Lower School Newsletter – September 3, 2025
September 3, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
THE STUDENTS ARE BACK! The energy they have brought with them to our campus is contagious! After a summer apart, it has been heartwarming to see their smiles, hear their laughter, and watch their friendships come back to life across the Lower School. The first day of school was a joyful celebration of community, and now, with a full week behind us, we are beginning to settle into our rhythm for the year.
In the Lower School, the first six weeks of school are a vital time. Guided by the Responsive Classroom approach, this period is dedicated to building strong classroom communities rooted in warmth and inclusivity, establishing clear routines and procedures, and setting expectations that will support every child’s success. These intentional weeks provide the structure students need to thrive, not just now, but throughout the entire school year.
During this time, students are learning how their classroom communities function, getting to know our community members outside of their classrooms, exploring different spaces on campus, and practicing how to use those spaces responsibly and with respect. Our talented teachers are intentionally modeling, guiding, and reinforcing these routines, ensuring that our children feel confident and cared for as they transition to the rhythm of school life.
Just as important, the first six weeks help us nurture the sense of belonging, independence, and joy in learning that is at the heart of Flint Hill’s mission. By investing this time in creating strong foundations, we are preparing our students not only for a successful year ahead but for many years of learning, curiosity, and growth.
All the Best,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Parent Mixer — Monday, September 8
The Parent Mixer is an informal social for JK-12 parents to get together on campus after morning carpool and is a great way to meet parents across divisions. Join us for coffee and conversation on Monday, September 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace. Rain location: Mitchell Commons, Peterson Middle School
Save the Date: Homecoming Week Under the Lights
Join us Monday, September 29 through Friday, October 3 for a week filled with Husky pride as we cheer on our athletic teams and celebrate Homecoming! Throughout the week, support the athletes by attending games under the lights on Peterson Family Field. The celebration culminates on Friday night with traditional Homecoming festivities for the whole family, including the bonfire, Spirit Alley activities, face painting, inflatables, balloons, and a football game. Stay tuned for a full schedule of events and volunteer opportunities that will be shared on the website soon.
Games Under the Lights
- Monday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. — Varsity Field Hockey vs. Holton-Arms
- Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. — Girls' Varsity Soccer vs. Episcopal
- Wednesday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. — Junior/Senior Flag Football
- Thursday, October 2, 6:00 p.m. — Boys' Varsity Soccer vs. St. Andrew’s
- Friday, October 3, 7:00 p.m. — Varsity Football vs. Bullis
Watch Middle and Upper School Sports via Live Stream
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School campus will be live-streamed via Hudl TV. Once you have clicked the Hudl TV link, you will be able to see all the games streamed for that day and time. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser and then searching for “Flint Hill.” Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for game schedules.
First Day of School Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from classroom and student life activities as well as Flint Hill events posted on our Flickr account. You can access Flickr via the floating camera icon on our newsletter sidebar. The link can also be found in the footer of our website and within the email signature of every Flint Hill faculty and staff member.
Reminders
Lower School Back-to-School Nights
Parents are invited to an evening focused on the Lower School Experience. Teachers will welcome parents into their classrooms to learn about The Day in the Life of a Lower Schooler, each student's class expectations, exciting highlights of our curriculum, and what to expect in the year ahead! Parent ID Badges will also be handed out at these events. If you haven’t already, please register for a Parent ID Badge asap.
- Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night: Thursday, September 11, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Hazel Lower School
- Grades 4-6 Back-to-School Night: Thursday, September 18, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Hazel Lower School
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents. Questions? Contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Upcoming Walks:
Daily Schedule and Letter Days
Each school day of the year has been assigned a letter (A, B, C, D, E, and F), and we will rotate the schedules accordingly. You are welcome to subscribe to the letter day calendar (Google calendar link, iCal feed link) or simply view your child's class schedule for any day of the year, which is helpful for scheduling appointments, etc.
View Your Child's Class Schedule in Husky Hub: Log in to Husky Hub, click “Children” and select your child’s name. The default view is "Progress" to see your child's classes and teachers. If you click the "Schedule" tab instead, you will see the schedule for the week and can click "View Full Schedule" to see the current (or future) month's view.
Get Involved and Share Your Volunteer Interest
Looking for ways to get involved in our school community? Learn about some of the many volunteer opportunities, and share your interest by completing this form. We will contact you as each opportunity arises, and volunteer sign-up forms will be shared in the newsletter.
Help Needed 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! Invite a friend to join you and sign up for a shift!
Upcoming Events
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Friday, September 5
Westwood Country Club, 8:45-11:45 a.m.
Parent Mixer
Monday, September 8
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Mitchell Commons, Peterson Middle School
Grades JK-3 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 11
Hazel Lower School, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
All-School Gathering — Student Event
Monday, September 15
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Grades 4-6 Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 18
Hazel Lower School, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, September 19
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Leadership Donor Reception
Friday, September 19
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Friday, September 26
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 27
Upper School Gym, Time TBD
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
September 29 - October 3
Financial Aid Application Opens
Wednesday, October 1
Virtual: Blaze the Trail at Flint Hill
Thursday, October 2
Virtual Event, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Hear from students and parents about how Flint Hill teachers inspire Huskies to blaze their own trails. This event, designed for prospective families, is also open to current families interested in learning how this core value comes to life. Register and bring your questions.
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
Friday, October 3
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:30 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.
