Middle School Newsletter – April 10, 2024
APRIL 10, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As we finally begin enjoying some warmer spring weather this week, here are a couple of reminders about course selection planning for next year.
Current 7th Graders — following up on the individual emails sent Monday, please sit down with your child sometime this week to review the course selection information and complete this form by the end of the day on Monday, April 15. Please let me know if you have any questions or wish to discuss.
Current 8th Graders — the course selection module in Husky Hub is now closed. If you want to make any changes, please email Upper School Registrar Maha Morse. Current teachers may consider adjustments to their placement recommendations up until Friday, May 3. Between Monday, May 6, and Monday, June 10, you may schedule an appointment with Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean Debbie Ayers to discuss probationary enrollment in at most one honors class without a teacher recommendation.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Walking Group - More Dates Added!
Enjoy the spring weather and join fellow parents for rejuvenating walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School! Check the sign-up form for more information and location details. If you have any questions, please contact fellow parent Molisa Meholic.
Dates: Friday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 24 at 8:15 a.m.
Summer 2025 Europe Leadership Conference Interest Meeting
In the summer of 2025, we will be participating with EF Educational Tours to offer a student trip to Europe that has a leadership component. Current 8th, 9th, and 10th graders are invited to attend an interest meeting on Thursday, April 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Upper School Learning Commons. Please register for this info session to be considered for this opportunity. This trip is for Flint Hill students and there are limited spots!
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and we would love to have your student join us on this adventure.
In this info session, we’ll talk about:
- How this opportunity will benefit your student.
- What we’ll see and do on our trip.
- Everything that’s included in this experience.
- How your child can earn academic credit.
- How we’re keeping this safe and affordable.
- How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF’s risk-free enrollment period.
Grades 7 and 8 Field Trips — Friday, May 3
Our final full day of field trips is coming up in a few weeks on Friday, May 3 — both grades will spend the day in Washington, D.C. — 7th graders will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture and 8th graders will participate in a photography scavenger hunt as part of their Advisory Day. Regular arrival and dismissal times apply, and I will provide more complete details in the April 24 newsletter.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, May 6
Our final meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School. We will meet to discuss “The Sun is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on 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. RSVP here for the meeting. If you have any questions, please email All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Recording of Last Week’s Grade 8 Virtual Parent Coffee: Alcohol and Drug Awareness
As part of her work with our 8th graders last week, Drug and Alcohol Educator Brenda Conlan hosted a virtual session with parents. For those of you who were unable to attend, here is a recording of her presentation about the adolescent brain, vaping, and the importance of delaying drug and alcohol usage.
Space Available! Summer on the Hill Athletic Camps
Summer on the Hill Athletic Camps are designed to provide campers with the opportunity to work with our exceptional coaches, their star staff, and members of their teams. Check out our offerings below and register now!
Girls’ Basketball
Dates: July 15-19
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join the 2023 Conference Champion Flint Hill Huskies and Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Sedrick Winston for camp this summer! The camp will provide an opportunity for young girls to learn the fundamentals of basketball, improve their skills, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Boys’ Basketball
Dates: July 8-12, July 22-26
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Rico Reed, longtime Flint Hill Boys' Varsity basketball coach, his staff, and players for a week of skills and fundamentals, full-court games, and group activities to improve your campers’ individual and team skills.
Co-ed Flag Football
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 5-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill’s Head Varsity Football Coach Kirk Peterson and his staff for the first annual Flint Hill Flag Football Camp emphasizing good sportsmanship, the importance of teamwork, and a focus on basic football skills, games, agility, and position training.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Dates: June 17-21 (closed June 19)
Price: $360
Grades: Rising 4-8
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill Head Lacrosse Coach Adam Rice and his staff, including current Flint Hill players, for a week of learning fundamentals, skill development, and thrilling matches!
Girls’ Volleyball
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $225
Grades: Rising 5-8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades: Rising 9-12, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill coach and former professional volleyball player Rhamat Alhassan for this half-day volleyball camp! Campers will learn the knowledge, discipline, work ethic, leadership, and competitive edge needed to take them to the next level!
Lands’ End Uniform Sales Discounts
Lands’ End is currently running a duo of 40% off and 20% off promotions online. Use this link, code: LEARN, pin: 7879. The discount is valid through Friday, April 19.
New Sign-in Experience on Husky Hub Coming Soon
At Flint Hill, we partner with Blackbaud to provide Husky Hub. Beginning Tuesday, April 23, you’ll notice changes to the Husky Hub sign-in page. These changes were made to improve reliability for your Blackbaud ID and a more attractive, intuitive sign-in experience. Just follow the prompts to access our online services. A couple of things to note:
- Your sign-in credentials won’t change.
- If you enabled multi-factor authentication, you will need to set up that up again.
More information is available here. If you have any questions, you can contact helpdesk@flinthill.org.
Reminders
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the spring season comes a lot of rain and the potential for cancellations. In the case of inclement weather, the Athletics Department will determine by 1:30 p.m. whether a home game/meet will be canceled. If there is an away game/meet, the decision to play lies with the opposing school. Once a home game/meet is canceled, Flint Hill coaches will notify parents and students. Husky Hub will also be updated and be the source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Lead the Pack Challenge — Deadline Friday, April 12
Huskies in all divisions are on the move and closing in on the goals of our Lead the Pack Challenge — thank you for your support!
There are less than 48 hours to join with a gift or pledge to this year’s Flint Hill Fund and be counted in for the Lead the Pack Challenge. Your gift of any amount counts you as a participant for the challenge and helps to support students and teachers each and every day.
Remember, only gifts and pledges (payable by June 30) that are made by Friday, April 12, 12:00 p.m. will count toward this challenge. Don’t wait until it’s too late — make your gift today!
Space Available! Summer on the Hill Athletic Camps
Summer on the Hill offers a range of athletic Camp offerings for students in grades 3-12 that are designed to provide campers with the opportunity to work with our exceptional coaches, their star staff, and members of their teams. Check out our offerings below and register now!
Girls’ Basketball
Dates: July 15-19
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join the 2023 Conference Champion Flint Hill Huskies and Head Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach Sedrick Winston for camp this summer! The camp will provide an opportunity for young girls to learn the fundamentals of basketball, improve their skills, and have fun in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Boys’ Basketball
Dates: July 8-12, July 22-26
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 3-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Rico Reed, longtime Flint Hill Boys' Varsity basketball coach, his staff, and players for a week of skills and fundamentals, full-court games, and group activities to improve your campers’ individual and team skills.
Co-ed Flag Football
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $450
Grades: Rising 5-9
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill’s Head Varsity Football Coach Kirk Peterson and his staff for the first annual Flint Hill Flag Football Camp emphasizing good sportsmanship, the importance of teamwork, and a focus on basic football skills, games, agility, and position training.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Dates: June 17-21 (closed June 19)
Price: $360
Grades: Rising 4-8
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill Head Lacrosse Coach Adam Rice and his staff, including current Flint Hill players, for a week of learning fundamentals, skill development, and thrilling matches!
Girls’ Volleyball
Dates: June 24-28
Price: $225
Grades: Rising 5-8, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Grades: Rising 9-12, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register Now!
Join Flint Hill coach and former professional volleyball player Rhamat Alhassan for this half-day volleyball camp! Campers will learn the knowledge, discipline, work ethic, leadership, and competitive edge needed to take them to the next level!
Parent Education Series: "Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids"
As a follow-up to our April 3 Parent Education Series event: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings, we will host divisional morning sessions for parents to continue the conversation. No RSVP is needed to attend these sessions. We hope you'll join us as we welcome our speakers back to campus to share concrete strategies for making simple shifts in your own behavior that can lead to significant changes in your children and, ultimately, create a more peaceful and cooperative household. Click here to learn more about the presenters.
Upper School: Wednesday, April 17
8:30-9:45 a.m., Upper School, Multipurpose Room
Middle School: Thursday, April 18
8:30-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons
Lower School: Friday, May 3
8:30-9:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 201
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Please join us as we celebrate the Visual Arts in the Upper School on Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., for the Visual Arts Showcase and Reception. The exhibition will include a variety of student works ranging from ceramics, digital art, film making, drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media created throughout the year. In addition, on the second level of the building, you can view the Portfolio Art Exhibition, “Our True Nature” featuring Bella Bloom '24, Jessica Li '24, Hannah Reeder '24, and Clara Stevens '24. We encourage all community families to attend and bring your friends. The work will be on display until Thursday, May 23.
PCW Event: Navigating the New World of College Admissions
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), which hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to register for PCW’s free Spring Speaker Series webinar, “How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions” on Wednesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
PCW is pleased to welcome Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark, authors of “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting in and Staying Together,” in conversation with Trudy Fleisher, college advisor at The Lab School of Washington. Barnard and Clark — with combined decades of experience and insight from both the high school and university sides of the process — will provide advice, strategies, and reassurance to navigate the college admission process together as a family in a way that makes the experience positive for everybody.
The discussion will feature topics such as:
- How to create a list of prospective schools.
- A better understanding of how colleges make admission decisions.
- Thinking through financial considerations: affordability and aid.
- Changes in standardized testing.
Register Here. The event’s discussion format will feature ample opportunity for Q&A. We welcome questions in advance for the speakers, which may be submitted to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, April 19.
RSVP for a Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26
Join us for a night of community building and fun on Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m., at the Upper School! RSVP and learn more. Wondering what to wear? Check out some ideas from our official Flint Hill stylist!
There’s a Place for You at the Golf Invitational & Skills Social
The Golf Invitational and Skills Social on Thursday, May 23, is for everyone! It’s not about skill or a great round of golf; it’s about building community and celebrating Flint Hill.
While there’s plenty of fun to be had in the tourney, perhaps what’s even more fun is the Skills Social hosted by Head of School Patrick McHonett and his wife, Jessica. It’s great for those who want to enjoy a fun morning with fellow Huskies (and maybe a little golf!). You’ll enjoy 90 minutes of casual conversation and skills taught by pros, and then lunch in the Clubhouse to connect with golfers arriving for the tourney. Plus, rental clubs are provided.
Up for 18 holes? Register as an individual and we will pair you with fellow Huskies. Or, get your foursome together! All abilities are welcome.
Igloo and Den Concessions Volunteers Needed
We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and the Den running until the end of the school year! It’s a great way to meet other parents while supporting our community. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you. Students can volunteer in the Den too and receive service hours!
Upcoming Events
Parent Meetup - Walking Group
Friday, April 12
8:15 a.m.
Sign up
Lead the Pack Challenge Deadline
Friday, April 12, 12:00 p.m.
Make Your Gift Today
Course Selection Form Deadline
Monday, April 15
Complete This Form
Middle School Parent Education Series: Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids
Thursday, April 18
Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons, 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Summer 2025 Europe Leadership Conference Interest Meeting
Thursday, April 18
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Register
Parent Meetup - Walking Group
Wednesday, April 24
8:15 a.m.
Sign up
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 24
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Webinar: How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions
Wednesday, April 24
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 26
Upper School Campus, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP
Grades 7 and 8 Field Trips to Washington, D.C.
Friday, May 3, 8:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
All Middle School students will be off-campus for grade-level trips. No change to school arrival and dismissal times.
Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde”
Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Details and Ticket Information will be available in the next newsletter!
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP
Grades 5-8 Spring Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, May 7
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 14
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 16
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Friday, May 17
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Thursday, May 23
Westfields Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register
