Lower School Newsletter – April 29, 2026

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.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Final Meeting of the Year! Monday, May 4

By popular request, we’ve updated our final selection to a different graphic novel, “The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” by Jonathan Haidt. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Learning Commons.

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.

Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Grades 5-8 Spring Concerts

Join our 5th-8th graders for their spring musical performances: choir, band, and percussion.

• Choral — Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School
• Band — Thursday, May 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School
• Percussion — Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Upper School Gym

Early Dismissal on Grandparents and Special Friends Day — Friday, May 8

We look forward to welcoming JK-6 Grandparents and Special Friends to campus on Friday, May 8! Please review the helpful reminders below.

• To help with limited parking, please plan to drop off your guests during regular morning carpool.
• Guests who need to drive separately may begin arriving at 7:45 a.m. It’s helpful if all guests have arrived by 8:15 a.m.
• The school day will end at 11:00 a.m., and pickup will begin at 11:15 a.m. Students must leave with their guest or be picked up by a parent at this time.
• AfterCare will not be provided, and there will be no p.m. bus service for Lower School. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent your child from being picked up at 11:15 a.m., please contact Donna Holaday in advance of the event.
• This is not a required school day for Lower School students. If your child will be absent, please notify the school in SchoolPass.

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — Tuesday, May 12

Stay active with fellow parents and join Katie Ramsey P'28, '30 and Fatima Latif P'28 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, May 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Sign up and contact Katie Ramsey with any questions.

RSVP! Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 14

Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents’ Association President Barbara O’Reilly P'27 for a casual reception on Thursday, May 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace, to celebrate your service to our community. RSVP and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.

Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, May 15 and May 29

Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School on Friday, May 15, 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.

5th Grade Class Trip to Terrapin Adventure Ropes Course — Friday, May 15

Celebrating their achievements and final novel study of "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds, 5th Grade will embark on an exciting trip on Friday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., to Terrapin Adventures with zip-lining, a giant swing, and team-building challenges!

For your child's participation, please complete this waiver. This waiver is required for participation in all activities at Terrapin Adventures.

Parent Volunteers Needed for Lower School Field Day— Sign Up by Friday, May 15

Field Day continues to be a success year after year thanks to the time and enthusiasm of our wonderful parent volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for Field Day on Thursday, June 4, please complete this form by Friday, May 15. Spots tend to fill quickly, and registration will close once 40 volunteers have signed up. Lunch will be provided for parent volunteers. We look forward to celebrating the end of the school year together with a fun field day!

Field Day Schedule:

• JK-3rd Grade — 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
• 4th-6th Grade — 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
• Pizza Lunch — 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2026-27 — Sign Up by Friday, May 15

You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 15. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum or Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne.

You can also reach out to one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:

• Divisional Ambassador Description — Duties and Responsibilities
• Divisional Ambassador FAQs

AI: Hype vs. Reality with Arjun Gupta '08 — Monday, May 18

Join Flint Hill alum Arjun Gupta ’08 for an evening of connection and innovation. Beyond a fascinating look at how technology is shaping our world, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Flint Hill parents and experience firsthand how the School’s spirit of curiosity and innovation continues to thrive. Arjun will demystify AI tools like ChatGPT, sharing practical insights on how to stay ahead of the curve while avoiding common pitfalls. Monday, May 18, refreshments at 6:15 p.m., program begins at 6:45 p.m. View more details and register today.

Limited Edition FH Golf Hat — Available Until Thursday, May 21

Show your Flint Hill pride on or off the course with a custom-embroidered FH hat. Not interested in playing in the golf event, but still want a hat? When registering, select “Golf Hat Only” and continue to the Add-Ons section to complete your order. Visit the Golf Invitational and Skills Social 2026 webpage to register, and reach out to Olivia Landrum with questions.

Limited Spots Available! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 21

While the 18-hole scramble is sold out, there’s room for you in the beginner-friendly Skills Social. You’ll enjoy casual conversation, skills taught by pros, and lunch in the Clubhouse to connect with golfers arriving for the tourney. Plus, rental clubs are provided! Grab your spot today!
Not able to play? You can still get involved by sponsoring or volunteering.

Do You Have Artificial Intelligence Expertise?

From time to time, teachers look to enrich the classroom experience by connecting students with real-world perspectives. The depth of knowledge within the parent and alumni community makes that possible in meaningful ways.

As interest in artificial intelligence continues to grow across disciplines, the School is beginning to explore ways we might tap into this expertise. If you have experience in AI or a related field and are open to being a resource, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. There is no set format or commitment at this stage.

Please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne if you are willing to be contacted as a potential resource in the future (no obligations).

Den and Igloo Concessions Volunteers Needed!

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. Grab a friend and sign up for a shift!

• Sign up for a shift in the Igloo
• Sign up for a shift in the Den