Lower School Newsletter – October 4, 2023
October 4, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
The spirit-filled week leading up to Homecoming Weekend, as well as the weekend events themselves, were truly a sight to behold as Husky Pride shone brightly throughout our school! I hope that many of you were able to partake in the festivities and enjoy them as much as my family and I did.
We had a great first Lower School Morning Meeting yesterday! It was truly wonderful to see the 6th grade students embrace their leadership roles in the Lower School. Their dedication and commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive community is commendable, and I look forward to witnessing their continued growth and impact throughout the school year.
Today, we conducted our first ALICE drill in the Lower School, and I am proud to say that our students followed instructions, remained calm, and demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of safety protocols. ALICE drills are an essential part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff. I would like to express my gratitude to our dedicated staff members who take the time to prepare our students for these drills and who prioritize their safety day in and day out. Their efforts are invaluable, and we are fortunate to have such a committed team.
As we continue to prioritize the safety and security of our students, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of our carpool procedures. To ensure a smooth and secure dismissal process, we kindly ask that parents arrive after 2:15 p.m. to line up for carpool. This helps to maintain a safe and organized flow of traffic on campus, minimizing congestion and potential risks. Additionally, we must emphasize the importance of remaining in your vehicles during the carpool waiting period. This is for the safety of our entire community as well as your own well-being.
We look forward to seeing JK-3 parents at the Classroom Visits and Coffee this Friday, October 6, beginning at 8:15 a.m., and welcoming 4-6 parents next Friday, October 13, beginning at 8:15 a.m. This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to see firsthand what your children have been learning in the first six weeks of school. Your children are proud and excited to show you their progress, and we look forward to welcoming you and providing you with a glimpse into your children's learning journey.
As always, I want to reiterate that we are here for you. Should you have any questions, concerns, or simply want to discuss any aspect of your child's education, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value your input and partnership in ensuring the success and well-being of your child.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement in the Lower School community.
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Fall After-School Clubs — Registration Closes Friday, October 6
Registration for clubs began this past Monday, October 2, and continues through Friday, October 6, at 12:00 p.m. or until the club reaches its capacity, whichever comes first. Clubs begin on Monday, October 16, and last six sessions each. For questions, please contact Matt McCoart, Director of After-School and Summer Programs.
Parent Morning Mixer — Thursday, October 12
All JK-12 parents are invited to join us for an informal social in the deCamp Garden on the Upper School Campus on Thursday, October 12, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Stop by after morning carpool and get to know other parents across divisions. Rain location: Upper School Lobby.
Celebrating Halloween at the Lower School
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 at 8:30 a.m. in the Lower School Gym.
Students in Grades 4-6 are invited to participate in a Spooky Scavenger Hunt on campus from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a kickball game in the Lower School Gym. Parents are also welcome to join the fun for either or both of these events.
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 at sburnett@flinthill.org.
Reminders
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visit and Reading/Math Instruction and Assessment Coffee — Friday, October 6
Parents of students in grades JK-3 are invited to join us on Friday, October 6, 8:15-8:45 a.m. in the classroom, and 8:45-9:30 a.m. in the Olson Theater to learn more about our reading and math programs in Junior Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Specifically, we will discuss strategies and tools we use to teach and assess reading and math as well as how these strategies help support and further our students’ learning.
Refer Your Friends and Neighbors
Families referred by current Flint Hill families are among the most mission-aligned and strongest partners. We value your referrals! However, we have fewer and fewer spots available with each passing year. Encourage your interested colleagues, neighbors, and friends to connect with us sooner rather than later. Enrollment is most possible at our entry grades: JK, K, 5, 7, and 9.
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:
- Middle School Info Session — Thursday, October 12, 9:00-10:45 a.m.
- Upper School Info Session — Friday, October 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
- Lower School Morning Meeting & Tour — Tuesday, November 7, 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visit and Reading/Math Assessments Coffee — Friday, October 13
Parents of students in grades 4-6 are invited to join us on Friday, October 13, 8:15-8:45 a.m. in the classroom, and 8:45-9:30 a.m. in the Olson Theater to learn more about how we use benchmark assessments at Flint Hill for reading in grades 1-6 and math in grades 2-6. Through this presentation and a Q&A, we will 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.
Lower School Day of Play — Friday, October 20
The Day of Play is an annual Flint Hill tradition that invites students to work together to plan, build, and play using recyclable materials and basic supplies like tape, glue, and their imagination! Each year, we explore a new theme to focus our building and creating. We are excited to announce that the theme of this year’s Day of Play on Friday, October 20 is … The Boardwalk!
Each class will create its own oceanfront that they will share with their fellow Huskies. Students will work with their Innovation teachers and homeroom/advisory teachers to plan and prepare for the day. 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. Please do not send anything to school before Monday, October 16.
We welcome parent volunteers — please complete this Day of Play Parent Volunteers form if you are interested.
Parent Meetup: Register for Final Tennis Lesson and Open Play — Wednesday, October 25
There is one more opportunity to join us for some casual matches and tennis drills on the Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts.
Registration is limited to 30 parents for each date. Plan to bring your own balls and racket. Meetup Date: Wednesday, October 25, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
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.)
If you have a child who is not currently enrolled at Flint Hill and you are interested in the application process for the 2024-25 school year, please submit the application form, recommendations, questionnaires, and last two year’s transcripts by Wednesday, November 1. 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.
Volunteer in the Igloo and Den — Help Us Open for More Games
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.
We want to open for as many games as possible but rely on volunteers. Contact Olivia Landrum if you’re interested in volunteering at a game not listed on the schedule.
Sign Up for Shifts:
Upcoming Events
Fall After-School Clubs Registration Deadline
Friday, October 6, 12:00 p.m.
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visit
Friday, October 6
Grades JK-3 Classrooms, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grades JK-3 Reading/Math Instruction and Assessment Coffee
Friday, October 6
Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
No School
Monday, October 9
Parent Morning Mixer
Thursday, October 12
Upper School, deCamp Garden, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visit
Friday, October 13
Grades 4-6 Classrooms, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Reading/Math Assessments Coffee
Friday, October 13
Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Lower School Picture Make-Up Day
Monday, October 16
Lower School Day of Play
Friday, October 20
Lower School Classrooms and Athletic Fields, 8:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
New 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.
Lower School Halloween Parade
Tuesday, October 31
Lower School Gym, 8:30 a.m.
Parents 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
Sign-up info will be included in the next newsletter.
