Upper School Newsletter – May 22, 2024
MAY 22, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
As of today, we have finished normal classes with the remainder of the school days dedicated to taking final exams. The regular exam period runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. Students are required to stay until at least 11:00 a.m. for each test. Please note that students are welcome and encouraged to leave campus upon finishing their exam. We run a very small lunch service during those days just for students who have to take afternoon exams. If a student should become ill during the exam week, they should contact their teacher to schedule the makeup exam.
I also want to give a gentle nudge to encourage your students to get good sleep and eat a solid breakfast with slow-burning carbohydrates, as opposed to sugar and caffeine, before their exams. I have been part of different exam weeks for 25 years, and I have often seen a student perform suboptimally once the sugar rush has ended, which often leads to memory fog and slower executive functioning.
The exam schedule is:
- Thursday, May 23 — History
- Friday, May 24 — Modern and Classical Languages
- Tuesday, May 28 — English
- Wednesday, May 29 — Math
- Thursday, May 30 — Science
Please note that during the exam period, we do not run an evening bus service at 6:00 p.m., but we will continue to run the afternoon bus service at 3:45 p.m.
In next week’s newsletter, I will send details regarding our Upper School Awards Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, May 31, at 1:00 p.m. Please note that families will receive a direct invitation from the Upper School Awards Coordinator or the sponsors of a particular Honors Society if their student is winning an award. But please read the notice carefully because many of these awards will be a surprise to your student!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesday, May 29
Join fellow parents on Wednesday, May 29, 8:20-9:15 a.m., for one last walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Check the sign-up form for more information and location details. If you have any questions, please contact Flint Hill parent Molisa Meholic '29.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Saturday, June 1
Saturday, June 1, is the date on which your 2024-25 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2024-25 school year after Saturday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Saturday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 3
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 31, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 3, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 3, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Senior Parents — Encourage Your Senior to Turn in Their Time Capsule
Since 2006, each senior class has created a time capsule filled with pictures, letters, notes, and other memorable items from being a student at Flint Hill. Each senior’s personal time capsule is added to their class’ time capsule, which is sealed, saved by the school, and opened at their 10-year Reunion.
Many of this year’s seniors have turned in their time capsules, and we hope every senior will participate. If your senior hasn’t turned theirs in, they can drop off their completed time capsules to the Head of School’s Office anytime through Commencement day.
The tradition of opening the time capsule has become one of the most loved highlights of Reunion Weekend since the Class of 2006 opened theirs in 2016. Recently, the Class of 2014 opened their time capsule and shared some suggestions for the Class of 2024 of what to include in their capsule.
Encourage your senior to participate, and they will have fun opening their time capsule in 2034!
2024 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 10, and Friday, August 23. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus. This information is also available on the Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year tile on the Resource Board.
Upper School Summer Open Gym — Starts Tuesday, June 4
Join Coach Keith Trumps this summer for Open Gym in the Upper School Weight Room, from Tuesday, June 4, to Friday, August 9. Note: There will be no Open Gym on: Thursday, July 4; Friday, July 5; Thursday, July 25; and Friday, July 26.
Open Gym Hours:
- Tuesdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Fridays 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Gratitude for Our Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career/educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors.
Upper School
Annie Broche, Upper School French Teacher
Clinton Fitzgerald, Upper School Science Teacher
Dejon Griffin, Upper School Math Teacher
Liz Hammond, Upper School Nurse
Ariel Harper, Fine Arts Event Manager and Upper School Dance Teacher
Michelle Robinson, Upper School Learning Specialist
Jeff Sealy, Upper School English Teacher
Steve Spratt, Head Varsity Girls' Tennis Coach (October 2023)
Ken Whitley, Lower, Middle, and Upper School Orchestra Teacher
Jared Worley, Strength and Conditioning Coach (December 2023)
All School
Rick Clark, Controller
Ana Yarbrough, Executive Assistant to the Head of School (October 2023)
Reminders
A Reminder About Modern Language Exams
The Modern Language Final Exams are on Friday, May 24. However, because these exams measure proficiency, not only in Reading and Writing but also Listening and Speaking, they have a unique schedule. On Friday, May 24, we will conduct the Reading and Writing. We conducted the Listening and Speaking portions the week of May 13 to give students adequate time because they require one-on-one time with the instructor of the courses. This message is shared with the students in their Modern Language classes, but we wanted to make sure that parents were aware as well.
Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2024-25 school year. Preparing for the 2024-25 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Friday, June 14, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
Countdown to Blue Chip Tennis Camp — 3 Weeks Away
Enter a raffle by tonight, Wednesday, May 22, 8:00 p.m., to win a 7-night adventurous yet romantic getaway at Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort in Belize! Your stay includes accommodation in a run-of-house room, including daily breakfast, welcome drink, and free use of kayaks and bikes in the local area.
Proceeds benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in Honor of Sally Hazel. Since 2012, the endowment has supported financial aid for students whose families experienced unexpected financial hardship.
HOW TO ENTER
- Purchase raffle tickets online, arrange to pick up your stubs, or contact Tiffany Parry to purchase tickets in person. The raffle is open to anyone over the age of 18. Parents, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors may purchase too.
THE DRAWING
- The drawing will be held and recorded on Thursday, May 23, at the Westfields Golf Club at 2:30 p.m.
- Winner need not be present to win.
- The winning raffle ticket will be announced on Thursday, May 23, to all ticket-holders who provided their email address.
- The winning raffle ticket number will also be posted on the raffle’s webpage.
Visit flinthill.org/raffle to buy tickets and learn more! Contact Tiffany Parry with any questions.
Junior-Senior Prom Tickets — Until Tuesday, May 28
The Junior-Senior prom is on Tuesday, June 4, 8:30-11:00 p.m., at Brentsville Hall in Manassas, VA. Tickets will be available for purchase until Tuesday, May 28.
- Tickets cost $55 for seniors and $60 for juniors and guests.
- Students in Grades 9, 10, and any non-FH student may only attend as a guest of a Flint Hill junior or senior (limit of one guest per student).
- Students in Grades 11 and 12 received an email, on April 22, with the link to purchase tickets and may also refer to the Daily Report for the link.
All students must arrive no later than 9:00 p.m. and stay until 10:30 p.m. The event will be chaperoned by Flint Hill staff and security.
For students who would like to bring a guest from outside of Flint Hill, here is a link to the Prom Guest Form. Forms are due to either Mr. Kane or Mr. Chang by 3:30 pm on Tuesday, May 28. All guests must have a valid, completed form on file to attend the prom.
If a guest must leave the prom before 10:30 p.m., the guest’s parent/guardian must email both Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang. To receive permission to leave early, the guest must also inform both Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang of the individual transportation arrangements. Entire groups will not be excused to leave prom early because one person within the group has an early curfew. Please contact Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang with any questions.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off — Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Time for some spring cleaning! Parents can drop off gently used uniform and spiritwear items on the Miller House front porch, on the Lower School Campus, from Tuesday, May 28, to Monday, June 3. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate, too. Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.
Dance Team Open Practice — Wednesday, May 29
Calling all dancers! All 7th-12th grade students are invited to an Open Practice on Wednesday, May 29, 3:45-5:45 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Students will learn more about the dance team and join Head Coach Olivia Landrum for technique practice. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in joining the team to practice skills ahead of the tryouts, which will be Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Register for Open Practice. Submit a registration form for each participating student.
Senior Parent Dinner — RSVP By Wednesday, May 29
On Monday, June 3, the Parents’ Association will host the Class of 2024 Parent Dinner off campus while the seniors have a student dinner hosted by Mr. McHonett on campus.
RSVP by Wednesday, May 29 to attend the parent dinner.
Upper School Awards Ceremony — Friday, May 31
We will hold the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 31, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Because the Grade 6 and Grade 8 Promotion Ceremonies are also taking place that day in the Upper School, we are asking students to wait until 12:00 p.m. before arriving on campus so we have ample parking and space. Here are some other key pieces of information about the ceremony.
- If a student is winning an award that day, we will contact their family in advance so they can attend. Attendance for Upper School students is encouraged but not required.
- Parents attending the event should park in the Upper School visitor parking or faculty parking areas and walk over to the Upper School Gym.
- The Awards Ceremony program includes the presentation of a variety of Flint Hill endowed awards, community awards, membership in honors societies, and the announcement of the Flint Hill Medal award winners.
- Recommended dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress.
- Students are dismissed from school immediately after the ceremony.
- Please note that there is no bus service on this day.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts — Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Interested in being a member of the Upper School Dance Team? Tryouts are open to all rising grades 9-12 students and will be held Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Register to attend tryouts, and contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum for more information.
New Tennis Summer Camp Run by Blue Chip Tennis — Monday, June 10 - Friday, August 9
As a reputable sports management company, Blue Chip is renowned for its commitment to excellence, top-tier coaching staff, and dedication to quality service and client satisfaction. Camp is designed for all levels of players 5-18 years old. They offer a half-day or full-day option. Players will be grouped by age/skill level and exposed to learning technique, drills and match play challenges.
Full Day Camp: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch not included)
1 week: $485
Half Day Camp: 9:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m.
1 week: $330
*Before- and after-care is available at an additional cost.
Camps run Monday, June 10 through Friday, August 9, on the tennis courts at the Middle and Upper School Campus. Click here to register! You must create an account to register and Flint Hill families should be sure to select the Flint Hill Family membership when signing up.
Guatemala Service Trip
Flint Hill is partnering with Highland Support Project to offer a service learning experience in Guatemala. The service project focuses on building stoves in the homes of rural Mayan families and providing art education at a local school. While service is the primary focus of the trip, students have the opportunity to zipline at Lake Atitlán and tour Mayan ruins, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango. Students will receive 60 hours of community service hours for the 2024-25 school year.
Date: July 6-13, 2024
Cost: Approx. $2,700 including airfare
Details: Learn more about the trip and express your interest
Host Families for Spanish Exchange Students in 2024-25
We are excited to welcome back our friends from our exchange school, the Instituto Josep Vallverdú in Cataluña, Spain. They will visit Flint Hill from Monday, September 9, to Thursday, September 19. We are looking for host families to provide lodging, meals, and transportation to school during this time. The students will visit the major Washington, D.C., landmarks with their teachers, so families don't have to worry about planning special excursions. This is a great opportunity for Flint Hill students to practice their Spanish, but families do not have to speak any Spanish, as the exchange students are here to practice English. The group will include 16 students. Please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting, and contact Kristin Piazza with any questions.
Spring Uniform Return
As the spring season ends, please have students return their uniforms to Mr. Alex Walker. Uniforms should be washed, dried, and placed in a plastic bag with the student’s name. If no one is available in the Athletics Department at the time of drop off, we ask that the bagged uniform be placed in the bin by the athletic closet.
Spring Athletic Pictures by Freed Photography
To purchase pictures taken by Freed Photography during the Spring Athletic Season, use the links below or check your respective Husky Hub team page.
Upper School Athletics:
- Team/Individual Pictures Password: FLINT24SPS
- Action Shots
Fall Athletics Tryout Information on Husky Hub
Please visit our varsity team pages on Husky Hub (listed below) to find detailed tryout and preseason information. The Athletics tile on the Resource Board also offers helpful information.
Team Page Links:
Cross-Country
Field Hockey — Girls’
Dance Team
Football — Boys’
Golf
Soccer — Boys'
Soccer — Girls'
Tennis — Girls'
Volleyball — Girls’
Upcoming Events
Deadline to Enter Belize Resort Raffle — TONIGHT
Wednesday, May 22
8:00 p.m.
Enter to Win!
Flint Hill Golf Invitational
Thursday, May 23
Westfields Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Register
Upper School Exams
Thursday, May 23 - Thursday, May 30
- Thursday, May 23 — History
- Friday, May 24 — Modern Languages
- Tuesday, May 28 — English
- Wednesday, May 29 — Math
- Thursday, May 30 — Science
Memorial Day
Monday, May 27
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Junior-Senior Prom Ticket Deadline
Tuesday, May 28
Buy Ticket
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop Off
Tuesday, May 28 - Monday, June 3
Lower School Campus, Miller House
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, May 29
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Dance Team Open Practice
All 7-12 grade students
Wednesday, May 29
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
Register
End of Fourth Quarter/Second Semester
Thursday, May 30
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 30
Upper School Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 31
Upper School Gym, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Final Medication Pickup Dates
Friday, May 31
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Monday, June 3
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Saturday, June 1
Grade 12 Parent Dinner
Monday, June 3
Location: 8024 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA
6:00-9:00 p.m.
RSVP by Wednesday, May 29
Upper School Summer Open Gym Begins
Tuesday, June 4
Upper School Weight Room
Join Coach Keith Trumps on these days:
- Tuesdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Thursdays 12:00-1:00 p.m.
- Fridays 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Rising grades 9-12 students
Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Register to Attend Tryouts
Junior-Senior Prom
Tuesday, June 4
Brentsville Hall in Manassas, VA
8:30-11:00 p.m.
Commencement
Friday, June 7
Upper School Gym, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Online Back-to-School Forms Due
Friday, June 14
Forms are available on Husky Hub
