Middle School Newsletter – September 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As we begin establishing some momentum and ramping up the academic expectations, your child will begin having more homework assignments and assessments. Particularly for those in 7th grade, this can feel like a big step as they learn to keep track of what they need to be working on in each class, manage time and due dates, and figure out which strategies work for them and which don’t. These are all very important aspects of growth during the middle school years and, like much of the journey, can be messy and challenge our ability to maintain perspective. To ensure that these years can be the training ground our students need them to be, all of the adults around them play an important role — providing the right amount of structure and guidance while leaving room for stumbles. This can be VERY difficult for both educators and parents. Here are some recommendations for supporting homework and a healthy perspective.
- Create space and time in the evening schedule for homework — consider distractions and start/end times — generally one hour and no more than two hours.
- Check assignments in Husky Hub and ask about your child’s plan/priority.
- Clear out so they can work independently, and redirect them to class resources and the teacher if they are stuck.
- Stick to a time limit and bedtime — guide your child to communicate with the teacher if they weren’t able to finish and/or have follow-up questions.
- While students need to practice taking ownership and taking the lead on communication (often imperfectly), parents should use backchannel communication with us to ask questions and express concerns (e.g. homework is taking too long).
- Embrace the ups and downs — stumbles are great learning opportunities if we handle them right!
- Our mutual goal should be to foster gentle, periodic, “coaching” conversations about students' progress, recognizing the importance of helping them make adjustments while focusing on growth and process rather than individual grades.
Please visit our more in-depth Parents’ Guide to Supporting Academic Growth in Middle School or jump to the specific headings below.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Middle School Homecoming Spirit Days — Tuesday, September 24 - Friday, September 27
To celebrate the week of Homecoming, students are encouraged to dress according to the themes listed on the days below or be in regular school dress if they choose not to participate. Wear the Homecoming 2024 t-shirt on Saturday, September 28!
- Tuesday, September 24 — Blackout: Wear all-black clothing. Students may wear athletic bottoms if they are related to the theme.
- Wednesday, September 25 — Pajama Day: Wear your PJs or comfiest clothing.
- Thursday, September 26 — Matching Day: Groups of students (pairs, trios, or more!) wear matching clothing. Students may wear athletic bottoms if they are related to the theme.
- Friday, September 27 — Color Day: Go all out in your class color! 7th grade in purple and 8th grade in pink.
Homecoming Weekend — Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
Join the Flint Hill community for a weekend filled with athletic events, food, and fun for the entire family! Visit flinthill.org/homecoming for the full schedule of events.
Helpful Tips:
- All activities take place on the Middle and Upper School campus near the Peterson Family Field and the Norris E. Mitchell Field.
- Plan extra time to park. On Friday, spots will fill quickly in the Middle and Upper School lots. Overflow parking will be directed to the Lower School campus at 10409 Academic Drive. Flint Hill School bus shuttles will run Friday night and Saturday, continuously, between the Lower School Campus and the Upper School carpool circle. Pro tip: Save time searching for a spot and park in the Lower School parking lot on Friday!
- Lower and Middle School parents should attend events with their children. Students should not be dropped off unattended.
- Important Friday night information: the Middle and Upper School fields close at 7:30 p.m. At that time, all students will be directed to the gym. The volleyball game ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Campus will close, and all students should plan to depart campus within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
- The School Store and concession stands accept cash, credit cards, Google, and Apple Pay.
Middle School Homecoming Information and Reminders
There is a lot of excitement to look forward to next week, culminating in the events on Friday evening and Saturday — details are on the Homecoming website. Please note that Homecoming events are not opportunities to drop your child/children off and leave them unattended. In particular, Friday night’s bonfire (which begins at 6:30 p.m.) presents a supervision challenge, and there have been several issues over the years caused by unattended Middle School students. Please enjoy the community activities with your child this weekend.
Please review the following reminders, and I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming events.
Participating in After-School Events on Friday, September 27
- We will run our regular dismissal process on Friday, September 27, starting at 3:25 p.m.
- As always, all Middle School students must be dismissed to the bus, to a parent, or to Extended Day at that time.
- Middle School students may not stay after school on their own to watch Upper School games or the Bonfire; if they wish to attend, they must first be dismissed to a parent (their own, or another authorized adult).
- A Middle School student who attends Extended Day must be picked up by a parent by 6:00 p.m.
- Any Middle School student who attends the Bonfire (6:30-7:15 p.m.) or volleyball game must be accompanied by a parent.
The Middle and Upper School fields close at 7:30 p.m. At that time all students will be directed to the gym. The volleyball game ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Campus will close and all students should plan to depart campus within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
Homecoming Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteering is a great way to meet more Huskies while making a difference (and it’s fun)! Sign up here and invite a friend to join you. Students may volunteer and earn service hours.
Middle School Division Coffee — Wednesday, October 9
Parents are invited to a Middle School Division Coffee on Wednesday, October 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons, for an open forum conversation with Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont and Middle School Counselor John Magner.
Middle School Field Trips — Tuesday, October 15
On Tuesday, October 15, 7th graders will participate in a scavenger hunt around the National Mall as part of their Advisory Day; 8th graders will visit the United States National Holocaust Museum as part of their study of human rights. Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times. Additional details will be included in the October 2 newsletter.
Photo Day Portraits Now Available Online
Flint Hill student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452. Middle School Picture Makeup Day is scheduled for Friday, October 18.
Middle School Athletics: Game Day Procedures
Games, matches, and meets for students begin this week, and we encourage you to attend whenever possible. Please review this information to learn more about what to expect on game days — logistics, times, picking up, home games vs. away games, etc. This link will also be posted to team pages.
Important for Student-Athletes: Self-Carry Medications
If your child is self-carrying their medications (inhalers and epi-pens), please remind them to carry those with them at all times. This includes when they are on their way to and from all practices/games, regardless if they are on or off campus. It must be easily accessible for them during their activity.
Watching Livestreamed Athletics
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School or Lower School campuses will be livestreamed via Hudl TV. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser or downloading the Hudl Fan app. After downloading the app or navigating to fan.hudl.com, search for “Flint Hill School.” You will now have access to all games that are being livestreamed. Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for the Middle School and Upper School athletic schedules.
Early Admission Process for Siblings
As members of our Husky family, we are offering 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 or future years.
If you have a child who is not currently enrolled at Flint Hill and you are interested in the application process for the 2025-26 school year or future years, please complete this interest form by Monday, September 30. Alternatively, you can simply complete the admission application form. You must complete the application package by the end of November to receive an admission notification in mid-December. An email with more details will hit your inbox this Friday and include directions to receive a waiver for the application fee. Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Need a Babysitter? Babysitting Network Available
The Flint Hill Babysitting Network was designed to build community and is available exclusively for Flint Hill Families.
The linked database lists the Upper School students who have indicated an interest in babysitting this school year. Where applicable, students have included notes relating to their experience and any relevant skills and/or certifications they have acquired.
This network is provided as an informational resource only. The School does not participate in scheduling, transportation, or fee negotiation. Participating students are engaged members of our school community. Families are encouraged to interview and vet students to ensure they match their individual needs.
Reminders
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, September 20
Meet up with fellow parents for walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location varies each week and will be shared with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Next Walk: Friday, September 20, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Upcoming Walk: Friday, October 11, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Tuesday, September 24
Did you miss the Parents’ Association Tennis Social or want to keep playing? Join fellow parents on Tuesday, September 24, 9:00-10:30 a.m., on the Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts for casual matches or to continue practicing your skills. Please bring your own racket and balls. Registration is limited to the first 30 parents.
Register Here
Free Dance Clinic — Grades 5-8 on Wednesday, September 25
All students in Grades 5-8 are invited to register for a free workshop with the Upper School Dance Team on Wednesday, September 25, 3:30-5:45 p.m., in the Lower School Gym! Students will participate in fun group activities, practice skills, and also get to work with the Upper School team. They will learn a short routine that will be performed with the Upper School Dance Team at the Varsity Football game during Homecoming! If you have any questions, please contact Head Dance Team Coach Olivia Landrum ’11.
2025-26 Financial Aid Application — New Deadline
There is a new deadline of Sunday, December 1, for need-based financial aid applications. Here’s the updated timeline:
- Tuesday, October 1 — Financial aid application opens.
- Sunday, December 1 — Deadline to submit financial aid applications.
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts are issued to CURRENT students, including financial aid decisions.
- Thursday, February 6 — Deadline for current families to submit 2025-26 enrollment contracts.
- Friday, March 7 — 2025-26 enrollment contracts are issued to NEW students, including financial aid decisions.
Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Middle School Sports Livestream
Middle School sports began on Tuesday, September 3, and games will start on Friday, September 20. All games played on the Flint Hill campus will be livestreamed via Hudl TV. Once you have clicked the Hudl TV link, you will be able to see all the games streamed for that day and time. Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for the Middle School schedule.
Middle School Athletic Schedules
Middle School Athletic Schedules will be published in Husky Hub and the school website on Tuesday, October 1.
Concession Stands — Will You Volunteer for a Shift?
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:
- Volunteer in the Igloo (inside the Upper School)
- Volunteer in the Den (outside the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace)
Upcoming Events
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, September 20
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 21
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Tuesday, September 24
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Register
Middle School Homecoming Spirit Days
Tuesday, September 24 - Friday, September 27
Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic
Wednesday, September 25
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Grades 4-12 Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, September 27
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
This is a student-only event.
Homecoming Weekend
Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
2025-26 Financial Aid Application Opens
Tuesday, October 1
Middle School Athletic Schedules Published
Tuesday, October 1
Middle School Division Coffee
Wednesday, October 9
Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 11
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Grades JK-12 No Classes; Administrative Offices Closed
Monday, October 14
Middle School Field Trips
Tuesday, October 15
Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.
Middle School Picture Makeup Day
Friday, October 18
