Lower School Newsletter – January 21, 2026

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January 21, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

With the first semester officially in the books, it’s time to pause and celebrate how far we’ve come. I’m delighted to share that First Semester Progress Reports will be available to families this afternoon. This milestone reflects your child’s growth in ways that extend far beyond evaluating skills. Our reports begin with a personal message from your child’s teacher, highlighting how your student is demonstrating the character strengths and lifelong learning habits in our Portrait of a Student. These comments are thoughtfully crafted for each child and offer meaningful insights into their learning journey. Reading and discussing Progress Reports can be a rich opportunity to celebrate growth and partner with your child in setting goals for the rest of the year.

Below are some tips to help ensure that the experience is supportive, developmentally appropriate, and affirming:

Prepare: Take a moment to review the report, including the comments from the homeroom and specialist teachers. Understanding the context and language will help you guide a calm and encouraging conversation. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with our letter evaluation system, so you can explain it confidently.

Listen: When you begin reading together, start by asking your child what they notice, what they’re proud of, or curious about. Questions like “What are you most proud of?” or “Was anything here surprising to you?” can open a positive dialogue.

Focus: Effort and growth should be celebrated as evidence of strong, developing learning habits, even in areas where mastery is still in progress. When we shift attention to behaviors such as persistence, responsibility, and effective learning strategies, our students feel seen and understood.

Encourage: Together, think about one or two manageable goals for next semester, focusing on specific behaviors or strategies rather than just outcomes. For example, your student might share: “I will try one new reading strategy each week” or “I’ll ask a question in math class when I’m unsure.” This promotes ownership and a growth mindset, which are essential skills for both the present and the future.

Communicate: If something isn’t clear or you’d like more insight, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher(s). A conversation can deepen understanding and strengthen our partnership.

We are grateful for the trust you place in us and the partnership we share in supporting your child’s learning and well-being. Progress reports offer a meaningful glimpse into this moment in time, and we honor the unique pace and path of growth for every child.

Warmly,

Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School

Announcements

Progress Reports Available on Husky Hub at 4:00 p.m. Today

Semester report cards will be live on Husky Hub today at 4:00 p.m. To access your child’s report card, login to Husky Hub. Click on your child’s name (or children to select a child). On the progress tab, the Lower School First Semester Report Card is available in the Performance box.

2026-27 Re-Enrollment — Contracts Issued Wednesday, January 28

On Wednesday, January 28, 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts will be issued to current students, including financial aid decisions.

As we look ahead to the 2026-27 school year, please review the other key dates and deadlines that will guide the upcoming enrollment process. 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, 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.

Grades 5-6 at Upper School — Wednesday, February 4

On Wednesday, February 4, 1:00-2:20 p.m., students in grades 5-6 will travel to the Upper School for a buddy event with Seniors. If possible, please avoid scheduling early departures during this time. If an early departure is necessary, please contact Donna Holaday.

Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Open Play — Thursday, February 5

Back by popular demand! Get together with parents for a relaxed afternoon of Mahjong on Thursday, February 5, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, all are welcome. An instructor will lead lessons for beginners, while experienced players can begin playing together. Registration is limited to 28 players. Special thanks to AJ Andreas P’29, ’31 for hosting! Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum '11 with any questions.

6th Grade 100th Day-of-School Breakfast — Monday, February 9

6th grade students will celebrate their 100th day of school with a breakfast on Monday, February 9, 8:15-9:00 a.m. This event has been thoughtfully organized by the 6th grade teaching team and graciously hosted by our 6th grade parents.

Headfirst Summer Camp Open House — Thursday, February 12

Mark your calendars for the Summer Camp Open House on Thursday, February 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Families are invited to come by to get to know the Flint Hill campus and preview this year's summer camp programming. Headfirst Summer Camp offers a wide variety of weekly day programming for 3- to 13-year-olds, including Junior Day Camp, STEM programming, Multi-Sports, D.C. United Soccer Camp, and Washington Nationals Camp options. Extended day options are also available for families requiring additional care. Sign up to reserve your spot.

Parent Meetup: Cooking Class — Wednesday, February 18

Join other FH parents for a cooking class with personal chef Alison Garen P'32 on Wednesday, February 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn to make some easy meals and get meal prepping tips for those busy weeks. Ingredients and all supplies are provided. Registration is limited to 30 people. Special thanks to Kate Fennell P’26, ’29 for hosting! Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum '11 with any questions.

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.

If possible, please avoid scheduling early departures after 1:00 p.m. If an early departure is necessary, please contact Donna Holaday.

Major Minors Concert — 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!

JK-3rd Grade 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.

Summer on the Hill Highlight: The Hobbit: An Adventure Play

Led by Mr. Murley and Ms. Rozmajzl, campers will step into the world of The Hobbit to build confidence, creativity, and teamwork through the magic of theatre. Over two weeks, they’ll learn the basics of acting — voice, movement, and character work — while rehearsing scenes that bring Bilbo’s adventure to life. Along the way, they’ll practice collaboration, communication, and courage as they discover their own inner strengths. The camp will culminate in a short performance for family and friends, celebrating each camper’s growth and imagination. This camp’s dates: June 15-26 (closed on June 19). Students in rising grades 4-6 are encouraged to register here!

Slides from Parent Education Series: The FH Budget

Thank you to all who attended last week’s PES: The FH Budget. Here are the slides from the presentation.

Reminders

PES: Writing Across the Divisions — Thursday, January 22

Join our academic leaders from the English and Language Arts Departments on Thursday, January 22, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Lower School, Room 201, as we explore the theme of Writing Across the Divisions, offering a deep dive into how we intentionally build strong literacy skills and a love for storytelling from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade. Whether your student is just beginning to form letters or is preparing for college-level research, this discussion will provide valuable insight into the vertical alignment of our curriculum and the consistent growth of the Husky writing experience. We look forward to seeing you there for coffee and conversation.

Lower School Classroom Visits

Parents of students in grades JK-3 are invited to the Hazel Lower School campus on Friday, January 23, 8:15-8:45 a.m., and parents of students in grades 4-6 are invited on Friday, January 30, 8:15-8:45 a.m. to visit their homeroom classrooms, where students will share what they are learning.

Lower School Night at the Boys’ JV Basketball Game

We’re excited to invite all Lower School families to join us for a spirited evening at the Upper School. Lower School Night at the Boys' JV Basketball Game will take place on Friday, January 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m., as we cheer on our Huskies in their home matchup against St. James! This event is the perfect way to kick off the weekend! Note: All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 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, February 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

PES: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team — Friday, February 6

On Friday, February 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Building Multipurpose Room, attend this Parent Education Series event to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.

PCW Forum on Reducing Parental Burnout

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.

Volunteer in the Igloo!

The Igloo is always in need of volunteers to help open each day, and it’s a fun way to connect with other parents while supporting our school community. Upper School students are also welcome to volunteer during basketball games, too. Grab a friend and sign up to help!

Upcoming Events

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Parent Education Series: Writing Across the Divisions
Thursday, January 22
8:30-9:30 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 201

JK-3rd Grade Classroom Visits
Friday, January 23
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School Classrooms

Lower School Night at Boys' JV Basketball Game
Friday, January 23
5:00-7:00 p.m., Upper School Gym

Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 28

Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 28

4th-6th Grade Classroom Visits
Friday, January 30
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School Classrooms

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

Grades 5-6 at Upper School
Wednesday, February 4
1:00-2:20 p.m., Upper School

Deadline for Current Families to Submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
Thursday, February 5

Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Open Play
Thursday, February 5
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., The Andreas Residence
Register

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 6
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register

Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, February 6
8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room

6th Grade 100th Day-of-School Breakfast
Monday, February 9
8:15-9:00 a.m., Hazel Lower School

Divisional Ambassador Mid-Year Meeting
Wednesday, February 11
8:45-10:45 a.m.
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Mem Hwy, Fairfax, VA
RSVP

Faculty Professional Development
Friday, February 13
Grades JK-12 No Classes

Headfirst Summer Camp Open House
Thursday, February 12
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Flint Hill Lower School
Sign up to reserve your spot.

Presidents' Day
Monday, February 16
Grades JK-12 No Classes

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

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

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

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

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