Orange Hunt News We Hoot!

Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:

Congratulations!
Orange Hunt Elementary School has been named this year’s Lunch Heroes, and it’s easy to see why! Our cafeteria team is truly outstanding, going above and beyond each day to create a welcoming, caring environment while serving delicious meals with pride and excellence. Their teamwork, positivity, and dedication shine in everything they do, making a meaningful difference for our students every single day.

A heartfelt thank you to the students who created cards and coloring sheets to show their appreciation. Your thoughtful gestures added an extra touch of joy and helped celebrate this incredible team in a very special way!


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Drive Thru Dinner for Military Families

Every Wednesday in May. May 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Drive thru style - you stay in your car, and we will bring the meal to your car.

Each pickup includes: *a hot, kid-friendly dinner for a family of four (larger family? just let us know when you arrive), *an identical portion pre-packaged to save for another busy night, *an ingredient list. 

RSVP here to help us plan but drive ups are always welcome! Also see this week's menu.  


SOL Testing

The Spring SOL testing dates for Orange Hunt are as follows:

Date                                   Subject                                                   Grade 

Thursday, May 14             Science                                               5th grade only

**Note: Make-up tests will be given throughout the testing window for students who are absent on the day of the school testing.


Kindergarten Registration 2026-27

There’s an easy process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. Identify your local school. 
  2. Gather documents. 
  3. Fill out forms. 
  4. Schedule an appointment.

Enrolling parent is required to attend the in-person appointment. Once completed the student will be ready for Kindergarten introductory events that Orange Hunt will host.

Please share with families you may know that have a child who will turn 5 on or before September 30, 2026!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Anne-Marie Balmaceda at acbalmaceda@fcps.edu or 703-913-6800.


Arrival Safety

For the safety of all students, please note that the playground is not supervised in the morning. If students choose to play, they must be directly supervised by an adult; otherwise, they should wait by a designated entrance (Door 3, 4, 6, or 8). We have had students seriously injured in the past, and more recently had community incidents involving a helicopter and wildlife on our field, which highlight the real safety risks. Staff supervision begins at 8:20 a.m. when doors open for arrival. We appreciate your partnership in ensuring students remain safe by waiting with them until supervision begins.


Do Your Children Know Your Phone Number? 

Children should memorize at least one parent’s phone number, full name, and home address by age four or five. This crucial safety skill helps kids contact parents or authorities if they are lost, separated, or in an emergency. Teaching this information prepares them for unexpected situations and fosters independence. 

We are seeing a surprising number of older students who do not know at least one parent/guardian telephone number. Even with cell phones readily available, it is very important for children to memorize at least one telephone number in case of an emergency. 


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OHES Springfest Around the World

Join us to celebrate the rich cultural diversity in our OHES community!  Friday, May 15, 5:30 - 8:00 pm.

No tickets or entry fee required

Enjoy dinner from local food trucks, tour around the world with tables hosted by our community, watch demonstrations from cultural groups including Ukrainian and Vietnamese dance and Taekwondo, a performance from our own Kinderchor, and join our parade in your own cultural dress.

We are looking for volunteers, table hosts, and good music! 

Sign up here.


Early Release Wednesdays 

Our final 3-hour early release day this school year will be on May 13th.


Spirit Day:

Friday 5/8: OHES Spirit Wear or blue/orange 


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Upcoming Events

5/13: Three-hour early release 

5/14: Science SOL, Grades:  5 

5/15: Springfest Around the World (PTA Event)


We need YOU! PTA president position open

We are in need of a PTA president for a one-year assignment. Please email Ellen Dreyer for questions!  WE NEED YOU!  


PTA News & Events 

Check out the PTA website for information on all activities. 

Looking for Orange Hunt Spirit Wear check out the PTA website for a great collection

Orange Hunt Elementary PTA - OHES PTA Blog


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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.