Middle School Newsletter – March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
I hope that everyone is feeling well-rested after the break — though it’s possible that some of your rest started this Monday when your kids returned to school! In the flow of a school year, I find Spring Break to be particularly important as we gear up for the final 10 weeks of the school year while simultaneously planning for the next year. The fourth quarter can feel like a sprint, and, as the summer approaches and the temperatures rise, it can be a challenge to keep middle schoolers focused on doing their best and being their best selves. My hope for all of us is that we finish this final stretch in a way that leaves us proud of our engagement, progress, and impact. That was my message to students this week as I commended them on their engagement and contributions to a great year so far and reminded them of our community expectations and of the role each of them plays in ensuring a positive experience during the next two months.
I appreciate your partnership as we head into an exciting fourth quarter, and I hope to see you at tomorrow night’s Arts Jam event at George Mason University!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Arts Jam — Thursday, March 28 (Tomorrow)
Arts Jam is on Thursday, March 28, 7:00-10:00 p.m., at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. The program features the Upper School band, choir, orchestra, percussion, dance, and musical theater ensembles. The performance is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, April 1
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya. 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 for the meeting. If you have any questions, please email All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Grade 8 Virtual Parent Coffee: Alcohol and Drug Awareness — Tuesday, April 2
Drug and Alcohol Educator Brenda Conlan returns to Flint Hill next week to teach 8th Grade Alcohol and Drug Awareness during history classes. The lessons will be delivered in a developmentally appropriate manner. We invite parents to join Brenda for a virtual presentation about the adolescent brain, vaping, and the importance of delaying drug and alcohol usage. To access the virtual presentation on Tuesday, April 2, 1:30-2:30 p.m., use this Google Meet link: meet.google.com/rgf-phve-sec.
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social — Friday, April 5
Missed your chance to play tennis in the fall? Join us on Friday, April 5, 9:00-11:30 a.m., at the Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, for some friendly matches with your Flint Hill community. Players of all levels are welcome. The event is free, but we do ask that you register in advance. Tournament play is limited to the first 32 registrants.
Plan to stay after the matches for light refreshments and prizes. Grandparents and alumni parents are welcome too, so invite a friend and meet us on the courts! Reach out to Olivia Landrum with any questions. Register today!
Rising Grades 7 & 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection — Wednesday, April 10
Mr. Lamont will host an in-person Q&A session for parents of rising 7th and rising 8th graders on Wednesday, April 10, 9:00-9:45 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School about course selection. Parents with questions who are unable to attend may contact Brian Lamont.
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 24
This annual reception demonstrating the work that Upper School Visual Arts students have accomplished over the course of the year will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the Upper School Commons.
How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions — Wednesday, April 24
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), which hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to register for PCW’s free Spring Speaker Series webinar, “How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions” on Wednesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
PCW is pleased to welcome Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark, authors of “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting in and Staying Together,” in conversation with Trudy Fleisher, college advisor at The Lab School of Washington. Barnard and Clark — with combined decades of experience and insight from both the high school and university sides of the process — will provide advice, strategies, and reassurance to navigate the college admission process together as a family in a way that makes the experience positive for everybody.
The discussion will feature topics such as:
- How to create a list of prospective schools.
- A better understanding of how colleges make admission decisions.
- Thinking through financial considerations: affordability and aid.
- Changes in standardized testing.
Register here. The event’s discussion format will feature ample opportunity for Q&A. We welcome questions in advance for the speakers, which may be submitted to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, April 19.
RSVP for Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26
You are invited to Night on the Hill on Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m., at the Upper School! The night will feature great food, music, and activities throughout the building. Come together with fellow parents, alumni parents, and faculty to celebrate Flint Hill. This is your hall pass for a night of fun, and your only assignment is to connect with your Flint Hill community! Check your email for an electronic invitation and RSVP to attend.
Save the Date: Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde” — Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5
Details and information to reserve a seat for the always-entertaining Upper School musical are coming soon! In the meantime, save the date: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, 7:00-9:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Location: Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater.
It’s Tee Time! Join us at the Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 23
We can’t wait to tee off with our Flint Hill community on Thursday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., at Westfields Golf Club for a casual golf scramble that brings together our Huskies like no other! This annual tradition has a history of selling out, so make plans early and register to play in the Invitational.
Not up for the full 18? The Skills Social is just for you — sign up to enjoy a morning connecting with fellow Huskies while getting some expert tips from a pro.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Visit the Flint Hill Golf Invitational website to register, sign up to volunteer, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Contact Engagement and Stewardship Director Tiffany Parry with questions.
Concessions Volunteers Needed: Spring Schedule Available
The spring athletics season is underway, and the Den will reopen for games! We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and the Den running. It’s a great way to meet other parents while supporting our community. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you. Students can volunteer too and receive service hours!
Lead the Pack Challenge
Get ready Huskies — we’ve got an exciting challenge coming for you! Stay tuned and keep an eye on your inboxes on Monday, April 1, for more details on the Flint Hill Fund’s Lead the Pack Challenge.
Want to be a lead dog? If you have not yet participated this year, join in now and get to the front of the pack! Your gift of any amount will count toward your participation in this challenge and help to support students and teachers each and every day.
Let’s go Huskies!
Reminders
Course Selection for Rising 9th Graders — Opens Today, 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 today 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 the recent Rising Grade 9 Division Coffee: Upper School Academic Planning. We will share information and speak with students this week, using this pared-down version of Debbie's presentation to highlight typical 9th grade schedules and requirements.
8th Grade Community Service Deadline — Monday, April 1
As part of their Independent Community Service Project, 8th 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. Please contact Middle School Community Service Coordinator Ann Bazzarone with questions.
Course Selection Process for Rising 8th Graders Begins — Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8, we will begin the process of course selection for current 7th graders who will be in 8th grade at Flint Hill next year — providing information about our Program Guide, options for students, guidance about selecting the appropriate courses and load, and Q&A sessions for students and parents.
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings — Wednesday, April 3
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. Click here to 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
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.
Upcoming Events
Course Selection for Rising 9th Graders Opens
Wednesday, March 27
Arts Jam
Thursday, March 28
George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
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.
Community Cookbook Recipe Submission Deadline
Monday, April 1
Grade 8 Virtual Parent Coffee: Alcohol and Drug Awareness
Tuesday, April 2, 1:30-2:30 p.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.
Register
Course Selection Process for Rising 8th Graders Begins
Monday, April 8
Rising Grades 7 & 8 Division Coffee: Course Selection
Wednesday, April 10
Peterson Middle School, 9:00-9:45 a.m.
Middle School Parent Education Series: Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids
Thursday, April 18
Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons, 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 24
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Webinar: How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions
Wednesday, April 24
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 26
Upper School Campus, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP
