Dear OPES Family,

As another school year quickly comes to a close, we should take a moment to reflect on the many ways we have worked together to make our school great and our students successful. Our first major accomplishment of the year was Boosterthon in October. Together, we raised over $35,000! These funds were then spent in various ways throughout the year in the form of Teacher Grants & Supplies for the Classroom, the Administration's School Literacy Initiative, Teacher Luncheons, Teacher Appreciation Week, funding for OPES Clubs such as Vex Robotics, Chess Club, Safety Patrol and Watchdogs. We also used those funds towards Related Arts Supplies, School Beautification, One School One Book, Family Fun Nights and the upcoming 5th grade Graduation Ceremony.

It wasn't just about the funds raised, however. In August, we kicked off the school year by meeting the wonderful teachers and staff. September boasted Family Recess Night. The students ran their hearts out and had a great time doing it in October for the Boosterthon Fun Run. We designed the day away when Nailed IT DIY Studio opened their doors in November in support of OPES Spirit Day! Soarin' Sounds gave a wonderful performance in December for all in attendance. In January, we read Nim's Island and enjoyed an activity-filled evening for One School One Book. We boogied the night away with our children at the Winter Wonderland dance in February. In March, we banded together to get the Fort Mill School District Bond Referendum passed. Our Spring Book fair ended with a Family Movie Night screening of Wonder and Charlotte-based Food Trucks in April. Finally, in May, we will wrap up the year with the Kindergarten Open House for our rising class of 2031, while simultaneously celebrating our 5th graders as they graduate to middle school. I can't think of a better way to end the year then honoring what is to come for all of these amazing students.

Of course, all of this would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of your PTO, Committee Chairs and the many parent volunteers we have had throughout this journey. We believe that everyone should be allowed an opportunity to experience the joys of PTO and for that reason, our current PTO will not be running for next year's positions. We hope you will take a moment to consider the roles you can play or continue to play at Orchard Park next year, whether that be a volunteer, Committee Chair or PTO representative. If you are interested, please click the "About" tab and click "PTO." There you will find a list of descriptions pertaining to each role and a contact email.

Thank you for all you have done and continue to do in support of Orchard Park Elementary School. We hope you enjoyed this year as much as we did!

**Every year, we look forward to presenting our hard-working custodial staff with a monetary gift to thank them for all that they do at OPES. If you would like to donate towards the end of year gift, you can place cash or a check in an envelope in your child's folder addressed to OPES PTO OR you can click here to make an online donation. Thank you for all that you do in support of our school!**

Upcoming Events

5/15- Kindergarten Open House. Parents and Rising Kindergarteners are encourage to attend the open house at 3 pm or 5:30 pm.

5/21 & 5/22- Field Day! Look for more information from your student's teacher.

5/24- 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony. This will be held at 8:30 am. More details to come!

*School Store is open every Wednesday! Begins at 7:10 am and goes until school starts for the day! We will also be selling Spirit Wear!! Come out and see us!*

CLUB NEWS:

* Vex Robotics Club is in need of a Parent Helper for next year. Ms. Price, our Technology teacher, will lead the club. Please click here to email Ms. Price, if interested.

SPIRIT ROCK INFORMATION:

To reserve the Spirit Rock, you MUST create an account and sign-in.

Once you are signed in, simply click the top menu tab labeled "Fundraisers" and then click the "Spirit Rock" subsection.
Payment must be submitted at time of sign-up for the rock to confirm your reservation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us here.

*Please also note that the administration at Orchard Park Elementary does not currently manage the rock, so please do not call the Main Office with questions.*

SPIRIT WEAR

The last Friday of each month is Spirit Day. Show your school pride by wearing your Spirit Wear or school colors! Spirit Wear can be purchased on select days. Order forms will go home in your student's communication folder or you can download the form by clicking here. At this time, spirit wear cannot be purchased online, but we are working on creating that option.