Lower School Newsletter – February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
I see February as a sweet season of growth in the Lower School. This month we will pass the halfway mark between Winter Break and Spring Break, and we step into one of the most exciting times of the school year! February is a month filled with warmth, not just because of Valentine’s Day and the sweet sentiments it brings, but because of the remarkable growth we see in our students.
At this point in the year, our classrooms are in sync. The foundation of learning built earlier in the year is now being stretched and strengthened as students take on new challenges. Our dedicated teachers have intentionally revisited past skills, introduced new concepts, and are now guiding students to make meaningful connections between the two.
This is a season where confidence blossoms. Students are more comfortable in their learning spaces, more eager to engage, and more self-assured in their abilities. The pace of learning accelerates, and with it comes an energy that is both inspiring and joyful. With each new step, our students are growing, not only in their knowledge but also in their resilience and independence.
This growth requires courage — stepping forward, even when the path ahead isn’t entirely clear. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so powerfully said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” This month, we celebrate not only the love of learning but also our students’ courage and faith in themselves to keep moving forward, embracing challenges, and growing into the best versions of who they are.
We look forward to seeing our students continue to flourish in the weeks ahead!
Warmly,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Updates to Two Upcoming Schoolwide Events
Location Change: Tonight's Major Minors Concert, starting at 7:00 p.m., will now take place in the Middle School Commons.
Date Change: The Middle School production of "Murder in the Knife Room" will now take place on Wednesday, February 26. Click here to reserve your seats for that performance!
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits — Friday, February 28
On Friday, February 28, we welcome parents of 4th-6th graders to the Lower School.
8:15-8:45 a.m. — 4th grade parents are invited into specialists' classrooms where students will share what they are learning.
8:15-9:30 a.m. — 5th and 6th grade parents will enjoy a student-led presentation on Carnaval, the Latin American festival celebrated in February and March. Come celebrate with us and support our students as they bring Carnaval to life in this unique, educational, and joyous event! Instead of the classroom, this presentation will take place in the Olson Theater.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Wednesday, March 12
Mark your calendars and join us for the Pickleball Social on Wednesday, March 12, 10:30-12:30 p.m., at the Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or a first-timer, this is a great chance to connect with other families and enjoy some friendly competition. All skill levels are welcome! Registration is limited to 30 players, and this beloved event fills up quickly, so grab your spot! Contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Lower School Parent Conferences – Friday, March 14
All Lower School conferences are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. Please see below for specific details regarding conferences for each grade level.
- Junior Kindergarten will hold Parent Conferences, providing an opportunity for parents and teachers to connect and discuss student progress, and preparation for transitioning to Kindergarten. Students will not be present during this conference.
- Kindergarten through 4th Grade will have Student-Involved Conferences, where students engage in discussions about their learning alongside their teachers and parents.
- 5th and 6th Grade will participate in Student-Led Conferences, giving students the opportunity to take the lead in reflecting on and presenting their growth.
Lower School Parent Conferences will take place on Friday, March 14; however, your child’s teacher may offer limited additional times on the preceding days. Please be on the lookout for a signup link on Friday, February 28. Please note that, while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 14, the Upper School will still be in session.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange and Drop-Off in March
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in room 101 of Hazel Lower School. The Exchange is intentionally scheduled to coincide with Lower School Parent Conferences. 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. For questions about the Exchange, please contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office.
Donation Drop-off: Parents may drop off gently used, clean uniforms and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 7, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Kindly launder items before donating. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate and/or shop for spirit wear.
Volunteers Needed: Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Tuesday, March 11, and during the Exchange on Friday, March 14. Sign up to volunteer and get to shop first!
School Store Open — Friday, March 14
The School Store will be open on Friday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Hazel Lower School in Room 112. You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11. For questions about the School Store, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.
Spring Break Camp, Spaces Limited — March 24-28
Spring Break Camp, open to all Lower School students, will be held March 24-28, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Throughout the week, students will participate in various STEM, art, and team-building activities and participate in a week-long color competition! Registration closes Friday, March 7, or when camp reaches capacity. Register for Spring Break Camp
Reminders
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits — Friday, February 21
On Friday, February 21, 8:15-8:45 a.m., parents are welcomed into specialists' classrooms where students will share what they are learning. Parents will go directly to the specialist room at 8:15 a.m. Room locations will be shared before the event via email and will also be displayed on the TV on the second floor.
Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Celebrate the experiences that help us grow as individuals and as a school! The schedule for One School, Many Stories includes the Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club) on Friday, February 21, and the Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue and the following Community Festival events on Saturday, February 22. Learn more and RSVP!
Parent Education Series: Essential Conversations — Tuesday, February 25
Join us in the Middle School on Tuesday, February 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m., for an essential conversation with the founders of I Have The Right To on how to support children and teens in navigating consent, healthy relationships, and personal safety. Alex and Susan Prout will share their powerful story and the critical lessons they wish they had known as parents. The presentation will also provide insight into what Upper School students have been learning in school workshops, including recognizing red flags, setting boundaries, and understanding the neurobiology of trauma.
From Director of Counseling Tracie Epes: "It’s never too early to teach consent and healthy relationships. In the Lower School, we help students understand their own boundaries and the importance of respecting others. They learn effective communication strategies, like active listening and using 'I' statements, while building healthy, positive friendships. Raising awareness fosters empathy, boosts confidence, and strengthens social skills. We hope to see Lower School parents at this event!" Reserve your seat!
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
Don’t miss this chance to connect with an alumni parent and other parents in our community! Join Inspire founder, author, community-builder, and alumni parent Alysia Dempsey P’20, ’23 for this special workshop for parents on Thursday, February 27, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Oakton Starbucks, 2930 Chain Bridge Rd. According to Alysia, What is Your Story? is an inspiring workshop enabling participants to share their story and discover the story of others in their own community and communities around the world.
Alysia will also be hosting a workshop at the Community Festival on Saturday, February 22, so there are two opportunities to join!
Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with questions.
Yay Lunch Service Now Available!
Parents interested in the optional lunch program must sign up with Yay Lunch to receive their weekly email, sent every Thursday, featuring lunch menus for the following week. Orders can be placed anytime before Sunday, with the flexibility to choose meals for the entire week or just specific days. If you have questions about the ordering process or Yay in general, check our Yay FAQs or email info@theyaycompany.com.
Spots Still Available: 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 Camp and D.C. United Soccer Camp. Learn more: Summer Camps at Flint Hill School | Headfirst Summer Camps
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We need your help to open the Igloo each day! Bring a friend and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like — your support makes a difference and gives you a glimpse into Upper School life. Upper School students are also welcome to volunteer during basketball games. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 19
Location Change: Middle School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits
Friday, February 21
Hazel Lower School Classrooms, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club)
Friday, February 21
Peterson Middle School Lobby, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Learning Commons, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Community Festival
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Monday, February 24
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Essential Conversations
Tuesday, February 25
Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Middle School Play: "Murder in the Knife Room"
Wednesday, February 26
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop
Thursday, February 27
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: The workshop will be held at Starbucks in Oakton, 2930 Chain Bridge Rd.
Register
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits
Friday, February 28
Grade 4 — Hazel Lower School Classrooms, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grades 5-6 Carnaval Presentation — Hazel Lower School Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 3
Peterson Middle School Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Monday, March 3 - Friday, March 7
Between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Drop off on the Miller House front porch
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Wednesday, March 12
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA
Register
Lower School / Middle School Parent Conferences - No Classes
Friday, March 14
Note: while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 14, the Upper School will still be in session.
School Store Open
Friday, March 14
Hazel Lower School, Room 112, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Friday, March 14
Hazel Lower School, Room 112, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 28
Spring Break Camp
March 24-28
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Register
