5:00 PM and simply back into a parking space at Orchard Hill to decorate your trunk.
  • Get ready to greet little ghosts, goblins, and trick-or-treaters from 6:00–8:00 PM!
 The best part? 
No cost — just fun! Orchard Hill will provide some treats for each trunk to share with trick-or-treaters. You may want to bring a few extra treats of your own to make sure you have plenty for everyone!
 Ready to join the fun? Simply click on the link below to sign up.
Questions? Contact Karyn Kruzick at kkruzick@southwindsorschools.org.
 We can’t wait to make this a spooktacular event together! 
Flyer for Orchard Hill School Trunk or Treat on October 30, 2026, featuring details on hosting, trick-or-treating, donations, and schedule.
A colorful Halloween flyer titled BOO-GRAMS! with pumpkins, ghosts, bats, and candy corn.
Boo-Grams
 

Preschool Outreach Program (POP)

27-28 Peer Role Model Application for Preschool Outreach Program (POP)
South Windsor Public Schools is now accepting applications for community peer role models in the preschool outreach program (POP) for the 2027-2028 school year. If you are interested in this opportunity for your child, please complete the Preschool Outreach Program (POP) Inquiry Form. Peer role model screenings will begin in January 2027. You can learn more about POP by accessing our school district's website.
 

Friday Folder Flyers

Join Cub Scouts!
 

PTO Happenings

 

PTO Fun Run

We have 1 more week until the Fun Run and we are so close to our goal of $22,000!! Please continue to sign up and share with family and friends!

If you have company matching, look for Orchard Hill Parent Teacher Organization on Benevity!

We are looking forward to seeing everyone on 10/23!
A fundraising thermometer chart for Orchard Hill Fun Run shows $19,396 raised toward a $22,000 goal, marking 88% completion.

Fun Run Stats

We are in the home stretch of the Fun Run fundraiser! Please sign up your students and share their page with family and friends!

We only have 285 students out of 617 sign-up! That is only 46%!!!

How to sign up:
A set of instructions on how to join a teacher's team and create a student fundraising page.

Sign up link:



Fun Run Volunteers

Sign-up for volunteers: 
 

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.
 

2026-2027 District Calendar

2026-2027 District Calendar