Upper School Newsletter – September 6, 2023
September 6, 2023
Letter From The Division Director
I want to thank all of the families that came to Back-to-School Night last Thursday. I know that our families have immensely busy schedules, so it says a lot to me that we had a packed house in the gym to hear me speak and hallways full of bustling parents going to meet the teachers.
There is a positive and infectious energy to the start of this year. This energy has really started with the affable and comedic ways that our student council president, Rhett Pomeroy, has been leading town meetings. There is a comfortable earnestness that I have been sensing from the student body where they have no compunction about feeling spirited and enthusiastic. It is just simply wonderful to see.
I hope we can keep this energy going all the way until Homecoming weekend, which happens on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, this year. If I don’t see any of you at any other events between now and then, I look forward to seeing all of you at the Homecoming weekend festivities.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
First Day of School Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from community events and classroom activities posted on our Flickr account. You can access Flickr via the floating camera icon on our newsletter sidebar. The link can also be found in the footer of our website and within the email signature of every Flint Hill faculty and staff member.
Senior Portraits Now Available Online — Makeup Day is Friday, September 8
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 your 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 makeup day this Friday, September 8.
Upper School New Parents Head of School Meeting — Tuesday, September 19
Over the next few weeks, Head of School Patrick McHonett is hosting informal coffees for parents in their first year at Flint Hill. At each coffee, parents will have the opportunity to hear from the division director as well as from Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne. They will share helpful information for new parents about ways to partner with and get involved at Flint Hill. The HOS Division Coffee for new Middle School families is on Tuesday, September 19, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. Immediately following the meetings, from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., new parents are welcome to continue conversations with Advancement Staff about getting involved with Flint Hill.
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12 — Tuesdays, September 12 - October 31
Calling all dancers! Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for open practices every Tuesday, 3:45-5:45 p.m. from September 12 to October 31. Students will participate in team practices where they learn and enhance their dance technical skills in jazz and pom techniques in addition to strength and conditioning. Please register for each open practice date, and submit a form for each participating student.
Location and Pick-Up: Upper School Dance Studio. Students should be picked up from the Upper School front circle.
Update to Academic Handbook — Policy on Artificial Intelligence
We have added a new policy regarding Artificial Intelligence to our Academic Handbook to provide guidance to both faculty and students. The policy states: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology may be used ethically, appropriately, and responsibly in the classroom as directed by your teacher and in this policy. AI technology may only be used for specific assignments and/or projects that have been specifically approved by the teacher or as stated in the syllabus. Any unauthorized or improperly cited use of AI models will be considered academic dishonesty and handled as stated in the school family handbook. Students may not use their FH email to create accounts on any AI technology.”
Homework Policy for Special Circumstances
Over the course of each year, there are a variety of circumstances and events outside of our published calendar that can prevent students from completing evening assignments. When these circumstances or events arise, the School will make every effort to be flexible and support students in completing their work in a timely manner.
Special Circumstances
In the event of an illness or unforeseen emergency, you are encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of what to expect from your child, so we can work with your family accordingly.
Religious Observances
Flint Hill deeply respects and celebrates the customary rituals, observances and family gatherings associated with religious holidays and those of differing faiths at School. Please communicate with your child's teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of your observance, and we will work with your family accordingly. Students are excused from school, games, and practices for religious commitments.
Save the Date for Husky Home Games!
We’ve added a convenient link to our athletics calendar in the right hand column of all of our newsletters. Click on the round calendar icon in the right column. Once viewing the calendar, you can check “Home” under locations to see all home games and make a plan to come to campus to cheer on our Huskies!
A Message from Director of Athletics Dewayne Robinson
I am thrilled to share our updated athletic philosophy statement, a reflection of our continuous commitment to fostering not only athletic excellence but also interpersonal values and sportsmanship. I spent time alongside our leadership colleagues this past year to evaluate our previous philosophy, the current state of our program, and our aspirations for the future. With a renewed emphasis on holistic development, our new philosophy reflects our belief in the transformative power of sports and its role in our educational experience here at Flint Hill.
This updated statement is meant to provide clarity on our athletic experience and expectations, steering us toward an environment where all students have a space to thrive, learn, and challenge themselves. As we embark on this new journey, we invite you to review this updated statement and to stand alongside us in embracing the values and inspiring one another to reach new heights both on and off the playing surfaces.
Here's to a year of growth, success, and accomplishments. Go Huskies!
Streaming for Upper School Sports
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 and then searching for “Flint Hill.”
Refer Your Friends and Neighbors to Flint Hill
The Admission Team always appreciates when you refer a family to Flint Hill — they’re often the best fit for our school! We'd love to fill our few spaces with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. Please bring them to Homecoming on the weekend of September 29 so they can see our community in action, and consider inviting them to the below virtual admission events:
- Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks — Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
- Webinar: Navigating Private School Admission — Friday, September 22, 12:00 p.m.
Reminders
Please Review the 2023-24 Flint Hill Family Handbook
A reminder to please review the Flint Hill Family Handbook for the 2023-24 school year. The Family Handbook outlines community standards and policies for all Flint Hill students and family members. If you've already reviewed it, note that policy information related to artificial intelligence was recently added to the responsible use of technology section.
PA Tennis Social: Join the Waitlist!
Registration is full for the tennis tournament and clinic, but you can join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up.
Parents of Alumni and Grandparents are invited to join current parents for lunch and then play in their own Tennis Social. You can help by sharing the registration link to the grandparents and alumni parents you know!
Sign Up to Volunteer in the Igloo and Den!
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. More opportunities will be added throughout the year. Note there are two tabs at the top so you can view the Igloo and Den signup forms in one location.
Sign Up for Shifts:
School Store — New Items in Stock
New items are in stock at the School Store! New arrivals include Nike blue and white hats with the FH logo, Flint Hill green and white visors, new long- and short-sleeve youth shirts, and full-zip polar fleece jackets in green and gray. For adult apparel, we have new hoodies, long- and short-sleeve t-shirts as well as new 1/4 zip pullovers. Our new accessories include stadium seats and golf umbrellas. Check out the School Store’s webpage for details.
Upcoming Events
Parent Morning Mixer
Friday, September 8
John M. Thomas Terrace at the Peterson Middle School, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Dance Team Open Practices for Grades 7-12
Every Tuesday, September 12 - October 31
Upper School Dance Studio, 3:45-5:45 p.m.
All-School Gathering
Wednesday, September 13
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
All students will gather in the gym for this traditional program to celebrate the start of the school year and the journey ahead.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 15
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop/Add Deadline
Friday, September 15
3:30 p.m.
Senior Breakfast
Monday, September 18
Upper School Commons, 7:45-8:20 a.m.
Freshman Welcome Dinner
Monday, September 18
Upper School Commons, 6:30-8:80 p.m.
Upper School New Parents Head of School Meeting
Tuesday, September 19
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Upper School New Parents Advancement Social
Tuesday, September 19
Upper School Multipurpose Rooms, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Virtual Admission Event: Webinar: Taking Meaningful Risks
Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m.
While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are welcome to join.
FH Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 23
Letterman Jacket Fitting
Tuesday, September 26
Cafeteria Foyer, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Homecoming
Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30
Middle and Upper School Campus
