Orchard Hills Elementary School

Valentines - Please note a small card (and pencil or bookmark) is welcome for Valentine’s Day.  Food or candy of any kind is prohibited due to allergy concerns.  Parents/Families are encouraged to come in to read to their child’s class!  

Safety Drill- The safety and welfare of our students and staff are our highest priorities at Orchard Hills. Next week, we will conduct a school wide emergency drill. We practice safety drills throughout the year to increase familiarity and efficiency with respect to our students and staff’s responses in the event of an emergency.  Please talk with your child, if you deem it appropriate, about the expectations during a fire or lockdown drill.  Our goal, while practicing important safety procedures, is to be sure all students feel safe.  If you have any questions, please do reach out. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Important Dates

• Electronic Devices Reminder

• Kindergarten Registration

• Milford Resources (for OHS families)

• OHS PTA

• Spirit Days

• CCC Information

• SEL Anchor Tool

• Lost & Found

Important Dates:

• Printable MPS full year calendar can be found here. 

•  OHS Spirit Days

• Feb 7th- World Read Aloud Day! 

• Feb. 7th- Early Release for all students at 1:25pm

• Feb 16th & Feb 19th-  NO SCHOOL

• Feb. 24th- Early Release for all students at 1:25pm

Electronic Devices Reminder

We have had an increasing number of students bring cell phones and smartwatches to school.  At the elementary level - No use of a cell phone/smartwatch or other personal communication device will be permitted during school hours. These devices must be turned off or on silent and left in backpacks, stored in a student’s locker/cubbie or other place designated by building administration. Use of Cell Phones or Other Personal  Communication Devices P-5131.81.  Thank you for supporting us in this matter! 

Kindergarten Registration The December assessment appointment window is closed for those families that have requested a waiver for their child to enter into Kindergarten for the 2024 - 2025 school year.  If you requested a waiver, but did not have the opportunity to schedule a December appointment, you will receive a communication in the near future to make an appointment for the next Kindergarten Waiver assessment. The online Kindergarten registration will remain open, if you have not had the opportunity to register, please do so. 

Milford Resources for OHS Families  

Please see HERE for more information.

Math is EVERYWHERE-  Room 17 and the Milford Arts Council’s “Math is EVERYWHERE” showcases KG - Grade 12 students as artists through various media (music, digital media, dance, photography, painting, sculpting, etc.) that incorporates math.  Click HERE for more information, including submission details, deadlines, and prizes.

OHS PTA Information 

Support the OHS PTA and show your OHS school colors!  Here is information on our OHS School Colors Bracelet Fundraiser.  Look for order forms coming home with your child soon, or print the attached order form and send it back in with your child by Thursday, February 29th.  Thank you for showing your OHS school colors and for supporting the OHS PTA!

Order Form

PTA School Store- The school store will be open on most Wednesdays from 8:20-8:40am.  Here is a flier with details.  Most items are between .25 cents and $5.00 with the exception of the eagle squishmellows at $11.00. 

5th Grade Families- Attention 5th Grade OHS Families!  Activities for our 5th graders are in full swing.  If you would like to join the OHS PTA 5th Grade Committee and help out, email Rebecca at rebeccaacohen@yahoo.com. 

OHS Spirit Days  Please see the document for the OHS Spirit Days.  This is a working document, so please check back as some dates may change or be added.  

Community Connection Center  

This week's CCC News contains information and links for a mix of resources & fun activities.  Among the community services you will find links for the CT FoodShare's Mobile Pantry and Milford Youth & Families ``Keeping Children Safe Online".

For Family fun you'll find information about fun events for the family from Milford's Public Library  ``Learn About the Discovery Museum & Planetarium"or  visit the Aldrich Art Museum of Trumbull,CT.  There is also information about The Rockwell Dance Theater- 2024 Summer Camps.  Remember that the CCC Website is updated with links to community resources. 

To locate the CCC’s web page go to Milford’s main page and click on the Menu tab & scroll down under district Information to find the Community Connections Centers! 

Have a great week!

SEL Anchor Tool and Parent Companion Guide of the Month

Growth Mindset is language used at home, in the classroom, or within another environment that is specifically focused on potential and growth.

Click on the link to learn more about implementing a Growth Mindset at home! Questions? Contact Mrs. Dickson via email: mdickson@milforded.org. 

Warm Regards, 

Sarah Scionti

Principal, 

Orchard Hills Elementary School

Follow us on Twitter:  @PrincipalSarah