Lower School Newsletter – October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
Reflecting on our 6th graders’ recent participation in the Vienna Parade has left me with such joy and gratitude. Watching our students’ smiles and excitement as they marched down Main Street was truly heartwarming. On my drive home that evening, I found myself thinking about all the planning and collaboration it took to bring this special event to life — it truly reminded me that, as the saying goes, “It takes a village.”
From the dedicated Flint Hill team to the Vienna community, so many hands came together to make this event memorable for our students. Coach Reed volunteered as our trusted minibus driver, and admission team members Mrs. Hopke and Ms. Webb managed the logistics with great care. Mrs. Magner seamlessly integrated time in her Innovation class for students to design ’90s-themed posters and fluorescent decorations, and Ms. Phillips joined Ms. Crawford (as our beloved Klondike mascot … shhhh) to lead our group with school spirit. Our 6th graders happily marched as they listened to a grade-wide curated playlist of Halloween favorites, enhancing the day with music and cheer, while our parent chaperones respectfully remained five yards back to ensure a low profile was kept.
Throughout the parade, our students were greeted by cheers from familiar faces — friends, teachers, and family members lining the street. Passing by those familiar faces added a special feeling to the experience, creating a sense of pride and joy that made the day unforgettable. Each person’s role was vital in crafting a meaningful experience that will stay with our students.
As we conclude the first quarter and prepare for Parent Conferences, I’d like to remind you of the incredible dedication that each teacher, specialist, and support team member brings to our students’ lives. Our faculty and staff work collaboratively every day to ensure every child experiences Flint Hill’s mission — to grow in an environment of respect, integrity, and possibility, and to nurture the kind of human potential they will carry forward into the world.
Over the next two days, as you sit down with your child’s homeroom teacher, you are meeting with someone who represents all the collective efforts poured into your child’s growth. We’re grateful for our “village” and for your partnership in this educational journey. Thank you for being a part of our Flint Hill community.
Announcements
Webinar: The Writing Process in the Lower School — Thursday, November 7
Learn about our approach to writing at our upcoming webinar on Thursday, November 7, 12:00-12:45 p.m. This event is designed for prospective families, but current families are more than welcome to attend! Our writing instruction isn't just about mastering the basics; it's about igniting a lifelong passion for expressing ideas through the written word. Sign up to attend.
Invite Your Friends: Intro to Flint Hill Webinar — Friday, November 8
Do you have friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors who have questions about Flint Hill? Invite them to sign up for The Throughline: Vigor and Vitality at Every Level, an introduction to Flint Hill’s educational philosophy. Director of Academics Aaron Proctor will present at this virtual event for prospective families on Friday, November 8, 12:00-12:30 p.m. Send your colleagues this signup link.
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18
We will hold our annual Week of Thankful Giving during the week of Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18 and look forward to celebrating with our community. In the Lower School, we will be collecting nonperishable items to support Food for Others. The mission of Food for Others is to distribute food to our neighbors in need by mobilizing our giving community and volunteers. The Lower School will have collection boxes on the second floor, outside of the school office.
Some of the most needed items are:
- oil
- cereal
- canned tomato products (crushed, peeled, diced, etc.), 4 oz. - 1 lb.
- canned meat (chicken, turkey, or seafood), 2 oz. - 15 oz.
- rice, 16 oz. packages
- spaghetti sauce, 14 oz. – 1 lb. (ideally in cans instead of glass)
- canned fruit (packed in fruit juice instead of syrup), 11 oz. - 20 oz.
- dried or canned beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.)
- pasta
- fruit juice (100% juice) 32 oz. – 64 oz.
- non-food items: new or clean reusable grocery bags, 8 ½ x 14 x 15
Parent Volunteers: Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation — Thursday, November 21
Calling all bakers! Show our faculty/staff a slice of our appreciation by baking and assembling a special treat before Thanksgiving break. Mini pies should be dropped off during morning carpool on Thursday, November 21, 7:45-8:15 a.m., at the Miller House. Wrapping and organizing pies will take place after carpool, 8:30-10:00 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria. Sign up to bake or wrap your favorite mini pies — tins will be provided! Contact Olivia Landrum '11 in the Advancement Office with questions.
A Note About Next Month’s Upper School Play
We want to make you aware that the Upper School’s play, “The Good Doctor,” which will be performed at the Olson Theater on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9, contains PG-13 themes that may not be appropriate for Lower School students. Tickets are free but reservations are recommended if you’d like to attend.
Your Support of Flint Hill Makes a Difference
Over the past month, you’ve received a series of emails about the Flint Hill Fund with details about how you and other supporters help to make this school a place where students matter most.
You've heard from real people about the options you have when making a gift.
And you've learned about the different areas of the school where you can make an impact.
If you have questions about participating in the Flint Hill Fund or want more information, please contact Director of the Flint Hill Fund Chris Kitzmiller.
Ready to be counted in?
- Give today securely online or see other ways you can give.
- Pledge now, pay later — Let us know the amount and month you want to give — we’ll count you in right away. You have the flexibility to pay by June 30 and get a reminder during the month you picked. But, other than that, you won’t hear much beyond “thank you.”
Reminders
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. Note: Childcare for Flint Hill Lower School students will be offered during conference times.
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! Here is the title and date for the first meeting of the 2024-25 school year:
“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
*Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204
If you have any questions, please contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson. Please sign up to be included on our email list to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
There are still a few spots open for this free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents, at Elahyoga Studio, hosted by Lower School Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Viny Frontin. All JK-12 parents are invited to a one-hour Vinyasa-style class for all levels. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Learn more and register here!
Classroom Visits and Reading/Math Instruction and Assessment Coffee — Grades JK-3: Friday, November 8, and Grades 4-6: Friday, November 15
Parents of students in grades JK-3 are invited to campus Friday, November 8, 8:15-9:30 a.m., for a classroom visit (8:15-8:45 a.m.) and coffee (8:45-9:30 a.m.) 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.
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.
November 8 Deadline 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. The deadline for several application pieces is Friday, November 8. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Upcoming Events
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
Webinar: The Writing Process in the Lower School
Thursday, November 7
12:00-12:45 p.m.
This event is designed for prospective families, but current families are more than welcome to attend! Sign up here.
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.
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
Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection
Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18
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 Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 19
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042
Parent Volunteers: Drop Off Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Drop off at the Miller House
7:45-8:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Parent Volunteers: Wrap and Organize Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Miller House Cafeteria
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign Up
Thanksgiving Break – No Classes
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
