Dear OHS Families,
OHS Highlights
This week we’re highlighting Third Grade!
Math - In our math unit called, “Muffles Truffles,” the students are developing their knowledge of multiplication, using the distributive and commutative property of multiplication, place value patterns that occur when multiplying by the base, and proportional reasoning. Proportional reasoning is the hallmark of genuine multiplicative thinking, but is very difficult for most students. The students learned math strategies such as, using a ratio table (T-chart) to facilitate multiplicative reasoning; using an array model to support the development of partial products; and the distributive, commutative, and associative properties. In our Illustrative Math section, we are developing our multiplication and division skills.
Reading - In the reading unit called, “Unlocking and Exploring Traditional Literature,” the students are learning how readers understand that people all over the world have told stories that have been passed down from one storyteller to another. These tales are called traditional literature. Examples that we will be exploring are fables and folktales. The students have been learning how to recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text. They are also learning how to distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.
Writing - We completed informational reports and have moved on to writing opinion pieces to help the students understand how to support their point of view as well as their thinking with reasons for their opinions.
In addition to our academics, for the entire month of January, grade 3 did the Morning Announcements for our school! Every morning, two students made the morning announcements over the PA system. Every member of our grade participated, including helping the next group of announcers with tips on how to deliver the announcements each morning. The entire grade did a wonderful job!
Here are some pictures of our students with their work!
Doing Native American Reports Fables!
Writing Paragraphs Math Arrays
Native American Reports and Snow Globe Creative Writing!
100 days older and smarter in Third Grade!
______________________________________________
Important News
Swipe Card Rollout- We are pleased to inform you that beginning next week, elementary schools will be rolling out a student swipe card system. All students will be issued an ID card that is specific to them. To begin with, the cards will be used for school bus attendance and checking out books from their school libraries/media centers. The cards, along with a lanyard and plastic card holder, will be distributed to the student beginning on Monday. Students will be required to carry their cards at all times during the school day. Lost or damaged cards should be reported to the school secretary right away. If you have any questions please call Judy Messologitis at 203-783-3438.
District Message- be sure to review - Dr. Cutaia’s 2/8/22 Mask Update
Valentine’s Day treat - A thank you to our MPS food service who will be providing a special Valentine’s day treat to all students on 2/14
OHS Spirit Days- there are some updates including a School Spirit Day so students can wear their new school spirit shirts!
New Staff- We are pleased to introduce a new member of the OHS learning community, Michelle Peluso. Michelle will be joining us in late February as a Special Education Teacher. She comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience from her 14+ years of experience. Even more importantly, her enthusiasm for her learners and education is inspiring! Michelle has a strong background in IEP development and implementation, delivery of instruction in the resource classroom, co-teaching ELA and Math classes and supporting students in all areas. She recognizes the importance of strong educational experiences for all students. As a Milford resident and mother of two Milford Public School students, Michelle understands the importance of a strong home and school connection. She looks forward to working with our students and is excited to be joining us here at Orchard Hills!
______________________________________________
Spring Conferences
We are pleased to announce our Spring 2022 Elementary School Virtual Conference Schedule:
Wednesday, March 30th 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 31st 1:45-3:45 p.m.
Friday, April 1st 1:45-3:45 p.m.
*Please note that we will have a modified early dismissal time on the conference days to accommodate the conference schedule. Therefore, students will be dismissed on March 30th, March 31st and April 1st at 1:15pm.
Our spring conferences will be held virtually and parents/guardians will once again have the opportunity to select a conference time through My Conference Time. We are looking forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s learning! Spring conference sign up information will be live on our school website from February 28 at 9:00 a.m. through March 25 at 12:00 pm . Quick tip: Look for emails from “noreply@myconferencetime.com” when searching email for conference confirmation communications.
______________________________________________
Kindergarten and Ready to Learn Information
Kindergarten registration - coming soon: Please check out this press release about upcoming Kindergarten registration. Kindergarten Press Release
Ready to Learn- We are pleased to report the enrollment process has begun for the Ready to Learn program in the Milford Public Schools. The Ready to Learn School Readiness program is a State of Connecticut grant funded program for 3, 4, and 5 year old students not yet eligible for kindergarten. The Ready to Learn Program receives State of Connecticut grant funding and, at this time, the only spots available are for families earning below the state median income. Please take a moment to read the information contained in this letter to learn more details!
______________________________________________PTA News
Restaurant Night- The next restaurant night has been planned for Tuesday, March 1st from 4:00pm- 9:00pm at Dive Bar & Restaurant. Click here for more details! ______________________________________________
Important Dates
Please click here for the revised Academic Calendar for 2021-22.
Friday, February 18th and Monday, February 21st: No School Winter Recess
Wednesday, February 23rd: Early Dismissal for Teacher Professional Learning. Students dismissed at 1:25
Wednesday, March 30th, Thursday, March 31st, Friday, April 1st: Early Release day for Spring Conferences NOTE: Students dismissed at 1:15 (10 minutes earlier that normal)
______________________________________________
Family Connection
We have a new resource available to families that is called the OHS Care Closet. What is a Care Closet?? Community Assistance & Resource Effort (CARE) Closet is a confidential school-based supply pantry for miscellaneous student needs. The items in our care closet will change as materials are received, so please check back regularly. Please read here for more information: OHS Care Closet
SEL Anchor Tool and Parent Companion Guide of the Month
A Charter represents agreed-upon norms for how everyone wants to feel, what everyone needs to do to feel that way consistently, and how to handle conflict & unwanted feelings. Click on the Charter link to learn how to create a Charter in your home! Questions? Contact Mrs. Dickson via email: mdickson@milforded.org.
______________________________________________
Hooray for the 100th day at OHS!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sarah Scionti- Principal, Orchard Hills Elementary School
@PrincipalSarah (Follow me on Twitter