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Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:
Our 5th grade strings students are hard at work, building their skills and confidence with every note they play. Through focused practice and teamwork, they are learning the value of dedication, collaboration, and musical expression. We are proud of their growth and can’t wait to see (and hear!) their continued progress.
RAPTOR: NEW VISITOR CHECK-IN SYSTEM Live Now
Welcome to Raptor! Please download the RaptorSafe App to your mobile phone so that you can quickly sign-in as a visitor or volunteer to OHES. Look for these signs to scan the QR code or search for Raptor Safe in your mobile phone app store. You do not need a school code when completing registration.
While you may still use your government issued IDs, the Mobile App is quick and easy - and the preferred method for most visitors.
The new Raptor system replaces the old ScholarChip and is faster and more efficient.
The OHES office staff will be happy to assist you in getting sign-in to the new system should you have any questions.
We are excited to begin using the new RaptorSafe system to keep our building safe knowing who is visiting.
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February is Black History Month
This month we will share information about some lesser-known Black historical figures.
Mrs. Gladys West was an American mathematician known for her work contributing to the development of the GPS that we all use today!
Mrs. West was born (Gladys Mae Brown) in Virginia in 1930 where her family owned a small farm. As valedictorian of her high school graduating class, Ms. West received a full scholarship to what is now Virginia State University, earning both a Bachelor's and Masters of Science in Mathematics.
In 1956 Brown was hired as a mathematician by the U.S. Naval Proving Ground (later the Naval Surface Warfare Center), a weapons laboratory in Dahlgren, Virginia, as only their fourth Black employee. Learn more about Mrs. West's impressive and important career here. Mrs. West passed away at the age of 95 in January 2026 in Alexandria, Virginia.
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.
Orange Hunt Drama Club presents ...
Click HEREfor FREE Tickets!
News from the Registrar - Consent to Exchange Confidential Student Information
Please send all requested for student records, teacher evaluations for students such as Vanderbilts or private school recommendation requests to the school registrar, Anne-Marie Balmaceda at acbalmaceda@fcps.edu . Teachers are unable to complete these requests unless the Consent to Exchange Confidential Student Information form has been completed. This form should be sent to Mrs. Balmaceda as well. Please be sure to include the fax number and/or the email address of the agency/individual whom the form is to be sent under the "Contact Information" section.
Please note that all information will be sent directly to the individual/agency and will not be given directly to the parent/guardian.
Deadline to order Yearbooks is April 24th - no exceptions
www.buytheyearbook.com
School ID: 730467
Early Release Wednesdays
Our lists of students staying for childcare hardship have been finalized. Parents may not opt-in to staying any longer as we have set our staffing needs based on family responses. Parents can opt to have their children leave at 12:30 p.m. by calling the school prior to the next early release day – doing so will change your status for ALL the remaining early release days.
For students staying after 12:30 p.m., please limit picking your child up early between 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. to appointments only.
As a reminder, the following is a list of the remaining early release days this school year. Students are provided a lunch break prior to dismissal.
FCPS Offers Take-Home Meal Kits for Fasting Students during Ramadan
FCPS is offering take-home meal kits from Wednesday, February 18 to Thursday, March 19, 2026 to support students who are fasting during the school day.
Thanks to a program from the Virginia Department of Education, students can now take healthy school meal kits home at the end of the day. These kits are designed to be eaten later that day and include both breakfast and lunch.
How to Sign Up
Families must fill out a meal kit request form on the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) website for each student, every week. Because these meals are prepared fresh, we cannot accept late requests. Please check Important Dates and Forms below for weekly deadlines.
Sign up and more information here.
Month of the Military Child Purple Up! Spirit Wear
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day!
This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military.
FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Spirit Wear Store (for families): https://www.customink.com/s/fcps-purple-up-spirit-wear-store
These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS!
For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.
You Can't Pour from an Empty Cup: Tips for Self-Care- Kinship Series
Friday, February 27, 2026, from 10-11:30am
Join licensed clinical social worker and kinship caregiver Dr. Monique Lilakos to learn more about stress management and self-care.
Register here
Spirit Day:
Friday, 2/27: Orange Hunt spirit wear or Orange & Blue
Upcoming Events
2/18 - 3/19: Ramadan
3/4: Spring Picture & Class Photo Day
3/18: Three-hour early release
3/20: School Holiday (Nowruz - Persian New Year)
3/27: Two-hour early release. ALL STUDENTS will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. and school-sponsored childcare hardship is not available for this day.
3/30-4/6: Spring Break (3/30-4/3) and Teacher Workday (4/6)
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PTA News & Events
Check out the PTA website for information on all activities (link below).
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Happy New Year, and welcome back, Owl famlies!
Now that we're back into the swing of things, here's what's going on this week with your PTA:
* Spots Still Open for After-School Clubs
* More Calendar Dates to Add to Your Crammed Calendars
Visit the PTA website for all the exciting things our wonderful PTA has to offer!
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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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