Orchard View Schools District Information

July 5, 2023

Dear Orchard View Community, Staff, and Students,

I am happy to introduce and welcome Mr. Tom Hamilton back as the newest member of our Orchard View Administrative Team. Mr. Hamilton was formerly the principal at Orchard View Early Elementary and has recently joined us as Assistant Superintendent in charge of curriculum, State and Federal Grants, and assessment. I couldn't be more excited to have him on board once again.

As a dedicated educational leader with a wealth of experience, Mr. Hamilton brings a deep understanding of curriculum and a passion for creating meaningful and joyful learning experiences for students. His expertise and commitment to academic excellence make him an invaluable addition to our team and the ideal candidate to assume the responsibilities of the position. He will take over the responsibilities of outgoing Assistant Superintendent Simeon Frang who recently accepted a position in a neighboring district. We are extremely fortunate and thankful  that Mr. Frang will be working closely with Mr. Hamilton to create a transition that we expect to be as seamless as possible this summer.

In his role as Assistant Superintendent,  Mr. Hamilton will play a crucial part in shaping the educational journey of our students. He will work closely with our leadership team and our talented educators to support a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that caters to the needs of Orchard View Students. With Mr. Hamilton's guidance, we are confident that our curriculum will evolve to meet these goals and go well beyond, providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Mr. Hamilton's leadership and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly benefit our entire Orchard View community. His dedication to building strong relationships with teachers, parents, and community members will continue to strengthen our bonds and enable us to work together in nurturing our students' growth and development. Although his office will be located in the Orchard View Central Office, you will undoubtedly see him out and about in all buildings, during the school day, at athletic events and other community events this Fall and throughout the school  year. 

I encourage you to join me in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Hamilton and take the opportunity to get to know him better as he re-acquaints himself with our community. We believe that with your support and partnership, we can create an educational environment that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and excellence not only today but for years to come.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Tom Hamilton to Orchard View Schools. We are excited about the positive impact he will make and the positive opportunities he will create for our students.

Jim Nielsen, Superintendent

It’s A Great Day to be a Cardinal!

Dear Students, Families, and Community Members,

As the Superintendent of Orchard View Schools, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for all your support and dedication throughout the academic year. It has been a year filled with remarkable achievements, growth, and countless memorable moments.

Now that we have reached the end of another successful year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you for a truly wonderful summer. This is a time to relax, rejuvenate, and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

To our exceptional students, I want to applaud your hard work, determination, and resilience throughout the year. You have shown remarkable progress and have consistently risen to new challenges. Your thirst for knowledge and passion for learning have been truly inspiring. As you embark on this well-deserved break, I encourage you to explore new horizons, pursue your passions, and embrace opportunities for personal growth.

To the families who have been unwavering pillars of support, thank you for your continuous involvement in your child's education. Your commitment to their success and well-being has played an invaluable role in our shared achievements. As the summer unfolds, I hope you have the opportunity to bond, create cherished memories, and relish the joys of family time.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated educators, administrators, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to provide an enriching and safe learning environment. Your unwavering dedication to our students and commitment to excellence have made Orchard View a shining beacon of educational success. Your well-deserved break is a chance to recharge, reflect, and prepare for the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to our wonderful community for its continuous support and collaboration. Your partnership has been instrumental in fostering an environment where our students can thrive, and your involvement has strengthened the bonds between our schools and the community. Together, we have created a nurturing educational ecosystem that sets the foundation for lifelong success.

As we bid farewell to this academic year, let us embrace the summer with open hearts and open minds. May the sunshine and warmth fill our days with joy, laughter, and endless possibilities. Take this opportunity to explore new interests, embark on exciting adventures, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, education is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Learning happens everywhere, and the world is your classroom. Whether you're traveling, volunteering, reading, or engaging in creative endeavors, seize the opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive impact.

Stay safe, stay curious, and stay connected. We eagerly await your return in the coming school year, filled with new adventures, fresh ideas, and endless possibilities.

Sincerely,

Jim Nielsen

It’s a Great Day to be a Cardinal!

April 13, 2023

Dear Orchard View Staff, Students and Community,

Last night, spectators at our home track meet reported sighting a person with what appeared to be a handgun. Muskegon Township Police and Orchard View Administration are actively investigating the reports of a handgun being shown to a group of people at the track meet. If a student is found to have been involved, that student will not be allowed on any Orchard View properties pending completion of the investigation. If the investigation shows an Orchard View student possessed a handgun, that student will be subject to disciplinary action including up to a permanent expulsion from the district.

Safety of staff, students, and community members is always a top priority of Orchard View Schools, which is why additional police officers were present at our High School this morning. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we plan to share information with the community once the investigation is complete.

Sincerely,

Jim Nielsen, Superintendent

March 29, 2023

Dear Staff and Community, 

This afternoon a staff member reported a weapon being found at the Innovative Learning Center. The building went into lockdown and Muskegon Township Police Officers responded. At the time this was reported, a K9 handler was conducting training in the building. The weapon was quickly discovered to be an inoperable training revolver used to train K9’s and the lockdown was lifted.   

At no time was anyone in immediate danger. Our staff and learners responded exactly as we have practiced for lockdown drills. Student and staff safety is always our number one priority.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 760-1300 or jim.nielsen@orchardview.org. 

Sincerely,

Jim Nielsen, Superintendent

Please read the attached letter from our Superintendent regarding an incident at the OVMS today.  Have that important conversation with your students and let's all work to keep our school and community safe.

Feb 8, 2023 OVMS Safety Incident

Please review this important letter from our Superintendent regarding online safety and monitoring.  

Feb 7 2023 Safety Letter from Supt J Nielsen - Online Threats and Consequences

Please read the attached complete letter from Superintendent Nielsen regarding drinking water safety in our schools.

 Water Quality Program at Orchard View Schools

To our Orchard View Community:

Please read the attached letter which explains the millage proposal which will be on the ballot at the November 8, 2022 election. 

Millage Proposal Info Letter