Middle School Newsletter – March 6, 2024
MARCH 6, 2024
Announcements
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings
Join us on Wednesday, April 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, co-author of "Raising a Kid Who Can," and Amy Killy, LCSW, a parenting expert. Seating for this event is limited. Register here to reserve your seat!
As a follow-up to the April 3 event, we will host divisional morning sessions for parents to continue the conversation. No RSVP is needed to attend these sessions. We hope you'll plan to join us as we welcome our speakers back to campus to share concrete strategies for making simple shifts in your own behavior that can lead to significant changes in your children, and ultimately, create a more peaceful and cooperative household. Learn more about the presenters.
Upper School: Wednesday, April 17
8:30-9:45 a.m., Upper School, Multipurpose Room
Middle School: Thursday, April 18
8:30-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons
Lower School: Friday, May 3
8:30-9:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 201
Visit Flickr to See What We're Up To!
A friendly reminder to bookmark our Flickr page and check for new albums. Recently posted albums include: Cultural Festival, scenes from our winter theater productions, Senior Spotlight: 100 Days Left, and more!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. Contact Miles Henderson in the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion with any questions.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
There is always an opportunity to cover a shift in the Igloo! It’s a great way to meet other parents while getting a glimpse into the Upper School experience. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you. Volunteer Sign Up
Upcoming Events
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.
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings
Wednesday, April 3
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
RSVP
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 5
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
