The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills beyond the confines of our school walls with a greater community of educators. In turn, they’re exposed to development and enrichment tools that expand their own expertise, which they then bring back to Flint Hill. Here’s what some of our faculty and staff have been doing recently.
Brad Savage, Middle & Upper School Classics Department Chair & Upper School Classics Teacher
In October, Brad presented “From Wall to Stone: Integrating Graffiti and Epitaphs in the Latin Classroom” at the Illinois Classical Conference in Chicago.
Sarah Burnett, Enrollment Services Manager
Sarah presented “Have It for When You Need It: Data Collection Best Practices for Operational Excellence” at the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals’ (AISAP) Annual Institute, in June, at La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla, CA. At the Institute, she joined the AISAP data professionals cohort and meets virtually with the group during the school year.
Virginia Cady, Upper School History & Social Sciences Teacher
Virginia presented “Intercultural Competency in the Curriculum” at the Middle East Studies Association’s annual meeting in Montreal, Canada, in November, and “Best Practices for Teaching Middle East History at the High School Level” at the National Council for the Social Studies’ annual conference in Nashville, in December.
Polly Beam, Middle School Art Teacher
Polly co-presented “But I’m Not Creative! An Arts-Integrated Approach to Learning for Non-Arts Teachers” at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools’ 50th anniversary conference in Richmond in November.
Kristin Piazza, Upper School Spanish Teacher
Kristin finished working with Klett World Languages on a unit of their Spanish textbook called “Reporteros 3,” the third of a series, and is now working as a contributing author on a unit for “Reporteros 4.” She said, “It’s an interesting way to see another side of teaching languages, learn about the world of publishing, and have the chance to work with people all over the world. The added bonus to this work is the opportunity to continue to collaborate with former Flint Hill faculty member Sonia Josa Castro, as she is also a contributing author, working from her school in Lithuania.”
Megan Sharkey, 2nd Grade Teacher
Megan conducted a study titled “A Phenomenological Analysis of the Lived Experience of Early Childhood Educators During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic” in her first year as a doctoral student in George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development. In April, she presented the findings from that study at a roundtable session at the American Educational Research Association’s annual meeting in Chicago. In December, as part of a research team, she presented “How Teachers Respond to Student Wellness Needs: The Role of Training, Competency, and Supports Sought in Schools” at the National Center for School Mental Health’s Annual Conference on Advancing School Mental Health in New Orleans.
Gary Smilowitz, Middle School Science Teacher & Upper School Innovation Teacher
Gary gave a two-hour presentation and demonstration on “Discovery of Engineering — The Course that Explores 20 Disciplines in One Semester!” at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools’ 50th anniversary conference in Richmond in November.
Emily Sanderson, Upper School History & Social Sciences Teacher
Emily participated in the National Association of Independent Schools’ Think Tank to help plan the organization’s annual conference. She was part of a small group of teachers who gave feedback on topics and helped to facilitate at the conference.
Meredith VanDuyne, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement
Meredith presented “Campaign Collateral: Extending the Partnership With Your Design Firm,” in May, at the annual Virginia Association of Independent Schools’ Advancement Institute with Elise Robinson, AIA, principal, DLR Group | Bowie Gridley Architects — the firm that designed Flint Hill’s Peterson Middle School and the Upper School.
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to…
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That…
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and…
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer….
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative…
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth...
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of…
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is…
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance in Virginia, legislation enacted to evade Brown v. Board’s mandate for school integration. Senator Byrd is quoted as saying the Massive Resistance was designed “to prevent a single Negro child from entering any white school.” In Fairfax County, the school board gave private school tuition grants to white students fleeing…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip. The trip, in its inaugural year at Flint Hill, offers students the opportunity to visit historic WWII sites in France to deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made generations ago. Colin Bean ’24 still remembers the shock of learning that he’d earned a spot on the trip. “I really enjoy…
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills beyond the confines of our school walls with a greater community of educators. In turn, they’re exposed to development and enrichment tools that expand their own expertise, which they then bring back to Flint Hill. Here’s what some of our faculty and staff have been doing recently. Brad Savage, Middle…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990 and served as the athletic director as well as the head coach of the boys’ basketball and golf program until 2001, when he moved to Sewickley Academy in Pittsburgh. During his time with the Huskies, the boy’s basketball team won the 1994-95 state championship, amassing a 27-1 record that season….
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer – otherwise known as ChatGPT – is an online AI system that generates original content on command. Classroom use of ChatGPT along with other generative AI tools like Bard, Scribe, and DALL-E has been met with both hype and hysteria. It’s being said that generative AI will have…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give you a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of this beloved community-builder. Pandemonium with Purpose Homecoming 2023 kicked off with a decibel-pounding, energy-packed pep rally planned by the Upper School members of our Athletic Advisory Council. To prepare for a weekend of thrilling match-ups with our athletic rivals, the AAC…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many College Dinners and Thanksgiving Happy Hour, they enjoyed catching up as fellow Falcons and Huskies. Homecoming Alumni gathered at the Alumni Fan Zone during Homecoming this year to visit with current and former faculty and staff and show their Husky pride! Just before kickoff of the Homecoming football game, Varsity…
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d like to share with your classmates. If you would like to include a photo with your submission, please note that digital photographs must be high-resolution JPEG images (1MB+) to appear in print. Flint Hill Magazine editorial staff reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length. Become An Ambassador:...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff from all divisions. He said, “This is a special place where we seek to balance both tradition and innovation to support you, our students, every day. Today, we gather as an entire community, the Husky Team so to speak, to kick off the school year together as one Husky community…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip….
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990…
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many…
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff…
Reflecting On Our Past
In 1956, Flint Hill Preparatory School was founded in Fairfax as a K-12 private school for white students. That same year, U.S. Senator Harry Byrd launched the Massive Resistance in Virginia, legislation enacted to evade Brown v. Board’s mandate for school integration. Senator Byrd…
Transcending Textbooks: History Up Close
“Lucky” is how Andrew McKee ’24 describes the feeling of being one of the four history students chosen to take part in the 2023 Charles Kenney WWII Legacy Trip. The trip, in its inaugural year at Flint Hill, offers students the opportunity to visit…
Masters of Education
The wisdom and skill of Flint Hill employees don’t just benefit students and colleagues on campus. Our teachers and administrators enthusiastically seek opportunities to share their knowledge and skills beyond the confines of our school walls with a greater community of educators. In turn,…
Lifecycles
In September, the Flint Hill community was saddened to learn about the loss of former Athletic Director Win Palmer. Coach Palmer joined Flint Hill from St. Stephens in 1990 and served as the athletic director as well as the head coach of the boys’…
Generating A New Frontier
From conversing with online chatbots to getting help from Alexa, many of us have already become accustomed to generative AI at home, but what about at school? Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer – otherwise known as ChatGPT – is an online AI system that generates…
Anatomy of a Homecoming
From preparing for the large crowd to putting the “spirit” in Spirit Alley, orchestrating Homecoming at Flint Hill is a huge undertaking. We’re pulling back the curtain to give you a deeper appreciation for the inner workings of this beloved community-builder. Pandemonium with Purpose…
Alumni Events
This Fall and Winter brought several opportunities for our alumni to get together. From reuniting at Homecoming and our inaugural Alumni of Color Reception to reconnecting at our many College Dinners and Thanksgiving Happy Hour, they enjoyed catching up as fellow Falcons and Huskies….
Class Notes
WANT TO BE IN THE MAGAZINE? To be included in Alumni Class Notes, email the Alumni Office at alumni@flinthill.org with news of a union, birth of a child, adoption, professional developments, travels, or anything you’d like to share with your classmates. If you would like to include a photo with...
Campus Life
Tradition and Innovation On September 13, Head of School Patrick McHonett led the All-School Gathering, the first assembly of the 2023-24 school year, bringing together students, teachers, and staff from all divisions. He said, “This is a special place where we seek to balance…