Middle School Newsletter – October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As we reflect on academic progress during the first quarter — in advance of Parent Conferences tomorrow and Friday — we are presented with an opportunity to practice how to keep this performance feedback in perspective. As a reminder, I encourage all of us to focus on the journey, recognizing what this current performance feedback can provide and avoiding the type of disproportionate fixation on grades that can limit growth. The middle school years are about “figuring things out” during a low-risk period and emphasizing process and progress over the bottom-line outcomes. We believe that the students who will be the best prepared at the end of their middle school experience are those with a growth mindset — students who have focused on figuring out how to manage time and responsibilities, what approaches and study strategies work well for them, how to advocate for themselves, and how to recover from stumbles. These students (and parents) understand that an emphasis on grades or “perfection” tends to limit risk-taking, creativity, deep learning, and resilience.
Your child’s First Quarter Grade Report is now available in Husky Hub. This can be helpful in guiding the discussion during your conferences. As always, our open gradebook provides more detailed information than just the letter grade. Though it will now default to the Second Quarter, you can toggle back to a view of the First Quarter using the dropdown menu as shown below.
The beginning of a new quarter is a great opportunity for reflection and goal-setting, particularly in the developing areas of independence and self-advocacy. We have engaged students in a reflection survey to help with this and we recommend they focus on questions such as:
- What is working well? What isn’t?
- How are my work habits impacting my performance?
- What adjustments will I make in the second quarter — at school? at home?
- How can my teachers/parents help me in these areas?
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Parent Conference Days — Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1
Conference sign-ups are now closed. If you use Gmail, your appointments will be visible in your Google Calendar. You also received confirmation emails from notifications@calendly.com. We encourage you to review your child’s grade report in Husky Hub as well as the details from the open gradebook (toggling to the first quarter as shown in the graphic above) and be ready to engage in open, constructive dialogue with your child’s teachers. We look forward to furthering our partnership with you, celebrating your children's successes, and discussing strategies for enhancing their progress.
Invite Your Friends: Intro to Flint Hill Webinar — Friday, November 8
Do you have friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors who have questions about Flint Hill? Invite them to sign up for The Throughline: Vigor and Vitality at Every Level, an introduction to Flint Hill’s educational philosophy. Director of Academics Aaron Proctor will present at this virtual event for prospective families on Friday, November 8, 12:00-12:30 p.m. Send your colleagues this signup link.
Reserve Seats for the Upper School Play Production of “The Good Doctor” — Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9
The Box Office is open for our Upper School play production of “The Good Doctor!” If laughter is the best medicine, then “The Good Doctor” has your prescription. When one of the 20th century’s funniest playwrights (the most Academy and Tony nominations) takes on one of the 19th century’s greatest writers (a father of modern theater) the result is a great night in the Olson. Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov’s “The Good Doctor” is a comedy ensemble piece touching on the highs and lows of family, difficult bosses, difficult customers, adolescence, doctor’s visits, auditions, seductions, and writer’s block. The themes are PG-13. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. Reserve your tickets today. Performances will be held on the following dates and times in the Olson Theater in the Activity Center of the Hazel Lower School.
- Friday, November 8, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 9, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18
We will hold our annual Week of Thankful Giving during the week of Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18 and look forward to celebrating with our community. In the Middle School, we will be 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:
- cooking 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
Parent Volunteers: Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation — Thursday, November 21
Calling all bakers! Show our faculty/staff a slice of our appreciation by baking and assembling a special treat before Thanksgiving break. Mini pies should be dropped off during morning carpool on Thursday, November 21, 7:45-8:15 a.m., at the Miller House. Wrapping and organizing pies will take place after carpool, 8:30-10:00 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria. Sign up to bake or wrap your favorite mini pies — tins will be provided! Contact Olivia Landrum '11 in the Advancement Office with questions.
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 mmccoart@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.
Your Support of Flint Hill Makes a Difference
Over the past month, you’ve received a series of emails about the Flint Hill Fund with details about how you and other supporters help to make this school a place where students matter most.
You've heard from real people about the options you have when making a gift. And you've learned about the different areas of the school where you can make an impact. If you have questions about participating in the Flint Hill Fund or want more information, please contact Director of the Flint Hill Fund Chris Kitzmiller.
Ready to be counted in?
- Give today securely online or see other ways you can give.
- Pledge now, pay later — Let us know the amount and month you want to give — we’ll count you in right away. You have the flexibility to pay by June 30 and get a reminder during the month you picked. But, other than that, you won’t hear much beyond “thank you.”
Reminders
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, November 4
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.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or just looking to connect with fellow parents, this book club promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. Join us as we explore meaningful literature, spark lively discussions, and foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Get ready for an exciting year ahead! Here is the title and date for the first meeting of the 2024-25 school year:
“Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner
*Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204
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.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
There are still a few spots open for this free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents, at Elahyoga Studio, hosted by Lower School Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Viny Frontin. All JK-12 parents are invited to a one-hour Vinyasa-style class for all levels. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Learn more and register here!
Drop-In Bus Service Reminder
Drop-in bus service is available for morning, afternoon, and evening routes. There is a $40 drop-in fee. Drop-in bus service charges will be added to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. To request drop-in bus service, please complete this form. Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email from bus@flinthill.org.
If your child plans to go home with a student who uses our bus service, you must complete this form to request this drop-in service.
This information is also available on the Bus Service tile on the Resource Board. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transportation experience for all students. If you have questions or need additional information, please email bus@flinthill.org.
New Husky Hub Resource Board Tile: Health and Well-being
We have a new Husky Hub tile available to students and families! Our Health and Well-being tile includes information and resources from our Health Services and Counseling departments. There are sections for each division and specific resources for parents and students. We will update the information throughout the school year to include events and activities offered on campus and in the community. Check it out, and feel free to contact Director of Counseling Tracie Epes with any questions.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Volunteers are needed to keep the Igloo running each day! Make a difference by signing up for a shift, and invite a friend to join you!
November 8 Deadline for Early Admission Process for Siblings
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 deadline for several application pieces is Friday, November 8. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Upcoming Events
Grades JK-12 Parent Conferences – No Classes
Thursday, October 31 - Friday, November 1
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 4
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign up to be included on our email list
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class
Monday, November 4
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180
Register
Middle School Fall Athletics End
Thursday, November 7
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 8
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Friday, November 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Saturday, November 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Middle School Winter Athletics Begin
Monday, November 11
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection
Monday, November 11 - Monday, November 18
Place Holder
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 19
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042
Parent Volunteers: Drop Off Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Drop off at the Miller House
7:45-8:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Parent Volunteers: Wrap and Organize Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Miller House Cafeteria
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign Up
Thanksgiving Break – No Classes
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
