Upper School Newsletter – May 29, 2024
MAY 29, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Congratulations to all of our Huskies who are one day away from being done with their exams. They should be immensely proud of all they have accomplished this year — knowledge gained, knowledge created, and knowledge applied. The capstone of four years of this gaining, creating, and applying knowledge is the Senior Project, which the amazing Class of 2024 is finishing this week in advance of next week’s Junior-Senior Prom, Senior Dinner, and Commencement. We will deeply miss the Class of 2024 and all they have added to this community, and we can’t wait to see what our returning students gain, create, and apply next year!
Be sure to read the key information below regarding grade reports, the Upper School Awards Ceremony, and many other reminders.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Final Grade Reports — Open Wednesday, June 12
Your child’s Upper School Quarter 4 Report will be available on Husky Hub on Wednesday, June 12, at 4:00 p.m. The grade report will provide a complete set of quarter and semester grades for each subject. Please note that we do not issue year-long grades, only semester-based grades. If you would like to see what a Flint Hill transcript looks like once those grades are entered, you can see a sample transcript in the Upper School Academic Handbook. Families that would like to receive a copy of that transcript for summer programs or college applications should reach out to Upper School Registar Maha Morse.
Summer Learning and Summer Reading Resources
Upper School Summer Learning and Summer Reading information is now available here. The Summer Reading information details the options for meeting our summer requirement. The Summer Learning information includes recommended resources for enrichment and skill maintenance across all disciplines.
Summer Athletic Updates
For more information on summer team activities and updates from coaches, go to the Athletics tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board to contact your respective coach.
Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2024-25 school year. Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
- Back-to-School Forms — Online back-to-school forms are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. The deadline for submission is Friday, June 14. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
- Health Forms — Starting Monday, June 10, parents are asked to log into the Health Portal to submit required health forms, which are due Thursday, August 1.
- Calendar — Access the 2024-25 Calendar Highlights for your convenience in planning for the next year.
Thank You from the Parents’ Association President
Dear Flint Hill Families,
It has been my honor to serve as president of the Flint Hill School Parents' Association for this past year, and I am grateful for the privilege.
One of the many great aspects of our school is maintaining continuity while also making each year better. With that in mind, please join me in thanking and welcoming incoming Parents’ Association President Rejera Arnold for stepping into this role. Rejera has already made an impact in the Flint Hill community, where she has:
- Served as a Lower School Divisional Ambassador for the past two years and even signed up during her first year.
- Served as a Flint Hill Fund volunteer this year.
- Served as an active volunteer and helped at many school events such as Homecoming, Teacher Appreciation Week, Night on the Hill, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and more!
Rejera, you are going to do a wonderful job, and we wish you well!
Flint Hill's Core Values have resonated with me since the moment our family first explored this school, and the values are something we see lived every day with each of you. The first three — Respect and Value All Equally; Lead and Support with Compassion; and Act with Integrity — I think of as the minimum standards we expect of ourselves and give to others. They are our essential principled foundation, and while they may be a floor, they are a high floor. The remaining two, though, are where the magic really happens — when we Imagine What's Possible and Blaze the Trail. It is thanks to all of you — for bringing that energizing spirit to the school and to each other — that we create this special environment in which the students — our dear kids! — learn and grow.
Though my time as Parents’ Association President is ending, I’m excited to continue to serve as a divisional ambassador next year, along with my wife, Jennifer, and many of you. In fact, the Divisional Ambassador program has grown to over 90 volunteers heading into next year, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the level of interest and what it will mean for the school.
To parents, faculty, staff, and everyone who dedicates time, energy, and talent in support of strengthening our Flint Hill community, Thank You! I look forward to continuing to pull the sled with all of you.
Have a wonderful and safe summer!
Go Huskies!
Scott McCandless
Reminders
Senior Parent Dinner — RSVP TODAY, Wednesday, May 29
On Monday, June 3, the Parents’ Association will host the Class of 2024 Parent Dinner off campus while the seniors have a student dinner hosted by Mr. McHonett on campus.
RSVP today, Wednesday, May 29, to attend the parent dinner.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off — Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Parents can drop off gently used uniform and spirit wear items on the Miller House front porch, on the Lower School Campus, from Tuesday, May 28, to Monday, June 3. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate too! Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.
Upper School Awards Ceremony — Friday, May 31
We will hold the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Because the Grade 6 and Grade 8 Promotion Ceremonies are also taking place that day in the Upper School, we are asking students to wait until 12:00 p.m. before arriving on campus so we have ample parking and space. Here are some other key pieces of information about the ceremony.
- If a student is winning an award that day, we will contact their family in advance so they can attend. Attendance for Upper School students is encouraged but not required.
- Parents attending the event should park in the Upper School visitor parking or faculty parking areas and walk over to the Upper School Gym.
- The Awards Ceremony program includes the presentation of a variety of Flint Hill endowed awards, community awards, membership in honors societies, and the announcement of the Flint Hill Medal award winners.
- Recommended dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress.
- Students are dismissed from school immediately after the ceremony.
- Please note that there is no bus service on this day.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 1, is the date on which your 2024-25 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2024-25 school year after Saturday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Saturday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 3
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 31, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Upper School Summer Open Gym — Starts Tuesday, June 4
Join Coach Keith Trumps this summer for Open Gym in the Upper School Weight Room, from Tuesday, June 4, to Friday, August 9. Note: There will be no Open Gym on: Thursday, July 4; Friday, July 5; Thursday, July 25; and Friday, July 26.
Open Gym Hours:
- Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Fridays, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts — Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Interested in being a member of the Upper School Dance Team? Tryouts are open to all rising grades 9-12 students and will be held Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Register to attend tryouts, and contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum for more information.
Senior Parents: Encourage Your Senior to Turn in Their Time Capsule — Final Day: Friday, June 7
Since 2006, each senior class has created a time capsule filled with pictures, letters, notes, and other memorable items from being a student at Flint Hill. Each senior’s personal time capsule is added to their class’ time capsule, which is sealed, saved by the school, and opened at their 10-year Reunion.
Many of this year’s seniors have turned in their time capsules, and we hope every senior will participate. If your senior hasn’t turned theirs in, they can drop off their completed time capsules to the Head of School’s Office anytime through Commencement day.
The tradition of opening the time capsule has become one of the most loved highlights of Reunion Weekend since the Class of 2006 opened theirs in 2016. Recently, the Class of 2014 opened their time capsule and shared some suggestions for the Class of 2024 of what to include in their capsule.
Encourage your senior to participate, and they will have fun opening their time capsule in 2034!
2024 Summer Tutors — Monday, June 10, and Friday, August 23
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 10, and Friday, August 23. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus. This information is also available on the Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year tile on the Resource Board.
Spring Uniform Return
As the spring season ends, please have students return their uniforms to Mr. Alex Walker. Uniforms should be washed, dried, and placed in a plastic bag with the student’s name. If no one is available in the Athletics Department at the time of drop off, we ask that the bagged uniform be placed in the bin by the athletic closet.
Spring Athletic Pictures by Freed Photography
To purchase pictures taken by Freed Photography during the Spring Athletic Season, use the links below or check your respective Husky Hub team page.
Upper School Athletics:
- Team/Individual Pictures Password: FLINT24SPS
- Action Shots
Fall Athletics Tryout Information on Husky Hub
Please visit our varsity team pages on Husky Hub (listed below) to find detailed tryout and preseason information. The Athletics tile on the Resource Board also offers helpful information.
Team Page Links:
Cross-Country
Field Hockey — Girls’
Dance Team
Football — Boys’
Golf
Soccer — Boys'
Soccer — Girls'
Tennis — Girls'
Volleyball — Girls’
Guatemala Service Trip
Flint Hill is partnering with Highland Support Project to offer a service learning experience in Guatemala. The service project focuses on building stoves in the homes of rural Mayan families and providing art education at a local school. While service is the primary focus of the trip, students have the opportunity to zipline at Lake Atitlán and tour Mayan ruins, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. Students will receive 60 hours of community service hours for the 2024-25 school year.
Date: July 6-13, 2024
Cost: Approx. $2,700 including airfare
Details: Learn more about the trip and express your interest
Host Families for Spanish Exchange Students in 2024-25
We are excited to welcome back our friends from our exchange school, the Instituto Josep Vallverdú in Cataluña, Spain. They will visit Flint Hill from Monday, September 9, to Thursday, September 19. We are looking for host families to provide lodging, meals, and transportation to school during this time. The students will visit the major Washington, D.C., landmarks with their teachers, so families don't have to worry about planning special excursions. This is a great opportunity for Flint Hill students to practice their Spanish, but families do not have to speak any Spanish, as the exchange students are here to practice English. The group will include 16 students. Please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting, and contact Kristin Piazza with any questions.
Gratitude for Our Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career/educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors.
Upper School
Annie Broche, Upper School French Teacher
Clinton Fitzgerald, Upper School Science Teacher
Dejon Griffin, Upper School Math Teacher
Liz Hammond, Upper School Nurse
Ariel Harper, Fine Arts Event Manager and Upper School Dance Teacher
Jackie McLoughlin, Middle and Upper School Theater Arts Teacher and Director of Theater Arts Productions
Michelle Robinson, Upper School Learning Specialist
Jeff Sealy, Upper School English Teacher
Steve Spratt, Head Varsity Girls' Tennis Coach (October 2023)
Ken Whitley, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Orchestra Teacher
Jared Worley, Strength and Conditioning Coach (December 2023)
All School
Rick Clark, Controller
Ana Yarbrough, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (October 2023)
Upcoming Events
End of Fourth Quarter/Second Semester
Thursday, May 30
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 30
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Lower School Campus, Miller House
Upper School Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 31
Upper School Gym, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Final Medication Pickup Dates
Friday, May 31
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Saturday, June 1
Senior Alumni Move-up Day
Monday, June 3
Upper School Campus, 2:30-6:00 p.m.
Head of School Senior Dinner
Monday, June 3
Upper School Commons, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grade 12 Parent Dinner
Monday, June 3
Location: 8024 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA
6:00-9:00 p.m.
RSVP by Wednesday, May 29
Upper School Summer Open Gym Begins
Tuesday, June 4
Upper School Weight Room
Join Coach Keith Trumps on these days:
- Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Fridays, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Rising grades 9-12 students
Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Register to Attend Tryouts
Junior-Senior Prom
Tuesday, June 4
Brentsville Hall in Manassas, VA
8:30-11:00 p.m.
Senior Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
Thursday, June 6
Upper School Campus, 11:30 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Commencement
Friday, June 7
Upper School Gym, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Final Grade Reports Open on Husky Hub
Wednesday, June 12, at 4:00 p.m.
Online Back-to-School Forms Due
Friday, June 14
Forms are available on Husky Hub
Confirmation of Class Schedules — Returning Students
Tuesday, July 16
We will email families with a list of classes (without specific teachers or rosters) that can be used when purchasing textbooks.
Required Health Forms Due
Thursday, August 1
Newsletter Resumes
Wednesday, August 7
Student Schedules Available in Husky Hub
Thursday, August 8
