Lower School Newsletter – January 22, 2025
January 22, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
While the winter weather may be cold and icy outside, we've embraced the season by turning it into unique learning opportunities for our students. Thanks to our incredible Facilities team, the Junior Kindergartners had the chance to bring the outdoors in — exploring snow in their sandboxes, sparking curiosity and hands-on observation. Meanwhile, all this wintry excitement perfectly sets the stage for our 3rd graders, who are gearing up for their unit on weather. It’s a wonderful reminder of how every season offers moments to learn, discover, and grow together!
Tomorrow, the Lower School will hold its second ALICE drill, an important step in our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students and teachers. We’re proud of our Huskies for consistently showing composure and attentiveness during these safety drills, and I’m confident they will approach tomorrow’s drill with the same level of focus and understanding.
Thank you for your continued support and trust as we create engaging learning experiences and prioritize the safety of our students.
In Gratitude,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Sign Up for Yay Lunch — Optional Lunch Program
Yay Lunch works with several local independent and parochial schools in our region to deliver freshly prepared meals from local chefs, directly to schools each day.
Parents interested in the 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. Yay Lunch will charge families at the end of each week. Service begins the week of February 18.
Complete the Strategic Planning Survey by Friday, January 24
Flint Hill is excited to embark on a strategic planning process in partnership with Mission & Data, a firm specializing in guiding schools through this important work. This process will help us identify shared aspirations for our school and chart a path to achieve them. A critical first step is gathering feedback from our community. Your insights will ensure that our strategic plan reflects Flint Hill’s unique culture, values, and vision for the future. Please share your perspective by completing this anonymous survey by Friday, January 24.
Important Dates Regarding 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we wanted to share the following dates related to enrollment contracts:
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Issued for Returning Students
- Thursday, February 6 — 2025-26 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.
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits — Friday, January 24
On Friday, January 24, 8:15-8:45 a.m., parents are welcomed into homeroom classrooms where students will share what they are learning.
Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Tuesday, February 18
Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf Loudon on Tuesday, February 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is an opportunity for dads to form and maintain connections, truly all are welcome. Parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Registration is free and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Location Details: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 19
Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert on Wednesday, February 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Upper School Commons. The concert is free, and your attendance is a great way to show support to our wonderfully talented student singers!
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.
FH Community Weekend: One School, Many Stories — February 21-22
Join us for an inspiring two-day event designed to foster relationships, identify connections, and highlight the meaningful stories that make our school so unique. We welcome all members of the community to participate as we 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 Community Festival events on Saturday, February 22.
Additional details, including the full schedule and RSVP information, will follow in a separate communication. If you are interested in volunteering at either of the events, please contact Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Mia Burton or All-School Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
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Register Now for Summer on the Hill
Registration is now open for 2025 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 5-9
- Trips & Travel: Rising Grades 5-12
- 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.
Reminders
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 3
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, February 3, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room, and we'll be discussing, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition ” by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert. *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.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, February 7
On Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register here. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
SchoolPass Web Access
In addition to the SchoolPass app, there is another convenient way to submit attendance changes for your child. You can access SchoolPass through your web browser by visiting the following link: https://flinthill.school-pass.net/
This option provides flexibility and ease for managing your child's attendance. Whether it’s the app or the web browser, you can choose the best method for your needs.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
On the heels of our first snow day of the school year, we want to make sure you’re aware of our classwork policy on inclement weather days. Beginning on the second snow day of the school year, teachers may choose to assign work by sending an email to students alerting them of assignments by 10:00 a.m. Work should be made available on the teacher course page or through another electronic form. Individual or additional considerations will be made in the event of:
- excessive consecutive inclement weather days,
- a high number of individual inclement weather days, or
- extended time periods without power.
A reminder that 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.
A reminder that 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.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We need volunteers to open each day. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Invite a friend to join you, and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits
Friday, January 24
Hazel Lower School Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 3
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign Up
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 7
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Professional Development Day
Monday, February 10
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Tuesday, February 11
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Day
Thursday, February 13
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 17
Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Tuesday, February 18
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
Register to Attend
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 19
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits
Friday, February 21
Hazel Lower School Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
FH Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22
