Lower School Newsletter – December 3, 2025
December 3, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Lower School families, I hope your Thanksgiving break was filled with rest, laughter, and meaningful moments together. As we return to school, we find ourselves in one of the most joyful and exciting times of the year. While winter break is just three short weeks away, this season is rich with opportunities for learning, growth, and celebration.
In the midst of the magic like JK’s Gingerbread Hunt (shhhh, this tradition is top-secret), 4th Grade’s exploration at Planet Word, 2nd Grade’s artistic adventures at the Hirshhorn Museum, and 6th Grade’s civic journey to Fairfax City Hall, the skills we’ve been nurturing all fall begin to shine even brighter. Our students’ growth as self-directed learners, respectful Huskies, and budding leaders becomes especially visible on these much-needed, chilly days.
We’re especially looking forward to two of our favorite traditions: the JK-1st and 2nd-4th Winter Concerts! These moments give our students the chance to take the stage, literally and figuratively, as they share their voices, their confidence, and their ability to spread joy within our community.
Here’s to a joyful and purposeful December together!
Warmly,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Basketball Tip-Off Tournament — This Friday and Saturday
The 21st Annual Flint Hill Tip-Off Classic is this weekend! We invite you to come support your Huskies on the court. Tip-Off will begin on Friday, December 5, and conclude on Saturday, December 6.
Friday Schedule
- Game 1: 3:00 p.m. (Varsity Girls) South County HS vs Episcopal HS
- Game 2: 4:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) St. Anne’s-Belfield vs Friendship Tech
- Game 3: 6:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Flint Hill vs John Paul the Great
- Game 4: 8:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Flint Hill vs Ballou
Saturday Schedule
- Game 5: 11:00 a.m. (Varsity Girls) Loser of Game 3 vs Loser of Game 1
- Game 6: 12:45 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Loser of Game 4 vs Loser of Game 2
- Game 7: 2:30 p.m. (Varsity Girls) Championship Game Winner 3 vs Winner 1
- Game 8: 4:15 p.m. (Varsity Boys) Championship Game Winner 4 vs Winner 2
School Store Pop-Up Shop in Upper School
The School Store will host a pop-up shop in the Upper School Multipurpose Room on Friday, December 5, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Upper School students are invited to stop by during the day, and the store will remain open during the Tip-Off Classic that evening.
Winter Concert Performance Dates
It’s Winter Concert season, one of the most joyful times of the year! Our students across all divisions are ready to share the skills and passion that remind us why the arts matter deeply here. Join us for these dynamic performances:
- Band Concert (MS/US) — Monday, December 8, 6:30 p.m., Olson Theater: Kick off the season with fresh, innovative arrangements and jazz students discovering the art of improvisation.
- Choir Concert (LS/MS/US) — Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m., Olson Theater: Experience the energy of diverse ensemble pieces showcasing remarkable soloists.
- Percussion Concert (MS/US) — Monday, December 15, 7:00 p.m., Upper School Gym: Don't miss the dynamic, high-voltage rhythm, layered textures, and thrilling ensemble precision.
- Lower School Concerts — Wednesday, December 17, JK-Grade 1 at 8:30 a.m. and Grades 2-4 at 9:30 a.m., Olson Theater: Closing out the series with pure joy and wonder! Students explore movement, percussion, woodwinds, voice, and even ukulele.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club - Monday, December 8
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. This graphic novel offers a personal perspective on the opioid crisis through the author’s experience growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction. Written for a young adult audience, each page showcases the transformative power of art, love, and humor in overcoming life's challenges.
Joining us for the discussion is Tracie Epes, Director of Counseling, to provide additional insight on the topic of substance abuse and family systems. You are welcome to join us, regardless of where you are in your reading! Please email Mia Burton, Assistant Head of School for Community, Equity, and Student Success, for more information.
Registration for Winter After-School Clubs, Grades 5-6 Play, Spring Break Camp
Our Winter After-School Clubs, Grades 5-6 play, and Spring Break Camp will be announced on Monday, December 8. Clubs are an opportunity for students to engage in enrichment activities, learn a new hobby or skill, or pursue an existing passion throughout six sessions. Past clubs have included Husky House Band, Chess, Mixed Media, Mock Trial, Debate, and more!
Registration will open to families on Thursday, December 11, at 6:00 p.m., and continue through Wednesday, December 17. Individual clubs may reach capacity before registration closes. Spring Break Camp registration will remain open through the winter. For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.
Clubs will begin on Friday, January 13, and will be from 3:00-4:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Students may either participate in the 4:00 p.m. club carpool or attend AfterCare until as late as 5:30 p.m. A snack is included in registration for clubs.
Do Your Holiday Shopping and Benefit Flint Hill
Alumni Parent Elise Abt ’13, ’15 is hosting a shopping social at Evereve in Reston (11928 Market Street) on Tuesday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Mention you are a member of the Flint Hill community, and 15% of your sales will be donated to Flint Hill. Contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Tell Your Friends: Student Success at Flint Hill (Virtual)
We are committed to unlocking each student’s potential through individualized learning, robust support systems, and a nurturing community. This virtual event, scheduled for Friday, December 12, at 12:00 p.m., is designed to provide prospective parents with an in-depth look at how we define and nurture student success across all levels of our school. Share this registration link with your friends and neighbors! Register.
Pickleball Play-Day for Students and Families
Club Pickleball Leaders Kira Wish ’27 and Erin Doran ’27 are hosting a pickleball play-day event with Lower School students and families on Sunday, December 14, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. From beginner to expert, come have fun with us in the Lower School gym and show off your pickleball skills. No need to bring anything besides a friend and a pair of sneakers! Fill out this interest form if you want to join.
Alumni Virtual College Panel — Thursday, January 8
On Thursday, January 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Middle and Upper School families are invited to hear directly from recent graduates as they describe their transition to college and respond to questions about what they have learned, how they were prepared, and the challenges they experienced during this pivotal time. We hope you’ll join us to learn about how Flint Hill prepares our students for college life — inside and outside the classroom. Use this Google Meet link to join the Alumni Virtual College Panel.
Parent Education Series (PES) Event: The FH Budget
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 13, 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).
Driving Spirit Award Nominations
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 Friday, January 9.
Gifts to Faculty and Staff
As we approach the Winter Break, we wanted to remind you of the School’s recommendations concerning gifts to faculty and staff. Flint Hill encourages simplicity in the giving of gifts. Please note that holiday gift giving is not an expectation, and individual families should decide what is best for them, keeping in mind that a sincere, heartfelt “thank you” often carries the greatest meaning.
The School discourages the collection of money from parents to provide teachers or coaches with gifts. If, however, you choose to provide a holiday gift to a faculty or staff member, please be sensitive to varying cultural/religious backgrounds and avoid gifts exceeding $100 in value, as outlined in the Family Handbook.
Inclement Weather Policy
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
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
There’s still time to sign up to participate on Sunday, December 7, 2:00-4:00 p.m. or contribute items for the Power Pack event at the Vienna Moose Lodge to benefit Food for Others. Sign up to volunteer or contribute, and contact Laura Schwartz with any questions.
Parent Walking Group
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents. Join us on Tuesday, December 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m. The location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register and contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.
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.
- 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.
Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo! Basketball Volunteers Needed
The winter athletic season is here, and the Igloo will open during both basketball games and daytime hours. We can’t open without you and there are many opportunities! It’s a fun way to make new connections, and no experience is needed! Students can volunteer for basketball games and receive service hours, too. More games will be added throughout the season. Sign up to volunteer.
2026-27 School Year Calendar Highlights
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.
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.
Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 5 – Saturday, December 6
Upper School Gym
School Store Pop-Up Shop in Upper School
Friday, December 5
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Upper School Multipurpose Room
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
Sunday, December 7
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Road, Virginia, 22181
Sign up
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 8
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, December 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Do Your Holiday Shopping and Benefit Flint Hill
Tuesday, December 9
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Evereve, 11928 Market Street, Reston
Tell Your Friends: Student Success at Flint Hill (Virtual)
Friday, December 12
12:00 p.m.
Register
Parent Education Series: The FH Budget
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Upper School Multipurpose Room
Grades JK-1 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 17
8:30-9:00 a.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Grades 2-4 Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 17
9:30-10:00 a.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
End of First Semester, Lower School
Friday, December 19
Winter Break
December 20 – January 4
Grades JK-12 No Classes, No Homework
