Middle School Newsletter – Aug 7, 2024
AUGUST 7, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
I hope that you are enjoying time with your families during these final weeks of the summer. If your children are anything like me, they are feeling excited and ready for the start of the year at some moments and nervous about it at other times. We appreciate that middle school is a wonderfully unique and emotional period of time and that over half of our students will be new to our building — some from our Lower School and some brand new to Flint Hill. This informs our communications and programming in the next few weeks as well as the structure and activities of the first few days of school. As we get excited for the 2024-25 school year, please review the information below. I look forward to seeing your children soon and partnering with you for another outstanding year.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Back-to-School
Student Schedules Available Online — Thursday, August 8
Specific teacher and class assignments will be available tomorrow morning, Thursday, August 8. To access your child’s class placement, log in to Husky Hub, click “Children” and select your child’s name. From the “Progress” page, scroll down to view your child’s classes and teachers.
Our hope is that providing this information several weeks before the first day of school is helpful to you and your child in the transition back to school. I’ve also noticed over the years that these details can create an emotional reaction for some students who were hoping or expecting to be placed with their best friends or particular teachers. This presents a challenge for parents who are trying to navigate this disappointment and help their children feel positive and optimistic about the year ahead.
Here is some additional context about our process as well as some recommendations for parents.
Our goal is to create balanced groups of compatible students who have varying styles, personalities, genders, and interests. Each advisory has a combination of new and returning students, and those who are returning are generally mixed differently from the previous year to ensure a new experience and dynamic. We try to avoid placing close friends in the same advisory group because that often works against the overall compatibility of the group.
Our goal is to make sure that every student can take the combination of classes they requested. This is a complex puzzle with parameters of class sizes, the number of sections of particular classes, sharing some teachers and spaces with the Upper School, etc. We cannot assign classes based on individual requests for particular teachers or classmates.
Regardless of the fact that we aren’t trying to put your child with their close friends in advisory or classes, they still may be upset by this. This is just one situation of many we all encounter as parents - particularly during adolescence - and it presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Here is some guidance that aligns with messaging from local experts:
- Listen actively to your child to help them express themselves and what they are feeling.
- Validate their feelings as normal/understandable — it makes sense that they would want to be surrounded by their closest friends in advisory and classes.
- Avoid the tendency to fix or solve it for them — both because we (at school) don’t change advisory or class groupings at this point and because, in order to build resilience, kids need to be able to sit with discomfort and know that the adults around them believe they are capable of handling it.
In their article “4 Ways to Help Your Child Adapt to Life’s Rapid Changes | TIME,” Heather Tedesco, Jennifer Weaver, and Catherine McCarthy note “Less is often more with parenting, and much of the time doing nothing is the hardest – and best – parenting move. Allow your child to feel hurt or afraid or uncomfortable. Be present, be empathetic, just don’t immediately intervene. A kid will only become adaptable when given the opportunities to do so. And they will sense a parent’s confidence in them in that pause.” Many of you heard them share these recommendations in person last November, when they visited Flint Hill to present about their book “Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength.” They emphasize that “every time our child asks for certainty, we should take a cue from the emoji of the wondering, shrugging lady in the purple shirt. When we parent for adaptability, we are empathetic, supportive, but not overly involved or reactive.” You heard similar sentiments from Jennifer Weaver and Amy Killy of Weaver and Associates when they visited Flint Hill this April as part of their presentation, Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings. Rather than activating on our natural tendency to “fix” the problem for our children we should validate their feelings and emotions and convey that we believe they can handle this discomfort and uncertainty because they have done so before.
Please feel free to reach out to Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont, Middle School Counselor John Magner, or Director of Counseling Tracie Epes to consult about any of this, and here are a few additional resources to consider.
Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year
The first day for Middle School students is Wednesday, August 28, 8:00 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. Several resources are available to help your family prepare for the upcoming school year. Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board with a comprehensive listing of back-to-school information. Here are some quick links we think you’ll be most interested in:
Please Review the 2024-25 Flint Hill Family Handbook
All families are encouraged to review the Flint Hill Family Handbook for the 2024-25 school year. The Family Handbook outlines community standards and policies for all Flint Hill students and family members and is organized in three sections: “Respect for Self,” “Respect for Others,” and “Respect for Shared Environment.” The Flint Hill Family Handbook will live on the Resource Board for ease of reference. No other action is required, as enrollment at Flint Hill expects awareness and respect of these policies throughout the school year.
Bus Service Sign-Up — Deadline Extended to Monday, August 19
Details regarding morning, afternoon, and evening bus service can be found here. A complete list of all morning, afternoon, and evening bus routes can be found here. We’ve extended our registration window; please complete the Bus Service Registration Form by Monday, August 19.
If you have any questions, please contact Director of Systems Operations and Systems Training Melissa Turner at bus@flinthill.org or by phone/text at 571.926.7502.
Extended Day Sign-Up — Deadline Extended to Monday, August 19
The Extended Day program is a space for students to recharge after a structured school day, engage with fellow students, and complete their nightly homework. The program is available daily from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Click here for more information and to sign up. If you have any questions, please email Director of After School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart or contact by phone/text at 571.752.1630.
Textbooks and Supplies
Textbooks and workbooks for the 2024-25 school year are available for purchase via our eCampus textbook store. Please reference your child’s schedule on Husky Hub when you order textbooks. If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Proctor.
Health Forms — New and Returning Students
Completed health forms must be uploaded to the Magnus Health system and approved by the first day of classes, or your child may not attend school. If you have any questions regarding the health forms, please email Director of Health Services Mary Hart or call at 571.926.2818.
Subscribe to Flint Hill School Calendars
To better serve parents, our calendar events are split up by division. There are six different calendars that parents can subscribe to. There is a description of each calendar below along with instructions for how to subscribe. We recommend that parents subscribe to their division’s calendar as well as:
- 2024-25 Parent Highlights Calendar: includes major school dates like start and end dates, breaks, and school holidays
- 2024-25 All-School Events: includes events designed for the entire community, including some major Athletics, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), Fine Arts, and PA (Parents’ Association) events
Middle School (MS) and Upper School (US) parents may also want to subscribe to the MS/US Letter Days calendar which helps families keep track of which letter day it is.
Instructions on How to Subscribe
You can subscribe to each calendar so that they populate on your personal Google calendar by clicking the links below.
We are delighted to welcome new Middle School faculty/staff and members of the Senior Leadership Team to the Flint Hill family.
Administration
If you’re NOT a Google calendar user, you can subscribe to each calendar so that they populate on your personal calendar. Events from the past two months and the upcoming 12 months will be included in the feed. It may take up to an hour for any setting changes to be reflected in your external calendars.
iCal Feed Links:
- Parent Calendar Highlights
- All-School Events
- Lower School
- Middle School
- Upper School
- MS/US Letter Days
Optional: Join the Flint Hill Carpool Network
To assist families who have an interest in forming a new carpool or adding to an existing one, we have launched a carpool availability feature in the Student Directory on Husky Hub. This resource may be especially helpful to new families who are not served by one of our existing bus routes. From the main toolbar in Husky Hub, select “Directories.” Then select “Student,” under filters navigate to Carpool Availability and select “Yes.” Use the other available filters to narrow your results as well as the map feature for an additional view.
Announcements
Donation Drop-Off for Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
If you have gently used, clean uniforms, spirit wear, or P.E./athletic wear to donate, please drop them off between Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on the Miller House front porch. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate too.
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Parent volunteers are needed to help sort Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange donations before the event, assist during the Exchange, and help in the School Store. Sign up to volunteer. Please contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office with questions about the Uniform Exchange or Marina Matthes with questions about the School Store.
Register for Back-to-School Social — Tuesday, August 20
Middle School families are invited to register for a casual party at Peterson Middle School on Tuesday, August 20, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Students will enjoy Rita's Italian ice and play field games, board games, and on the playground. Parents are welcome to socialize and hear from Head of School Patrick McHonett, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne, and Middle School Director Brian Lamont. Contact the Admission Office at 703.584.2314 or admission@flinthill.org with any questions.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange — Wednesday, August 21
The Parents’ Association is proud to sponsor the annual Fall Uniform Exchange on Wednesday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Hazel Lower School in Room 101. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first-come, first-served.
School Store Open — Wednesday, August 21
The School Store will be open during the Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange, so you can purchase new spirit wear, on Wednesday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Hazel Lower School in Room 112.
Medication Drop-Off — Thursday, August 22
For students who will need to keep medication on campus during the school year, medication drop-off day is on Thursday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the Upper School Circle.
Families will pull into the circle and a nurse will come to your car to collect the medication and the appropriate forms. As a reminder, all prescription medication must be accompanied by the physician's order on the Medication Authorization Form, which must be completed and signed by the prescribing physician.
All medication must have the pharmacy label on it. All over-the-counter medication must be accompanied by the Medication Authorization Form and must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. The medication must be in the original packaging and must be administered according to the package instructions, including the time and route to be administered.
If you are unable to come to the School on the medication drop-off day, please call to schedule an appointment with your division’s nurse prior to the start of school.
- Upper School Nurse: 703.584.2396
- Middle School Nurse: 703.584.2397
- Lower School Nurse: 703.584.2399
To drop off medication refills throughout the school year, please call and schedule an appointment with your division’s nurse.
Middle School Parent Virtual Orientation — Monday, August 26
New and returning parents are invited to learn more about the transition to the school year and ask any remaining questions. This virtual session will be held on Monday, August 26, 9:00-10:00 a.m. Use this link to join the Google Meet.
Middle School Parent-Advisor In-Person Conferences — Monday, August 26 - Tuesday, August 27
To facilitate the important partnership for the school year ahead, advisors will be hosting parent conferences on Monday, August 26, and Tuesday, August 27. These 15-minute conferences will allow you to connect with your child’s advisor and share any helpful information. A sign-up link will be sent on Monday, August 12. If you have any difficulties or questions about the online scheduling system, please contact Michelle Keatley. You are welcome to bring your child to school either of these days for a self-guided tour if they would benefit from visiting the building before the first official day!
Middle School Athletics Practices Begin — Tuesday, September 3
We will have organizational meetings during the first week of school, and practices officially begin on Tuesday, September 3. Contact Associate Director of Athletics Adam Rice with any questions, and visit Husky Hub for additional information on seasonal logistics. You can find all Upper School and Middle School fall game schedules by visiting the Athletics page of our website.
New Roles and New Hires
We are excited to welcome new members to our Flint Hill team and celebrate those taking on new roles this school year.
Congratulations to the following returning faculty and staff who have taken on new roles this year.
- Shannon McCarty — Director of the Learning Center
We are delighted to welcome new Middle School faculty/staff to the Flint Hill family.
Administration
Joshua McClymont — Director of Fine Arts
Joshua has over 25 years of theater arts experience. He recently served as Director of Fine Arts at the Ascension Episcopal School in Lafayette, LA, for 10 years. Over the years, Joshua has directed and produced a range of plays and musicals. he received his Master's of Science in Education in School Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and has his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Miami University of Ohio.
All-School Staff
Jazz Chantarawongsakul — Controller
Jazz previously worked as the Controller at National Cathedral School for almost 18 years. Jazz has her MBA from Marymount University and a Bachelor's in Economics from the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Middle School Faculty and Staff
Scott Bowman — MS and US Theater Arts Teacher and Director of Theater Arts Productions
Scott has worked in theater education for over 25 years. He has taught and directed in New York City, San Francisco, and Atlanta. Most recently, he served as drama director at The Montgomery Academy and a teaching artist at The Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He has a B.A. in Dramatic Art and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M.F.A. in acting from American Conservatory Theater. Scott was a NCAA fencer.
Johanna Cheney — MS Math Teacher
Johanna has taught for 30 years, 18 of which have been in middle school math, ranging from Math 6 to Geometry. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Indiana University. She grew up in Hawaii and was a competitive swimmer through college.
Ashley DeWolf — Long-Term MS Math Substitute Teacher
Ashley has worked at Flint Hill since fall of 2023 as a substitute and an Assistant Varsity Swim Coach. Previously, Ashley has worked as a math and science tutor with the Seton School in Manassas. Ashley has coached swimming for years in Virginia and Kentucky. She has her Bachelor of Science in Human Health Services form the University of Kentucky.
Kira Jordan — MS History Teacher
Kira has worked as a secondary educator for 15 years in both public and independent schools in Northern Virginia. She has a B.A. in American Studies and an M.A.T. in Secondary Social Studies Education from the University of Virginia. She has a lifelong dream of traveling the Nile River and the Mediterranean.
Rebecca Poyatt — MS English Teacher
Rebecca is going into her 18th year of teaching at several different independent schools in both the Washington, D.C., and Atlanta areas. She has taught 5th, 6th, and 8th grade English, language arts, and reading. She has a B.A. in History from the Catholic University of America, an M.Ed. in English Education, an Ed.S. in Educational Theory and Practice from the University of Georgia, and a fellowship in teaching, writing, and acting for change from the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English. This summer, Rebecca studied at the Bread Loaf School of English and is a member of the Bread Loaf Teacher Network. Rebecca loves to sing and dance and enjoyed learning Zumba this summer.
Welcome from Rejera Arnold P'33, Parents' Association President
Dear Flint Hill Families,
It’s almost time to kick off the 2024-25 school year! Whether this is your first year or you’re a “pro-level” Husky, we are glad you are a part of our community. I am looking forward to a fantastic year ahead and connecting with parents on campus.
- About me: Our family joined Flint Hill in 2022, and we’ve been active in the community ever since. I have a Lower School Husky, Avery ’33. One of the things we love about Flint Hill is the warm and welcoming space the school provides so students can thrive in their learning environment.
I’ve enjoyed serving as a Flint Hill Fund volunteer and a divisional ambassador over the years. Attending events over Homecoming weekend is a favorite Flint Hill memory and truly a highlight for my family. My Lower School student even organized meeting points with his friends during carpool so they could enjoy the festivities together! It’s always nice to connect with Huskies we may already know, and a great opportunity to meet new families.
- About the Parents’ Association (PA): Every Flint Hill parent and guardian is automatically a PA member, and there are no membership fees. The PA strengthens the partnership between the School and Flint Hill families by encouraging parental involvement and engagement within our community. The PA Divisional Ambassadors is a group of over 90 volunteers that builds community among parents and guardians. We are here to help you connect and are actively involved by attending school events, hosting parent socials, volunteering, and encouraging you to do the same. Meet the 2024-25 Divisional Ambassadors!
- What’s to come: There are many PA events planned for this year in addition to volunteer opportunities, and the newsletter is the best resource to see what’s on the horizon.
- How to get involved: Complete this form to share your volunteer interest, and we’ll reach out to you as each opportunity arises.
I am eager to partner with parents as we pull the sled together. I hope you and your family soak up the last few weeks of summer, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Go Huskies,
Rejera Arnold P’33
Parents’ Association President
Upcoming Events
Student Schedules Available Online
Thursday, August 8
Donation Drop-Off for Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Monday, August 12 - Friday, August 16
Lower School Campus, Miller House front porch, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sign-up Link Sent for Parent-Advisor Conferences
Monday, August 12
Bus Service Sign-Up Deadline Extension
Monday, August 19
Sign Up Here
Extended Day Sign-Up Deadline Extension
Monday, August 19
Sign Up Here
Parent Volunteer Opportunities
Monday, August 19 - Wednesday, August 21
Sign Up to Volunteer
Back-to-School Social
Tuesday, August 20
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Register Here
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Wednesday, August 21
Hazel Lower School, Room 101, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Store Open on Lower School Campus
Wednesday, August 21
Hazel Lower School, Room 112, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Medication Drop-Off
Thursday, August 22
Upper School Circle, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Middle School Parent Virtual Orientation
Monday, August 26
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Google Meet Link
Middle School Parent-Advisor Conferences
Monday, August 26, and Tuesday, August 27
Link to register will be sent via email on Monday, August 12.
Parents' Association Middle School Volunteer Fair
Monday, August 26, and Tuesday, August 27
Peterson Middle School Lobby, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Middle School First Day of Class
Wednesday, August 28
Labor Day — Grades JK-12, No Classes
Monday, September 2
Middle School Athletics Practices Begin
Tuesday, September 3
Middle School Student Picture Day
Thursday, September 5
Middle School Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 5
Peterson Middle School, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Friday, September 6
Westwood Country Club, 8:45-11:45 a.m.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 13
Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Parents of "Lifers" Reception
Monday, September 16
Upper School deCamp Garden, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
All-School Gathering
Monday, September 16
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Parent Mixer
Tuesday, September 17
Upper School deCamp Garden, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
