Lower School Newsletter – April 1, 2026

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

April 1, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

Welcome back, Huskies! I hope your Spring Break offered time for rest, joy, and connection. As we return for the final quarter of the school year, we enter a season that mirrors so much of what we hope for our students: growth, renewal, and purposeful exploration. Just as the world around us begins to bloom, our classrooms are filled with opportunities for students to investigate, create, and communicate in meaningful ways.

This stretch of the year invites our learners to take meaningful risks, reflect on how far they have come, and continue to stretch toward what is possible, both independently and together. At the same time, we know that many of our students are beginning to think ahead to what next year may bring. While that excitement is natural, we encourage our students and all community members to stay grounded in the present. Let’s continue to find joy in the moments of learning, connection, and discovery that are happening right now! By modeling and teaching our students to embrace each day with the shared goal of showing up as their best selves, we position them to finish the year strong, rooted in confidence, pride, and a deep appreciation for how far they have come.

Best,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School

Announcements

The Arts Are Blossoming This Spring!

April is a wonderful time to experience the creativity of our Fine and Performing Arts students. We invite you to browse the Upcoming Events section below and join us for events featuring our artists, musicians, and performers as they share the work they’ve been creating this year.

5th Grade Poetry Café — Tuesday, April 7

5th grade parents are invited to join us in the Olson Theater at the Lower School on Wednesday, April 7, 8:30-9:45 a.m., for our 5th Grade Poetry Café. Students will share their free verse poems, highlighting their use of strong verbs and nouns, sensory and figurative language, and effective line breaks. A celebratory snack of Lil’ Bites and juice boxes will be available in the 3rd floor Commons immediately following the event.

PES: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team — Tuesday, April 21

This Parent Education Series event is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Learning Commons.

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 22

The Spring Visual Arts show on Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, offers a chance to experience the incredible work of our Upper School visual arts students, featuring pieces from studio art, ceramics, digital and graphic design, photography, film, and more. This evening will celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration that are central to the Fine Arts experience at Flint Hill. Opening remarks begin at 6:00 p.m.

Virtual PES: Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level for Rising Grades 4-6 — Thursday, April 23

On Thursday, April 23, 12:00-12:45 p.m., parents of rising 4th-6th graders are invited to attend this virtual Parent Education Series event and learn more about what to expect as their student steps up to the next grade level.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/ywr-czkt-jgd
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 650-466-0224‬ PIN: ‪530 534 239‬#

4th-6th Grade Classroom Visits — Friday, April 24

On Friday, April 24, 8:15-8:45 a.m., at the Hazel Lower School, parents of 4th-6th graders are welcome to visit homeroom classrooms where students will share what they are learning.

PES: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health and Technology, Lower School Edition — Friday, April 24

Join local mental health experts Dr. Laura Gray and Cate Riihimaki for a discussion on the complex relationship between technology and mental health. This Parent Education Series session is on Friday, April 24, 8:50-9:50 a.m., in the Olson Theater at the Hazel Lower School. Topics will include brain science, intervention techniques, child insights, and practical parenting advice to help you support your developing children.

RSVP for Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24

Break out your best 80s look — Prom is back, and this time it’s just for the grown-ups! On Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., enjoy an all-adult social evening with current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff that leans into all the nostalgic fun — plus a few things you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. RSVP by Wednesday, April 15, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.

4th Grade Day Trip to Jamestown — Friday, May 1

On Friday, May 1, our 4th graders will head to Williamsburg and Jamestown for a full day of hands-on history and exploration to deepen their understanding of early American history. Departure is at 6:30 a.m., with a return around 8:00 p.m.

Date Change: Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert

The Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert date, start time, and location have changed. Please note this new information: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Upper School Gym.

Hit the Links With the Flint Hill Community — Thursday, May 21

Whether you play every week or are new to the game, there’s a spot for you at the Golf Invitational and Skills Social on Thursday, May 21. Play in the 18-hole scramble or join the Skills Social — a casual, beginner-friendly clinic to work on your swing (clubs included!) with co-chairs Caroline Gray ’08, Head of School Patrick McHonett, and Jessica McHonett P'31, '35.

Bring your own foursome, or we’ll pair you up with fellow Huskies. Not able to play, but want to make a difference? You can still get in on the fun by sponsoring or volunteering. All skill levels welcome, but spots are limited. Register today!

Flint Hill Fund — Lead the Pack Challenge Starts Today!

It’s go time, Huskies!

The Flint Hill Fund Lead the Pack Challenge is officially underway. We kicked off today at the Upper School with an April Fool’s Carpool Takeover, where students, parents, teachers, and staff were wondering if they were at the Lower School!

Now that the challenge is on, let’s pull together, Huskies!

Check out where your division or grade stands — and who’s out in front!

For any division or grade that reaches its goal, here’s how we’ll celebrate:

Lower School: Pajama Day!
Middle School: Free Dress Day!
Upper School (by grade 9–12): Pie in the Face Day!

Thank you to the families who are already leading the way with a gift or pledge to this year’s effort! Every gift (or pledge payable by June 30) counts toward your child’s division or Upper School grade.

Summer on the Hill Highlight: Clay Camp: Mud n' Fire

Clay Camp: Mud n' Fire
June 15-26 (closed Friday, June 19)
Register Here

Get fired up! Join in the fun this summer at the clay studio for a two week intensive in ceramics with Ms. Julia Cardone. This camp introduces young potters to a variety of construction, decorating, and firing methods. Whether working to create sculpture, hand building forms, or on the potter's wheel, students learn in a supportive and small class setting with plenty of individual instruction and inspiration from one another as well as our teaching artists. Clay Camp is designed for all skill levels to develop technical ability with clay while exploring unique ideas and expressions.

Reminders

Virtual PES: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use — Thursday, April 2

Parents are invited to join us on Thursday, April 2, 8:15-9:15 a.m., for a virtual Parent Education Series conversation with prevention specialist Brenda Conlan. This session will focus on guiding preteens and teens toward healthy, substance-free decisions to help pave the way for an emotionally healthy adulthood. Brenda will share insights from her current work with Flint Hill 8th graders and provide practical tips for parents to navigate these important topics at home. Use this Google Meet link to join virtually.

Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24

Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Our first spring walks together will be on Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24, 8:20-9:15 a.m. The location will be shared with the group before each walk. Register here and contact Upper School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.

Rising Grade 7 Transition: Course Selection and Orientation

Course Selection Process
On Monday, April 6, we will begin the course selection process for those who will be middle schoolers next year, providing information about our Program Guide, options for students, guidance on selecting appropriate courses and a course load, and Q&A sessions for students and parents. We’re excited to welcome our 6th graders to the Middle School next year! Get all the information you need on the Step Up to Middle School page. The page includes answers to frequently asked questions, short videos related to the Middle School, links to resources, and a calendar of upcoming step-up events.

Important Dates

There are several key events and information about the transition to 7th grade coming up in the next week.

Monday, April 6 — At 4:00 p.m., Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont will email all students and parents an overview of the course selection process, guidance about selecting the appropriate courses and load, and specific placement recommendations for each student.
Tuesday, April 7 — Mr. Lamont and some current 7th graders will meet with all 6th graders in the Lower School for Q&A about all aspects of the Middle School program.
Wednesday, April 8 — Mr. Lamont will host an in-person orientation and Q&A session at the Peterson Middle School for parents of current 6th graders.
- 8:15-9:00 a.m. — PES: Orientation for Parents of Rising 7th Graders. A video presentation will be shared with parents who are unable to attend.
- 9:00-9:45 a.m. — PES: Course Selection for Parents of Rising 7th and 8th Graders. This session will focus on Q&A about course selection. Parents with questions who are unable to attend may contact Brian Lamont.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Last 2 Meetings of the Year! Monday, April 6, and Monday, May 4

Spring is here, and with it come our final two Book Club meetings of the year. We look forward to gathering for our last banned book selection, “Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman, on Monday, April 6.

By popular request, we’ve updated our final selection to a different graphic novel, “The Anxious Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” by Jonathan Haidt. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, our selections explore the literary topics and current issues that matter most to today’s young, middle-grade, and young adult readers—and help foster thoughtful, healthy conversations for those parenting them. From relationships and identity to faith and belonging, these stories invite reflection, build understanding, and open the door to meaningful dialogue.

Both meetings will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Virtual PES: Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level for Parents of Rising K-3rd Graders — Thursday, April 9

On Thursday, April 9, 12:00-12:45 p.m., parents of rising K-3rd students are invited to attend this virtual Parent Education Series event and learn more about what to expect as their student steps up to the next grade level.
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/qkc-qdib-cth
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 774-234-8358‬ PIN: ‪884 944 390‬#

Arlington Parent Meetup — Thursday, April 9

On Thursday, April 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m., join Divisional Ambassadors Julia Blizzard, Ali Collins, Becca Moss, and Jackie Rotz for a casual meetup to connect with fellow Arlington parents. While this event is geared toward Arlington parents, all JK-12 parents are invited to join! RSVP here and contact Julia Blizzard or Ali Collins with any questions.

JK-3rd Grade Classroom Visits — Friday, April 10

On Friday, April 10, 8:15-8:45 a.m., at the Hazel Lower School, parents are invited into homeroom classrooms where students will share what they are learning.

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — Tuesday, April 14

Stay active with fellow parents and join Katie Ramsey and Fatima Latif for a Zumba class! Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. The next class will be Tuesday, April 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m., with another class to follow on Tuesday, May 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Sign up for each date that you can attend and contact Katie Ramsey with any questions.

Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are — Wednesday, April 15

You’re invited to Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are! Join us for a celebration of identity through music, featuring collaborative performances inspired by the iconic sound of The Who. More than a tribute, the concert reflects the heart of our Performing Arts program — creativity, collaboration, and the shared joy of making music together. It will be a wonderful night of entertainment that spotlights our talented percussion, choir, band, and musical theater ensembles. Arts Jam will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Thursday, April 16

Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Thursday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is geared toward dads, parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!

Concessions Volunteers Needed: Spring Schedule Available!

The spring athletic season is here, and the Den will reopen for selected athletic games! We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and Den concession stands running smoothly. Upper School students can also volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.

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.

Virtual Parent Education Series: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use
Thursday, April 2
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/nwm-mhkr-swb

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 3
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Course Selection Process for Rising 7th Graders Begins
Monday, April 6, 4:00 p.m.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 6
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form

5th Grade Poetry Café
Tuesday, April 7
8:30-9:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School Olson Theater

Parent Education Series: Orientation for Parents of Rising 7th Graders
Wednesday, April 8
8:15-9:00 a.m., Peterson Middle School Commons

Parent Education Series: Course Selection for Parents of Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Wednesday, April 8
9:00-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School Commons

Virtual Parent Education Series: Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level for Rising Grades K-3
Thursday, April 9
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/qkc-qdib-cth
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 774-234-8358‬ PIN: ‪884 944 390‬#

Arlington Parent Meetup
Thursday, April 9
6:00-8:00 p.m.
SER, 1110 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201
RSVP

JK-3rd Grade Classroom Visits
Friday, April 10
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School

Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 10
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle
Tuesday, April 14
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Register

Arts Jam
Wednesday, April 15
7:00-9:30 p.m.
George Mason Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Thursday, April 16
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Topgolf Loudoun, 20356 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Register

Faculty Professional Development, Grades JK-12 No Classes
Friday, April 17

Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation With the Learning Center Team
Tuesday, April 21
8:15-9:15 a.m., Peterson Middle School Learning Commons

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 22
5:30-7:00 p.m., Opening Remarks 6:00 p.m., Upper School Commons

Virtual Parent Education Series: Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level for Rising Grades 4-6
Thursday, April 23
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/ywr-czkt-jgd
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 650-466-0224‬ PIN: ‪530 534 239‬#

4th-6th Grade Classroom Visits
Friday, April 24
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 24
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Parent Education Series: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health and Technology, Lower School Edition
Friday, April 24
8:50-9:50 a.m., Hazel Lower School Olson Theater

Prom Night on the Hill
Friday, April 24
8:00-10:00 p.m., Peterson Middle School
RSVP by Wednesday, April 15

Playground Party to Welcome New Husky Families
Sunday, April 26
3:00-4:00 p.m., Lower School Playgrounds
RSVP by Thursday, April 23.

Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Friday, May 1

4th Grade Day Trip to Jamestown
Friday, May 1
6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Table of Contents

Add a header to begin generating the table of contents