Middle School Newsletter – December 18, 2024
December 18, 2024
Letter From the Division Director
This short stretch between Thanksgiving and the Winter Break has been exciting and challenging. We had a great turnout for our Activity Night and Tip-Off Tournament, with access to the Igloo as the clear highlight for students! We were treated to three outstanding concerts, showcasing the hard work of our students and music faculty.
We’ve also had a high number of absences due to illness, despite increased efforts to keep the building clean and sanitized. Considering the impact of these absences and the timing of the end of the quarter, we will not have our regular athletics period tomorrow. Instead, we will have an optional study hall period for students to complete missing work.
Students are welcome to celebrate the end of the semester with an Ugly Sweater Day on Friday, December 20 — wearing their most unsightly or festive tops along with regular school dress from the waist down.
As we head into the Winter Break, I encourage your children to use part of this time to reflect on progress and performance and take the opportunity to make adjustments and set new goals. Please enjoy a wonderful break with your children and all of the special seasonal family celebrations and religious observances that come with it. I look forward to seeing you in 2025!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent Virtual Workshop About Substance Abuse — TONIGHT
The Counseling team offers this last-minute heads up for a virtual workshop happening shortly. Are you comfortable talking with your child about substance use and the risks? Can you recognize the warning signs of substance use? Join Caron Education Alliance for a virtual prevention and education program for parents, tonight, Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m. This presentation provides parents and caregivers of middle and upper school students with information that research shows can help reduce the chances their teen will engage in substance use. Register to attend this virtual presentation.
Admission Virtual Event: Fine Arts & Innovation at Flint Hill — Thursday, January 8
Current families are invited to join us for this virtual event on Thursday, January 8, 6:00-8:00 p.m. to learn more about Flint Hill’s approach to fine arts and innovation in the Middle and Upper School. You'll hear directly from our passionate Fine Arts and Innovation faculty members, students, and parents. While this event is designed with prospective families in mind, current families will gain some insights into what’s ahead for their children’s fine arts and innovation classes. Register today.
Head of School Budget Coffee — Tuesday, January 14
Current families are invited to join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson for our annual budget coffee on Tuesday, January 14, at 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room to learn more about your investment in a one-of-a-kind Flint Hill experience for your student(s).
Reserve Your Seat for our January 15 Parent Education Series
Join us for another installment of Flint Hill's Parent Education Series with an eye-opening seminar on parenting in today’s high-anxiety world, featuring a presentation and Q&A with Lenore Skenazy, author of “Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry).” The seminar is on Wednesday, January 15, in the Peterson Middle School with two opportunities to attend: 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m. Seating is limited! Reserve your spot now!
Register for ‘Ask an Upper School Parent’ Coffee — Thursday, January 16
We’re excited to invite 8th grade parents to 29th Parallel Coffee, 106 Lawyers Rd. NW, Vienna, VA, on Thursday, January 16, 8:30-10:00 a.m., for relaxed, informal conversations with current Upper School parents. Whether you're curious about academics, athletics, or student life, our parents are ready to share their insights and answer all your questions about the transition from 8th to 9th grade. 7th grade families are also welcome to attend. Sign up today.
Save the Date for Community Festival Weekend - February 21-22
Our annual Community Festival is set for Friday, February 21 and Saturday, 22, with activities planned for everyone to enjoy. Detailed schedules will be shared after the break, but we’re already gearing up for Saturday’s Cultural Festival on Saturday, February 22. If your family or student club would like to host a table and share your culture with the community, we’d love to hear from you — sign up today! If you have any questions, please email All School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson at mchenderson@flinthill.org.
Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill
Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! Please consider inviting your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to these upcoming admission events. Thank you for helping to expand our Husky community!
- Family Discovery Workshop on Thursday, January 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m., in the Hazel Lower School. Attendees can choose two subjects, such as percussion (music), computer science, or Spanish, and attend interactive workshops led by our wonderful Lower School specialist teachers. Forward this signup link to those who may be interested in learning more about our Lower School.
- Middle School Virtual Info Session on Thursday, January 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. They’ll hear from school leaders, parents, and students about what makes Flint Hill's Middle School program exceptional. Forward this signup link to those who may be interested in learning more about our Middle School.
Reminders
Gifts to Faculty and Staff
As we approach the Winter Break, we wanted to remind you of the School’s recommendations concerning gifts to faculty and staff. Flint Hill encourages simplicity in the giving of gifts. Please note that holiday gift giving is not an expectation, and individual families should decide what is best for them, keeping in mind that a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” often carries the greatest meaning.
The School discourages the collection of money from parents to provide teachers or coaches with gifts. If, however, you choose to provide a holiday gift to a faculty or staff member, please be sensitive to varying culture/religious backgrounds and avoid gifts exceeding $100 in value, as outlined in the Family Handbook.
Lock in Discounts to Costa Rica and Peru, Summer 2026: Enroll by Friday, December 20
Lock in one of the limited spots available with a $95 Enrollment Fee by Friday, December 20. By enrolling now, you will also receive a $200 tour scholarship and qualify for your risk-free enrollment period! Enroll now with this link. **Space is limited and is first-come, first-served!
Please view the Parent Guide to Travel from EF Educational Tours, our travel partner. This guide covers all the details about EF, including options for academic credit, payment plans, and what to expect on tour. Additionally, once you enroll, you will have access to your individual fundraising page and will be able to apply for EF's Global Citizen Scholarship.
Still have questions? EF's Traveler Support team can help through their online chat at the ET Tour website or by phone at 800-665-5364. You can also email the faculty sponsor, Upper School History Teacher Virginia Cady.
Discount to Enroll for 2025 Headfirst Summer Camps — Through Wednesday, December 25
Day camp programming for JK-7th graders includes arts & crafts, STEM, and multi-sport as well as Washington Nationals Baseball & Softball Camps and D.C. United Soccer Camps. Flint Hill parents can sign up now through Wednesday, December 25, to take advantage of 5% off; just use the code Oakton5 at checkout.
Any questions? Headfirst staff will be at the morning drop-off on Friday, December 20, or email customercare@heafirstcamps.com.
Grades 7-8 Family Spirit Night — Tuesday, January 7
On Tuesday, January 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m., spend time with Middle School families and cheer on the Huskies at the Grades 7-8 Family Spirit Night! Parents and students are invited to meet in the Upper School Commons before the boys’ varsity basketball game to make signs and mingle before finding a spot in the bleachers to cheer on the Huskies. This is a great opportunity for families to connect while building school spirit across divisions. Register to attend!
This event is hosted by the Parents' Association and school personnel will not be in attendance to supervise. Parents must be in attendance to supervise their students.
Driving Spirit Award Nominations — Submit by Thursday, January 9
The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill faculty and staff members who lead by example through their dedication to students and ability to energize and inspire the Flint Hill community. Please think about the exceptional current teachers and staff members in the Flint Hill community who you believe fit this description, and complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 9.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, January 17
Meetup with fellow parents for a walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The next walk is on Friday, January 17, 8:15-9:15 a.m. The location varies weekly 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. Upcoming Walk: Friday, February 7.
Parents: Share Your Professional Knowledge with Our Students!
Occasionally, teachers invite presenters into the classroom to enhance the curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible. In the previous newsletter, we shared some “wish list” topics and nearly all have been fulfilled! Thank you! We have one remaining need for current or retired NASA astronauts and engineers.
If you are willing to present or know someone who would be interested, please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Note that these presenting opportunities are not compensated. As additional topics are requested we’ll share them here. Thank you for helping students and teachers make these real-world connections!
Inclement Weather Policy
Delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event in the following ways:
- Text/email alerts through our emergency notification system.
- A banner on our website.
- Story posts on Instagram and Facebook.
If a change to the school day is required, we will contact you as stated above. If you do not hear from us, know that the school day is scheduled as normal.
IMPORTANT: If you are new to Flint Hill, you must opt in to receive text messages by texting YES to 79041. Note: the mobile number used must match what we have in our system. You’ll receive a confirmation text that you’ve opted in. We strongly suggest families opt in — these messages will provide the most timely information in the case of an emergency or school closure.
Athletics Reminder: Hudl Fan
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School or Lower School campuses will be streamed via Hudl TV. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser or downloading the Hudl Fan app. After downloading the app or navigating to fan.hudl.com, search for “Flint Hill School.” You will now have access to all games that are being streamed. Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for the Middle School and Upper School athletic schedules.
Volunteer in the Igloo — Help Us Prepare for the New Year!
There’s always an opportunity to sign up for a shift in the Igloo, and we need many volunteers to open each day. It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents while supporting our community. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Invite a friend to join you and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like so we’re prepared when we return from winter break. Sign Up to Volunteer in the Igloo.
2025-26 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
Our 2025-26 Calendar Highlights listing is now available on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.
Upcoming Events
Virtual Substance Abuse Workshop hosted by Caron Education Alliance
Wednesday, December 18
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Register to Attend
End of First Semester
Friday, December 20
Winter Break
December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Classes Resume
Monday, January 6, 2025
Grades 7-8 Family Spirit Night
Tuesday, January 7
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cheer on the Boys' Varsity Basketball Team
Register to Attend
Alumni Virtual College Panel
Tuesday, January 7
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet Link
Middle School Winter Athletics Picture Day
Wednesday, January 8
Middle School Commons, 1:50-3:15 p.m.
Admission Virtual Event: Fine Arts & Innovation at Flint Hill
Thursday, January 8
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Register
Head of School Budget Coffee
Tuesday, January 14
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Empowering, Not Overprotecting: Building Independence and Raising Resilient Kids
Wednesday, January 15
Peterson Middle School
8:30-9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot Now!
Class of 2029 Event: ‘Ask an Upper School Parent’ Coffee
Thursday, January 16
29th Parallel Coffee, 106 Lawyers Rd. NW, Vienna, VA 22180
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, January 17
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
