5.12.23
OHS Family News
Dear OHS Families,
Thank you to the OHS Beautification Committee, which is chaired by Ms. Choquette in collaboration with our PTA, for the amazing raised beds and adirondack chairs!
We are so lucky to have this outdoor learning space.
Animal Assisted Therapy Day with the Milford Police Department
We are excited to share a special opportunity in conjunction with the Milford Police Department and Winston, a therapy dog! Your child has the opportunity to participate in a hands on-workshop, Animal Assisted Therapy Day, with Winston! Your child will learn how Winston became a working dog, what a day is like for Winston as well as what to do if we see a working dog in public. We will discuss how time with an animal or stuffed animal can help us handle big feelings. Finally, your child will be able to say hello to Winston and learn how to pet him gently. 
This workshop will take place on Monday, May 22, 2023.
Please see more details on the opt out permission slip HERE.
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Upcoming Dates
Early dismissal for all students on Wednesday, May 17th at 1:25pm
Click here to see updates to our OHS Spirit Days!
OHS Field Day- June 6th (rain date: 6/7)
5th Grade Events!!
Parent vs Student Kickball game on 5/18 at 3:30pm
5th grade dance: 6/8 at 6:30- 8:30pm
5th grade Send Off & Clap Out - 6/13 during the school day (rain date: 6/14)
June 2nd- 5th grade virtual author visit by Rob Buyea
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Important Information
Ebooks- We are excited to announce that all Milford Public School Libraries now offer students the convenience of 24/7 access to age appropriate ebooks through Destiny Discover. Ebooks offer a variety of benefits such as accessibility, audio options, and other unique features. With instant access to a wide selection of books, ebooks are an excellent way for students to explore their interests and expand their personal growth and learning opportunities. Please click HERE for more information.
SBA/NGSS- As shared earlier in a letter from our district Teaching and Learning office, our state assessment window is opening in May. For our elementary students in grades three through five, the Math and English Language Arts SBAs (Smarter Balance Assessment) will take place during the weeks of May 1st and May 8th and the Grade 5 Science test will be administered during the week of May 18th. Students will not be testing every day and there are make-up days for those students who may need them due to missed days or more time.
Reminders:
Please make sure students have charged their chromebooks every night. This is very important as there are no extra chromebooks for students to use.
Students will need headphones. If you have a pair at home that your student is comfortable using, please send them in each day or they can keep them at school. If they do not, we will provide a pair for them.
Make sure your student gets a good night's sleep and eats breakfast each morning so they are ready to do their best.
2023-2024 Class Placement Input Form: https://forms.gle/oh6fusakhtQokQx1A.
We value your input and know how important it is in our process. We are sharing this google form in order to give you the opportunity to contribute in the placement decisions. Please provide details as to your child’s learning style, strengths, challenges, interests, and any other information you feel would be pertinent to class placement. Please do not include requests for specific teachers or requests to not have specific teachers. The process is complex, and these requests are impossible to honor and still maintain the integrity of the system. Requests for teachers by name will not be considered. If you would like us to consider your input as we place your child, the information must be received by May 15th.
Orchard Hills Driveway and Traffic Safety Improvements Project Update - The long awaited project to improve traffic flow and safety at Orchard Hills now has the green light to begin construction the day after school gets out on June 14th. You will recall that the project had to be postponed a year because we only received one bid last year and the contractor could not guarantee completion by the start of school in August 2022.
Expected Behaviors: There has been an increase in unexpected behaviors in all grade levels: unkind words & actions; physical aggression; disrespectful behavior towards other students and staff. Please review soaring eagle behavior with your child(ren).
As OHS Eagles We:
Care for each other
Act responsibly
Show respect
AND Never Settle for less than our BEST!
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PTA Information
Please consider joining the OHS PTA in order to support all of the fun upcoming events. If you join, you will also receive an OHS car magnet!! You can join here: QR Code- OHS PTA As a member, you will also have first access to volunteer opportunities!
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Family Connection
SEL Anchor Tool and Parent Companion Guide of the Month
The Circle of Support anchor tool is having students identify people who can help them when needed and why they can help (to access help in difficult situations; to support one in being his/her best self).Click on the link to learn how to implement a circle of support at home. Questions? Contact Mrs. Dickson via email.
This week's Community Connection Center's Newsletter (CCC News) contains information for
Milford Public Library's evening programs, Milford's Open Space Walks and the Bartlett Arboretum in Stamford, CT. Remember that the CCC website is updated with links to community resources. Moms, have a wonderful Mother's Day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sarah Scionti
Principal, Orchard Hills Elementary School
@PrincipalSarah (Follow me on Twitter
)