As we begin the month of March I am reminded of a passion I shared with my father: college basketball. During my youth I would attend Utah State basketball games on a regular basis. I enjoy watching basketball on TV, but the live version “in my opinion” is always the best. Seeing the amazing athletes, hearing the fans and listening to my father correct the refs on a regular basis was always a treat. Go Aggies!

My love of basketball and the Aggies is still strong, but what I enjoy even more is seeing your students present in school. Student attendance within our school and throughout the district is a concern. There are absolutely times when your student needs to remain home and spending time together on trips is a great opportunity. But, these instances should be the exception and not the norm.

Orchard Hill has begun a school wide effort for encouraging student attendance. Each month students who had 90% or better attendance during the previous month will receive an attendance certificate, write their names on our attendance board and receive a treat. This is a small recognition, but the real reward will be seen in the academic growth of your student. There is no better way to improve your child’s education than to be present in their learning.

Currently, as a school we have an attendance rate of 64%. The state has set the goal for 90% attendance for all students. Here are the following grade level attendance:

Kindergarten- 60%

1st Grade- 61%

2nd Grade- 58%

3rd Grade- 70%

4th Grade- 73%

5th Grade- 65%

I will continue to give regular reports on how student attendance is improving. Please contact the school if there are any barriers we can help you overcome in getting your child to school. The only way we will help each student succeed is through our combined effort. I look forward to seeing everyone at our Family Engagement Night!

Brandon Hammond

Principal

Mar 13 - 17 Book Fair!

Mar 14 - Family Engagement Event

Mar 22 - Jogathon/Fun Run

Mar 23 - Apr 2 NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

April 9 - Easter

April 10 - NO SCHOOL, Teacher Inservice Day

April 19 - Kinder Launch (pre-registration for next year's kindergarten students)

It's Book Fair time again! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Orchard Hill from March 13th - March 17th. Students will be able to shop independently during their normal library time. The Book Fair will be open to families from 7:15 am-7:45 am and 2:30 pm-3:00 pm every day.

The Book Fair will also be open during our Family Engagement Night on the 14th!

You can set up your student's eWallet at the following link: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/orchardhillelementaryschool. Also if you would like to volunteer please email tara.jones@phoenix.k12.or.us."

SUPERHERO JOGATHON!

March 22nd during school hours

Our Superhero Jogathon is coming up quickly! Your support is crucial in making our Jog-a-thon a huge success! It's a great way for our students to get some exercise and to raise money for Orchard Hill. The Orchard Hill PTA generously supports all of our family events, field day, classroom supplies and so much more! 100% of money donated goes back to supporting our students.

Students are encouraged to wear a super hero themed t-shirt for the jog-a-thon (no costumes or props please). Prizes will be awarded to the top three student earners in the school. They will get to choose from a Kindle Fire, Scooter or Hoverboard! AND the top earning classroom in the school will earn a party of their choice.

So please continue to share your student's personalized pledge page with all your family and friends. So far our students have gathered $2,644 in pledges! Way to go Hawks! Keep it up!

The Phoenix Talent School District is excited to announce the return of the Future Chef competition. This annual competition put on by our food service company, Sodexho, has been a favorite for many years.

The competition will be held at Phoenix High School, in their state of the art kitchen, on April 10th from 1 - 5 p.m. The competition is open to students in grades 3 - 5 only.

If your student would like to participate, you can download the form below, fill it out and return to the school office. Entry forms are also available in the office.

ENTRIES ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, MARCH 17TH

Sign up your kids for the Spring Break Camp offered by the Boys & Girls Club.

March 23rd - March 30th

7:45 - 5:15 p.m.

All Youth in Grades K - 8

Fun, daily activities and a field trip too!

Call to register: 541-292-4851

Registration Fee

$65 for T-ball

$85 for Rookies, Majors & Minors

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK

We are also offering two different pricing options. A softcover book will be $12 and a hardcover book will be $17.42. Online payments are preferred!

For your convenience, click below to download the MARCH menu

All meals are FREE for all students!

ENGLISH

SPANISH