From The Head of School – October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023
Flint Hill Community,
Over the course of this year, I hope to cede my time in these messages to highlight the voices and perspectives of some of our incredible team here at Flint Hill. Today I am proud to invite Mia Burton, Director of Institutional Equity & Inclusion, to share some of her thoughts about our connected and compassionate community.
Before I do so, I want to underscore that Flint Hill’s Core Values and Statement of Institutional Equity & Inclusion continue to be the bedrock of our community, and are more important now than ever. Whether contemplating the terrorism and loss of life in Israel and Gaza, to ongoing systemic racism, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and so much more, it seems we are constantly confronted with a world that may make us, or others, fearful for simply being ourselves. When I and others speak of our Core Values, “Respect and Value All Equally” and “Lead and Support with Compassion” are rightfully atop the list. We have a responsibility to our Huskies and the community to strive to be a place where students can feel a sense of belonging, while also being knowledgeable to thoughtfully listen, learn, and grow to be their best selves and architects of a better tomorrow. The work that Mia and our faculty and staff do in support of equity and inclusion is a key part of our students’ ability to rise to such lofty goals.
Sincerely,
Patrick McHonett
Head of School
Dear FH Community,
If I haven’t met you yet, I hope to get that opportunity at our upcoming JK-12 Parent Coffee: Equity & Inclusion on Thursday, October 26, at 8:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. Throughout my 19 years at Flint Hill, I have served as a teacher, advisor, coach, Dean of Students, Interim Director of Counseling, and — for the past 9 years — as our Director of Institutional Equity & Inclusion. One thing that has remained consistent over those years is the interconnectedness of our community.
Our interconnectedness allows us to cultivate relationships and hold ourselves accountable to the core values that bind us. Community is the outcome of such deliberate actions. A sense of community is not created by sharing physical space; it is fostered by what each of us contributes to that space. Our community isn't strengthened by uniform agreement; it is fortified by our respect for the space to honor the diversity of experiences, perspectives, and ways of life that we all bring to the table.
As we look around and notice the vibrant hues of summer giving way to the crisp colors of autumn, the transition reminds us of the importance of gratitude, connection, and celebration. As we embrace this new season, let's invite those themes into the work we do to build community at Flint Hill.
Whether I’m behind my desk, in a classroom, at a game, or walking the hallways I’m grateful to be a part of a diverse, interconnected community. I look forward to sharing more about equity and inclusion at this month’s parent coffee.
Sincerely,
Mia Burton
Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
