Lower School Newsletter – March 4, 2026

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March 4, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety, we will conduct a scheduled safety drill in the Lower School this March. These drills are essential to ensuring that our students and faculty are prepared and confident in our procedures.

During this drill, students will learn more about the blue emergency buttons installed throughout our building. In homerooms, students will watch a brief, age-appropriate video featuring familiar faces that introduces the system and explains what they may see and hear during a lockdown (flashing blue lights, a siren-like sound, and an announcement over the loudspeaker). During the drill, we will clearly state, “This is only a drill,” and conclude by announcing, “The drill is complete.”

Following the video, teachers will calmly review classroom routines with their students. In the Lower School, we approach this work in a developmentally responsive way. Our focus is simple and reassuring: students listen carefully to their teachers and trusted adults, follow directions, and stay together as a class. Teachers guide every step of the process.

Our goal is not to create fear but to build familiarity and confidence. When practiced in a calm and structured way, these routines help children feel secure because they know the adults around them are prepared. As always, our faculty will use clear, steady language and provide space for student questions in ways that are appropriate for each grade level.

This thoughtful preparation feels safe for our students as they continue to lean into the trust they have for their teachers and other members in our community. Safety preparedness is one way we support that sense of security and belonging within our community.

If you have any questions about the upcoming drill, please feel free to reach out to Director of Security Kevin Plourde or me.

Warmly,

Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School

Announcements

Parent Walking Group Returns — Friday, March 6

Get your walking shoes ready for spring! Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. We have one more winter walk on Friday, March 6, 8:20-9:15 a.m., and we’re excited about our first spring walks together on Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24. 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.

PES: Rising 7th Grade Learning Center Info Session — Wednesday, April 1

Current 6th grade families who utilize the Learning Center are invited to join us for an informative Q&A session specifically designed for the transition to Middle School. This Parent Education Series gathering offers a valuable opportunity for students and parents to meet with Upper School Learning Specialists and explore how the Middle School Learning Center supports our growing Huskies. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 1, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hazel Lower School.

Middle School Tour for the Class of 2032 — Wednesday, April 1

The road to 7th grade starts here as our current 6th graders prepare to make the exciting leap across the hall to the Middle School. Students will get an insider’s look at their future home during a guided tour of the Peterson Middle School, helping them build confidence and familiarity before their official transition. This student-focused event will take place on Wednesday, April 1, 2:00-2:50 p.m. at the Peterson Middle School campus.

Virtual PES: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use — Thursday, April 2

Parents are invited to join us for this on Thursday, April 2, 8:15-9:15 a.m., for a virtual Parent Education Series conversation with prevention specialist Brenda Conlan. This session will focus on guiding pre-teens and teens toward healthy, substance-free decisions to help pave the way for an emotionally healthy adulthood. Brenda will share insights from her current work with Flint Hill 8th graders and provide practical tips for parents to navigate these important topics at home. Use this Google Meet link to join virtually.

Coming Soon: Registration for Spring After-School Clubs

Our Spring After-School Clubs will be announced by email next week. Clubs are an opportunity for students to engage in enrichment activities, learn a new hobby or skill, or engage in an existing passion throughout six sessions. Past clubs have included House Band, Sports Mix, Theatre, Mock Trial, Debate, and more! For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.

Summer 2026 Enrollment Now Open For Headfirst Summer Camps

Headfirst Summer Camps is excited to return for the 11th summer at Flint Hill and to celebrate 30 years of serving DMV families. Camps for PK3-7th graders include Arts & Crafts, STEM, and Multi-Sport, plus official Washington Nationals Baseball & Softball and D.C. United Soccer Camps. Everything Headfirst does is intentionally designed — from how campers are grouped to how progress is recognized — so Flint Hill families can trust the experience and kids can grow with confidence. View available programs and enroll.

Questions? We’ll be at carpool on Thursday, March 12, or reach us anytime at customercare@headfirstcamps.com.

Interested In Promoting Your Business to the FH Community?

There are two sponsorship opportunities this spring for families to promote their businesses and show support of the Flint Hill community: Prom Night on the Hill and the Flint Hill Golf Invitational and Skills Social.

Prom Night on the Hill — Sponsorships begin at $250, and proceeds support the Flint Hill Fund. Recognition will be included on event materials.
Golf Invitational and Skills Social — Player and Sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $6,500. This event brings together alumni, parents, grandparents, and alumni parents to support the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in honor of Sally Hazel. Visit the Golf Invitational webpage for event details.

Flint Hill Fund: Lead the Pack Challenge Is Coming

The Flint Hill Fund Lead the Pack Challenge kicks off soon, and you won’t want to miss it. Keep an eye on your inbox for details on how our parent community will rally together in a big way and the fun that awaits if participation goals are met.

Ready to be a lead dog? If you haven’t yet made your Flint Hill Fund gift this year, now’s the perfect time to jump in. Every gift or pledge payable by June 30 counts and helps support the people, programs, and experiences that make this school extraordinary.

Let’s Lead the Pack together!

Reminders

PCW Workshop: Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health — TONIGHT

The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a workshop tonight, 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.

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 — Join the Waitlist!

Registration filled up quickly for the Pickleball Social on Wednesday, March 11. Join the waitlist, and Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum will reach out if space becomes available.

Grades 5-6 Play — Thursday, March 12

On Thursday, March 12, 4:30-5:30 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

Lower School Parent Conferences will take place on Friday, March 13, with some teachers offering limited additional times in the days prior. All sessions are 20 minutes and will be held in person in your child’s homeroom. Please refer to the sign-up link sent on Friday, February 27, to book your slot, and see below for specific details regarding each grade level.

LAST CALL! Spring Break Camp — Register by Friday, March 13

Spaces are still available for our Spring Break Camp! Open to all Lower School students, camp will be held Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Throughout the week, students will participate in a variety of STEM, art, and team-building activities, as well as a week-long color competition! Register by Friday, March 13, to join the fun! For questions, email Director of After-School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart.

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 until 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.

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 Friday, March 13. For Exchange questions, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ’11. For School Store questions, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.

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.

Volunteers Needed: 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. Sign up here!

Upcoming Events

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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

Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Thursday, March 5 - Friday, March 6
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Miller House Front Porch, Lower School Campus

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday,
March 6
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
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
4:30-5:30 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

Spring Break Camp
Monday, March 23 - Friday, March 27
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Register by Friday, March 13

Classes Resume
Monday, March 30

Parent Education Series: Learning Center Information Session for Parents of Rising 7th Graders
Wednesday, April 1
8:30-9:30 a.m., Hazel Lower School

Middle School Tour for the Class of 2032
Wednesday, April 1
2:00-2:50 p.m., Peterson Middle School

Virtual Parent Education Series: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use
Thursday, April 2
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet link:
https://meet.google.com/nwm-mhkr-swb

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday,
April 3
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

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