Orange Hunt News We Hoot!
03/10/2026

Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:

Check out our 6th graders taking on staff in the annual 6th Grade vs. Staff Volleyball Game! The gym was filled with energy, laughter, and a little friendly competition as students and staff showed off their skills. It was a fantastic way to build school spirit and create lasting memories together.


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.


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.  

  • March 18
  • April 22
  • May 13

Spring SOL Testing Dates

Please avoid scheduling appointments and travel on testing days. 

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

Date                                   Subject                                                   Grade 

Tuesday, March 17       Integrated Reading & Writing                  5th grade only

Thursday, April 30        Reading                                                     3,4,5,and 6

Tuesday, May 5             Math                                                           3,4,5,and 6

                                                                             (adv. math for 5th & 6th 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. 


2026 Special Education Family Conference

Stronger Together: Connecting Families & Schools, has been rescheduled to Saturday, April 18, 2026. This in-person event will offer opening sessions for all participants in the morning and choice breakout sessions.  This no-cost, in-person event is hosted by Fairfax County Public Schools in collaboration with a host of internal and external community partners. Families will have the opportunity to hear a keynote address from internationally renowned educator and advocate, Dr. Shelley Moore, connect to resources, and participate in afternoon sessions. 

Location: George C. Marshall High School                   7731 Leesburg Pike                                 Falls Church, VA  22043

Time: 8:30am to 3:30pm

Click here to register and provide your contact information, request for childcare, special accommodations, and language interpretation needs.

Additional information is available on the  FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage.


Deadline to order Yearbooks is April 24th - no exceptions

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www.buytheyearbook.com 

School ID: 730467


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


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Spirit Day:

Friday, 3/13:  Orange and Blue Day


calendar

Upcoming Events

2/18 - 3/19: Ramadan

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)


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


team

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.


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