Lower School Newsletter – April 30, 2025
April 30, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
We're on the home stretch of the school year, and our students continue to engage in dynamic learning experiences! We hope you’ve been checking out all of the interesting activities, lessons, and field trips documented on SeeSaw and our Flickr page.
As we wrap up, we're taking special care to help our Huskies reflect on all they've accomplished and ensure they feel a sense of closure. Teachers will be guiding students to celebrate their growth, recognize how much they belong and how valued they are, and really understand their own learning journey — what came easily, what was challenging, and what they truly enjoyed.
We want them to appreciate the satisfaction that comes from working hard, to see how much fun learning can be, and to feel confident and empowered as they take ownership of what they've learned. We'll also be encouraging them to think ahead and set some goals for next year.
Of course, we know that the last six weeks of school can bring some stress, so we'll be sure to connect with and affirm each student, supporting their confidence and easing any worries about what's next, like moving to the next grade or making new friends.
Happily,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2025-26 school year. Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
RSVP! Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 15
Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents' Association President Rejera Arnold P’33 for the Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Thursday, May 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace, to honor your volunteer service to Flint Hill. RSVP by Friday, May 9, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2025-26 — Sign Up by Friday, May 16
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 16. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum or reach out to one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Summer on the Hill: New Summer Session of Makers Lab
We are opening a second session of Makers Lab, July 14-18, for Rising Grades 5-8. Register here.
Share Your Input! Lower School Parent Socials Survey
The Parents’ Association is already planning for next year and would love to hear what events you would be interested in attending. Please help by completing this short survey.
Reminders
Virtual PCW Event: 'Digital Well-Being' — Wednesday, April 30
Register for the Parents Council of Washington (PCW) Virtual Speaker Series Webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of "Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World," will present on "Digital Well-Being: How Can We Help Kids Navigate a World Where Everything is Shared and Compared?" Dr. Heitner will share insights on helping kids with boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation on social media (Roblox, Instagram, TikTok). A Q&A will follow. Submit questions to administration@parentscouncil.org.
Flint Hill is a PCW member. The PCW fosters communication within the D.C. independent school community.
Upper School Musical, 'She Loves Me' — May 2-4
Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, “She Loves Me” is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. The Mikos Lazlos play “Parfuemerie,” on which it is based, has inspired many adaptations, including the beloved film “You've Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don't see eye to eye. After both respond to a "lonely hearts advertisement" in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves ... and all the twists and turns along the way!
Please note: This performance has been rated PG by Music Theatre International. Lower School families are encouraged to use their discretion, as the production includes some mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The Upper School cast will perform in three shows in the Olson Theater located in the Hazel Lower School. Reserve your tickets!
- Friday, May 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Upcoming 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concerts
You're invited to a special series of concerts at Olson Theater featuring our 5th and 6th grade musicians performing alongside the talented Middle School students. These performances are a wonderful opportunity to see the culmination of their hard work and the musical skills they've developed throughout the academic year.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert — Thursday, May 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert — Tuesday, May 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert — Thursday, May 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day — Early Dismissal on Friday, May 9
We look forward to welcoming Grandparents and Special Friends to campus next Friday, May 9. All registrants will receive an email next week with their Husky’s homeroom classroom number(s) and helpful information. Parents can help us prepare for the event by sharing the reminders below. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or have any questions, please contact Olivia Landrum.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, May 9
Meet up with fellow parents for one last walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School on Friday, May 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 will share location details with the group before the walk. Register and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions.
Don’t Miss Out! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
Whether swinging for birdies in the 18-hole Scramble or just practicing in the Skills Social, there’s a spot for everyone at the Flint Hill Golf Invitational and Skills Social!
This year, we’ve added a literal blast: fire a golf ball air cannon at one of the 18 holes, and send that ball soaring like never before! If you’re still on the fence, watch this very serious training video from Head of School Patrick McHonett and his wife, Jessica, as they practice their putting skills using some incredible mini golf courses made by our very own 6th grade students. Only a few spots left, so register today!
Lower School Field Day Details — Thursday, May 29
From a water slide to obstacle course fun, the annual Lower School Field Day on Thursday, May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., will be a fun conclusion to a memorable year. Thank you to all the parents who signed up to volunteer. We are now at our capacity for volunteers.
A picnic-style lunch for the students will include pizza and watermelon, with a gluten-free pizza option available. You are also welcome to send lunch with your child instead of the pizza. If you have specific allergy concerns, please contact Director of Health Services Mary Hart.
Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level — Watch the Presentation
Those who were not able to attend the individual webinars are invited to view the presentations linked below.
Concessions Volunteers Needed!
Help finish the year strong by volunteering in the Den or Igloo! Bring a friend, sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and get a glimpse into the student experience. Upper School students may earn service hours!
Upcoming Events
Virtual PCW Speaker Series: 'Digital Well-Being'
Wednesday, April 30
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Grade 4 Day Trip to Jamestown
Friday, May 2
6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Upper School Musical, 'She Loves Me'
Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 5
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, 8:00-11:15 a.m.
Parent Walking Group
Friday, May 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 13
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons
RSVP
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 15
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades JK-1 Spring Concert
Thursday, May 22
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Grades 2-4 Spring Concert
Thursday, May 22
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social
Thursday, May 22
Register
Class of 2031 Celebration Field Trip
Friday, May 23
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Administrative Offices Closed
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-off
Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 29
Lower School Field Day
Thursday, May 29
Lower School Campus, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Upper School Gym, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
