Lower School Newsletter – December 4, 2024
December 4, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
We often speak of the importance of character and connection in shaping our community. Recently, this ethos was evident during a visit from a current JK parent who stopped by to discuss best practices in education from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade. He shared that he chose Flint Hill for his son because of our focus on both academic excellence and character development.
This reflection affirmed the work we do every day to nurture balanced, thoughtful individuals – work that is mirrored across our school community. That same week, I was struck by the presence of four Flint Hill alumni now working in the Lower School. These individuals, all former students, exemplify the values we strive to instill. They are self-starters, people who see a need and act without being asked. Quietly contributing to the fabric of our community, they approach everyone – student or teacher – with respect, kindness, and a welcoming demeanor. Their work reminds me that the character we cultivate in our students endures well beyond their time on our campuses.
But it isn’t just alumni or students who embody these traits — it’s every member of our Flint Hill family. Walking past a 3rd grade classroom recently, I saw Coach P, a familiar face from the Upper School, standing at the door. His visit to the Lower School was inspired by a promise he’d made to some 3rd grade football fans: to bring them a signed football by the 2024 Husky football team. True to his word, there he was, handing the ball to a beaming student — a small act that reflected the values of compassion, respect, and connection we hold dear.
In moments like these, we see our mission come to life. Whether through a global conversation, the quiet contributions of alumni, or the thoughtful actions of our faculty and staff, Flint Hill is a place where values are not just taught, they are lived! This culture of respect, compassion, and responsibility binds us together and inspires all of us to take meaningful risks, make a difference, and imagine what’s possible.
In Gratitude,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Driving Spirit Award Nominations
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.
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.
Parents: Come to Campus to Share Your Professional Knowledge With Our Students!
From time to time teachers would like to bring in a presenter to enhance the classroom curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible.
If you might be willing to present, or have a connection you might be willing to facilitate, please contact Meredith VanDuyne, Assistant Head of Institutional Advancement, to learn more (no obligations). Note, these presenting opportunities are not compensated.
Here are four specific upcoming needs. Would you be willing to consider presenting or know someone else who might?
- A slam poet who can talk about the process of creating and performing and do a performance for Lower School students. Not required but it would be terrific if the presenter has also done community advocacy work.
- Current or retired NASA astronauts and engineers.
- Lawyers, prosecutors, or judges who have argued or adjudicated any cases involving the Bill of Rights.
- A presenter for an African Studies class who has unique expertise, experience, or perspective on the continent.
Special shout out to Omar Balkissoon P’28, ‘29, ‘30 for recently presenting to the Upper School Discovery of Engineering class. Students had a particular interest in motorsports. Omar shared the vital role engineers play and facilitated a virtual presentation with an engineer in Italy and a race team owner in Tennessee. The students were enthralled!
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.
Two Upcoming Webinars: Lower School Math Tomorrow, Student Success Next Week
These two events are designed for prospective families, but current families are more than welcome to attend.
Learn more about how we define and nurture student success at Unlocking Potential: Explore Student Success at Flint Hill on Friday, December 13, 12:00-12:45 p.m. The virtual session will feature a series of brief presentations from our dedicated faculty and staff, focusing on the strategies we use to extend, challenge, and support our students. Sign up to attend.
Math instruction looks different than it used to! Dive into Understanding the Process of Lower School Math tomorrow, December 5, 12:00-12:45 p.m. Our math department will walk you through Flint Hill's philosophy. Sign up to attend.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, December 6
Meet up with fellow parents for a walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The next walk is on Friday, December 6, 8:15-9:15 a.m. The location varies 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 '29.
Upcoming Winter Dates:
- Friday, January 17
- Friday, February 7
Registration for Winter After-School Clubs, Social Skills Groups, and Spring Break Camp — Opens Wednesday, December 11
Our Winter After-School Clubs and Social Skills Groups will be announced by Monday, December 9. Clubs are an opportunity for students to engage in enrichment activities, learn a new hobby or skill, or engage in an existing passion throughout six sessions. Past clubs have included Ukulele, Sports Mix, Theatre, Mock Trial, Debate, and more!
Registration will open to families on Wednesday, December 11, at 12:00 p.m., and continue through Wednesday, December 18. Individual clubs may reach capacity before registration closes. Spring Break Camp registration will remain open through the winter.
Start Date: Clubs will begin the week of Monday, January 13.
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Pickup: Students may either participate in the 4:00 p.m. club carpool or attend AfterCare until as late as 5:30 p.m.
Snack: Snack is included in registration for clubs. Students will receive their snack when they arrive at their club.
For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.
Summer 2025 Enrollment Is Open for Headfirst Summer Camps at Flint Hill
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 December 25 to take advantage of 5% off. Use the code Oakton5 at checkout.
Any questions? Headfirst staff will be at dropoff on Friday morning or email customercare@headfirstcamps.com.
Reminders
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.
20th Annual Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — This Friday & Saturday!
The 20th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Classic is this weekend! We invite you to come support your Huskies on the court.
Friday, December 6 Schedule
Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) South County vs Trinity Episcopal
Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Sandy Spring vs Friendship Tech
Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Forest Park
Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Springdale
Saturday, December 7 Schedule
Game 5: 11:00 a.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 3 vs Loser of Game 1
Game 6: 12:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 4 vs Loser of Game 2
Game 7: 2:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
Game 8: 4:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game
Volunteer in the Igloo! — Tip-Off Volunteers Needed on Friday and Saturday, December 6-7
There’s always an opportunity to volunteer in the Igloo. The Tip-Off Tournament is this Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7. It is an exciting event that draws a big crowd, and your help will make a huge difference and keep the Igloo Snack Bar running smoothly. Students can earn service hours too. Join the fun, and invite a friend to join you! Sign up for a shift in the Igloo
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, December 9
This year, we’re diving deep into an inspiring collection of memoirs and historical biographies that were adapted for young readers. These captivating personal narratives will take us on incredible journeys, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs that resonate across time and culture. Our next meeting is Monday, December 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We'll be discussing “It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” (adapted for young readers) by Trevor Noah. *Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
If you have any questions, please contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson. Please sign up to be included on our email list to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect.
Register to Attend Lower School Family Spirit Nights
Mark your calendars and register to attend!
- Grades JK-3 Family Spirit Night: Thursday, December 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Girls' Varsity Basketball game
- Grades 4-6 Family Spirit Night: Tuesday, December 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Boys' Varsity Basketball game
Spend time with Lower School families and cheer on the Huskies at these Family Spirit Nights! Parents and students are invited to meet in the Upper School Commons before the selected basketball games to make signs and mingle before finding a spot in the bleachers to cheer on the Huskies. This is a great opportunity for families to connect while building school spirit across divisions.
These events are hosted by the Parents' Association and school personnel will not be in attendance to supervise. Parents must be in attendance to supervise their students.
National Anthem and School Song Singers for Family Spirit Nights
We are excited to invite Lower School students to showcase their musical talents in the singing of our National Anthem and the Flint Hill School Song as they are invited to be the openers of Family Spirit Nights!
National Anthem Singers for 5th/6th Grade Family Spirit Night
- Who: 5th/6th Grade Choir Members!
- Performance Time: Tuesday, December 17, 5:30 p.m.
- Game Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- Drop-Off Time: 4:45 p.m. in front of the Upper School Building (circle)
- Students will meet Ms. P in the lobby and proceed to the choir room for a warm-up before their performance at 5:15 p.m. in the gym.
- Attire: Husky Pride, no hats
- Note: Families are encouraged to stay for the game if schedules allow! Parents must remain in attendance to supervise their students.
Flint Hill School Song Singers for JK-3 Family Spirit Night
- Who: 1st - 3rd Graders who love to sing!
- Performance Time: Thursday, December 12, 5:00 p.m.
- Game Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m. (Girls' Varsity Basketball Game)
- Drop-Off Time: Students will meet Mr. Murley in the lobby of the Upper School at 4:15 p.m. and proceed to the choir room for a warm-up before their performance at 4:50 p.m. Parents should plan to wait in the gym during warm-up for the performance.
- Attire: Husky Pride, no hats
- Note: Families are encouraged to stay for the game if schedules allow! Parents must remain in attendance to supervise their students.
Rehearsal for JK-3 Singers:
- Who: All interested 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders are welcome to participate.
- When: Wednesday, December 11, 3:00–3:25 p.m.
- Where: Mr. Murley’s music room
Sign-Up Information: To ensure smooth planning, we ask families to complete a sign-up form for each participating student by December 10. Thank you for supporting these memorable experiences for our students. We look forward to seeing you and your family at these joyful events! GO HUSKIES!
Upcoming Events
Webinar: Understanding the Process of Lower School Math
Thursday, December 5
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register to Attend
Parent Walking Group
Friday, December 6
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before each walk.
Register to Attend
20th Annual FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 6, 3:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Upper School Gym
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 9
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Registration for Winter After-School Clubs, Social Skills Groups, and Spring Break Camp Opens
Wednesday, December 11
Registration link will be emailed to Lower School families.
Grades 5-6 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 11
Lower School Olson Theater, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Grades JK-3 Family Spirit Night
Thursday, December 12
Upper School Commons, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Cheer on the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team
Register to Attend
Webinar: Unlocking Potential: Explore Student Success at Flint Hill
Friday, December 13
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register to Attend
Grades 4-6 Family Spirit Night
Tuesday, December 17
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cheer on the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team
Register to Attend
Grades JK-1 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 18
Lower School Olson Theater, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Grades 2-4 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 18
Lower School Olson Theater, 9:15-9:45 a.m.
End of First Semester
Friday, December 20
Winter Break
December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Classes Resume
Monday, January 6
