Middle School Newsletter – May 8, 2024
MAY 8, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
It is hard to believe that we have just 15 days of school remaining. I am a firm believer that how we finish — a school year or any activity — is at least as important as how we begin. Our students have worked hard throughout the year on their own personal development and on making the experience positive for everyone in the community. At this point in the school year, many of us are running on reserves, and it can be easy to let up and allow our thoughts to drift to the summer months. For our students, it is important that they maintain their focus and positive energy to ensure they finish the year in a manner that leaves them proud and without regret. As adults, it is critical that we maintain our enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, and sense of humor. I emphasize to teachers that our interactions with students over the next few weeks will be the ones that they think about this summer as they reflect on the school year. We all owe it to each other to lift each other up and maximize the opportunities presented each day. Here’s to a strong final push!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2024-25 school year. Preparing for the 2024-2025 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Friday, June 14, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
RSVP for Volunteer Appreciation Reception – Friday, May 17
Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents' Association President Scott McCandless for a reception to celebrate your volunteer service this year! The reception will be on Friday, May 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m., on the Peterson Middle School Terrace. RSVP here.
End-of-Year Schedule
Here is an overview of the final week of school.
- Friday, May 24 — Last day of regular classes; Huskyfest (similar to Field Day) from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m.
- Monday, May 27 — Memorial Day, no school.
- Tuesday, May 28 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Math and science exams in the morning. 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 and history exams in the morning. 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 and makeup exams in the morning. We will also have a final Town Meeting assembly and a brief 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, and there is a dance for 8th graders from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. that evening.
- Friday, May 31 — Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, 10:30 a.m. 7th graders may attend as audience members, but their attendance is not required.
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.
Register to Attend Grade 8 Parent Dinner — By Monday, May 20
On Thursday, May 30, 7:00-9:15 p.m., the Parents’ Association will host a Grade 8 Parent Dinner while the students attend the dance. The dinner will be at the International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA. The deadline to register is Monday, May 20.
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.
Just Announced: New Tennis Summer Camp Run by Blue Chip Tennis — June 10 - August 9
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 June 10 through 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.
Reminders
Middle School Spring Concerts in May
Join us for a series of concerts in May, when our Middle School musicians join forces with students from 5th and 6th grade to showcase the musical skills they have learned through the year.
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 14
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 16
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2024-2025 — Sign Up by Monday, May 13
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Monday, May 13. If you have any questions, please contact Olivia Landrum or Meredith VanDuyne.
You can also contact one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Win a Ticket to Paradise While Supporting Flint Hill! — Enter by May 22
Enter a raffle by 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 landing page.
Join Us on the Links! — Thursday, May 23
The Golf Invitational and Skills Social is right around the corner. Registration is filling up, but there’s still time to register for the tournament or Skills Social. Whether you want to play 18 holes or learn the basics, all abilities are welcome! Grow your Flint Hill network, and you may even go home with incredible raffle prizes, including Nationals, Signature Theater, or Wolf Trap tickets; a $500 catered lunch; or even a Flint Hill swag basket! Grab your spot here!
Dance Team Open Practice and Tryout Dates — Wednesday, May 29
Calling all dancers! All 7-12 grade students are invited to 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 tryouts in June. Please complete this form to register and submit a form for each participating student.
Location: Upper School Dance Studio
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 29 - 3:45-5:45 p.m.
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.
Save the Date for Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Location: Upper School Dance Studio
Date & Time: June 3-5, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Open to all rising grades 9-12 students. Please contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum for more information and to register.
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.
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- Middle School Athletics: Password: FLINT2324MSSPTM
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the spring season comes a lot of rain and the potential for cancellations. In the case of inclement weather, the Athletics Department will determine by 1:30 p.m. whether a home game/meet will be canceled. If there is an away game/meet, the decision to play lies with the opposing school. Once a home game/meet is canceled, Flint Hill coaches will notify parents and students. Husky Hub will also be updated and be the source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Igloo Volunteers Needed
Finish strong! Help keep the Igloo running until the end of the school year! 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. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Deadline to Sign Up for Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador
Monday, May 13
Sign-up Form
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 14
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
7th Grade Parents: Virtual Upper School Preview
Wednesday, May 15
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Register by Friday, May 10
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 16
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Friday, May 17
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP
Middle School Music Festival
Saturday, May 18
Middle School music students participate in clinics, performances, and a trip to Kings Dominion.
Deadline to Enter Belize Resort Raffle
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
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
Dance Team Open Practice and Tryout Dates
Wednesday, May 29
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Register
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.
Save the Date for Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Monday, June 3 - Wednesday, June 5
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Contact Olivia Landrum for more information and to register.
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
