OHES Paw Prints
Principal's Update - December 2021/January 2022
Happy Holidays!
Dear Orchard Hill Families,
I hope that this winter edition of the Paw Prints finds you well. It was so great to see a nice turn out for our Halloween parades this fall! The children really enjoyed the day with their friends at school and it was fun to see their different costumes.
The time between Thanksgiving and the winter break always seems to fly by so quickly! I hope that your virtual parent-teacher conferences were productive and that together with your child's teacher you were able to set meaningful learning goals for your child until the next reporting period. The next formal progress report will be available in early February and you will receive information on how to access your child's report card through the Genesis/Parent Portal system.
As the winter holiday seasons approach, excitement naturally builds with young children.
Our remaining December days will be filled with learning experiences that include celebrating our diverse seasonal holidays. Our pillar of character for December is trustworthiness and our school counselors prepared lessons that include being honest, reliable and having the courage to do the right thing.
OHES is participating in CHOP's (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) Say Yay to Pajama Day again this year. Pajama Day is Friday, December 3rd. Last year our goal was $1000 and we raised $4500! As a school community we have raised our goal this year to $3000. We look forward to enjoying Pajama Day, and all its comfy benefits, knowing that we are helping kids at CHOP. Thank you for supporting this worthwhile cause. UPDATE!! Our school community has raised $7,061 towards The Children´s Fund! That is more than double our goal! Thank you for your support!
Be sure to visit the OHES, MES PTA and MSEPTA websites to learn about upcoming events and ways to stay involved in support of our schools. Our PTA's have many events happening that you don't want to miss!
Along with our entire OHES team I want to wish you the very best for a safe, healthy holiday season and a Happy New Year! Enjoy this special time with your loved ones.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Scotti
A Culture of Kindess
Have you heard about The Great Kindness Challenge? It is a proactive and positive kindness initiative to improve school climate and increase student engagement. During the week of January 24th - 28st OHES students will be working on performing acts of kindness towards others. The Great Kindness Challenge actively engages students, teachers, administrators and families in creating a culture of compassion, acceptance, unity, and respect. At OHES our goal is to show everyone that KINDNESS MATTERS! Look for more information coming from the Orchard Hill school counselors. Check out this video!
Notes from the School Nurse
MAKE FAMILY HEALTH YOUR RESOLUTION
Healthy Family Habits
Make healthy food choices for the family; limit sugary foods and drinks, increase fresh fruits and vegetables in meal planning, portion control. Keep nutritious snacks on hand. Plan to eat more meals together as a family.
Encourage and support physical activity; get outdoors in the fresh air for exercise each day.
Schedule yearly medical checkups for family members; stay up to date with vaccinations
Get enough sleep each night)
Wash your hands often/wear your face mask when necessary
Healthy Home
Go green. Reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Check/Install smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms on every level
Keep cleaning products and medications away from children
Have a winter weather emergency plan; stock your home and car with necessary supplies
Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors to heat
Healthy Community
Volunteer at your church, school, or one of the many community centers needing help or an extra hand.
If you have received help from others, try to repeat the gesture
Extend a common courtesy wherever you are – they are always appreciated and hopefully duplicated.
Vaccination Update:
When your child has finished his/her SECOND Covid vaccine, please forward a copy of the vaccination card to the OHES nurses at this new email address: OHESCOVIDvax@mtsd.us
OHES Cubs Culture Corner!
Safety Reminder
Mark Your Calendars!
Upcoming Events
December 3: Pajama Day at OHES
December 7: BLPG Meeting, 6:30 - 8pm, UMS Media Center
December 8: MES PTA Meeting, 7:00 pm
December 23: Early Dismissal Day
December 24 - January 2: Winter Recess
January 1: Happy New Year!
January 3: School Resumes
January 4: BLPG Meeting, 6:30 - 8pm, UMS Media Center
January 17: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday - Schools Closed
February 18: Staff In-Service, School Closed
February 21: Presidents' Day, School Closed