Middle School Newsletter – January 22, 2025
January 22, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Our Middle School Quarter 2 Reports are now available on Husky Hub. As always, this is an opportunity to practice how to keep quarter and semester 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.
I hope to see some of you at the Middle School Division Coffee, next Wednesday, January 29, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons. This will be an open forum discussion, so please bring your questions and wonders about any aspect of our middle school program!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Complete Strategic Planning Survey by Friday, January 24
Flint Hill is excited to embark on a strategic planning process in partnership with Mission & Data, a firm specializing in guiding schools through this important work. This process will help us identify shared aspirations for our school and chart a path to achieve them. A critical first step is gathering feedback from our community. Your insights will ensure that our strategic plan reflects Flint Hill’s unique culture, values, and vision for the future. Please share your perspective by completing this anonymous survey by Friday, January 24.
Important Dates Regarding 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year we wanted to share the following dates related to enrollment contracts:
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Issued for Returning Students
- Thursday, February 6 — 2025-26 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.
Middle School Division Coffee — Wednesday, January 29
Parents are invited for informal conversation with Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont on Wednesday, January 29, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons. This will be an open forum discussion, so please bring your questions and wonders about any aspect of our middle school program!
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.
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.
Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Tuesday, February 18
Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf Loudon 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. Registration is free and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Location Details: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!
Register for Middle School Family Spirit Night: Major Minors Concert — 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 Flint Hill’s award-winning 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.
Save the Date: Middle School Play Performance — Thursday and Friday, February 20-21
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. 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. The Friday “matinee” is designed for Middle School students to stay at school and support their classmates. Stay tuned to upcoming newsletters for ticketing information.
FH Community Weekend: One School, Many Stories — February 21-22
Join us for an inspiring two-day event designed to foster relationships, identify connections, and highlight the meaningful stories that make our school so unique. We welcome all members of the community to participate as we 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 Community Festival events on Saturday, February 22.
Additional details, including the full schedule and RSVP information, will follow in a separate communication. If you are interested in volunteering at either of the events, please contact Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Mia Burton or All-School Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
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Register Now for Summer on the Hill
Registration is now open for 2025 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 5-9
- Trips & Travel: Rising Grades 5-12
- 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.
Reminders
Class of 2029: Virtual Upper School Parent Preview — Tuesday, January 28
Join us for a special Class of 2029 Upper School Preview, a virtual event designed specifically for 8th grade parents, on Tuesday, January 28, 7:00-8:15 p.m. During this virtual event, current parents and students will answer all of your questions about the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Discover the exciting academic, social, and extracurricular experiences that will contribute to your student’s growth and success. Get to know Upper School faculty, staff, leadership, parents, and students, who will provide valuable insights into how Flint Hill facilitates a seamless transition from Middle to Upper School. Sign up today.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 3
This year, we’re diving deep into an inspiring collection of memoirs and historical biographies that were adapted for young readers. These captivating personal narratives will take us on incredible journeys, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs that resonate across time and culture. Our next meeting is Monday, February 3, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room, and we'll be discussing, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition ” by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert. *Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
If you have any questions, please contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson. Please sign up to be included on our email list to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, February 7
On Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., walk with fellow parents 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.
SchoolPass Web Access
In addition to the SchoolPass app, there is another convenient way to submit attendance changes for your child. You can access SchoolPass through your web browser by visiting the following link: https://flinthill.school-pass.net/
This option provides flexibility and ease for managing your child's attendance. Whether it’s the app or the web browser, you can choose the best method for your needs.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
On the heels of our first snow day of the school year, we want to make sure you’re aware of our classwork policy on inclement weather days. Beginning on the second snow day of the school year, teachers may choose to assign work by sending an email to students alerting them of assignments by 10:00 a.m. Work should be made available on the teacher course page or through another electronic form. Individual or additional considerations will be made in the event of:
- excessive consecutive inclement weather days,
- a high number of individual inclement weather days, or
- extended time periods without power.
A reminder that delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
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
Flint Hill Certamen Tournament
Saturday, January 25
Upper School Commons, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Upper School Parent Preview
Tuesday, January 28
7:00-8:15 p.m.
Register for Virtual Event
Middle School Division Coffee
Wednesday, January 29
Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 3
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign Up
Middle School Winter Athletics Picture Day
Tuesday, February 4
Peterson Middle School Commons, 1:50-3:15 p.m.
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
Middle School Play Performance
Thursday, February 20, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
FH Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22
