November 26, 2024
E-News
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tomorrow is a minimum day - no lunch will be served, and pick-up is at 12:45 pm.
When we get back it will be a new month. Place your lunch orders for December now.
How to report an absence or tardy
Principal’s Corner:
Mrs. Ferreri has some important reminders for the month ahead!
In her monthly letter, she expresses gratitude for the Orchard community and highlights the importance of empathy, both for students and adults, as a key focus for the month of November.
Orchard School Happenings:
Orchard Gives Back/Coin Drive & Food Drive
Change for change! Help us fill the collection bins with spare change and non-perishable food items. Let's make this holiday season brighter for those in need! All proceeds benefit the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity.
Friends of Orchard Fundraising Campaign
It is once again time to humbly ask for your support for the “Friends of Orchard” Fundraising Campaign. As you may know, this is the largest and most critical fundraiser Orchard holds during a non-auction year. We encourage all Orchard families to consider donating; truly, no donation is too small. Please see the attached letter with more details and information on how to donate.
Virtual Book Fair
Need holiday gifting ideas? It's not too late. The book fair is still open online! Shop, enjoy, and use up those gift cards! Happy Shopping!
Teachers’ Holiday Luncheon
Help us make this holiday season extra special for our teachers and staff at Orchard! The annual Holiday Luncheon is coming up on Friday, December 13th, and we need your support to make it a memorable event. Your donation will go towards a festive meal, beautiful decorations, and a thoughtful gift for every teacher and staff member. Let's show our appreciation for all they do. Volunteer sign-ups will be coming soon. Reach out to Michelle MacDonald or Bunny Cooper with any questions.
Ladies Night Out
Join us on 12/11 for a fun-filled night of shopping and socializing at LULU + BO, a chic new boutique in Midland Park. This exclusive event is just for Orchard moms! Owned by local Ridgewood sisters, Miriam and Erica, LULU + BO offers a unique blend of luxury and boho style, featuring trendy women's apparel, stunning jewelry, and thoughtful gifts. Contact Amy Dishuk or Heather Madigan with questions.
Meet Your SEPAG Representative for Orchard Elementary
Mike Mase is the Ridgewood SEPAG (Special Education Parent Advisory Group) representative for Orchard Elementary. SEPAG supports families of students with special education needs by advocating and providing resources. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach Mike Mase. Subscribe today for SEPAG newsletters and events to stay informed.
Yearbooks and Memory Books
The Orchard Yearbook celebrates our entire school community, showcasing each grade level. Purchase your copy each spring for June delivery. Proceeds support our HSA. Please upload your pics to the grade level links all year long. For questions contact the yearbook committee.
The 5th Grade Memory Book is a special keepsake for our graduating class. It showcases photos from their time at Orchard and is a gift from the school, funded by 5th-grade fundraising efforts. Each 5th grader will receive a copy. The Memory Book Committee will soon share private photo album links with 5th-grade parents only.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FEATURED
Gratitude Corner:
We're so grateful to Jen Zolcinski and Nancy Wong for putting together an amazing book fair! The kids had a blast choosing their books, and the new vendor was a hit. We also want to express thanks to Sarah Wodenshek for organizing the birthday books, a wonderful surprise for our students that they'll cherish for many years to come!
Looking Ahead:
11/27 - Kindergarten Show
11/27 - Minimum Day
11/28-29 - School Closed
12/2-12/6 - Change Drive/Food Drive Week
12/5 - Third Grade Play
12/6 - Pajama Day
12/5 - Third Grade Play
12/11 - Ladies Night Out
12/13 - Teacher Appreciation Holiday Luncheon
12/20 - Holiday Sing-Along
November 19, 2024
E-News
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy Tuesday!
Turkey Trot wrap-up: Orchard students ran 324.5 miles! Thank you for your pledges. Please donate via CheddarUp by 11/25. All funds go to the SSA for supermarket gift cards. See the virtual backpack for more details.
How to report an absence or tardy
Tech Corner:
Google Classroom is a handy tool that many teachers use to keep students organized and connected. It's a digital space for sharing assignments, resources, and feedback. Students in grades 2-5 typically access it through their Google accounts. Our tech coach takes a deep dive into how it works.
Orchard School Happenings:
Teachers’ Holiday Luncheon
Help us make this holiday season extra special for our teachers and staff at Orchard! The annual Holiday Luncheon is coming up on Friday, December 13th, and we need your support to make it a memorable event. Your donation will go towards a festive meal, beautiful decorations, and a thoughtful gift for every teacher and staff member. Let's show our appreciation for all they do. Volunteer sign-ups will be coming soon. Reach out to Michelle MacDonald or Bunny Cooper with any questions.
Ladies Night Out
Join us on 12/11 for a fun-filled night of shopping and socializing at LULU + BO, a chic new boutique in Midland Park. This exclusive event is just for Orchard moms! Owned by local Ridgewood sisters, Miriam and Erica, LULU + BO offers a unique blend of luxury and boho style, featuring trendy women's apparel, stunning jewelry, and thoughtful gifts. Contact Amy Dishuk or Heather Madigan with questions.
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Extended through the 25th! Get a head start on holiday shopping with Charleston Wrap®. Shop and support the Orchard HSA while accomplishing all your gift-giving needs. Use organization #21610 when ordering. Online orders ship directly to the purchaser. Please contact Dana Jeong with any questions.
Book Fair
The Orchard Cafeteria has been transformed into a fabulous bookstore during our annual Fall Book Fair today and tomorrow. Please refer to the attached flyer for your child's specific shopping schedule and important details about the event, including instructions on how to set up their gift card.
Yearbooks and Memory Books
The Orchard Yearbook celebrates our entire school community, showcasing each grade level. Purchase your copy each spring for June delivery. Proceeds support our HSA. Please upload your pics to the grade level links all year long. For questions contact the yearbook committee.
The 5th Grade Memory Book is a special keepsake for our graduating class. It showcases photos from their time at Orchard and is a gift from the school, funded by 5th-grade fundraising efforts. Each 5th grader will receive a copy. The Memory Book Committee will soon share private photo album links with 5th-grade parents only.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FEATURED
Gratitude Corner:
Thank you to Jimena Chwe and Filomena Lepore Taylor for organizing a fun Turkey Trot for everyone, and to Ruya Kanar for organizing the much-appreciated teacher and staff coffee cart yesterday.
Looking Ahead:
11/19-11/20 - Book Fair
11/27 - Kindergarten Show
11/27 - Minimum Day
11/28-29 - School Closed
12/2-12/6 - Change Drive/Food Drive Week
12/6 - Pajama Day
12/5 - Third Grade Play
12/11 - Ladies Night Out
November 12, 2024
E-News
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy Tuesday!
Join us Thursday after CBA in the cafeteria for our monthly HSA Meeting. View the agenda, including a Zoom meeting link if needed.
November Superintendent’s Coffee: Please note that this week's Superintendent Coffee will be held at 6:00 p.m. instead of 7:00 p.m. Call-in details are on the Superintendent Coffees and Presentations page of the RPS website. Change in start time for November only.
Have you spotted the beautiful new windscreen along the field fence and kindergarten playground? Thank you to our HSA for keeping Orchard beautiful and safe!
How to report an absence or tardy
Counselor’s Corner:
The holiday season can be a whirlwind for kids! To keep them engaged and listening, consider these helpful tips from our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Rubin.
Orchard School Happenings:
Turkey Trot/Orchard Gives Back
Orchard School's annual Turkey Trot is happening this Friday, November 15th (during school hours). Join us for this fun, all-school event to support the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity. Students will jog laps to raise money using the Sponsor Pledge Form, and we need your help! Volunteer to coordinate "trot teams" and count laps. Money raised supports SSA gift card donations for families in need this Thanksgiving. All donations are due by Monday, November 25th.
Book Fair
Get ready for the Orchard Cafeteria to be transformed into a fabulous bookstore during our annual Fall Book Fair on Tuesday, November 19th, and Wednesday, November 20th. Please refer to the attached flyer for your child's specific shopping schedule and important details about the event, including instructions on how to set up their gift card.
Your participation is crucial to make this event a success for our students. We need volunteers to assist during the fair, as well as help with set-up and clean-up. Please sign up to volunteer.
Teachers’ Holiday Luncheon
Help us make this holiday season extra special for our teachers and staff at Orchard! The annual Holiday Luncheon is coming up on Friday, December 13th, and we need your support to make it a memorable event. Your donation will go towards a festive meal, beautiful decorations, and a thoughtful gift for every teacher and staff member. Let's show our appreciation for all they do. Volunteer sign-ups will be coming soon. Reach out to Michelle Macdonald or Bunny Cooper with any questions.
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Orders and payment are due tomorrow! Get a head start on holiday shopping with Charleston Wrap®. Shop and support the Orchard HSA while accomplishing all your gift-giving needs. Use organization #21610 when ordering. Online orders ship directly to the purchaser. Please contact Dana Jeong with any questions.
Cards for a Cause
We're thrilled to bring back the Cards for a Cause fundraiser to support our amazing 5th graders! Each beautiful collection boasts 30 individually wrapped cards for just $30, nestled inside a handy, reusable storage box. Choose from themed sets like All Occasions, Children's Birthday, Holiday, or even a Thanks & Blanks assortment – perfect for any situation! Stock up and support a great cause! Head over to the order link page for details and to place your order by November 15th. Don't forget to share the link with friends and family outside of Orchard – spreading the word helps us reach our goals faster! Here's the best part: over a third of the proceeds from each box go directly to funding fun activities for our students! You'll get beautiful cards at a great price while making a positive impact on our school community. Have questions? Contact Sarah Kline.
Yearbooks and Memory Books
The Orchard Yearbook celebrates our entire school community, showcasing each grade level. Purchase your copy each spring for June delivery. Proceeds support our HSA. Please upload your pics to the grade level links all year long. For questions contact the yearbook committee.
The 5th Grade Memory Book is a special keepsake for our graduating class. It showcases photos from their time at Orchard and is a gift from the school, funded by 5th-grade fundraising efforts. Each 5th grader will receive a copy. The Memory Book Committee will soon share private photo album links with 5th-grade parents only.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FEATURED
Gratitude Corner:
A big thank you to Shweta Dixit and Mugdha Mukherjee for a wonderful Diwali celebration last week!
Looking Ahead:
11/13 - Charleston Wrap orders due
11/14 - HSA Meeting
11/15 - Turkey Trot
11/15 - Cards for a Cause orders due
11/19-11/20 - Book Fair
11/20 - Curtain Up Performance
11/27 - Kindergarten Show
11/27 - Minimum Day
11/28-29 - School Closed
12/2-12/6 - Change Drive/Food Drive Week
12/6 - Pajama Day
12/5 - Third Grade Play
12/13 - Holiday Luncheon for Orchard
November 5, 2024
E-News
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy Election Day!
The theme of the month is empathy and self-acceptance.
My Heart, by Corinna Luyken, is available to read on our Storywalk by the big playground.
Remember we are off this Thursday and Friday in observance of the NJ Teacher’s Convention.
How to report an absence or tardy
Orchard School Happenings:
Turkey Trot/Orchard Gives Back
Orchard School's annual Turkey Trot is happening on Friday, November 15th (during school hours). Join us for this fun, all-school event to support the Social Service Association of Ridgewood and Vicinity. Students will jog laps to raise money using the Sponsor Pledge Form, and we need your help! Volunteer to coordinate "trot teams" and count laps. Money raised supports SSA gift card donations for families in need this Thanksgiving. All donations are due by November 27th.
Diwali
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with us tomorrow, November 6th for a colorful rangoli celebration outside the main entrance. Let's light up Orchard with joy! Parent volunteers and students will gather outside the front entrance to create a stunning rangoli. Volunteer for a day filled with color, culture, and community. If you have any questions please contact Shweta Dixit or Mugdha Mukherjee.
Book Fair
Get ready for the Orchard Cafeteria to be transformed into a fabulous bookstore during our annual Fall Book Fair on Tuesday, November 19th, and Wednesday, November 20th. Please refer to the attached flyer for your child's specific shopping schedule and important details about the event, including instructions on how to set up their gift card.
Your participation is crucial to make this event a success for our students. We need volunteers to assist during the fair, as well as help with set-up and clean-up. Please sign up to volunteer.
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
We have officially kicked off our holiday fundraising so you can get a head start on holiday shopping with Charleston Wrap® - offering over 2,500 gift ideas Shop and support the Orchard HSA while accomplishing all your gift-giving needs. Use organization #21610 when ordering. Online orders ship directly to the purchaser. Orders and payment are due 11/13. Please contact Dana Jeong at artistavit@gmail.com with any questions.
Cards for a Cause
We're thrilled to bring back Cards for a Cause, a fundraiser supporting our amazing 5th graders! Each beautiful collection boasts 30 individually wrapped cards for just $30, nestled inside a handy, reusable storage box. Choose from themed sets like All Occasions, Children's Birthday, Holiday, or even a Thanks & Blanks assortment – perfect for any situation! Stock up and support a great cause! Head over to the order link page for details and to place your order by November 15th. Don't forget to share the link with friends and family outside of Orchard – spreading the word helps us reach our goals faster! Here's the best part: over a third of the proceeds from each box go directly to funding fun activities for our students! You'll get beautiful cards at a great price while making a positive impact on our school community. Have questions? Contact Sarah Kline.
Yearbooks and Memory Books
The Orchard Yearbook celebrates our entire school community, showcasing each grade level. Purchase your copy each spring for June delivery. Proceeds support our HSA. Please upload your pics to the grade level links all year long. For questions contact the yearbook committee.
The 5th Grade Memory Book is a special keepsake for our graduating class. It showcases photos from their time at Orchard and is a gift from the school, funded by 5th-grade fundraising efforts. Each 5th grader will receive a copy. The Memory Book Committee will soon share private photo album links with 5th-grade parents only.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FEATURED
Looking Ahead:
11/5 - School Closed (Election Day)
11/6 - Diwali Celebration
11/7-11/8 - School Closed (NJEA Convention)
11/14 - HSA Meeting
11/15 - Turkey Trot
11/19-11/20 - Book Fair
11/27 - Kindergarten Show
11/27 - Minimum Day
11/28-29 - School Closed
12/2-12/6 - Change Drive/Food Drive Week
12/6 - Pajama Day
12/5 - Third Grade Play
October 29, 2024
E-News
Dear Orchard Families,
Happy Tuesday!
Halloween is just a few days away! Remember to let your child’s teacher know if your student will go home for lunch at noon on Halloween. We look forward to a beautiful afternoon parade at 2:30 on our field!
Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with us on November 6th for a colorful rangoli celebration outside the main entrance. Let's light up Orchard with joy! Parent volunteers and students will gather outside the front entrance to create a stunning rangoli. Volunteer for a day filled with color, culture, and community. If you have any questions please contact Shweta Dixit or Mugdha Mukherjee.
Parking
Please respect our Orchard neighbors. Don't block driveways, even partially. Be patient and wait for a parking spot. Thanks for your help!
How to report an absence or tardy
Orchard School Happenings:
Spirit Wear
If you purchased Spirit Wear, please come to the main office between 9-3:30 to pick it up.
Picture Make-up Day
Say Cheese! If your child was absent from school on picture day, you are brand new to Orchard School or you would like a new photo taken, please send your student to school camera ready on Monday, November 4th. If you are requesting a makeup, you must notify the main office.
Lost & Found
Reminder: Grab Your Gear! With the changing weather, it's easy to forget things. Please remember to take home your sweatshirts, jackets, and other belongings when you leave for the day. The lost & found bin is outside the MPR room.
On Halloween, there will be a Lost & Found table by the front entrance. Please check for missing items. Anything left behind will be donated after school.
Family Photos
Capture special family moments with a professional mini-photo session provided by Orchard mom, Stephanie Dulli, of Dulli Noted Photography. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot on November 2 and 3. All photos will be delivered by December 1, in time for holiday cards! This fifth-grade fundraiser will help fund exciting activities and events. Please contact Sarah Kline with questions.
Orchard Gives Back
Orchard School is partnering once again with the Social Service Association (SSA) of Ridgewood to help families in need this holiday season. Learn more about our initiatives and how you can get involved. We are excited to raise awareness about SSA and its mission within our community.
Meal Kit Bags
On November 4th, Mrs. Ferreri and the Orchard staff will assemble meal kit bags at SSA. Each grade is asked to donate a specific ingredient for the meal kits. The deadline is October 31st. Each meal kit will provide a family with all the ingredients and a recipe for Wagon Wheel Soup. Look for the recipe in the Virtual Backpack.
2024/2025 Orchard School Directory
Access has been turned on for the 2024/2025 Orchard Directory for families who have paid their annual HSA dues. If you have not yet paid and would like access, you can pay online. For $40 per family, you can support the HSA and gain access to the online school directory and other valuable benefits. Thank you for your patience!
Birthday Books
Don’t forget to order your child’s birthday book! This is a great way to recognize your child’s birthday, support Orchard School’s commitment to literacy, AND get your child excited to see their birthday book in the library year after year. Please note that orders are due by November 3rd. Birthday Books are $20 each. The money collected will be used to purchase a selection of books that will be held in the library. During the month of your child’s birthday, he or she will be invited to choose a book(s) from this selection. At that time, a bookplate with his or her name will be placed inside the book. Birthdays in July will be celebrated in January and birthdays in August will be celebrated in February (their “half birthday”). If your child’s birthday is in September or October, they will be able to choose their book as soon as the books become available. The children will have a chance to take their Birthday Book home and then it will be returned to the library where it can be checked out and enjoyed by students at Orchard for years to come! Use the Birthday Book Order Form to order. If you have any questions, contact Sarah Wodenshek.
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser
Get a head start on holiday shopping with Charleston Wrap® - offering over 2,500 gift ideas Shop and support the Orchard HSA while accomplishing all your gift-giving needs. Use organization #21610 when ordering. Online orders ship directly to the purchaser. Orders and payment are due 11/13. Please contact Dana Jeong with any questions.
Cards for a Cause
We're thrilled to bring back Cards for a Cause, a fundraiser supporting our amazing 5th graders! Each beautiful collection boasts 30 individually wrapped cards for just $30, nestled inside a handy, reusable storage box. Choose from themed sets like All Occasions, Children's Birthday, Holiday, or even a Thanks & Blanks assortment – perfect for any situation! Stock up and support a great cause! Head over to the order link page for details and to place your order by November 15th. Don't forget to share the link with friends and family outside of Orchard – spreading the word helps us reach our goals faster! Here's the best part: over a third of the proceeds from each box go directly to funding fun activities for our students! You'll get beautiful cards at a great price while making a positive impact on our school community. Have questions? Contact Sarah Kline.
Yearbooks and Memory Books
It's never too early to upload photos to our shared album for the 5th-grade Memory Book and Yearbook.
The Orchard Yearbook is a book that includes the entire orchard community and features each grade. The yearbook is available to purchase each spring and is delivered in June. Proceeds for this book cover a copy for teachers and supports the HSA. We ask parents to upload their children's memories at Orchard School, from 1st-day photos to field trips, plays, school activities, etc. You can upload your pics to the grade-level links all year long. For questions contact the yearbook committee.
The 5th Grade Memory Book is a special keepsake for our graduating class. It showcases photos from their time at Orchard and is a gift from the school, funded by 5th-grade fundraising efforts. Each 5th grader will receive a copy. The Memory Book Committee will soon share private photo album links with 5th-grade parents only.
TIPS TO GET YOUR CHILD’S PHOTOS FEATURED.
Looking Ahead:
10/31 - Halloween Parade
11/1 - School Closed (Diwali)
11/4 - Picture Day Makeups (for absent or new students)
11/5 - School Closed (Election Day)
11/7-11/8 - School Closed (NJEA Convention)
11/14 - HSA Meeting
11/15 - Turkey Trot
11/19-11/20 - Book Fair
11/27 - Kindergarten Show
11/27 - Minimum Day
11/28-29 - School Closed
12/2-12/6 - Change Drive/Food Drive Week
12/6 - Pajama Day
12/5 - Third Grade Play