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Orchard Hill School

Dream. Achieve. Inspire.

Friday, May 8th Weekly Update

Posted Date: 05/08/26 (03:35 PM)


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Orchard Hill Weekly Update

Friday, May 8th, 2026

From Mr. Tortora

Dear Orchard Hill Families,
We are so proud of our grades 3-5 students for working so hard and "Rocking" the SBAC!
Have a wonderful weekend and Happy Mother's Day!!
-Mike
 

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 list of upcoming PTO events including a Yard Goats Game, Book Fair, and 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
 

Interested in Joining the PTO Board?

Our PTO does such an awesome job and always wants new input and ideas! Please consider joining our PTO Board!!!

If you're interested, please click on the following link (respond by May 15th):
A graphic announces openings for the PTO Board for the 2026-2027 school year.
 

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#/
 
A spotlight shines on the words 'STAFF SPOTLIGHT'.
A smiling woman gives a thumbs-up next to a laptop displaying MagicSchool.ai, with books and a chalkboard in the background.

Jackie Calkin - Grade 5 Teacher

  1. # of years at Orchard Hill and # of years in education? 7 years at Orchard Hill, 14 years in education (including internships and substitute teaching while in college)
  2. What inspired you to become an educator (or work in education)? I originally went to college for Music Industry and Sound Recording, but along the way I was asked to tutor a classmate in Music Theory and History. What started as just helping out a peer quickly became the highlight of my week. I loved breaking concepts down, seeing things click, and realizing I was learning just as much in the process. That experience planted the seed that teaching might be a natural fit for me, and from there my path into education unfolded.
  3. Where did you grow up? Plainville, CT
  4. What college did you graduate from? University of New Haven for my Bachelor degrees and first Masters degree, and most recently I graduated from American College of Education with my 6th year degree. 
  5. What was your favorite sport/activity growing up? Growing up, I played softball, and was voted an all-conference first basewoman in my junior year of high school! 
  6. Do you have any siblings? I have a younger (but much taller) brother, who is a PE and Health teacher at Ellington High School
  7. What do you like to do outside of school? My favorite hobby is playing TTRPGs like Dungeons and Dragons or Daggerheart. I also play a lot of Pokemon Go!
  8. What’s your favorite childhood book or show?  My favorite book as a child was "A Wrinkle in Time" my Madeleine L'Engle
  9. What's your favorite food or snack? I love home made soups!
  10.  If you weren't in education, what would you do? I would go back to my first career of working in a recording studio.
 

Upcoming Events

Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 15th

SBAC Testing (grades 3-5)
 

Monday, May 11th

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 13th

Early Release - 12:45 p.m. dismissal
PTO Early Release Wednesday Clubs - 1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
 

Thursday, May 14th

Student Council - 7:30 a.m.
 

Friday Folders

S.M.A.R.T. Parent Workshop
Peace At Home Newsletter
Scouts Troop 186
 

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.
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