The Orchard 'View'

Hola OV Families,

We are one week away from the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year! How are your children feeling? Anxious? Excited? Eager? All of the above! I believe that the staff at Orchard View is also feeling some of the same emotions!

This week, teaching and support staff gathered together to prepare for your children! In addition to exciting updates with our new ELA curriculum CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), the staff also embarked on OV's unique learning opportunities in inclusive practices. Our new SLP, Gabrielle Walker, walked us through how to use an AAC device as an additional language in a general education classroom.

The entire district was treated to a fun-filled back to school rally, courtesy of all three high-school bands. Staff were greeted by the Rangers, our own Hawks, and Huskies as they walked through the makeshift hallway of trumpets, cheerleaders, and percussions as they made their way into the Fine Arts Center. Ben Kirby led the way with celebrations from the district and the FHPS staff were treated to an exciting and endearing keynote by Dr. Lisa Drake , a small, but mighty lady with a strong message delivered with a spirited Georgia accent.

Lastly, we have added additional safety features district-wide, including Centigix, a safety platform creating an environment that is secure, connected, and equipped the advanced technology.

Please read through this entire newsletter as there are new and exciting updates around arrival procedures!

We will see you soon!

Rose Maher

• Aug 24: Jr. K/KG Read, Set GO! - 4pm-5pm
• Aug 24: Open House (1st-5th Grade) - 5pm-6:30pm
• Aug 26: 1st Day of School
• Aug 27: Hawk Rally @ Eastern High school - 4pm-6:30pm (FHE vs. FHN Football game to follow @7pm)
• Sept 4-7: Labor Day Weekend - No School
• Sept 18: Picture Day
• Oct 13: Picture Retake Day

Hello OV families! My name is Tracy Davies and many of you know me already from being in the school for many years, but I am the new Head Secretary at Orchard View! I have had all three of my children come through OV and my youngest is finishing his last year here. I’m looking forward to another great school year!

Hello, Orchard View Families!

While this is my first year teaching at OV, I bring 18 years of teaching experience in Forest Hills — and as a mom whose own sons went through this incredible school, Orchard View holds a very special place in my heart!

When you enter my room, you will notice that I have many cacti scattered around. To me, a cactus represents resilience: a reminder that we can still grow even when things are hard. Supporting students through those challenges, helping them reach their full potential, and watching them discover a genuine curiosity for learning is why I love what I do.

When I’m not in the classroom, I love spending time with my husband, two boys, and our dogs. We love to travel, go camping, be outdoors, play games together, and cheer on MSU!

I am so excited to partner with you for a fantastic school year ahead.

GO HAWKS!

☀️ 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.