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Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:
Our school is home to an incredible group of talented artists. We are proud to showcase the outstanding student artwork featured in the Pyamind Show. The creativity and skill on display are truly impressive, and we are thrilled that our students had the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work and artistic achievements.
Student Device Collection
All FCPS student devices will be collected prior to the end of the school year for inventory and repair over the summer in preparation for the 2026-27 school year. Collection will take place during the school day on Monday, June 15. All devices will be scanned into our system upon return, and you will receive a return receipt to your child’s FCPS Gmail account.
Students participating in ESY or an FCPS sponsored summer program that requires an FCPS device will take their current FCPS/OHES issued device and power supply home with them on the last day of school. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting the student’s FCPS device to their respective ESY/FCPS summer program location. All FCPS/OHES issued devices will need to be returned by the parent/guardian to OHES no later than Monday, August 3.
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Drive Thru Dinner for Military Families
Every Wednesday in May. May 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.
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New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cell phone possession and use, in order to align FCPS’ cell phone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, cell phones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as airpods, earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day – thus, no cell phones from bell to bell. High school students will no longer be able to use cell phones and personal devices during lunch time. More details are available on FCPS’ Cell Phone Policy webpage.
Kindergarten Registration 2026-27
There’s an easy process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility. Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- 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.
Family Fun at WSHS
The West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society is excited to invite you and your children to our upcoming Tri-An-Instrument Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at West Springfield High School (Door 4)!
This fun, hands-on event gives children the opportunity to:
- Try different instruments from band and orchestra
- Explore singing and choir activities
- Learn about the art of music in an engaging and welcoming environment
- Meet student musicians from WSHS
Whether your child is already interested in music or simply curious to explore something new, this is a great chance to discover the joy of making music!
📍 Location: West Springfield High School – Door 4 (Orchestra Room) 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
We hope to see many families from our community there for a morning of music, creativity, and fun!
Best, West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society
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.

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.
Spirit Day:
Friday 5/15: OHES Spirit Wear or blue/orange
Upcoming Events
5/15: Springfest Around the World (PTA Event)
5/25: Memorial Day - school closed
5/26: Teacher Workday - no school for students
5/27: Eid al-Adha - school closed
6/17: Last day of school Early release
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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
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Want To Be Involved?
Visit the Orange Hunt PTA website for all sponsored events and activities.
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