Lower School Newsletter – December 18, 2024

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    December 18, 2024

    Letter From the Division Director 

    WOW — December did not disappoint at the Lower School! It has been a joy to witness our community come alive with learning, connection, and celebration. We are closing out 2024 with an energetic ending!

    We began the month with a special visit from our Junior and Senior basketball players during buddy time. They inspired our younger Huskies by demonstrating what it means to be a respectful teammate and a gracious competitor. This perfectly aligned with our ongoing discussions about sportsmanship, as our students navigate the thrills and occasional challenges of recess games. Watching the older students share their experiences and skills reminded me of the powerful ways our community learns and grows together — across divisions and generations.

    This month also brought a unique opportunity to share our students’ talents with a larger audience. Brian Van de Graaff, a meteorologist with 7 News/WTOP, reached out to feature an exceptional project at Flint Hill for their “Spotlight in Education” segment. We invited Brian to visit the 5th Grade Innovation Lab during their studies of Scribblebots and Wobblebots, and we are excited for this chance to highlight the incredible work happening here under the guidance of Sarah Magner.

    December’s final treats were found in the joy and pride of our Lower School winter music concerts for JK-4th grades and 5th-6th grades. These performances beautifully showcased our students’ learning, teamwork, and creativity. In addition, the Lower School Family Spirit Nights were full of energy and fun, further strengthening our sense of community.

    As we look ahead, I want to share some updates. In late January, families will receive first-semester progress reports. These reports may look a little different from those in years past. Rather than a lengthy narrative touching on all academic areas, you will notice a personalized narrative addressed to your student, reflecting how they embody the traits outlined in our Portrait of a Flint Hill Student. You will also receive more precise academic checklists to update your student's progress in content areas. These adjustments help remind us of the goals for all Huskies and focus on your students' development as self-directed learners, problem solvers, leaders, effective communicators, and ethical citizens in addition to their academic progress. The changes were thoughtfully made to provide you with more specific insights into your child’s growth as a learner.

    As we head into the winter break, I hope you find time to rest, recharge, and enjoy special moments with your loved ones. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year as we continue this wonderful journey together.

    Kindly,
    Jess Henry
    Director of the Lower School

    Announcements

    Lower School Special Dress Days — Thursday, December 19, and Friday, December 20

    Cozy Dress Day! This Friday, December 20, let’s get comfy and cozy as we head into winter break! Cozy dress means wearing things like holiday pajamas, warm and snuggly clothes, fun and festive sweaters, or fuzzy socks or slippers (with sturdy shoes for outside play!)

    Your student is free to show their personality and dress in their coziest, winter-ready outfits. We can’t wait to see everyone warm and comfy before we head off for a two-week break!

    Note: Husky Pride Day will be moved to Thursday, December 19, this week. Don’t forget to wear your Husky gear on Thursday!

    Admission Virtual Event: Fine Arts & Innovation at Flint Hill — Thursday, January 8

    Current families are invited to join us for this virtual event on Thursday, January 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. to learn more about Flint Hill’s approach to fine arts and innovation in the Middle and Upper School. You'll hear directly from our passionate Fine Arts and Innovation faculty members, students, and parents. While this event is designed with prospective families in mind, current families will gain some insights into what’s ahead for their children’s fine arts and innovation classes. Register today.

    Head of School Budget Coffee — Tuesday, January 14

    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 Tuesday, January 14, at 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).

    Reserve Your Seat for our January 15 Parent Education Series

    Join us for another installment of Flint Hill's Parent Education Series with an eye-opening seminar on parenting in today’s high-anxiety world, featuring a presentation and Q&A with Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry).” The seminar is on Wednesday, January 15, in the Peterson Middle School with two opportunities to attend: 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m. Seating is limited! Reserve your spot now!

    JK-3 Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee — Friday, January 17

    Parents in grades JK-3 are invited to campus on Friday, January 17, 8:15-9:30 a.m., to visit homeroom classrooms where students will share what they are learning. Following the classroom visits, the Lower School team will host a brief presentation on the Responsive Classroom approach used in the Lower School. Parents will learn strategies they can apply at home to support their child’s social and emotional growth, communication skills, and independence. Together, we can create a consistent and nurturing environment for our students both in and out of school.

    Save the Date for Community Festival Weekend - February 21-22

    Our annual Community Festival is set for Friday, February 21 and Saturday, 22, with activities planned for everyone to enjoy. Detailed schedules will be shared after the break, but we’re already gearing up for Saturday’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 22. If your family or student club would like to host a table and share your culture with the community, we’d love to hear from you — sign up today! If you have any questions, please email All School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson at mchenderson@flinthill.org

    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! Please consider inviting your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to these upcoming admission events. Thank you for helping to expand our Husky community!

    • Family Discovery Workshop on Thursday, January 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m., in the Hazel Lower School. Attendees can choose two subjects, such as percussion (music), computer science, or Spanish, and attend interactive workshops led by our wonderful Lower School specialist teachers. Forward this signup link to those who may be interested in learning more about our Lower School.
    • Middle School Virtual Info Session on Thursday, January 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. They’ll hear from school leaders, parents, and students about what makes Flint Hill's Middle School program exceptional. Forward this signup link to those who may be interested in learning more about our Middle School. 

    Reminders

    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.

    Winter After-School Clubs Registration Closes Today 

    A reminder that today is the last day to register for Winter After-School Clubs. Spring Break Camp registration will remain open through the winter. For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.

    Discount to Enroll for 2025 Headfirst Summer Camps — Through Wednesday, December 25

    Day camp programming for JK-7th graders includes arts & crafts, STEM, and multi-sport as well as Washington Nationals Baseball & Softball Camps and D.C. United Soccer Camps. Flint Hill parents can sign up now through Wednesday, December 25, to take advantage of 5% off; just use the code Oakton5 at checkout. 

    Any questions? Headfirst staff will be at the morning drop-off on Friday, December 20, or email customercare@heafirstcamps.com.

    Driving Spirit Award Nominations — Submit by Thursday, January 9

    The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill faculty and staff members who lead by example through their dedication to students and ability to energize and inspire the Flint Hill community. Please think about the exceptional current teachers and staff members in the Flint Hill community who you believe fit this description, and complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 9.

    Parent Walking Group — Friday, January 17

    Meetup with fellow parents for a walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The next walk is on Friday, January 17, 8:15-9:15 a.m. The location varies weekly and will be shared with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P'29. Upcoming Walk: Friday, February 7.

    Parents: Share Your Professional Knowledge with Our Students!

    Occasionally, teachers invite presenters into the classroom to enhance the curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible. In the previous newsletter, we shared some “wish list” topics and nearly all have been fulfilled! Thank you! We have one remaining need for current or retired NASA astronauts and engineers.

    If you are willing to present or know someone who would be interested, please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Note that these presenting opportunities are not compensated. As additional topics are requested we’ll share them here. Thank you for helping students and teachers make these real-world connections!

    Inclement Weather 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.

    IMPORTANT: If you are new to Flint Hill, you must opt in to receive text messages by texting YES to 79041. Note: the mobile number used must match what we have in our system. You’ll receive a confirmation text that you’ve opted in. We strongly suggest families opt in — these messages will provide the most timely information in the case of an emergency or school closure.

    Volunteer in the Igloo — Help Us Prepare for the New Year!

    There’s always an opportunity to sign up for a shift in the Igloo, and we need many volunteers to open each day. It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents while supporting our community. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Invite a friend to join you and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like so we’re prepared when we return from winter break. Sign Up to Volunteer in the Igloo.

    2025-26 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available

    Our 2025-26 Calendar Highlights listing is now available 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

    Lower School Special Dress Days
    Thursday, December 19, and Friday, December 20

    End of First Semester
    Friday, December 20

    Winter Break
    December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025

    Classes Resume
    Monday, January 6, 2025

    Admission Virtual Event: Fine Arts & Innovation at Flint Hill, Grades 7-12
    Thursday, January 8
    6:00-8:00 p.m.
    Register

    Head of School Budget Coffee
    Tuesday, January 14
    Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

    Parent Education Series: Empowering, Not Overprotecting: Building Independence and Raising Resilient Kids
    Wednesday, January 15
    Peterson Middle School, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Reserve Your Spot Now!

    Parent Meetup: Walking Group
    Friday, January 17
    8:15-9:15 a.m.
    Register to Attend

    Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee
    Friday, January 17
    Hazel Lower School, 8:15-9:30 a.m.