Lower School Newsletter – October 16, 2024
October 16, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Families with children in 1st through 6th grade can plan on receiving a Reading Benchmark Report three times this year, the first of which was sent via email last Wednesday. We understand that reading is not only foundational to academic success but also a key to lifelong learning and curiosity. By creating positive and joyful experiences around reading, we foster a love for books that extends beyond the classroom. Ensuring that students associate reading with warmth, support, and excitement is crucial to their growth as engaged, confident learners.
The Lower School Library space is not just warm and inviting, but one that sparks a genuine love for reading. The nurturing environment that Mrs. Plaut has created leads to joyful learning. Whether it’s through the welcoming ambiance she fosters or the thoughtful care she takes to meet each student’s interests, her compassion shines through.
A favorite part of her work is when students visit the library to enjoy a read-aloud. Mrs. Plaut goes above and beyond, offering comfortable spots like small rockers that allow our students the freedom to move and relax as they listen. She ensures that everyone finds a book that sparks their interest. Just recently, I witnessed her commitment in action: a student mentioned to her that they had taken up a new love — golf — but couldn’t find many books on it in our library. Two weeks later, that same student proudly walked out of the library with not one, but two new books on golf. When asked about the big smile on their face, they simply said, “Golf!” while proudly holding the books.
It’s this kind of quiet dedication that shows the depth of her compassion. Mrs. Plaut doesn't just help children find books, she helps them find joy.
Compassion, however, is contagious. A few weeks ago, a sixth grader noticed that Mrs. Plaut had been wearing a brace on her hand from the strain of holding books while reading to the students. With empathy and creativity, the student researched a solution and 3D-printed a device to relieve the pressure on Mrs. Plaut’s hand while she read to our young learners. This is the kind of community WE ARE, where every member looks out for each other, and compassion inspires compassion.
In our library, students gain far more than knowledge and reading skills. They learn about empathy, responsibility, and what it means to care for one another. We are so fortunate that Mrs. Plaut leads the way, not just with her love for books, but with her love for our community. I encourage you to find a comfy spot with your child(ren) and ask them to share their library books with you. Learning together is a joyful experience, and it’s a wonderful way to strengthen our community values at home.
Happily,
Jess Henry
Interim Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Fall Parent Conferences — Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1
Lower School faculty look forward to welcoming parents for a 20-minute conference to discuss your student’s progress on Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1. The School will notify families via email on Thursday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. when registration for time slots becomes available. We would love to welcome parents in person for conferences, as this allows you to see your child's classroom and workspace and provides the opportunity to reference their work if needed. Note: Childcare for Flint Hill Lower School students will be offered during conference times.
Lower School Playground Meetup — Monday, October 21
Lower School families of all ages are invited to a playground meetup at Kutner Park on Monday, October 21, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Parent meetups are small off-campus events focused on a shared activity or interest and are sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Meet Lower School Divisional Ambassador Chrisie Moritz P’33, ’35 after pickup for a chance to socialize with other parents while kids play on the playground or enjoy a friendly game on the volleyball court. This parent meetup is sponsored by the Parents’ Association and is an informal opportunity to further connect with other Lower School parents over coffee and light refreshments. Location: Kutner Park, 3901 Jermantown Rd, Oakton, VA 22124. Register to attend.
Under the Lights Week: Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25
Join us for a week filled with Husky spirit and cheer on our athletic teams as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field! The week culminates with a bonfire and activities for all ages on Friday, October 25. Visit the Under the Lights webpage for the schedule of games and events!
There will be a normal dismissal and carpool on Friday. Lower School parents should attend events with their children. Students should not be dropped off unattended.
4:00 p.m. — Activities begin at Peterson Middle School fields.
4:00-9:00 p.m. — Flint Hill school shuttle buses will run continuously between Upper and Lower School Campuses. Save time by parking at the Lower School and taking a shuttle.
Campus will close at the end of the football game, around 9:00 p.m., and all students should plan to depart campus within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
Sign Up to Volunteer — it’s a great way to make a difference and meet more Huskies! Upper School students can volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.
Flint Hill Representing in Vienna Halloween Parade - October 23
This year, our 6th graders have the special honor of participating in the Vienna Parade on Wednesday, October 23. The theme for the parade is Party Like It’s 1999, and our 6th graders are ready to fully embrace that spirit! The Class of 2031 will be decorating a Flint Hill mini-bus to serve as the Lower School float, with the 6th grade students proudly walking behind it.
In preparation, students will be using some of their time in Innovation class to create banners and other decorations, applying the skills they’ve acquired from their time in the Innovation Lab. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on our amazing 6th graders as they represent our school in the parade!
All 6th grade families are asked to please fill out this form to let us know if you’ll attend.
JK through 5th grade parents and students, let’s gather to watch the parade and share in the excitement as a school family. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Flint Hill community to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy a festive tradition. More information about Flint Hill’s Parent and Student gathering space will be shared with families that sign up — it's sure to be a spooky and spectacular time! Please sign up here.
Webinar: Learning to Read and Reading to Learn — Thursday, October 24
Join us on Thursday, October 24, 12:00-12:45 p.m., to uncover the secrets behind our effective approach to language arts education. Our approach doesn’t just focus on teaching literacy skills; it sparks a lifelong journey of learning through the written word. Discover how we tailor our instruction to each learner’s needs and explore our methods for facilitating and evaluating growth. Sign up for Learning to Read and Reading to Learn.
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic — Saturday, October 26
A small group baseball clinic for 5th - 8th graders will be held on Saturday, October 26, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on the Flint Hill Upper School Baseball Field, where players will be able to refine their baseball skills defensively and offensively. There is no cost to attend this clinic. Click here to sign up. Players will get a personalized experience with our experienced coaching staff and current Flint Hill High School players. During the clinic, players will learn drills (base-running, hitting, pitching, and defense), on-field hitting, throw bullpens, and scrimmage. Please contact Coach Mendler with any questions or concerns.
Parents Council of Washington Webinar: AI in Education 101
Register to attend the fall webinar presentation: AI in Education 101, on Tuesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, will share insights into the opportunities and challenges that AI can offer. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Registered attendees may submit advance questions to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, October 18.
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), a nonprofit organization that fosters communication within the greater Washington, D.C. independent school community. Their goal is to promote excellence in education by building a network among independent schools and their parent communities. The PCW Speaker Series features well-known authors, educators, and other professionals presenting on today’s issues, theories, and practices impacting our independent school community. One presentation is held in the fall and one in the spring, open to parents and staff at member schools.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
Parent meetups are small off-campus events focused on a shared activity or interest and are sponsored by the Parents’ Association. All JK-12 parents are invited to a free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents at Elahyoga Studio! This one-hour Vinyasa-style class is open to all levels, though it will move swiftly. Modifications will be provided, and everyone can move at their own pace. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Learn more and register here.
Upcoming Classroom Visits and Reading/Math Instruction and Assessment Coffee
Parents of students in grades JK-3 are invited to campus Friday, November 8, 8:15-9:30 a.m. for a classroom visit and coffee to learn more about how the Lower School uses benchmark assessments for reading in grades 1-6 and math in grades 2-6. Through this presentation and the following Q&A, we hope to describe the tools we use, how they help us understand our students as learners, and how we can use the information that they provide to further our students’ learning. Parents of students in grades 4-6 are invited back to campus for the same experience on Friday, November 15, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Lower School Parent Meetup: Compass Coffee — Monday, November 11
Join Parents’ Association President Rejera Arnold P'33 and meet up with fellow Lower School parents after pickup at Compass Coffee on Monday, November 11, 8:30-9:30 a.m. This parent meetup is sponsored by the Parents’ Association and is an informal opportunity to further connect with other Lower School parents over coffee and light refreshments.
Location: Compass Coffee, 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Drop-In Bus Service Reminder
Drop-in bus service is available for morning, afternoon, and evening routes. There is a $40 drop-in fee. Drop-in bus service charges will be added to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. To request drop-in bus service, please complete this form. Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email from bus@flinthill.org.
If your child plans to go home with a student who uses our bus service, you must complete this form to request this drop-in service.
This information is also available on the Bus Service tile on the Resource Board. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transportation experience for all students. If you have questions or need additional information, please email bus@flinthill.org.
New Husky Hub Resource Board Tile: Health and Well-being
We have a new Husky Hub tile available to students and families! Our Health and Well-being tile includes information and resources from our Health Services and Counseling departments. There are sections for each division and specific resources for parents and students. We will update the information throughout the school year to include events and activities offered on campus and in the community. Check it out, and feel free to contact Director of Counseling Tracie Epes with any questions.
Reminders
Makeup Photo Day - Friday, October 18
Student portraits are now online for viewing and purchasing. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301-652-5452. Makeup Photo Day will take place first thing in the morning on Friday, October 18, for any student who missed Photo Day or would like a retake. If you would like your child to have their photo taken on makeup day, please complete this form.
Note that Friday is a Spirit Dress Friday and Day of Play. If your child will have their photo taken, please be sure they arrive in uniform. They can change into spirit dress afterward.
Learning Center Parent Coffee — Wednesday, October 23
The Learning Center Parent Coffee is on Wednesday, October 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria, on the Lower School Campus. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Balancing Student Technology Webinar — Friday, October 25
Flint Hill is curious and innovative, and with innovation comes technology. Balancing Student Technology is a virtual event on Friday, October 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m., where our tech experts will share how our students use technology. You’ll learn how to help your student make healthy decisions about their screen time. Sign up to attend Balancing Student Technology.
JK-3 Lower School Halloween Parade — Wednesday, October 30
On Wednesday, October 30, 8:30-9:30 a.m., on the Lower School Campus, the Lower School will celebrate Halloween! Students are welcome to come to school in their costumes, with free dress underneath to ensure comfort throughout the day. Wearing a costume is optional, and students who choose not to dress up can still enjoy a free dress day. Please keep in mind that gruesome or violent costumes, masks, and weapons of any kind are not permitted. When selecting a costume, we also encourage families to be respectful of ethnic and cultural sensitivities and avoid reinforcing cultural stereotypes.
Weather permitting, we hope to hold the parade outdoors, but if necessary, we will move it to the Lower School Gym for a "pep rally style" parade. Parents of students in JK-3 are invited to attend, and we kindly ask parents to park in the back lot at the top of Husky Drive by 8:15 a.m. As our students will be parading through campus, we will not be able to accommodate cars on campus past 8:15 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, November 4
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.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or just looking to connect with fellow parents, this book club promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. Join us as we explore meaningful literature, spark lively discussions, and foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Get ready for an exciting year ahead!
The first read is “Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner and the first meeting will take place on Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204. Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Sign up to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect. Contact Miles Henderson with any questions.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We’re always looking for more volunteers to keep the Igloo running each day! Make a difference by signing up for a shift … and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Deadlines for Early Admission Process for Siblings
As a reminder, we are offering members of our Husky community an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2025-26 school year. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Refer a Husky to Flint Hill
Do you know a family who’d make a great addition to the Flint Hill community? The Admission Team values referrals from current families. You know Flint Hill best!
Do you have neighbors and friends who want to learn more about our Lower School? Invite them to our Lower School Morning Meeting and Tour on Tuesday, October 29, 8:00-9:15 a.m. Prospective families will attend the weekly assembly and then experience the vibrant dynamic of the Lower School during a guided tour. Register to attend the Lower School Morning Meeting and Tour.
Connecting with us early allows us to best plan with prospective families. Fill out this form to refer a potential new Husky.
Upcoming Events
Lower School Day of Play
Friday, October 18
Lower School Picture Makeup Day
Friday, October 18
Lower School Playground Meetup
Monday, October 21
3:30-5:00 p.m.
Location: Kutner Park: 3901 Jermantown Rd, Oakton, VA 22124
Register to Attend
Under the Lights Week
Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25
Schedule and Details
Under the Lights Week Games
Senior Night: Girls’ Varsity Soccer: Monday, October 21, 5:00 p.m.
Senior Night: Varsity Field Hockey: Tuesday, October 22, 5:30 p.m.
Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Wednesday, October 23, 5:30 p.m.
Varsity Football: Friday, October 25, 6:00 p.m.
All at the Middle and Upper School Campus — Peterson Family Field
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Wednesday, October 23
Miller House Cafeteria on the Lower School Campus, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Vienna Halloween Parade
Wednesday, October 23
7:00-8:30 p.m.
6th grade families: fill out this form if you’ll attend.
JK-5 Families: Sign up here to cheer on our 6th graders!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Thursday, October 24
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Webinar: Learning to Read and Reading to Learn
Thursday, October 24
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Signup for this Virtual Event
Webinar: Balancing Student Technology
Friday, October 25
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Sign up for this Virtual Event
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic
Saturday, October 26
Upper School Campus, Baseball Field, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series: AI for Education
Tuesday, October 29
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
JK-3 Lower School Halloween Parade
Wednesday, October 30
Lower School Campus, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Park in the back lot at the top of Husky Drive by 8:15 a.m.
Grades JK-12 Parent Conferences – No Classes
Thursday, October 31 - Friday, November 1
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 4
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign up to be included on our email list
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class
Monday, November 4
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180
Register
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits and Reading/Math Instruction and Assessment Coffee
Friday, November 8
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits and Reading/Math Assessments Coffee
Friday, November 15
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 8
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Lower School Parent Meetup: Compass Coffee
Monday, November 11
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: Compass Coffee: 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits and Reading/Math Assessments Coffee
Friday, November 15
Hazel Lower School, Classrooms and Olson Theater, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
