OHES Paw Prints
Special Edition June 2020
Summer Greetings
It is hard to believe that we have gone through a whole season while on remote learning. The days are getting longer, flowers are blooming and the grass is growing. We know that this last part of the year was challenging for you as parents and guardians as you navigated the pandemic while managing your own jobs, childcare, staying healthy, and the overall safety of your family. We could not be more proud of our faculty, staff, community and our parents for helping our students finish out this unusual school year.
A special thank you to our PTA and volunteers who, as usual, went above and beyond the call of duty to provide whatever was necessary to add to our students’ already rich school experience. Your endless energy and devotion to our school community is much appreciated.
A final word to our OHES Cubs: We are so very proud of your hard work during this unusual school year. Remember the Pillars of Character that you learned and practice them in your daily activities with family and friends. Respect, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Fairness and Caring. Continue to be Bucket Fillers and Up-standers!
Wishing everyone continued good health and a safe, happy summer break.
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Scotti and Mr. Van Hise
Medication Pick-Up
Distance Learning Progress Reports
Thank you all for your support and dedication to your child’s education during this time of distance learning. We appreciate the time, effort and patience that is needed to support students at home with their learning while working and parenting from home. The success of our daily learning plans would not be possible without your support. We are proud to be a part of a collaborative community, especially during these trying times.
Due to the decision to keep schools closed through June, we have had to make many adjustments to our typical end of year practices. In lieu of the Standards Based Report Card, parents will receive a Distance Learning Report during the final week of school. This report will provide an overview of your child’s learning and engagement during their time participating in distance learning. Teachers will be reviewing students’ participation during Google Meets, reviewing students’ completed writing pieces, and monitoring students’ participation and progress on RAZ Kids and Splash Math, as well as any other completed work assignments that you have shared with your child's teacher.
You will be able to access this report in the Genesis Parent Portal under the Documents tab on June 17th.
Again we thank you for your support and applaud our students for their hard work during distance learning.
Student Placement Process 2020-2021
As the end of the school year quickly approaches, plans for classroom placements are being made. Mrs. Scotti and Mr. Van Hise will work closely with teachers, supervisors and school counselors to place current Kindergarten through 2nd grade students. We will place all 2nd graders into 3rd grade with the assistance of VES administration, Ms. Lacy and Mrs. Camuto.
All students will be placed in heterogeneous classes with the best possible teacher match and a positive group of classmates. Any specific academic needs, as identified by classroom teachers, will be taken into consideration first. We cannot honor requests for specific teachers and requests for specific students can present a challenge. However, we will consider input regarding special circumstances or information the school does not already have. Pertinent information shared in previous years must be resubmitted to Mrs. Scotti via email and received by June 12th.
Please trust us to make the best placement possible for all children. It is important to us that students have successful academic and developmentally appropriate experiences in school with talented and caring teachers. Final placement information will be available in August.
PTA School Supply Lists Information
With the uncertainty of things right now, we know one thing for sure- there will be a 1st Day of School!
The PTA has partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to offer school supply kits to families of Preschoolers through 4th grade! The teachers and administration worked together to update the supply lists to fit the needs of all the children, with their health and safety in mind. The company will send your child’s kit directly to your home 2 weeks before the start of school. It will have everything your child will need to start the school year including, tissues, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc.! They offer add ons as well such as backpacks, lunch boxes and water bottles. 1st Day School Supplies also took it a step further and researched our schools to offer spirit wear designed specifically to each school. Each t-shirt is $19.99 and ships free to your home.
Ordering is optional, but we hope you check it out! When ordering please use Skillman's zip code: 08558
Pre-order school supplies here at 1st Day School Supplies.
End of Year Events
- 2nd Grade Move-up Day: Teachers are collaborating to create a virtual experience for our second grade students. More information is coming your way.
- Fun Day: HPE teachers from both OHES and VES are planning some fun activities for a virtual Fun Day for all students on June 17th.
- End of Year Virtual Parties: In lieu of typical end of year parties, OHES teachers will continue with Google Meetings that include games and activities with their students. Our teachers will mark the end of the school year with their students in their own unique way.
Brain-Friendly Summer Fun!
Looking for some activities to keep your child's mind busy this summer? Check out the following link. Also, please know that our spring Distance Learning Plans will be available all summer for your child to review and practice skills. You can access the plans at the Distance Learning Site.
Stay Informed and Engaged
Please be sure to open and read all communications from the Montgomery Township School District, OHES, your child's teacher and other key members of our team in order to stay abreast of ever changing information. Updates regarding the district closing, learning plans and other topics have been going out regularly.
Be sure to visit the OHES website for links to the Distance Learning Plan, our Twitter feed and more. Please visit the school district website for links to all recent communications and alerts. You are also welcome to email us.
We take attendance each day. If your child is unable to participate in distance learning on any given day due to illness or anything else, please enter his/her absence in Genesis.
Thank you!
Moving?
If your family is moving out of district, to any other address within district, or if your child will not be returning to Montgomery Schools next year, please notify Mrs. Guaimano, in the main office, as soon as you have finalized your plans. You can send her an email at dguaimano@mtsd.us.
Follow Us on Twitter!
Keep up with the latest happenings at Orchard Hill by following us on Twitter! @MONTYOHES is our handle and we’re excited to share all of the fabulous teaching and learning that is going on in our school with the community!