Middle School Newsletter – February 14, 2024
February 14, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As we head into the final week of our winter athletic season, we look forward to next weekend’s Middle School Play. Our cast and crew will put on two performances of “Peter and the Starcatcher” in the Olson Theater on the Lower School Campus — Friday, February 23, 7:00-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 24, 2:00-4:30 p.m. We encourage you to bring the whole family!
Our spring athletic season officially begins on Tuesday, February 27. If students wish to change their selection, they may do so by contacting Adam Rice either in advance or during the first few days of the new season.
We are just over three weeks away from Spring Break. Please note that we will have conferences on Friday, March 8. See details below.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, February 22
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard P'32, '35, and spend time with fellow parents while volunteering together at Food for Others each month. Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents will sort food donations, pack food for distribution, and assist with warehouse tasks. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Space is limited to 20 volunteers for each date, but you can sign up for as many as you can attend! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum '11 in the Advancement Office.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
Monthly Volunteer Dates:
- Thursday, February 22: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 28: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
The Middle School Presents “Peter and The Starcatcher” — Friday, February 23 & Saturday, February 24
The Middle School Theater will present “Peter and the Starcatcher” on Friday, February 23, 7:00-9:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 24, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Both performances will take place on the Lower School Campus in the Olson Theater. Please join our amazing cast and crew as they share the story of Peter Pan and his journey to becoming the hero of Neverland! Please reserve seats to attend.
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-off — Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Parents may drop off gently used and clean uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, February 26, to Monday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Parent Volunteers Needed: Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Wednesday, March 6, and during the Spring Uniform Exchange. Sign up to volunteer! Questions? Contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office.
Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Academic Planning — Wednesday, February 28
Preparation for the 2024-25 course selection is underway! During this division coffee — on Wednesday, February 28, 8:30-9:30 a.m. — Debbie Ayers, Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean, will explain the timeline, process, and resources that support our 8th grade students in planning for the move-up to the Upper School. This event will take place in the Upper School Multipurpose Room.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Friday, March 1
Connect with your Flint Hill family at this casual pickleball social and tournament on Friday, March 1, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Whether you have played pickleball or not, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families while enjoying some friendly competition. Players of all levels are welcome, and you'll be matched with someone new for each round. The event is free, but we do ask that you register in advance. Space is limited to 30 players. Plan to stay after play has ended for light refreshments and prizes. Location: International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
New Event Added! Community Festival Weekend: March 1-2
Please save the date and make a plan to join us in the Upper School for our annual Community Festival!
On Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Flint Hill’s families of color are invited to attend our Community of Color Collective (3C) Launch and Reception in the Peterson Middle School. The purpose of the 3C affinity space is to provide a centralized platform and approach to addressing the needs of the communities of color within Flint Hill School. During the reception we will welcome guest speaker Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Let us know you’ll join us!
On Saturday, March 2, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., you're invited to engage in thoughtful discussions about what makes a community. Open to parents, faculty/staff, alumni, and students in grades 7-12, the event is designed to engage in dialogue that will foster relationships and strengthen connections within the Flint Hill community. This event will take place in the Upper School Learning Commons. Join the conversation!
On Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will gather in the Upper School Commons to celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a cultural festival to highlight the rich diversity within our community. RSVP so our hosts can plan how many to welcome and feed!
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, March 4
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Sold” by Patricia McCormick. 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 to attend by completing this form. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Friday, March 8
You will have the opportunity to meet virtually or in person with each teacher for a 10-minute conference about your child’s progress. We will send a sign-up link on Thursday, February 22.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Room 101 of the Hazel Lower School. 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. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to shop for uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit items.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
The School Store will be open during the Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by the School Store and check out the new spirit wear. Plus, shoppers will receive a $5 coupon for any school store purchase! Please email schoolstore@flinthill.org with any Store questions.
Reminders
Dads Meetup: Topgolf — Monday, February 26
Connect with fellow Flint Hill dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Monday, February 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is limited to 25 guests and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register using this form, and contact Olivia Landrum '11 with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, February 16 & Tuesday, February 27
Join Molisa Meholic P'29 and other Flint Hill parents for a rejuvenating walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Sign up and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions. February Dates: Friday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 27, at 8:15 a.m.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Help us finish the winter season strong by covering a shift in the Igloo! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, and all divisions are welcome. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and invite a friend to join you. Upper School students can earn service hours for basketball games, too! Volunteer Sign Up
Middle School Winter Athletics Team Pictures Available
Photos of winter sports teams are now available to view and order.
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert — Today!
Wednesday, February 14
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
An opportunity to hear our award-winning Upper School a capella group!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 16
Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood, 8:15 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Presidents’ Day, No School
Monday, February 19
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, February 22
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
Last Day of Middle School Winter Athletics
Friday, February 23
Middle School Play: “Peter and the Starcatcher”
Friday, February 23
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve Tickets
Middle School Play: “Peter and the Starcatcher”
Saturday, February 24
Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Reserve Tickets
Dads Meetup: Topgolf
Monday, February 26
Topgolf Loudoun, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off
Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Miller House Front Porch, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Middle School Spring Athletic Season Begins
Tuesday, February 27
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, February 27
Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood, 8:15 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Academic Planning
Wednesday, February 28
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Friday, March 1
International Country Club, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Communities of Color Collective Launch and Reception
Friday, March 1
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP
Community Festival
Saturday, March 2
Upper School, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 4
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Volunteers Needed: Spring Uniform Exchange
Wednesday, March 6
Sign Up to Volunteer
Lower School and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 8
Sign-up link to be sent on Thursday, February 22
Spring Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, Room 101, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 24
Classes Resume
Monday, March 25
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, March 28
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
