Lower School Newsletter – December 13, 2023
DECEMBER 13, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
The Lower School has delivered yet another set of captivating winter concerts that filled the hearts of everyone who attended with pure joy. Witnessing the musical talents of our students was absolutely remarkable and left me utterly impressed! From the energetic melodies sung by our young singers to the skillful performances by our young instrumentalists, every moment of the concerts showcased the incredible dedication of our students and music teachers. Visit our Flickr page to view photos.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you who generously donated books during our recent Book Drive. Your contributions to promoting literacy are greatly appreciated, and we are thankful for your dedication to making a difference in the lives of young learners.
As we approach the much-deserved winter break and prepare to celebrate the upcoming holidays, I want to extend warm wishes to all of our dear students and families on behalf of the entire Lower School faculty and staff. May this holiday season be filled with joy, love, and laughter, and may you find relaxation and happiness in the company of your loved ones. We look forward to seeing all of you in the new year!
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Winter Club Registration — Opens Tomorrow
Winter Clubs begin on Monday, January 8, and will meet on their designated day of the week for six sessions. Please refer to the email you received on Monday to review the club offerings. Registration will be available beginning on Thursday, December 14, at 9:00 a.m. Registration will close on Tuesday, January 2, at 12:00 p.m., or when they reach their individual capacities. Please email Matt McCoart with any questions.
Registration for 5th and 6th Grade Play — Opens Tomorrow
In partnership with Acting for Young People, we are pleased to announce our 2023-2024 Lower School Play, “Up There in Lights!” To ensure a smooth production and meaningful participation for our actors, we must limit the number of students participating to the first 28 students who register that can commit to attending all rehearsals. Registration will be available beginning on Thursday, December 14, at 9:00 a.m. Registration will close on Tuesday, January 2, at 12:00 p.m., or when they reach their individual capacities. Please email Megan Dhar with any questions.
Rehearsal Schedule
- Wednesday, January 3 — Auditions (roles are guaranteed)
- Wednesday, January 10 — First Read
- All Wednesdays, January 17 - February 28 — Rehearsals
- Monday, March 4 — Tech Rehearsal
- Tuesday, March 5 — Dress Rehearsal
- Wednesday, March 6 — Performance
Spring Break Camp Registration — Opens Tomorrow
Spring Break Camp will be held March 18-22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Throughout the week, students will participate in a variety of STEM, art, and team-building activities, as well as participate in a week-long color competition. Registration will be available beginning on Thursday, December 14, at 9:00 a.m., and will continue through the winter.
Head of School Meeting: The FH Budget — Monday, January 8
Current families are invited to join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson for our annual budget coffee on Monday, January 8, from 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room to learn more about your investment in a one-of-a-kind Flint Hill experience for your student(s).
Mark Your Calendars & Help Plan — Community Festival on Saturday, March 2
On Saturday, March 2, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m, we will host our annual Community Festival in the Upper School. If you attended this event last year, you’ll remember that the morning was dedicated to our Community of Care forum and the afternoon involved a cultural celebration sharing foods and traditions from the various countries represented throughout our Flint Hill community. This year, we’re calling the whole event Community Festival! If you and your family would like to represent a country, please fill out this form and join us for a brief planning meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Gifts to Faculty and Staff
As we approach the Winter Break, we wanted to remind you of the School’s recommendations concerning gifts to faculty and staff. Flint Hill encourages simplicity in the giving of gifts. Please note that holiday gift giving is not an expectation, and individual families should decide what is best for them, keeping in mind that a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” often carries the greatest meaning.
The School discourages the collection of money from parents to provide teachers or coaches with gifts. If, however, you choose to provide a holiday gift to a faculty or staff member, please be sensitive to varying culture/religious backgrounds and avoid gifts exceeding $100 in value, as outlined in the Family Handbook.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
Delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event in the following ways:
- Text/email alerts through our emergency notification system.
- A banner on our website.
- Story posts on Instagram and Facebook.
If a change to the school day is required, we will contact you as stated above. If you do not hear from us, know that the school day is scheduled as normal.
We also want to make you aware of our classwork policy on inclement weather days.
For students in Grades JK-2 — Starting with the second inclement weather day of the season, teachers will provide optional home learning to be done via Seesaw or email. This work will neither be graded nor collected and is solely for the purpose of review, practice or enrichment.
For students in Grades 3-6 — Starting with the second inclement weather day of the season, and including all others, teachers may choose to assign home learning available on Seesaw or by email by 10:00 a.m.
Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill
Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! If you know someone who would make a great Husky, submit the Refer a Husky form and consider inviting them to these upcoming admission events:
Virtual Fine Arts & Innovation Event: Grades 7-12 — Thursday, January 4, 6:00 p.m. Current families are welcome to attend.
Lower School Info Session — Thursday, January 11, 9:00 a.m.
Middle School Virtual Info Session — Thursday, January 11, 6:30 p.m.
Reminders
Volunteer in the Igloo
There’s always an opportunity to sign up for a shift in the Igloo, and we need many volunteers! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents while strengthening our community. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you! With more volunteers, we can open for more games and activities! Sign up to volunteer in the Igloo.
2024-25 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
We have shared our 2024-25 Calendar Highlights on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.
Upcoming Events
Winter Clubs, 5th and 6th Grade Play, and Spring Break Camp Registration
Registration will be available beginning Thursday, December 14, at 9:00 a.m.
Winter Break
Monday, December 18 - Monday, January 1
Classes Resume
Tuesday, January 2
Admission Event: Virtual Fine Arts & Innovation Event: Grades 7-12
Thursday, January 4, 6:00 p.m.
Current families are welcome to attend.
Sign up to attend
Grades JK-12 Head of School Meeting: The FH Budget
Monday, January 8
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Community Festival Planning Meeting
Tuesday, January 9
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
