Your weekly digest
11/9/2026 3:30 pm
Hello, Monday. So we meet again. Kids' fall sports are wrapping up (cue the celebration music!) The temperatures are dropping (again, cue the music!) and things are feeling cozy.
We have a few things this week —🏮🕯️Laternenfest, the 🏃🏽➡️Pyramid Challenge and 💙Veteran's Day.
To those who serve, and their families who sacrifice so much—we thank you all for everything that you do.
With that, lots to read up on...
TL;DR
- Veterans Day Volunteers Needed This Wednesday
- Fill the Van @ Pyramid Challenge - Food and Clothing Donations Needed
- Lost and Found is OVERFLOWING
- 🦉Whoooo Needs Some OHES Spirit Wear?
- Save the Date - Bingo & Craft Fair December 2nd
- Don't Miss Our Washington Commanders' Kids In Command Game 🏈
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Veterans Day Volunteers Needed This Wednesday

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Orange Hunt Elementary School
Save the date! Orange Hunt Elementary School will be hosting our Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Our team is currently planning another fun-filled day for our students. To make this event successful, we will need help from our community.
During the day, we will have four stations: Boot Camp, Launch Pad, Art and Performance Zone. Please sign up to volunteer if you are interested.
1: Boot Camp:
Volunteers at this station will help the PE team welcome students and briefly explain the importance of physical fitness in the military. The best part? Cheering students on as they tackle the obstacle course! As you can imagine, this is a popular activity with OHES students.
2: Launch Pad Station:
Soda Straw Rockets – Help students explore the science of rocketry in this fun, hands-on STEM activity! Volunteers will guide students as they launch paper rockets using plastic soda straws and explore STEM concepts related to rockets and spaceflight. Volunteers will help keep the station running smoothly, encourage students to experiment with different rocket designs and launch techniques, and connect the excitement of launching rockets to the science behind how they work.
3: Art Station:
This Veterans Day volunteer opportunity is open to ALL our OHES parents/guardians. Join Ms. Kieffer & Ms. Mahon help our students as they create a Veterans Day craft. Parents/guardians may sign up for more than one time slot.
4: Performance Zone:
Please sign up if you are a veteran who plays or has played in a professional military band and would like to perform alongside our students.
Recess Coverage Volunteers:
Volunteers are needed to help provide recess coverage during our Veterans Day Celebration.
Volunteer Clearance Required. All volunteers must already be registered and cleared through Volunteer FCPS before volunteering at the event. If you have not completed this process, please register here. When registering, select Level 2 and choose General Volunteering for Orange Hunt.
Unable to Attend in Person?
We know some of you may not be able to join us in person on Veterans Day, but we would still love to include your voice! Please record a short video introducing yourself, sharing your rank or title and branch of service, and telling students about the work you do.
If you can, show something related to your service, such as a military vehicle, aircraft or helicopter, your uniform or equipment, or parachuting or other airborne gear. We would love to share your video with students in their classrooms.
If you have questions, contact Meena Baluch at 571-459-8135.
Questions? Please contact Meena Baluch at Mbaluch@fcps.edu
Fill the Van @ the Pyramid Challenge - Food and Clothing Donations Needed
Help support the Pyramid Challenge's charity partner, ECHO, during the race this weekend!
ECHO will be there on site with their van collecting food and clothing donations until the event ends.
Please see the flyer for food and goods needed! And pssst, it's clickable to make it easier if you have old eyes like ours 😉
Lost and Found is OVERFLOWING

In life, some statements are obvious. Water is wet. Snow is cold. School is two months in and the lost and found is absolutely overflowing with stuff.
See what we mean?
Please have your darling forget-me-nots go and take a look through the lost-and-found bin. And as always, you're always welcome to stop by the school and tackle the (SUPER organized) mountain of lost treasures yourselves.
All items will be put outside door 1 during Laternenfest this week as well!
🦉Whooo Needs Some OHES Spirit Wear?
Orange Hunt families! Our Black Friday sale is officially LIVE!
Save 20% off all Orange Hunt spirit wear all November long, plus free shipping on orders over $85. Grab something for your student, the whole family, or get a head start on holiday gifts. Everything ships right to your door!
Thank you for showing your Orange Hunt pride!
Save the Date - Bingo & Craft Fair December 2nd

Don't Miss Our Washington Commanders' Kids in Command Game 🏈
The Washington Commanders are excited to welcome you to our Kids in Command Game on December 20th at 1:00 PM at Northwest Stadium!
As we celebrate the halfway point of the school year, we invite students, families, faculty, and supporters to join us for a memorable day of Commanders football.
By partnering with the Washington Commanders, we are excited to offer exclusive discounted group ticket rates for your school community. Even better, any fundraising proceeds generated through this offer will be sent directly back to your school. We look forward to celebrating with you at Northwest Stadium! At the end of the game- join us for a post-game group photo on the field!
If you have any questions about the event or Commanders tickets in general, please feel free to email allison.lasala@commanders.com or call directly at 301-276-6773. If you are looking to purchase 8 or more tickets at one time, please contact Allison LaSala directly via phone or email.
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- November 11 - Veterans Day Celebration @ OHES
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
- November 14 - Pyramid Challenge @ Irving MS
- November 18 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
- November 19 - Picture Day makeup
Your weekly digest
11/4/2026 2:38 pm
It's either the Daylight Savings time, or the Halloween post-crash, or the fact that IT'S ALREADY NOVEMBER, but we. are. tired.
Speaking of Halloween, everyone up to their eyeballs in candy and feel your anxiety ramping up and inching closer to tossing it all in the trash in a fit of rage? No? Just us?
Great! 🫣
Unwrap your hidden parent stash of candy (because we know you all have it) and read on to see what kind of help we're in need of...
TL;DR
- Veterans Day Volunteers Needed Wed, Nov 11!
- Pyramid Challenge Volunteers Nov 14 — Needed ASAP
- Speaking of Volunteers...
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Veterans Day Volunteers Needed Nov 11th!

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Orange Hunt Elementary School
Save the date! Orange Hunt Elementary School will be hosting our Veterans Day Celebration on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Our team is currently planning another fun-filled day for our students. To make this event successful, we will need help from our community.
During the day, we will have four stations: Boot Camp, Launch Pad, Art and Performance Zone. Please sign up to volunteer if you are interested.
1: Boot Camp
Volunteers at this station will help the PE team welcome students and briefly explain the importance of physical fitness in the military. The best part? Cheering students on as they tackle the obstacle course! As you can imagine, this is a popular activity with OHES students.
2: Launch Pad Station
Soda Straw Rockets – Help students explore the science of rocketry in this fun, hands-on STEM activity! Volunteers will guide students as they launch paper rockets using plastic soda straws and explore STEM concepts related to rockets and spaceflight. Volunteers will help keep the station running smoothly, encourage students to experiment with different rocket designs and launch techniques, and connect the excitement of launching rockets to the science behind how they work.
3: Art Station
This Veterans Day volunteer opportunity is open to ALL our OHES parents/guardians. Join Ms. Kieffer & Ms. Mahon help our students as they create a Veterans Day craft. Parents/guardians may sign up for more than one time slot.
4: Performance Zone
Please sign up if you are a veteran who plays or has played in a professional military band and would like to perform alongside our students.
Recess Coverage Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help provide recess coverage during our Veterans Day Celebration.
Ensuring Student Safety: Volunteer Clearance Required. All volunteers must already be registered and cleared through Volunteer FCPS before volunteering at the event. When registering, select Level 2 and choose General Volunteering for Orange Hunt.
Unable to Attend in Person? We know some of you may not be able to join us in person on Veterans Day, but we would still love to include your voice! Please record a short video introducing yourself, sharing your rank or title and branch of service, and telling students about the work you do. If you can, show something related to your service, such as a military vehicle, aircraft or helicopter, your uniform or equipment, or parachuting or other airborne gear. We would love to share your video with students in their classrooms.
Questions? Contact Meena Baluch at 571-459-8135 or Mbaluch@fcps.edu.
Pyramid Challenge Volunteers Needed for OHES ASAP
Adult Volunteers
We really need more adult volunteers, especially for:
- Adult check-in table volunteers (it really helps to have a couple of adults at your check-in table to keep things running smoothly!)
- Adult finish line assistants
- Adult parking guides
- Volunteer check-in
Speaking of Volunteers...

ICYMI at our last PTA meeting, we need help. (In more ways than one, but that's a discussion for another day...) 🫠
Specifically, we need help with the following areas:
Membership Committee Lead:
- Membership Planning & Recruiting
- Parent socials
- Spirit Wear: shirts and merchandise
- Meetings social
- Popsicle Playdate
Bike Event Lead:
- Coordinate events
- Work with admin to coordinate a date
- Advertise
- Find bike-safety sponsor
Dance-a-Thon Lead:
- Coordinate music, decorations and t-shirts
- Advertise for the event
- Coordinate volunteers
- Work with admin and janitorial services
Variety Show Lead:
- Organize variety show, which includes auditions
- Advertise event
- Schedule rehearsals
- Coordinate scheduling for cafeteria space for rehearsals
Ice Skating Event Lead 🤞🏽:
- Coordinate date with Fairfax Ice Rink for open-skate
- Advertise
Interested? Curious and want to dip your toe in? Come on in, the water is just fine! 😉
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- November 11 - Veterans Day Celebration @ OHES
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
- November 14 - Pyramid Challenge @ Irving MS
- November 19 - Picture Day makeup
Your weekly digest
10/26/2026 2:30 pm
Like a parent discovering there's a costume parade tomorrow morning, Halloween has a way of sneaking up on us. (Pssssst...dress like a story book character is Friday. Don't say we didn't warn you.)
We're keeping things light this week so you can focus on getting those adorable ghouls, goblins and jimothys 🦝ready for Saturday and the 10.30303 trillion trunk-or-treats.
Read on to see what the PTA is up to this week. 🎃👻
TL;DR
- 🏃🏽➡️Volunteers Needed for Pyramid Challenge Nov 14
- Small Ask, BIG Impact! OHES PTA Volunteers Needed
- VFW Student Programs and Teacher Recognition
- Laternenfest Kit Sign Up Due by November 2nd
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
🏃🏽➡️Volunteers Needed for Pyramid Challenge Nov 14

The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is coming up quickly— Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
With all these kids, we need lots of volunteers.
You picking up what we're putting down?
*cough cough*
Small Ask, BIG Impact! OHES PTA Volunteers Needed

ICYMI at our last PTA meeting, we need help. (In more ways than one, but that's a discussion for another day...) 🫠
Specifically, we need help with the following areas:
Membership Committee Lead:
- Membership Planning & Recruiting
- Parent socials
- Spirit Wear: shirts and merchandise
- Meetings social
- Popsicle Playdate
Bike Event Lead:
- Coordinate events
- Work with admin to coordinate a date
- Advertise
- Find bike-safety sponsor
Dance-a-Thon Lead:
- Coordinate music, decorations and t-shirts
- Advertise for the event
- Coordinate volunteers
- Work with admin and janitorial services
Variety Show Lead:
- Organize variety show, which includes auditions
- Advertise event
- Schedule rehearsals
- Coordinate scheduling for cafeteria space for rehearsals
Ice Skating Event Lead 🤞🏽:
- Coordinate date with Fairfax Ice Rink for open-skate
- Advertise
Interested? Curious and want to dip your toe in? Come on in, the water is just fine! 😉
Either way, reach out to us at president@orangehuntpta.org
VFW Student Programs and Teacher Recognition

Know an outstanding teacher they would like to nominate?
- Teacher of the Year: Recognition for eligible K–12 educators who promote citizenship, civic responsibility, and patriotism.
- Patriot's Pen: Students in grades 6–8 submit a 300–400 word essay. No audio recording is required.
Both student competitions use the theme “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Entries and teacher nominations are due October 31, 2026.
Sixth-grade students attending elementary schools are eligible for Patriot's Pen.
Completed official forms and required materials may be submitted digitally to vfw8241@gmail.com. We're happy to answer questions and provide submission assistance.
LAST WEEK TO SIGN UP FOR Laternenfest

Laternenfest is coming—let's glow, sing, and celebrate!
Join us at OHES on November 11 from 6:30–8 PM for our lanternen walk. Kids can show off their lantern creations, enjoy singing traditional songs, eat some yummy treats, and experience a magical evening with friends and family.
All OHES families are invited—don't miss this bright and joyful tradition.
Sign up for kits by November 2nd.
Sign up to help donate cookies, treats and drinks.
Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- October 30 - Storybook Character Day (no masks)
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
- November 14 - Pyramid Challenge @ Irving MS
Your weekly digest
10/19/2026 12:00 pm
IT'S FINALLY SWEATAH' WEATHA'
And we. are. stoked.
Break out those cozy duds, warm up your favorite cup of yummy, and read on to see what's happening in PTA land...
TL;DR
- Have a Voice at OHES--Join the PTA Meeting October 21
- 🍰Any Way you Slice it, OHES Staff are the Best Around!
- VFW Student Programs and Teacher Recognition
- 🏃🏽➡️Last Chance to Sign up for the Springfield Pyramid Challenge
- Laternenfest Kit Sign Up Due by November 2nd
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Have a Voice at OHES — Join the PTA Meeting Wed, Oct 21

Wednesday, October 21
Attend in person at OHES library -or- from home via Zoom
We know life's busy, so we're making it easy to connect! Join us in the library for snacks and friendly faces, or hop on Zoom from home. Every parent's perspective helps make Orange Hunt stronger—and your participation helps every child soar. 🦉 (That was an owl pun, in case it wasn't clear...)
See you Wednesday!
🍰Any Way You Slice it, OHES Staff are the Best Around!

Thank you to our Hospitality Committee for hosting a Staff Pie Event on October 14 to honor our amazing OHES team! Staff enjoyed a slice of apple or pumpkin pie to usher in the fall season. We'd like to extend a very special thank you to our community co-sponsors who helped make the event possible:


Would you like to help with a bi-monthly Hospitality event? Please reach out to hospitality@orangehuntpta.org to volunteer!
VFW Student Programs and Teacher Recognition

Know an outstanding teacher they would like to nominate?
- Teacher of the Year: Recognition for eligible K–12 educators who promote citizenship, civic responsibility, and patriotism.
- Patriot's Pen: Students in grades 6–8 submit a 300–400 word essay. No audio recording is required.
Both student competitions use the theme “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Entries and teacher nominations are due October 31, 2026.
Sixth-grade students attending elementary schools are eligible for Patriot's Pen.
Completed official forms and required materials may be submitted digitally to vfw8241@gmail.com. We're happy to answer questions and provide submission assistance.
Official forms and eligibility requirements:
🏃🏽➡️TODAY: LAST DAY to Register for the Springfield Pyramid Challenge

The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is a FREE fun run that was started years ago with the goal of introducing cross-country running, encouraging community involvement, and fostering school spirit among the elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. Students from the participating elementary schools will run a half-mile or one-mile course, depending on their grade level. The event also includes a unified heat with an accessible 200-meter course for students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
**The deadline to sign up is October 19!**
Laternenfest Sign Up by November 2nd

Laternenfest is coming—let's glow, sing, and celebrate!
Join us at OHES on November 11 from 6:30–8 PM for our lanternen walk. Kids can show off their lantern creations, enjoy singing traditional songs, eat some yummy treats, and experience a magical evening with friends and family.
All OHES families are invited—don't miss this bright and joyful tradition.
Sign up for kits by November 2nd HERE.
Sign up to help donate cookies, treats and drinks HERE.
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
- November 14 - Pyramid Challenge @ Irving MS
Your weekly digest
10/13/2026 11:06 am
Beaauuuutiful weather this weekend, eh? 🫠
Hopefully you didn't need those galoshes and waders, because it was a doozy out there! (Like you didn't already know that...)
We hope you're enjoying your day off today! Sit back, relax, and read on...
TL;DR
- Restaurant Night Fundraiser @ District Taco 10/13 🌮
- 📢 National Box Tops Week is Here!
- 🦺 Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
- What the Heck is an Armchair Fundraiser? So Glad You Asked... 😏
- 🏃🏽➡️ Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open!
- Laternenfest Kit Sign Up Due by November 2nd
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Restaurant Night Fundraiser @ District Taco 10/13 🌮

Who doesn't love a good "Taco Tuesday?!"
Enjoy a Night Out at District Taco to support Orange Hunt Elementary School!
Mention OHES when placing your order and we receive 20% of proceeds.
National Box Tops Week is Here!

From October 12–18, your everyday grocery shopping can earn DOUBLE Box Tops for Orange Hunt Elementary!
Here's how to make your shopping count:
🥳 DOUBLE earnings on participating products
🎉Buy 4, earn 20 on participating products when you scan your receipt
🛒 Shop the brands you already buy—and help our school earn more!
This is one of the BIGGEST Box Tops earning opportunities of the year, so don't miss it! Every receipt can make a difference, and it only takes a few seconds to scan.
NEW TO BOX TOPS?
Download the Box Tops app and use referral code P9906WAP to get a new member bonus—and start earning for Orange Hunt!
See participating products here: Earn With Hundreds Of Products - Box Tops for Education
Pro tip: Save your receipts and scan them during October 12–18 to qualify for the double earnings!
Let's make National Box Tops Week a BIG win for Orange Hunt!
*Receipts must be scanned during National Box Tops Week to earn double Box Tops. Offer excludes Nugget® products.
🦺 Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey
As part of their annual assessment, the FCPS Office of Safety and Security and the Safe Routes to School team invite parents and caregivers to share their experiences. Your feedback will directly inform local school administrators, safety personnel, and their joint task force as they identify priority areas and work on long-term infrastructure and operational solutions.
What it Covers: Walking and biking routes, traffic congestion near schools, Kiss and Ride experience, physical accessibility, crossing guard needs, and specific safety concerns.
Deadline: Thursday, October 15
Key Details: Please be sure to identify the specific school related to your feedback and highlight exact locations where you have observed hazards or close calls. If you have children at multiple FCPS schools, please complete a separate survey for each school.
Your responses are completely confidential and provide the exact community-level data we need to advocate for safer streets, improved traffic circulation, and enhanced public safety deployments across Fairfax County.
Visit fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/transportation/safe-routes-school-srts for more information. If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to reach out directly to the team at SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
What the Heck is an Armchair Fundraiser? So Glad You Asked... 😏

Since we're stuck inside anyway, put on your fluffiest socks, grab your favorite snack, and… stay exactly where you are. The OHES Armchair Fundraiser is baa-aack—our laziest, coziest, and most effective fundraiser of the year. No selling wrapping paper. No chasing pledges. No running 5Ks (unless you really want to.) Just a few clicks from your couch to help fund mini-grants, school beautification, teacher support, and more.
Your couch has never done so much good.
🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open! Sign up by 10/19🏃🏽➡️

The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is a FREE fun run that was started years ago with the goal of introducing cross-country running, encouraging community involvement, and fostering school spirit among the elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. Students from the participating elementary schools will run a half-mile or one-mile course, depending on their grade level. The event also includes a unified heat with an accessible 200-meter course for students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
**The deadline to sign up is October 19!**
Laternenfest Sign Up by November 2nd

Laternenfest is coming—let's glow, sing, and celebrate!
Join us at OHES on November 11 from 6:30–8 PM for our lanternen walk. Kids can show off their lantern creations, enjoy singing traditional songs, eat some yummy treats, and experience a magical evening with friends and family.
All OHES families are invited—don't miss this bright and joyful tradition.
Sign up for kits by November 2nd here.
Sign up to help donate cookies, treats and drinks here.
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- October 13 - Restaurant Night Fundraiser @ District Taco, 4-8pm
- October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
Your weekly digest
10/5/2026 12:00 pm
It's spooky season, y'all. Anyone else excited? No? Just us? Well, either way... bring on the cooler temps and all the fall fun.
Happy October, Owls!
Now, let's get to all the other updates:
TL;DR
- What the Heck is an Armchair Fundraiser? So Glad You Asked... 😏
- 🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open!
- 🚩New Safety Flags at OHES Crosswalks 🚩
- Life is Chaotic. Order an OHES Organizational Calendar Today
- Laternenfest Kit Sign Up Due by November 2nd
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
What the Heck is an Armchair Fundraiser? So Glad You Asked... 😏

Put on your fluffiest socks, grab your favorite snack, and… stay exactly where you are. The OHES Armchair Fundraiser is baa-aack--our laziest, coziest, and most effective fundraiser of the year. No selling wrapping paper. No chasing pledges. No running 5Ks (unless you really want to.) Just a few clicks from your couch to help fund mini-grants, school beautification, teacher support, and more.
Your couch has never done so much good.
🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open! Sign up by 10/19🏃🏽➡️

The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is a FREE fun run that was started years ago with the goal of introducing cross-country running, encouraging community involvement, and fostering school spirit among the elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. Students from the participating elementary schools will run a half-mile or one-mile course, depending on their grade level. The event also includes a unified heat with an accessible 200-meter course for students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
The deadline to sign up is October 19!
New Safety Flags at OHES Crosswalks

Our owls' safety is SUPER important, and as we know, things have been less than ideal at the intersection of Sydenstricker and Huntsman Blvd. (And that's putting it nicely... 😬)
Thanks to our amazing parent volunteer, Emily Bermingham, we have safety flags at the four corners of the intersection for you and your kids to use to draw attention while crossing the street.
As you may have seen in the most recent News We Hoot, "Crossing guards are now employed by private companies and follow updated safety procedures.
The crossing guard assists pedestrians only in the L-shaped crosswalk closest to the school. For his safety, he cannot stand in the center box or middle of the intersection.
To keep traffic moving safely, he assists groups of pedestrians together and must also allow school buses and other vehicles to pass. Please be patient. If you are waiting at the opposite corner, wait for the crossing guard's whistle and signal before crossing. Do not cross diagonally."
This is obviously less than ideal, and we encourage all families to reach out to our district supervisor, Pat Herrity (springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov) and voice your concerns.
Life is Chaotic. Order Your Organizational OHES Calendar Today

Days off. Early Release Days. Teacher workdays. WAIT...isn't there a dentist appointment coming up???
screams into the void
The amount of mental tabs we have to keep open is... a lot.
We've got you. Keep all those dates crammed into one nice spot that you can quickly access.
Oh, and you have the added cuteness of your kids' artwork. Stupid cute, AND stupid convenient.
(Or at least, by 10/10.)
Laternenfest Sign Up by November 2nd

Laternenfest is coming--let's glow, sing, and celebrate!
Join us at OHES on November 11 from 6:30–8 PM for our lanternen walk. Kids can show off their lantern creations, enjoy singing traditional songs, eat some yummy treats, and experience a magical evening with friends and family.
All OHES families are invited—don't miss this bright and joyful tradition.
Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
- October 12 - NO SCHOOL
- October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
Your weekly digest
9/28/2026 12:00 pm
We came. We saw. We polka'ed. There was good food, good times, and so. many. pretzels. 🥨
To everyone who came out to our first Oktoberfest celebration, vielen dank! 🫶🏽 We had an absolute blast and we're already gearing up for next year. We hope you had fun too!
If you're jonesing (do we still use that word?) for more German culture, fear not—Laternenfest is coming up November 11th!
Now, let's get to all the other updates:
TL;DR
- 🚩New Safety Flags at OHES Crosswalks 🚩
- 🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open!
- Life is Chaotic. Order an OHES Organizational Calendar Today
- Laternenfest Kit Sign Up Due by November 2nd
- Vielen Dank for Joining us at Oktoberfest!
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
New Safety Flags at OHES Crosswalks

Our owls' safety is SUPER important, and as we know, things have been less than ideal at the intersection of Sydenstricker and Huntsman Blvd. (And that's putting it nicely... 😬)
Thanks to our amazing parent volunteer, Emily Bermingham, we have safety flags at the four corners of the intersection for you and your kids to use to draw attention while crossing the street.
As you may have seen in the most recent News We Hoot, "Crossing guards are now employed by private companies and follow updated safety procedures.
The crossing guard assists pedestrians only in the L-shaped crosswalk closest to the school. For his safety, he cannot stand in the center box or middle of the intersection.
To keep traffic moving safely, he assists groups of pedestrians together and must also allow school buses and other vehicles to pass. Please be patient. If you are waiting at the opposite corner, wait for the crossing guard’s whistle and signal before crossing. Do not cross diagonally."
This is obviously less than ideal, and we encourage all families to reach out to our district supervisor, Pat Herrity (springfield@fairfaxcounty.gov) and voice your concerns.
🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge Registration Now Open! Sign up by 10/19🏃🏽➡️

The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is a FREE fun run that was started years ago with the goal of introducing cross-country running, encouraging community involvement, and fostering school spirit among the elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. Students from the participating elementary schools will run a half-mile or one-mile course, depending on their grade level. The event also includes a unified heat with an accessible 200-meter course for students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
**The deadline to sign up is October 19!**
Life is Chaotic. Order Your Organizational OHES Calendar Today

Days off. Early Release Days. Teacher workdays. WAIT...isn't there a dentist appointment coming up???
*screams into the void*
The amount of mental tabs we have to keep open is... a lot.
We've got you. Keep all those dates crammed into one nice spot that you can quickly access.
Oh, and you have the added cuteness of your kids' artwork. Stupid cute, AND stupid convenient.
(Or at least, by 10/10.)
Laternenfest Sign Up by November 2nd

Laternenfest is coming—let's glow, sing, and celebrate!
Join us at OHES on November 11 from 6:30–8 PM for our lanternen walk. Kids can show off their lantern creations, enjoy singing traditional songs, eat some yummy treats, and experience a magical evening with friends and family.
All OHES families are invited—don't miss this bright and joyful tradition.
Sign up for kits by November 2nd here.
Sign up to help donate cookies, treats and drinks here.
Vielen Dank for Joining us at Oktoberfest!

Danke schön, OHES! Thanks to all our families who came out for Oktoberfest — you brought the fest to the festival. Those pretzels never stood a chance...
A HUUUUUUGE thank you to the dream team that put this event together. It wouldn't have been possible without the help from the planning committee:
Mallory Lyon, Andre Sadowski, Nadine Aderhold, Petra Esseling, Lindsay Leahy, Ellen Dreyer, Abigail Malejko, Allison Tribble, Annie Gedicks, Janeska Sadowski and Kitti Collins.
And since we're spreading the love, thank you to all the day-of volunteers who kept the lines moving and kept those brats a-flowing.
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- October 12 - NO SCHOOL
- October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
- November 11 - Laternenfest, 6:30-8pm
Your weekly digest
9/21/2026 12:00 pm
Frohes Oktoberfest Owl Families! This week is a fun one — on Friday, we have our Oktoberfest celebration (more on that below).
We also have some easy ways to support our school.
We'll keep it short and sweet so we can get to the good stuff...
TL;DR
- 🥨 Oktoberfest is TONIGHT 🥨
- PTA Meeting on Wednesday, 9/23
- Save the Date: 🏃🏽➡️ Springfield Pyramid Challenge 🏃🏽➡️
- OHES is a Box Tops for Education School
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
🥨 Oktoberfest is TONIGHT 🥨

We can't believe it, but it's already time for our Oktoberfest celebration this Friday, from 6-8pm!!!
We'll have traditional German fare from Alexandria Bier Garten, games and activities for the kids, and awesome entertainment from Alte Kameraden Band.
Break out those lederhosen and dirndls folks, because it's time to celebrate!
ONE LAST THING—we can't do this without your help. Please consider donating some of the items on our list, or helping out at the event. 🫶🏽
Join Us This Wednesday for our 1st PTA Meeting

Start the new school year strong and join us for the Orange Hunt ES PTA Kick-Off Meeting this Wednesday, September 23, at 7 PM!
We know everyone's schedules are packed, so we're offering two convenient ways to participate:
- In-Person: Meet fellow parents, teachers, and administrators in the school library and enjoy some snacks while you're there!
- Online: Join us via Zoom from wherever you are.
No matter how you attend, your participation gives you a voice in your child's academic experience and helps strengthen our Orange Hunt community. We can't wait to see you there!
Save the Date - 🏃🏽➡️Springfield Pyramid Challenge🏃🏽➡️

Save the date!
The West Springfield Pyramid Challenge is a FREE fun run that was started years ago with the goal of introducing cross-country running, encouraging community involvement, and fostering school spirit among the elementary schools of the West Springfield Pyramid. Students from the participating elementary schools will run a half-mile or one-mile course, depending on their grade level.
The event also includes a unified heat with an accessible 200-meter course for students with physical and cognitive disabilities. The 2026 event will take place on Saturday, November 14 from 10am-12pm at Irving Middle School.
Advance registration is required and will open soon!
🍎 ORANGE HUNT IS A BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION SCHOOL! 🍎

If you're new to Box Tops, now is the perfect time to join!
Box Tops for Education is a fundraiser of the Orange Hunt PTA. Our school earns money through the Box Tops for Education program, and the more active members we have, the more we can earn for Orange Hunt Elementary!
* Download the Box Tops app
* Shop for groceries as usual
* Scan your receipts
* Earn money for Orange Hunt!
BONUS FOR NEW MEMBERS: New Box Tops members can help Orange Hunt earn an additional $10 bonus just by signing up and getting started! Use referral code P99O6WAP when you sign up.
Every receipt counts, and every new member helps us reach our fundraising goals.
Here is a video to show how to scan receipts.
Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- September 21 - Yom Kippur, NO SCHOOL
- September 23 - First PTA Meeting! 7pm
- September 25 - Oktoberfest, 6-8pm
- October 12 - NO SCHOOL
- October 21 - PTA Meeting, 7pm
Restaurant Night Fundraiser TONIGHT: Chi Mc
9/16/2026 7:00 am
Hate thinking of what to eat?
Us too. 🫣
Worry not — we've got meals covered on September 16 at ChiMc Burke. Order in-store or online and mention OHES and we will get 20% of proceeds!
Yummy food and no stress? Check, and CHECK.
Order online here
Your weekly digest
9/14/2026 12:00 pm
Hello, Monday. So we meet again. ☕
First off, you folks are AMAZING. In just one email, we asked you to consider joining the PTA, and over 30 of you answered the call. We're now at 125 of the 250-member goal!
Secondly, when we asked for volunteers to help run our Oktoberfest on September 25, IMMEDIATELY over 13 of you emailed us and got. to. work.
This community is beyond, and we are so grateful for you all.
Ok, enough of the schmoopy stuff. Let's get to what we're up to:
TL;DR
- 🥨 Save the Date--OHES Oktoberfest September 25 🥨
- Chi Mc Burke Restaurant Night Fundraiser Sept. 16
- Fall After-School Clubs Registration Now Open
- Important Dates for Your Crammed Calendars
🥨 Save the Date - OHES Oktoberfest, September 25 🥨
It's September, which can only mean one thing... OKTOBERFEST, BABY!! (If you're left scratching your head why this German tradition takes place in September--and not October--like the name suggests, here's a little light reading.)
If you're already a fan of Oktoberfest, then mark your calendars for our Oktoberfest on Friday, September 25 from 6-8 pm in the OHES cafeteria.
We'll have traditional German fare from Alexandria Bier Garten, games and activities for the kids, and awesome entertainment from Alte Kameraden Band.
Break out those lederhosen and dirndls folks, because it's time to celebrate!
ONE LAST THING--we can't do this without your help. Please consider donating some of the items on our list, or helping out at the event. 🫶🏽
Chi Mc Burke Restaurant Night Fundraiser Sept. 16
Hate thinking of what to eat?
Us too. 🫣
Worry not--we've got meals covered on September 16 at ChiMc Burke. Order in-store or online and mention OHES and we will get 20% of proceeds!
Yummy food and no stress? Check, and CHECK.
Order from ChiMc here
Fall After-School Club Registration Now Open
We're excited to offer a variety of fun after-school activities for your kids this fall!
A full list of all our after-school clubs and activities can be found HERE, or we've listed them below for your convenience:
- RunFitKidz - Wed or Thurs, 3:35-4:45
- Robotics w/ STEM exCEL - Mon 3:35-4:45
- Electronics w/ Minecraft Redstone STEM exCEL - Tues, 3:35-4:45
- Drama Club - FULL (no more registrations being accepted)
- STEAM-sational Art w/ Kidz Create, Mon 3:35-4:45
- Double Play: Bball & Flag Football w/ Overtime Athletics - Fri, 3:35-4:45
- Go-Time Sports w/ Overtime Athletics, Tues, 3:35-4:45
- COOL-inary Cooking Club w/ Sticky Fingers - Wed or Thurs, 3:35-4:45
- Artistic Drawing & Cartooning w/ Young Rembrandts - Fri, 3:40-4:40
- Chess Club - Fri, 3:45-5:00
- Kinderchor - Fri, 3:30-5:00
Any questions? Please reach out to Lindsay at: clubs@orangehuntpta.org.
Save the date!
Some important dates to throw on your crammed calendars:
- September 16 - Restaurant Night Fundraiser @ Chi Mc Burke
- September 21 - Yom Kippur, NO SCHOOL
- September 23 - First PTA Meeting! 7pm
- September 25 - Oktoberfest, 6-8pm



