Lower School Newsletter – April 16, 2025
April 16, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
This week, I’ve been reflecting on the often-invisible threads that hold our school community together — threads woven by dedicated leaders and educators across our three divisions. In a recent conversation with Riki Weeks, our 7-12 Math Department Chair, he shared a simple but powerful phrase: “Three divisions. Two campuses. One school community.” That sentiment resonated deeply with me.
At Flint Hill, we work with intention to ensure continuity and alignment across the learning journey — from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. While the joyful hum of our JK classrooms is often in plain view, much of the essential work that supports our learners takes place quietly, behind the scenes. It’s thoughtful. It’s strategic. And it’s always student-centered.
This week, Riki visited the Lower School to share insights with our new 5th and 6th grade families about the Mathematics Program. He highlighted the foundational strategies taught here that set our students up for long-term success — tools that will serve them well in any upper-level math class. His presence wasn’t just informative; it was a visible reminder of the care and cohesion across divisions.
Our 6th graders have also been stepping into new possibilities with purpose. From Brian Lamont’s Middle School campus tour for 6th graders and his orientation session for rising 7th grade parents to last Thursday’s thoughtful panel discussion, featuring a Q&A from current 7th graders for current 6th graders, these experiences are crafted to nurture curiosity, ease transitions, and strengthen the bridge to Middle School. Each moment reflects the care, consistency, and commitment we hold for our students’ growth.
This kind of vertical alignment doesn’t just happen. It’s a product of collaboration, care, and a shared belief in the power of the “long game” in education. And it's one of the many ways our school community continues to blaze trails together — one thoughtful step at a time.
And while we’re on the topic of alignment and collaboration, let’s not forget one universal truth: the Lower School is, without a doubt, a great place to be! Congratulations to our amazing Huskies for leading the pack in the annual challenge. We earned that PJ Day on Friday, April 18, and we’ll be lounging in style. Go Huskies!
Happily,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Friday Is Pajama Day at the Lower School!
The Lower School reached its 75% participation goal in the Flint Hill Fund during the Lead the Pack Challenge — woohoo! 🎉That means Pajama Day is officially happening this Friday, April 18! Get those young Huskies ready for a day in their favorite cozy outfit!
Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level
Rising Grades K-3: Those who were not able to attend last week’s webinar are invited to view the slide presentation here.
Rising Grades 4-6: Parents are invited to attend this virtual event on Wednesday, April 23, 7:00-8:00 p.m., and learn more about what to expect as their student steps up to the next grade level. Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/qja-uvnf-qcg or dial (US) +1 574-807-6272 PIN: 262 485 090#
Rising 7th Grade: Those who were not able to attend last week’s orientation session for rising 7th grade parents are invited to view a recording of the presentation.
Headfirst Summer Camp Open House — Tuesday, April 29
Bring your family to join us for pizza, activities for all ages, and a Headfirst Summer Camp at Flint Hill tour on Tuesday, April 29, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Whether you're already signed up for summer camp or want to join the fun and learn more, you're invited! BONUS: If you're already registered for Headfirst Summer Camp at Flint Hill, this is a great opportunity to get a head start on your camper's paperwork. RSVP now!
A reminder that there are spaces still available for our other Summer on the Hill camps. Visit the website to check out our offerings!
Early Dismissal on Grandparents and Special Friends Day
We look forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to campus on Friday, May 9! Invitations have been mailed to grandparents and special friends; more details are available here. Guests can RSVP by returning the reply card, registering online, or contacting Olivia Landrum.
Lower School Field Day: Details & Sign up to Volunteer!
From a water slide to obstacle course fun, the annual Lower School Field Day on Thursday, May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., will be a fun conclusion to a memorable year. Parents are invited to help out on Field Day. If you are interested in volunteering for Field Day on Thursday, May 29, please complete this form by Monday, May 12. The list will fill up quickly and will close once 50 people have signed up.
Reminders for the Day: Please plan for your child to wear athletic attire, including sneakers. They have the option to wear a swimsuit under their clothing. Students should bring an extra set of dry clothes, a change of socks and shoes, a towel, and a water bottle. Please apply sunscreen before coming to school.
A picnic-style lunch for the students will include pizza and watermelon, with a gluten-free pizza option available. You are also welcome to send lunch with your child instead of the pizza. If you have specific allergy concerns, please contact Director of Health Services Mary Hart.
Upcoming 5th & 6th Grade Spring Concerts
You're invited to a special series of concerts at Olson Theater featuring our 5th and 6th grade musicians performing alongside the talented Middle School students. These performances are a wonderful opportunity to see the culmination of their hard work and the musical skills they've developed throughout the academic year.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert on Thursday, May 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert on Tuesday, May 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert on Thursday, May 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Husky High Five to You
A special shout-out to all the parents who promote Flint Hill in the Washington, D.C., region! Recently, a local dental practice reached out to see how they could support Flint Hill. Their only connection to the school is through their patients, who are always talking so positively about their experience, and they’re impressed with how students carry themselves. You sharing your pride in Flint Hill makes a difference — Thank You!
Recommendation From Our Health Services Team
The Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Health and the Drug Enforcement Administration are hosting National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Individuals can return expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs at a designated collection site. Participating locations are found here.
Reminders
Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 23
Meet the artists at the Visual Arts Show Opening Reception on Wednesday, April 23, 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the Upper School. Upper School visual arts students will showcase their work in a museum-style environment, and there will be a special Portfolio Art exhibition titled "Hold Still." Don't miss this opportunity to see the beautiful artwork — ceramics, digital art, and studio art — and to talk with the student-artists about their process, inspiration, and more!
Parent Walking Group — Thursday, April 24, and Friday, May 9
Meetup with fellow parents for rejuvenating walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The location varies, and Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 will share location details with the group before each walk. Register for each date you can attend, and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions.
Next Walk: Thursday, April 24, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Upcoming Walk: Friday, May 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits — Friday, April 25
Parents are welcomed into grades 4-6 homeroom classrooms on Friday, April 25, 8:15-8:45 a.m., where students will share what they are learning.
Tech Conversations Every Family Should Have — Friday, April 25
Join Director of Information Technology Shawn Arrington and Director of Counseling Tracie Epes on Friday, April 25, 8:50-9:30 a.m., at the Hazel Lower School in the Olson Theater for the Lower School Division Coffee: Tech Conversations Every Family Should Have. The discussion will focus on essential technology topics to support families in navigating the digital world with confidence and balance.
RSVP for Casino Night on the Hill — Friday, April 25
Vegas is coming to the Hill, and you won’t want to miss out on a fun night with fellow alumni parents, current parents, and faculty and staff! Get ready for high stakes, great food, and connection at Casino Night on the Hill on Friday, April 25, 8:00-10:00 p.m. Check out this video from Klondike and RSVP today!
Learning Center Parent Coffee — Monday, April 28
Join us on Monday, April 28, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Lower School Multipurpose Room to connect with fellow parents of Lower School students who utilize the Learning Center and engage in an open discussion with the Learning Center team about topics relevant to your children's learning journey.
Parent Meetup: Chocolate-Making Class — Thursday, April 29
Since registration filled up quickly, Artisan Confections will be offering another class on Thursday, April 29, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Registration includes a brief history of chocolate, a chocolate tasting, and a hands-on workshop where you'll craft your own unique truffles. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. This event will be held at Artisan Confections, 1333 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia 22101.
Virtual PCW Event: 'Digital Well-Being' — Wednesday, April 30
Register to attend the Parents Council of Washington (PCW) Virtual Speaker Series Webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of "Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World," will present on "Digital Well-Being: How Can We Help Kids Navigate a World Where Everything is Shared and Compared?" Dr. Heitner will share insights on helping kids with boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation on social media (Roblox, Instagram, TikTok). A Q&A will follow. Submit questions to administration@parentscouncil.org.
Flint Hill is a PCW member. The PCW fosters communication within the D.C. independent school community.
Upper School Musical, 'She Loves Me' — May 2-4
Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, “She Loves Me” is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. The Mikos Lazlos play “Parfuemerie,” on which it is based, has inspired many adaptations, including the beloved film “You've Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don't see eye to eye. After both respond to a "lonely hearts advertisement" in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves ... and all the twists and turns along the way!
Please note: This performance has been rated PG by Music Theatre International. Lower School families are encouraged to use their discretion, as the production includes some mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The Upper School cast will perform in three shows in the Olson Theater located in the Hazel Lower School. Reserve your tickets!
- Friday, May 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Register for the Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
Join the Flint Hill community for a fun day on the links on Thursday, May 22! Choose between the 18-hole scramble or the casual Skills Social (clubs included!) with co-chairs Caroline Gray ’08, Head of School Patrick McHonett, and Jess McHonett. Play with friends, or we’ll pair you with fellow Huskies. Space is limited — grab your spot today!
Not able to play? You can still get involved by sponsoring or volunteering!
Sponsorship highlight: Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin Sponsor: $1,000
Claim it before it’s gone! Show your support throughout the course while golfers compete for the Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin. Sponsors will be recognized during the awards ceremony and through signage at each contest hole with your sponsor logo or name.
Igloo and Den Concessions Volunteers Needed!
We need your help to keep both the Den and the Igloo running smoothly! Bring a friend, sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and get a glimpse into the student experience. Upper School students may earn service hours!
Last Chance This Year — Celebrate Mr. Atwood’s 35 Years at Flint Hill
Make sure you are counted in the year-long celebration of Mr. Fred Atwood’s legacy at Flint Hill. Learn more about celebrating Fred at: flinthill.org/fredatwood.
- Contribute to the establishment of the Fred Atwood Endowed Fund for Science. Make a gift or pledge today. The total raised for this endowment will be announced at the Reunion Reception for alumni on Saturday, April 26!
- Make a special Flint Hill Fund gift in his honor by June 30.
- Contribute to Fred’s digital scrapbook.
Upcoming Events
Lead the Pack PJ Day
Friday, April 18
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 23
Upper School Building, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Rising Grades 4-6 Virtual Webinar: Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level
Wednesday, April 23
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/qja-uvnf-qcg
Or dial (US) +1 574-807-6272 PIN: 262 485 090#
Parent Walking Group
Thursday, April 24
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits
Friday, April 25
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Lower School Division Coffee: Tech Conversations Every Family Should Have
Friday, April 25
8:50-9:30 a.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 25
Peterson Middle School, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP by TODAY!
Lower School Learning Center Parent Coffee
Monday, April 28
Hazel Lower School Multipurpose Room, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Chocolate-Making Class
Thursday, April 29
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Class is full)
1:00-3:00 p.m. (Register to Attend)
Location: Artisan Confections, 1333 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia 22101
Virtual PCW Speaker Series: “Digital Well-Being”
Wednesday, April 30
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
Grade 4 Day Trip to Jamestown
Friday, May 2
6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Upper School Musical, “She Loves Me”
Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 5
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Parent Walking Group
Friday, May 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Lower School Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Friday, May 9
Hazel Lower School, 8:00-11:15 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 13
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 15
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
