Lower School Newsletter – November 15, 2023
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
I sincerely hope that you found the parent-teacher conferences to be enlightening and invaluable. I hope they provided you with a deeper understanding of how your child is progressing in the Lower School and also highlighted the passion and dedication our teachers possess for your children. I hope you witnessed firsthand just how much our educators care for and understand your children and how they are determined to help them succeed in school.
Additionally, I'm delighted to share that last week we had the joy of seeing some amazing teamwork and cross-divisional interactions between our wonderful Upper School students and Lower School students. The older students selflessly gave their time to help the little ones create heartfelt letters of gratitude for our honored veterans. It was a really touching way for us to show our appreciation for their selfless service to our country.
Just a friendly reminder — we are currently in the midst of our Week of Thankful Giving, where we are collecting canned goods for the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter until Friday, November 17. Your donations are greatly appreciated. Kindly refer to the details below for more information.
Our Lower School is truly a wonderful place, brimming with joy and happiness! The positive atmosphere within our building is contagious, and I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received from this amazing community. As we approach Thanksgiving Break, I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for making me feel fortunate to lead such a joyful school. Wishing you all a memorable and enjoyable time with your loved ones during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
2024-25 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
We have shared our 2024-25 Calendar Highlights on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.
Driving Spirit Award Nominations Now Open
The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill employees who lead by example through their dedication to students, faculty, or the Flint Hill community at large, as evidenced by their ability to energize and inspire the Husky community. Their embodiment of the Driving Spirit makes our School the special and unique place we all value, a place that respects and values all equally, leads and supports with compassion, acts with integrity to imagine what’s possible and where all are inspired to blaze their own trail.
Please think about the exceptional employees of Flint Hill who you believe fit this description. Complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 4.
FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2
Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2. We invite you to attend and support your Huskies on the court.
Friday, December 1
- Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Jackson Reed vs John Paul the Great
- Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Friendship Tech vs Archbishop Carroll
- Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Episcopal
- Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Ballou
Saturday, December 2
- Game 5: 12:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 3
- Game 6: 1:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 2 vs Loser of Game 4
- Game 7: 3:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
- Game 8: 5:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Meeting — Monday, December 4
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on the 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 the meeting, and if you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Save the Date: Lower School Winter Concerts
Mark your calendar to join us for our Lower School Winter Concerts! On Friday, December 8, 8:30-10:00 a.m., we will enjoy performances from our 5th and 6th grade Band, Orchestra, Choir, and Percussion students.
The JK through 4 Winter Concert is themed “Songs of Celebration and Joy" and will take place on Wednesday, December 13, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Dress attire is School Uniform.
All concerts are held in the Olson Theater. Please enter the theater through the Activity Center.
Winter After School Clubs Coming Soon
Our Winter After School Clubs will be announced the week of 12/11/23 via email. Clubs are an opportunity for students to engage in enrichment activities, learn a new hobby or skill, or engage in an existing passion. Past clubs have included Ukulele, Sports Mix, Theatre, Mock Trial, Debate and more! Below are some highlights regarding After School Clubs.
Registration: The registration date and time will be announced with the release of our Winter Club lineup. Registration will remain open over Winter Break and will close on January 3, 2024, however clubs may reach capacity prior to registration closing.
Club Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Pick Up: 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, reach out to Matt McCoart, Director of After School and Summer Programs.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesdays, December 6 and December 13
Meet up with parents for a rejuvenating walk through the trails and neighborhoods behind Oak Marr Rec Center. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the leftmost parking lot of Oak Marr and walk for 45-60 minutes together. Sign up to attend. If you have any questions, please contact FH parent Molisa Meholic.
Location: Oak Marr Rec Center
Dates: Wednesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Register for a Cooking Class — Tuesday, December 5
Join other FH parents for a cooking class with personal chef Alison Garen P’32! Learn how to make some easy dinners and other meal-prepping tips for those busy weeks. Alison will demonstrate a sample menu for the week and show how to save time in the kitchen. Registration is limited to 35 people. Many thanks to Tammy and Jim Ilaria P’24 for hosting! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum.
Location: The Ilaria residence (address to be provided)
Date: Tuesday, December 5, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Volunteer in the Igloo — Winter Schedule Now Available!
The Den is now closed for the winter season, and the Igloo will be open for daytime concessions and basketball games. There are multiple opportunities available, and many volunteers are needed. It’s a great way to meet other parents. Upper School students can volunteer for games, too! Consider signing up for as many shifts as you'd like. Feel free to invite a friend to join you. Volunteer in the Igloo.
School Store: New and Restocked Items
The School Store has restocked items as well as added some new items.
School Store Restock:
- Port Authority Women's Vest in Blue and White
- FH Short Sleeve Tees in Adult and Youth Sizes
School Store New Items:
- Bella Canvas Adult Full Zip Hoodie in Navy
- FH Triblend Long-Sleeve Tee in Navy, Adult Sizes
- Champion Youth Hoodies in Blue and Gray
Reminders
Raising a Kid Who Can — Tomorrow — Thursday, November 16
We look forward to welcoming members of the Flint Hill community and prospective parents tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with the authors of “Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength” — Dr. Catherine McCarthy, Dr. Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver. There are just a few seats still available – register now!
Support Our Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — Through Friday, November 17
We are still collecting food donations for our Week of Thankful Giving. In the Lower School, we are collecting canned goods for the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. While any non-expired canned or boxed goods are welcome, the greatest needs are canned meat, canned tomato products, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee products, rice, chili or beef stew, peanut butter, and jelly. Please do not send anything in glass containers. Thank you for your participation! If you have any questions, contact Jennifer McKain.
Reminder for Sibling Early Applicants: Submit Supporting Materials by Thursday, November 30
Already turned in the application for your child’s sibling to become a Husky? All supporting materials and steps in your checklist must be completed by Thursday, November 30, to receive an admission indication in mid-December. Email admission@flinthill.org if you have any questions. If you’re interested in applying to Flint Hill for a sibling in a future year, complete this interest form.
Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill
Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! If you know someone who would make a great Husky, submit the Refer a Husky form and consider inviting them to these upcoming admission events:
- Virtual Curiosity Event — Wednesday, November 29, 8:00 p.m. Current families are welcome to attend.
- Middle School Info Session — Thursday, November 30, 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Week of Thankful Giving
Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17
The Lower School will host a canned food drive benefiting the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter.
Raising a Kid Who Can, Parent Education Event
Thursday, November 16
Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve your seat
Faculty Professional Development Days
No School
Monday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 21
Thanksgiving Break
No School
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
Virtual Curiosity Event
Wednesday, November 29, 8:00 p.m.
Current families are welcome to attend.
Sign up to attend
FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 1, 3:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 2, 12:00-7:00 p.m.
Upper School Gym
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 4
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP to attend
Parent Meetup: Cooking Class
Tuesday, December 5
The Ilaria residence (address to be provided), 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Register to attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 6
Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Grades 5-6 Winter Concert
Friday, December 8
Lower School Olson Theater, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Grades JK-4 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 13
Lower School Olson Theater, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 13
Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
Sign up to attend
