Upper School Newsletter – April 16, 2025
April 16, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Good evening, Husky Families,
The end-of-year exams will begin five weeks from today. Here is some useful information for our families to help students prepare for the large assessments. The exam schedule is included at the bottom of this page, under “Upcoming Events.”
- There will be no new homework assignments given to students, starting Tuesday, May 13, for periods 1-3 and periods 6-7. For periods 4 and 5, that cutoff date will be Wednesday, May 14. This is done in recognition of the research indicating that studying the material in small chunks over a longer period of time yields far better results than trying to study in a large chunk right before the exam.
- Because the Modern Language Department includes speaking and listening as part of their final exam, some of those assessments will occur earlier. Please note: In last week’s newsletter, there was an error when providing the date for those activities. The correct date for the earlier portion of the Modern Languages exam is the week of May 12.
- Wednesday, May 21, is called Upper School Reading Day. It is a required day for all Grade 9 students, but it is optional for Grade 10 and 11 students. The day is designed so that students can prepare for their exams while also having teachers available to respond to questions. We will run a schedule where all classes meet that day. Please note: Grade 10 and 11 students may not come and go from campus multiple times on that day. Once they have left campus, they should not return to campus.
- In the rare circumstance where a student has two exams scheduled at the same time, the student should report this to their teacher, who will work with their department chair to create a makeup schedule for the exam conflict.
- Exams are worth 20% of the students’ second-semester grade. The exam is based upon material from the second semester but will often require skills and proficiencies that were developed in the first semester.
- Students are not permitted to take exams early. The exam makeup day is Friday, May 30.
Each student’s advisor is a great resource for strategies on how to prepare for the exam period. A great step at this point of the process would be for a student to sit with their advisor and plan out a preparation schedule based on their own particular needs.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Course Selection Portal Closes Today
Changes after this date must go through School Registrar Maha Morse. For questions, contact your student’s teacher (course recommendations), advisor (academic planning), Academic Dean Debbie Ayers (graduation requirements, prerequisites), or School Registrar Maha Morse (schedule changes).
Upcoming Athletic Dates to Note
Our National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony is Monday, April 21 at 1:20 p.m., in the Upper School Learning Commons. Come join us as we prepare to celebrate our student-athletes who will be signing letters of intent to compete for Division 1 programs during the early signing period.
Fall athletics schedules and tryout information will be available on Husky Hub on Monday, April 28.
Come back to campus to cheer on our Huskies at these upcoming Spring Senior Nights!
- Varsity Softball Senior Night – Thursday, April 17, 4:30 p.m., LS Softball Field
- Varsity Track & Field Senior Night – Tuesday, April 23, 4:15 p.m., Norris E. Mitchell Track
- Varsity Tennis Senior Night – Thursday, April 24, 4:30 p.m., US Tennis Courts
- Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Senior Night – Tuesday, April 29, 4:15 p.m., Peterson Family Field
- Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Senior Night – Friday, May 2, 5:30 p.m., Peterson Family Field
- Varsity Baseball Senior Night – Saturday, May 3, 1:00 p.m., US Baseball Field
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
Supporting Your Senior: Navigating Learning Support & Resources (Virtual)
On Wednesday, April 23, 12:00-1:00 p.m., parents of seniors are invited to join a virtual session designed to help parents, guardians, and caregivers of FH seniors understand the academic support services available at the college level. The virtual event will be hosted by Upper School Learning Center specialists Stephanie Batbouta and Sonya Atkinson, and Director of College Counseling Suzy Chiarolanzio. They'll cover key topics, such as the process for requesting accommodations, differences between high school and college support structures, self-advocacy skills for students, and how to best prepare your child for a transition. There will also be a Q&A time. A condensed, in-person version of this event will be offered to students at the end of April.
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/ryb-wymw-eao
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.
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 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 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.
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the spring season comes the possibility of rain, leading to the potential for cancellations or delays. In the case of inclement weather, the Athletics Department will determine by 1:30 p.m. whether a home game/meet will be canceled. If there is an away game/meet, the decision to play lies with the opposing school and their field conditions. Once a home game/meet is canceled, Flint Hill coaches will notify parents and students. Husky Hub will also be updated and be the source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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
Course Selection Portal Closes
Wednesday, April 16
National Letter of Intent Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony
Monday, April 21
Upper School Learning Commons, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Supporting Your Senior Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, April 23
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Google Meet Link: meet.google.com/ryb-wymw-eao
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
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 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
Upper School Fine Arts Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, April 30
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Virtual PCW Speaker Series: “Digital Well-Being”
Wednesday, April 30
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
Fall Athletics Schedules and Tryout Information on Husky Hub
Thursday, May 1
Senior Day
Friday, May 2
Upper School Commons, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 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
SAT
Saturday, May 3
Local National Test Centers
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 5
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
June ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, May 9
AP Exams
Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 16
Parent Walking Group
Friday, May 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
ACT
Wednesday, May 14
Local National Test Centers
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Classics Banquet
Friday, May 16
Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Upper School Exam Schedule
Wednesday, May 21 — Reading Day
Thursday, May 22 — History and Social Sciences Exams
Friday, May 23 — Language Exams
Tuesday, May 27 — English Exams
Wednesday, May 28 — Math Exams
Thursday, May 29 — Science Exams
Exam Makeup Day
Friday, May 30
