Orange Hunt News We HOOT


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Kindergarten Registration! 

Attention Class of 2038!  It is that time of the year for kindergarten registration!  If your child meets the age requirements and you are in Orange Hunt boundaries you may start the registration process.

NEW FCPS PARENTS have the option of filling out their application online:  online registration   When registering, parents/caregivers will create SIS ParentVUE account. CURRENT FCPS PARENTS can download the Kindergarten form bundle.  You have the option of emailing your completed form bundle or bringing in your printed copies to your registration appointment. Click Kindergarten Bundle, scroll to “Enrollment Forms (Kindergarten)” & click “File”. When you have all your forms completed, click here to schedule an in-person appointment.  Any questions?  Contact Anne-Marie Balmaceda acbalmaceda@fcps.edu. 


Orange Hunt Owls Fun Run Fundraiser

We're excited to introduce an exciting fundraiser, the Orange Hunt Owl Fun Run. Our goal is to raise $35,000 for school beautification and and instructional resources for STEM to benefit ALL students at Orange Hunt ES.

We’re excited for this fundraising experience because it offers 3 important things to our school community:

     1️⃣ User-friendly fundraising platform

     2️⃣ Character enrichment program

     3️⃣ Fitness-focused event that includes ALL of our students

As a family, you will work together asking friends and family to donate on your student’s donation page at MyBooster.com. The best part is, you can still support our school just by SHARING about the fundraiser!

Students will also experience an amazing character enrichment program called “Castle Quest”, teaching students about how to be brave and live with character.

Key Dates to Remember:

💻 Sign up online at MyBooster.com – began on 02/20/2025

🎉 Fundraiser Kickoff in school – 03/06/2025

👟 Event Day – 03/14/2025

FUN RUN schedule

Outside Event – Please come join us, watch and cheer on your child.  The event will be held rain or shine.  If the weather or field is not safe we will hold the event in the gym.  Unfortunately, if we have to move it inside, we will not be able to have parents come and watch.  We will let you know if here are any changes.  If you want to help out see the link below.

9:00- 10:00 – Grades K-2 

10:00- 11:00 – Grades 3-4

11:00- 12:00 – Grades 5-6

Parent volunteers needed!  Click here to volunteer.  

 

More details to come! Follow our social pages for updates on our fundraiser.


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Attendance Matters - Even Tardiness

We are seeing an increase in the number of students with unexcused tardies. Some effects of being late to school include:

  • Distracting other students
  • Impeding learning
  • Eroding class morale
  • Missing out on important learning
  • Embarrassment
  • Disrupting the learning of the rest of the class
  • Receiving fewer hours of instruction 
  • Establishing bad punctuality habits
  • Developing the notion that tardiness is acceptable behavior
  • Negatively impacting future work ethic and employment opportunities

Our school hours are 8:45 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Students are expected to be in their classrooms, ready to learn at 8:45 a.m.  


Interest in Hosting an International Exchange Student?

If you have ever wondered about hosting an international exchange student you may be interested in learning more at Greenheart Exchange. Greenheart has students from Germany and many other countries who are interested in being matched with a host family.  For more information you can also reach out to the Regional Director, Greenheart Exchange, Audra Murray

Greenheart Exchange is not affiliated with FCPS. 


Read Across America Week

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Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may want to attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.


No Cell Phone/Smart Watches Policy

Just a reminder that students may not use their cell phones / smart watches during school hours.  Devices should either be in "airplane" mode or turned off during the hours of 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Students should not be texting their parents and/or friends during the school day.  We ask that parents also not text or call their child during the school day.

In case of illness, students need to be seen in the health room and the health room aide or public health nurse will call you if your child needs to be taken home. 

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the main office at 703-913-6800 who will send your message to your child

Review FCPS policy by grade level here


Counselor's Corner

Supporting Students' Social Emotional Learning

The fifth annual International SEL Day is March 3, 2025, kicking off SEL Week through March 7!  Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) improves well-being and academic outcomes, builds positive communities, and provides children with the necessary skills to excel in today’s workforce. SEL is made up of five areas of knowledge and skill: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, relationship skills and social awareness. These skills are important for collaboration and perspective taking. They also help students manage their feelings, address challenges, and reach their goals. (CASEL, 2020). Parents teach SEL every day to their children. By sharing your own emotions and strengths and talking with your child about theirs you are developing SEL skills. Practicing deep breathing, taking a break or using other strategies that help you when you are feeling frustrated or angry is another great way to teach. You even build skills in yourself and your child when you talk about how someone else is feeling, or show empathy in your everyday interactions. When you check in with friends or family, offer to help someone in need, or kindly handle a disagreement, your child is learning ways to build healthy relationships with others. Play a game to practice turn-taking, talk about goals you are working towards or a strength you recognize in your child to foster SEL at home.


FCPS Trust Policy

The School Board voted to adopt the Trust Policy on April 28, 2022, affirming our commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. This policy aligns Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) policy with Fairfax County Government's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. This policy ensures that students and families can access the division’s benefits and services without fear of information being disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials.

To review the FCPS Trust Policy, please click here


Spring School Picture Day - March 7th

We are excited to announce that Victor O'Neill Studios will soon be at Orange Hunt Elementary School for Spring Picture Day and Class photos.

What to Expect on Spring Picture Day

  • We anticipate photographing all students.
  • Multiple photos will be provided for each student.
  • Students should arrive in the clothes that you want them to be photographed in - please do not bring clothes to school for your child to change into as this disrupts the school day and may cause delays in getting all of our nearly 900 students and 37 classes photographed.
  • Please arrive on time to school and try to avoid early dismissals as your child will not be included in the class photo if they are not present at the time the photo is taken. 
  • Class photo scheduled times will not be published because they are subject to change.

What to Expect After Portrait Day 

  • Approximately ten days after picture day parents will have the option to order online. We will be pleased to offer free shipping during a two week period once images are online
  • Victor O’Neill Studios will notify your school when images are ready to be viewed. 
  •  Please feel free to direct questions regarding picture day or online ordering to our office at the following email: Underclass@vosphoto.com
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Notes from the Health Room

During the winter months, students may experience dry skin and/or chapped lips. Students may bring to school and carry non-prescription lotion and ChapStick for these symptoms.  

Please remind your child that if they are feeling unwell in any way, they should ask to go to the health room. Students should not contact their parents through personal cell phones/smart watches to be picked up when they are feeling sick - the health room will call you if necessary.  

If your student is absent due to illness, please leave a detailed message on the attendance line about their illness including any diagnosis (Flu, Strep, Pneumonia, etc.) OR symptoms: Fever (include if they have a sore throat and/or cough), Allergy symptoms, Upset Stomach (please include if the student has been vomiting or has diarrhea), Headache, etc. Our Nurse uses this information to track illnesses across grades. Any questions? Email our school nurse, Kimber Tritten, at katritten@fcps.edu.


Spirit Days

Check out The "SEL"ebration of Reading Spirit Week information in this edition for upcoming spirit days!  

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Yearbooks Now on Sale

Yearbooks are on sale now! Use the link or QR code to purchase a book for only $20.00. 

Buy the Orange Hunt Yearbook

School ID Number: 724530

 

NOTE: Yearbooks will not be on sale at the school - preorder your book now.  

 


WSHS Staff vs Students Basketball Game

Will you cheer for the students or will you cheer for the staff? Either way, please join us for the WSHS Staff vs. Students Basketball Game on March 4th at 7pm! Admission is free for everyone, and we invite you to bring your family and friends to watch the game and enjoy a thrilling halftime entertainment show. 


Summer Camps

Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.


PTA Corner

OHES Upcoming Events and Deadlines

    • Science Fair - Registration is open!
    • Staff Appreciations Week: Donate now
    • Spring Club Registration
    • 6th Grade Party
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Community Resources 

Visit the Orange Hunt PTA website for all sponsored events and activity information and registrations. So many wonderful things are planned! 

Staff Appreciation Week is coming!

Please consider donating to Staff Appreciation Week.  OHES celebrates staff appreciation week April 7-11 (right before spring break).  Your donations determine what types of events and goodies we can provide to the staff. In the past we have had lunches, ice cream trucks, t-shirts, and more!

Donate through the PTA website. 

Note: you must be logged in to donate. 


Upcoming Events

February 28-March 29 - Ramadan 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflecting and community.  

March 6 - Boosterthon Kick Off Event

March 7 - Spring Picture Day

March 14 - FUN RUN

March 10 - Three (3) Hour Early Release 


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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.