Middle School Newsletter – February 19, 2025
February 19, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
As we finish the last few days of our winter athletic season — and, hopefully, our winter weather — all of our teams wrap up their final games and meets and prepare to transition to the spring season, which officially begins on Wednesday, February 26. 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.
Please also note that our Middle School Play has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the Olson Theater on the Lower School Campus. The cast and crew of “Murder in the Knife Room” are excited to present their mystery and we encourage you to bring the whole family. Please use this link to reserve your seats.
We are just over three weeks away from Spring Break. Please note that we will have parent conferences on Friday, March 14. See details below.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tonight's MS Family Spirit Night — Location Change
Location change! Spend time with Middle School families tonight while supporting the Major Minors at this Family Spirit Night! Parents and students are invited to meet up in the Middle School lobby before the performance to mingle and write good luck messages for the performers. Then enjoy some great music by our talented a cappella group, Major Minors, in the Middle School Commons.
This gathering 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. Contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Wednesday, March 12
Mark your calendars and join us for the Pickleball Social on Wednesday, March 12, 10:30-12:30 p.m., at the Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA. Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or a first-timer, this is a great chance to connect with other families and enjoy some friendly competition. All skill levels are welcome! Registration is limited to 30 players, and this beloved event fills up quickly, so grab your spot! Contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Middle School Parent Conferences – Friday, March 14
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 signup link on Friday, February 28.
School Store Open — Friday, March 14
The School Store will be open on Friday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Hazel Lower School in Room 112. You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11. For questions about the School Store, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange and Drop-Off in March
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 14, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in room 101 of 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. For questions about the Exchange, please contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office.
Donation Drop-off: Parents may drop off gently used, clean uniforms and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 7, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Kindly launder items before donating. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate and/or shop for spirit wear.
Volunteers Needed: Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Tuesday, March 11, and during the Exchange on Friday, March 14. Sign up to volunteer and get to shop first!
Reminders
Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Celebrate the experiences that help us grow as individuals and as a school! The schedule for One School, Many Stories includes the Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club) on Friday, February 21, and the Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue and the following Community Festival events on Saturday, February 22. Learn more and RSVP!
Parent Education Series: Essential Conversations — Tuesday, February 25
Join us in the Middle School on Tuesday, February 25, 7:00-8:30 p.m., for an essential conversation with the founders of I Have The Right To on how to support children and teens in navigating consent, healthy relationships, and personal safety. Alex and Susan Prout will share their powerful story and the critical lessons they wish they had known as parents. The presentation will also provide insight into what Upper School students have been learning in school workshops, including recognizing red flags, setting boundaries, and understanding the neurobiology of trauma. Reserve your seat!
Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Academic Planning — Wednesday, February 26
On Wednesday, February 26, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean Debbie Ayers will explain the timeline, process, and resources that support our 8th grade students in planning for the move-up to the Upper School, and Director of College Counseling Suzy Chiarolanzio will bring the college perspective into the process.
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
Don’t miss this chance to connect with an alumni parent and other parents in our community! Join Inspire founder, author, community-builder, and alumni parent Alysia Dempsey P’20, ’23 for this special workshop for parents on Thursday, February 27, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Oakton Starbucks, 2930 Chain Bridge Rd. According to Alysia, What is Your Story? is an inspiring workshop enabling participants to share their story and discover the story of others in their own community and communities around the world.
Alysia will also be hosting a workshop at the Community Festival on Saturday, February 22, so there are two opportunities to join!
Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with questions.
Rising Grade 9 Learning Center Information Session — Tuesday, March 4
On Tuesday, March 4, 4:00-4:45 p.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, current families and 8th grade students who use the Learning Center are invited to join the Upper School Learning Specialists to learn about the Upper School Learning Center with an opportunity for Q&A with a student panel.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We need your help to open the Igloo each day! Bring a friend and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like — your support makes a difference and gives you a glimpse into Upper School life. Upper School students are also welcome to volunteer during basketball games. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert & Middle School Family Spirit Night
Wednesday, February 19
Location Change: Middle School Commons, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club)
Friday, February 21
Peterson Middle School Lobby, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Learning Commons, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Community Festival
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Learn More & RSVP
Middle School Winter Athletics End
Monday, February 24
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Monday, February 24
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Essential Conversations
Tuesday, February 25
Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Middle School Spring Sports Begin
Wednesday, February 26
Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Academic Planning
Wednesday, February 26
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Middle School Play: "Murder in the Knife Room"
Wednesday, February 26
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop
Thursday, February 27
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Location: The workshop will be held at Starbucks in Oakton, 2930 Chain Bridge Rd.
Register
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 3
Peterson Middle School Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
Monday, March 3 - Friday, March 7
Between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Drop off on the Miller House front porch
Rising Grade 9 Learning Center Information Session
Tuesday, March 4
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
End of Third Quarter, Middle School
Friday, March 7
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Wednesday, March 12
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA
Register
Lower School / Middle School Parent Conferences - No Classes
Friday, March 14
Note: while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet on Friday, March 14, the Upper School will still be in session.
School Store Open
Friday, March 14
Hazel Lower School, Room 112, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Friday, March 14
Hazel Lower School, Room 112, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Monday, March 17 - Friday, March 28
