OHES Paw Prints
Special Edition - May 2020
Spring Greetings!
I hope that this newsletter finds you and your families in good health as we continue to work and learn together during this global pandemic. While this new "normal" is different and at times quite challenging, it's important to keep to routines and schedules that are comforting to everyone; most importantly the children.
On Monday, 5/4, we will begin week seven of our distance learning. The teachers have started holding virtual meetings with their students. I have heard very positive feedback from parents and teachers. As our teachers are on tight schedules in dealing with their own families, please remember that they may not be "in" the meeting until just minutes before, meaning our students should not join the meeting until a teacher is present, if at all possible. Mr. Van Hise and I look forward to being "surprise guests" soon to these meetings. We miss all of the students very much. Please be sure to tell them we are sending big hellos and virtual high fives!
During this time of year our second graders typically enjoy a "move-up day" visit to Village Elementary School and learn all about their new school from Principal Lacy, Asst. Principal Camuto and many 3rd grade experts! We are hopeful this transition experience will take place for our students and will wait to schedule a date once our governor gives an update on the reopening of schools in mid-May. Should a reopening be further delayed, the teachers and administration will plan for a virtual experience for students to become familiar with VES.
Our kindergarten registration is continuing with an online process and you can access the link here. An orientation that was scheduled for May 14th has been canceled. We look forward to welcoming all of our new kindergarten students to OHES! Children will have an opportunity to meet their teacher during our Open House in September.
As we wait to hear confirmation on the rest of the school year, we take comfort in the exceptional work our students, parents, and teachers continue to put forth. We are keenly aware that it takes the entire school community working together to succeed in times like these, and we see evidence of this on a daily basis. For this, we thank you and your children.
Wishing you continued health and safety.
Principal Scotti
Student Placement Process 2020-2021
As the end of the school year 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.
Counselor's Corner
Has your child been exhibiting any (or all) of the following behaviors since distance learning began?
Refusing to participate in activities, even ones they typically enjoy
Mood changes- highs and lows, emotional outbursts
Regression, clinging behaviors, showing behaviors they have already grown out of
Changes in sleep patterns (hard time going to sleep, staying asleep, nightmares)
Difficulty focusing or remaining on task
During this unprecedented time, answering yes to any or all of these behaviors is completely normal and even expected to some degree. For some family friendly suggestions to support you at home, click here.
Your school counselors,
Wendy Gelinas, wgelinas@mtsd.us
Tracy Vail, tvail@mtsd.us
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!
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!