Lower School Newsletter – January 17, 2024
JANUARY 17, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
Welcome back from what I hope was an enjoyable extended weekend and fun snow day!
On Monday, we had a day off to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his enduring message of hope and courage. Dr. King's tireless pursuit of justice and his dream of a harmonious society continue to inspire us all. May we carry forward his ideals every day, fostering an environment where each individual feels valued.
Tomorrow, we will conduct our second ALICE drill in the Lower School. These drills are a crucial part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff. I am confident that our students will follow instructions, remain calm, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of safety protocols, as they always do during our drills. I would like to once again express my gratitude to our dedicated staff members who take the time to prepare our students for these drills and who prioritize their safety every day.
Looking ahead, we are excited to see Grades 4-6 parents at the Classroom Visits and Coffee this Friday, January 19, beginning at 8:15 a.m., and welcoming Grades JK-3 parents next Friday, January 26, beginning at 8:15 a.m. This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to witness firsthand what your children have been learning in their specials classes. Your children are proud and excited to showcase their learning journey, and we look forward to welcoming you at the coffee where we will be joined by our Lower School counseling team to discuss counseling and social-emotional learning in the Lower School.
As always, I want to reiterate that we are here for you. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to discuss any aspect of your child's education, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your input and partnership in ensuring the success and well-being of your child.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Lower School community.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Upcoming Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee
We look forward to welcoming Grades 4-6 parents in the classroom on Friday, January 19, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m., and Grades JK-3 parents on Friday, January 26, 8:15 to 9:30 a.m., to see firsthand what your children have been learning in their specials classes. The classroom visit will be from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m., followed by a presentation from our Lower School Counseling team on counseling and social-emotional learning in the Lower School. Note that if we are closed or have a delayed opening on Friday, the classroom visit and coffee will be canceled.
Winter Recess Guidelines
We encourage you to review these suggested guidelines for all Lower School students in the anticipation of several days of winter weather ahead.
- Between 33º-35º F: Jacket/coat required to attend normal 30-minute recess outdoors
- Between 26º-31º F: Jacket/coat required to attend normal 30-minute recess outdoors. Hands must be covered and hats and hoods are encouraged.
- Real Feel Below 25º F: Outdoor recess time limited depending on real-feel temperature. Winter coat required and hands and head must be covered.
In the event of snow, students are encouraged to wear boots, but please remember to bring sneakers for PE. Outdoor play will be limited based on students’ attire and the safety of the surfaces.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Volunteer Day — Thursday, January 25
Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents can make a difference together by sorting food donations, packing food for distribution, and assisting with warehouse tasks – two volunteer shifts available: Thursday, January 25, 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m. Location: Food for Others 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031 Learn more and sign up to volunteer!
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back Volunteer Day — Thursday, February 8
Women Giving Back is an organization that supports women and children in crisis. Spend time together while sorting clothing donations at the Sterling warehouse on Thursday, February 8, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA, 20164. Learn more and sign up to volunteer!
Register for Summer on the Hill
Registration is now open for 2024 Summer on the Hill. We are proud to offer programs in the following categories:
- Headfirst Summer Camps: Age 3 - Rising Grade 5
- Athletic Camps: Rising Grades 3-9
- Enrichment Camps: Rising Grades 4-9
- For-Credit & Academic Prep Courses: Rising Grades 9-12
- D.C. United Soccer Camp & Washington Nationals Baseball and Softball Camps: Ages 5-13
Space is limited so reserve your slot today! For questions, contact Matt McCoart.
Enrollment Contracts Coming Soon
- Wednesday, January 31 — 2024-25 Enrollment Contracts issued for returning students
- Thursday, February 8 — 2024-25 Enrollment Contracts due. The completed enrollment contract and non-refundable deposit will secure your child’s placement for next year.
Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Reminders
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Tuesday, January 23
Enjoy a rejuvenating walk through the Oakmont Rec Center trails on Tuesday, January 23, 8:00 a.m. Register here and contact FH parent Molisa Meholic P'29 with any questions.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 5
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendon Kiely. 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.
Register for Spring Break Camp Registration
Spring Break Camp will be held March 18-22, 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!
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Your help is needed to run concessions in the Upper School. No experience necessary! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents. 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! With more volunteers, we can open for more games and activities! Volunteer sign-up
Upcoming Events
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee
Friday, January 19
Specials Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, January 23
Oakmont Rec Center, 8:00 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Volunteer Day
Thursday, January 25
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits and Parent Coffee
Friday, January 26
Specials Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Day
Tuesday, January 30
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 31
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 31
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 5
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP to attend
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back Volunteer Day
Thursday, February 8
Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA, 20164
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Professional Development Day, No Classes
Monday, February 12
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 14
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
