Lower School Newsletter – September 4, 2024
September 4, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
Wow! The first day of school was a special one, filled with energy, excitement, and a lot of big feelings. As we begin this new school year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the trust you place in Flint Hill Lower School every day. The first day of school often brings a whirlwind of emotions — for students, parents, and even our staff. Our students, in their honesty, might describe these as "big feelings," ranging from the excitement of reuniting with friends to the pangs of leaving loved ones at morning carpool. No matter the feeling, whether it's joy or a touch of sadness, what allows us to navigate these emotions is trust.
Recently, a colleague shared an article about "moving at the speed of trust," which deeply resonated with me. At the Lower School, our teachers dedicate the first six weeks of the year to establishing trust with their students. They work tirelessly to ensure that classrooms are predictable, routine-oriented, and, most importantly, safe and loving environments. These efforts are not just about comfort but about creating spaces where a deep love of learning can flourish. When children feel secure and understood, their capacity for learning expands, leading to meaningful and lasting educational experiences.
It's also important to recognize that this journey of trust extends beyond our students. We are equally committed to building trust with you, our parents. We understand the significance of the responsibility you have entrusted us with — the education and well-being of your children. It is a responsibility that we do not take lightly, and we are deeply grateful for the confidence you have placed in us. Together, we are partners in this educational journey, and we are honored to play a role in your child’s growth and development.
We encourage you to attend our upcoming author visit on September 18 from Leah Moser who writes books to help children navigate big emotions. More information is below.
Thank you for your continued trust and support. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and the strong bonds of our school community.
Happily,
Jess Henry
Interim Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Author Visit & Book Reading — Wednesday, September 18
Join us for an engaging family program featuring local author Leah Moser as she shares her book "I Am a Thundercloud" on Wednesday, September 18, 4:30-5:30 p.m., in the Hazel Lower School Library. Designed to help young readers navigate big emotions, this beautifully illustrated story draws parallels between feelings and the sounds, sensations, and colors of nature. Through this event, children and their families will find comfort and understanding for those confusing, stormy days, making them feel lighter and more connected. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the world of emotions with Leah Moser’s insightful storytelling! Sign up to attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Begins Friday, September 20
Meet up with fellow parents for walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location varies each week and will be shared with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P'29.
- September: Friday, September 20, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
- October: Friday, October 11, 8:15-9:15 a.m., and Thursday, October 24, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
- November: Friday, November 8, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Tuesday, September 24
On Tuesday, September 24, 9:00-10:30 a.m., on the Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, continue practicing your skills or play some mixed doubles with fellow parents. Please bring your own balls and racket. Look for a signup form in the next newsletter.
Save the Date: Homecoming Weekend — Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
Join the Flint Hill community for a weekend filled with athletic events, food, and fun for the entire family! The weekend kicks off on Friday night with athletic games and our traditional bonfire and continues on Saturday with more athletic events, spirit giveaways, and activities for all ages. Stay tuned for a full schedule of events and volunteer opportunities that will be shared on the website soon.
Homecoming 2024 T-shirts Available - Order Now!
The Homecoming 2024 t-shirts are now available for order! Shirts are $20 and they will be delivered to your student’s classrooms during Homecoming week. Click here to process your order. Orders must be placed by Sunday, September 8. Reach out to the School Store at schoolstore@flinthill.org with any questions.
Free Dance Clinic — Grades K-4 on Thursday, September 26; Grades 5-8 on Wednesday, September 25
All K-8 students are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for a free workshop! Students will participate in fun group activities, practice skills, and also get to work with the Upper School team. They will learn a short routine that will be performed with the Upper School Dance Team at the Varsity Football game during Homecoming!
There are two separate clinics based on grade level to accommodate more students. If you have any questions, please contact Head Dance Team Coach Olivia Landrum '11.
Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic
Wednesday, September 25, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Lower School Gym
Register
Grades K-4 Dance Team Clinic
Thursday, September 26, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Lower School Gym
Register
2025-26 Financial Aid Application — New Deadline
There is a new deadline of Sunday, December 1, for need-based financial aid applications. Here’s the updated timeline:
- Tuesday, October 1 — Financial aid application opens.
- Sunday, December 1 — Deadline to submit financial aid applications.
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts are issued to CURRENT students, including financial aid decisions.
- Thursday, February 6 — Deadline for current families to submit 2025-26 enrollment contracts.
- Friday, March 7 — 2025-26 enrollment contracts are issued to NEW students, including financial aid decisions.
Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with any questions.
First Day of School Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from community events and classroom activities posted on our Flickr account. You can access Flickr via the floating camera icon on our newsletter sidebar. The link can also be found in the footer of our website and within the email signature of every Flint Hill faculty and staff member.
Reminders
Lower School Back-to-School Nights
Parents are invited to an evening focused on the Lower School curriculum. Teachers will welcome parents into their classrooms to learn about daily routines, expectations, curriculum, and upcoming highlights for the year ahead.
- Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 12, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School - Grades 4-6 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School
Parents’ Association Tennis Social: Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full for the Parents’ Association Tennis Social on Friday, September 13, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., but you can join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up.
Parent Morning Mixer — Tuesday, September 17
Parent Morning Mixers are informal socials for all JK-12 parents to get together on campus after morning carpool and are a great way to meet other parents across divisions. Join us for the first mixer on Tuesday, September 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Upper School deCamp Garden. If it rains, meet in the Upper School Multipurpose Room.
Sign Up to 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. More opportunities will be added throughout the year. Upper School students can volunteer in the Den too and will receive service hours!
Sign Up for Shifts:
- Volunteer in the Igloo (inside the Upper School)
- Volunteer in the Den (outside the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace)
Upcoming Events
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Friday, September 6
Westwood Country Club, 8:45-11:45 a.m.
Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 12
Hazel Lower School, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 13
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join the Waitlist
All-School Gathering
Monday, September 16
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
All students will gather in the gym for this traditional program to celebrate the start of the school year and the journey ahead.
Parent Morning Mixer
Tuesday, September 17
Upper School deCamp Garden, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Author Visit & Book Reading
Wednesday, September 18
Hazel Lower School Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Grades 4-6 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 19
Hazel Lower School, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, September 20
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before each walk.
Register
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 21
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Tuesday, September 24
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic
Wednesday, September 25
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Grades K-4 Dance Team Clinic
Thursday, September 26
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Grades 4-12 Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, September 27
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
This is a student-only event.
Homecoming Weekend
Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
A full schedule of events and volunteer opportunities will be shared on the website soon.
2025-26 Financial Aid Application Opens
Tuesday, October 1
