Lower School Newsletter – January 7, 2026

6th Grade Percussion and Band In-Class Concert Series

On Wednesday, January 21, 8:15-8:45 a.m., parents of 6th graders are welcome to join their students in the Percussion Room (room 134) and the Olson Theater to enjoy a demonstration of the progress their students have made thus far in percussion and band.

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — January 21

On January 21, 8:45-10:00 a.m., at Vienna Community Center, join Upper School Divisional Ambassadors Katie Ramsey P’28, ’30 and Fatima Latif P’28 for a fun Zumba class for all abilities. Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. Stay for refreshments and conversations after class. Registration is limited to 30 people. Sign up and contact Olivia Landrum ‘11 with any questions.

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 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.

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, 8:15-9:30 a.m. to visit their homeroom classrooms, where students will share what they are learning.

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.

Parent Education Series (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 — 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.

Summer on the Hill Highlight: Cryptography Camp

In Cryptography camp, we teach basic cryptography and other math games as applications of mathematics topics from the middle-grade curriculum. Students will engage in traditional pencil/paper games, as well as scavenger hunts and other types of active games. Students in rising grades 5-8 are encouraged to register here!