The Orchard 'View'

Back Row: Hazel Grant, Gracelyn Smith, Flora McMillan, Gabe Orcutt, Olive Babyar, Hannah Durst, Owen Rhodes, Asher Piper, Leo Bauer, Crew Davies, Virat Nallapati

Front Row: Olivia Saul, Grace Sinclair, Winnie Sands, Jordy Jessie, Finley Aquino, Piper Orzechowski, Kendall Pugh, Margot Grode, Connor Cade

• Nov 9: Early Release (1:45pm dismissal)
• Nov 11: School Field Trip to Griffins Game!
• Nov 25-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School
• Dec 1: OV PTO Meeting @7pm

On Monday of this week, Mrs. White's fifth-grade classroom, students were enthusiastically engaged in a Jeopardy-style review game, working in teams to prepare for their upcoming Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) assessment.

Students are currently studying Unit 2: Early American Civilizations—Maya, Aztec, and Inca, where they have been learning about the rich histories, cultures, governments, and accomplishments of these remarkable civilizations.

What was most fascinating wasn't simply the excitement in the classroom, but the level of thinking students were demonstrating. These weren't simple questions requiring students to recall a name or date. Students were being challenged to explain the conflicts within the Inca royal family, examine the rise and fall of powerful empires, and demonstrate their understanding of how the Maya used mathematics in everyday life.

Working collaboratively, students discussed possible answers, drew upon their knowledge from the unit, and made decisions as a team. The excitement was contagious, but even more impressive was the academic language and critical thinking students were using as they defended their responses!

Another wonderful part of this experience was the collaboration happening among our teachers. Mrs. White learned about the interactive game platform Velo from our third-grade teacher, Mrs. Green, who shared how the software could make learning and reviewing more engaging. Mrs. White took that idea and brought it into her own classroom!

At our school, teachers are learning from one another, students learning from one another, and classrooms where rigorous academic learning and joy go hand in hand.

A big thank-you to Mrs. White and Mrs. Green for reminding us that learning can be both challenging and incredibly fun!

Our fifth graders are diving into Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Launch's Matter: Properties and Reactions unit, where students are exploring the properties of matter, investigating mixtures, and discovering how substances interact to create chemical reactions.

In Mrs. Kennis's STEM classroom, students were fully engaged in hands-on scientific investigations! Working collaboratively, they explored what happens when different substances are combined. Students investigated everyday materials such as cooking oil, sand, salt, baking soda, water, and vinegar. Before conducting their investigations, students made predictions about whether mixing two substances would create something new. They then observed the results and recorded their findings.

In this classroom, students are given the opportunity to think and work like scientists! They weren't simply following directions. They were asking questions, making predictions, discussing their observations, and using evidence to determine whether a physical change or chemical reaction had occurred.

Students also explored real-world examples of chemical reactions, including what happens when muffins bake in an oven, connecting scientific concepts to experiences students encounter in their everyday lives!

Through Project Lead the Way, students are developing important STEM skills, including critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning. More importantly, they are learning that science isn't just something we read about in a textbook. It is something we can investigate, question, and discover!

A special shout-out to Mrs. Kennis, our STEM instructor and a fantastic addition to the Orchard View family! There is enthusiasm for science, engaging lessons, and commitment to hands-on learning in our STEAM classroom - such opportunities create meaningful opportunities for our students to explore, wonder, and discover.

In Mrs. Westgate's classroom, students are immersed in Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Unit 3: Ancient Greek Civilization, where they are learning about one of the world's most influential ancient civilizations. Through engaging read-alouds, rich discussions, and opportunities to explore informational texts, students are discovering how the ancient Greeks lived, governed, and contributed to the world we know today.

In 2nd grade, students are learning about the Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta, exploring their differences and examining how people lived in these two very different societies. Students are engaged in thinking about history, making connections, and building their understanding of concepts such as democracy, leadership, and citizenship.

Mrs. Westgate's has extended learning beyond the CKLA curriculum by gathering a collection of books with the help of Mrs. Hancart about Ancient Greece, giving students additional opportunities to explore Greek mythology, architecture, history, and culture. These resources allow students to dig deeper into topics that spark their curiosity and discover even more about what they are learning.

Mrs. Westgate also created a visual chart highlighting important aspects of Ancient Greek civilization, including jobs, religion, city-states, leaders, and contributions. These visuals help students organize their thinking, make connections across lessons, and build the background knowledge that is so important for reading comprehension.

In CKLA, students aren't simply learning to read; they are reading and listening to learn about the world! By building knowledge across subjects, students develop the vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and background knowledge that will support them as readers and learners for years to come.

Mrs. Westgate has created a rich learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is celebrated, and students are given opportunities to explore beyond the curriculum.

Hand 2 Hand is a non-profit organization who partners with area churches. Together, they provide meals during the weekend.

The organization recognizes that weekends may be some of the more difficult times for families who rely on school meals.

Scan the QR code to learn more about this organization and to sign up.

Earliest Drop-Off: 8:25am, students wait outside with Staff

(Students should not be dropped off before 8:25)

Doors Open: 8:35 am

School Begins: 8:45 am

School Dismisses: 3:45 pm

Half-Day Dismissal: 11:55 am

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 13, from 6:00–7:30 PM for a night of delicious food, friendly competition, and community fun!

Have a world-famous chili recipe or a dessert everyone raves about? We want YOU to enter our Chili Cook-Off & Bake-Off! Not a cook or baker? No problem! Recruit your friends or family to enter, and come enjoy a night of great food and even better company.

Here's how to join the fun: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945A5A628A3FE3-61002997-chili

Come Hungry! Bring the whole family for just $5 per person to sample all the chili and desserts entered in the competition. Your chili tasting comes with a bag of chips and a drink, too!

Be a Judge! For just $5 more per person, you can cast your vote for your favorite chili and dessert. The top three vote-getters in EACH category will win a prize!

Lend a Hand! Can't enter the competition? We'd love your help! Sign up to help with setup, teardown at the end of the night, or run our Hawk Spirit Wear table.

Make It a Family Night! Enjoy an affordable dinner, sample some amazing homemade chili and treats, cheer on our talented cooks and bakers, and spend time connecting with other Orchard View families!

When: Friday, November 13 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Where: Orchard View Elementary Cafeteria
Entrance: West doors in the bus parking lot

Whether you're cooking, baking, judging, volunteering, or simply coming to eat, there's a place for everyone!

Let's make this a fun night for our Orchard View community. We can't wait to see you there!

Sign up to enter, volunteer, or join the fun!

Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

20 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

NOVEMBER 19–21, 2026

Thursday, November 19 – 7:00 PM

Friday, November 20 – 7:00 PM

Saturday, November 21 – 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Purchase tickets at FHFAC.Ludus.com

OR stop by the box office

Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM

Don't miss this high-energy show filled with music, dancing, and Wildcat spirit!