Upper School Newsletter – January 22, 2025
January 22, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Good evening Husky families,
We have completed the first semester, and report cards are available on Husky Hub. With that feedback in hand, now is a great time for students to start thinking about next year and the classes they would like to take. In particular, this is when we encourage students to speak with their teacher if they are considering moving up a level in their academic progression. Maybe your student is taking the on-level college preparatory version of a class but is thinking about an honors or AP level course for next year. If so, this is the time for that student to start working with their teacher about that possible change. When I advise students about seeing their teacher, I always tell them to use three particular questions to help them in the process.
- If course recommendations were submitted today, which course do you think is the best fit for me next year?
- If I am not recommended for the course that I would like, what skills, habits, or knowledge would you want to see me demonstrate in the next couple of months to show I am ready for the higher level course? In other words, what should I be working on now so I can be successful in that course in the future?
- What are some ways I can work on these skills, habits, and knowledge? Are there practice sets I can work on? Is there something to really focus upon when editing my next essay? Are there steps I can take during office hours to buttress those skills, habits, and knowledge? In short, what is my path to be ready?
We have found that students who engage in that conversation with their teachers now, and then take the steps necessary to be recommended and ready for next year’s courses, experience far more success as they challenge themselves with more advanced classes.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Complete Strategic Planning Survey by Friday, January 24
Flint Hill is excited to embark on a strategic planning process in partnership with Mission & Data, a firm specializing in guiding schools through this important work. This process will help us identify shared aspirations for our school and chart a path to achieve them. A critical first step is gathering feedback from our community. Your insights will ensure that our strategic plan reflects Flint Hill’s unique culture, values, and vision for the future. Please share your perspective by completing this anonymous survey by Friday, January 24.
Important Dates Regarding 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we wanted to share the following dates related to enrollment contracts:
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Issued for Returning Students
- Thursday, February 6 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts Due. The completed enrollment contract and non-refundable deposit will secure your child’s placement for next year.
Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Attention Upper School Students: Summer Program Fair, January 30
The National Summer Program Fair: Washington DC is a free event for high school students and their families occurring Thursday, January 30, 4:30-7:00 p.m., at the Hilton Alexandria Marks Center. This in-person fair will showcase over 100 ways high school students can spend summer 2025, including on-campus pre-college programs at the nation's most prestigious universities, study abroad opportunities, STEM programs, teen travel, art/portfolio prep, test prep, and local nonprofits seeking summer volunteers.
Students and parents need to pre-register to attend, and should do so now to reserve their place and receive event reminders. Students and parents will receive a QR code to show at the event for easy access. For any questions, please visit summerprogramfair.com or reach out to info@summerprogramfair.com
National Girls’ and Women in Sports Brunch — Tuesday, February 4
The Upper School National Girls’ and Women in Sports Day Program is on Tuesday, February 4, 1:15-2:15 p.m. in the Upper School Learning Commons. All of our female and nonbinary students, both athletes and non-athletes, are welcome to join us in this affinity space of celebrating women and girls’ in sports!
Donation Drive for Kind Mom Inc. — February 3-7
During the next two flex blocks, 11th grade advisories will be making cards and friendship bracelets to support Kind Mom Inc.'s drive for Comfort Cases. Comfort Cases are backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items for youth entering the foster care system. We are collecting donations for the Comfort Cases during the week of February 3-7. Members of the Upper School community are invited to donate the items listed below by dropping them off in the box at Ms. Lynn's desk in the College Counseling office. All items must be new.
- Backpacks (preferably 17”) & small duffel bags
- Pajamas - Newborn to Adult 3XL
- Socks - Newborn to Adult L sizes
- Blankets - receiving blankets, and 30”x40” up to 50”x60”
- Toothbrushes - youth & adult, 1-3 pack only
- Toothpaste - youth & adult, travel size
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, Body Wash, and Lotion - travel size
- Deodorant - travel size
- Stuffed Animals - up to 12"
- Coloring Books - for ages 3-10
- Journals - no spiral-bound notebooks
- Crayons - preferably 8-packs - and Colored Pencils
- Pens & Pencils
- Books: Board, Preschool, Elementary, Teen, & Tween - new or good condition
- Baby Items, normal and travel size
- Baby Bibs and Washcloths
- Baby Shampoo/Body Wash & Lotion - up to 5oz
Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Tuesday, February 18
Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf Loudon on Tuesday, February 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is an opportunity for dads to form and maintain connections, truly all are welcome. Parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Registration is free and includes play and equipment, appetizers, and non-alcoholic beverages. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Location Details: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 19
Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert on Wednesday, February 19, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Upper School Commons. The concert is free, and your attendance is a great way to show support to our wonderfully talented student singers!
FH Community Weekend: One School, Many Stories — February 21-22
Join us for an inspiring two-day event designed to foster relationships, identify connections, and highlight the meaningful stories that make our school so unique. We welcome all members of the community to participate as we celebrate the experiences that help us grow as individuals and as a school. The schedule for One School, Many Stories includes the Communities of Color Reception (co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club) on Friday, February 21, and the Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue and Community Festival events on Saturday, February 22.
Additional details, including the full schedule and RSVP information, will follow in a separate communication. If you are interested in volunteering at either of the events, please contact Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Mia Burton or All-School Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Meetup: What Is Your Story? Workshop — Thursday, February 27
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Register Now for Summer on the Hill
Registration is now open for 2025 Summer on the Hill. We are proud to offer programs in the following categories:
- Headfirst Summer Camps: Age 3 - Rising Grade 5
- Athletic Camps: Rising Grades 3-9
- Enrichment Camps: Rising Grades 5-9
- Trips & Travel: Rising Grades 5-12
- For-Credit & Academic Prep Courses: Rising Grades 9-12
- D.C. United Soccer Camp & Washington Nationals Baseball and Softball Camps: Ages 5-13
Space is limited so reserve your slot today! For questions, contact Matt McCoart.
Cheer on Our Huskies: Upcoming Championships & Senior Nights
As we come toward the end of our Winter season, we encourage you to come out and support our hardworking and dedicated winter sports athletes at these upcoming senior nights and championships:
- Swim MAC Championships — Saturday, January 25, Catholic University
- Climbing Championships — Sunday, January 2, 7:00 p.m., Movement Crystal City
- Swim & Dive Senior Night — Tuesday, January 28, 6:00 p.m., The Madeira School
- Climbing Senior Night — Thursday, January 30, 3:00 p.m., Sport Rock Sterling
- Ice Hockey Senior Night — Friday, January 31, 9:40 p.m., SkateQuest of Reston
- Track & Field Senior Night – Wednesday, February 5, , 5:00 p.m., Upper School Cafeteria
- Boys’ Basketball Senior Night – Tuesday, February 11, 5:45 p.m., Upper School Gym
- Girls’ Basketball Senior Night – Friday, February 14, Upper School Gym
12th Grade Families: Graduation Announcements Now Available for Order
Herff Jones offers personalized graduation announcements that showcase Flint Hill's crest and detailed ceremony information, including your student’s name, and can serve as treasured keepsakes of this memorable event. Announcement orders are shipped directly to your home.
Place your order here. Contact Herff Jones directly with any questions, 804.598.0971.
REMINDERS
Athletics and College Admissions Virtual Workshop — Monday, January 27
Join the College Counseling Office and Athletic Department for a virtual workshop on Monday, January 27, 7:00-8:30 p.m., to learn about the college recruiting process. The presenters will include a university compliance officer, collegiate coaches, and current Flint Hill seniors who will respond to questions about their process and share advice based on their experiences. Use this Google Meet Link. Registration is not required.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 3
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. Our next meeting is Monday, February 3, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room, and we'll be discussing, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition ” by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert. *Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
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 Walking Group — Friday, February 7
On Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m., walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register here. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
SchoolPass Web Access
In addition to the SchoolPass app, there is another convenient way to submit attendance changes for your child. You can access SchoolPass through your web browser by visiting the following link: https://flinthill.school-pass.net/
This option provides flexibility and ease for managing your child's attendance. Whether it’s the app or the web browser, you can choose the best method for your needs.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
On the heels of our first snow day of the school year, we want to make sure you’re aware of our classwork policy on inclement weather days. Beginning on the second snow day of the school year, teachers may choose to assign work by sending an email to students alerting them of assignments by 10:00 a.m. Work should be made available on the teacher course page or through another electronic form. Individual or additional considerations will be made in the event of:
- excessive consecutive inclement weather days,
- a high number of individual inclement weather days, or
- extended time periods without power.
A reminder that delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event.
Volunteers Needed! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We need volunteers to open each day. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Invite a friend to join you, and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like. Volunteer in the Igloo
Upcoming Events
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, January 24
Upper School Learning Commons Conference Room, 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Flint Hill Certamen Tournament
Saturday, January 25
Upper School Commons, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Spring Sports Schedules Published on Husky Hub
Monday, January 27
Athletics and College Admissions Virtual Workshop
Monday, January 27
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Google Meet Event Link
Registration is not required.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 3
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign Up
Upper School Student National Girls' and Women In Sports Day Program
Tuesday, February 4
Upper School Learning Commons, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Senior Skip Day
Friday, February 7
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 7
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
ACT
Saturday, February 8
Location: Local National Test Centers
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Professional Development Day
Monday, February 10
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Tuesday, February 11
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Day
Thursday, February 13
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Grades JK-12 No Classes: Presidents’ Day
Monday, February 17
Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Tuesday, February 18
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Topgolf Loudoun: 20356 Commonwealth Center Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
Register to Attend
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 19
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
March SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, February 21
FH Community Festival Weekend: One School, Many Stories
Friday, February 21 - Saturday, February 22
