Orange Hunt News We HOOT

Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt this week:

Our students are thriving in their specials, where they explore PE, Art, German, Band, Strings, and Music. These classes give them opportunities to be creative, stay active, and develop new talents. Whether it’s mastering an instrument or expressing themselves through art, our students are always excited to learn. Each special helps enrich their education and provides valuable skills beyond the classroom.

Federal Impact Aid Survey - October 21st 

Please be sure to sign in your SIS ParentVUE account to complete this important survey.  

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is eligible for federal Impact Aid grants due to the federal presence in our area. The grants from these programs will become part of FCPS' general operating budget. They are critical to ensuring that students receive an excellent education. FCPS anticipates receiving approximately $4,000,000 in Impact Aid funds.

FCPS uses the survey for Federal Impact Aid to identify federally connected students. On October 21st, the survey will be made available to FCPS families. The survey is available online through ParentVue. Families without ParentVUE can request a paper copy of the survey from their child's school. FCPS staff will process the information with the utmost confidentiality. Any family who has not completed the survey online will receive a paper copy after November 12th.  PLEASE complete the survey online to help us save the paper!!! 

Click here to view the video on the Federal Impact Aid Survey. 

Attendance - Reporting Absences and Tardies

To report your child absent/tardy from school, please report absences through your SIS ParentVUE account, call, or email (reporting absences through Talking Points to the teacher is not official):

SIS ParentVUE: https://myparent.fcps.edu/login.xhtml

Attendance Line:  703-913-6868

Attendance Email:  OrangeHuntES.Attendance@fcps.edu or OrangeHuntElem.Attendance@fcps.edu

To learn more about the impact of regular school attendance, please visit:  https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/policies-regulations-and-notices/attendance-policies/absences-add/encouraging-school-0 .

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers. 

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services’ (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback. 

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus available. 

On Wednesday, October 16, all school cafeterias will participate in “X Marks the Tray.” Lucky students will find a sticker that has been placed randomly on the bottom of a hot entree container. This can be redeemed for our popular whole grain, reduced sugar sweet treat at the end of the lunch period. 

Encourage students to check their entree containers for a sticker after eating, and bring the container to staff at the cafeteria line by the end of the lunch period to receive their sweet treat. 

Bike Rider Safety

We have many students who ride their bikes to school. Bike rider students should be reminded to walk their bikes at dismissal to avoid crashing into pedestrians on the paths.

Yearbooks Now on Sale Yearbook now on sale! Use the link or QR code to purchase by December 31 for the early bird discount price of $16.00. Price increases to $20.00 on January 1, 2025. Buy the Orange Hunt Yearbook School ID Number: 724530

Military Service Band Members

CALLING ALL PARENTS WHO PLAY IN ONE OF THE MILITARY SERVICE BANDS!

If you are an Orange Hunt Elementary School parent who plays or played in one of the Military Service Bands, our Orange Hunt Band and Strings Programs could use your help!  We'd love to call on your musical expertise during the year for various musical volunteer opportunities!  Also, if you are available at ANY of the times that we are performing at the Veterans Day Celebration on Fri, Nov 8, we'd love to include you in any of the Band and Strings performances that day (We perform at 9:45-10:00; 11:45-12:00, and 1:45-2:00.) 

Completing this google form will provide our Instrumental Music teachers with a contact list of our Military Musicians:

Click here to be added to the Military Musician Roster. 

Our Band Director, Mrs. Fraedrich (ewfraedrich@fcps.edu) will be contacting you!

Veteran Volunteer Sign up

Veteran Band Volunteers sign up

Art Station Volunteer Sign up for ALL Parents

Click this link to register for book club!  Click here to order your book. 

Spirit Days Friday, October 18: Orange Hunt, Orange and Blue day  Thursday, October 31: Story Book Character Day (no masks)

Early Release Monday's for Orange Hunt 12:30

October 21

November 18

February 10

March 10

April 21

May 12

Lost and Found

Please label your child's backpacks, lunchboxes, and coats/jackets. Items with names that are turned into the Lost and Found will be returned to the student's classroom!  

The Lost and Found may be checked on school days between 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please check in at the main office and our staff will be happy to escort you to the Lost and Found. Students may check at any time during the school day with permission from their teacher.  

Lost and Found items will be donated to a local charity at the end of each grading quarter. The end of the quarter is quickly approaching!

Lost and found items will be bagged and donated on November 6th! 

Immunization Clinics 

Does your child need school-required immunizations? If so, please check out the options below.

Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on: 

• Monday, October 28, 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic . 

PTA Events & Activities

For the safety and enjoyment of all, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Visit the Orange Hunt PTA website for all sponsored events and activity information and registrations.

Everyone is welcome to join in this wonderful German tradition! Sign up by October 23rd to receive lantern supplies. We are also looking for volunteers and donations. Please visit: https://orangehuntpta.membershiptoolkit.com/laternenfest

For the safety and enjoyment of all, students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Pyramid Challenge Fun Run Pyramid Challenge, 11/16 from 10-12:30   This is a FREE fun run open to all students from the elementary schools in the West Springfield High School pyramid. The run takes place at Washington Irving Middle School. Race length and start times vary by student grade. Registration closes on October 15th. https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Springfield/WestSpringfieldPyramidChallenge

Family Liaison Corner

Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics

Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics.

During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day.

Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.

October 18, 2024, 10-11:30 A.M.

Register Online 

Veterans Day Celebration – November 8

OHES Veterans Day Celebration is a much-anticipated event with our Owls.  It’s an opportunity to recognize the Military Veterans (Active Duty, Reservists, & Veterans) within our own community.  Our celebration is an interactive event where classes rotate between four “stations”:  Career, Bootcamp, Music Performance, & Art Station.  This event’s success depends on our volunteers.  Please read the descriptions below to find the right station to volunteer.  There is one station that is open to ALL parents. Please refer to the schedule below if you would like to volunteer during your student’s session.  Thank you for your support!

Grade Rotation Schedule 9-9:45 am: 5th grade 10- 10:45 am: 6th grade  11-11:45 am: 4th grade & K (Lacich & Ryan) 12-12:45 pm: 2nd grade & K (Trinh & Gray) 1-1:45 pm: 1st grade 2-2:45 pm: 3rd grade *Art Zone*:  This is a new volunteer station open to all parents.  Join Ms. Kieffer in assisting students in creating their Veterans Day craft.  Click here to sign up for Art Volunteers *Military Band*:  Another new Veteran Volunteering opportunity.  If you are an Orange Hunt Elementary School parent who plays or played in one of the Military Service Bands, our Orange Hunt Band and Strings Programs could use your help!  We'd love to call on your musical expertise during the year for various musical volunteer opportunities!  Also, if you are available at ANY of the times that we are performing at the Veterans Day Celebration on Fri, Nov 8, we'd love to include you in any of the Band and Strings performances that day (We perform at 9:45-10:00; 11:45-12:00, and 1:45-2:00.)  Click here to sign up for Veteran Band Volunteers

Military Career:  The Veteran Volunteer will tell their group of kids two truths & one lie about your military career while you are/were in service.  The students will attempt to guess the lie & your occupation.  Veterans should be prepared to talk for 2-3 minutes.  Click here for Military Career Volunteer Boot Camp:  Military Volunteers will be assisting the PE team in welcoming students.  One volunteer will briefly explain the importance of physical fitness in the military.  The most important part of this job is to cheer on the students while they go through the obstacle course.  High-fives are encouraged. Click here for Boot Camp Volunteer For any questions or concerns please contact Anne-Marie Balmaceda acbalmaceda@fcps.edu

Parent Book Club – November 21^st, 5:30-7pm – Room 109 - Yardsticks by Chip Wood Orange Hunt Elementary is excited to announce our first Parent Book Club.  The first book selection is Yardsticks by Chip Wood.  You are encouraged to read the book before the meeting.  Engage with Ms. Tuttle, Ms. Mathews, & fellow OHES parents as discuss student’s social & academic behavior.  Click here to register OHES PARENT BOOK CLUB.  Click here to purchase your copy of Yardsticks by Chip Wood.

Contact Ann Marie Balmaceda, our Family Liaison Orange Hunt ES for help.  acbalmaceda@fcps.edu

Outstanding Employee Awards Help us recognize the outstanding employees at Orange Hunt! Outstanding Employee Awards nominations will be open beginning October 18th and end on November 1st. Nominations are accepted for the following roles: Outstanding Teacher Outstanding New Teacher Outstanding Principal (principal only) Outstanding Leader (includes APs) Outstanding Professional Employee Outstanding Operational Employee Please follow the link to nominate beginning October 18th.

Upcoming Events October 18 - PTA sponsored Fall Festival (6-8 must have an adult to attend) October 21 - Three-hour early release - students dismiss at 12:30 October 31 - Two-hour early release - students dismiss at 1:30  November 1 - Student Holiday November 21 - Make-up Picture Day (more information to follow later)

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

6820 Sydenstricker Road, Springfield, VA 22152 | Phone: 703.913.6800

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