Upper School Newsletter – November 13, 2024
November 13, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Good evening Husky families,
In the past, we have included teacher comments in our third-quarter grade reports. Over the last couple of years, we have started to evaluate whether the structure and timing of those teacher comments could be improved. Though the narrative structure is useful, we have seen other schools move toward a mastery or skills-based structure to try and provide as much information as possible. Though a grade can be a useful tool to understand student success in very general terms, it doesn’t provide enough information regarding which skills the student has mastered and which skills are still developing. While students are on Thanksgiving break, the Upper School faculty and staff will be examining models for possible comment structures that might be better suited to advancing student learning.
I mentioned above that we also evaluated the timing of these comments. In the current structure, students received those comments in early April. Now that we are utilizing a semester grading system, that timing is no longer feasible. Also, we felt that if we moved comments to the end of the first semester, it would allow students more time to react to the comments and show improvement in the second semester.
As a reminder, the semester ends on Friday, December 20. Grades and comments will be released in the middle of January.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Last Chance to Order! 20th Annual Tip-Off Classic T-Shirt
The 20th Annual Tip-Off t-shirts are available for preorder! T-shirts are $20 each and will be delivered to student’s classrooms during Tip-Off week. This preorder will be open until tomorrow, Thursday, November 14. Exchanges and returns are not available on this item. If you have any questions, email the School Store.
Opportunities and Updates from the Admission Team
Invite Your Friends to Check Out the Upper School! Do you have friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors who are interested in Flint Hill? Invite them to sign up for the Upper School Preview on Sunday, November 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m. They’ll tour the Upper School and hear from faculty, leaders, parents, and students about what sets our program apart and how our students succeed. Send your colleagues this signup link.
Bring Your Curiosity to our Virtual Curiosity Event! Our faculty and staff will be on hand to answer your questions about how we motivate students to imagine what’s possible on Wednesday, November 20, 8:00-9:00 p.m. While this event was initially designed with prospective families in mind, we’ve heard that many current families are also eager to dive deeper into how we fuel students’ curiosity. We look forward to a lively and engaging discussion! Register today.
Important: Upcoming Deadline for Sibling Admission! As a reminder, we are offering members of our Husky community an early start to the admission process for siblings who do not currently attend Flint Hill and are interested in applying for the 2025-26 school year. The application deadline for grades 3-11 is Saturday, November 30. Grades JK-2 must have all application pieces submitted, but you can schedule parent interviews, Gesell, and student visits through early December.
Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for more details, or reach out to admission@flinthill.org with questions.
Financial Aid Application — Due Sunday, December 1
Submit your financial aid application by Sunday, December 1. Enrollment contracts and financial aid decisions are issued for current students on Wednesday, January 29. Contact admission@flinthill.org with any questions.
20th Annual Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Classic Tournament — Friday, December 6 - Saturday, December 7
The 20th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Classic is around the corner! We invite you to come support your Huskies on the court. The tournament will begin on Friday, December 6, and conclude on Saturday, December 7.
Friday, December 6
Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) South County vs Trinity Episcopal
Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Sandy Spring vs Springdale
Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Forest Park
Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Friendship Tech
Saturday, December 7
Game 5: 11:00 a.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 3 vs Loser of Game 1
Game 6: 12:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 4 vs Loser of Game 2
Game 7: 2:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
Game 8: 4:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, December 9
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, December 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room and we'll be discussing, “It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” (adapted for young readers) by Trevor Noah. *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.
Student Travel Opportunity to Costa Rica and Peru: Summer 2026
Big news, Flint Hill parents! Your student can travel to Costa Rica and Peru with Ms. Cady in the Summer of 2026 to attend the EF Student Leadership Conference. The theme is "The Power of Environmental Stewardship." This opportunity is open to Flint Hill students who are currently in 7th-10th grades. There will be an in-person informational meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 6:00-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Learning Commons. Register to attend.
Upper School Coffee: Community Service — Wednesday, December 11
Parents are invited to hear from our Upper School Community Service Coordinators on Wednesday, December 11, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. They will discuss the philosophy and approach of the community service program as well as the resources and support that are available to students/families.
Join the Fun — Volunteer at the Igloo!
The winter season has arrived, and the Igloo is gearing up to serve our school community during both basketball games and daytime hours. But, we can’t do it without YOU! We're looking for volunteers to help us run the concessions stand each day.
Why Volunteer?
- It’s Fun: Interact with our wonderful students and community members.
- Bring a Friend: Volunteering is more fun when you do it together! Invite a friend or family member to join you. It’s a great way to meet other parents too.
- Students Welcome: Upper School students can volunteer and earn service hours!
Ready to help? Sign up here.
REMINDERS
Junior Family College Night — TONIGHT!
The Junior Family College Night is tonight, Wednesday, November 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for college counselors to share helpful guidance and advice with junior families. The program will provide an overview of the individual counseling process, how to evaluate colleges for admission accessibility, and the support services that the college counselors will provide throughout the college search and application process. The College Planner will also be distributed. Please note that attendance is required by each junior and at least one parent/guardian. Note, tonight is a "no homework" night for juniors to accommodate their attendance at the event.
Register for Senior Parent Meetup: Paint and Sip Happy Hour — Friday, November 15
There’s still time to register for the Senior Parent Paint and Sip Class on Friday, November 15, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033. This parent meetup is for senior parents only and is sponsored by the Parents’ Association. There is a $50 registration fee. Grab your spot here and contact Tanya Loyd P'25 with questions.
Upcoming Events
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection
November 11-18
Junior Family College Night
Wednesday, November 13
Upper School Gym, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
20th Annual Tip-Off T-Shirt Deadline
Thursday, November 14
Preorder Now
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, November 15
Upper School Learning Commons Conference Room
8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Senior Parent Meetup: Paint and Sip Happy Hour
Friday, November 15
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
Register
Upper School Preview
Sunday, November 17
Upper School Campus, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Invite Your Friends to Sign Up
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 19
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042
Virtual Curiosity Event
Wednesday, November 20
8:00-9:00 p.m.
Sign up for this Virtual Event
*While designed with prospective families in mind we've heard that current families also enjoy attending this event.
Parent Volunteers: Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Drop off at the Miller House
7:45-8:15 a.m.
Signup Now Closed
Parent Volunteers: Wrap and Organize Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Miller House Cafeteria
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Signup Now Closed
December SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 22
Thanksgiving Break — No Classes
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
Deadline for Early Admission Process for Siblings
Saturday, November 30
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Current Families
Sunday, December 1
Upper School Tip-Off Pep Rally
Wednesday, December 4
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Upper School Winter Athletics Picture Day
Wednesday, December 4, 2:45-5:45 p.m.
20th Annual FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 6, 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m.
Upper School Gym
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 9
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert
Monday, December 9
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Learning Center and College Admission Virtual Workshop for Junior Parents
Tuesday, December 10
Virtual, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
*Note, this event is for Junior Families only.
Information Session: Student Travel Opportunity to Costa Rica and Peru, Summer 2026
Tuesday, December 10
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Register to Attend
Upper School Coffee: Community Service
Wednesday, December 11
Multipurpose Room, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, December 11
Lower School Olson Theater, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, December 13
Upper School Learning Commons, 8:25 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Science Olympiad
Saturday, December 14
Upper School Building, 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Percussion Concert
Monday, December 16
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Upper School Fall Athletics Awards Ceremony
Tuesday, December 17
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
End of First Semester
Friday, December 20
Winter Break
December 21, 2024 – January 5, 2025
