Lower School Newsletter – March 6, 2024
MARCH 6, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings
Join us on Wednesday, April 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, co-author of "Raising a Kid Who Can," and Amy Killy, LCSW, a parenting expert. Seating for this event is limited. Register here to reserve your seat!
As a follow-up to the April 3 event, we will host divisional morning sessions for parents to continue the conversation. No RSVP is needed to attend these sessions. We hope you'll plan to join us as we welcome our speakers back to campus to share concrete strategies for making simple shifts in your own behavior that can lead to significant changes in your children, and ultimately, create a more peaceful and cooperative household. Click here to learn more about the presenters.
Upper School: Wednesday, April 17
8:30-9:45 a.m., Upper School, Multipurpose Room
Middle School: Thursday, April 18
8:30-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons
Lower School: Friday, May 3
8:30-9:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 201
Visit Flickr to See What We're Up To!
A friendly reminder to bookmark our Flickr page and check for new albums. Recently posted albums include: Cultural Festival, scenes from our winter theater productions, Senior Spotlight: 100 Days Left, and more!
Reminders
Parent/Teacher Conferences — Friday, March 8
The Lower School will be offering Student-Involved Conferences for JK-4 and Student-led Conferences for Grades 5 and 6. All conferences are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. Conferences should include the student, parent, and teacher. Lower School conferences will take place on Friday, March 8; however, your child’s teacher may offer limited additional times on the preceding days. You should have received a sign-up link by email on Thursday, February 22. Please contact Donna Holaday if you did not receive that email. Please note that, while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 8, the Upper School will still be in session.
Registration Now Open – Spring After-School Clubs
Lower School families are invited to register for Spring After-School Clubs. Hurry while there are spaces available! Registration will close on Wednesday, March 13, or until clubs fill.
Spring Clubs will begin on Monday, April 1. Contact Matt McCoart, Director of After-School and Summer Programs, with questions.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Room 101 of the Hazel Lower School. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first come, first served. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to shop for uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit items.
Last Call for Spring Break Camp!
There's still time to sign up for Spring Break Camp, Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. We have a few spots left for students grades JK-6. Throughout the week, students will participate in a variety of STEM, art, and team-building activities, as well as participate in a week-long color competition.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, March 28
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard and spend time with fellow parents while volunteering together at Food for Others each month. Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents will sort food donations, pack food for distribution, and assist with warehouse tasks. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Space is limited to 20 volunteers for each date, but you can sign up for as many as you can attend! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum '11, in the Advancement Office.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
Monthly Volunteer Dates:
- Thursday, March 28: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Transition to 7th Grade
6th Grade students and parents will have several opportunities in the next few weeks to learn more about the Middle School program, tour the building, and discuss course selection.
- Tuesday, March 26, 2:00-2:50 p.m. — We will bring 6th graders up to the Peterson Middle School for a building tour led by 7th graders. Parents who wish to visit the Middle School may contact Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont to arrange a day and time.
- Monday, April 8 — Mr. Lamont will send complete information about course selection, including the Middle School Program Guide and placement recommendations for English and math.
- Wednesday, April 10, 8:15-9:45 a.m. — Mr. Lamont will host in-person sessions for parents, in the Peterson Middle School.
- 8:15-9:00 a.m. — Rising Grade 7 Division Coffee: Parent Orientation — a video presentation will be shared with parents who are unable to attend.
- 9:00-9:45 a.m. — Rising Grades 7 and 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection — Q&A at the Peterson Middle School about course selection; parents with questions who are unable to attend may contact Brian Lamont
- Thursday, April 11 — Mr. Lamont and some current 7th graders will meet with 6th graders to discuss course selection and the transition to Middle School.
Save the Date: Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Join fellow parents, alumni parents, faculty, and staff for this all-adult evening of community building and fun at the Upper School. Look for an electronic invitation with more details after Spring Break!
Calling All Culinary Creators: Submit Your Family’s Recipe for Our Community Cookbook!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, creating memories, and telling stories. We believe that within our community lies a treasure trove of delicious family recipes, each with its own history and significance. Whether it's your grandma's secret lasagna, your uncle's famous barbecue sauce, or a cherished dessert passed down through generations, we want to celebrate the diverse and delectable tastes that make our community unique.
Here's how you can contribute:
- Submit Your Recipe! Share your favorite family recipe with us. From appetizers to main courses, desserts, and everything in between, we want to feature the best that our community has to offer.
- Tell Your Story: Along with your recipe, feel free to include a short story or memory associated with it. Whether it's a holiday tradition, a family gathering, or a special occasion, let's weave the fabric of our community through these culinary tales.
- Include a Photo: If you have a picture of the dish or a family gathering around it, we'd love to include it in the cookbook. It adds a personal touch and helps others envision the deliciousness!
Submission Deadline: Please submit your recipes by Monday, April 1, to ensure we have ample time to compile and organize our community cookbook. Contact Miles Henderson in the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion with any questions.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
There is always an opportunity to cover a shift in the Igloo! It’s a great way to meet other parents while getting a glimpse into the Upper School experience. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you. Volunteer Sign Up
Upcoming Events
Lower School and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 8
No Classes for Lower and Middle School
Sign-up links were sent on Thursday, February 22
Spring Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, Room 101, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 24
Spring Break Camp
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Registration
Classes Resume
Monday, March 25
Class of 2030 Tour of Middle School
Tuesday, March 26
Peterson Middle School Building, 2:00-2:50 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, March 28
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 1
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings
Wednesday, April 3
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
RSVP
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 5
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Course Selection Information Sent to FH 6th Graders
Monday, April 8
Rising Grade 7 Division Coffee: Parent Orientation
Wednesday, April 10
Peterson Middle School, 8:15-9:00 a.m.
Rising Grades 7 and 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection
Wednesday, April 10
Peterson Middle School, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Course Selection and Middle School Transition Presentation for FH 6th Graders
Thursday, April 11
Rising Grades K-3 Transition Coffee
Friday, April 12
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
