Upper School Newsletter – November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
Letter From The Division Director
As of today, for students, there are only two school days left before the Thanksgiving Break. However, the teachers will come to campus on the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week for professional development. I thought that sharing what we are working on during those days might be beneficial for our families.
Part of those two days will be spent working on our Virginia Association of Independent Schools accreditation report. We are in the midst of our accreditation renewal process, and a substantial task in that process is to write an extensive self-study. Faculty and staff have been working throughout the first semester gathering data and compiling information, so that we can complete this extensive document in advance of our accreditation visit in April.
We will also dedicate a substantial portion of the two days to discussing feedback and professional growth. Over the summer, the faculty and staff read the book “Thanks for the Feedback” with the intention of examining both how we provide feedback to students but also how we can best receive feedback to continue our own professional growth.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
2024-25 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
We have shared our 2024-25 Calendar Highlights on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.
Driving Spirit Award Nominations Now Open
The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill employees who lead by example through their dedication to students, faculty, or the Flint Hill community at large, as evidenced by their ability to energize and inspire the Husky community. Their embodiment of the Driving Spirit makes our School the special and unique place we all value, a place that respects and values all equally, leads and supports with compassion, acts with integrity to imagine what’s possible and where all are inspired to blaze their own trail.
Please think about the exceptional employees of Flint Hill who you believe fit this description. Complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 4.
FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2
Mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Tournament — Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2. We invite you to attend and support your Huskies on the court.
Friday, December 1
- Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Jackson Reed vs John Paul the Great
- Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Friendship Tech vs Archbishop Carroll
- Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs Episcopal
- Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Ballou
Saturday, December 2
- Game 5: 12:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 1 vs Loser of Game 3
- Game 6: 1:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 2 vs Loser of Game 4
- Game 7: 3:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game
- Game 8: 5:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game
Middle and Upper School Winter Concerts in December
Winter concert season kicks off on Monday, December 4, with the Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert, and continues into the month with the Band Concert on Wednesday, December 6; Percussion Concert on Monday, December 11; and Orchestra Concert on Wednesday, December 13.
All concerts will take place at the Olson Theater on the Lower School Campus, 7:00-9:00 p.m. We invite you to attend these performances that our students have worked hard to prepare for your enjoyment.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Meeting — Monday, December 4
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. We will meet to discuss “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Our book club provides a safe and engaging space for parents to read, discuss, and reflect on the 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 the meeting, and if you have any questions, please contact All-School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Wednesdays, December 6 and December 13
Meet up with parents for a rejuvenating walk through the trails and neighborhoods behind Oak Marr Rec Center. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in the leftmost parking lot of Oak Marr and walk for 45-60 minutes together. Sign up to attend. If you have any questions, please contact FH parent Molisa Meholic.
Location: Oak Marr Rec Center
Dates: Wednesday, December 6, and Wednesday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m.
US Division Coffee: Community Service — Wednesday, December 13
Parents are invited to the Upper School on Wednesday, December 13, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., to hear from our Upper School Community Service Coordinators. 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. Parents can learn how to be a partner in the process! The presentation will be followed by some open time for Q&A.
Fall Athletic Pictures Available for Purchase
To purchase candid pictures by Freed Photography taken during the Fall Athletic Season, please check your respective Husky Hub team page for a link. You may also click here and use Password: FLINT23SPORTCANDIDS to access the photos.
Volunteer in the Igloo — Winter Schedule Now Available!
The Den is now closed for the winter season, and the Igloo will be open for daytime concessions and basketball games. There are multiple opportunities available, and many volunteers are needed. It’s a great way to meet other parents. Upper School students can volunteer for games, too! Consider signing up for as many shifts as you'd like. Feel free to invite a friend to join you. Volunteer in the Igloo.
School Store: New and Restocked Items
The School Store has restocked items as well as added some new items.
School Store Restock:
- Port Authority Women's Vest in Blue and White
- FH Short Sleeve Tees in Adult and Youth Sizes
School Store New Items:
- Bella Canvas Adult Full Zip Hoodie in Navy
- FH Triblend Long-Sleeve Tee in Navy, Adult Sizes
- Champion Youth Hoodies in Blue and Gray
Reminders
Junior Family College Night — TONIGHT — Wednesday, November 15
Tonight — Wednesday, November 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m. — juniors and their parents/guardians are asked to join the Flint Hill College Counseling staff in the Upper School Gym for an overview of the college search and application process and our program. Attendance is required/expected for each junior and at least one parent/guardian. We will share our advice and insight for a successful college search process.
Raising a Kid Who Can — Tomorrow, Thursday, November 16
We look forward to welcoming members of the Flint Hill community and prospective parents tomorrow, Thursday, November 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Lower School’s Olson Theater for a presentation and Q&A with the authors of “Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength” — Dr. Catherine McCarthy, Dr. Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver. If you haven't already, register now!
Support Our Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — Through Friday, November 17
We are still collecting food donations for our Week of Thankful Giving. In the Upper School, each advisory will have a choice to participate by either collecting canned goods for Food for Others or collecting items needed for a Thanksgiving box for Cornerstones. If your student’s advisory is collecting for Food for Others, the greatest needs are canned meat, canned tomato products, spaghetti sauce, Chef Boyardee products, rice, chili or beef stew, peanut butter, and jelly. If your student’s advisory is collecting for the Thanksgiving Family Meal box, each student will be assigned a specific item to donate. Thank you for your participation! If you have any questions, contact Jennifer McKain.
Reminder for Sibling Early Applicants: Submit Supporting Materials by Thursday, November 30
Already turned in the application for your child’s sibling to become a Husky? All supporting materials and steps in your checklist must be completed by Thursday, November 30, to receive an admission indication in mid-December. Email admission@flinthill.org if you have any questions. If you’re interested in applying to Flint Hill for a sibling in a future year, complete this interest form.
Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill
Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! If you know someone who would make a great Husky, submit the Refer a Husky form and consider inviting them to these upcoming admission events:
- Virtual Curiosity Event — Wednesday, November 29, 8:00 p.m. Current families are welcome to attend.
- Middle School Info Session — Thursday, November 30, 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Dress Guidelines Clarification
Please remind your student that the dress guidelines are still in effect when a school group or club announces a spirit day. Because of the wide variety of clothes available in our dress guidelines, students can still participate while meeting those expectations. Also, we are reminding students that any spirit days will be announced in the Daily Report. If a student group announces a spirit day through social media, they should confirm through the Daily Report that it is sanctioned by the school.
Charles Kenney Memorial Trip for World War II History
We are excited to announce that the school will again be planning a trip to Normandy this summer for four members of the Class of 2025. The History Department will be announcing the steps for this selection process within the next couple of weeks. Families and students are encouraged to look for more information in the Daily Report.
Upcoming Events
Junior Family College Night
Wednesday, November 15
Upper School Gym, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
For Junior Families Only
Week of Thankful Giving
Thursday, November 16, and Friday, November 17
The Upper School will host a canned food drive benefiting Food for Others and meals for Cornerstones.
Raising a Kid Who Can, Parent Education Event
Thursday, November 16
Olson Theater, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve your seat
Faculty Professional Development Days
No School
Monday, November 20 - Tuesday, November 21
Thanksgiving Break
No School
Wednesday, November 22 - Friday, November 24
Upper School Winter Sports Picture Day
Tuesday, November 28
Upper School Commons, 2:45 p.m.
Virtual Curiosity Event
Wednesday, November 29, 8:00 p.m.
Current families are welcome to attend.
Sign up to attend
FH Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 1, 3:00-10:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 2, 12:00-7:00 p.m.
Upper School Gym
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 4
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
RSVP to attend
Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert
Monday, December 4
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Cooking Class
Tuesday, December 5
The Ilaria residence (address to be provided), 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Register to attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 6
Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Upper School Fall Athletic Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, December 6, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Upper School Gym
Middle and Upper School Winter Band Concert
Wednesday, December 6
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Winter Percussion Concert
Monday, December 11
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Upper School Division Coffee: Community Service
Wednesday, December 13
Multipurpose Room, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Wednesday, December 13
Oak Marr Rec Center, 8:30 a.m.
Sign up to attend
Middle and Upper School Winter Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, December 13
Lower School Olson Theater, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
