The Orchard School

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We're so grateful for our Community Building Sponsors, C.H. Douglas & Gray Wealth Management and The Orchard School. Thank you for your support!

Headed to Rock the Ruins at Holliday Park - Indy Parks and Recreation on June 13 to see Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue with special guest Tank and the Bangas?

A portion of beverage sales throughout the evening will support Orchard students and programs, meaning your night out will also help support hands-on learning, progressive education, and the Orchard experience our students enjoy every day.

We’re grateful to Rock the Ruins for partnering with Orchard and helping give back to our school community while enjoying a great night of music under the summer sky.

TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4nU1rzG

Join us Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 PM at Orchard as we celebrate this year’s Heritage Award recipients.

Each year, Orchard recognizes individuals who embody our mission through their impact on our community.


Gordon H Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award: Ruthie Linsmith ’54
A lifelong member of the Orchard community, Ruthie has been a steady and passionate force for decades. From helping shape the Alumni Heritage Association to staying deeply involved today, her impact spans generations.

Distinguished Friend Award: Sue Lerchen
For more than 50 years, Sue has given her time, talent, and leadership to Orchard, from the classroom to fundraising and governance, helping shape the school in lasting ways.

Distinguished Alumnus Alumna Award: Katie Dillon ’98
Katie’s commitment shows up across the community through teaching, volunteering, and leadership, along with her continued support of Orchard and its broader community.

Bruce A Chalker ’65 Distinguished Volunteer Award: Megan Van Valer
Through roles like PA president and auction chair, Megan’s leadership has strengthened systems and set a new standard for volunteer engagement.

Exemplar of Excellence Award: Justin Burris
As a teacher, coach, and athletic director, Justin has built programs defined by excellence, character, and consistency, with an impact felt across campus.

Distinguished G.O.L.D Award: Ben Karazim ’22
Ben has turned his passion for music into a thriving DJ business while remaining a proud Orchard ambassador and active member of the community.

Julie Wingate Service to Students Award: Myra Haase
With more than 30 years at Orchard, Myra has supported students across classrooms and learning support, helping create a community where every child feels seen and valued.

Read more at orchard.org/awards

Roller skating is one of those Orchard traditions that students look forward to every year. For some, it’s their first time on skates. For others, it’s a chance to build on what they already know. Either way, it’s always a fun and memorable part of time in the gym.

Beyond the fun, it’s also doing a lot behind the scenes. Skating builds balance, coordination, and muscle strength, while also giving students the chance to take risks, stick with something new, and grow their confidence along the way.

There are plenty of wobbly starts, a few falls, and a lot of proud moments as students find their footing and keep going. It’s all part of the process and part of what makes it such a lasting Orchard experience.

More to come on skating at Orchard in the next Owl Magazine!

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After 38 years of dedicated service to The Orchard School, Jamie Jackson will retire at the end of this school year. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate Jamie and all she has given to the Orchard community at a retirement reception on Tuesday, May 12 at 4 PM in the Dignity Center. This gathering is open to all. Please note that alcohol will be served.

🚨WE’RE MAKING A CHANGE🚨
With campus quiet after a week of spring break, we’ve had some time to think about fresh starts here at Orchard.

After thoughtful consideration, we’re excited to share that The Orchard School will officially return to a previous name: Orchard Country Day School




Just kidding. April Fools. :)

However, this actually did happen!

For a couple decades, we were called Orchard Country Day School. At the time, we were getting a steady stream of mail and calls meant for Orchard Park Elementary School, which, funny enough, was established around the same time we moved into our current campus in the mid 1950s.

As both schools grew, the mix ups did not stop. So Head of School Gordon Thompson added Orchard “Country” to the name. Yes, it helped us show up before Orchard “Park” in the phone book, but the real reason was simple. We were tired of sorting through someone else’s mail and messages. Ha!

In fact, it got to the point where we would let it pile up, then call them and say, “We’re on our way with a delivery.” 😂

While we are NOT changing our name, are there any of you out there who remember your time at Orchard Country Day School?

And a quick nod to Orchard Park Elementary, which served its community for decades before closing in 2021. 💚

#flashbackfriday to Orchard in the 90s 🦉 . . We figured it was time for us to jump in on this trend. Let us know if you see yourself anywhere or any 90s Owls you know!

🥞🥞🥞 What a great morning at Orchard’s Annual Pancake Breakfast. It may have been a little chilly, but the sun came out and so did our community. Thank you to everyone who joined us for pancakes, music, and time together on campus. Seeing alumni, current families, students, and friends gathered around the tables is what makes this tradition so special.

A big thank you to the Orchard Alumni Heritage Association for hosting the morning and to Orchard alumni Scott Gould ’97 and Ben Karazim ’22 (DJ BK) for providing the music that kept the morning lively.

We will be sharing more from the day soon, including how the breakfast helps support The Orchard Woods Remnant Forest Protection Initiative and The Woods We Love.

Current families, please check the Observer later to see more photos from the morning.