Upper School Newsletter – October 16, 2024
October 16, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
I hope that everyone had a wonderful long weekend that was replete with a mixture of adventure and rejuvenation. Today, I want to give everyone a short update on the process for analyzing our current phone policy at school. We had an amazingly well-attended parent coffee in September, which allowed the school to hear a wide variety of viewpoints and perspectives.
I have also had long open-session class meetings with grades 10, 11, and 12. I was supremely proud (but honestly not shocked) by the way the students self-advocated during those meetings, shared candid concerns, and engaged in respectful dialogue. Similar to the parent meeting, the students have a wide variety of ideas and perspectives about how to address phones in schools. Also, similar to the parent meeting, the students agree that we will never fully agree on what the policy should be, but as a community, we will simply need to move forward with whichever components of the policy don’t match our personal beliefs.
I still need to meet with grade 9, which is currently scheduled for Tuesday, October 22. We have also been talking to our peer schools to understand the policies that they implemented as well as any adaptations that they made since the beginning of the year. I also want to genuinely thank the community for all of the academic studies and news studies that have been sent to us for our review as we try to make the best data-driven decision possible.
As of now, we still don’t have an exact timeline for when we will craft and release this policy as we maintain our approach of careful deliberation. However, we are fully committed to giving an extensive amount of time after the announcement before it is implemented so families can adjust to any possible changes.
Go Huskies!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Special Assembly - Thursday, October 17
During tomorrow's flex block, speakers from I Have the Right To will be on campus to engage students in vital conversations about developing healthy relationships. Discussion topics include utilizing effective communication, navigating strong emotions, and understanding consent. This event, co-sponsored by the Counseling Department and the Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, is the first of a three-part series dedicated to enhancing social-emotional learning and fostering a sense of belonging. Please contact Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Mia Burton or Director of Counseling Tracie Epes with any questions.
Parent Conferences — Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1
Our annual Flint Hill School conference days will be held on Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1. At the Upper School, we offer 8-minute conference slots throughout those two days. Parents are encouraged to set up conferences with as few or as many of their student’s teachers as they deem appropriate. The School will notify families on Thursday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. when registration for time slots becomes available. You will have the option to choose in-person or virtual.
Under the Lights Week: Monday, October 21 - Friday, October 25
Join us for a week filled with Husky spirit and cheer on our athletic teams as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field! The week culminates with a bonfire and activities for all ages on Friday, October 25. Visit the Under the Lights webpage for the schedule of games and events!
There will be a normal dismissal and carpool on Friday, October 25.
4:00 p.m. — Activities begin at Peterson Middle School fields.
4:00-9:00 p.m. — Flint Hill school shuttle buses will run continuously between Upper and Lower School Campuses. Save time by parking at the Lower School and taking a shuttle.
Campus will close at the end of the football game, around 9:00 p.m., and all students should plan to depart campus within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
Guatemala Service Trip: Virtual Interest Meeting – Wednesday, October 23
Flint Hill is partnering with the 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, visit Mayan ruins, and tour Antigua and Quetzaltenango including a trip to an artisanal chocolate shop. Students will receive 30 hours of community service hours for the 2025-26 school year.
Associate Director of Counseling and Middle School Counselor John Magner and Director of Systems Operations and Systems Training Melissa Turner will be chaperoning the trip. Prior to COVID, we sent students and faculty to Guatemala every summer starting in 2010. We are excited to bring this wonderful tradition back!
A Virtual Interest Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 23, at 7:00 p.m. Use this link to attend: http://meet.google.com/dux-fqpk-prr
Trip Dates: July 27 to August 3, 2025
Cost: Approximately $2,700 including airfare
Parents Council of Washington Webinar: AI in Education 101
Register to attend the fall webinar presentation: AI in Education 101, on Tuesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Amanda Bickerstaff, co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, will share insights into the opportunities and challenges that AI can offer. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited to attend. Registered attendees may submit advance questions to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, October 18.
Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), a nonprofit organization that fosters communication within the greater Washington, D.C. independent school community. Their goal is to promote excellence in education by building a network among independent schools and their parent communities. The PCW Speaker Series features well-known authors, educators, and other professionals presenting on today’s issues, theories, and practices impacting our independent school community. One presentation is held in the fall and one in the spring, open to parents and staff at member schools.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
Parent meetups are small off-campus events focused on a shared activity or interest and are sponsored by the Parents’ Association. All JK-12 parents are invited to a free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents at Elahyoga Studio! This one-hour Vinyasa-style class is open to all levels, though it will move swiftly. Modifications will be provided, and everyone can move at their own pace. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Registration is limited to the first 20 participants. Learn more and register here.
The Good Doctor — Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9
If laughter is the best medicine, then The Good Doctor has your prescription. When one the 20th century’s funniest playwrights (the most Academy and Tony nominations) takes on one of the 19th century’s greatest writers (a father of modern theater) the result is a great night in the Olson. Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov’s The Good Doctor is a comedy ensemble piece touching on the highs and lows of family, difficult bosses, difficult customers, adolescence, doctor’s visits, auditions, seductions, and writer’s block. Performances will be held on the following dates and times in the Olson Theater. Tickets will be available in the next newsletter.
- Friday, November 8, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, November 9, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony
Our National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony is Wednesday, November 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Upper School Learning Commons. Come join us as we prepare to celebrate our student-athletes who will be signing letters of intent to compete for Division 1 programs during the early signing period. An email will be sent tomorrow, Thursday, October 17, to seniors from Director of Athletics Dewayne Robinson, asking for more information. The email contains an Early Signing Ceremony list that is required to be completed. The deadline to fill out this form will be Friday, October 25. Contact Rhamat Alhassan or Dewayne Robinson with any questions.
Junior Family College Night — Wednesday, November 13
The Junior Family College Night on November 13 at 7:00 p.m. is an opportunity for college counselors to share helpful guidance and advice with junior families. This 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.
Save the Date! Senior Parent Paint and Sip Happy Hour — Friday, November 15
On Friday, November 15, 5:00-8:00 p.m., spend time with fellow parents of seniors and join Upper School Divisional Ambassadors Wanda Bergeron, Tanya Loyd, Shamika Shahid, and Tamara Jones for a Paint and Sip Class at the International Country Club. This parent meetup is just for senior parents and is sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Invitations will be sent electronically to all senior families, and more details will be provided soon. Contact Tanya Loyd P'25 with questions in the meantime.
Location: International Country Club: 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033.
Athletics Conference Tournaments
As we approach the end of regular seasons, stay tuned to flinthill.org/athletics for the most up-to-date information on conference tournaments. This information will be available on the school website and on Husky Hub team pages.
Drop-In Bus Service Reminder
Drop-in bus service is available for morning, afternoon, and evening routes. There is a $40 drop-in fee. Drop-in bus service charges will be added to your Blackbaud Tuition Management account. To request drop-in bus service, please complete this form. Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email from bus@flinthill.org.
If your child plans to go home with a student who uses our bus service, you must complete this form to request this drop-in service.
This information is also available on the Bus Service tile on the Resource Board. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring a smooth transportation experience for all students. If you have questions or need additional information, please email bus@flinthill.org.
New Husky Hub Resource Board Tile: Health and Well-being
We have a new Husky Hub tile available to students and families! Our Health and Well-being tile includes information and resources from our Health Services and Counseling departments. There are sections for each division and specific resources for parents and students. We will update the information throughout the school year to include events and activities offered on campus and in the community. Check it out, and feel free to contact Director of Counseling Tracie Epes with any questions.
REMINDERS
Photo Day Portraits Now Available Online
Grades 9-11 Picture Makeup Day will take place this Friday, October 18. Flint Hill student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452.
Learning Center Parent Coffee — Wednesday, October 23
The Learning Center Parent Coffee is on Wednesday, October 23, 8:15-9:30 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria on the Lower School Campus. This is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Webinar: Balancing Student Technology — Friday, October 25
Flint Hill is curious and innovative, and with innovation comes technology. Balancing Student Technology is a virtual event on Friday, October 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m., where our tech experts will share how our students use technology. You’ll learn how to help your student make healthy decisions about their screen time. Sign up to attend Balancing Student Technology.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, November 4
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.
Whether you’re a passionate reader or just looking to connect with fellow parents, this book club promises to be an engaging and enriching experience. Join us as we explore meaningful literature, spark lively discussions, and foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Get ready for an exciting year ahead!
The first read is “Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution” by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner and the first meeting will take place on Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204. Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Sign up to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect. Contact Miles Henderson with any questions.
Upcoming Deadlines for Early Admission Process for Siblings
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. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Refer a Husky to Flint Hill
Do you know a family who’d make a great addition to the Flint Hill community? The Admission Team values referrals from current families. You know Flint Hill best! Encourage your interested colleagues, neighbors, and friends to connect with us as early as possible to allow us to best plan with prospective families. Fill out this form to refer a potential new Husky.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
We’re always looking for more volunteers to keep the Igloo running each day! Make a difference by signing up for a shift … and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
November SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, October 18
Grades 9-11 Picture Makeup Day
Friday, October 18
Girls’ Varsity Soccer Senior Night
Monday, October 21
Peterson Middle School, Peterson Family Field, 5:00 p.m.
Varsity Field Hockey Senior Night
Tuesday, October 22
Peterson Middle School, Peterson Family Field, 5:30 p.m.
Learning Center Parent Coffee
Wednesday, October 23
Miller House Cafeteria on the Lower School Campus, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Guatemala Service Trip: Virtual Interest Meeting
Wednesday, October 23
http://meet.google.com/dux-fqpk-prr, 7:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Thursday, October 24
The location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Junior and Senior Flag Football Game
Thursday, October 24
Peterson Middle School, Peterson Family Field, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, October 25
Upper School Building, Learning Commons Conference Room, 8:25 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Friday Night Lights Bonfire
Friday, October 25
Middle and Upper School Campus, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
Varsity Football Senior Night
Friday, October 25
Peterson Middle School, Peterson Family Field, 6:00 p.m.
Webinar: Balancing Student Technology
Friday, October 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Sign Up for This Virtual Event
ACT
Saturday, October 26
Virtual Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series: AI for Education
Tuesday, October 29
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
Grades JK-12 Parent Conferences — No Classes
October 31 - November 1, 2024
SAT
Saturday, November 2
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 4
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign up to be included on our email list
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class
Monday, November 4
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW, Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180
Register
Upper School Winter Sports Begin
Wednesday, November 6
Note: Ice Hockey begins on Monday, October 28
December ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 8
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 8
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Friday, November 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Save the Date: Upper School Play “The Good Doctor”
Saturday, November 9
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony
Wednesday, November 13
Upper School Learning Commons, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Junior Family College Night
Wednesday, November 13
Upper School Gym, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Important: it's required that each junior and at least one parent/guardian attend.
Save the Date: Senior Parent Paint and Sip Happy Hour
Friday, November 15
5:00-8:00 p.m.
International Country Club: 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, November 15
Upper School Building, Learning Commons Conference Room, 8:25 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
