Orange Hunt News We HOOT


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Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:  THANK YOU to the PTA for showing the staff a lot of LOVE today.  They staff is so appreciative for the generous snack and stink set up today!  Thank you for all that you do to make us feel special!


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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February - Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month

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From A to Z, Attendance is Key!

Let's empower our young learners with the gift of consistent school attendance. Together, we can unlock their full potential! See how you can encourage good attendance in elementary school: https://bit.ly/3TP2gdB #AttendTodayAchieveTomorrow #AttendanceMattersVA


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Upcoming Events

February 19 - No school (President Day)

February 23 - PTA Spelling Bee

February 27- Parent University @6pm

March 5 - No School due to Primary Election (Teacher Workday)


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

February

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. 

FBA/BIP Essentials for Families

Does your child have concerning behaviors at school? Did you know that there is a process to identify and support your child at school?

Join us to learn about the FBA and BIP process and how it is used in FCPS to support any student who experiences behavioral challenges.

  • Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process to determine the underlying cause or functions of a student’s behavior that impedes social, emotional, and academic learning.
  • Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is a plan that utilizes positive behavioral interventions and supports to address behaviors that interfere with learning.

Staff from the Office of Special Education Instruction, Office of Intervention and Prevention Services, and Office of Special Education Procedural Support will be presenting and sharing information.

February 29, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 p.m. or (only need to register for one as they will be the same) March 1, 2024 - 10-11 a.m.  Register for FBA/BIP Essentials for Families

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!

March 2, 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 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 

COMMUNITY EVENTS, RESOURCES & ACTIVITIES

Teens In Action 2024

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Service offers Teen in Action program, March 25-29 for rising 7th- 12th graders. FLYER Featured Opportunities:

  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Podcasting & Social Media
  • Field Trips
  • Sports, Recreation, Health, Fitness & Nutrition
  • Job, Education & Career Readiness
  • Music & Arts
  • Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Exploration

Fairfax County Parks Spring and Summer Camp Registration Opens January 23

Spring and Summer Camp Registration begins next Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 9 a.m.! Spots fill up fast! In preparation, FCPA is sharing the full listing of camps, as well as offering multiple ways to search and tools to use that will make enrolling easier. Learn more about the camps and how to register here.

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.