Middle School Newsletter – April 16, 2025
April 16, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
We appreciate your help in getting course selections submitted for next year, which enables us to begin putting together the scheduling puzzle with the goal of accommodating student interests. We may be reaching out to you with clarifications or necessary adjustments. If you or your child wish to make changes to their selections:
- For current 7th Graders — please email Michelle Keatley.
- For current 8th Graders — please email Upper School Registrar Maha Morse. Current teachers may consider adjustments to their placement recommendations up until Friday, May 2. Between Monday, May 5, and Monday, June 9, you may schedule an appointment with Upper School Assistant Director and Academic Dean Debbie Ayers to discuss probationary enrollment in at most one honors class without a teacher recommendation.
Please let me know if I can help, support, or facilitate.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Middle School Spring Concerts
You're invited to a special series of concerts at Olson Theater featuring our Middle School musicians performing alongside the talented students of the 5th and 6th grades. 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.
Save the Date! 8th Grade Parent Dinner — Thursday, May 29
Mark your calendar for a celebration with fellow 8th grade parents on Thursday, May 29, 7:00-9:15 p.m., at the International Country Club, while students are enjoying the dance! Festivities will wrap up in time to pick up students at 9:30 p.m. at school. Look out for an electronic invitation next week!
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
May 2 Field Trip Need-to-Knows
7th graders will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) as part of their history curriculum and will need a bag lunch for the day. 8th graders engage in a scavenger hunt around Washington, D.C., as part of their Advisory Day and will need money to purchase lunch. Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times apply.
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!
Learning Center Parent Coffee — Monday, April 28
Join us on Monday, April 28, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Learning Commons to connect with fellow parents of Middle and Upper 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 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.
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!
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' — Friday-Sunday, 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!
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.
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.
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!
Upcoming Events
Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 23
Upper School Building, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Parent Walking Group
Thursday, April 24
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Night on the Hill
Friday, April 25
Peterson Middle School, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
RSVP by Wednesday, April 16
Middle School / Upper School Learning Center Parent Coffee
Monday, April 28
Peterson Middle School, Learning Commons, 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
Middle School Field Trips
Friday, May 2
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
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.
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 15
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Classics Banquet
Friday, May 16
Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Middle School Music Festival
Saturday, May 17
Middle School music students participate in clinics, performances, and a trip to Kings Dominion.
