Middle School Newsletter – January 31, 2024
January 31, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Our grade reports were posted last Wednesday and are available online. 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, our teachers have provided narrative comments about your child’s progress. Like our conferences, these comments should convey the depth of our understanding of your child while providing feedback to them about progress and suggestions for future growth that can be used in goal setting for the next semester. The comments are written to the student, mirroring the type of “conferencing” conversations that we have with them at school. As always, please communicate with teachers directly if you have any questions or concerns.
We set aside time at school to have students review their reports and comments, reflect on their progress, and consider adjustments for the second semester. Some students are more capable of (or interested in) reflection than others, but we believe this is a key part of growth, so we stay the course! Our reflection survey prompts include:
- What are some positive things your teachers highlighted in their comments?
- What areas for growth did teachers suggest to you? Do you agree with them?
- Is there anything you were proud of this semester that you wish teachers had noticed?
- What things do you think went better than you expected during the first semester?
- What specific actions would have helped you perform better during the first semester?
- Write a specific goal for the second semester.
At the risk of prompting an eye-roll, groan, or “I don’t want to reflect anymore,” I encourage you to review your child’s grade report and comments with them as well.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Enrollment Contracts Are in Your Husky Hub Account
Please note the information below and contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
- TODAY, Wednesday, January 31 — 2024-25 enrollment contracts were 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.
Middle School Winter Athletics Team Pictures Available
Photos of winter sports teams are now available to view and order.
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 14
Love is in the air this February! Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert, featuring feel-good songs by P!nk, Keane, Ed Sheeran, and more. It’s sure to be a heartwarming experience. The concert is free and will be held in the Upper School Commons on Wednesday, February 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Dads Meetup: Topgolf — Monday, February 26
Connect with fellow Flint Hill dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Monday, February 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is limited to 25 guests and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register using this form, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — February Dates Added!
Join Molisa Meholic P'29 and other Flint Hill parents for a rejuvenating walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Sign up on this form and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions.
February Dates: Tuesday, February 6, Friday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 27 at 8:15 a.m.
Save the Date: Two Performances of Peter and The Starcatcher
The Middle School Theater will present 'Peter and the Starcatcher' on Friday, February 23, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m., and on Saturday, February 24, 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. Both performances will take place in the Olson Theater and our Box Office will open two weeks prior. Please join our amazing cast and crew as they share the story of Peter Pan and his journey to becoming the hero of Neverland!
Plan to Join Us! Community Festival — Saturday, March 2
Please save the date and make a plan to join us on Saturday, March 2, in the Upper School for our annual Community Festival!
From 9:00 a.m. 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 within the Flint Hill community.
From 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a cultural festival to highlight the rich diversity within our community.
Reminders
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.
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. 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.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Your help is needed to run concessions in the Upper School. No experience necessary! Parents from all divisions are welcome; this 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! Volunteer Sign-up
Upcoming Events
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: Walking Group
Tuesday, February 6
Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood, 8:15 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Enrollment Contracts Due — Current Students
Thursday, February 8
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back Volunteer Day
Thursday, February 8
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.
an opportunity to hear our award-winning US a capella group!
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 16
Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood, 8:15 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Presidents’ Day, No School
Monday, February 19
Middle School Play: Peter and the Starcatcher
Friday, February 23
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Middle School Play: Peter and the Starcatcher
Saturday, February 24
Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Dads Meetup: Topgolf
Monday, February 26
Topgolf Loudoun, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, February 27
Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood, 8:15 a.m.
Sign up to attend
