Lower School Newsletter – February 18, 2026

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February 18, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

Each morning in the Lower School, we are reminded what a gift it is to begin our days together, seeing your students greet each other as they arrive, watching them reconnect with teachers and friends, and settling into classrooms where meaningful learning awaits. We strive to create developmental experiences that allow every child to investigate, create, and communicate with confidence and joy. To set our students up for success each day, a few gentle reminders feel important at this time of year.

Arrival Time

Our school day begins promptly at 8:10 a.m. For this to occur, it is essential that students be dropped off between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. to ensure a solid start to the day. This time allows students to unpack, connect with teachers and classmates, and transition calmly into their morning routines. When students arrive within this window of time, they are better prepared to begin the academic day focused, settled, and ready to learn. Your partnership here truly supports their confidence and independence.

Dress Expectations and Footwear

As the weather shifts, we are noticing an increase in footwear that is not suited for a full school day. While boots and UGG-style booties or casual slip-ons may be cozy for cold mornings, they are not appropriate for classroom learning, recess, or physical activity. Your students may arrive in cold-weather shoes, but please remember that they need athletic sneakers each day to fully and safely participate in all aspects of our program.

Our dress expectations are in place to support safety, comfort, and readiness for learning. When students are dressed appropriately for the school day, they can move, explore, and engage as self-directed learners and active problem-solvers.

We are grateful for your continued partnership in upholding these shared expectations. Small daily habits, such as arriving on time and dressing appropriately, have a meaningful impact on a child’s sense of responsibility and belonging within our community. Together, we model the integrity, accountability, and care that help our students grow not only academically but also as ethical citizens and leaders.

Warmly,

Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School

Announcements

Grateful Huskies Week — Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27

Grateful Huskies Week celebrates the many donors who embrace Flint Hill’s vision to “make a difference.” Lower School students will have the opportunity to reflect on what they are thankful for through fun, age-appropriate gratitude activities that encourage sharing and appreciation across campus.

Throughout the week, Upper School Grateful Huskies Club members and other volunteers will participate in special outreach to thank those who have made gifts to the Flint Hill Fund. You can join in with a gift or learn more about the Flint Hill Fund.

Welcome and Reptile Show for Grades JK-2 — Sunday, March 8

Current families with students in Grades JK-2 are invited to welcome our newly admitted families at a scales-tacular Reptile Show! Get ready for a wild time as reptile expert Dustin from Adventures in Fun introduces students to some fascinating creatures, shares fun and surprising facts, and invites the audience to enjoy brief hands-on interactions. The event will be held on Sunday, March 8, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Lower School Gym. RSVP by Thursday, March 5. Email Associate Director of Enrollment Management Dawn Hopke with questions.

Parents' Association Pickleball Social — Wednesday, March 11

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or a first-timer, this is a great chance to connect with other families and enjoy some friendly competition. Join us on Wednesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA. All skill levels are welcome! Registration is limited to 30 players, and a waitlist will be available once full. This popular event fills up quickly, so grab your spot! Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11 with any questions.

Grades 5-6 Play — Thursday, March 12

On Thursday, March 12, 4:00-5:00 p.m., in the Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, students in grades 5-6 in the after-school drama club will perform in "When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors," a one-act production of “The Wizard of Oz” that gets derailed by missed cues, forgotten lines, and a renegade sound board op who refuses to play anything but dinosaur noises. It’s a comedy that proves, when it comes to live theatre, everything that can go wrong, will go wrong, and it will be hilarious.

Lower School Parent Conferences — Friday, March 13

All Lower School conferences are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. Please see below for specific details regarding conferences for each grade level.

Junior Kindergarten through 5th Grade will hold Parent Conferences, providing an opportunity for parents and teachers to connect and discuss student progress. Students will not be present during this conference.

6th Grade will participate in Student-Led Conferences, giving students the opportunity to take the lead in reflecting on and presenting their growth.

Lower School Parent Conferences will take place on Friday, March 13; however, your child’s teacher may offer limited additional times on the preceding days. Please be on the lookout for a sign-up link on Friday, February 27.

Spring Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange — Friday, March 13

Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 13, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Hazel Lower School, Room 101. The Exchange is intentionally scheduled to coincide with Lower School Parent Conferences. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first-come, first-served.

Donation Drop-off: Parents may drop off gently used, clean uniforms and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, March 2, to Friday, March 6, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Kindly launder items before donating. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate and/or shop for spirit wear.

Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Tuesday, March 10, and during the Exchange on Friday, March 13. Sign up to volunteer and get the first chance to shop!

School Store Open — Friday, March 13

The School Store will be open during the Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange on Friday, March 13, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at Hazel Lower School in Room 112. You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11.

For Exchange questions, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11. For School Store questions, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.

Coming Soon — Golf Invitational and Skills Social

Calling all golf enthusiasts and novices! Join the Flint Hill community on Thursday, May 21, for a fun day on the links, with an 18-hole scramble and skills social for all levels. Parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and alumni are all welcome for a day that brings our community together to benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid, helping students whose families face unexpected financial hardship.

Registration opens soon, but mark your calendars now! Interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11 for more information.

Does Your Work Involve City Planning, Animals, or Space?

From time to time, teachers would like to bring in a presenter to enhance the classroom curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible.

We have a current need for speakers who would briefly present on the following topics in an age-appropriate way for 1st graders:

City Planning: We are looking for someone who can share how cities are planned, possibly connecting it to the problem-solving process or writing process.
Animals/Plants: Help facilitate a nature walk and spark curiosity about animals and the planet before we begin or during those learning units.
Space: Having learned about day and night patterns, and following a planetarium visit, we are looking for someone who can share more info about space.

Contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Thank you for helping students and teachers make these real-world connections!

Beyond the Reminders and Announcements

Since this newsletter is always full of parent need-to-knows, we want to tell you where to find more of the fun stuff! Our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) are the best place to see real-time highlights of student life. Follow our dedicated athletics account for all things Husky sports!

We’re also sharing in-depth stories on our Husky Highlights blog and spotlighting alumni journeys on Flint Hill Futures. Did we mention Flint Hill started a podcast featuring insights from our expert faculty and staff? We hope these channels offer a vivid window into our community and a deeper connection to the Husky experience.

Reminders

Major Minors Concert — TONIGHT, Wednesday, February 18

Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert on Wednesday, February 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., in the Middle School Commons. The concert is free, and your attendance is a great way to show support for our wonderfully talented student singers!

Flint Hill Day — Thursday, February 19

Flint Hill Day is on Thursday, February 19, 1:15-2:15 p.m., in the Upper School Gym. Students, faculty, and staff will gather to recognize 20-year employees and Driving Spirit Award winners. The Driving Spirit Awards are given to current Flint Hill employees who lead by example through their dedication to students, faculty, or the Flint Hill community at large, as evidenced by their ability to energize and inspire the Husky community.

Middle School Brings 'Madagascar' to FH

The Middle School is excited to announce their upcoming play production of “Madagascar” on Friday, February 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip-hop Hippo, and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, this play follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s “Madagascar.” Reserve your tickets now!

Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits: Spotlight on Specials — Friday, February 20

On Friday, February 20, 8:15-8:45 a.m., at the Hazel Lower School, parents are welcomed into specialists' classrooms where students will share what they are learning.

PCW Forum on Reducing Parental Burnout — Wednesday, February 25

The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to join Marina Lopes, author of “Please Yell at My Kids,” on Wednesday, February 25, 10:00-11:30 a.m., at Bullis School, for an engaging discussion on reducing parental stress and burnout by building community. Marina, a former foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, will draw on parenting practices and wisdom from around the world. Parents will leave with simple, research-backed strategies to reduce stress, foster connection, and build their own "village" of support. Register here.

Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits: Carnaval Festival — Friday, February 27

Grades 4-6 parents will enjoy a student-led presentation on Carnaval, the festival held around the world in February and March. Come celebrate with us on Friday, February 27, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, and support our students as they bring Carnaval to life in this unique, educational, and joyous event!

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, March 2

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, March 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Workshop: Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health

The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a workshop on Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Washington Waldorf School. The workshop will explain why parental burnout happens and offer realistic strategies to recharge your mind, mood, and motivation while helping you reconnect with your children. This highly interactive session will be facilitated by Kate Gawlik, clinical professor and co-director of Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. Register today!

Save the Date: Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24

Break out your best ’80s look because this year’s Night on the Hill theme is Prom, but just for the grown-ups! Current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff are invited for an all-adult evening filled with nostalgic fun, great company, and a few surprises you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. Invitations will be sent electronically soon, but mark your calendars for Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo!

We need your help to open the Igloo each day! Bring a friend and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like — your support makes a difference and gives you a glimpse into Upper School life. Upper School students are also welcome to volunteer during basketball games. Sign up here!

Upcoming Events

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Parent Meetup: Cooking Class
Wednesday, February 18
6:30-8:30 p.m., The Fennell Residence
Register

Major Minors Winter Concert
Wednesday, February 18
7:00-8:00 p.m., Middle School Commons

Flint Hill Day
Thursday, February 19
1:15-2:15 p.m., Upper School Gym

Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits: Spotlight on Specials
Friday, February 20
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School

Grateful Huskies Week
Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27

PCW Forum: It Takes a Village: Beating Parental Burnout Through Community
Wednesday, February 25
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Bullis School, Trone Studio Theater, 10601 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Register

2026-27 Admission Enrollment and Financial Aid Contracts Issued to New Students
Friday, February 27

Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits: Carnaval Festival
Friday, February 27
8:15-9:15 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 2
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form

Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 6
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Miller House Front Porch, Lower School Campus

PCW Workshop: Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health
Wednesday, March 4
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Washington Waldorf School, 4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Register

Welcome and Reptile Show for Grades JK-2
Sunday, March 8
10:00-11:30 a.m., Lower School Gym
RSVP by Thursday, March 5

Parents' Association Pickleball Social
Wednesday, March 11
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030

Grades 5-6 Play
Thursday, March 12
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater

Enrollment Contracts Due — New Students
Friday, March 13

LS/MS Parent-Teacher Conferences — No LS/MS Classes
Friday, March 13

Spring Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Friday, March 13
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 101

School Store Open
Friday, March 13
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 112

Spring Break — No Classes, No Homework
March 14-29

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