Lower School Newsletter – May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Last Friday, the Lower School was filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connection as we welcomed grandparents and special friends to campus. This cherished tradition offered a beautiful opportunity for our students to share their daily experiences, learning journeys, and the special moments that make Flint Hill such a vibrant community.
We know that a strong sense of community begins with family and friendship. Grandparents and special friends often serve as the earliest role models for kindness, curiosity, and resilience. Their presence on campus reminded us of the foundational role they play in nurturing our students and fostering the values we hold dear. We are grateful for the ways your families and friends have laid the groundwork for our students’ growth and are proud to extend that foundation by building a community at school where every child feels loved, seen, and inspired to learn.
One of the most inspiring moments of the day was during our Lower School Morning Meeting when our students took the stage to share what they love most about their grade level. With clarity, confidence, and joy, they modeled what it means to be effective communicators! Their reflections were heartfelt and thoughtful, offering a window into the meaningful learning and relationships they experience each day. Through their voices, we saw how our students are growing as learners, leaders, collaborators, and compassionate citizens.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We invite you to relive some of the moments through the photos captured throughout the event.
📸 Click here to view photos from Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Happily,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year: Textbooks & Supplies
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents. New to the tile is information regarding textbooks and supplies.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
Upper School Dance Team Open Practice — Tuesday, May 20
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited to join Head Coach Olivia Landrum for an open practice on Tuesday, May 20, 4:00-5:30 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio to learn more about the dance team, practice skills, and prepare for tryouts in June.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony — Friday, May 30
We will honor the Class of 2030 at the 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 30, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Gym. All 6th grade students are expected to attend, and any and all family or friends may join us. If, for any reason, you expect your Husky to miss this event, please let us know as soon as possible.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Sunday, June 1
Sunday, June 1, is the date on which your 2025-26 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2025-26 school year after Sunday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Sunday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 2
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Summer on the Hill Camp Spotlight
Still hunting for innovative summer camp options for your child this summer? Check out these interesting offerings with space available open to students in grades 5-8.
Culture World Tour, July 21-25: Is your student in grades 5-8 and interested in learning about other cultures? Join this camp for a world tour, learning about different cultures, foods, entertainment, languages, and more! Lower School Teacher Caitlin DeNure will be leading this weeklong program July 21-25, diving into what it means to respectfully learn about other cultures while engaging in fun, games, and education! Click here to register.
Cryptography, July 14-18: What’s cryptography? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to find out! Upper School Teacher Brad Savage will host a cryptography camp July 14-18, where we’ll 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. Click here to register.
Makers Lab (We've opened a second session!), July 14-18: Unleash your creativity and build something awesome at our Makers Camp! Dive into hands-on projects that combine design, engineering, and technology. Campers will explore 3D printing, laser cutting crafting, and more, creating their own unique projects to take home. Perfect for curious minds, this camp is all about learning new skills, having fun, and bringing big ideas to life! Click here to register.
2025 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 9, and Friday, August 22. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus.
Casino Night on the Hill Photos
Everyone hit the jackpot at Casino Night on the Hill! Whether you tried your luck at the tables or just came to enjoy the atmosphere, we all had a winning time together. Relive the fun — check out the photo gallery!
Gratitude for Our Lower School Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff who are departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career or educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors. We also look forward to announcing and welcoming the new faculty and staff who will join us for the upcoming school year in August.
Emma Barnes — 2nd Grade Teacher
Jim Bour — Director of Security
Adjoa Burrowes — Lower School Art Teacher
Miles Henderson — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Jody Patrick — Lower School PE Chair and PE Teacher
Bridget Montagne — Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects
Adam Rice — Associate Director of Athletics
Allie Smith — 4th Grade Teacher
Ben Stern — Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Reminders
RSVP! Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 15
Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents' Association President Rejera Arnold P’33 for the Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Thursday, May 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace, to honor your volunteer service to Flint Hill. RSVP here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2025-26 — Sign Up by Friday, May 16
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 16. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum or one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Last Chance! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
This is it! Grab your spot in the 18-hole scramble, learn in the Skills Social, or volunteer on the course. Enjoy free ice cream on the turn, fun raffles and prizes, the legendary Mega Putter Challenge, and connecting with the Husky community while supporting financial aid. New this year: launch a golfball air-cannon down the fairway for a prime putt! (Yes, it is as fun as it sounds!) What are you waiting for? Register Now — fewer than 15 spots left!
Lower School Field Day Details — Thursday, May 29
From a water slide to obstacle course fun, the annual Lower School Field Day on Thursday, May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., will be a fun conclusion to a memorable year. Thank you to all the parents who signed up to volunteer. We are now at our capacity for volunteers.
A picnic-style lunch for the students will include pizza and watermelon, with a gluten-free pizza option available. You are also welcome to send lunch with your child instead of the pizza. If you have specific allergy concerns, please contact Director of Health Services Mary Hart.
Share Your Input! Lower School Parent Socials Survey
The Parents’ Association is already planning for next year and would love to hear what events you would be interested in attending. Please help by completing this short survey.
Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level — Watch the Presentation
Those who were not able to attend the individual webinars are invited to view the slide presentations linked below.
There’s Still Time to Volunteer in the Igloo!
There are just a few shifts left — help finish the year strong by volunteering in the Igloo! It’s a great way to get a glimpse into the Upper School experience and is a favorite of many parent volunteers.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons
RSVP
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 15
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Grade 5 Class Trip to Terrapin Adventure Ropes Course
Friday, May 16
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Upper School Dance Team Open Practice
Tuesday, May 20
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited.
Grades JK-1 Spring Concert
Thursday, May 22
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 8:30-9:00 a.m.
Grades 2-4 Spring Concert
Thursday, May 22
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social
Thursday, May 22
Register
Class of 2031 Celebration Field Trip
Friday, May 23
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Administrative Offices Closed
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 29
Lower School Field Day
Thursday, May 29
Lower School Campus, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Grade 6 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Upper School Gym, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Commencement
Friday, June 6, 12:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
