Tradition and Innovation
On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff from all divisions. He said, “This is a special place where we seek to balance both tradition and innovation to support you, our students, every day. Today, we gather as an entire community, the Husky Team so to speak, to kick off the school year together as one Husky community with the hopes and well-wishes for an outstanding school year.” Student speakers gave inspirational speeches, and senior “lifers” lit the traditional lantern to illuminate the way for everyone’s educational journey. The lantern will stay ignited until the end of the school year.
Signs of School
“Hello Huskies,” “Welcome to the Tundra,” “Greetings,” and “Freshmen are Friends, Not Food” were among a variety of signs made for students to see and feel at home as they arrived on campus for the first time in the new school year. Along with the signs were smiles, hugs, fist bumps, waves, and high fives. And, in an instant, the students, teachers, and staff all jumped right into action together to begin making 2023-24 unique and special.
Birds of a Feeder
Learning the science of animal biodiversity begins in the Lower School at Flint Hill. In the fall, 2nd graders studied the habits of birds and applied what they learned in their science lab, where they designed and built prototypes of bird feeders to attract specific types of birds based on what and how they eat. They considered important details, taking into account similarities — cardinals, finches, and jays eat seeds — and differences — a finch stands on a peg while the cardinal and jay like to stand on a tray while eating. Each piece of information helped the students customize their bird feeders to create a safe environment for their feathered friends. They even thought about design elements to keep cats away!
Houston, We Have a Costume
The Middle School Makers class teamed up with Magic Wheelchair, a nonprofit organization that builds creative costumes for children who use wheelchairs, to make a local 17-year-old’s Halloween wish a reality. The students and their teacher, Chris Cook, built a space shuttle
costume for Claire, a D.C. native with autism and a rare genetic condition. They unveiled her costume in front of the Discovery Space Shuttle at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
DIY Beach: Building Shore Is Fun!
The next time you long for the beach, ask a Lower School student for do-it-yourself tips to create your own! The Boardwalk was the theme for Day of Play 2023, and the students built boats, surfboards, sandcastles, fishing poles, a sand volleyball court, food stands, a variety of arcade games, and, of course, some sharks and whales. JK-6 Innovation Department Chair Joey Starnes, who coordinated the effort, says, “The Day of Play is an annual Flint Hill tradition that invites students to work together to plan, build, and play using recyclable materials and basic supplies like tape, glue, and their imagination! Each year we explore a new theme to focus our building and creating. The Day of Play allows the Lower School to come together as a community and to share in the spirit of making, engineering, and playing.”
Ceramics II Starts to Raku
In November, students in ceramics classes learned about raku, a unique technique that results in beautiful artwork with metallic finishes and crackle patterns. Students first mold and glaze their pieces in the studio. After the pieces are fired in the outdoor kiln, they are taken out while still glowing red-hot and placed in newspaper. This technique starves the piece of oxygen, creating unique colors and patterns within the glaze.
Involvement Starts Here
On September 1, Parents’ Association divisional ambassadors participated in a Kick-Off Meeting held at the Towers Crescent Conference Center in Vienna. For the 2023-24 school year, 81 parents volunteered as divisional ambassadors — a role that includes attending school events, hosting parent socials, volunteering, and encouraging others to get involved. Parents’ Association President Scott McCandless P’27, ’30, ’30 welcomed parents to the meeting, provided an overview of the divisional ambassador role, and introduced Flint Hill’s Advancement staff who work closely with the parents during the year. The ambassadors got to know one another better at the meeting through a series of team-building activities, signed up for various volunteer opportunities, and planned ahead for the rest of the school year. At the conclusion, Head of School Patrick McHonett thanked the parents for their partnership with Flint Hill and for serving in an important role in cultivating community.
Lending Us a Laugh
In October, Olson Theater was alive with laughter as two talented casts, along with their hardworking crew, presented four performances of “Lend Me a Tenor.”
History Travelers
In Contemporary World History class, 9th graders studied the French Revolution in a way that transported them back to that time in history. In a simulation-based learning assignment, called the Future of France Debate, the students were assigned to be delegates in one of four groups — moderates who wanted to keep Louis XVI as king but have his power limited by a constitution; conservatives who wanted no change; radicals who wanted change; or the press reporting on the debate. The goal was to attempt to find a consensus among those different perspectives during the time of the French Revolution. Each group was also tasked with preparing a poster or political cartoon that captured their vision for the future of France. History Teacher Emily Sanderson says, “Classroom simulations allow students to play with ideas and situations and gain a greater understanding of perspectives.”
Cell-fies — An Insider’s Look
Our 8th graders took a pause from the external world of taking selfies to explore the kind of cell-fie that requires looking inward at what cells do inside the body. In science class, students learned about the role of cells and applied their comprehension further through a project that produced creative outcomes. “Our cell organelle analogy project is one of our favorites of the year!” says Middle School Science Teacher Jesi Hessong Brown. “Students expand and stretch the knowledge they have learned about the organelles of a cell and connect their learning to everyday objects or systems that perform similar functions. Utilizing analogies is an effective method for simplifying complex concepts in science — as they draw parallels between something well-known and something less familiar — making the concept easier to understand.” The students created unique posters for their project to draw comparisons to how cells function, including: Central Park; Gru’s lab from the movie “Despicable Me;” the Barbie Dreamhouse; a 3-D printer; a car engine; and a movie studio.
Weather Alert
When WJLA meteorologist Brian van de Graaff visited Flint Hill, 3rd graders were weather alert and ready to ask questions, as they had been researching and giving class presentations about the science of severe weather types, including hurricanes, thunderstorms, blizzards, tornadoes, floods, and derechos. The students had the opportunity to be on live television and see how the StormTracker vehicle’s specialized technology is used for remote broadcasts. When asked for his winter weather outlook, Mr. van de Graaff shared his optimism for snow days and won an uproarious applause.
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to…
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That…
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and…
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer….
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative…
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth...
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of…
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is…
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance in Virginia, legislation enacted to evade Brown v. Board’s mandate for school integration. Senator Byrd is quoted as saying the Massive Resistance was designed “to prevent a single Negro child from entering any white school.” In Fairfax County, the school board gave private school tuition grants to white students fleeing…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip. The trip, in its inaugural year at Flint Hill, offers students the opportunity to visit historic WWII sites in France to deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made generations ago. Colin Bean ’24 still remembers the shock of learning that he’d earned a spot on the trip. “I really enjoy…
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills beyond the confines of our school walls with a greater community of educators. In turn, they’re exposed to development and enrichment tools that expand their own expertise, which they then bring back to Flint Hill. Here’s what some of our faculty and staff have been doing recently. Brad Savage, Middle…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990 and served as the athletic director as well as the head coach of the boys’ basketball and golf program until 2001, when he moved to Sewickley Academy in Pittsburgh. During his time with the Huskies, the boy’s basketball team won the 1994-95 state championship, amassing a 27-1 record that season….
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer – otherwise known as ChatGPT – is an online AI system that generates original content on command. Classroom use of ChatGPT along with other generative AI tools like Bard, Scribe, and DALL-E has been met with both hype and hysteria. It’s being said that generative AI will have…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give you a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of this beloved community-builder. Pandemonium with Purpose Homecoming 2023 kicked off with a decibel-pounding, energy-packed pep rally planned by the Upper School members of our Athletic Advisory Council. To prepare for a weekend of thrilling match-ups with our athletic rivals, the AAC…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many College Dinners and Thanksgiving Happy Hour, they enjoyed catching up as fellow Falcons and Huskies. Homecoming Alumni gathered at the Alumni Fan Zone during Homecoming this year to visit with current and former faculty and staff and show their Husky pride! Just before kickoff of the Homecoming football game, Varsity…
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d like to share with your classmates. If you would like to include a photo with your submission, please note that digital photographs must be high-resolution JPEG images (1MB+) to appear in print. Flint Hill Magazine editorial staff reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. Become An Ambassador:...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff from all divisions. He said, “This is a special place where we seek to balance both tradition and innovation to support you, our students, every day. Today, we gather as an entire community, the Husky Team so to speak, to kick off the school year together as one Husky community…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip….
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990…
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many…
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance in Virginia, legislation enacted to evade Brown v. Board’s mandate for school integration. Senator Byrd…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip. The trip, in its inaugural year at Flint Hill, offers students the opportunity to visit…
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills beyond the confines of our school walls with a greater community of educators. In turn,…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990 and served as the athletic director as well as the head coach of the boys’…
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer – otherwise known as ChatGPT – is an online AI system that generates…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give you a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of this beloved community-builder. Pandemonium with Purpose…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many College Dinners and Thanksgiving Happy Hour, they enjoyed catching up as fellow Falcons and Huskies….
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d like to share with your classmates. If you would like to include a photo with...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff from all divisions. He said, “This is a special place where we seek to balance…