Lower School Newsletter – February 28, 2024
FEBRUARY 28, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
It's hard to believe March is just around the corner. We hope those of you who joined us had a wonderful time at the open classroom visits and the 5th & 6th grade Carnaval presentation! We loved sharing a glimpse into our classrooms and showcasing your children in action. What a wonderful opportunity to peek into their learning journey, connect with their teachers, and revel in a celebration of creativity and joy!
Next week, get ready for a unique experience! Students will be actively involved in their conferences, sharing their learning progress and goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with your child and their teacher to support their continued success. Please don't forget, there's no school on Friday, March 8, for Conference Day.
Here are some of the important roles the teacher, your child, and you have to play during the conferences:
Grades JK-4: Student-Involved Conferences:
- Your child will be involved and sometimes lead the conversation, supported by the teacher, and will share their reflections and goals.
- The parents’ role is to listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and participate in identifying strengths, areas for growth, and goals.
- The role of the teacher is to help prepare the student for the conference, host and facilitate the conference, and assist your child with answering questions when necessary. The conference should end with a summary of the student’s strengths and goals.
Grades 5-6: Student-Led Conferences:
- Your child will lead the conference and will share their reflections and goals.
- The parents' role is to listen carefully, ask clarifying questions, and participate in identifying strengths, areas for growth, and goals.
- The role of the teacher is to help prepare your child for the conference. The conference should end with a summary of the student’s strengths and goals.
On behalf of the Lower School faculty and staff, we want to wish you a fantastic upcoming Spring Break! We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable time filled with family fun and adventure.
I want to express our sincere gratitude for your unwavering support and active involvement in the Lower School community. Your partnership is essential in creating a positive and enriching learning environment for our students.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We're always happy to hear from you!
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Spring After-School Clubs — Registration Will Open Wednesday, March 6
Stay tuned for a Friday email announcing our Spring After-School Clubs! Dates and programs will be included. Registration will open Wednesday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m. and will continue through Wednesday, March 13, or until clubs fill.
Spring Clubs will begin on Monday, April 1. Contact Matt McCoart, Director of After-School and Summer Programs, with questions.
Transition to 7th Grade
6th Grade students and parents will have several opportunities in the next few weeks to learn more about the Middle School program, tour the building, and discuss course selection.
- Tuesday, March 26, 2:00-2:50 p.m. — We will bring 6th graders up to the Peterson Middle School for a building tour led by 7th graders. Parents who wish to visit the Middle School may contact Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont to arrange a day and time.
- Monday, April 8 — Mr. Lamont will send complete information about course selection, including the Middle School Program Guide and placement recommendations for English and math.
- Wednesday, April 10, 8:15-9:45 a.m. — Mr. Lamont will host in-person sessions for parents, in the Peterson Middle School.
- 8:15-9:00 a.m. — Rising Grade 7 Division Coffee: Parent Orientation — a video presentation will be shared with parents who are unable to attend.
- 9:00-9:45 a.m. — Rising Grades 7 and 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection — Q&A at the Peterson Middle School about course selection; parents with questions who are unable to attend may contact Brian Lamont
- Thursday, April 11 — Mr. Lamont and some current 7th graders will meet with 6th graders to discuss course selection and the transition to Middle School.
Calling All Culinary Creators: Submit Your Family’s Recipe for Our Community Cookbook!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, creating memories, and telling stories. We believe that within our community lies a treasure trove of delicious family recipes, each with its own history and significance. Whether it's your grandma's secret lasagna, your uncle's famous barbecue sauce, or a cherished dessert passed down through generations, we want to celebrate the diverse and delectable tastes that make our community unique.
Here's how you can contribute:
- Submit Your Recipe! Share your favorite family recipe with us. From appetizers to main courses, desserts, and everything in between, we want to feature the best that our community has to offer.
- Tell Your Story: Along with your recipe, feel free to include a short story or memory associated with it. Whether it's a holiday tradition, a family gathering, or a special occasion, let's weave the fabric of our community through these culinary tales.
- Include a Photo: If you have a picture of the dish or a family gathering around it, we'd love to include it in the cookbook. It adds a personal touch and helps others envision the deliciousness!
Submission Deadline: Please submit your recipes by Monday, April 1, to ensure we have ample time to compile and organize our community cookbook.
Last Call for Spring Break Camp!
There's still time to sign up for Spring Break Camp, Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. We have a few spots left for students grades JK-6. 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.
Save the Date: Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Join fellow parents, alumni parents, faculty, and staff for this all-adult evening of community building and fun at the Upper School. Look for an electronic invitation with more details after Spring Break!
Reminders
Parent/Teacher Conferences — Friday, March 8
The Lower School will be offering Student-Involved Conferences for JK-4 and Student-led Conferences for Grades 5 and 6. 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. You should have received a sign-up link by email on Thursday, February 22. Please contact Donna Holaday if you did not receive that email. Please note that, while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 8, the Upper School will still be in session.
RSVP for Community Festival Weekend — Friday, March 1 & Saturday, March 2
On Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., join us for the Communities of Color Collective (3C) Launch and Reception in the Peterson Middle School. During the reception, we will welcome guest speaker Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. RSVP
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. This gathering of perspectives and experiences provides the perfect opportunity to “Imagine What’s Possible” for our Husky community. RSVP
Also on Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a festival to recognize the many cultures represented at Flint Hill. The entertainment lineup includes a performance by K-pop dance crew 1PICK and Indian dance lessons. We'll also enjoy a culinary sampling representing over a dozen cultures and countries! RSVP
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off: Now Through Monday, March 4
Parents may drop off gently-used and clean uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch now through Monday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
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.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
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.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, March 28
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard 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, 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.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Join the Waitlist
Registration is now full for the Pickleball Social on Friday, March 1. Join the waitlist, and we’ll contact you if space becomes available.
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
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off
Now through 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.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Friday, March 1
International Country Club, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Communities of Color Collective Reception
Friday, March 1
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Community Festival
Saturday, March 2
Upper School School, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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
No Classes for Lower and Middle School
Sign-up links were 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
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Registration
Classes Resume
Monday, March 25
Class of 2030 Tour of Middle School
Tuesday, March 26
Peterson Middle School Building, 2:00-2:50 p.m.
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
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 1
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 5
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Course Selection Information Sent to FH 6th Graders
Monday, April 8
Rising Grade 7 Division Coffee: Parent Orientation
Wednesday, April 10
Peterson Middle School, 8:15-9:00 a.m.
Rising Grades 7 and 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection
Wednesday, April 10
Peterson Middle School, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Course Selection and Middle School Transition Presentation for FH 6th Graders
Thursday, April 11
Rising Grades K-3 Transition Coffee
Friday, April 12
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
