Dear Orchard Hills Families,
Welcome back, Eagles! As we begin this new school year, we are excited to launch our theme: Belong. Learn. Soar.
At Orchard Hills, we believe every student deserves to feel a true sense of belonging—to be seen, heard, and valued as part of our Eagle community. Together, we will create consistent, caring spaces where all students know they matter.
This year, we are continuing our focus on learning with purpose. Students will not only engage in high-quality instruction but also take ownership of their learning—understand their goals, why they are important, and how they can grow.
And when we belong and learn together, we soar. Our Eagles will stretch their wings, celebrate progress, and achieve new heights.
We are thrilled to begin this journey with you and look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year.
With excitement,
Sarah Scionti
Principal, Orchard Hills Elementary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Arrival & Dismissal
Reminders:
Arrival (8:20- 8:40am)
Parents/guardians of walkers must remain with their children until 8:20 am.
Cars can pull into the driveway at 8:15am, students should not exit vehicles until 8:20.
Students should exit the vehicle on the RIGHT side of the car.
Parents should remain in their vehicles, staff will assist as needed.
Do not pass cars/pull around cars, please wait your turn.
Please follow the direction of staff on duty.
After 8:40am, students will be marked tardy.
Dismissal
Cars can pull into the driveway at 3:15pm.
Remain in line.
Do not pass cars/pull around cars, please wait your turn.
Students should enter the vehicle on the RIGHT side of the car.
Parents should remain in their vehicles, staff will assist as needed.
Please follow the direction of staff on duty.
Important Dates:
Aug. 28th- First day of school
Sept. 1st- No School
Sept. 10th- Fall Picture Day- Robert Taylor Photography
Sept. 11th- OHS Open House 2025
Sept. 23rd- NO School for Rosh Hashanah
Sept. 24th - Early Release for all students at 1:25pm
Oct. 3rd: NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
PTA Book Fair- 10/14- 10/17
Wednesday, Oct. 15th 1:45-3:45 p.m. - Fall Conferences
Thursday, Oct. 16th: 5:30-8:00pm - Fall Conferences
Friday, Oct. 17th: 1:45-3:45 p.m. - Fall Conferences
Food Service
Food Services Update - For information, including lunch menus and how to create a food service account, please visit the MPS food service website.
For students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals (determined by the completion of the Free/Reduced-Price Meals application or Direct Certification), breakfast and lunch will be offered free of charge.
Please note that last year, free breakfasts were offered to all of our students through state funding. This year, the state did not approve funding for free breakfasts for all students in public schools, so for students who do not qualify for Free/Reduced-Price Meals, meals will be offered at full price.
OHS PTA Information
PTA Memberships- please join at the start of each school year as a member. You will have the benefit of early sign-up to volunteer for events. You can join here: https://orchardhills.givebacks.com/shop
Sept. 10th- PTA Meeting @ 7:00pm, Media Center and virtual
Technology Updates - Please click here to view some district technology updates, including Youtube access, Securly, Chromebook Insurance info and more.
Back-to-School Tips
🏫 Before School Starts
Re-establish routines early
Start waking up and going to bed on a school schedule at least a week before school starts.Set up a school-ready space at home
Create a quiet, organized place for homework and school materials.
📅 During the First Week
Keep mornings calm and consistent
Prep clothes, backpacks, and lunches the night before to avoid morning stress.Stay positive and encouraging
Express excitement about learning and friends. Your attitude sets the tone.Allow extra time for drop-off
The first few days may come with jitters. Reassure and remind them you'll be back after school.Communicate with the teacher
Introduce yourself and let the teacher know of any concerns or needs.
🏠 At Home After School
Ask open-ended questions
Try: “What was the best part of your day?” or “Tell me something funny that happened.”Monitor screen time and sleep
School is tiring, especially at the start. Prioritize rest and offline downtime.Review and organize school papers daily
Check backpacks for forms and notes—set a routine for this.Celebrate small wins
Praise effort, not just results. Acknowledge acts of kindness, bravery, or learning something new.
Respectfully,
Sarah Scionti
Principal,
Orchard Hills Elementary School
