Lower School Newsletter – October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
The month of October has an exciting lineup of events for our Lower School community! I imagine your visit to your child's classroom was a delightful experience, offering you a valuable glimpse into their educational journey. I hope you also enjoyed gaining insights into the teaching and assessment methods employed in our Lower School for language arts and math during the informative coffee expertly led by Christine Dwyer and Jess Henry.
We are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming event, the Day of Play, this Friday, October 20. This exciting theme for this year is "The Boardwalk!" If you have any materials that our innovators can use, we kindly ask you to send them in – preferably by tomorrow, Thursday.
Moreover, we cannot wait for the JK-3 Halloween Parade taking place on Tuesday, October 31, 8:30-9:00 a.m., in the Lower School Gym. We also have an afternoon of fun Halloween activities planned for our students in grades 4-6. We request that you ensure your child arrives in their costume (if they choose to wear one). We kindly remind you to avoid scary or uncomfortable costumes for the school day — refrain from using inflatables, masks, or weapons, please. See below for more details about our Halloween festivities and costume expectations.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Now Available: Parent Toolkit on the Husky Hub Resource Board
With the new school year now underway, the Preparing for the 2023-24 School Year tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board has been retired until next year. For quick access to resources and information frequently referenced throughout the year, you may now visit the 2023-24 Parent Toolkit.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences — Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3
Lower School faculty look forward to welcoming parents virtually or in person for a 20-minute conference to discuss your student’s progress on Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3. We will email families on Friday, October 20, at 10:00 a.m. when registration for time slots becomes available. Daycare for Flint Hill Lower School students will be offered.
Attend and Cheer for Our Husky Teams Under the Lights!
Lights Week is here! Come support your fellow Huskies as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field. Boys’ Varsity Soccer will take on GDS on Thursday, October 19, at 4:15 p.m., followed by Varsity Field Hockey at 6:00 p.m. versus Stone Ridge. On Friday, October 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., our Varsity Football team will be up against the Collegiate School. We hope to see everyone there!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In order to show our support, Thursday, October 19, is a Pink Out at the games. Everyone wear your best pink outfit and help us show support for those fighting breast cancer. We will have a Black Out for the football game under the lights on Friday, October 20. Come to the game wearing black, and cheer your Huskies on!
Conference Tournaments: As we approach the end of regular season, stay tuned to flinthill.org/athletics for the most up-to-date information on conference tournaments. This information will be available on the school website and on Husky Hub team pages.
Webinar: Understanding the Process of Lower School Math — October 26
Math is a key component of our Lower School curriculum. Our math program centers on how your child comprehends the material. Teachers introduce concepts that build upon previous knowledge, progressing in difficulty through the school year. Students are encouraged to engage in productive struggle to enhance their problem-solving skills.
Please join us for a virtual event, Understanding the Process of Lower School Math, on Thursday, October 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Jess Henry, Grades JK-6 Math Department Chair, will share information about our math program and philosophy.
Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series Event — October 26
The Parents Council of Washington will host an interactive virtual webinar with Jennifer Wallace, author of the New York Times bestselling book "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — And What We Can Do About It" on Thursday, October 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Kicking off the year of PCW programming centered on the theme of Balance, Ms. Wallace will discuss her investigation into the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and what parents can do to protect their children's mental health. While the event's discussion format will include a Q&A period, questions are welcomed in advance for the speaker, which may be submitted to administration@parentscouncil.org. Register to attend.
Parent Meetup: Honor Flight Volunteer Day — Saturday, November 4
The Honor Flight Club student leaders are partnering with the Parents’ Association to provide a joint volunteer opportunity to honor Veterans Day. Parents and students can make a difference together by welcoming and recognizing WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as their Honor Flight arrives at Dulles International Airport. Volunteers will greet veterans outside the main terminal and will not need to pass through TSA security. Honor Flight is a national organization that transports American veterans to Washington, D.C., to celebrate and share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.
Sign up to volunteer. Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Debut — Monday, November 6
We are thrilled to announce the debut of our Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club, where we will embark on a literary journey into the world of banned books! Our first meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School. We will meet to discuss “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on these 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. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Education Series: Raising a Kid Who Can — Thursday, November 16
Members of the Flint Hill community and prospective parents are invited to join us on 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.
Experts in the field are calling "Raising A Kid Who Can" the "parenting playbook" that we all should have on hand to help us raise resilient kids. Learn from a child psychiatrist, a parent psychologist, and a child therapist who have spent years distilling the latest parenting science and best practices to answer the complex question: Based on all that modern science has to offer, what are the most important things I should try to do in raising my kid? Space is limited, reserve your seat now!
A Note About Next Weekend’s Upper School Play
We want to make you aware that the Upper School’s play, “Lend Me a Tenor,” which will be performed at the Olson Theater next weekend, contains PG-13 themes that may not be appropriate for Lower School students. The script is frequently performed at the high school level, and Ms. McLoughlin has staged the production from a student-appropriate perspective, but the themes themselves are still within the writing. For families who are interested in attending, showtimes and tickets are available here. If you have any questions, please reach out to the play’s director, Jackie McLoughlin.
School Store Restocks - Buy Online or In Person!
The School Store has restocked several items since Homecoming. Under Armour and Bella & Canvas adult hoodies are available in all sizes. Under Armour Sackpack bags are back in stock in navy and now available in gray too! There are new Under Armour cotton t-shirts available in youth and adult sizes. Visit the School Store online or in person!
Reminders
Lower School Day of Play — Friday, October 20
Thank you to all the parents who signed up to volunteer during Day of Play on Friday, October 20. Each class will create its own oceanfront that they will share with their fellow Huskies. We would love recyclable materials from home to help bring each class’ vision to life. Teachers will share a wish list of recyclable/household materials. We are seeking only materials you already have at home. Please do not purchase any new materials for this day! Whatever you send in will not be returned.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Wednesday, October 25
Last chance this fall to join fellow parents on the courts! The courts will be available for open play on Wednesday, October 25, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Please note there will be no lesson offered, but parents are welcome to practice their skills and play some mixed-doubles together. Plan to bring your own balls and racket. Registration is limited to 30 parents, so grab your spot!
Celebrating Halloween at the Lower School — Tuesday, October 31
The Lower School will celebrate Halloween on Tuesday, October 31. Children may attend school in their full costume. Wearing a costume is optional, and it will be designated a free dress day for those who chose not to participate. Please be mindful that gruesome/violent costumes, masks, inflatables, and weapons of any kind are not permitted. When selecting a costume, we also appreciate children being respectful of ethnic and cultural sensitivities and mindful not to reinforce cultural stereotypes.
- Students in Grades JK-3 are invited to march with their class in the Annual Halloween Parade. Parents are welcome to attend the parade, 8:30-9:00 a.m., in the Lower School Gym.
- Students in Grades 4-6 will collaborate across the grade levels to participate in a Spooky Scavenger Hunt and then engage in a variety of self-selected activities to collaborate with students in other grades. Choices will include Halloween themed karaoke, creepy crafting, spooky stem challenges, and terrifying trivia among others.
Reminder: Early Admission Applications for Siblings Due Wednesday, November 1
We are offering members of our Husky family an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2024-25 school year. (For future years, complete this interest form.)
There was an error in an earlier email today that said, "There are just three more days to get an early start on the process." The correction is that families seeking early admission notification have until November 1 to submit the application form, recommendations, questionnaires, and transcripts from the last two years. Quarter grades, interview and student visit (grades 3-6) or Gesell and student visit (grades JK-2) must be completed by Thursday, November 30, to receive an admission notification in mid-December. For more information, please schedule an appointment with the admission team member for your division of interest.
Tell Your Friends: Visit Our Campus
On-campus 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:
Lower School Day of Play Workshop — Saturday, October 21, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Understanding the Process of Lower School Math (Virtual) — Thursday, October 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Ask a Parent — Wednesday, November 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Upper School Preview — Sunday, November 12, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Update Your Information in Husky Hub
In an effort to help everyone in our parenting community get to know each other, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities you have to personalize how your information appears in Husky Hub. Please take a moment to upload your headshot and add your name pronunciation. We also invite you to review the formal salutation field, which the school uses when sending printed mailings. If you would like to make a change to that field, please email Sarah Burnett.
Volunteer in the Igloo and Den
One of the most frequent and fun volunteer opportunities is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den. It’s a great way to meet other parents while getting a glimpse of life in the Upper School or the best view of a game on the Peterson Family Field.
Sign Up for Shifts:
Upcoming Events
Under the Lights Week
Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Thursday, October 19, 4:15 p.m.
Varsity Field Hockey: Thursday, October 19, 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Football: Friday, October 20, 5:30 p.m.
All at the Middle and Upper School Campus - Peterson Family Field
We ask that fans not linger on campus once all games are over.
Lower School Day of Play
Friday, October 20
Lower School, 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Registration Link Sent for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 20, 10:00 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Lessons and Open Play
Wednesday, October 25
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Register to attend
Grades JK-12 Parent Coffee: Equity and Inclusion
Thursday, October 26
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Understanding the Process of Lower School Math
Thursday, October 26
Virtual event, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Register to attend
Lower School Halloween Parade
Tuesday, October 31
Lower School Gym, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Parents of students in JK-3 are invited to attend!
Early Admission Application Deadline for Siblings
Wednesday, November 1
Parent Teacher Conference Days
No School
Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3
Parent Meetup: Honor Flight Volunteer Day
Saturday, November 4
Dulles International Airport, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Debut
Monday, November 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Morning Mixer
Tuesday, November 7
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Raising a Kid Who Can, Parent Education Event
Thursday, November 16
Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to attend
