Middle School Newsletter – January 17, 2024
January 17, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As an innovative school and the only Apple Distinguished School in the region, we are very committed to leveraging technology as a tool for learning. We also recognize the importance of modeling and helping students develop a healthy balance of screen time and prioritize in-person communication and community-building. With this in mind, we will spend the next week in a “low tech” mode during advisory and classes. Goals for the week include:
- Helping students reflect on the impact (positive and negative) of social media on their sleep and mental health.
- Increasing student awareness of how tech/game companies use neuroscience and psychology to maximize user engagement.
- Reminding students of the benefits of mindfulness, relaxation, and tech-free play.
- Refocusing teachers on using technology only when it’s the right tool for learning, not as a default.
Please consider checking in with your child on this topic to continue the conversation and help with their reflection.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Community Service Drives
We are collecting items this week for two local organizations. Women Giving Back supports women and children in crisis as a first step to stability by providing quality clothing at no cost, assisted by a caring and committed community. Second Story provides housing, counseling, and life skills support for teenagers experiencing crisis and homelessness. Students are encouraged to bring in any of the following items.
Donations requested for Women Giving Back:
- clean, lightly worn, or new boys', girls', and women's clothes.
- like-new women's shoes and pajamas and boys', girls', and women's jackets and scarves.
- new socks and underwear.
Donations requested for Second Story:
- new items only — baby wipes, laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes, and paper towels.
First Semester Grade Reports and Narrative Comments — Wednesday, January 24
Our first semester officially ended last week, and grade reports will be posted on Husky Hub next Wednesday, January 24, at 3:00 p.m. As always, this is an opportunity to practice how to keep quarter grades in perspective — focusing on the journey, recognizing what this current performance feedback can provide, and avoiding the type of disproportionate fixation on grades that can limit growth. In addition to the performance feedback for each course, teachers will provide narrative comments about your child’s progress.
Your gradebook view in Husky Hub under “Progress” now defaults to the third quarter. If you wish to view previous quarters, you can click on “First Semester” and select the appropriate quarter under “Show.” Please see the diagrams below.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Volunteer Day — Thursday, January 25
Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents can make a difference together by sorting food donations, packing food for distribution, and assisting with warehouse tasks – two volunteer shifts available: Thursday, January 25, 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m. Location: Food for Others 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031 Learn more and sign up to volunteer!
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back Volunteer Day — Thursday, February 8
Women Giving Back is an organization that supports women and children in crisis. Spend time together while sorting clothing donations at the Sterling warehouse on Thursday, February 8, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA, 20164. Learn more and sign up to volunteer!
Register for Summer on the Hill
Registration is now open for 2024 Summer on the Hill. We are proud to offer programs in the following categories:
- Headfirst Summer Camps: Age 3 - Rising Grade 5
- Athletic Camps: Rising Grades 3-9
- Enrichment Camps: Rising Grades 4-9
- For-Credit & Academic Prep Courses: Rising Grades 9-12
- D.C. United Soccer Camp & Washington Nationals Baseball and Softball Camps: Ages 5-13
Space is limited so reserve your slot today! For questions, contact Matt McCoart.
Enrollment Contracts Coming Soon
- Wednesday, January 31 — 2024-25 Enrollment Contracts issued for returning students
- Thursday, February 8 — 2024-25 Enrollment Contracts due. The completed enrollment contract and non-refundable deposit will secure your child’s placement for next year.
Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Reminders
Class of 2028 'Ask an Upper School Parent' Coffee — Thursday, January 18
8th Grade parents are invited to 29th Parallel Coffee in Vienna tomorrow, January 18, 8:30-10:00 a.m. Whether you have questions about academics, athletics, or student life, current Upper School parents will be there to give you answers. Please register.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Tuesday, January 23
Enjoy a rejuvenating walk through the Oakmont Rec Center trails on Tuesday, January 23, 8:00 a.m. Register here and contact FH parent Molisa Meholic P'29 with any questions.
Middle School Division Coffee — Wednesday, January 31
Join Director of Academics Aaron Proctor and Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont on Wednesday, January 31, 8:15-9:15 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room for an open forum discussion.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 5
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “All American Boys” by Jason Reynolds and Brendon Kiely. 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.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Your help is needed to run concessions in the Upper School. No experience necessary! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents. 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! With more volunteers, we can open for more games and activities! Volunteer sign-up
Upcoming Events
Class of 2028 'Ask an Upper School Parent' Coffee
Thursday, January 18
Location: 29th Parallel Coffee, Vienna, VA
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Flint Hill Certamen Tournament
Saturday, January 20
Upper School Commons, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, January 23
Oakmont Rec Center, 8:00 a.m.
Sign up to attend
First Semester Grade Reports and Narrative Comments Available on Husky Hub
Wednesday, January 24, 3:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Volunteer Day
Thursday, January 25
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
12:30-2:30 p.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Flint Hill Day
Tuesday, January 30
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Middle School Division Coffee
Wednesday, January 31
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Please join Director of Academics Aaron Proctor and Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont for an open forum discussion.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 31
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 31
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 5
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP to attend
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back Volunteer Day
Thursday, February 8
Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA, 20164
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Professional Development Day, No Classes
Monday, February 12
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 14
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
