Middle School Newsletter – October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023
Letter From The Division Director
We enjoyed a successful day of field trips last week. Though we were delayed in getting off-campus, all other aspects of the trips — student behavior, weather, packed lunches, and goal accomplishment — couldn’t have been better. Our next day of special programming is coming up on Tuesday, October 24. We will have regular arrival and dismissal times and athletics but no academic classes. Here are the details:
- 7th Grade — will have a Service Day. Students will learn about community service and its role at Flint Hill. They will put together Power Packs for Kids (P3) in partnership with Food For Others and travel to Nottoway Park, in Vienna, to engage in work with invasive species. Students will need a bag lunch and gloves and should wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes that can get dirty. Please contact Middle School Community Service Coordinator Ann Bazzarone with questions.
- 8th Grade — will have a combination of activities. Students will get an overview of their Independent Community Service Project and begin planning and brainstorming for their presentation in May. They will spend the bulk of the day thinking and learning about the transition to the Upper School — touring the building, meeting with administrators, speaking with students, and reflecting on ways to position themselves for a successful academic and social transition. Students should be in regular school dress and will have lunch provided at school.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Now Available: Parent Toolkit on the Husky Hub Resource Board
With the new school year now underway, the Preparing for the 2023-24 School Year tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board has been retired until next year. For quick access to resources and information frequently referenced throughout the year, you may now visit the 2023-24 Parent Toolkit.
Fall Parent Teacher Conferences — Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3
You will have the opportunity to meet virtually or in person with each teacher for a 10-minute conference about your child’s progress. The school will send an email to all families on Friday, October 20, at 10:00 a.m., with information and links to sign up.
Middle School Division Coffee Resources
It was great to see so many of you last Wednesday for our discussion about social-emotional development, led by Middle School Counselor John Magner and Director of Counseling Tracie Epes. Here is a link to the presentation, which includes additional resources for parents.
Middle School Pre-Game Celebration — This Friday, October 20!
Our Varsity Football Team has their first game under the lights this Friday, October 20, at 5:30 p.m. The Athletics Department is sponsoring a pre-game event for middle school students before the game on Friday, October 20, 4:45-5:20 p.m. in the Middle School Commons. If your child is interested in joining us for fun, games, prizes, and pizza, please fill out THIS FORM by this Friday, October 20, at 8:00 a.m. We hope to see you there!
Please note. Parents must either:
- Pick up students during regular afternoon carpool (3:25-4:00 p.m.) and return to the Middle School Commons by 4:45 p.m.
- Pick them up from Extended Day and take them to the Middle School Commons by 4:45 p.m. — this only applies to students who regularly attend Extended Day; we cannot accommodate drop-ins for this event.
Attend and Cheer for Our Husky Teams Under the Lights!
Lights Week is here! Come support your fellow Huskies as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field. Boys’ Varsity Soccer will take on GDS on Thursday, October 19, at 4:15 p.m., followed by Varsity Field Hockey at 6:00 p.m. versus Stone Ridge. On Friday, October 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., our Varsity Football team will be up against the Collegiate School. We hope to see everyone there!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In order to show our support, Thursday, October 19, is a Pink Out at the games. Everyone wear your best pink outfit and help us show support for those fighting breast cancer. We will have a Black Out for the football game under the lights on Friday, October 20. Come to the game wearing black, and cheer your Huskies on!
Conference Tournaments: As we approach the end of regular season, stay tuned to flinthill.org/athletics for the most up-to-date information on conference tournaments. This information will be available on the school website and on Husky Hub team pages.
Upper School Preview for 8th Grade Parents — Thursday, October 26
The formal programming for 8th Grade parents to begin preparing for the transition to Upper School starts next week with the Class of 2028 Parent Event: Upper School Preview at the Upper School on Thursday, October 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
During this event, 8th grade parents will learn how their students will achieve a smooth transition from Middle to Upper School. Parents will meet Upper School leadership and department chairs to learn more about the Upper School program. If you have not already done so, please register and select the sessions you are most interested in joining at this event.
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the event to allow time for parking and walking to the building. Park in any space closest to the entry of the Upper School.
Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series Event — Thursday, October 26
The Parents Council of Washington will host an interactive virtual webinar with Jennifer Wallace, author of the New York Times bestselling book "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — And What We Can Do About It" on Thursday, October 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Kicking off the year of PCW programming centered on the theme of Balance, Ms. Wallace will discuss her investigation into the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and what parents can do to protect their children's mental health. While the event's discussion format will include a Q&A period, questions are welcomed in advance for the speaker, which may be submitted to administration@parentscouncil.org. Register to attend.
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic — Saturday, October 28
On Saturday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., a small group baseball clinic for 6th to 8th grade students is being offered where players will be able to refine their baseball skills defensively and offensively. Players will get a personalized experience with our experienced coaching staff and current Flint Hill High School players. During the clinic, players will learn drills (base-running, hitting, pitching, and defense) on field hitting, throw bullpens, and scrimmage. There is no cost for this clinic. Location: Flint Hill Baseball Field on the Middle and Upper School Campus. Register for the Flint Hill Baseball Clinic. Contact Coach Mendler with any questions or concerns.
Upper School Play, “Lend Me a Tenor” — Friday, October 27 - Sunday, October 29
Reserve your free tickets for the Upper School play, “Lend Me a Tenor!” We have two amazing casts of Upper School performers who are ready to bring this amazingly hilarious story to life next weekend.
Please note that the play contains PG-13 themes; therefore, middle schoolers should attend at their parents’ discretion. The script is frequently performed at the high school level, and Ms. McLoughlin has staged the production from a student-appropriate perspective, but the themes themselves are still within the writing. If you have any questions, please reach out to the play’s director, Jackie McLoughlin.
All shows will be performed at the Olson Theater on these dates:
- Friday, October 27, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 28, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 28, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, October 29, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Honor Flight Volunteer Day — Saturday, November 4
The Honor Flight Club student leaders are partnering with the Parents’ Association to provide a joint volunteer opportunity to honor Veterans Day. Parents and students can make a difference together by welcoming and recognizing WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans as their Honor Flight arrives at Dulles International Airport. Volunteers will greet veterans outside the main terminal and will not need to pass through TSA security. Honor Flight is a national organization that transports American veterans to Washington, D.C., to celebrate and share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.
Sign up to volunteer. Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Debut — Monday, November 6
We are thrilled to announce the debut of our Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club, where we will embark on a literary journey into the world of banned books! Our first meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School. We will meet to discuss “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on these 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. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Education Series: Raising a Kid Who Can — Thursday, November 16
Members of the Flint Hill community and prospective parents are invited to join us on 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.
Experts in the field are calling Raising A Kid Who Can the "parenting playbook" that we all should have on hand to help us raise resilient kids. Learn from a child psychiatrist, a parent psychologist, and a child therapist who have spent years distilling the latest parenting science and best practices to answer the complex question: Based on all that modern science has to offer, what are the most important things I should try to do in raising my kid? Space is limited, reserve your seat now!
School Store Restocks - Buy Online or In Person!
The School Store has restocked several items since Homecoming. Under Armour and Bella & Canvas adult hoodies are available in all sizes. Under Armour Sackpack bags are back in stock in navy and now available in gray too! There are new Under Armour cotton t-shirts available in youth and adult sizes. Visit the School Store online or in person!
Reminders
Social-Emotional Curriculum
As a supplement to our Advisory Program and Wellness curriculum, we partner with The Social Institute and use their #WinAtSocial curriculum with our students. #WinAtSocial is a gamified, student-led curriculum that focuses on navigating social-emotional health, social media, and technology in positive, high-character ways. The program also provides resources to parents, providing insight into social media, technology, and student experiences as well as offering family discussion prompts to continue the conversations from lessons at school. Here are ways you can get involved:
- Register for the Parent Toolkit by going to the Toolkit, clicking Activate Account, and entering our school code: 0c68D8101A666E
- Continue the conversation at home using the Family Huddles that correspond to our monthly lessons. Last week, students engaged in lessons under the learning standard of “Cyberback.”
- 7th Grade — Handling Online Hate With Pro Tips From Major Gamers And Tiktok Stars.
- 8th Grade — Using Student Voice To Strengthen Our School Culture And Inclusivity.
- Learn more about how The Social Institute supports families, and contact Middle School Counselor John Magner if you have questions.
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12 — Tuesdays: October 24 and October 31
Calling all dancers! Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for open practices on Tuesday, 3:45-5:45 p.m., October 24 and 31. Students will participate in team practices where they learn and enhance their dance technical skills in jazz and pom techniques in addition to strength and conditioning. Please register for each open practice date, and submit a form for each participating student. Location and Pickup: Upper School Dance Studio. Students should be picked up from the Upper School front circle.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Wednesday, October 25
Last chance this fall to join fellow parents on the courts! The courts will be available for open play on Wednesday, October 25, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Please note there will be no lesson offered, but parents are welcome to practice their skills and play some mixed-doubles together. Plan to bring your own balls and racket. Registration is limited to 30 parents, so grab your spot!
Reminder: Early Admission Applications for Siblings Due Wednesday, November 1
We are offering members of our Husky family an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2024-25 school year. (For future years, complete this interest form.)
There was an error in the earlier email today that said, "There are just three more days to get an early start on the process." The correction is that families seeking early admission notification have until Wednesday, November 1, to submit the application form, recommendations, questionnaires, and transcripts from the last two years. Quarter grades, interview and student visit (grades 3-6) or Gesell and student visit (grades JK-2) must be completed by Thursday, November 30, to receive an admission notification in mid-December. For more information, please schedule an appointment with the admission team member for your division of interest.
Tell Your Friends: Visit Our Campus
On-campus 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:
Lower School Day of Play Workshop — Saturday, October 21, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Understanding the Process of Lower School Math (Virtual) — Thursday, October 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Ask a Parent — Wednesday, November 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Upper School Preview — Sunday, November 12, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Update Your Information in Husky Hub
In an effort to help everyone in our parenting community get to know each other, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities you have to personalize how your information appears in Husky Hub. Please take a moment to upload your headshot and add your name pronunciation. We also invite you to review the formal salutation field, which the school uses when sending printed mailings. If you would like to make a change to that field, please email Sarah Burnett.
Volunteer in the Igloo and Den
One of the most frequent and fun volunteer opportunities is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den. It’s a great way to meet other parents while getting a glimpse of life in the Upper School or the best view of a game on the Peterson Family Field.
Sign Up for Shifts:
Upcoming Events
Under the Lights Week
Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Thursday, October 19, 4:15 p.m.
Varsity Field Hockey: Thursday, October 19, 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Football: Friday, October 20, 5:30 p.m.
All at the Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field
We ask that fans not linger on campus once all games are over.
Registration Link Sent for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 20, 10:00 a.m.
Middle School Pre-Game Event
Friday, October 20
Middle School Commons, 4:45-5:20 p.m.
7th Grade Service Day and 8th Grade Upper School Planning
Tuesday, October 24
End of First Quarter
Tuesday, October 24
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12
Tuesday, October 24
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Register for this open practice
Parent Meetup: Tennis Lessons and Open Play
Wednesday, October 25
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Register to attend
Grades JK-12 Parent Coffee: Equity and Inclusion
Thursday, October 26
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
8th Grade Event: Upper School Preview
Thursday, October 26, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Register and select the sessions you are most interested in joining at this event.
Upper School Play, “Lend Me A Tenor”
Friday, October 27
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve your ticket
Flint Hill Baseball Clinic
Saturday, October 28
Middle and Upper School Campus, Baseball Field, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Register to attend
Upper School Play, “Lend Me A Tenor”
Saturday, October 28
Lower School Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m. and 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve your ticket
Upper School Play, “Lend Me A Tenor”
Sunday, October 29
Lower School Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Reserve your ticket
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12
Tuesday, October 31
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Register for this open practice
Early Admission Application Deadline for Siblings
Wednesday, November 1
First Quarter Report Cards Available
Wednesday, November 1, 4:00 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conference Days
No School
Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3
Parent Meetup: Honor Flight Volunteer Day
Saturday, November 4
Dulles International Airport, 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Debut
Monday, November 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Last Day of Fall Middle School Athletics
Monday, November 6
Parent Morning Mixer
Tuesday, November 7
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Raising a Kid Who Can, Parent Education Event
Thursday, November 16
Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to attend
