Middle School Newsletter – November 15, 2023

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    November 15, 2023

    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 2023-24 Family Handbook, all interactions between our students are subject to our Community Standards and Policies, whether in-person or online.

    There are many resources out there to help parents engage with kids' social media and online behavior. Here are a couple worth exploring:

    Brian Lamont
    Director of the Middle School

     

    Announcements

    2024-25 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available

    We have shared our 2024-25 Calendar Highlights on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.

    Driving Spirit Award Nominations Now Open

    The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill employees who lead by example through their dedication to students, faculty, or the Flint Hill community at large, as evidenced by their ability to energize and inspire the Husky community. Their embodiment of the Driving Spirit makes our School the special and unique place we all value, a place that respects and values all equally, leads and supports with compassion, acts with integrity to imagine what’s possible and where all are inspired to blaze their own trail. 

    Please think about the exceptional employees of Flint Hill who you believe fit this description. Complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 4.

    Middle School Division Coffee — Wednesday, November 29

    Our next parent coffee is on Wednesday, November 29, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. Please join me for an open forum discussion of middle school topics.

    FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2

    Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2. We invite you to attend and support your Huskies on the court. 

    Friday, December 1 

    • Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Jackson Reed vs John Paul the Great
    • Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Friendship Tech vs Archbishop Carroll
    • Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Episcopal
    • Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Ballou

    Saturday, December 2 

    • Game 5: 12:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 3
    • Game 6: 1:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 2 vs Loser of Game 4
    • Game 7: 3:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
    • Game 8: 5:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game

    Middle and Upper School Winter Concerts in December 

    Winter concert season kicks off on Monday, December 4, with the Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert and continues into the month with the Band Concert on Wednesday, December 6; Percussion Concert on Monday, December 11; and Orchestra Concert on Wednesday, December 13.

    All concerts will take place at the Olson Theater on the Lower School Campus, 7:00-9:00 p.m. We invite you to attend these performances that our students have worked hard to prepare for your enjoyment.

    Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Meeting — Monday, December 4

    Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on the 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 to attend the meeting, and if you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.

    Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesdays, December 6 and December 13

    Meet up with parents for a rejuvenating walk through the trails and neighborhoods behind Oak Marr Rec Center. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the leftmost parking lot of Oak Marr and walk for 45-60 minutes together. Sign up to attend. If you have any questions, please contact FH parent Molisa Meholic.

    Location: Oak Marr Rec Center
    Dates: Wednesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m.

    Parent Meetup: Register for a Cooking Class — Tuesday, December 5

    Join other FH parents for a cooking class with personal chef Alison Garen P’32! Learn how to make some easy dinners and other meal-prepping tips for those busy weeks. Alison will demonstrate a sample menu for the week and show how to save time in the kitchen. Registration is limited to 35 people. Many thanks to Tammy and Jim Ilaria P24 for hosting! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum.

    Location: The Ilaria residence (address to be provided)
    Date: Tuesday, December 5, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

    Volunteer in the Igloo — Winter Schedule Now Available! 

    The Den is now closed for the winter season, and the Igloo will be open for daytime concessions and basketball games. There are multiple opportunities available, and many volunteers are needed. It’s a great way to meet other parents. Upper School students can volunteer for games, too! Consider signing up for as many shifts as you'd like. Feel free to invite a friend to join you. Volunteer in the Igloo.

    School Store: New and Restocked Items

    The School Store has restocked items as well as added some new items. 

    School Store Restock:

    • Port Authority Women's Vest in Blue and White
    • FH Short Sleeve Tees in Adult and Youth Sizes

    School Store New Items:

    • Bella Canvas Adult Full Zip Hoodie in Navy
    • FH Triblend Long-Sleeve Tee in Navy, Adult Sizes
    • Champion Youth Hoodies in Blue and Gray

    Visit the School Store online or in person!

    Reminders

    Raising a Kid Who Can — Tomorrow, Thursday, November 16

    We look forward to welcoming members of the Flint Hill community and prospective parents tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with the authors of “Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength” — Dr. Catherine McCarthy, Dr. Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver. If you haven't already, register now!

    Support Our Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — Through Friday, November 17

    We are still collecting food donations for our Week of Thankful Giving. In the Middle School, we are collecting canned goods for Food for Others. While any non-expired canned or boxed goods are welcome, the greatest needs are canned meat, canned tomato products, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee products, rice, chili or beef stew, peanut butter, and jelly. Please do not send anything in glass containers. Thank you for your participation! If you have any questions, contact Jennifer McKain.

    Middle School Activity Night — Friday, December 1

    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 1, 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 Tournament. This is a great opportunity to socialize and connect with the Upper School program. 

    • 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.

    Parents must complete this form by Thursday, November 30, 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.

    Communication About Early Dismissals

    Please continue to use SchoolPass to notify us when you are picking your child up early. Last-minute requests generally take longer to accommodate, so please give as much notice as possible to ensure that we can follow our internal protocols and have your child ready.

    Reminder for Sibling Early Applicants: Submit Supporting Materials by Thursday, November 30

    Already turned in the application for your child’s sibling to become a Husky? All supporting materials and steps in your checklist must be completed by Thursday, November 30, to receive an admission indication in mid-December. Email admission@flinthill.org if you have any questions. If you’re interested in applying to Flint Hill for a sibling in a future year, complete this interest form.

    Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill

    Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! If you know someone who would make a great Husky, submit the Refer a Husky form and consider inviting them to these upcoming admission events:

    Upcoming Events

    Week of Thankful Giving
    Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17
    The Middle School will host a canned food drive benefiting Food for Others. 

    Raising a Kid Who Can, Parent Education Event
    Thursday, November 16
    Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
    Reserve your seat

    Faculty Professional Development Days
    No School
    Monday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 21

    Thanksgiving Break
    No School
    Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24

    Middle School Division Coffee
    Wednesday, November 29
    Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

    Virtual Curiosity Event
    Wednesday, November 29, 8:00 p.m.
    Current families are welcome to attend.
    Sign up to attend

    Middle School Activity Night
    Friday, December 1
    Peterson Middle School, 3:30-8:00 p.m.
    Confirm your child’s attendance

    FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
    Friday, December 1, 3:00-10:00 p.m.
    Saturday, December 2, 12:00-7:00 p.m.
    Upper School Gym

    Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
    Monday, December 4
    Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
    RSVP to attend

    Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert
    Monday, December 4
    Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

    Parent Meetup: Cooking Class
    Tuesday, December 5
    The Ilaria residence (address to be provided), 5:30-7:00 p.m.
    Register to attend

    Parent Meetup: Walking Group
    Wednesday, December 6
    Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
    Sign up to attend

    Middle and Upper School Winter Band Concert
    Wednesday, December 6
    Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

    Middle and Upper School Winter Percussion Concert
    Monday, December 11
    Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

    Parent Meetup: Walking Group
    Wednesday, December 13
    Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
    Sign up to attend

    Middle and Upper School Winter Orchestra Concert
    Wednesday, December 13
    Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.