Lower School Newsletter – November 29, 2023
NOVEMBER 29, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
I hope you and your families had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such amazing educators every day. Their hard work and dedication during our recent professional development days, where we focused on building community, discussing feedback, and personal growth, truly amazed me. We are all exceptionally fortunate to have them teaching our children.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you who generously donated food items during our Week of Thankful Giving for the Katherine Hanley Family Shelter. Your contributions are greatly appreciated! In the spirit of giving, we kindly ask for your support once again next week (December 4-8) for our Book Drive. Please see the details below for more information.
As we approach the joyous holiday season, we have some exciting events coming up. We look forward to showcasing our students' musical talents at the 5th and 6th grade concert on Friday, December 8, 8:30-10:00 a.m. In addition, we invite you to join us for the JK-4th grade concert on Wednesday, December 13, 8:30-9:30 a.m. We hope to see you there!
Once again, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and active involvement in the Lower School community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Donate to the Book Drive
From Monday, December 4, through Friday, December 8, students are invited to donate one new and/or gently used children’s book as part of the student-driven Book Drive. 6th grade students were inspired by a recent field trip to the local library in Oakton and sought to learn more about access to books across the local community and the globe. They partnered with the Upper School student-led service club, Reading Is Fun, to learn more about the group’s mission and purpose. Coincidentally, members of the Fairfax County Police Department invited the Lower School to contribute to their annual holiday collection for pediatric patients in the cancer wing at Fairfax Inova Hospital. 6th graders will collaborate with US students to mobilize collections from each LS homeroom and US advisory and then volunteer during their lunch period to sort the books to benefit the hospital drive as well as the Alexandria City Library. You are welcome to send in one gently used or brand new children’s book with your child in support of this initiative.
Reminders
Reminder for Sibling Early Applicants: Supporting Materials Due Tomorrow — 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 tomorrow, 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.
FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — This Weekend
Tip-Off will begin this Friday, December 1, and conclude on Saturday, December 2.
Make plans 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.
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.
Sign Up: To attend, please complete this form.
Winter After School Clubs Coming Soon
Our Winter After School Clubs will be announced on Monday, December 11 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.
Lower School Winter Concerts — Friday, December 8, and Wednesday, December 13
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. Both concerts will be held in the Olson Theater. Please enter the theater through the Activity Center. Siblings are welcome to attend the concerts with their parents.
Watch the livestream!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group Sign Up — Wednesdays, December 6 and December 13
Meet up with parents for a rejuvenating walk through the trails and neighborhoods behind Oakmont Rec Center, formerly Oak Marr Rec Center. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the leftmost parking lot of Oakmont and walk for 45-60 minutes together. Sign up to attend. If you have any questions, please contact FH parent Molisa Meholic.
Location: Oakmont Rec Center (formerly Oak Marr Rec Center)
Dates: Wednesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m.
Sign Up: To attend, please complete this form.
Volunteer in the Igloo — Basketball Schedule Available
Check out the winter schedule and sign up to volunteer for a shift in the Igloo! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents while strengthening our community. Plus, 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.
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.
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.
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:
- Upper School Virtual Info Session — Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m.
- Virtual Fine Arts & Innovation Event: Grades 7-12 — Thursday, January 4, 6:00 p.m. Current families are welcome to attend.
Upcoming Events
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.
Sign Up to Attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 6
Oakmont Rec Center (formerly 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.
Watch the livestream
Grades JK-4 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 13
Lower School Olson Theater, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Watch the livestream
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 13
Oakmont Rec Center (formerly Oak Marr Rec Center), 8:30 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Winter Break
Monday, December 18 - Monday, January 1
Classes Resume
Tuesday, January 2
Admission Event: Virtual Fine Arts & Innovation Event: Grades 7-12
Thursday, January 4, 6:00 p.m.
Current families are welcome to attend.
Sign up to attend
