OHES Paw Prints
Fall Edition ~ October/November 2021
Autumn Greetings!
As I write this newsletter our students have been in school for 30 days! The children have transitioned nicely back to school and are settling into learning routines. Having all of our staff and students back in our building together has been wonderful.
Back to School Night was a success and our teachers were excited to meet with you to discuss how the school year is unfolding, share classroom routines and curriculum information. We certainly missed having you attend in person and the energy this event creates in our building!
I want to thank our MES PTA for welcoming back our students with festive balloons as well as organizing volunteers to assist the children in finding their way to classrooms on the first days of school. Our teachers and staff also appreciated the welcome back "snack bar" that parents generously contributed to. The PTA also recognized our hard working custodial staff and provided goodies for them on Custodial Appreciation Day.
Orchard Cubs participated in Week of Respect in early October. Week long activities included
learning about the Golden Rule, being a superhero by standing up for others, and sharing/respecting our cultural differences. We ended the week "dreaming of respect" in a school-wide pajama day! Our inclusive curriculum focus for October was on Hispanic Heritage Month and in November we will highlight Indigenous People. Our library is filled with wonderful books that support the curriculum and our Media Specialist, Ms. Baller, is a great resource to teachers and students.
Please be sure to visit the OHES website for more information and to view our Twitter feed. Mark your calendars for upcoming events noted in this fall update. I look forward to your continued involvement and support. Enjoy the beautiful fall season!
Mrs. Scotti
Principal
Halloween Happenings - October 29th
On Friday, October 29th, students from Orchard Hill will take part in one of two scheduled Halloween parades. Please click here for AM or PM class assignments. Parents are invited to watch the parade outside along the bus lane adjacent to Orchard Road. Please keep in mind the following:
- All parents coming to watch the parade must park in the main parking lot, underneath the solar panels.
- Parents are allowed to view the parade from either side of the bus lane
- The school does request parents to wear a mask/face covering during the parade
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled and only classroom parties will take place. Only the parents who have confirmed their assistance with these parties via the classroom teacher will be permitted into the building.
Costumes can be worn to school at the beginning of the day or brought with the student to change into at some point. Alternate activities will be prepared for those students who do not celebrate the holiday.
The MES PTA has planned a variety of Fall-O-Ween activities for families to enjoy including a Halloween House Tour, Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest and more. On 10/29 YaYa Noodles will donate 10% of sales to the MES PTA. Your support is appreciated! Click the link above to learn more and have some fun!
The MES PTA has planned a variety of Fall-O-Ween activities for families to enjoy including a Halloween House Tour, Pumpkin Decorating/Carving Contest and more. On 10/29 YaYa Noodles will donate 10% of sales to the MES PTA. Your support is appreciated! Click the link above to learn more and have some fun!
Important Dates
Please take note of the Revised School District Calendars at this link.
October 29: Halloween Parade and Parties
November 2-3: Staff Professional Development/Early Dismissal for Students
November 4-5: Schools Closed, New Jersey Teachers Convention
November 18-23: Parent Teacher Conferences/Early Dismissal Days
Teachers will be reaching out to schedule conferences in the coming days. Should your teacher be scheduling via Genesis, here are directions that can help you with the process.
November 24: Early Dismissal Day
November 25-26: Schools Closed, Thanksgiving Recess
December 23: Early Dismissal
December 24-January 2: Schools Closed, Winter Recess
PTA Information
Our Parent Teacher Associations have so much to offer to students and families and they are instrumental in supporting our teachers and schools! Stay tuned to ways you can volunteer and support important fundraisers while also helping VES!
Check out the web links below! Your involvement is appreciated!
The Montgomery Elementary School PTA (MESPTA)
Please support become a volunteer and become a PTA member! Details are at the link above. The PTA also has a variety of family fun events to celebrate the season. Check out the Fall-O-Ween events here.
Montgomery Special Education PTA (MSEPTA)
Learn about MSEPTA's mission and goals and ways you can help by clicking on the link above.