Lower School Newsletter – March 5, 2025
March 5, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
As we approach Spring Break, we are excited to welcome families to our upcoming Parent Conferences for Junior Kindergarten, Student-Involved Conferences for Kindergarten through 4th grade, and Student-Led Conferences for 5th and 6th grades. These conferences are a meaningful opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning, share their progress, and set goals for the remainder of the year.
For K-6 families, please remember:
- These conferences are student-involved/led, meaning your child should be present to participate and help guide the conversation.
- Students will share examples of their work, reflection pieces, and goal-setting sheets with your support and their teacher’s guidance.
- As a reminder, each student must bring their school-issued iPad if brought home on the evening before conferences.
For Junior Kindergarten families, the format will remain a traditional Parent Conference focused on your child’s early learning journey.
For our multi-divisional families, please also note that while Lower and Middle School classes will not be in session on Friday, March 14, the Upper School will have a regular school day.
We are grateful for the partnership between students, families, and teachers and look forward to these valuable conversations. Thank you for your support in making these conferences a meaningful experience for your child!
Warmly,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Coming Soon: Registration for Spring After-School Clubs
Our Spring After-School Clubs will be announced Friday, March 7. Clubs are an opportunity for students to engage in enrichment activities, learn a new hobby or skill, or engage in an existing passion throughout six sessions. Past clubs have included Husky House Band, Sports Mix, Theatre, Mock Trial, Debate, and more!
Registration will be open Wednesday, March 12, through Sunday, March 23.
Individual clubs may reach capacity before registration closes.
Start Date: Clubs will begin the week of Monday, April 7.
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Pickup: Students may either participate in the 4:00 p.m. club carpool or attend AfterCare until as late as 5:30 p.m.
Snack: Snack is included in registration for clubs. Students will receive their snack when they arrive at their club.
For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.
5th & 6th Grade Play - Friday, March 7, 4:15 p.m.
Join us for a hilarious, high-energy adventure in Container of Sharks! Young entrepreneurs pitch their wild inventions to a panel of eccentric “sharks” in this fast-paced comedy filled with clever twists, big laughs, and unforgettable moments. Don’t miss this fun-filled show starring our talented 5th and 6th graders! Doors open at 4:00. Show starts at 4:15 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Mini Golf at Oakmont — Wednesday, April 2
Tee up some fun with fellow Flint Hill parents on Wednesday, April 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.! Join Karen and John Landwehr P'22, '27 and Susan and Jim Murphy P'22, ’24, '26, '31 for a casual evening of mini golf at Oakmont Rec Center. Parents will be randomly paired up to get to know someone new while competing in a friendly mini-golf tournament. Plus, this is the perfect warmup for the Flint Hill Golf Invitational and Skills Social on Thursday, May 22!
This is an adult-only event and registration is free, though we ask you to register in advance. Register to attend and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Course Selection Process for Rising 7th Graders — Begins Monday, April 7
On Monday, April 7, we will begin the process of course selection for those who will be middle schoolers next year — providing information about our Program Guide, options for students, guidance about selecting the appropriate courses and load, and Q&A sessions for students and parents.
Celebrate Fred Atwood’s Retirement
“You have done a great service by sharing your knowledge and passion for our natural world with generations to come. They will carry the torch and make this planet a better place because of you. There is no greater gift.” — Current Flint Hill family
This quote captures how many people feel about the impact Fred Atwood has had on their Flint Hill experience. We are celebrating Fred and the 35-year legacy he will leave after he retires in June. Honoring him in just one way wouldn’t be enough, here are some of the many ways you and the community are celebrating his dedication to Flint Hill:
- Contribute to the establishment of the Fred Atwood Endowed Fund for Science. Make a gift or pledge payable by December 31, 2026.
- Make a special Flint Hill Fund gift in his honor by June 30, 2025.
- Contribute to Fred’s digital scrapbook.
- Fred’s classroom was renamed in his honor. See the special plaque at room 207 the next time you are in the Upper School.
- Alumni are invited to a Reunion reception on Saturday, April 26.
Learn more about celebrating Fred at: flinthill.org/fredatwood.
Parents: Do You Know a Retired Astronaut or Space Engineer?
From time to time, teachers bring in a presenter to enhance the classroom curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible.
We have a current need for retired NASA astronauts and space engineers to speak with the 7th grade after their Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center field trip on Friday, April 11. If you have a connection you might be willing to facilitate, please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Note that these presenting opportunities are not compensated.
As additional topics are requested we’ll share them here. Thank you for helping students and teachers make these real-world connections!
Heads Up: Online Land’s End Promotion
For a limited time you can save 30% off select styles and 20% off most school uniform styles. Use Code: MATH Pin: 4758 from March 7 through March 14 at Lands' End to save!
Reminders
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full for the Pickleball Social on Wednesday, March 12. Email Olivia Landrum if you’d like to join the waitlist, and she will contact you if space becomes available!
Lower School Parent Conferences — Friday, March 14
As stated in Mrs. Henry's letter above, all Lower School conferences are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. 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. Refer to the email sent on February 28 for your signup link.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange and Drop-Off
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 now until 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.
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 Friday, March 14. 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
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. Volunteer in the Igloo.
Parent Walking Group: Spring Dates Added!
Meetup with fellow parents for rejuvenating walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location will vary each week and Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 will share location details with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions.
Spring dates: Thursday, March 13; Friday, April 4; Thursday, April 24; Friday, May 9; Tuesday, May 27 at 8:15 a.m.
Upcoming Events
Container of Sharks - 5th & 6th Grade Play
Friday, March 7
4:15 - 5:30 p.m.
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
Parent Walking Group
Thursday, March 13
8:15-9:15 a.m.
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 Friday, March 14.
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
Classes Resume
Monday, March 31
Parent Meetup: Mini Golf at Oakmont
Wednesday, April 2
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oakmont Rec Center
Register to Attend
Rising Grade 7 Learning Center Information Session
Thursday, April 3
Hazel Lower School Room 408, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Note: Current 6th grade parents whose students use the Learning Center are invited to join the Middle School Learning Specialists to learn about the Middle School Learning Center with an opportunity for Q&A.
Parent Walking Group
Friday, April 4
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Course Selection for Rising 7th Graders Begins
Monday, April 7
