The Orchard 'View'

Hola OV Families,

As we settle into a new year, I wanted to share teaching schedules. On the left is second grade (as it differs because of specials) and the large one is the framework by which teachers at OV are operating. Please note the amount of time for ELA this year. For our K-2 friends, teachers are required to teach at least 120 minutes of ELA, split into two 60 minute lessons (skills, knowledge) and 3rd-5th grade students have a 90 minute block - split into two.

This is shared so that families understand how crucial it is to have your child here, everyday and on time. Explain to your children the importance of coming to school prepared, ready to learn, and anticipating joy, group collaboration, and grade level content.

This shift also requires that students leave all toys, stuffed animals, and any other items that are not conducive to teaching and learning. Unless there is a day where the teacher is hosting a special day for "bring a stuffie to school" or "bring a favorite toy," please share with your child why we are making these expectations a priority this year. This includes Pokemon cards.

We are excited for the learning that is to come this year with our new curriculum in ELA, Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA)! Please share this enthusiasm with your child, and we will do our best to ensure that all students at Orchard View have access to grade level content.

Rose Maher

One of our systems in place at OV is buddying our 5th grade students with the youngest Hawks at the beginning of the school year to help with dismissal at the end of the day. A 5th grade student is partnered with a Kindergartner and together, transition to the end of the day, fluidly. Whether that is ensuring that the Kindergartner gets on the right bus, to walking towards the entrance and understanding the system of the carline - our fifth students and their teacher do a fantastic job in ensuring our youngest Hawks feel cared for and supported.

While waiting for the end of the day, Mrs. Fausey and Mrs. White led the youngest and oldest Hawks in the OV Hawk song! If you have a kindergarten student, ask him/her who his/her fifth grade buddy is!

Meet Ms. Libby Spears, who has officially joined Orchard View teaching and learning staff. Ms. Spears will primarily work with our K-2 students and regulation! Pictured here is our second day of school and Ms. Spears has already established a relationship with a Kindergarten student who was finding his way to his classroom!

The first week of school always brings excitement, joy, and at times, sprinkled with a bit of anxiety for both students and staff! One way to positively transition back into school is to practice expectations in the different spaces throughout school.

Mrs. Mast is teaching her students what are some safe behaviors in the hallway, including calm bodies and hands and voices at level 0. Other spaces students practiced with staff included the cafeteria with Ms. Maher, the playground with Mrs. Austin, and arrival and dismissal procedures with Mrs. Hancart and Mrs. VanSkiver.

• Sept 4-7: Labor Day Weekend - No School
• Sept 18: Picture Day
• Oct 13: Picture Retake Day

☀️ A Smooth Start to the School Day!

Beginning at 8:35 a.m., our doors will open and students can begin their school day!

🚗 Car Riders & Walkers
Students will enter the building and make one of two choices:

• 🍎 Head to the cafeteria for free breakfast and eat there, OR
• 🎒 Head directly to their classroom.

Students will enter through the north doors closest to the cafeteria and make the same choice:

• 🍎 Head to the cafeteria for free breakfast and eat there, OR

• 🎒 Head directly to their classroom.

A few important reminders:
Once students choose to go to their classroom, they should remain there and will not return to the cafeteria for breakfast. If your child plans to eat breakfast at school, please encourage them to head to the cafeteria as soon as they arrive.

🔔 8:35 a.m. — Entrance Bell & Doors Open
🔔 8:45 a.m. — School Begins/Tardy Bell

Our goal is to create a safe, calm, and efficient start to the day while making sure every student has the opportunity to enjoy breakfast and arrive in class ready to learn!

All families with returning FHPS students must log in to PowerSchool to verify student information for the 2026-27 school year. This is a required step that helps us plan classes, scheduling, and transportation. For ease of use, we strongly recommend completing this verification process in a web browser on a desktop/laptop rather than in the mobile app. If you need assistance logging in to PowerSchool, please email parentportal@fhps.net. Our school registrar and secretaries can also assist families if you have additional enrollment questions.

Earliest Drop-Off: 8:25am, students wait outside with Staff

(Students should not be dropped off before 8:25)

Doors Open: 8:35 am

School Begins: 8:45 am

School Dismisses: 3:45 pm

Half-Day Dismissal: 11:55 am

Hand 2 Hand is a non-profit organization who partners with area churches. Together, they provide meals during the weekend.

The organization recognizes that weekends may be some of the more difficult times for families who rely on school meals.

Scan the QR code to learn more about this organization and to sign up.