Lower School Newsletter – May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
Letter From the Division Director
Huskies, as we approach the final days of the school year, I know that for many, the last day of school feels exciting and celebratory. While I certainly share in the joy and pride of all that our students have accomplished, I must admit that the last day of school is always a bittersweet one for me. In many ways, it is my least favorite day of the year.
Working alongside your children and being part of this Lower School community is truly a gift and an honor. Whether we navigated challenges, celebrated victories, or simply embraced the meaningful moments in between, partnering together in support of your child’s growth has been one of the greatest joys of this year.
As I reflect on all that our students have accomplished, I am reminded that the true strength of our community comes from the partnership we share. Our dedicated teachers, who show up each day with expertise, care, and unwavering commitment; our families, whose support and trust make this work possible; and our students, who arrive each morning striving to be their best selves, are the heart of the Lower School experience.
Together, we have created a community where students are encouraged to take meaningful risks, grow through both success and struggle, and support one another with compassion and integrity. So while many may already be counting down the days until summer, I will quietly be in the Lower School Office, counting down the days until the first day of school, AKA the best day of the year! Until then, thank you again for sharing your remarkable children with us. I wish your family a summer filled with joy, rest, adventure, and plenty of time together.
Best,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Final Grade Reports — Open Wednesday, June 17
Your child’s Lower School Progress Report will be available on Husky Hub on Wednesday, June 17, at 4:00 p.m. The report will include a checklist accompanied by a narrative comment from each teacher with a reflective summary of their growth this year.
Class Placement Process for 2026-27
As we look ahead to next year, our faculty, staff, and administration are engaged in a thoughtful, student-centered process to determine class placements for the 2026-27 school year.
In Wellness classes, rising Grades 4-6 students are identifying three peers they hope to have in their class next year, with the aim of including at least one of those choices. Teachers and specialists are also sharing their insights to help create balanced, supportive classroom communities.
In collaboration with our Admission Team, we are thoughtfully integrating newly enrolled students to ensure strong connections and opportunities for new friendships. Additional considerations, such as Learning Center support and music and math placements (for rising Grades 5-6), are also part of the process.
Families of rising 5th and 6th graders will receive math and performing arts placements by early July. Classroom teacher assignments and schedules will be available in Husky Hub on August 13.
2026 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 15, and Friday, August 28. 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.
Required and Recommended Summer Learning
We've added information to the Required and Recommended Summer Learning Resource Board tile on the Husky Hub. While you're there, also check the Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year tile for other helpful resources and a handy parent action item list.
Listen to Our Latest Podcast about Early Literacy Instruction
In the latest episode of the “Imagine What's Possible” podcast, Language Arts Department Chair Christine Dwyer sits down with veteran Kindergarten teacher Michele Scadron to explore the "Science of Reading" and its transformative impact on early literacy instruction. Listen to learn more about how structured decoding and encoding techniques shift young learners from intuitive guessers to independent readers and writers. You’ll come away with practical strategies to practice throughout the summer break that foster a literacy-rich environment at home and on the go.
While you're at it, be sure to catch our other podcast episodes from this past year featuring Flint Hill experts Mia Burton, Howard Chang, Suzy Chiarolanzio, Jess Henry, Andrew Kane, Brian Lamont, Dewayne Robinson, Joelle Tam, Chris Tennyson, and alum Arjun Gupta '08 in conversation with Meredith VanDuyne on the topic of AI: Hype vs. Reality.
Watch Today’s JK-4 Spring Concerts!
Thank you to all the families who joined us in the Olson Theater today for our lovely JK-4 Spring Concerts. Our students did a fantastic job showcasing their musical talents and hard work. As promised, the full recording of today’s performances is now available. Watch our youngest Huskies take the stage and celebrate a wonderful year of music!
Last Call! Limited Edition FH Golf Hats
A few golf hats remain from the Golf Invitational and Skills Social! Get yours before they’re gone.
Letter from the Parents’ Association President
Dear Flint Hill Families,
Where has this year gone? It feels like last month I was writing my welcome message to kick off my term as Parents’ Association President. What a joy it has been to serve in this role this past year. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and for the many meaningful connections made along the way.
Continue Reading
One of the things I love most about the Flint Hill community is how we honor traditions while welcoming fresh ideas and energy each year. With that in mind, please join me in welcoming incoming Parents’ Association President Stephanie Anderson. Stephanie has already made an impact in the Flint Hill community, where she has:
- Served as a divisional ambassador.
- Served as a concessions lead in the Den and Igloo.
- Served as an Admission volunteer.
- Helped at many school events such as Homecoming, Night on the Hill, Teacher Appreciation Week, Golf Invitational and Skills Social, and many parent meetups!
Stephanie’s generosity and commitment to our community shine through in everything she does, and I know the Parents’ Association will continue to thrive under her leadership.
While my term as President is coming to a close, I’m excited to continue serving alongside many of you next year as a Divisional Ambassador. We are especially thrilled that the Divisional Ambassador program has grown to nearly 90 volunteers heading into next year — a reflection of the incredible enthusiasm and dedication within our community.
To our parents, faculty, staff, and volunteers: thank you for the time, energy, and heart you give to strengthening the Flint Hill community. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside you, and I look forward to continuing to pull the sled together.
Wishing you a wonderful summer, and Go Huskies!
With gratitude,
Barbara O’Reilly P’27
Reminders
Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year & School Forms
The Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year tile is now live on the Husky Hub Resource Board with important action items for parents in each division.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off Still Going!
Parents can drop off gently used uniform and spiritwear items at the front entrance of the Lower School building through Friday, May 29. Enter through Door 1 and follow the signs to the drop-off location. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to contribute, too! Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Last Day of Bus Service — Thursday, June 4
It is hard to believe that we are entering the final weeks of school. For planning purposes, please mark your calendars — the last day of morning and afternoon bus service is Thursday, June 4.
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony — Friday, June 5
The 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony is on Friday, June 5, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Upper School Building. This event marks the culmination of our students’ Lower School experience and their exciting transition to Middle School. Join us as we recognize their hard work, celebrate their growth, and look forward to their next chapter.
More Details
Arrival Time: 6th grade students are expected to arrive in the Upper School Learning Commons by 8:00 a.m. to receive final reminders and line up for their procession.
Dress Attire for Students: A collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; a skirt with a blouse; or a sundress with a cardigan.
Run Time & Refreshments: We expect the ceremony to last about 40-60 minutes. At the end of the ceremony, students will recess, led by Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont, for a special welcome to the 7th grade. Students will then be guided to reunite with their families in the Upper School Commons, where light refreshments will be served.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 8
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, June 5, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 8, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPins, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 8, 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 8, 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
Tune In to Celebrate the Class of 2026!
We invite members of the entire Flint Hill community — whether near or far — to join us virtually via our Commencement Livestream on Friday, June 12. Tune in to cheer on our spectacular Class of 2026 grads, experience the ceremony in real-time, and hear from our distinguished alum Commencement speaker, Anjali Singh Code ’02, Chief Development Officer at the Malala Fund. Access the livestream at flinthill.org/commencement.
Back-to-School Husky Hub Forms — Due Monday, June 15
Online back-to-school forms, due by Monday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub. These are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight with any questions about student forms.
Summer on the Hill AfterCare Now Available
AfterCare for Summer on the Hill is now available on a weekly basis from the end of camp until 5:00 p.m. During AfterCare, campers will receive a snack and have an opportunity to participate in structured indoor and outdoor activities or have free play time on the playground with fellow campers. Space is limited. Register here, and email Summer Programs with any questions.
Sibling Admission Interest Form
Current families with children who may be interested in enrolling at Flint Hill in the future are encouraged to submit our sibling interest form. Letting our team know of your interest well in advance means you’ll receive early updates and the opportunity for an earlier admission indication. Please reach out to the Admission Team with any questions.
Don't Miss the Memories: Flint Hill Flickr Galleries
Take a stroll down memory lane by exploring our Flickr page, packed with photo albums from throughout the school year.
Note for your calendars: We aren't done yet! Photos from the Lower School Spring Concerts, Field Day, and Middle School HuskyFest will be added later. We will also upload galleries for our June 5 divisional ceremonies, Prom, and Commencement, so keep an eye out!
Gratitude for Our Lower School Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff departing due to retirement, relocation, new career, or educational opportunities.
- Jen Fiske, 5th Grade Teacher
- Lisa Hoff, Kindergarten Teacher
- Kimberly Inge, LS Social Studies Department Chair and Social Studies Teacher
- Melissa Riley, Advancement Officer and Advancement Data Specialist
- Carol Zhang, 1st Grade Teacher
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 in August for the upcoming school year.
Upcoming Events
Click on the plus sign to add the event to your Google Calendar. Important note: changes made to the original calendar event won't populate on your Google calendar, so please be sure to look out for changes announced in the newsletter.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Wednesday, May 27 - Friday, May 29
Lower School (Door 1) Outside the Front Entrance
6th Grade End-of-Year Breakfast
Friday, May 29
8:15-9:00 a.m.
6th Grade Celebration Field Trip
Friday, May 29
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
End of Second Semester, Lower School
Thursday, June 4
Lower School Field Day
Thursday, June 4
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, June 4
Last Day of Bus Service
Thursday, June 4
6th Grade Promotion Ceremony
Friday, June 5
8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Building
Commencement
Friday, June 12
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Upper School Building
Tune in to watch the livestream
Husky Hub Back-to-School Forms Due
Monday, June 15
Grades Available on Husky Hub
Wednesday, June 17
4:00 p.m.
