Lower School Newsletter – September 6, 2023
September 6, 2023
Letter From the Division Director
Dear Lower School Families,
What a joy it was to welcome you and your children back to the Lower School last week! Students entered the building smiling and excited for the new school year, and teachers and staff couldn’t wait to welcome them! Many of you joined us for Hopes and Dreams and the New Parent Orientation; we hope you found them to be helpful and that we were able to answer any questions or concerns you had.
At Flint Hill, building positive relationships with students is our priority! We also value the relationship with our parent community. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do for your child’s education is to develop relationships with the people in your child’s academic life. Please remember that you can reach out to us any time if you have questions or concerns.
This Friday, September 8, will be Student and Class Picture Day in the Lower School. It is wonderful to be able to capture your children’s start of the school year! Although it is typically Husky Pride Day, we ask that students wear their school uniforms. Please stay tuned for ordering details.
We hope to see many of you JK-3 parents on Thursday, September 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m., for our JK-3 Back-to-School Night.
We're looking forward to a fantastic 2023-2024 school year!
Warmly,
Madeleine Lopez
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Lower School Back-to-School Night — Thursday, September 14 and Thursday, September 21
The beginning of the school year is such a pivotal time for families. We kicked off with our Hopes and Dreams Conferences, and now you will have the opportunity to learn more about your child’s daily classroom learning experience. Your child’s teacher will share the ABCs of their grade level, communication expectations, home learning, Seesaw and much more! Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night will take place on Thursday, September 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Grades 4-6 on Thursday, September 21, 7:00-9:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Donna Holaday.
Lower School Dance Clinic - Thursday, September 28
Homecoming is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to spread some Husky spirit all weekend long! All K-6 students are invited to register for a free Lower School Dance Team Clinic hosted by the Upper School Dance Team on Thursday, September 28, 3:30-5:45 p.m., in the Lower School Gym and will have the opportunity to perform at Homecoming! Students will participate in fun group activities, practice skills, and also get to work with the Upper School Dance Team. They will learn a short routine that will be performed with the Upper School Dance Team at the Varsity Football game during Homecoming! If you have any questions, please contact Head Dance Team Coach Olivia Landrum.
Save the Date: Homecoming Weekend — September 29-30
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 our website soon.
Homework Policy for Special Circumstances
Over the course of each year, there are a variety of circumstances and events outside of our published calendar that can prevent students from completing evening assignments. When these circumstances or events arise, the School will make every effort to be flexible and support students in completing their work in a timely manner.
Special Circumstances
In the event of an illness or unforeseen emergency, you are encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of what to expect from your child, so we can work with your family accordingly.
Religious Observances
Flint Hill deeply respects and celebrates the customary rituals, observances and family gatherings associated with religious holidays and those of differing faiths at School. Please communicate with your child's teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of your observance, and we will work with your family accordingly. Students are excused from school, games, and practices for religious commitments.
Refer Your Friends and Neighbors to Flint Hill
The Admission Team always appreciates when you refer a family to Flint Hill — they’re often the best fit for our school! We'd love to fill our few spaces with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Please bring them to Homecoming on the weekend of September 29 so they can see our community in action, and consider inviting them to the below virtual admission events:
- Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks — Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
- Webinar: Navigating Private School Admission — Friday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
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
Please Review the 2023-24 Flint Hill Family Handbook
A reminder to please review the Flint Hill Family Handbook for the 2023-24 school year. The Family Handbook outlines community standards and policies for all Flint Hill students and family members. If you've already reviewed it, note that policy information related to artificial intelligence was recently added to the responsible use of technology section.
Parent Morning Mixer This Friday — September 8
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 on the John M. Thomas Terrace for the first mixer this Friday, September 8, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
PA Tennis Social: Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full for the tennis tournament and clinic, but you can join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up. Parents of Alumni and Grandparents are invited to join current parents for lunch and then play in their own Tennis Social. You can help by sharing the registration link to the grandparents and alumni parents you know!
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. Note there are two tabs at the top so you can view the Igloo and Den signup forms in one location.
Sign Up for Shifts:
School Store — New Items in Stock
New items are in stock at the School Store! New arrivals include Nike blue and white hats with the FH logo, Flint Hill green and white visors, new long- and short-sleeve youth shirts, and full-zip polar fleece jackets in green and gray. For adult apparel, we have new hoodies, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts as well as new 1/4 zip pullovers. Our new accessories include stadium seats and golf umbrellas. Check out the School Store’s webpage for details.
Upcoming Events
Lower School Student and Class Picture Day
Friday, September 8
Students should wear their school uniforms.
Parent Morning Mixer
Friday, September 8
John M. Thomas Terrace at the Peterson Middle School, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
All-School Gathering
Wednesday, September 13
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.
Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 14
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 15
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Admission Event: Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.
While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
Grades 4-6 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 21
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Virtual Admission Event: Webinar: Navigating Private School Admission
Friday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 23
Lower School Dance Clinic
Thursday, September 28
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Homecoming
Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30
Middle and Upper School Campus
