Middle School Newsletter – September 6, 2023
September 6, 2023
Letter From The Division Director
Congratulations to all of us for a successful start to the year! You and your children brought an incredible amount of positivity, and our teachers and advisors have worked thoughtfully and tirelessly to create a warm, welcoming environment. We are thrilled to welcome you to our Back-to-School Night tomorrow — Thursday, September 7, 7:00-8:45 p.m. — to give you a chance to walk your child’s schedule and hear from their teachers. Below are a few updates and final reminders to make sure your night goes smoothly.
- In case you missed it and are interested, here is a recording of my parent orientation from last week.
- Earlier today, your child emailed or texted you a picture of your schedule for the night — class times, room locations, etc. We will also have a hard copy of your schedule available in the Advisory room.
- You may park in either the Middle School lot or the Upper School lot, according to this map. Please keep in mind that, while the Middle School lot is closer to the building, it has limited spots.
- You should report to your child’s Advisory by 7:00 p.m., and the program will conclude at 8:45 p.m. The Advisory location is the same room you went to for your advisor conference.
- For your planning, please note that we will provide water but not food.
- We will run a condensed schedule with Advisory, 10-minute class periods, and 2-minute passing time; each teacher will present an overview of their class.
- If your child takes two part-time electives (e.g. two classes in the same period), you will choose one session to attend during that particular period.
- In an effort to streamline the evening, teachers will not focus on the platforms being used for posting assignments and sharing class materials. Assignments will always be posted in Husky Hub, with additional specifics available to students in Google Classroom.
- Feel free to engage in the adolescent challenge of socializing while also making it to class on time!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Middle School Picture Day — Thursday, September 7
Students may wear regular school dress. We will schedule time for each student to get their picture taken during the day. Families will receive an email from Freed Photography when pictures are available for viewing/purchase.
Back-to-School Night — Thursday, September 7
As noted above in the Letter from the Division Director, Middle School faculty and admin are thrilled to welcome you to our Back-to-School Night tomorrow — Thursday, September 7, 7:00-8:45 p.m.
Middle School New Parents Head of School Meeting — Tuesday, September 12
Over the next few weeks, Head of School Patrick McHonett is hosting informal coffees for parents in their first year at Flint Hill. At each coffee, parents will have the opportunity to hear from the division director as well as from Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne. They will share helpful information for new parents about ways to partner with and get involved at Flint Hill. The HOS Division Coffee for new Middle School families is on Tuesday, September 12, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School Commons. Immediately following the meetings, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., new parents are welcome to continue conversations with Advancement Staff about getting involved with Flint Hill.
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12 — Every Tuesday, September 12 - October 31
Calling all dancers! Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for open practices every Tuesday, 3:45-5:45 p.m. from September 12 to October 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 Pick-Up: Upper School Dance Studio. Students should be picked up from the Upper School front circle.
Homework Policy for Special Circumstances
Over the course of each year, there are a variety of circumstances and events outside of our published calendar that can prevent students from completing evening assignments. When these circumstances or events arise, the School will make every effort to be flexible and support students in completing their work in a timely manner.
Special Circumstances
In the event of an illness or unforeseen emergency, you are encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of what to expect from your child, so we can work with your family accordingly.
Religious Observances
Flint Hill deeply respects and celebrates the customary rituals, observances and family gatherings associated with religious holidays and those of differing faiths at School. Please communicate with your child's teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of your observance, and we will work with your family accordingly. Students are excused from school, games, and practices for religious commitments.
A Message from Director of Athletics Dewayne Robinson
I am thrilled to share our updated athletic philosophy statement, a reflection of our continuous commitment to fostering not only athletic excellence but also interpersonal values and sportsmanship. I spent time alongside our leadership colleagues this past year to evaluate our previous philosophy, the current state of our program, and our aspirations for the future. With a renewed emphasis on holistic development, our new philosophy reflects our belief in the transformative power of sports and its role in our educational experience here at Flint Hill.
This updated statement is meant to provide clarity on our athletic experience and expectations, steering us toward an environment where all students have a space to thrive, learn, and challenge themselves. As we embark on this new journey, we invite you to review this updated statement and to stand alongside us in embracing the values and inspiring one another to reach new heights both on and off the playing surfaces. Here's to a year of growth, success, and accomplishments. Go Huskies!
Streaming Middle School Sports
Middle School sports officially began on Tuesday, September 5, and games will start the week of September 25. All games played on the Flint Hill campus will be live streamed 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.
Refer Your Friends and Neighbors to Flint Hill
The Admission Team always appreciates when you refer a family to Flint Hill — they’re often the best fit for our school! We'd love to fill our few spaces with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Please bring them to Homecoming on the weekend of September 29 so they can see our community in action, and consider inviting them to the below virtual admission events:
- Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks — Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
- Webinar: Navigating Private School Admission — Friday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
First Day of School Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from community events and classroom activities posted on our Flickr account. You can access Flickr via the floating camera icon on our newsletter sidebar. The link can also be found in the footer of our website and within the email signature of every Flint Hill faculty and staff member.
Reminders
Please Review the 2023-24 Flint Hill Family Handbook
A reminder to please review the Flint Hill Family Handbook for the 2023-24 school year. The Family Handbook outlines community standards and policies for all Flint Hill students and family members. If you've already reviewed it, note that policy information related to artificial intelligence was recently added to the responsible use of technology section.
Parent Morning Mixer This Friday — September 8
Parent Morning Mixers are informal socials for all JK-12 parents to get together on campus after morning carpool and are a great way to meet other parents across divisions. Join us on the John M. Thomas Terrace for the first mixer this Friday, September 8, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
PA Tennis Social: Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full for the tennis tournament and clinic, but you can join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up. Parents of Alumni and Grandparents are invited to join current parents for lunch and then play in their own Tennis Social. You can help by sharing the registration link to the grandparents and alumni parents you know!
Sign Up to 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. More opportunities will be added throughout the year. Note there are two tabs at the top so you can view the Igloo and Den signup forms in one location.
Sign Up for Shifts:
School Store — New Items in Stock
New items are in stock at the School Store! New arrivals include Nike blue and white hats with the FH logo, Flint Hill green and white visors, new long- and short-sleeve youth shirts, and full-zip polar fleece jackets in green and gray. For adult apparel, we have new hoodies, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts as well as new 1/4 zip pullovers. Our new accessories include stadium seats and golf umbrellas. Check out the School Store’s webpage for details.
Upcoming Events
Middle School Student Picture Day
Thursday, September 7
Middle School Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 7
Peterson Middle School, 7:00-8:45 p.m.
Please join us to walk through your child’s schedule and hear about each course from their teachers. We will provide bottled water but not food. Please note that this is not an evening for students.
Parent Morning Mixer
Friday, September 8
John M. Thomas Terrace at the Peterson Middle School, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Middle School New Parents Head of School Meeting
Tuesday, September 12
Peterson Middle School Commons, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Middle School New Parents Advancement Social
Tuesday, September 12
Peterson Middle School Commons, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12
Every Tuesday, September 12 - October 31
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
All-School Gathering
Wednesday, September 13
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
All students will gather in the gym for this traditional program to celebrate the start of the school year and the journey ahead.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 15
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Virtual Admission Event: Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.
While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 23
Homecoming
Friday, September 29, and Saturday, September 30
Middle and Upper School Campus
