Lower School Newsletter – October 1, 2025
October 1, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
That’s a wrap on the first six weeks of school! Our Lower School routines, expectations, and procedures are established, and we are ready to move into the next phase of the school year: deeper learning and the enjoyment that comes from being part of a community.
The joy that comes with being part of the Flint Hill community is in full swing, and with it comes one of our most favorite community events, Homecoming Week! This year, it is Under the Lights, and we couldn’t be more excited. Our JK-6 students have a wonderful opportunity to step into the spirit of the event and help shape memorable moments for our whole community. From Wacky Wednesday in the Lower School to Pajama Day on Thursday, our youngest Huskies get to add their own creative flair to the celebration.
Beyond spirit days, we invite our Husky families to join the Homecoming fun on Friday, October 3, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m., and enjoy face painting, inflatables, balloons, Spirit Alley activities, and more! The Den concession stand will be open, so stop by to refuel and then stay for an exciting bonfire and football game! Whether your child wants to dance, cheer, or simply soak in the excitement, we can’t wait to see them shining Under the Homecoming Lights. Here is the full schedule.
Let’s make this Homecoming one to remember, together as a school family!
Warmly,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Celebrate Homecoming Week Under the Lights!
Cheer on the Huskies this week as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field. Then, join us on Friday, October 3, for traditional Homecoming festivities, including the bonfire and activities for all ages. Visit the FH Homecoming webpage for the schedule of games and events Under the Lights! We will have a normal Lower School Dismissal and carpool on Friday. Activities begin at 4:00 p.m. at Peterson Middle School fields.
Volunteer — Help pull the sled and sign up to volunteer. It’s a great way to make a difference and meet more Huskies! Upper School students can volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.
PCW Webinar: Finding the College That's Right for You
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a fall webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m., with New York Times bestselling author and national college expert Jeff Selingo. He'll share insights from his new book, Dream School, offering families a clear playbook to reduce stress and think more broadly about finding the perfect college fit. Register here and submit questions for the Q&A in advance to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, October 3.
Parents: Share Your Professional Knowledge With Our Students!
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.
If you are willing to present, or have a connection you might be willing to facilitate, please contact Assistant Head of Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Note: These presenting opportunities are not compensated.
We have the following specific upcoming need:
- Service Fair, Tuesday, October 21: The Middle School team would like to hold a Service Fair for students. We'll include 4-6 local organizations that can give a series of 10-15 minute presentations to small groups of students. The purpose is to broaden students' understanding of the needs in our community and beyond, foster empathy and compassion for those in need, and inspire students as they consider opportunities to serve. If you have a connection to an organization making a difference in our community and would be willing to make an introduction, or if you’re able to represent an organization, please email Meredith VanDuyne.
Vienna Halloween Parade
Be Part of the Vienna Halloween Parade!
Our 6th graders have the special honor of participating in the Vienna Halloween Parade on Wednesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. The theme for the parade is Broadway on Maple. Students will be decorating a Flint Hill mini-bus to serve as the Lower School float, with the 6th grade students and parents proudly walking behind it.
6th grade families: Please fill out this form by Wednesday, October 22, to let us know if you’ll attend. Parents or a designated adult (another FH parent) are required to attend with students.
JK-5th grade families: Let’s gather to watch and share in the excitement as a school family. Please sign up by Wednesday, October 22. More information about Flint Hill’s parent and student gathering space will be shared with families that sign up — it's sure to be a spooky and spectacular time!
We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on our amazing 6th graders as they represent Flint Hill!
Have You Scrolled Through FlintTok Yet?
FlintTok is this year’s Annual Report on Your Philanthropy showcasing the impact of support at Flint Hill — no TikTok account needed! You'll find information in a way that is fun and easy to navigate. Become a FlintTok influencer by "liking" the posts you enjoy the most while learning about the impact of giving back to Flint Hill. Happy scrolling!
Financial Aid Application Now Open
Flint Hill’s need-based financial aid application is now open. Monday, December 1, is the new deadline for financial aid applications. Below is the updated timeline. Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
- Monday, December 1 — Deadline to submit your financial aid application
- Wednesday, January 28 — 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to current students, including financial aid decisions.
- 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.
How to Access the Financial Aid Application
- Log in to Husky Hub and go to the Resource Board.
- On the Resource Board, click the Financial Aid Application tile.
- Follow the prompts to begin your application.
Reminders
Streamlining Lower School Communication
We are refining our communication systems to ensure you receive timely and consistent updates. To help with this transition, we ask that you begin checking the Homeroom Bulletin Board on Husky Hub regularly, as this will become our primary space for general announcements and updates. While we will continue to use Seesaw as a portfolio to showcase student learning, its use as a communication tool will decrease this year.
How to Set Up Notifications:
- Log in to Husky Hub, click on your Profile Name in the top right corner, and select Settings.
- Go to Notifications and find Announcements Posted. Click Edit Options.
- Under In My Child’s Groups, select all boxes and click Save.
- Finally, ensure the box next to Announcements Posted is selected under the Email column.
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail — Tomorrow
Join us as our students and parents share powerful stories of the trails they’ve blazed and how these journeys have transformed their lives. Come to Blaze the Trail, a virtual event on Thursday, October 2, 12:00-12:45 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are more than welcome to attend! Send to a friend or register today.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Fridays, October 3 and October 24
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents! Register here for Friday, October 3, and Friday, October 24. Questions? Contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Picture Day Portraits Now Available Online
Flint Hill Student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452. Lower School Picture Make-Up Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. Please click here to let us know you’d like to have your child’s photo retaken.
Upcoming Deadlines — Early Admission for Siblings
We’re pleased to offer Husky families an early admission process for siblings applying for the 2026-27 school year. The application form is due Friday, November 7.
Need a Babysitter? Babysitting Network Available
The Flint Hill Babysitting Network was designed to build community and is available exclusively for Flint Hill families. The database lists the Upper School students who have indicated an interest in babysitting this school year. Where applicable, students have included notes relating to their experience and any relevant skills and/or certifications they have acquired. This network is provided as an informational resource only. The School does not participate in scheduling, transportation, or fee negotiation. Participating students are engaged members of our school community. Families are encouraged to interview and vet students to ensure they match their individual needs.
Volunteer in the Igloo and Den!
One of the most popular ways to get involved is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den — a fun spot to meet parents, catch Upper School life in action, and enjoy the best view of Peterson Family Field. Upper School students can volunteer, too, and earn service hours. There’s always an opportunity, so sign up and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
Continues through October 3
Schedule of Games and Events
Financial Aid Application Opens
Wednesday, October 1
Junior and Senior Flag Football Game
Wednesday, October 1
Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic
Wednesday, October 1
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail
Thursday, October 2
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
Grades K-4 Dance Team Clinic
Thursday, October 2
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 3
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Homecoming Pep Rally — Student-Only Event
Friday, October 3
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Note: Early pickup will not be available for grades 4-6 after 1:00 p.m.
Homecoming Spirit Alley
Friday, October 3
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Homecoming Bonfire
Friday, October 3
6:00-6:30 p.m.
Fall After-School Clubs Begin
Monday, October 6
6th Grade Percussion and Band In-Class Concert Series
Wednesday, October 8
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Parents of 6th grade students are welcome to join their students in Room 134 (Percussion Room) and the Olson Theater to enjoy a demonstration of the progress their Percussion and Band students have made thus far.
PCW Webinar: Finding the College That's Right for You
Wednesday, October 8
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Faculty Professional Development
Friday, October 10
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 13
Lower School Picture Make-Up Day
Wednesday, October 15
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back
Wednesday, October 15
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
5th Grade Percussion and Band In-Class Concert Series
Thursday, October 16
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Parents of 5th grade students are welcome to join their students in Room 134 (Percussion Room) and the Olson Theater to enjoy a demonstration of the progress their Percussion and Band students have made thus far.
Parent Education Series: Understanding Flint Hill's Academic Program
Thursday, October 16
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, October 17
Cafeteria in the Miller House, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
An opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Invite Your Friends: Lower School STEAM Workshop
Monday, October 20
Do you have public school friends or neighbors who are considering a switch to private school? Invite your friends to our upcoming admission event to experience science, technology, art, and innovation through engaging sessions designed for Grades JK-6.
Share this registration link
6th Grade Vienna Halloween Parade Sign-Up Deadline
Wednesday, October 22
Sign Up
JK-5th Grade Cheer at Vienna Halloween Parade Sign-Up Deadline
Wednesday, October 22
Sign Up
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 24
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Lower School Day of Play
Friday, October 24
Hazel Lower School, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Virtual: Balancing Student Technology at Flint Hill
Friday, October 24
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
JK-3rd Grade Halloween Parade
Wednesday, October 29
Hazel Lower School Playgrounds, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Lower School at Vienna Halloween Parade
Wednesday, October 29
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Town of Vienna, Maple Avenue
Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Thursday, October 30 - Friday, October 31
