Lower School Newsletter – April 24, 2024
APRIL 24, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
We hope those of you who joined us for the Rising Grade Transition Visits and Coffees enjoyed gaining insights into the next stage of your child’s education and engaging directly with a teacher and students to learn more about your child’s upcoming transition.
We look forward to welcoming many of you to the Lower School Parent Education Series: “Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids” on Friday, May 3, 8:30-9:45 a.m., in Hazel Lower School, Room 201, where we will be joined by Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, acclaimed co-author of “Raising a Kid Who Can,” and Amy Killy, LCSW, parenting expert. They will 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.
A little further down the road, we are excited to welcome Grandparents and Special Friends on Friday, May 10! Please remember to update SchoolPass by Tuesday, May 7, with the dismissal plans for your child for that day. As a reminder, we will conduct an early carpool at 11:30 a.m. and provide childcare for the remainder of that day.
Please don't ever hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We value your input and are always happy to connect with you!
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Lower School Spring Concerts in May
Our Lower School students will showcase the musical skills they have learned through the year in a series of concerts in May. First, students in 5th and 6th grades will join Middle School student-musicians for orchestra, band, percussion, and choral concerts. JK-4 students will wrap things up with a fun concert of their own.
Grades 5-8 Spring Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 7
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 14
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 16
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades JK-4 Spring Concert
Friday, May 24
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Call for Field Day Parent Volunteers
Lower School Field Day is Thursday, May 30! From the water slide to the potato sack races, the annual Lower School Field Day will be a fun conclusion to a memorable year for students in JK-6. Interested in helping out at Field Day? Click here to sign up to volunteer!
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2024-25 — Sign Up by Monday, May 13
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Monday, May 13.
Virtual Q&A
If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, the Parents’ Association will be hosting Q&A sessions with Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne.
You can also contact one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony — Friday, May 31
We will honor the Class of 2030 at the 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Gym. In preparation for the ceremony, please consider the following details:
Attendance: All 6th grade students are expected to attend, and any and all family or friends may join us. If, for any reason, you expect your Husky to miss this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
Arrival Time: 6th grade students are expected to arrive in the Upper School Learning Commons by 8:00 a.m. to receive final reminders and line up for their procession.
Dress Attire for Students: a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; a skirt with a blouse; or a sundress with a cardigan.
Run Time & Refreshments: We expect the ceremony to run between 40-60 minutes. At the end of the ceremony, students will recess, led by Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont, for a special welcome to the 7th grade. Students will then be guided to reunite with their families in the Upper School Commons, where light refreshments will be served.
Bus Service Updates for 2024-25
In preparation for the 2024-25 school year, all current bus routes have been reviewed. Updates have been made to expand service and stop options for families, for the next school year. We are excited to announce two new stops: Dulles Town Center and Sully Place Shopping Center on the Blue Route.
To sign up for bus service, please visit the Bus Service tile on the Resource Board.
Enter a Raffle to Win a Trip to Paradise While Supporting Flint Hill!
Escape for a 7-night adventurous yet romantic getaway at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Belize! Your stay includes accommodation in a run-of-house room, including daily breakfast, welcome drink, and free use of kayaks and bikes in the local area.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Since 2012, the endowment has supported financial aid for students whose families experienced unexpected financial hardship.
HOW TO ENTER
- By Wednesday, May 22, at 8:00 p.m., purchase raffle tickets online and arrange to pick up your stubs, or contact Tiffany Parry to arrange a visit to the Miller House, on the Lower School campus, to purchase tickets in person.
THE DRAWING
- The drawing will be held and recorded on Thursday, May 23, 2:30 p.m., at the Westfields Golf Club.
- Winner need not be present to win.
- The winning raffle ticket will be announced on Thursday, May 23, via email to all ticket-holders who provided their email address.
- The winning raffle ticket number will also be posted on the landing page.
The raffle is open to anyone over the age of 18. Parents, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors may purchase too. Visit flinthill.org/raffle to buy tickets and learn more! Contact Tiffany Parry with any questions.
Reminders
Final Reminder: Parent Survey Closes Tonight
On April 10, parents received an email from surveys@isminc.com with a unique link to complete the 2023-24 Flint Hill Parent Survey. Please send in your feedback by 12:00 a.m. tonight, Wednesday, April 24. The survey is being administered by Independent School Management and all individual survey responses are confidential. The purpose of this survey is to gauge perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction levels regarding various aspects of the School.
How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions — Tonight
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), which hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to register for PCW’s free Spring Speaker Series webinar, "How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions" on Wednesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Register here.
See You at Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26
We are excited for a fun evening this Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Upper School, and encourage you to participate in the activities throughout the building. Cocktails, food, and music will be in the Commons. Those who prefer a quieter space can visit the study-break lounge in the Learning Commons. Those attending should have received an email from Meredith VanDuyne this afternoon with helpful information about the event.
Wondering what to wear? Check out these ideas from Klondike. Contact Olivia Landrum if you have questions or if your plans changed.
Lower School Parent Education Series: "Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids" — Friday, May 3
Join us for "Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids" on Friday, May 3, 8:30-9:45 a.m., at the Hazel Lower School, Room 201. No RSVP is needed to attend. This event is a follow-up to the April 3 Parent Education Series event: “Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings” for parents to continue the conversation. We look forward to welcoming Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, acclaimed co-author of “Raising a Kid Who Can,” and Amy Killy, LCSW, parenting expert, 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.
Reserve Tickets for the Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde” — May 3-5
The online box office for the Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde,” is now open. An amazing cast of Upper School performers will bring this exciting show to life. There are three performances: Friday, May 3, 7:00-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 4, 7:00-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Location: Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. Reserve your tickets today!
Note: While all are invited, we recommend this musical for grades 5 and up; it is rated PG and contains suggestive themes and language. Use your best judgment as to whether it's appropriate for your student.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, May 6
Our final meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School conference room. We will meet to discuss “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on thought-provoking narratives that have been deemed too controversial. We've curated a diverse selection of banned books from various genres and eras that have sparked debates and provoked change. RSVP here for the meeting. If you have any questions, please email All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day — Friday, May 10
We look forward to welcoming grandparents and (adult) special friends on Friday, May 10, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., to spend the morning with their Husky and get a glimpse into their educational experience! This event is for grandparents and special friends of Lower School students in grades JK-6. We politely request that parents visit during open classroom days throughout the school year in order to accommodate grandparents and special friends.
Invitations have been mailed to grandparents and special friends. They can RSVP by returning the reply card, registering online, or contacting Olivia Landrum.
- To help with limited parking, please plan to drop off your guests during regular morning carpool. Guests who need to drive separately may begin arriving at 7:45 a.m.
- All students are permitted and encouraged to leave school for the day at the end of the program. This is a great opportunity for families to arrange afternoon playdates with friends or outings with grandparents and special friends.
- A special midday carpool will run 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please use the SchoolPass system to notify the school by Tuesday, May 7, if your student will be leaving at the end of the event.
- There will be childcare for students who remain on campus until regular dismissal time. No additional signup is needed. Afternoon carpool and Aftercare will run as normal for students who remain on campus.
Visit the Grandparents and Special Friends Day website for more details.
Clinic or 18-Holes: There’s Still Time to Sign Up for the Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 23
Whether you want to play in the tournament or learn the basics, the Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social is a fun day of community building, and all abilities are welcome. Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and his wife, Jessica, at the Skills Social — clubs included — to learn from the pros. Spend the day with fellow Huskies, enjoy lunch, and try your luck at many fun contests and prizes. Spots are filling up quickly, but we want to see you! Grab your spot here.
Concessions Volunteers Needed
We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and the Den running until the end of the school year! It’s a great way to meet other parents while supporting our community. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and invite a friend to join you.
Space Available! Summer on the Hill Athletic Camps
Summer on the Hill Athletic Camps are designed to provide campers with the opportunity to work with our exceptional coaches, their star staff, and members of their teams. Check out our offerings below and register now!
Girls’ Basketball
Dates: July 15-19
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join the 2023 Conference Champion Flint Hill Huskies and Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Sedrick Winston for camp this summer! The camp will provide an opportunity for young girls to learn the fundamentals of basketball, improve their skills, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Boys’ Basketball
Dates: July 8-12, July 22-26
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Rico Reed, longtime Flint Hill Boys' Varsity basketball coach, his staff, and players for a week of skills and fundamentals, full-court games, and group activities to improve your campers’ individual and team skills.
Co-ed Flag Football
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 5-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill’s Head Varsity Football Coach Kirk Peterson and his staff for the first annual Flint Hill Flag Football Camp emphasizing good sportsmanship, the importance of teamwork, and a focus on basic football skills, games, agility, and position training.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Dates: June 17-21 (closed June 19)
Price: $360
Grades: Rising 4-8
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill Head Lacrosse Coach Adam Rice and his staff, including current Flint Hill players, for a week of learning fundamentals, skill development, and thrilling matches!
Girls’ Volleyball
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $225
Grades: Rising 5-8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades: Rising 9-12, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill coach and former professional volleyball player Rhamat Alhassan for this half-day volleyball camp! Campers will learn the knowledge, discipline, work ethic, leadership, and competitive edge needed to take them to the next level!
Upcoming Events
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 24
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Webinar: How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions
Wednesday, April 24
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Q&A Virtual Session
Thursday, April 25
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Google Meet Link
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 26
Upper School Campus, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Q&A Virtual Session
Tuesday, April 30
7:30-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet Link
Lower School Parent Education Series: Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids
Friday, May 3
Hazel Lower School, Room 201, 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde”
Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP
Grades 5-8 Spring Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 7
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, May 10
Hazel Lower School, 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Deadline to Sign Up for Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador
Monday, May 13
Sign-up Form
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 14
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 16
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Friday, May 17
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Deadline to Enter Belize Trip Raffle
Wednesday, May 22
8:00 p.m.
Enter to Win!
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Thursday, May 23
Westfields Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
May 28 - June 3
Lower School Campus, Miller House
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 30
Lower School Field Day
Thursday, May 30
Lower School Campus, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 31
Upper School Gym, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
