Upper School Newsletter – March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Greetings Huskies! Today begins the course selection process for our returning students. Students are now able to log in to Husky Hub and see their course recommendations for next year. On Friday, March 29, we will be ending the day with a long advisory during our afternoon flex block. All students will register for classes during that long advisory. Each student’s advisor will be tasked with making sure that the students complete their course selections for that day. If parents log in to Husky Hub and choose the tab “Course Requests” on their specific child’s home page, you will be able to see the classes they selected and their course recommendations. Please note that this portal will only stay open until Wednesday, April 3. Your student is welcome to edit their course selections independently up until that date. After that date, if a family wants to make any changes, they will need to contact the school registrar, Maha Morse.
We have held multiple class meetings and parent coffees over the last month to help provide guidance to families as they engage in this process. But as a reminder, here are a few key best practices for course registration on Friday.
- Make sure that your students choose multiple alternate options for electives, English seminars, and Fine Arts. It is very common that students will not be able to get their first choice because of schedule conflicts, so choosing these alternates allows us to look at other possibilities to round out the schedule.
- For students looking to either take a probationary course (one they were not recommended for) or an independent study course, details on those programs will be released in late April / early May.
- Students may not take seven courses without setting up a meeting with the academic dean to discuss that schedule.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your student’s individual academic advisor.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Arts Jam — Thursday, March 28 (Tomorrow)
Arts Jam is on Thursday, March 28, 7:00-10:00 p.m., at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. The program features the Upper School band, choir, orchestra, percussion, dance, and musical theater ensembles. The performance is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, April 1
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 1, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Bless Me, Ultima” by Rudolfo Anaya. 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 for the meeting. If you have any questions, please email All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
College Conference Virtual Panel For Junior Parents — Wednesday, April 3
Junior parents/guardians join admissions officers from a variety of colleges/universities for a virtual question and answer session about the college admission process on Wednesday, April 3, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Virtual: Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/htz-kscp-atf
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social — Friday, April 5
Missed your chance to play tennis in the fall? Join us on Friday, April 5, 9:00-11:30 a.m., at the Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, for some friendly matches with your Flint Hill community. Players of all levels are welcome. The event is free, but we do ask that you register in advance. Tournament play is limited to the first 32 registrants.
Plan to stay after the matches for light refreshments and prizes. Grandparents and alumni parents are welcome too, so invite a friend and meet us on the courts! Reach out to Olivia Landrum with any questions. Register today!
Upper School Spring Dance — Saturday, April 6
The SCA is hosting this year’s spring semi-formal dance on Saturday, April 6, 8:30-10:00 p.m. at the Upper School. This year’s theme is “Cherry Blossoms.” Students must arrive by 9:00 p.m. and stay until the end. Students are encouraged to attend with friends (dates are not necessary). Guest Forms (for outside guests only) are due to the dean of students by Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m.
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 24
This annual reception demonstrating the work that Upper School Visual Arts students have accomplished over the course of the year will take place on Wednesday, April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m., in the Upper School Commons.
How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions — Wednesday, April 24
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), which hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to register for PCW’s free Spring Speaker Series webinar, “How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions” on Wednesday, April 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
PCW is pleased to welcome Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark, authors of “The Truth About College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting in and Staying Together,” in conversation with Trudy Fleisher, college advisor at The Lab School of Washington. Barnard and Clark — with combined decades of experience and insight from both the high school and university sides of the process — will provide advice, strategies, and reassurance to navigate the college admission process together as a family in a way that makes the experience positive for everybody.
The discussion will feature topics such as:
- How to create a list of prospective schools.
- A better understanding of how colleges make admission decisions.
- Thinking through financial considerations: affordability and aid.
- Changes in standardized testing.
Register here. The event’s discussion format will feature ample opportunity for Q&A. We welcome questions in advance for the speakers, which may be submitted to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, April 19.
RSVP for Night on the Hill — Friday, April 26
You are invited to Night on the Hill on Friday, April 26, 8:00-10:00 p.m., at the Upper School! The night will feature great food, music, and activities throughout the building. Come together with fellow parents, alumni parents, and faculty to celebrate Flint Hill. This is your hall pass for a night of fun, and your only assignment is to connect with your Flint Hill community! Check your email for an electronic invitation and RSVP to attend.
Save the Date: Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde” — Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5
Details and information to reserve a seat for the always-entertaining Upper School musical are coming soon! In the meantime, save the date: Friday and Saturday, May 3-4, 7:00-9:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Location: Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater.
It’s Tee Time! Join us at the Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 23
We can’t wait to tee off with our Flint Hill community on Thursday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., at Westfields Golf Club for a casual golf scramble that brings together our Huskies like no other! This annual tradition has a history of selling out, so make plans early and register to play in the Invitational.
Not up for the full 18? The Skills Social is just for you — sign up to enjoy a morning connecting with fellow Huskies while getting some expert tips from a pro.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Visit the Flint Hill Golf Invitational website to register, sign up to volunteer, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Contact Engagement and Stewardship Director Tiffany Parry with questions.
Concessions Volunteers Needed: Spring Schedule Available
The spring athletics season is underway, and the Den will reopen for games! We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and the Den running. It’s a great way to meet other parents while supporting our community. Sign up for as many shifts as you'd like and invite a friend to join you. Students can volunteer too and receive service hours!
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the spring season comes a lot of rain and the potential for cancellations. In the case of inclement weather, the Athletics Department will determine by 1:30 p.m. whether a home game/meet will be canceled. If there is an away game/meet, the decision to play lies with the opposing school. Once a home game/meet is canceled, Flint Hill coaches will notify parents and students. Husky Hub will also be updated and be the source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Lead the Pack Challenge
Get ready Huskies — we’ve got an exciting challenge coming for you! Stay tuned and keep an eye on your inboxes on Monday, April 1, for more details on the Flint Hill Fund’s Lead the Pack Challenge.
Want to be a lead dog? If you have not yet participated this year, join in now and get to the front of the pack! Your gift of any amount will count toward your participation in this challenge and help to support students and teachers each and every day.
Let’s go Huskies!
Reminders
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings — Wednesday, April 3
Join us on Wednesday, April 3, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with Jennifer Weaver, LCSW, co-author of "Raising a Kid Who Can," and Amy Killy, LCSW, a parenting expert. Seating for this event is limited. Register here to reserve your seat!
As a follow-up to the April 3 event, we will host divisional morning sessions for parents to continue the conversation. No RSVP is needed to attend these sessions. We hope you'll plan to join us as we welcome our speakers back to campus to share concrete strategies for making simple shifts in your own behavior that can lead to significant changes in your children, and ultimately, create a more peaceful and cooperative household. Click here to learn more about the presenters.
Upper School: Wednesday, April 17
8:30-9:45 a.m., Upper School, Multipurpose Room
Middle School: Thursday, April 18
8:30-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons
Lower School: Friday, May 3
8:30-9:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 201
Submit Your Family’s Recipe for Our Community Cookbook!
Food has a unique way of bringing people together, creating memories, and telling stories. We believe that within our community lies a treasure trove of delicious family recipes, each with its own history and significance. Whether it's your grandma's secret lasagna, your uncle's famous barbecue sauce, or a cherished dessert passed down through generations, we want to celebrate the diverse and delectable tastes that make our community unique.
Here's how you can contribute:
- Submit Your Recipe: Share your favorite family recipe with us. From appetizers to main courses, desserts, and everything in between, we want to feature the best that our community has to offer.
- Tell Your Story: Along with your recipe, feel free to include a short story or memory associated with it. Whether it's a holiday tradition, a family gathering, or a special occasion, let's weave the fabric of our community through these culinary tales.
- Include a Photo: If you have a picture of the dish or a family gathering around it, we'd love to include it in the cookbook. It adds a personal touch and helps others envision the deliciousness!
- Submission Deadline: Please submit your recipes by Monday, April 1, to ensure we have ample time to compile and organize our community cookbook.
Contact Miles Henderson in the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion with any questions.
Upcoming Events
Arts Jam
Thursday, March 28
George Mason University Center for the Arts, Fairfax Campus, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 1
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP
Community Cookbook Recipe Submission Deadline
Monday, April 1
College Conference For Juniors
Wednesday, April 3
Upper School Campus, 8:25 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
College Conference Virtual Panel For Junior Parents
Wednesday, April 3
Virtual, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/htz-kscp-atf
Parent Education Series: Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings
Wednesday, April 3
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
RSVP
Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 5
Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Register
Upper School Spring Semi-Formal Dance
Saturday, April 6
Upper School Commons, 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Upper School Parent Education Series: Rethinking Parenting Anxious Kids
Wednesday, April 17
Upper School, Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:45 a.m.
National Letter of Intent Spring Signing Ceremony
Wednesday, April 24
Upper School Learning Commons, 1:20 p.m.
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 24
Upper School Commons, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Webinar: How Families Can Navigate the New World of College Admissions
Wednesday, April 24
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 26
Upper School Campus, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP
Upper School Fine Arts Awards Ceremony
Monday, April 29
Upper School Campus, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Junior and Senior Flag Football Game
Friday, May 3
Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Upper School Musical, “Legally Blonde”
Friday, May 3, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 4, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Details and Ticket Information Coming Soon!
