Upper School Newsletter – September 18, 2024
September 18, 2024
Letter From The Division Director
Hello, Husky families. I was very appreciative of the candid and judicious conversation that I had with many of you at my recent Parent Coffee to explore possible phone policies for Flint Hill. It was a perfect example of how we are a diverse community with various philosophies on many topics, but we can still share ideas in an effective way because we are united by our focus on the students and what is best for their development and education.
I also met with the 11th grade class that day to hear their thoughts. Over the course of an hour, many different students shared their ideas about various possible policies or structures. They also were measured, respectful, but still frank about their thoughts. The Dean of Students is currently scheduling times for me to meet with the other grades as well.
Many families asked me about our possible timeline for making this decision. The honest answer is that we have not committed yet to a specific day to make a decision because we want the process to run its course. However, we can assure families that we will create a gap of time between announcing the policy and implementing the policy, because we recognize it might require some adjustments for students and families.
I have received communication from many parents who couldn’t attend the Parent Coffee last week but still want to share their thoughts. I still welcome those communications if you have ideas you want to share about your concerns or hopes for the phone policy moving forward.
Go Huskies!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upper School Homecoming Spirit Days — Monday, September 23 - Friday, September 27
To celebrate the week of Homecoming, students are encouraged to dress according to the themes listed on the days below or be in regular school dress if they choose not to participate. Wear the Homecoming 2024 t-shirt on Saturday, September 28!
- Monday, September 23: Jersey Day
- Tuesday, September 24: Holiday Day
- Wednesday, September 25: Red/White/Blue Day
- Thursday, September 26: Country/ Country Club Day
- Friday, September 27: Color Day (9th Grade: Green; 10th Grade: Blue; 11th Grade: White; 12th Grade: Black)
Homecoming Weekend — Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
Join the Flint Hill community for a weekend filled with athletic events, food, and fun for the entire family! Visit flinthill.org/homecoming for the full schedule of events.
Helpful Tips:
- All activities take place on the Middle and Upper School campus near the Peterson Family Field and the Norris E. Mitchell Field.
- Plan extra time to park. On Friday, spots will fill quickly in the Middle and Upper School lots. Overflow parking will be directed to the Lower School campus at 10409 Academic Drive. Flint Hill School bus shuttles will run Friday night and Saturday, continuously, between the Lower School Campus and the Upper School carpool circle. Pro tip: Save time searching for a spot and park in the Lower School parking lot on Friday!
- Lower and Middle School parents should attend events with their children. Students should not be dropped off unattended.
- Important Friday night information: the Middle and Upper School fields close at 7:30 p.m. At that time, all students will be directed to the gym. The volleyball game ends at approximately 8:30 p.m. Campus will close, and all students should plan to depart campus within 15 minutes of the end of the game.
- The School Store and concession stands accept cash, credit cards, Google, and Apple Pay.
Homecoming Volunteers Make a Difference
Volunteering is a great way to meet more Huskies while making a difference (and it’s fun)! Sign up here and invite a friend to join you. Students may volunteer and earn service hours.
Upper School Homecoming Dance — Saturday, September 28
The Upper School Student Council Association hosts the Homecoming Dance for all students on Saturday, September 28, 8:30-10:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons. Tickets are not required to attend, and the event is free. Students are encouraged to attend with friends and are not expected to bring a date. Those who wish to bring a guest from another school may apply to bring one guest by submitting the Flint Hill Dance Guest Form by Tuesday, September 24, at 3:30 p.m. No exceptions will be given to late forms. In addition, students should not rent limousines or party buses for this event. All students and guests must arrive by 9:00 p.m. and are required to stay until 10:00 p.m.
College Financial Aid Virtual Workshop — Monday, October 7
On Monday, October 7, 7:00-8:15 p.m., join a local financial aid officer to learn about the need-based financial aid process (as opposed to merit scholarship opportunities). This program is open to families of any grade level; however, junior and senior families may find it most helpful. Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/xhq-ipbp-tep
PSAT Day — Tuesday, October 15
The PSAT is a national test that is used as a preparation tool for the SAT and also to determine the recipients for the various National Merit programs. All 10th and 11th graders are required to take the test on Tuesday, October 15, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Because of the amount of students missing throughout the day during the administration of the test, we have canceled classes for 9th and 12th grades on that day. Please note that this day is after the long three-day weekend of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We planned this elongated weekend to help any 12th graders who want to visit colleges. Specific testing information for 10th and 11th graders will be coming soon from Dr. Deanna Tomanelli, our PSAT coordinator.
Upper School Division Coffee: Meet Director of the Upper School Don Paige — Wednesday, October 16
Parents are invited to an Upper School Division Coffee on Wednesday, October 16, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, for an informal conversation with Director of the Upper School Don Paige. This is an annual open forum opportunity for parents to discuss any topic.
Photo Day Portraits Now Available Online
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. Grades 9-11 Picture Makeup Day is scheduled for Friday, October 18.
Senior Portraits: Seniors who have had their yearbook/senior portraits taken can now view and order online. You should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301-652-5452. Seniors who have not had their portrait taken should plan to have it taken on Friday, September 26. Be sure to schedule a time slot using this link.
Winter Season Athletic Selections — Monday, September 23
Upper School students will be invited by email to complete their winter season selection on Monday, September 23. Replies are due by Friday, September 27. Winter schedules will be posted on the website and on Husky Hub on Tuesday, October 1, and the Winter Season tryout calendar with locations will be posted on Husky Hub on Monday, October 14
Important for Student-Athletes: Self-Carry Medications
If your child is self-carrying their medications (inhalers and epi-pens), please remind them to carry those with them at all times. This includes when they are on their way to and from all practices/games, regardless if they are on or off campus. It must be easily accessible for them during their activity.
Watching Live Streamed Athletics
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School or Lower School campuses will be streamed via Hudl TV. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser or downloading the Hudl Fan app. After downloading the app or navigating to fan.hudl.com search for “Flint Hill School.” You will now have access to all games that are being streamed. Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for the Middle School and Upper School athletic schedules.
Discover Uruguay! A Spring Break 2025 Travel Opportunity
Explore one of the "hidden gems" of South America over Spring Break.
- Practice Spanish through interactions with local students.
- Visit the city of Colonia del Sacramento, founded in 1680 and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Enter the stadium where the first match of the first FIFA world cup took place in 1830.
- Enjoy a traditional asado (barbecue) lunch in the Mercado del Puerto, one of Montevideos most iconic places.
- Explore one of Uruguay's national parks and discover a remote beach village through sand dunes.
- Attend a traditional Tango Show in Montevideo.
- Learn about the gaucho (South American cowboy) lifestyle while visiting an estancia (ranch).
- Relax with a day trip to Punta del Este and visit the iconic La Mano sculpture on Brava Beach and its famous lighthouse.
Led by expert tour guides and Flint Hill’s Lower School Spanish teacher, students will enjoy these sights and more during our visit to Uruguay. The trip is open to all Upper School students. The trip is expected to take place during Spring Break 2025. Those interested should fill out this form.
Early Admission Process for Siblings
As members of our Husky family, we are offering 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 or future years.
If you have a child who is not currently enrolled at Flint Hill and you are interested in the application process for the 2025-26 school year or future years, please complete this interest form by Monday, September 30. Alternatively, you can simply complete the admission application form. You must complete the application package by the end of November to receive an admission notification in mid-December. An email with more details will hit your inbox this Friday and include directions to receive a waiver for the application fee. Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with any questions.
REMINDERS
2025-26 Financial Aid Application — New Deadline
There is a new deadline of Sunday, December 1, for need-based financial aid applications. Here’s the updated timeline:
- Tuesday, October 1 — Financial aid application opens.
- Sunday, December 1 — Deadline to submit financial aid applications.
- Wednesday, January 29 — 2025-26 Enrollment Contracts are issued to CURRENT students, including financial aid decisions.
- Thursday, February 6 — Deadline for current families to submit 2025-26 enrollment contracts.
- Friday, March 7 — 2025-26 enrollment contracts are issued to NEW students, including financial aid decisions.
Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, September 20
Meet up with fellow parents for walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location varies each week and will be shared with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend. If you have any questions, please contact Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Next Walk: Friday, September 20, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Upcoming Walk: Friday, October 11, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Senior Parents: Volunteer to Treat the Class of 2025! — Monday, September 23
The first Senior Breakfast will be on Monday, September 23, 7:45-8:20 a.m., in the Upper School Commons. Volunteers are needed to provide food and to set up and serve breakfast that morning. We still need some help with providing beverages. Learn more and sign up here.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Tuesday, September 24
Did you miss the Parents’ Association Tennis Social or want to keep playing? Join fellow parents on Tuesday, September 24, 9:00-10:30 a.m., on the Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts for casual matches or to continue practicing your skills. Please bring your own racket and balls. Registration is limited to the first 30 parents.
Register Here
Concession Stands — Will You Volunteer for a Shift?
One of the most frequent and fun volunteer opportunities is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den. It’s a great way to meet other parents while getting a glimpse of life in the Upper School or the best view of a game on the Peterson Family Field.
Sign Up for Shifts:
- Volunteer in the Igloo (inside the Upper School)
- Volunteer in the Den (outside the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace)
Upcoming Events
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, September 20
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
October ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 20
October SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 20
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 21
Senior Breakfast
Monday, September 23
Upper School Commons, 7:45-8:20 a.m.
Parent Volunteer Signup
Winter Season Athletic Registration
Monday, September 23
Students will be invited to register for their winter athletic selection. Students must submit their selection by Friday, September 27.
Upper School Homecoming Spirit Days
Monday, September 23 - Friday, September 27
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Tuesday, September 24
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Register
Upper School Student Letter Jacket Fitting
Tuesday, September 24
Upper School Cafeteria, 11:40 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Senior Portrait Makeup Day
Thursday, September 26
Sign up for a slot
Grades 4-12 Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, September 27
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
This is a student-only event.
Homecoming Weekend
Friday, September 27 - Saturday, September 28
Upper School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, September 28
Upper School Commons, 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Guest form due to Mr. Chang by Tuesday, September 24, at 3:30 p.m.
2025-26 Financial Aid Application Opens
Tuesday, October 1
SAT
Saturday, October 5
College Financial Aid Virtual Workshop
Monday, October 7
7:00-8:15 p.m.
Google Meet Link
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 11
8:15-9:15 a.m.
The location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Grades JK-12 No Classes; Administrative Offices Closed
Monday, October 14
PSAT Day
Tuesday, October 15
Upper School Building, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
All 10th and 11th graders are required to take the PSAT. Classes are canceled for 9th and 12th grades on this day.
Grades 9 and 12 No Classes
Tuesday, October 15
Classes are canceled for 9th and 12th grades on this day while students in 10th and 11th grades take the PSAT.
First Quarter Progress Report
Tuesday, October 15
Upper School Division Coffee: Meet Director of the Upper School Don Paige
Wednesday, October 16
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
November SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, October 18
Grades 9-11 Picture Makeup Day
Friday, October 18
