Middle School Newsletter – November 13, 2024
November 13, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
At the middle school level, we believe in "sweating the small stuff" by addressing relatively minor behaviors to prevent them from becoming more serious or habitual. It is normal for young adolescents to test limits and seek attention/approval, and they need timely feedback to know when they are bumping up against firm boundaries and expectations of behavior, language, etc. Typically, this involves a brief, corrective conversation, and we have many of those each day as part of building and upholding community norms.
The additional challenge is that so much of the students' interaction occurs beyond the eyes and ears of adults — via group chats, social media, etc. We work on empowering our kids to speak up in those moments and hold each other accountable, but that is a lot to expect at these ages. We also discuss the importance of using the adults in our building as resources. Students can be reluctant to speak up for fear of getting someone "in trouble" or being accused of "snitching," but we have many direct and indirect ways to approach these situations.
As parents, you may hear things from your kids or see things on their phones or social media accounts that are concerning — mean comments, inappropriate or insensitive language, etc. Just as with situations that occur at school, I believe it is important that kids get corrective feedback and prevent escalation to more serious behaviors, consequences, and impact. You might choose to communicate and partner with other parents. I also encourage you to consider consulting with me, Middle School Counselor John Magner, or Director of Counseling Tracie Epes. This doesn't need to involve any action steps on our part, but we can discuss the situation and talk through some possible interventions. Again, the point is not to punish behavior but to stop anything inappropriate, support the development of our kids, and ensure that all of our spaces are safe and respectful. As noted in our 2024-25 Family Handbook, all interactions between our students are subject to our Community Standards and Policies, whether in person or online.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last Chance to Order! 20th Annual Tip-Off Classic T-Shirt
The 20th Annual Tip-Off t-shirts are available for preorder! T-shirts are $20 each and will be delivered to student’s classrooms during Tip-Off week. This preorder will be open until Thursday, November 14. Exchanges and returns are not available on this item. If you have any questions, email the School Store.
Opportunities and Updates from the Admission Team
Bring Your Curiosity to our Virtual Curiosity Event! Our faculty and staff will be on hand to answer your questions about how we motivate students to imagine what’s possible on Wednesday, November 20, 8:00-9:00 p.m. While this event was initially designed with prospective families in mind, we’ve heard that many current families are also eager to dive deeper into how we fuel students’ curiosity. We look forward to a lively and engaging discussion! Register today.
Invite Your Friends to Check Out the Middle School! Do you have friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors who are interested in Flint Hill? Invite them to sign up for the Middle School Info Session on Thursday, November 21, 6:30-8:15 p.m. They’ll tour Peterson Middle School and hear from faculty, leaders, and current parents about how we inspire confidence while teaching self-regulation, discipline, and the ability to work independently. Send your colleagues this signup link.
Important: Upcoming Deadline for Sibling Admission! As a reminder, we are offering members of our Husky community an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2025-26 school year. The application deadline for grades 3-11 is Saturday, November 30. Grades JK-2 must have all application pieces submitted, but you can schedule parent interviews, Gesell, and student visits through early December.
Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for more details, or reach out to admission@flinthill.org with questions.
Financial Aid Application — Due Sunday, December 1
Submit your financial aid application by Sunday, December 1. Enrollment contracts and financial aid decisions are issued for current students on Wednesday, January 29. Contact admission@flinthill.org with any questions.
Middle School Coffee: Tech Conversations Every Family Should Have — Wednesday, December 4
You're invited to join Director of Information Technology Shawn Arrington and Director of Counseling Tracie Epes for a discussion about emerging technologies, understanding algorithms and addiction, and strengthening family communication to navigate tech challenges together. This parent coffee will take place on Wednesday, December 4, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons. We hope you can join us!
Some themes for discussion will include:
- Future-Proofing Our Families, Exploring Emerging Technology
- Breaking the Algorithm Spell, Understanding Social Media and Addicting Algorithms
- Tech With Purpose, Intentional and Discriminating Tech Use
- Decoding the Digital Noise, Fact vs. Fiction in Media
- Bridging the Digital Divide, the Importance of Communication Within Family Units
Middle School Activity Night — Friday, December 6
The annual Middle School Activity Night is coming soon — the week we return from Thanksgiving Break. All students are encouraged to attend the activities on Friday, December 6, which will begin immediately after school and involve a trip to the Upper School gym to support our Girls’ Varsity Basketball team as part of the FH Basketball Tip-Off Classic Tournament. This is a great opportunity to socialize and connect with the Upper School program.
Parents must complete this form by Thursday, December 5, at 8:00 a.m. This confirms your child’s attendance at the event and your 8:00 p.m. pickup plan. You may edit the form later if your plans change.
- 3:30-6:00 p.m. — Activities and pizza in the Middle School building, supervised by FH staff.
- 6:00-8:00 p.m. — Basketball game in the Upper School gym, supervised by FH staff.
- 8:00 p.m. — Event concludes; all students return to the Middle School building for pickup. Parents either pick up in the Middle School carpool line or on foot.
We encourage families to attend the boys' basketball game at 8:15 p.m. after pickup, so you may pick up your child and walk back to the Upper School gym together. Please note that Middle School students may not remain for the boys' basketball game without adult supervision.
20th Annual Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Classic Tournament — Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7
The 20th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Classic Tournament is around the corner! We invite you to come support your Huskies on the court. The tournament will begin on Friday, December 6, and conclude on Saturday, December 7.
Friday, December 6
Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) South County vs Trinity Episcopal
Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Sandy Spring vs Springdale
Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Forest Park
Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Friendship Tech
Saturday, December 7
Game 5: 11:00 a.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 3 vs Loser of Game 1
Game 6: 12:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 4 vs Loser of Game 2
Game 7: 2:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
Game 8: 4:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, December 9
This year, we’re diving deep into an inspiring collection of memoirs and historical biographies that were adapted for young readers. These captivating personal narratives will take us on incredible journeys, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs that resonate across time and culture. Our next meeting is Monday, December 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room and we'll be discussing, “It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” (adapted for young readers) by Trevor Noah. *Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
If you have any questions, please contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson. Please sign up to be included on our email list to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect.
Student Travel Opportunity to Costa Rica and Peru: Summer 2026
Big news, Flint Hill parents! Your student can travel to Costa Rica and Peru with Ms. Cady in the Summer of 2026 to attend the EF Student Leadership Conference. The theme is "The Power of Environmental Stewardship." This opportunity is open to Flint Hill students who are currently in 7th-10th grades. There will be an in-person informational meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Learning Commons. Register to attend.
Join the Fun — Volunteer at the Igloo!
The winter season has arrived, and the Igloo is gearing up to serve our school community during both basketball games and daytime hours. But, we can’t do it without YOU! We're looking for volunteers to help us run the concessions stand each day.
Why Volunteer?
- It’s Fun: Interact with our wonderful students and community members.
- Bring a Friend: Volunteering is more fun when you do it together! Invite a friend or family member to join you. It’s a great way to meet other parents too.
- Students Welcome: Upper School students can volunteer and earn service hours!
Ready to help? Sign up here.
Reminders
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — This Week
It's the Week of Thankful Giving! In the Middle School, we are collecting nonperishable items to support Food for Others. The mission of Food for Others is to distribute food to our neighbors in need by mobilizing our giving community and volunteers.
Some of the most needed items are:
- oil
- cereal
- canned tomato products (crushed, peeled, diced, etc.), 4 oz. - 1 lb.
- canned meat (chicken, turkey, or seafood), 2 oz. - 15 oz.
- rice, 16 oz. packages
- spaghetti sauce, 14 oz. – 1 lb. (ideally in cans instead of glass)
- canned fruit (packed in fruit juice instead of syrup), 11 oz. - 20 oz.
- dried or canned beans (black, kidney, pinto, etc.)
- pasta
- fruit juice (100% juice) 32 oz. – 64 oz.
- non-food items: new or clean reusable grocery bags, 8 ½ x 14 x 15
Articles for Middle School Parents
In the interest of sharing issues and perspectives relevant to the challenges of parenting young adolescents, here are a few articles that you might find helpful.
- Lighthouse Parents Have More Confident Kids
- Parents Are Key When It Comes to Limiting Screen Time for Kids, Study Finds
- Sometimes Kids Need a Push. Here’s How to Do It Kindly.
- Parents Make Mistakes When Setting Screen Time Rules For Their Kids. That’s OK.
- How Important Is Homework, and How Much Should Parents Help?
Middle School Games and Lower School Pickup
We recognize, from recent parent survey feedback, that attending Middle School games can present a logistical challenge for families who need to pick up younger children from Lower School. We understand how tricky it can be to manage both, and we're here to help!
For Middle School families, Lower School AfterCare drop-ins are available to assist. While drop-ins are typically limited and require approval at least one week in advance, we’re happy to make an exception for families attending Middle School games.
If you would like to take advantage of this option, please email Director of After School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart at mmcoart@flinthill.org or call/text 571.752.1630.
We hope this solution helps make game days a little easier for our Flint Hill families! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Step Up to Upper School: 8th Grade Parent Website
We’re excited to welcome our 8th graders to the Upper School next year! Get all the information you need on the new Step Up to Upper School webpage. The page includes answers to frequently asked questions, short videos related to the Upper School, links to resources, and a calendar of upcoming step-up events.
Upcoming Events
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection
November 11-18
20th Annual Tip-Off T-Shirt Deadline
Thursday, November 14
Preorder Now
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042
Virtual Curiosity Event
Wednesday, November 20
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Sign up for this Virtual Event
*While designed with prospective families in mind we've heard that current families also enjoy attending this event.
Parent Volunteers: Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Drop off at the Miller House
7:45-8:15 a.m.
Signup Now Closed
Parent Volunteers: Wrap and Organize Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Miller House Cafeteria
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Signup Now Closed
Middle School Info Session
Thursday, November 21
Peterson Middle School, 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Invite Your Friends to Sign Up
Thanksgiving Break — No Classes
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
Deadline for Early Admission Process for Siblings
Saturday, November 30
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Current Families
Sunday, December 1
Middle School Division Coffee: Tech Conversations Every Family Should Have
Wednesday, December 4
Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Middle School Activity Night
Friday, December 6
Peterson Middle School and Upper School Gym, 3:30-8:00 p.m.
Confirm Your Child's Attendance
20th Annual FH Basketball Tip-Off Classic Tournament
Friday, December 6, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.
Upper School Gym
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 9
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert
Monday, December 9
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Information Session: Student Travel Opportunity to Costa Rica and Peru, Summer 2026
Tuesday, December 10
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register to Attend
Middle and Upper School Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, December 11
Lower School Olson Theater, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Percussion Concert
Monday, December 16
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
End of Second Quarter/First Semester
Friday, December 20
Winter Break
December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
