Lower School Newsletter – May 22, 2024
MAY 22, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
We hope that the recent visit of grandparents and special friends to the school brought smiles to your children's faces and created cherished memories for all involved. For those of you who had the opportunity to attend the 5th and 6th grade concerts, we hope the performances were enjoyable as well as a testament to the talent and hard work of our students.
Looking ahead, we want to ensure you have the JK-4 Spring Concert marked on your calendars. Scheduled for this Friday, May 24, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Olson Theater, this event promises to be a highlight of the season. Join us as we come together to witness the blossoming musical talents of our young learners and celebrate their dedication to their craft.
As always, we value your feedback and are here to address any concerns or questions you may have. Your child's journey in the Lower School is our top priority, and we're committed to making it a wonderful experience.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Lower School Class Placement Process
Through the end of the year, our faculty, staff, and administration are participating in a student-centered, intentional process to determine class placements for the 2024-25 academic year. In our Lower School Wellness classes, students in rising Grades 4-6 have been asked to identify three other students from their grade whom they wish to have assigned to their class next year. Our goal is to have at least one of those students in their class next year.
Additionally, grade-level classroom teachers and specialists are internally sharing their recommendations, for social and academic fit, for peers in class composition for next year. Our administration and admission teams are meeting to overlay newly enrolled students with our rising grade-levels to ensure robust connections, balance, and opportunities for new friendships next year. Lastly, additional considerations, including Learning Center support, math placement (rising grades 5 and 6 only), and music placement (rising grades 5 and 6 only) will be incorporated into placements.
Music and math section placements will be communicated to rising Grade 5 and Grade 6 families by the beginning of July. Classroom and teacher placement, as well as class schedules, will be available in Husky Hub to all families on Thursday, August 8.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesday, May 29
Join fellow parents on Wednesday, May 29, 8:20-9:15 a.m., for one last walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Check the sign-up form for more information and location details. If you have any questions, please contact Flint Hill parent Molisa Meholic '29.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 1, is the date on which your 2024-25 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2024-25 school year after Saturday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Saturday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 3
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 31, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
2024 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 10, and Friday, August 23. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus. This information is also available on the Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year tile on the Resource Board.
Gratitude for Our Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career/educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors.
Lower School
Jenny Beck, Lower School Nurse
Jessica Craig, Kindergarten Teacher
Megan Dhar, Assistant Director of the Lower School
Rachel Hinnant, 4th Grade Teacher
Marguerite Holliday-Poyer, After-School Nurse
Madeleine Lopez, Director of the Lower School
Megan Sharkey, 2nd Grade Teacher
Ken Whitley, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Orchestra Teacher
All School
Rick Clark, Controller
Ana Yarbrough, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (October 2023)
Reminders
Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2024-25 school year. Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Friday, June 14, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
Win a Ticket to Paradise While Supporting Flint Hill — Last Chance Tonight!
Enter the raffle by tonight, Wednesday, May 22, 8:00 p.m., to win a 7-night adventurous yet romantic getaway at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Belize! Your stay includes accommodation in a run-of-house room, including daily breakfast, welcome drink, and free use of kayaks and bikes in the local area.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Since 2012, the endowment has supported financial aid for students whose families experienced unexpected financial hardship.
HOW TO ENTER
- Purchase raffle tickets online, arrange to pick up your stubs, or contact Tiffany Parry to purchase tickets in person. The raffle is open to anyone over the age of 18. Parents, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors may purchase too.
THE DRAWING
- The drawing will be held and recorded on Thursday, May 23, at the Westfields Golf Club at 2:30 p.m.
- Winner need not be present to win.
- The winning raffle ticket will be announced on Thursday, May 23, to all ticket-holders who provided their email address.
- The winning raffle ticket number will also be posted on the raffle’s webpage.
Visit flinthill.org/raffle to buy tickets and learn more! Contact Tiffany Parry with any questions.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off — Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Time for some spring cleaning! Parents can drop off gently used uniform and spirit wear items on the Miller House front porch, on the Lower School Campus, from Tuesday, May 28, to Monday, June 3. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate, too. Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.
Field Day Attire / Pizza Lunch — Thursday, May 30
From a water slide to potato-sack races, the annual Lower School Field Day on Thursday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., will be a fun conclusion to a memorable year for students in JK-6. Please plan for your child to wear athletic attire, including sneakers. They have the option to wear a swimsuit under their clothing. Students should bring an extra set of dry clothes, a change of socks and shoes, and a towel. Please apply sunscreen before coming to school. A picnic-style lunch, catered by Fairfax Foods, will include two slices of Papa John’s pizza, watermelon, chips, and a mixed-green Caprese salad. A gluten-free option is available. If you have specific allergy concerns, please contact Director of Health Services Mary Hart. You are also welcome to send lunch with your child instead of the pizza.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony — Friday, May 31
We will honor the Class of 2030 at the 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Gym. All 6th grade students are expected to attend, and any and all family or friends may join us. If, for any reason, you expect your Husky to miss this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
Countdown to Blue Chip Tennis Camp — 3 Weeks Away
As a reputable sports management company, Blue Chip is renowned for its commitment to excellence, top-tier coaching staff, and dedication to quality service and client satisfaction. Camp is designed for all levels of players 5-18 years old. They offer a half-day or full-day option. Players will be grouped by age/skill level and exposed to learning technique, drills and match play challenges.
Full Day Camp: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch not included)
1 week: $485
Half Day Camp: 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
1 week: $330
*Before- and after-care is available at an additional cost.
Camps run Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 9, on the tennis courts at the Middle and Upper School Campus. Click here to register! You must create an account to register and Flint Hill families should be sure to select the Flint Hill Family membership when signing up.
Upcoming Events
Deadline to Enter Belize Resort Raffle — TONIGHT
Wednesday, May 22
8:00 p.m.
Enter to Win!
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Thursday, May 23
Westfields Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register
Grades JK-4 Spring Concert
Friday, May 24
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Lower School Campus, Miller House
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, May 29
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 30
Lower School Field Day
Thursday, May 30
Lower School Campus, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 31
Upper School Gym, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Final Medication Pickup Dates
Friday, May 31
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Saturday, June 1
Commencement
Friday, June 7
Upper School Gym, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Online Back-to-School Forms Due
Friday, June 14
Forms are available on Husky Hub
