Middle School Newsletter – May 22, 2024
MAY 22, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As we enter the final stretch, here is another rundown of the remaining days of school.
- Friday, May 24 — last day of regular classes; Huskyfest (similar to Field Day) from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. Students are welcome to wear “free dress” to school. No tank tops, but any other appropriate tops and bottoms (including athletic shorts and leggings) are fine.
- Monday, May 27 — Memorial Day, no school.
- Tuesday, May 28 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Math (8:10-9:10 a.m.) and science (10:15-11:15 a.m.) exams in the morning with a half hour of extra time available to any student. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Wednesday, May 29 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Language (8:10-9:10 a.m.) and history (10:15-11:15 a.m.) exams in the morning with a half hour of extra time available to any student. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Thursday, May 30 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. English (8:10-9:10 a.m.) and makeup (10:45-11:45 a.m.) exams in the morning with a half hour of extra time available to any student. We will also have a final Town Meeting assembly and a brief promotion ceremony rehearsal for 8th graders. We will run two dismissals — one at 10:45 a.m. and one at 12:00 p.m. We will have supervision available for those who need to stay for the afternoon. Please note that this is the last day of school.
- Grade 8 Dance — Thursday, May 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Middle School Commons
We will celebrate this important milestone with a festive evening in our building, and we hope that all members of the Class of 2028 will attend and enjoy the evening as a group. Parents are welcome to take pictures on the terrace until 6:45 p.m. Recommended Dress — a dress; or a suit jacket, dress pants, and a tie. Please keep it simple and avoid homecoming and prom-style attire and transportation. - Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony — Friday, May 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Upper School Gym
Students should be dropped off at the Middle School by 10:00 a.m., and parents should park in the Upper School lot and proceed to the main Upper School entrance. Family members and relatives are invited to attend; no RSVP required. Seventh graders may attend as audience members, but their attendance is not required. There will be a brief reception for families in the Upper School Commons immediately following the ceremony. Recommended Dress — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse or sundress.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesday, May 29
Join fellow parents on Wednesday, May 29, 8:20-9:15 a.m., for one last walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Check the sign-up form for more information and location details. If you have any questions, please contact Flint Hill parent Molisa Meholic '29.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 1, is the date on which your 2024-25 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2024-25 school year after Saturday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Saturday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 3
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 31, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
2024 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 10, and Friday, August 23. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus. This information is also available on the Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year tile on the Resource Board.
Rising 8th Grade — Independent Community Service Project
The Middle School Community Service tile on our Resource Board includes information about the 8th Grade Independent Community Service Project. This involves at least 10 hours of service and a presentation during our Service Share in the spring. We encourage rising 8th graders to begin planning or even completing hours this summer. Contact our Middle School Community Service Coordinator Ann Bazzarone with any questions.
Gratitude for Our Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career/educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors.
Middle School
Claire Holman, Middle School English Teacher (April 2024)
Katie Knicely, Middle School History Teacher
Leslie Taylor, Middle School Math Teacher
Ken Whitley, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Orchestra Teacher
All School
Rick Clark, Controller
Ana Yarbrough, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (October 2023)
Reminders
Middle School Exams
Students will have exams in English (an in-class revision of an essay), history, math, language, and science, and each exam counts as 10% of the semester grade in a particular course. Each exam will be one hour with extended time as needed. Language exams will include a speaking and listening component that takes place during class time prior to the exam period. Like with everything else in our Middle School, we are trying to hit the sweet spot with exams — helping students engage in what will be an increasingly important academic process while still treating it as a low-stakes learning opportunity. Our focus is more on the review process and long-term study skills than the results. We want them to prepare thoughtfully, strive for their best, and feel the “good stress” that can motivate, focus energy, and enhance performance. With that in mind, teachers will provide complete details in advance and spend class time guiding review activities, practicing strategies, and putting students in a position to be successful. We hope the students come away from the experience with the realization that exams don’t have to be scary and with an understanding of how they may adjust their preparation in the future based on what worked well for them and what didn’t.
Win a Ticket to Paradise While Supporting Flint Hill — Last Chance Tonight!
Enter a raffle by tonight, Wednesday, May 22, 8:00 p.m., to win a 7-night adventurous yet romantic getaway at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Belize! Your stay includes accommodation in a run-of-house room, including daily breakfast, welcome drink, and free use of kayaks and bikes in the local area.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Since 2012, the endowment has supported financial aid for students whose families experienced unexpected financial hardship.
HOW TO ENTER
- Purchase raffle tickets online, arrange to pick up your stubs, or contact Tiffany Parry to purchase tickets in person. The raffle is open to anyone over the age of 18. Parents, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors may purchase too.
THE DRAWING
- The drawing will be held and recorded on Thursday, May 23, at the Westfields Golf Club at 2:30 p.m.
- Winner need not be present to win.
- The winning raffle ticket will be announced on Thursday, May 23, to all ticket-holders who provided their email address.
- The winning raffle ticket number will also be posted on the raffle’s webpage.
Visit flinthill.org/raffle to buy tickets and learn more! Contact Tiffany Parry with any questions.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off — Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Time for some spring cleaning! Parents can drop off gently used uniform and spirit wear items on the Miller House front porch, on the Lower School Campus, from Tuesday, May 28, to Monday, June 3. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate, too. Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.
Dance Team Open Practice — Wednesday, May 29
Calling all dancers! All 7th-12th grade students are invited to an Open Practice on Wednesday, May 29, 3:45-5:45 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Students will learn more about the dance team and join Head Coach Olivia Landrum for technique practice. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in joining the team to practice skills ahead of the tryouts, which will be Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Register for Open Practice. Submit a registration form for each participating student.
Grade 8 Dance — Thursday, May 30
We will celebrate this important milestone with a festive evening in Middle School Commons on Thursday, May 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m. We hope that all members of the Class of 2028 will attend and enjoy the evening as a group. Recommended dress — a dress; or a suit jacket, dress pants, and a tie. Please keep it simple and avoid homecoming and prom-style attire and transportation.
Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony — Friday, May 31
We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2028 at the Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the Upper School Gym. Recommended dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress. Family members and relatives are invited to attend. A brief reception for families, in the Upper School Commons, will immediately follow the ceremony.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts — Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Interested in being a member of the Upper School Dance Team? Tryouts are open to all rising grades 9-12 students and will be held Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Register to attend tryouts, and contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum for more information.
Countdown to Blue Chip Tennis Camp — 3 Weeks Away
As a reputable sports management company, Blue Chip is renowned for its commitment to excellence, top-tier coaching staff, and dedication to quality service and client satisfaction. Camp is designed for all levels of players 5-18 years old. They offer a half-day or full-day option. Players will be grouped by age/skill level and exposed to learning technique, drills and match play challenges.
Full Day Camp: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch not included)
1 week: $485
Half Day Camp: 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
1 week: $330
*Before- and after-care is available at an additional cost.
Camps run Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 9, on the tennis courts at the Middle and Upper School Campus. Click here to register! You must create an account to register and Flint Hill families should be sure to select the Flint Hill Family membership when signing up.
Spring Athletic Pictures by Freed Photography
To purchase pictures taken by Freed Photography during the Spring Athletic Season, use the link and information below or check your respective Husky Hub team page.
- Middle School Athletics: Password: FLINT2324MSSPTM
Upcoming Events
Deadline to Enter Belize Resort Raffle — TONIGHT
Wednesday, May 22
8:00 p.m.
Enter to Win!
Middle School Spring Athletics End
Thursday, May 23
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Thursday, May 23
Westfields Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register
Middle School Huskyfest
Friday, May 24
Peterson Middle School, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Lower School Campus, Miller House
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, May 29
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Dance Team Open Practice
Wednesday, May 29
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Register
Grade 8 Dance
Thursday, May 30
Peterson Middle School Commons, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Grade 8 Parent Dinner
Thursday, May 30
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA
7:00-9:15 p.m.
Register to Attend by Monday, May 20
End of Fourth Quarter/Second Semester
Thursday, May 30
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 30
Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 31
Upper School Gym, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Final Medication Pickup Dates
Friday, May 31
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Saturday, June 1
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Rising grades 9-12 students
Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Register to Attend Tryouts
Commencement
Friday, June 7
Upper School Gym, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Online Back-to-School Forms Due
Friday, June 14
Forms are available on Husky Hub
