Lower School Newsletter – February 14, 2024
FEBRUARY 14, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
Happy Valentine’s Day! We loved seeing everyone in their Valentine’s Day colors and enjoying the day with their friends.
We are looking forward to welcoming many of you to our open classrooms this month. On Friday, February 16, parents of students in JK-3rd grade are welcome to visit their child’s homeroom. Following that, there will be a coffee session focused on the Lower School library program, hosted by our librarian, Mrs. Michelle Plaut.
On Friday, February 23, parents of 4th graders can visit either Music (4A) or Spanish (4B), and then attend a coffee in room 201 about Lower School counseling, led by our counseling team. Also, on Friday, February 23, parents of 5th and 6th graders are invited to the Olson Theater for a presentation of “Carnival,” an interdisciplinary study involving several special subjects: Spanish, Innovation, Art, and Music!
Once again, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and active involvement in the Lower School community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, February 22
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard P'32, '35, and spend time with fellow parents while volunteering together at Food for Others each month. Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents will sort food donations, pack food for distribution, and assist with warehouse tasks. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Space is limited to 20 volunteers for each date, but you can sign up for as many as you can attend! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum '11, in the Advancement Office.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
Monthly Volunteer Dates:
- Thursday, February 22: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 28: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Spring Break Camp: Limited Space Available — March 18-22
We currently have a few spots left for Spring Break Camp, Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 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. Register now!
5th and 6th Graders Present “Carnival” — Friday, February 23
On Friday, February 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m., parents of 5th and 6th graders are invited to the Olson Theater in the Hazel Lower School building for a presentation of “Carnival,” an interdisciplinary study involving several special subjects: Spanish, Innovation, Art, and Music!
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off — Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Parents may drop off gently used and clean uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, February 26, to Monday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
New Event Added! Community Festival Weekend: March 1-2
Please save the date and make a plan to join us in the Upper School for our annual Community Festival!
On Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Flint Hill’s families of color are invited to attend our Community of Color Collective (3C) Launch and Reception in the Peterson Middle School. The purpose of the 3C affinity space is to provide a centralized platform and approach to addressing the needs of the communities of color within Flint Hill School. During the reception we will welcome guest speaker Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Let us know you’ll join us!
On Saturday, March 2, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., you're invited to engage in thoughtful discussions about what makes a community. Open to parents, faculty/staff, alumni, and students in grades 7-12, the event is designed to engage in dialogue that will foster relationships and strengthen connections within the Flint Hill community. This event will take place in the Upper School Learning Commons. Join the conversation!
On Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will gather in the Upper School Commons to celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a cultural festival to highlight the rich diversity within our community. RSVP so our hosts can plan how many to welcome and feed!
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Friday, March 1
Connect with your Flint Hill family at this casual pickleball social and tournament on Friday, March 1, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Whether you have played pickleball or not, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families while enjoying some friendly competition. Players of all levels are welcome, and you'll be matched with someone new for each round. The event is free, but we do ask that you register in advance. Space is limited to 30 players. Plan to stay after play has ended for light refreshments and prizes. Location: International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, March 4
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Sold” by Patricia McCormick. 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 to attend by completing this form. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent/Teacher Conferences — Friday, March 8
The Lower School will be offering Student-Involved Conferences for JK-4th grade and Student-Led Conferences for 5th and 6th grade. All conferences are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. Conferences should include the student, parent, and teacher. Lower School conferences will take place on Friday, March 8; however, your child’s teacher may offer limited additional times on the preceding days. Please be on the lookout for a sign-up link on Thursday, February 22. Please note that, while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 8, the Upper School will still be in session.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Room 101 of the Hazel Lower School. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first come, first served. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to shop for uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit items.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
The School Store will be open during the Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by the School Store and check out the new spirit wear. Plus, shoppers will receive a $5 coupon for any school store purchase! Please email schoolstore@flinthill.org with any Store questions.
Lands' End School Discount — Until Friday, February 23
Lands’ End is currently running a 20% off special until Friday, February 23. Use CODE: STUDY PIN: 2699
Reminders
Upcoming Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee — Friday, February 16 & Friday, February 23
We look forward to welcoming JK-3rd grade parents on Friday, February 16, 8:15-9:30 a.m., and 4th-6th grade parents on Friday, February 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
On Friday, February 16, JK-3rd grade parents are welcome to visit their child’s homeroom. Following that, there will be a coffee session focused on the Lower School library program, hosted by our librarian, Mrs. Michelle Plaut.
On Friday, February 23, 4th grade parents can visit either Music (4A) or Spanish (4B), and then attend a coffee in room 201 about Lower School counseling, led by our counseling team.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, February 16 & Tuesday, February 27
Join Molisa Meholic P'29 and other Flint Hill parents for a rejuvenating walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Sign up and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions. February Dates: Friday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 27, at 8:15 a.m.
Dads Meetup: Topgolf — Monday, February 26
Connect with fellow Flint Hill dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Monday, February 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is limited to 25 guests and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register using this form, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting!
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Help us finish the winter season strong by covering a shift in the Igloo! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, and all divisions are welcome. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and invite a friend to join you. Upper School students can earn service hours for basketball games, too! Volunteer Sign Up
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 14
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
A family-friendly concert featuring our Upper School a capella group!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 16
Location: Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood
8:15 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visit and Parent Coffee
Friday, February 16
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Library, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Presidents’ Day, No School
Monday, February 19
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, February 22
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visit and Parent Coffee
Friday, February 23
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
5th and 6th Graders Present “Carnival”
Friday, February 23
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Dads Meetup: Topgolf
Monday, February 26
Location: Topgolf Loudon
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off
Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Miller House Front Porch, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, February 27
Location: Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood
8:15 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Friday, March 1
International Country Club, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Communities of Color Collective Launch and Reception
Friday, March 1
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP
Community Festival
Saturday, March 2
Upper School, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 4
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Volunteers Needed: Spring Uniform Exchange
Wednesday, March 6
Sign Up to Volunteer
Lower School and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 8
Sign-up link to be sent on Thursday, February 22
Spring Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, Room 101, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 24
Spring Break Camp
March 18-22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Registration
Classes Resume
Monday, March 25
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, March 28
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
