Middle School Newsletter – February 28, 2024
February 28, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Part of our growth-focused approach with students involves providing feedback on their work, incorporating opportunities for self-reflection, and giving direction on areas for improvement. As a School and a Middle School division, we try to model a similar growth mindset and use of feedback.
Prior to Spring Break, students will fill out anonymous surveys for each of their classes. Through a combination of rating scales and open-ended questions, the survey focuses on the teacher’s learning environment, clarity of expectations, helpfulness, things to keep and things to change. Giving middle schoolers anonymity to express their opinions is a risky endeavor, but they typically do a very thoughtful job overall. The results inform my responsibility to ensure quality and consistency throughout our program. I also share responses directly with each teacher and department chair as they consider ways to refine and improve the classroom experience.
Later this spring, we will send out a Parent Satisfaction Survey to get your feedback on your experience and all aspects of our program. Stay tuned for more details after Spring Break.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Course Selection for 2024-2025 (Students in 8th Grade) — Opens Wednesday, March 27
As I shared via email, the timeline for current 8th graders will follow the Upper School process. The online course selection module will officially open on Wednesday, March 27. Here are the slides about Rising Grade 9 Course Selection from Assistant Director of the Upper School and Academic Dean Debbie Ayers’ presentation at this morning’s Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Upper School Academic Planning. We will share information and speak with students the week of March 27, using this pared-down version of Debbie's presentation to highlight typical 9th grade schedules and requirements.
Course Selection for 2024-2025 (Students in 6th and 7th Grades) — Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8, we will begin the process of course selection for those who will be middle schoolers next year — providing information about our Program Guide, options for students by grade level, guidance about selecting the appropriate courses and load, and Q&A sessions for students and parents.
Calling All Culinary Creators: Submit Your Family’s Recipe for Our Community Cookbook!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, creating memories, and telling stories. We believe that within our community lies a treasure trove of delicious family recipes, each with its own history and significance. Whether it's your grandma's secret lasagna, your uncle's famous barbecue sauce, or a cherished dessert passed down through generations, we want to celebrate the diverse and delectable tastes that make our community unique.
Here's how you can contribute:
- Submit Your Recipe: Share your favorite family recipe with us. From appetizers to main courses, desserts, and everything in between, we want to feature the best that our community has to offer.
- Tell Your Story: Along with your recipe, feel free to include a short story or memory associated with it. Whether it's a holiday tradition, a family gathering, or a special occasion, let's weave the fabric of our community through these culinary tales.
- Include a Photo: If you have a picture of the dish or a family gathering around it, we'd love to include it in the cookbook. It adds a personal touch and helps others envision the deliciousness!
Submission Deadline: Please submit your recipes by Monday, April 1, to ensure we have ample time to compile and organize our community cookbook.
Save the Date: Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Join fellow parents, alumni parents, faculty, and staff for this all-adult evening of community building and fun at the Upper School. Look for an electronic invitation with more details after Spring Break!
8th Grade Community Service Reminder — Monday, April 1 Deadline
As part of their Independent Community Service Project, eighth graders need to have their 10 service hours completed by Monday, April 1. We have been doing a lot of reminding at school and complete details are available on our Middle School Community Service tile.
Reminders
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. A sign-up link was sent by email on Thursday, February 22. If you have not received this email or have any questions about conferences, please contact Brian Lamont or Michelle Keatley. Third quarter report cards will be viewable on Husky Hub at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.
RSVP for Community Festival Weekend — Friday, March 1 & Saturday, March 2
On Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., join us for our Communities of Color Collective (3C) Launch and Reception in the Peterson Middle School. During the reception, we will welcome guest speaker Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. RSVP
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. This gathering of perspectives and experiences provides the perfect opportunity to “Imagine What’s Possible” for our Husky community. RSVP
Also on Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a festival to recognize the many cultures represented at Flint Hill. The entertainment lineup includes a performance by K-pop dance crew 1PICK and Indian dance lessons. We'll also enjoy a culinary sampling representing over a dozen cultures and countries! RSVP
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off: Now Through Monday, March 4
Parents may drop off gently used and clean uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch now through Monday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
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.
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.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, March 28
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard 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, 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.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Join the Waitlist
Registration is now full for the Pickleball Social on Friday, March 1. Join the waitlist, and we’ll contact you if space becomes available.
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
Upcoming Events
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off
Now through 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.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Friday, March 1
International Country Club, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Communities of Color Collective Reception
Friday, March 1
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Community Festival
Saturday, March 2
Upper School School, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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
End of Third Quarter
Wednesday, March 6
Grade reports will be viewable on Husky Hub at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7.
Lower School and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, March 8
No Classes for Lower and Middle School
Sign-up links were 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
Course Selection for 2024-2025 (Students in 8th Grade) Opens
Wednesday, March 27
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
8th Grade Community Service Deadline
Monday, April 1
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 1
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 5
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
