Middle School Newsletter – January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Happy New Year! I hope that all of you enjoyed a wonderful break with your families and are ready for a fantastic 2025! It was great to see everyone back in the building today, and we look forward to reconnecting as a middle school community and regaining academic momentum in the classrooms. We have a number of events and opportunities for parents this month; please make sure to review the Reminders and Upcoming Events below.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 3
This year, we’re diving deep into an inspiring collection of memoirs and historical biographies that were adapted for young readers. These captivating personal narratives will take us on incredible journeys, showcasing diverse experiences, challenges, and triumphs that resonate across time and culture. Our next meeting is Monday, February 3, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room, and we'll be discussing, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition ” by Jeanne Theoharis and Brandy Colbert. *Please note that this is the “young reader” version of this title.
If you have any questions, please contact Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson. Please sign up to be included on our email list to receive meeting reminders, schedule information, and opportunities to connect.
SchoolPass Web Access
In addition to the SchoolPass app, there is another convenient way to submit attendance changes for your child. You can access SchoolPass through your web browser by visiting the following link: https://flinthill.school-pass.net/
This option provides flexibility and ease for managing your child's attendance. Whether it’s the app or the web browser, you can choose the best method for your needs.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
On the heels of our first snow days of the school year, we want to make sure you’re aware of our classwork policy on inclement weather days. Beginning on the second snow day of the school year, teachers may choose to assign work by sending an email to students alerting them of assignments by 10:00 a.m. Work should be made available on the teacher course page or through another electronic form. Individual or additional considerations will be made in the event of:
- excessive consecutive inclement weather days,
- a high number of individual inclement weather days, or
- extended time periods without power.
A reminder that delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event in the following ways:
- Text/email alerts through our emergency notification system.
- A banner on our website.
- Story posts on Instagram and Facebook.
If a change to the school day is required, we will contact you as stated above. If you do not hear from us, know that the school day is scheduled as normal.
IMPORTANT: If you are new to Flint Hill, you must opt in to receive text messages by texting YES to 79041. Note: the mobile number used must match what we have in our system. You’ll receive a confirmation text that you’ve opted in. We strongly suggest families opt in — these messages will provide the most timely information in the case of an emergency or school closure.
Reminders
Virtual Fine Arts & Innovation Event: Grades 7-12 — Tonight
Current families are invited to join this virtual event, starting right now, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., to learn more about Flint Hill’s approach to fine arts and innovation in the Middle and Upper School. You'll hear directly from our passionate Fine Arts and Innovation faculty members, students, and parents. While this event is designed with prospective families in mind, current families will gain insights into what’s ahead for their children’s fine arts and innovation classes. Join the Google Meet now.
Driving Spirit Award Nominations Close Tomorrow
The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill faculty and staff members who lead by example through their dedication to students and ability to energize and inspire the Flint Hill community. Please think about the exceptional current teachers and staff members in the Flint Hill community who you believe fit this description, and complete the nomination form by Thursday, January 9.
Head of School Budget Coffee — Tuesday, January 14
Current families are invited to join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson for our annual budget coffee on Tuesday, January 14, at 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room to learn more about your investment in a one-of-a-kind Flint Hill experience for your student(s).
Reserve Your Seat: January 15 Parent Education Series Event
Join us for another installment of Flint Hill's Parent Education Series on Wednesday, January 15, in the Peterson Middle School. Times are listed below. This eye-opening seminar on parenting in today’s high-anxiety world features a presentation and Q&A with Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids: How to Raise Safe, Self-Reliant Children (Without Going Nuts With Worry).
There are two opportunities to attend — on Wednesday, January 15: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m. Both events take place in the Peterson Middle School. Seating is limited! Reserve your spot now!
Register for 'Ask an Upper School Parent' Coffee — Thursday, January 16
We’re excited to invite 8th grade parents to 29th Parallel Coffee, 106 Lawyers Rd. NW, Vienna, VA, on Thursday, January 16, 8:30-10:00 a.m., for relaxed, informal conversations with current Upper School parents. Whether you're curious about academics, athletics, or student life, our parents are ready to share their insights and answer all your questions about the transition from 8th to 9th grade. 7th grade families are also welcome to attend. Sign up today.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, January 17, and Friday, February 7
Meetup with fellow parents for a walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The next walk is on Friday, January 17, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Upcoming Walk: Friday, February 7, 8:15-9:15 a.m. The location varies 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.
Virtual Upper School Parent Preview — Tuesday, January 28
Parents of 8th graders are invited to join us for this virtual event on Tuesday, January 28, 7:00-8:15 p.m. School leaders will share what to expect in the Upper School and current Upper School parents and students will answer all of your questions about the transition from 8th to 9th grade. Register here!
Tell Your Friends: Get to Know Flint Hill
Events are a great way for families to learn about Flint Hill — and it helps us get to know them, too! Please consider inviting your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to these upcoming admission events. Thank you for helping to expand our Husky community!
- Middle School Virtual Info Session on Thursday, January 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. They’ll hear from school leaders, parents, and students about what makes Flint Hill's Middle School program exceptional. Forward this signup link.
- Kindergarten: a Launching Point for Learning, a virtual event on Tuesday, January 14, 8:00-8:30 p.m. Step into the world of Flint Hill's Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten to see how we cultivate a strong foundation for lifelong success. Forward this signup link.
- Upper School Virtual Info Session on Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Discover how Flint Hill’s culture of support and inclusion empowers students to take meaningful risks, whether they've been here since Kindergarten or are transferring from another school. Forward this signup link.
Save the Date for Community Festival Weekend — February 21-22
Our annual Community Festival is set for Friday and Saturday, February 21 and 22, with activities planned for everyone to enjoy. Detailed schedules will be shared soon, but we’re already gearing up for the Cultural Festival activities on Saturday, February 22. If your family or student club would like to host a table and share your culture with the community, we’d love to hear from you — sign up today! If you have any questions, please email All School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson at mchenderson@flinthill.org.
2025-26 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
Our 2025-26 Calendar Highlights listing is now available on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to this calendar in the newsletter.
A Resolution You Can Keep: Volunteer in the Igloo!
There are always opportunities to volunteer in the Igloo — sign up for as many shifts as you’d like. We need many volunteers to open each day. It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents while supporting our community. Invite a friend to join you. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too!
Upcoming Events
Admission Virtual Event: Fine Arts & Innovation at Flint Hill
Wednesday, January 8
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Join the Meet
Grades JK-12 Head of School Coffee: The FH Budget
Tuesday, January 14
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Empowering, Not Overprotecting: Building Independence and Raising Resilient Kids
Wednesday, January 15
Peterson Middle School
8:30-9:30 a.m. and 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Reserve Your Spot Now!
Class of 2029 Event: 'Ask an Upper School Parent' Coffee
Thursday, January 16
29th Parallel Coffee, 106 Lawyers Rd. NW, Vienna, VA 22180
8:30-10:00 a.m.
Sign Up to Attend
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, January 17
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Inauguration Day
Grades JK-12 No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed
Monday, January 20
Flint Hill Certamen Tournament
Saturday, January 25
Upper School Commons, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Class of 2029 Admission Event: Upper School Parent Preview
Tuesday, January 28
7:00-8:15 p.m.
Register for Virtual Event
Middle School Division Coffee
Wednesday, January 29
Peterson Middle School Commons, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 29
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 3
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Sign Up
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 7
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register to Attend
