Lower School Newsletter – October 15, 2025
October 15, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Lower School Families, I thought the energy in the Lower School might settle after Homecoming, but as it turns out, our Nights Under the Lights were just the spark for an October full of connection, curiosity, and joy. And we’re only halfway through the month!
Our 4th graders explored nature on their field trip to EC Lawrence Park, 5th grade dove into an engaging on-campus archaeology experience, and our youngest JK Huskies launched their Forest Friday adventures with wide-eyed wonder. Each of those moments reflects our commitment to nurturing self-directed learners who embrace exploration and discovery.
One initiative I’m especially grateful for this month is our partnership with the Parents’ Association to support the Dulles South Food Pantry (DSFP). Each grade level has been invited to contribute items to the DSFP’s Basic Bag program, reinforcing the belief that even the smallest hands can make a meaningful impact. Our 5th and 6th grade students will take the lead in assembling the bags, with some of their classmates writing heartfelt notes of kindness to include in each one, bringing our values of compassion and ethical citizenship to life.
At the same time, we’re also gearing up for one of our most beloved Lower School traditions: Day of Play! Ms. Starnes, knowing our students’ deep love of animals, surprised us with this year’s exciting theme: Into the Wild! Students will design and build biomes and habitats inspired by their favorite animals, with creativity and collaboration leading the way. This year, we are especially excited to see students incorporate skills they’ve been developing during Innovation, such as adding movement and mechanical features to bring their creations to life. It’s a day when play becomes purpose, and our classrooms transform into landscapes of imagination and possibility.
As I reflect on the time, care, and dedication that go into these experiences, from our parents, faculty, and staff, I am reminded of the heart of Flint Hill: students who lead with curiosity, act with empathy, and grow through intentional, connected learning. My hope is that you see the care and intentionality poured into each of these events, and that you know that we are guiding and celebrating your children’s learning each step of the way.
In Gratitude,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences
Lower School faculty look forward to welcoming parents for a conference to discuss your student’s progress on Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31.
JK-5th grade: 20-minute conferences with the homeroom teacher.
6th grade: 10-minute conferences with homeroom, social studies, math, language arts, and science teachers.
The School will notify families via email on Thursday, October 16, by 10:00 a.m. when registration for time slots becomes available. Note: Childcare will be offered for Flint Hill Lower School students during conference times.
Dulles South Food Pantry Service Project Collection Week
Our Lower School is excited to partner with the Parents’ Association to support the Dulles South Food Pantry through a Basic Bag Collection. From Monday, October 20, to Friday, October 24, students are invited to bring in assigned items (see below), which can be dropped off in the containers outside the Lower School Office.
Grade-Level Contributions:
- Junior Kindergarten: 1 box of granola bars
- Kindergarten & 1st Grade: 1 or 2 cans of tuna
- 2nd Grade: 1 or 2 cans of beans (black, kidney, or garbanzo)
- 3rd Grade: 1 or 2 cans of corn
- 4th Grade: 1 or 2 cans of fruit
- 5th Grade: 1 bag of rice (1 lb.)
- 6th Grade: 1 bag of oatmeal (1 lb.)
On Monday, October 27, during their flex block, 5th & 6th grade students will work together to either assemble the bags or write a note of kindness to the recipient of the bag. The Parents’ Association will deliver completed bags to the Dulles South Food Pantry. Thank you for helping our Huskies make a difference in our wider community and for supporting our students’ growth in our goal of modeling ethical citizenship.
Seeking Materials for Day of Play — Donate by Thursday, October 23
The Day of Play is an annual Flint Hill tradition that invites students to work together to plan, build, and play using recyclable materials and supplies, such as tape, glue, and their imagination. Each year, we explore a new theme to focus our building and creating. We are so excited for this year’s Day of Play on Friday, October 24, when we will go “Into the Wild!” Each class will create its own animal habitat, complete with animals and their surroundings in the wild, to share with their fellow Huskies.
Students will work with their Innovation teachers and homeroom/advisory teachers to plan and prepare for the day. We would love clean recyclable materials from home to help bring each class’ vision to life. We are seeking only materials you already have at home. Please do not purchase any new materials for this day! Whatever you send in will not be returned. Please do not send anything to school before Monday, October 20. We would like to have all donations by Thursday, October 23.
Volunteer signups should have already been made available through your child’s homeroom teacher.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — The Return of Banned Books
This year, we’re highlighting banned books with a twist: every selection is a graphic novel! These titles combine compelling visuals and immersive storytelling to create a thought-provoking reading experience. The comic format allows readers to deeply engage with diverse characters and challenging, real-life themes, including racial identity, religious faith, healthy relationships, gender identity, and immigration. 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.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of graphic novels or discovering them for the first time, you are welcome to join us monthly (Mondays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room) for conversation and connection or drop in as your schedule permits. Please complete this interest form to receive additional information and to indicate your interest in upcoming sessions:
November 10: “New Kid” by Jerry Craft
December 8: “Hey Kiddo” by Jarrett Krosoczka
February 2: “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei
March 2: “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero
April 6: “Shirley Jackson's ‘The Lottery’: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman
May 4: “Blankets” by Craig Thompson
Be Part of FH’s Community Festival — Saturday, November 15
This interactive festival on Saturday, November 15, 12:00-2:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, showcases lively traditions, delicious foods, and stunning performances from across the globe. All members of the Flint Hill community are invited to join us for an afternoon of connection, learning, and celebration as we come together to honor the rich diversity that makes our community truly special. If you would like to participate as a table host, performer, or volunteer, please contact Ban Hameed.
Managing Your Directory Visibility in Husky Hub
As parents and guardians, you can customize what information is visible to other families in the Husky Hub Directory.
To update your visibility preferences, navigate to your Profile (top right corner) and select Settings. From there, choose the Privacy tab on the left to customize what information appears in the Directory. This action removes data from the Directory view and does not delete your information. Changes may take up to 24 hours to update.
Reminders
6th Grade Sign-Up to March in Vienna Halloween Parade
This year, our 6th graders have the special honor of participating in the Vienna Parade on Wednesday, October 29. The theme for the parade is Broadway on Maple, and our 6th graders are ready to fully embrace that spirit! Students will decorate a Flint Hill mini-bus to serve as the Lower School float, with 6th grade students and parents proudly walking behind it.
In preparation, students will use some of their advisory time to create banners and other decorations. We encourage everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and cheer on our amazing 6th graders as they represent our school in the parade!
Reminder: All 6th grade families are asked to 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.
Cheer for Our 6th Graders at the Vienna Halloween Parade
Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade parents and students, let’s gather to watch the Vienna Parade on Wednesday, October 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m., and share in the excitement as a school community. This year, our 6th graders have the special honor of participating in the Vienna Parade, and let’s be there to cheer for the Flint Hill representation. The theme for the parade is Broadway on Maple, and our 6th graders are ready to fully embrace that spirit!
This is a wonderful opportunity for our Flint Hill community to come together, celebrate the season, and enjoy a festive tradition. More information about Flint Hill’s Parent and Student gathering space will be shared with families who sign up — it's sure to be a spooky and spectacular time! Please sign up here by Wednesday, October 22.
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.
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.
Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo or 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
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: 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, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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
Lower School Day of Play Materials Donation Period
Monday, October 20 - Thursday, October 23
Dulles South Food Pantry Service Project Collection
Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24
Sign-Up Deadline for Vienna Halloween Parade Participation
Wednesday, October 22
6th Grade Sign-Up, JK-5th Grade Family 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.
Rain location: Lower School Gym
Lower School at Vienna Halloween Parade
Wednesday, October 29
Town of Vienna, Maple Avenue, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Thursday, October 30 - Friday, October 31
Daylight Saving Time Ends
Sunday, November 2
Early Admission for Siblings Application Form Deadline
Friday, November 7
Application Form
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 10
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
JK-3rd Grade Classroom Visits
Friday, November 14
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Parent Education Series: JK-3rd Grade Reading/Math Instruction & Assessment
Friday, November 14
Hazel Lower School Library, 8:50-9:30 a.m.
Community Festival
Saturday, November 15
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
