Orange Hunt News We HOOT


Parent U

Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:  We had a wonderful evening of learning at our first Parent University last week.  Thank you to all who were able to attend.


Parent University

Do not worry if you were not able to attend our Parent University last week.  We have another date and will run the same sessions to parents who would like to attend this learning.

Parent University is a chance to learn from some of our Orange Hunt Staff experts. Please join us on February 27th @6:00 pm.  Here is the sign up to let us know you are coming!

Here is the link if you want to sign up for babysitting for school aged kids.

We hope to see you there!


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YEARBOOK ORDER

Orange Hunt Yearbooks are on sale now. The cost is $15.00 for the basic yearbook until 1/1/2024 when the price increases to $20.00.  You can place your order here: Lifetouch Yearbook Order


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WEST SPRINGIELD HS DANCE CAMP 1/17/24 and 1/18/24

BASKETBALL PERFORMANCE!

Learn a hip hop dance routine and perform with the West Springfield High School Dance Team at halftime at a WSHS Varsity Basketball game! Dancers will receive a Dance Team t-shirt for the performance.

Who: Girls and Boys Grades K-8

Dates: January 17 and 18, 2024

Times: 5:30 – 8:30 both days

Location: WSHS Cafeteria

Halftime Performance: 1/18 7:30 pm

Cost: Pre-Registration by Jan 15 $75

Registration after Jan 15 $85

Checks made out to WSHS

Boosters. Cash also accepted

Registration Form

Please bring with you a signed emergency care form.

What to Bring: snacks, water bottle

What to Wear: comfortable clothing, dance shoes or sneakers

Attire for halftime performance: WSDT shirt and black pants, sneakers

For questions: contact westspringfielddanceteam@fcps.edu

Sponsored by the WSHS Boosters


Dual Language Immersion Registration

All rising kindergarten and first grade students who live in Fairfax County may enter a lottery to participate in Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs. In DLI programs, students are learning elementary content in two languages with students spending half of the day learning in either language. English Language Arts and Social Studies are taught in English. Math, Science, Health, and Target Language Arts are taught in another language. FCPS offers DLI programs in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Online lottery application begins on January 22nd at 9 a.m. A SIS account is required to complete the application. If a student is not currently enrolled in FCPS, registration at the base school is required. FCPS does not provide transportation for students who live outside the attendance area of the DLI school. A one-time fee of $100 must be paid upon acceptance of an out-of-boundary placement (see Notice 5922). 

Orange Hunt ES will host an information session led by World Language office  on January 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. 

For more information including program sites and information sessions, please visit: https://www.fcps.edu/registration/dual-language-immersion-programs-registration


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Join Our Team

Orange Hunt ES is looking for one additional person to serve our school community. 

We are looking for a Dining Assistant for the rest of the 2024 school year.  We know this is a big job and are looking to create a team to help our students in the cafeteria.  This is a paid position.  The more people we can get the more flexibility we have when creating the schedule. 

Lunches run from 10:15pm - 2:00pm Monday thru Friday.  Please contact Ann Prentice at aiprentice@fcps.edu  if you are interested.


Upcoming Events

January 15 - No school (Martin Luther King Day)

January 24 - Immersion Night for Lottery information 6pm

January 25 - 2 hour Early Release (1:30pm)

January 26 - Teacher Workday (No school for Students)

February 9 -  PTA Dance a Thon

February 14 - PTA Spelling Bee

February 19 - No school (President Day)

February 27- Parent University @6pm


FCPS Cares!

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Orange Hunt ES. We love our OHES staff members, let's tell them how we feel!


FCPS Parent Resource Section

Computer CORE offers free, online, basic computer skills classes to adults 18 and over in Virginia.  Classes are taught online over Zoom for three 10-week terms per year: Winter (Jan-Mar), Spring (Apr-June) and Fall (Sept-Nov). The next classes will begin January 8th, 2024. https://www.computercore.org/

The Transition from Elementary to Middle School and from Middle School to High School for Twice Exceptional (2e) students

Transitioning into middle and high school can be challenging for many children and their families, especially for twice-exceptional students.

Join Dr. Nonye Oladimeji, FCPS Educational Specialist for AAP twice exceptional (2e) children, as she shares ideas for families and schools on how to ease the transition for students.

Webinar Highlights:

  • Learn about the tools and strategies to help your child navigate this period of change successfully.
  • Learn about how to help your child establish and maintain a strong support system.
  • Learn how to help your student balance the increased academic responsibility while trying to expand their horizons into clubs and extracurricular activities.
  • Learn how parents and families can stay involved and keep the lines of communication open.

January 12, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.  Register for The Transition from Elementary to Middle School and from Middle School to High School for Twice Exceptional (2e) students

SIBSHOPS: An Exciting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs!  The Sibshop workshops are for children in grades 2-6 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have siblings with special needs to:

  • Meet other siblings in a relaxed setting.
  • Celebrate the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
  • Share sibling experiences and receive peer support.
  • Play games and have fun!

January 20, 2024, 9 a.m.- noon at Providence Community Center

Presented by FCPS School Social Work Services. Register for: SIBSHOPS: An Exicting, In-person Workshop for Brothers and Sisters of Children with Special Needs! 

February

Meet the Author Series: Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky

Looking for research-based advice for families on how to raise their children to be well-rounded and achieve their full potential, helping them learn to take on life's challenges, communicate well with others, and remain committed to learning? These are the "essential life skills" that Ellen Galinsky has spent her career pursuing.

The good news is that there are simple everyday things that all families can do to build these skills in their children for today and for the future. They don't cost money, and it's never too late to begin.

February 2, 2024, 10-11 a.m.  Register for Meet the Author Series: Mind in The Making with Ellen Galinsky

Behavior Solution Series for Elementary and Secondary Families

Join staff from the FCPS Behavior Intervention Services Department to help families encourage positive communication and behavior at home.

Elementary Webinars

2/16 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication 

  • Embark on a collaborative parenting journey while we guide you through practical tips that can be used in your home.

3/15 Taming Tantrums and More

  • Parents, ever had a moment when things feel like a big puzzle and you just need the right pieces? We will share strategies to help when your child’s behavior feels like a rollercoaster. Learn how to turn meltdowns into moments that make you go 'ta-da!'

Secondary Webinars

4/19 Proactive Strategies for Effective Communication  

  • We will equip you with strategies for navigating the teen years. Uncover the secrets to fostering open communication, building trust, and transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

5/31 Taming the Teenaged Brain 

  • Navigate the rollercoaster of teenage emotions with our training on behavior strategies, tailored to support you at home during those challenging adolescent years. We will provide practical insights and proven techniques to foster understanding and communication with your teenager.

Register for all or part of the Behavior Solution Series for Families

How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help

Disappointing grades are not always a fair indication of how hard your child is trying, how much they’re learning, or what their potential for success is later on in life (especially for those with ADHD and other learning differences).

On the surface, disappointing grades represent a failure at school. But there’s usually a lot more to it and many emotions for parents and students at stake!

Webinar Highlights:

  • What to do if your child comes home with bad grades (and how to prevent over-reacting)
  • How to talk to your child about their school performance, including some easy conversation starters
  • Ways to investigate why it’s happening and the two most common reasons for poor grades
  • What to do about it moving forward, including strategies to help your child study more effectively and stay organized
  • Whether you should set consequences for your child’s bad grades (or reward them for good grades)

Join Ann Dolin, educator, author, and Educational Connections Founder for new strategies to tackle these sticky situations while preserving your relationship with your child. 

February 23, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.  Register for How to Handle Disappointing Grades: Ways to Uncover the Reasons Behind Your Child’s School Performance and How to Help

MILITARY RESOURCES

Are you new to OHES?  Military family?  German Immersion family?  Please contact Anne-Marie Balmaceda for any assistance with school transitions.  acbalmaceda@fcps.edu


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Your Partners In Education

We are in this together!!  We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with your family this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. Please contact us when there is a question or concern. Thank you for your support and being part of our team!

Your Partner Principals,

Karen Tuttle                     kmtuttle@fcps.edu

Kate Austin                      kbaustin@fcps.edu

Heather Mathews            HMMathews@fcps.edu

Want To Be Involved?

Visit the Orange Hunt PTA website for all sponsored events and activities.