Upper School Newsletter – October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
The faculty are very excited to meet with you over the next couple of days at Parent Conferences. As I sat here thinking about those meetings next week, one of the faculty (Jackie Carroll) walked by the desk I had set up as my work station in the Commons. Somewhat serendipitously (and somewhat seeking inspiration for this newsletter), I asked her what she would want parents to know about conference days. She quickly replied, “that we are just as excited to hear from them about their child as they are to hear from us about how their student is faring in the class.”
It was a great reminder that one of the key tools in a teacher’s tool belt comes from the insights shared by parents about their own children. With that in mind, we are looking forward to having some productive two-way conversations at conferences about our Huskies!
Go Huskies!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Invite Your Friends: Intro to Flint Hill Webinar — Friday, November 8
Do you have friends, family, colleagues, or neighbors who have questions about Flint Hill? Invite them to sign up for The Throughline: Vigor and Vitality at Every Level, an introduction to Flint Hill’s educational philosophy. Director of Academics Aaron Proctor will present at this virtual event for prospective families on Friday, November 8, 12:00-12:30 p.m. Send your colleagues this signup link.
Reserve Seats for the Upper School Play Production of “The Good Doctor” — Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9
The Box Office is open for our Upper School play production of “The Good Doctor!” If laughter is the best medicine, then “The Good Doctor” has your prescription. When one of 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. The themes are PG-13. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. Reserve your tickets today. Performances will be held on the following dates and times in the Olson Theater in the Activity Center of the Hazel Lower School.
- 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 — Wednesday, November 13
Our National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony is Wednesday, November 13, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Come join us to celebrate our student-athletes who will sign letters of intent to compete for Division 1 programs.
Director of Athletics Dewayne Robinson emailed seniors on Thursday, October 17, 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 was Friday, October 25. Contact Rhamat Alhassan or Dewayne Robinson with any questions.
Parent Volunteers: Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation — Thursday, November 21
Calling all bakers! Show our faculty/staff a slice of our appreciation by baking and assembling a special treat before Thanksgiving break. Mini pies should be dropped off during morning carpool on Thursday, November 21, 7:45-8:15 a.m., at the Miller House. Wrapping and organizing pies will take place after carpool, 8:30-10:00 a.m., in the Miller House Cafeteria. Sign up to bake or wrap your favorite mini pies — tins will be provided! Contact Olivia Landrum '11 in the Advancement Office with questions.
Athletics Conference Tournaments
As we approach the end of the regular fall season, 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.
Your Support of Flint Hill Makes a Difference
Over the past month, you’ve received a series of emails about the Flint Hill Fund with details about how you and other supporters help to make this school a place where students matter most.
You've heard from real people about the options you have when making a gift.
And you've learned about the different areas of the school where you can make an impact.
If you have questions about participating in the Flint Hill Fund or want more information, please contact Director of the Flint Hill Fund Chris Kitzmiller.
Ready to be counted in?
- Give today securely online or see other ways you can give.
- Pledge now, pay later — Let us know the amount and month you want to give — we’ll count you in right away. You have the flexibility to pay by June 30 and get a reminder during the month you picked. But, other than that, you won’t hear much beyond “thank you.”
REMINDERS
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. Faculty look forward to welcoming parents to the Upper School, where we offer 8-minute conference slots throughout the two days.
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! Here is the title and date for the first meeting of the 2024-25 school year:
“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
*Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
Monday, November 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School, Room 204
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.
Parent Meetup: Yoga Class — Monday, November 4
There are still a few spots open for this free yoga class on Monday, November 4, 1:00-2:30 p.m., just for Flint Hill parents, at Elahyoga Studio, hosted by Lower School Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Viny Frontin. All JK-12 parents are invited to a one-hour Vinyasa-style class for all levels. Stay after class for conversations and light refreshments. Location: Elahyoga Studio, 111 Church St. NW Suite 204, Vienna, VA 22180. Learn more and register here!
Junior Family College Night — Wednesday, November 13
The Junior Family College Night on Wednesday, November 13, 7:00-9:00 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.
Register for Senior Parent Meetup: Paint and Sip Happy Hour — Friday, November 15
Register for the Senior Parent Meetup: Paint and Sip Happy Hour on Friday, November 15, 5:00-8:00 p.m., at the International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033. Spend time with fellow parents of seniors and join Upper School Divisional Ambassadors Wanda Bergeron, Tanya Loyd, Shamika Shahid, and Tamara Jones. This parent meetup is just for senior parents and is sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Contact Tanya Loyd P'25 with questions.
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.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo
Volunteers are needed to keep the Igloo running each day! Make a difference by signing up for a shift, and invite a friend to join you!
November 8 Deadline 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. The deadline for several application pieces is Friday, November 8. Please refer to the email you received from Jennifer Webb on Monday, October 14, for important details and deadlines.
Upcoming Events
Grades JK-12 Parent Conferences – No Classes
Thursday, October 31 - Friday, November 1
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 Athletics Begin
Wednesday, November 6
Note: Ice Hockey began 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.
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
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 19
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Location: Open Road, 8100 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042
December SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 22
Parent Volunteers: Drop Off Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Drop off at the Miller House
7:45-8:15 a.m.
Sign Up
Parent Volunteers: Wrap and Organize Pies for Teacher Appreciation
Thursday, November 21
Miller House Cafeteria
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign Up
Thanksgiving Break – No Classes
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
