Upper School Newsletter – February 14, 2024
February 14, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Hello Husky Families!
We have some exciting changes for the 2024-25 school year that I want to share with you today. Every year we look at the feedback from students, families, and faculty/staff so we can review our programs. Our goal is to evaluate how we can maximize student learning in ways that align with our mission. Though the addition of new classes to the Program Guide is part of this annual process, there are also other key changes that will deeply benefit student learning and wellness. In my next newsletter, I will focus on Course Selection and the new Program Guide, but I want to take this opportunity to talk about the other key changes.
To further augment student learning, our study session teachers will be providing more curriculum to their students regarding study skills beyond the current academic monitoring that they provide. Also, we have expanded our Innovation Department to include a new faculty member, which will allow that department to expand its course offerings to include classes in artificial intelligence and innovation incubation, while still maintaining our current full complement of innovation and computer science courses. Also, we have seen an increased desire by students to study modern languages all the way through their senior year, so we have added another staff member to that department to meet this demand, while also maintaining small class sizes.
In terms of general wellness, we recognize that the need to support student health and resilience is paramount to our mission and core values. We have added an extra counselor to the Upper School to continue our robust support for students who need mental health support. Also, we are expanding our Grade 9 Human Development course into a semester-long Grade 9 Seminar, which will include the previous Human Development curriculum with additional topics in executive functioning, study skills, and personal health. Members of our Learning Center and our Health Services Department will be brought into the Grade 9 Seminar to teach these topics, buttressing the already great teaching of our counselors in that class.
All of these changes will go into effect next year, but I wanted to pass them along now so families can be aware of the improvements in place for next year.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Monthly Volunteering — Next Date: Thursday, February 22
Want to continue giving back to those in need in our area? Join Lower School Divisional Ambassador Julia Blizzard P'32, '35, and spend time with fellow parents while volunteering together at Food for Others each month. Food for Others is an organization that distributes food to those in need in Northern Virginia. Parents will sort food donations, pack food for distribution, and assist with warehouse tasks. Volunteers must wear closed-toed shoes. Space is limited to 20 volunteers for each date, but you can sign up for as many as you can attend! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum '11 in the Advancement Office.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA, 22031
Monthly Volunteer Dates:
- Thursday, February 22: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 28: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 18: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off — Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Parents may drop off gently used and clean uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, February 26, to Monday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Parent Volunteers Needed: Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Wednesday, March 6, and during the Spring Uniform Exchange. Sign up to volunteer! Questions? Contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office.
Rising Grades 10-12 Division Coffee: Academic Planning — Wednesday, February 28
Preparation for the 2024-25 course selection is underway! During this Division Coffee — on Wednesday, February 28, 1:00-2:00 p.m. — Debbie Ayers, Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean, will explain the timeline, process, and resources that support our returning students in planning for the upcoming school year. This event will take place in the Upper School Multipurpose Room.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social — Friday, March 1
Connect with your Flint Hill family at this casual pickleball social and tournament on Friday, March 1, 12:30-3:00 p.m. Whether you have played pickleball or not, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families while enjoying some friendly competition. Players of all levels are welcome, and you'll be matched with someone new for each round. The event is free, but we do ask that you register in advance. Space is limited to 30 players. Plan to stay after play has ended for light refreshments and prizes. Location: International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
New Event Added! Community Festival Weekend: March 1-2
Please save the date and make a plan to join us in the Upper School for our annual Community Festival!
On Friday, March 1, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., Flint Hill’s families of color are invited to attend our Community of Color Collective (3C) Launch and Reception in the Peterson Middle School. The purpose of the 3C affinity space is to provide a centralized platform and approach to addressing the needs of the communities of color within Flint Hill School. During the reception we will welcome guest speaker Dr. Sesha Joi Moon, Chief Diversity Officer at the U.S. House of Representatives. Let us know you’ll join us!
On Saturday, March 2, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., you're invited to engage in thoughtful discussions about what makes a community. Open to parents, faculty/staff, alumni, and students in grades 7-12, the event is designed to engage in dialogue that will foster relationships and strengthen connections within the Flint Hill community. This event will take place in the Upper School Learning Commons. Join the conversation!
On Saturday, March 2, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., we will gather in the Upper School Commons to celebrate and honor our community’s diverse background with a cultural festival to highlight the rich diversity within our community. RSVP so our hosts can plan how many to welcome and feed!
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, March 4
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Sold” by Patricia McCormick. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on 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 by completing this form. If you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Special Schedule and Programming — Friday, March 8
This year, we aligned the bell schedules for the Middle School and Upper School to create more flexibility for scheduling our classes which would allow us to meet more student course requests. This has been a substantial improvement for the Upper School which has benefitted many students. However, this creates a conflict on Friday, March 8. Because the Middle School will be holding parent conferences on that day, some of our Upper School faculty will have obligations in that building.
We decided to use March 8 to hold two annual events that often require us to take students out of their classes anyway. First, we'll offer the Pre-ACT to our 10th grade students in the morning. Second, we will give the afternoon to our Performing Arts department to hold rehearsals for Arts Jam.
With that in mind, Friday, March 8, is only a required school day for sophomores and students in the Performing Arts. Other students are not required to come to campus that day but are welcome to do so. All faculty will be on campus on that day if they would like to meet with a particular teacher. We will offer regular bus service and lunch, and there are a variety of athletic competitions that evening.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Room 101 of the Hazel Lower School. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first come, first served. Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to shop for uniforms, PE/athletic wear, and spirit items.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8
The School Store will be open during the Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Be sure to stop by the School Store and check out the new spirit wear. Plus, shoppers will receive a $5 coupon for any school store purchase! Please email schoolstore@flinthill.org with any Store questions.
Winter Athletic Pictures by Freed Photography
To purchase candid pictures taken during the Fall Athletic Season please check your respective Husky Hub team page for a link. You may also go to the Freed Photography website and use Password: FLINT23WINSPUS to access the photos.
Reminders
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 14 — TONIGHT
Love is in the air this February! Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert, featuring feel-good songs by P!nk, Keane, Ed Sheeran, and more. It’s sure to be a heartwarming experience. The concert is free and will be held in the Upper School Commons on Wednesday, February 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, February 16 & Tuesday, February 27
Join Molisa Meholic P'29 and other Flint Hill parents for a rejuvenating walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Sign up and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions. February Dates: Friday, February 16, and Tuesday, February 27, at 8:15 a.m.
Dads Meetup: Topgolf — Monday, February 26
Connect with fellow Flint Hill dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Monday, February 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Registration is limited to 25 guests and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register using this form, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting!
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Help us finish the winter season strong by covering a shift in the Igloo! It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, and all divisions are welcome. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and invite a friend to join you. Upper School students can earn service hours for basketball games, too! Volunteer Sign Up
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert — Tonight!
Wednesday, February 14
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
An opportunity to hear our award-winning Upper School a capella group!
Boys’ Basketball Senior Night
Thursday, February 15
Upper School Gym, 7:15 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 16
Location: Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood
8:15 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Junior and Senior Faculty Basketball Game
Friday, February 16
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
VISAA Swim & Dive State Meet
Friday and Saturday, February 16-17
Christiansburg Aquatic Center
Track & Field State Meet
Saturday, February 17
St. Christopher’s School
Presidents’ Day, No School
Monday, February 19
Girls’ Basketball Senior Night
Tuesday, February 20
Upper School Gym, 5:45 p.m.
Upper School Boys’ Lacrosse Begins
Wednesday, February 21
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, February 22
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
Upper School Spring Sports Begin
Monday, February 26
Dads Meetup: Topgolf
Monday, February 26
Location: Topgolf Loudon
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Spring Uniform Exchange Drop-Off
Monday, February 26 - Monday, March 4
Miller House Front Porch, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, February 27
Location: Difficult Run Trailhead, Miller Heights Neighborhood
8:15 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Rising Grades 10-12 Division Coffee: Academic Planning
Wednesday, February 28
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Parents’ Association Pickleball Social
Friday, March 1
International Country Club, 12:30-3:00 p.m.
Sign up to attend
Communities of Color Collective Launch and Reception
Friday, March 1
Peterson Middle School, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
RSVP
Community Festival
Saturday, March 2
Upper School, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 4
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Upper School Winter Athletics Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, March 6
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Parent Volunteers Needed: Spring Uniform Exchange
Wednesday, March 6
Sign Up to Volunteer
Spring Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, Room 101, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
School Store Open During Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 8
Hazel Lower School, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Spring Break
Saturday, March 9 - Sunday, March 24
Classes Resume
Monday, March 25
Parent Meetup: Food for Others
Thursday, March 28
12:30-2:30 p.m.
Location: Food for Others, 2938 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
Sign Up to Attend
