Middle School Newsletter – October 16, 2024
October 16, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
We enjoyed a successful day of field trips on Tuesday — the student behavior, cool but clear weather, packed lunches, and goal accomplishment couldn’t have been better. We appreciate your support! Our next day of special programming is coming up on Tuesday, October 22. We will run a modified class schedule to allow for 7th grade service activities (on campus) and an 8th grade preview of the Upper School. Much of the day (drop-off, lunch, athletics, dismissal) will follow a regular schedule. Here are the details:
- 7th Grade Service — Students will learn about community service and its role at Flint Hill. They will put together Power Packs for Kids (P3) in partnership with Food For Others, make blankets for Project Linus, and sort toiletries as part of a drive benefiting Share of McLean.
- 8th Grade Upper School Preview — As part of our orientation programming for 9th grade, students will tour the Upper School building, meet with key teachers and administrators, and speak with students to learn more about the program and understand how to position themselves for a successful academic and social transition. As noted below, please remember that parents have a similar Upper School preview opportunity on Thursday, October 24.
As a lead up to the 7th grade service activities, our Middle and Upper Schools are doing a Toiletries Drive for Share of McLean from Tuesday, October 15, to Monday, October 21. Please consider sending in any of the following (new) items with your child:
- full-sized toothpaste
- individually wrapped toothbrushes
- full-size and travel-size shampoo
- individually wrapped bar soap
- baby wipes
Thank you for your consideration.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fall Parent Conferences — Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1
You will have the opportunity to meet virtually or in person with each teacher for a 10-minute conference about your child’s progress. The school will send an email to all families tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. with information and links to sign up.
Under the Lights Week: Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25
Join us for a week filled with Husky spirit and cheer on our athletic teams as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field! The week culminates with a bonfire and activities for all ages on Friday, October 25. Visit the Under the Lights webpage for the schedule of games and events!
4:00 p.m. — Activities begin at Peterson Middle School fields.
4:00-9:00 p.m. — Flint Hill school shuttle buses will run continuously between Upper and Lower School Campuses. Save time by parking at the Lower School and taking a shuttle.
Sign Up to Volunteer — it’s a great way to make a difference and meet more Huskies! Upper School students can volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.
Please review the following reminders about attending the after-school events on Friday, October 25.
- We will run our regular dismissal process starting at 3:25 p.m.
- As always, all Middle School students must be dismissed to the bus, to a parent, or to Extended Day at that time.
- Middle School parents should attend events with their children. Students should not be dropped off unattended.
- A Middle School student who attends Extended Day must be picked up by a parent by 6:00 p.m.
- Campus will close at the end of the football game, around 9:00 p.m.
8th Grade Registration for Upper School Shadow Days is Open!
8th graders received a survey, including the option to sign up for an Upper School shadow day, at the end of September. During this half-day experience at the Upper School, students engage in live classes and connect with student ambassadors. We also introduce them to the coaches, teachers, and students who can tell them about the aspects of Upper School that they’d like to be involved in. To register, students should complete this survey by Wednesday, October 23. Parents, please remind them :).
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic — Saturday, October 26
A small group baseball clinic for Grades 5-8 will be held on Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on the Flint Hill Upper School Baseball Field, where players will be able to refine their baseball skills defensively and offensively. There is no cost to attend this clinic. Click here to sign up. Players will get a personalized experience with our experienced coaching staff and current Flint Hill High School players. During the clinic, players will learn drills (base-running, hitting, pitching, and defense), on-field hitting, throw bullpens, and scrimmage. Please contact Coach Mendler with any questions or concerns.
Parents Council of Washington Webinar: AI in Education 101
Register to attend the fall webinar presentation: AI in Education 101, on Tuesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, will share insights into the opportunities and challenges that AI can offer. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Registered attendees may submit advance questions to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, October 18.
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), a nonprofit organization that fosters communication within the greater Washington, D.C. independent school community. Their goal is to promote excellence in education by building a network among independent schools and their parent communities. The PCW Speaker Series features well-known authors, educators, and other professionals presenting on today’s issues, theories, and practices impacting our independent school community. One presentation is held in the fall and one in the spring, open to parents and staff at member schools.
Drop-In Bus Service Reminder
Drop-in bus service is available for morning, afternoon, and evening routes. There is a $40 drop-in fee. Drop-in bus service charges will be added to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. To request drop-in bus service, please complete this form. Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email from bus@flinthill.org.
If your child plans to go home with a student who uses our bus service, you must complete this form to request this drop-in service.
This information is also available on the Bus Service tile on the Resource Board. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transportation experience for all students. If you have questions or need additional information, please email bus@flinthill.org.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
Parent meetups are small off-campus events focused on a shared activity or interest and are sponsored by the Parents’ Association. All JK-12 parents are invited to a free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents at Elahyoga Studio! This one-hour Vinyasa-style class is open to all levels, though it will move swiftly. Modifications will be provided, and everyone can move at their own pace. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Learn more and register here.
Save the Date for Next Month’s Upper School Play
If laughter is the best medicine, then The Good Doctor has your prescription. When one the 20th century’s funniest playwrights (the most Academy and Tony nominations) takes on one of the 19th century’s greatest writers (a father of modern theater) the result is a great night in the Olson. Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov’s The Good Doctor is a comedy ensemble piece touching on the highs and lows of family, difficult bosses, difficult customers, adolescence, doctor’s visits, auditions, seductions, and writer’s block. Please note that the play contains PG-13 themes; middle schoolers should attend at their parents’ discretion. Performances will be held on the following dates and times in the Olson Theater. Tickets will be available in the next newsletter.
- Friday, November 8, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 9, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
New Husky Hub Resource Board Tile: Health and Well-being
We have a new Husky Hub tile available to students and families! Our Health and Well-being tile includes information and resources from our Health Services and Counseling departments. There are sections for each division and specific resources for parents and students. We will update the information throughout the school year to include events and activities offered on campus and in the community. Check it out, and feel free to contact Director of Counseling Tracie Epes with any questions.
Reminders
Makeup Photo Day - Friday, October 18
Flint Hill student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452. Makeup Photo Day is scheduled for Friday, October 18.
Learning Center Parent Coffee — Wednesday, October 23
The Learning Center Parent Coffee is on Wednesday, October 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria, on the Lower School Campus. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Upper School Preview for 8th Grade Parents
Parents of 8th graders, please RSVP to let us know you can join us on Thursday, October 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m., in the Upper School Learning Commons, to meet Upper School leadership and department chairs. We’ll discuss your student’s transition to the Upper School and learn more about what the next division at Flint Hill has in store for your family and your child.
Balancing Student Technology Webinar — Friday, October 25
Flint Hill is curious and innovative, and with innovation comes technology. Balancing Student Technology is a virtual event on Friday, October 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m., where our tech experts will share how our students use technology. You’ll learn how to help your student make healthy decisions about their screen time. Sign up to attend Balancing Student Technology.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, November 4
This year, we’re diving deep into an inspiring collection of memoirs and historical biographies that were adapted for young readers. These captivating personal narratives will take us on incredible journeys, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs that resonate across time and culture.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or just looking to connect with fellow parents, this book club promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. Join us as we explore meaningful literature, spark lively discussions, and foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Get ready for an exciting year ahead!
The first read is “Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner and the first meeting will take place on Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204. Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Sign up to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect. Contact Miles Henderson with any questions.
Upcoming Deadlines for Early Admission Process for Siblings
As a reminder, we are offering members of our Husky community an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2025-26 school year. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Refer a Husky to Flint Hill
Do you know a family who’d make a great addition to the Flint Hill community? The Admission Team values referrals from current families. You know Flint Hill best! Encourage your interested colleagues, neighbors, and friends to connect with us as early as possible to allow us to best plan with prospective families. Fill out this form to refer a potential new Husky.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We’re always looking for more volunteers to keep the Igloo running each day! Make a difference by signing up for a shift … and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
Middle School Picture Makeup Day
Friday, October 18
Under the Lights Week
Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25
Schedule and Details
Under the Lights Week Games
Senior Night: Girls’ Varsity Soccer: Monday, October 21, 5:00 p.m.
Senior Night: Varsity Field Hockey: Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.
Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Football: Friday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
All at the Middle and Upper School Campus — Peterson Family Field
Class of 2029 Admission Event: Upper School Tour and Student Panel
Tuesday, October 22
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Upper School Learning Commons
Grade 7 Service Day
Tuesday, October 22
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Peterson Middle School
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Wednesday, October 23
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Miller House Cafeteria on the Lower School Campus
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Thursday, October 24
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Class of 2029 Admission Event: Upper School Parent Preview
Thursday, October 24
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
RSVP
Webinar: Balancing Student Technology
Friday, October 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Sign Up for This Virtual Event
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic
Saturday, October 26
Upper School Campus, Baseball Field, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series: AI for Education
Tuesday, October 29
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
First Quarter Report Cards Available
Wednesday, October 30, 4:00 p.m.
Grades JK-12 Parent Conferences — No Classes
Thursday, October 31 - Friday, November 1
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 4
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign up to be included on our email list
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class
Monday, November 4
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180
Register
Middle School Fall Athletics End
Thursday, November 7
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 8
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Friday, November 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Saturday, November 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
