Upper School Newsletter – November 12, 2025
November 12, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Upper School Families,
We are in the midst of our Week of Thankful Giving on campus, and it provides a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude.
Earlier this week, we held a division meeting, and I provided a survey to the faculty about parent-teacher conferences. The aim was to hear about the good things as well as determine ways we might be able to improve things in the future. The positive comments that dominated the responses were fantastic to read. So thank you for partnering with our teachers so they can continue to do their very best for your children.
Additionally, as we approach the start of the winter season, please help share these important reminders:
- Drive Safely: Plan to leave a little earlier for your commute during inclement weather.
- Health First: Please stay home if you are feverish or feeling unwell.
- Strong Finish: Let's focus on finishing the semester in the strongest way possible.
Finally, as this is my last note to you until after Thanksgiving (though we still have nearly two weeks of school left and an abbreviated newsletter next week), we wish you safe travels and a healthy and happy time off with your family and friends!
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Community Festival This Weekend!
Join us this Saturday, 12:00-2:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, for an afternoon of connection, learning, and fun as we celebrate the diversity that makes our school community so special! This interactive festival showcases vibrant traditions, delectable foods, and captivating performances from around the world.
Throughout the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and celebrate the spirit of belonging that defines our school. Bring your friends, families, and classmates to explore, engage, and celebrate our world — all right here on campus! RSVP so we can properly prepare!
Tickets Now Available: Upper School Play — “The Game's Afoot”
Join us in the Olson Theater for the Upper School’s fall production of “The Game's Afoot” by Ken Ludwig. The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. This play is PG-13. Reserve your tickets now!
Friday, November 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Walking Group — Winter Dates Added
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents. Join us on Friday, November 21, and Tuesday, December 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register and contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
On Sunday, December 7, 2:00-4:00 p.m., families are invited to contribute items and participate in a Power Pack event to benefit Food for Others at the Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Road. Power Packs are weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. Sign up to volunteer or contribute, and contact Laura Schwartz with any questions.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club - Join Our Next Meeting!
This year, we’re highlighting banned books with a twist: every selection is a graphic novel! Our selected texts explore the real-life issues and themes that matter to today’s middle-grade and young adult readers. From healthy relationships to racial identity, religious faith, gender identity, and immigration, these stories open doors to understanding, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
Join us for the next meeting on Monday, December 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “Hey Kiddo” by Jarrett Krosoczka.
Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.
Virtual Parent Education Series: Learning Center and College Admission Workshop for Junior Parents
On Tuesday, December 9, 12:00-1:00 p.m., parents of juniors who use the Learning Center are invited to join FH’s Director of the Learning Center Shannon McCarty and Director of College Counseling Susan Chiarolanzio for a virtual lunchtime session to learn more about standardized testing with accommodations and the college search process for students with documented learning differences. Google Meet link: meet.google.com/gwf-dkuz-usx or join by phone, (US) +1 786-886-2477 PIN: 348 140 652#
Parent Education Series: Community Service at the Upper School
Parents are invited to hear from our Upper School Community Service coordinators on Wednesday, December 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. They will discuss the philosophy and approach of the community service program as well as the resources and support that are available to students/families.
Parent Education Series: The Flint Hill College Advising Program
Click here for a recording of last month’s Parent Education Series: The Flint Hill College Advising Program virtual event. The recording provides an overview of Flint Hill’s expanded college advising program.
2026-27 Re-Enrollment Timeline — Important Dates
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, please review the key dates and deadlines that will guide the upcoming enrollment process. From financial aid applications to contract issuance and the regionally adopted binding date, the timeline below outlines everything families need to stay on track. We encourage you to mark your calendars and reach out with any questions as we move through each step together.
- Monday, December 1 — Deadline to submit financial aid applications. To access the financial aid application: navigate to the Resource Board in Husky Hub, click the Financial Aid Application tile, and follow the prompts to begin your application.
- Thursday, January 8 — 2026-27 Tuition Announcement
- Tuesday, January 13 — Parents are invited to attend the Parent Education Series: FH Budget, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 28 — 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to current students, including financial aid decisions
- Thursday, February 5 — Deadline for current families to submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
- Friday, February 27 — 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to new students, including financial aid decisions.
- Friday, May 1 — Enrollment Contract Binding Date*
* The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW), of which Flint Hill is a member, has made the decision to move its strongly encouraged guideline for the contract binding date from June 1 to May 1 for the 2026-27 school year.
Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Volunteer in the Igloo this Winter Season!
The winter athletic season is here, and the Igloo is gearing up to serve our school community during both basketball games and daytime hours. We're looking for volunteers to help run the concessions stand each day, and can’t keep it open without you!
Why Volunteer?
- It’s fun: Interact with our wonderful students and community members.
- Bring a Friend: Volunteering is more fun when you do it together! Invite a friend or family member to join you. It’s a great way to meet other parents, too.
- Students Welcome: Upper School students earn service hours as volunteers!
Reminders
TONIGHT: Junior Family College Night — Required Attendance
The Junior Family College Night on Wednesday, November 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Upper School Gym, is an opportunity for our college advisors to share helpful guidance and advice with junior families. This program will provide an overview of the individual advising process, how to evaluate colleges for admission accessibility, and the support services that the college advisors will provide throughout the college search and application process. The College Planner will also be distributed. Please note that attendance is required by each junior and at least one parent/guardian. Dress for the event is casual.
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection Continues
Our annual Week of Thankful Giving continues from Thursday, November 13, through Monday, November 17. In the Upper School, we are creating Thanksgiving boxes for Cornerstones. Cornerstones works to strengthen families in need living and working along the Dulles Corridor. Collections will be done by advisory.
2026-27 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
Our 2026-27 Calendar 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 the published dates on this calendar in the newsletter.
*Note the email from Flint Hill School sent on October 30 correcting the Winter Break dates for 2026-27 are for the next school year, not this school year. We had some questions about that.
Upcoming Events
Click on the plus sign to add the event to your Google Calendar. Important note: changes made to the original calendar event won't populate on your Google calendar, so please be sure to look out for changes announced in the newsletter.
Junior Family College Night
Wednesday, November 12
Upper School Gym, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
The Week of Thankful Giving
Thursday, November 13 - Monday, November 17
Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Guided Play
Thursday, November 13
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Collins Residence, 5407 18th Street N, Arlington, Virginia 22205
Join the Waitlist
Student National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony
Thursday, November 13
Upper School Learning Commons, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, November 14
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Upper School Fall Athletics Awards Ceremony
Friday, November 14
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Upper School Fall Play
Friday, November 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Tickets
Community Festival
Saturday, November 15
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 18
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Details and RSVP
Upper School Winter Athletics Picture Day
Wednesday, November 19
Upper School Gym, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
December SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 21
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 21
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Virginia Junior Classical League Convention
Sunday, November 23 - Monday, November 24
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Admission Application Deadline for Sibling Families
Sunday, November 30
Classes Resume
Monday, December 1
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Current Students
Monday, December 1
Flint Hill Fund Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 2
Make your gift to the Flint Hill Fund
Parent Meetup: Club Pilates Oakton
Wednesday, December 3
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Club Pilates Oakton, 2946 Chain Bridge Rd, Unit N, Oakton, Virginia 22124
Register
Upper School Tip-Off Pep Rally
Friday, December 5
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6
Upper School Gym
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, December 6
Local National Testing Centers
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
Sunday, December 7
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Road, Virginia, 22181
Sign Up
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 8
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Interest Form
Grades 7-12 Winter Band Concert
Monday, December 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, December 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Virtual Parent Education Series: Learning Center and College Admission Workshop for Junior Parents
Tuesday, December 9
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: meet.google.com/gwf-dkuz-usx
Join by phone: (US) +1 786-886-2477 PIN: 348 140 652#
Parent Education Series: Community Service at the Upper School
Wednesday, December 10
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades 5-12 Winter Choral Concert
Wednesday, December 10
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, December 12
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
ACT National Test Date
Saturday, December 13
Local National Testing Centers
Science Olympiad Competition
Saturday, December 13
Upper School Building, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Grades 7-12 Winter Percussion Concert
Monday, December 15
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
End of First Semester, Upper School
Friday, December 19
Winter Break
December 20 - January 4
Grades JK-12 No Classes, No Homework
