|
Check out what is happening here at Orange Hunt: Students are enjoying time with their new classmates at lunch and recess! It has been wonderful to see so many smiles, new connections, and friendships already beginning to grow.
Students in Action! From day one, our students are building strong classroom communities while learning routines, connecting with one another, and developing the skills that will set them up for a fantastic school year!
Dear Families,
We are off to a wonderful start! It has been such a joy to welcome our students back and begin what we know will be a happy and successful year. From the very first day, our staff and students have been focused on building strong classroom communities, which are the foundation for all we do at Orange Hunt. Together, we are creating spaces where children feel safe, valued, and confident enough to take risks, make mistakes, persevere, and ultimately succeed as readers, writers, mathematicians, musicians, artists, problem-solvers, and friends.
An important part of that success is our partnership with you. Families know their children best, and we value the insight, perspective, and support you bring to our school community. Open and respectful communication between home and school helps us provide the very best experience for each child. As we navigate the year together, we hope we can approach one another with grace, compassion, and a shared commitment to our students. Please never hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher, counselors, or to us with questions, concerns, ideas, or celebrations. We truly want to hear from you.
During the beginning of the school year, we intentionally focus on several areas that strengthen students' connection, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Building Relationships
Orange Hunt follows the Responsive Classroom approach, a student-centered approach to social, emotional, and academic learning designed to create safe, joyful, and engaging school communities. At the beginning of the year, our teachers and staff place a significant emphasis on getting to know students and helping them build relationships with one another. You may notice that the first days of school include lessons focused on community building and connection before students dive deeply into complex math, reading, and other academic work. This is intentional. We believe investing time in relationships at the beginning of the year creates the foundation students need to learn, collaborate, take risks, and thrive throughout the year. We often remind ourselves: "Go slow now, to go fast later."
Morning Meetings
Morning Meeting is an important part of how we begin each day. It provides students with a consistent opportunity to connect with their classmates and teachers, strengthen their sense of belonging, and prepare for a successful day of learning. Students and teachers gather for approximately twenty to thirty minutes and participate in four purposeful components: Greeting, Sharing, Group Activity, and Morning Message. These experiences help students practice important communication and social skills while building the relationships that support both academic and personal growth.
School Routines
We take the same thoughtful approach to establishing routines. During the first weeks of school, teachers intentionally teach, model, and practice the routines that help students become successful and increasingly independent learners. This includes everything from using and organizing school supplies to navigating transitions, collaborating with classmates, solving problems, asking for help, and working independently. While these routines may seem simple, explicitly teaching and practicing them gives students the confidence and tools they need to take greater ownership of their learning. These growing skills can support independence both at school and at home.
As we begin this year together, thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such an important part of their educational experience. We look forward to celebrating their successes, working together through challenges, and continuing to build a school community where every child feels known, valued, challenged, and supported.
Here's to a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and joy!
Together, your partners,
Karen Tuttle, Kate Austin, and Heather Mathews
Kiss & Ride Registration
We are rolling out Kiss & Ride numbers. All families who will utilize OHES Kiss & Ride need to register here. New placards will be distributed to students in their Tuesday folders. Please follow the Kiss & Ride rules ensure the safety of all students.
You can use the Kiss & Ride even if you have not received your placard. We will call your child' name.
Important Note:
In the morning please do not park in the lot if you are using Kiss& Ride. We have limited spaces for staff and need the spots to be open for them. They need to get in the building to welcome students.
In the afternoon, we encourage you to use the Kiss & Ride line. If you are parking and walking to the neighborhood your student should not report to Kiss & Ride but Door 4 or 6 to meet you. Please communicate with your teacher the routine of how your child will go home.
|
Digital Resource Consent
In order to make sure your child has access to digital FCPS resources that a teacher may choose to use in class, please take a moment to review the Digital Resource Consent Form. If you have any questions about how a program might be used in your child’s classroom, please reach out to their teacher. More information about FCPS’ vision for intentional technology use can be found on the Educational Technology in FCPS website.
Updates to Technology in School
The Virginia legislature has passed a law updating what personal electronics are permitted in school. Starting this year, students must turn off and place in backpacks all personal electronics, including cell phones, smart watches, laptops, and wireless headphones. Students may not wear these items during the school day in the building.
|
Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) Updates
New Universal Grade Matrices for FamiliesFamilies are encouraged to review the updated FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document, which explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses in order to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment.
Updates for the 2026-27 school year include new Universal Grade Matrices (UGMs). UGMs are charts that show behavior expectations and school responses by grade level (K-3, 4-8, and 9-12). These at-a-glance resources (in Appendix D of the SR&R) are designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how schools respond to different types of behavior concerns.
Visit the SR&R webpage for more information and to review additional updates to the SR&R for the 2026-27 school year.
New Family Liaison
Welcome Our New Family Liaison, Meena Baluch!
We are excited to welcome Meena Baluch to Orange Hunt Elementary School as our Family Liaison!
Meena has lived in the United States for 14 years and brings four years of experience working with a nonprofit organization, where she helped families connect with and navigate the school system. She is passionate about helping families feel welcomed, informed, and connected to their school community.
As our Family Liaison, Meena will serve as a bridge between families, our school, and the community. She can help families navigate FCPS, connect with teachers and school staff, learn about school programs and events, access community resources, and find opportunities to become more involved in their child’s education.
Meena is excited to get to know our Orange Hunt families and support them throughout the school year. We encourage families to connect with Meena whenever they have questions, need support, or are looking for resources. She is here to help make Orange Hunt a welcoming and connected community for every family.
Family Liaison Email: mbaluch@fcps.edu
Phone: 703-913-6807
Upcoming Events.
September 4- Student Holiday
September 7- Student Holiday
September 9- Back To School Night
September 21 - Student Holiday (Yom Kippur)
September 30 - 3- Hour Early Release at 12:30pm
|
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
|
Your Partners In Education
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family this school year. Our commitment is to provide every child with a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment where they can grow and thrive.
Please know that we are always here to listen, answer questions, and address concerns. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our Orange Hunt team. Together, we can make this a wonderful year for every child!
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.
|
