Check out what is happening at Orange Hunt:

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.

Summer STEM at OHES

Join us for a week of engineering fun this summer as we learn about building bridges (Current 1^st and 2^nd graders) or mag-lev systems (Current 3^rd through 5^th graders).

8:30-1:15 Monday through Friday

Session 1: Jul 27- Jul 31

Session 2: Aug 3-Aug 7

Run by your some of your favorite OHES teachers! No cost for families.

Link to register (deadline June 5^th)

For any questions, email wsgibson1@fcps.edu and jkdellen1@fcps.edu

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.

Rising 7th Grade Required Immunization

A minimum of 4 properly space doses. A child must have at least one dose of DTaP or DTP vaccine on or after the fourth birthday. DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is required for children who are medically exempt from the pertussis containing vaccine (DTaP or DTP). Adult Td is required for children 7 years of age and older who do not meet the minimum requirements for tetanus and diphtheria. A booster dose of Tdap vaccine is required for all children entering the 7th grade.

Effective July 1, 2021, a minimum of 2 doses of MenACWY vaccine. The first dose should be administered prior to entering 7th grade. The final dose should be administered prior to entering 12th grade.

Effective July 1, 2021, a complete series of 2 doses of HPV vaccine is required for students entering the 7th grade. The first dose shall be administered before the child enters the 7th grade. After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents or guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

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.

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.

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. 

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!