Orange Hunt News We HOOT

butterflies

Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt this week:

Our second-grade students had a great learning opportunity to become citizen scientists and contribute to the preservation of monarch butterflies. They eagerly observed the life cycle of these beautiful insects, from tiny eggs to vibrant caterpillars, and finally, to stunning butterflies. The students were filled with excitement and wonder as they witnessed each stage of the metamorphosis. When the time came, they gently released the butterflies into the wild, feeling a sense of accomplishment and joy.


Outstanding Employee Awards - DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL November 11th!!!! 

Help us recognize the outstanding employees at Orange Hunt!

Outstanding Employee Awards nominations will be open beginning October 18th and end on November 11th. 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.  


Federal Impact Aid Survey - DUE NOW

Complete your survey - click here

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, schools will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Friday, November 22.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

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


Language Arts Curriculum

Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.

This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.

We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!


Literacy Resources for Families Webpage

A new Literacy Resources for Families webpage has been published to the external web to provide families with information about how to support their children with developing literacy knowledge and skills at home. It provides valuable information about the reading and writing resources to be used at home, the VALLSS, Reading Plans, guidance for Parent Teacher Conferences, and training available through the Family Academy. 


Attendance - Reporting Absences and Tardies

To report your child absent/tardy from school, please report absences through your SIS ParentVUE account, call 703-913-6868, or email  OrangeHuntES.Attendance@fcps.edu (reporting absences through Talking Points to the teacher is not official)

Click here to learn more about the impact of regular school attendance. 


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Square 1 Art Fundraiser - Check Your Child's Tuesday Folder!

It’s time to order your unique keepsakes with your child’s artwork. This week and next, students will be bringing home their artwork along with an order form.

Simply search for your child's art using the QR code or access code that’s displayed on the back of your child’s form at square1art.com/shop

Order by Deadline:  11/20/2024 

*Free shipping on all orders if placed by 11/20/24

Upload additional art if you like, using Art Upload!

Your support makes this fundraiser a success. If you have any questions, please contact Art Teacher-Maureen Kieffer- mekieffer@fcps.edu or Square 1 Art (details on flyer.)


sick

Tis the season…for flu, strep, covid…and pneumonia. Fairfax is seeing an increase in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, so if your child is sick (cough, congestion, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue) consider requesting the nasal swab in addition to chest xrays-this testing will ensure appropriate antibiotic therapy-see here.

Wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and properly dispose of all tissues in the garbage-if you have any additional questions, please reach to our School Nurse, Kimber Tritten, katritten@fcps.edu.


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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


Recycling Challenge

Orange Hunt will get a NEW bench made from recycle plastic, but we need YOUR help! We need 1000 lbs of plastic to get our TREX bench.

Plastic must be clean and dry.  

•Plastic grocery bags
•Amazon bags
•Cereal box bags
•Bread bags
•Ziploc bags
•Bubble wrap
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Click this link to register for book club! 

 

Click here to order your book. 


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Spirit Days

Friday, November 8th: Wear Red, White and Blue


Counselor's Corner

5 Ways to De-Escalate a Nuclear Meltdown & Stop the Shame Cycle: A Webinar for Families

Plans go awry, your child gets disappointed or doesn’t get their way. They begin getting upset. Rational talk doesn’t work. Nothing does. Now your child is in full meltdown mode and doesn’t hold back. What do you do?

Calm Parenting Podcast founder, Kirk Martin will show you:

  • How to calm kids with big emotions.
  • Exactly what to say in the moment and how.
  • Why intensity is critical and why to avoid eye contact.
  • How to stop the cycle of shame and embarrassment.

November 11, 2024, 10-11:30 a.m.

Register online here


Family Liaison Corner

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.  The Art Station 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! Veteran Band Volunteers sign up

*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

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

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PTA Events & Activities

OHES Upcoming Events and Deadlines  

NOVEMBER

  • Thursday, November 14h: Laternenfest 6:30 p.m.

Meet at the main entrance of the school

The German tradition of Laternenfest honors the soldier Martin, who is remembered for his good deeds and compassion towards others. Children of the elementary school age walk along the streets holding colorful, often self-made lanterns, sing songs, and share treats.

  • Saturday, November 16th: Pyramid Challenge (10-12:30)

This event is all about igniting a passion for running among our K-6 students and bringing our community together in a celebration of athleticism and teamwork.

 📆 Date: Saturday, November 16th 🕑 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM 📍 Location: Irving Middle School

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.


Upcoming Events

 

November 11 - No School - Veterans Day

November 18- Three Hour early release 12:30

November 21 - Make-up Picture Day (more information to follow later)

November 27-29 - No School Thanksgiving break


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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