Lower School Newsletter – September 17, 2025
September 17, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
The first few weeks of school have been filled with joy, connection, and the kind of meaningful traditions that make Flint Hill such a special place. One highlight has been the visits from our senior buddies to students in JK-4th grade. These visits served as preparation for our All-School Gathering, which took place this past Monday, a sweet tradition that brings our entire community together.
In tandem with their younger buddies, our seniors entered the Gathering with pride and purpose, symbolizing the strong relationships and shared journey ahead. These moments of partnership and mentorship beautifully reflect our school’s mission to create developmental experiences grounded in connection and community.
During the buddy visits, students played together, shared stories, and made new friends. It was a heartwarming reminder of the joy that comes from learning alongside one another and the power of belonging.
We’re off to a beautiful start, and I look forward to the many meaningful moments we will continue to create together this year.
In Gratitude,
Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School
Announcements
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.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Friday, September 26
Did you miss the Parents’ Association Tennis Social or want to keep playing? Join fellow parents for casual matches or to continue practicing your skills on Friday, September 26, 9:00-10:30 a.m. on the Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts. Bring your own balls and racket. Registration is limited to the first 30 parents. Register here.
Homecoming Week Under the Lights — September 29 - October 3
Join the Flint Hill community for a week filled with Husky pride! Throughout the week, cheer on athletes under the lights on Peterson Family Field. The celebration culminates on Friday, October 3, with traditional FH Homecoming festivities, including the bonfire, Spirit Alley activities, face painting, inflatables, balloons, and a football game. Visit the Homecoming webpage for the full schedule of events and games.
Grades 4-6 will attend the Homecoming Pep Rally at the Upper School, and early pickup will not be available for those grades after 1:00 p.m. Reminder: This is a student-only event.
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
K-8 Dance Clinic and Homecoming Performance
All K-8 students are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for a free workshop and will get the opportunity to perform at Homecoming! Students will participate in fun group activities, practice skills and also get to work with the Upper School team. They will learn a short routine that will be performed with the Upper School Dance Team at the Varsity Girls’ Soccer game during Homecoming! Register here.
There are two separate clinics based on grade level in order to accommodate more students. If you have any questions, please contact Head Dance Team Coach Olivia Landrum.
- Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic: Wednesday, October 1, 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lower School Gym
- Grades K-4 Dance Team Clinic: Thursday, October 2, 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lower School Gym
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail
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: Women Giving Back — October 15
On Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., spend time with fellow parents while making a difference! Women Giving Back is an organization that supports women and children in crisis. Parents will volunteer together to help sort donations at the Women Giving Back warehouse (20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164). Registration is limited to 25 parents. Sign up and contact Divisional Ambassadors Alex Castleberry P’24, ’27, ’31 or Kasey Simons P’27, ’28, ’31, ’33 with any questions.
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 Makeup Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15. Please click here to let us know you’d like to have your child’s photo retaken.
Early Admission Process for Siblings
We are pleased to offer Flint Hill families an early admission process for siblings who are not yet enrolled and are interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year or beyond. If you have a child who will be applying:
- Please complete the Sibling Interest Form or submit the admission application directly.
- To receive an admission indication in mid-December, the full application package must be submitted by November 30.
- An email with full details and instructions for requesting an application fee waiver will be sent this Friday.
Questions? Contact the Admission Office anytime — we’re here to help.
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 linked 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.
Reminders
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. There’s always an opportunity, so sign up and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
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.
Register
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 27
Upper School Gym
The tournament starts at 8:00 a.m.
Fall After-School Club Registration Opens
Tuesday, September 30
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
September 29 - October 3
Schedule of Games and Events
Financial Aid Application Opens
Wednesday, October 1
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, Grades 4-6
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.
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
Sign Up
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
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.
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
