Middle School Newsletter – February 5, 2025
February 5, 2025
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. We recently had students fill out a reflection survey on their first semester, asking them to note areas of progress, read their teachers’ report card comments, and set goals for the new quarter.
As a School and a Middle School division, we try to model a similar growth mindset and use of feedback. Over the past few weeks, students have filled 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.
I am also working with Fairfax Food Service on a feedback survey that we plan to give to students this week. This annual survey seeks to identify favorite and least favorite options, solicit suggestions for improvement, and inform menu changes.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Completed 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Due Tomorrow
Your completed and signed 2025-26 enrollment contract and non-refundable deposit are due by Thursday, February 6, in order to secure your child’s placement for next year. Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Reserve Your Seats for "Murder in the Knife Room"
It’s a mystery! One murder, a closed room, and 16 suspects. Who killed Mysterious Host? Could it be the Respected General? What about Wealthy Dowager? Or maybe it was Santa Claus. The mystery unfolds as Inexplicably Omniscient Inspector takes on the most thrilling and baffling murder case in the history of thrilling and baffling murder cases.
With over 40 Middle School students involved in the show, this is a must-see if you like comedy and murder mysteries. Reserve your tickets here. The show will be presented on Thursday, February 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m., and Friday, February 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
If your middle schooler will be attending the Friday afternoon performance, you may change their dismissal location in SchoolPass to “MS Play” and pick them up at the Olson Theater at 6:30 p.m.
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 9th Grade 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.
Rising 9th Grade 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.
Share with Family & Friends: Upcoming Admission Coffee Event
Do you know a family who might be interested in Flint Hill? Ask them to join us at 29th Parallel Coffee in Vienna for Coffee Chat: Ask a Flint Hill Parent on Wednesday, February 19, 8:30-10:00 a.m. Prospective parents are invited to join us for informal conversations with current parents to learn more about academics, athletics, or student life in a relaxed setting — and have a coffee or tea on us! If you’re interested in helping with Admission events like this one, email admission@flinthill.org and let us know!
Reminders
8th Grade Virtual Parent Coffee: Human Sexuality — Friday, February 7
On Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Lottie Walker will host a virtual parent session to preview the 8th Grade Human Sexuality Programming unit, February 11-19, and discuss strategies for parents to engage in conversations with their child. See below for details about this programming.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, February 7
Bundle up and walk with fellow parents on Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register Here. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
8th Grade Human Sexuality Programming: February 11-19
Lottie Walker, an AASECT-certified sexuality educator and former FH counselor, will teach this unit during science classes. The material will include a brief review of the physiological changes of puberty and the human reproductive system; an overview of sexually transmitted diseases; an in-depth discussion of consent and healthy communication; an examination of terminology used to differentiate sexuality from gender; and an introduction to the topic of abstinence and pregnancy prevention. There will also be an emphasis on exploring family and individual values and relating them to healthy interpersonal relationships and decision-making. For additional information on the topics covered, please refer to this unit overview. On Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Lottie will host a virtual parent session to preview the unit and discuss strategies for parents to engage in these conversations with their child.
Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Tuesday, February 18
Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf Loudoun on Tuesday, February 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is an opportunity for dads to form and maintain connections, truly all are welcome. Parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup! Location Details: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147.
Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Support the Major Minors! Middle School Family Spirit Night — Wednesday, February 19
On Wednesday, February 19, 6:30-9:00 p.m., spend time with Middle School families while supporting the Major Minors at this Family Spirit Night! Parents and students are invited to meet up in the Upper 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 Upper 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. Register Here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
FH Community Weekend: One School, Many Stories — February 21-22
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.
RSVP to let us know you’re coming! Interested in volunteering? Please contact Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Mia Burton or All-School Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Step Up to Upper School: 8th Grade Parent Website
A reminder that the Step Up to Upper School webpage includes answers to frequently asked questions, short videos related to the Upper School, links to resources, and a full calendar of upcoming step-up events.
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
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 of all ages to share their story and discover the story of others in their own community and communities around the world. Let’s inspire everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, age, or orientation to have a voice and to be authentically themselves and write their own stories. We must plant seeds of love, peace, empathy, kindness, and compassion today that will inspire a celebration of diverse stories in our community and around the world for future generations. We are part of one human race. Our stories can inspire each other.
Alysia will also be hosting a workshop at the Community Festival on Saturday, February 22, so there are two opportunities to participate!
Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with questions.
Make a Difference! Volunteer in the Igloo
Help keep the Igloo running by signing up for a shift! We need volunteers to open each day. 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. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Due
Thursday, February 6
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 7
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
8th Grade Virtual Parent Coffee: Human Sexuality
Friday, February 7
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet Link
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Professional Development Day
Monday, February 10
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Tuesday, February 11
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Day
Thursday, February 13
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 17
Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Tuesday, February 18
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
Register to Attend
Middle School Family Spirit Night: Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 19
6:30-9:00 p.m.
Meet in the Upper School lobby before the performance.
Register
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 19
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Middle School Play, “Murder in the Knife Room”
Thursday, February 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
FH Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22
Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club)
Friday, February 21
Peterson Middle School Lobby, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Learning Commons, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Community Festival
Saturday, February 22
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
Reserve Your Seat
Middle School Winter Athletics End
Monday, February 24
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.
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 to Attend
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
Rising Grade 9 Learning Center Information Session
Tuesday, March 4
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 4:00-4:45 p.m.
