Hello Orchard Parents,

Thank you parents for your flexibility today in making arrangements for our Early Release Day. Remember we also have another one right around the corner on Friday, October 8th. The timing seems uneven since there are two in October - none in November. I think there are many factors (including how the school calendar falls with our holiday calendar) that create the imbalance of Early Release days.

Also on October 8th, The Fun Run is coming! Details are being worked through and shared in the letter from the PTO going home today. Let's get kids up and walking/running! Though it is a fundraiser, our goal is to have all students develop a mindset that they can achieve the goal. Whether we run or walk, or stop to take a break, we want to cheer everyone on to accomplish their goal:

• Kindergarteners and 1st Graders will run once around the Orchard Campus.
• 2nd & 3rd Graders will complete the course in two laps.
• 4th & 5th Graders will complete the course in three laps.

As mentioned, this is our biggest fundraiser - to clarify, we have others (such as the Square One Art), but this is the only one that is a direct request for a donation. We hope you will help donate to the PTO, the funds support Orchard School in so many ways!

Check out the School Services Letter below. It is provided by our two School Counselors, Aili Beeli & Kristen Billings, on the services they provide. Also, October 10th is World Mental Health Day so check out the presentations offered by the Howard Center in an attached pdf. All sessions are free.

Parents who are dropping off - we prefer everyone to drive into our parking lots for drop-off. If you are using the bike path entrance on Baldwin Avenue, please do not park in the painted parking space. We have previously worked with the Public Works Department to have that space painted - to help with student safety. Thanks for helping us keep every walker/biker safe.

Don't forget, next Wednesday, September 29th, is Picture Day!

Have a good weekend; take some time to read with your child.

Mark Trifilio

On Friday, October 8th at approximately 9 am , each Orchard student will experience the excitement of a run, walk or ride on a marked course around Orchard Elementary. Each student will receive race day swag. Families are more than welcome to join and cheer on their student(s)! Make a sign of encouragement or bring your cow bell – the more noise the better as the kids make their way around the course. This is the PTO's sole fundraiser for the year! Students will be asked to seek donation dollars of any amount for their participation. Sponsorship forms will go home next week but if you want to start fundraising now here is the link https://bit.ly/3CbhsYI

We need your help to make this a successful fundraising event!

• Encourage and help your student collect donations. Any dollar amount is greatly appreciated. You can share this link https://bit.ly/3CbhsYI with friends and family so that they can pay online easily. Please encourage family and friends to use our link through Konstella. Checks and cash are welcome and the donation forms will go out next week.

• We love our Volunteers! Sign up in Konstella please!

• Would your business or employer sponsor the event? Our generous sponsors help all student-raised funds go directly back to the school. Email Jessica McCloud jgmccloud@gmail.com if you can help with this!

Join the team, we are looking for:

• Support Staff employees
  
• Lunch/Recess Supervisors
  
• Substitute Teachers
  

All positions are decent pay, very rewarding, well supported and fun! Come join our team. Contact Mark Trifilio with any questions at mtrifilio@sbschools.net.

Here is the link to the district transportation. We are thinking the bus routes will continue to be updated so check the transportation website on the district website for changes: https://www.sbschools.net/Page/1260

If you would like to try alternative transportation (AT), please complete this brief survey: https://forms.gle/YRpsk5U2ZCcziotL6