Middle School Newsletter – April 1, 2026

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April 1, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

I hope everyone is feeling well-rested after the break — though it’s possible that some of your rest started this Monday when your kids returned to school! In the flow of a school year, I find Spring Break particularly important as we gear up for the final 10 weeks of the school year while simultaneously planning for the next year. The fourth quarter can feel like a sprint, and as summer approaches and temperatures rise, it can be a challenge to keep middle schoolers focused on doing their best and being their best selves. Returning from the break can also be grounding — allowing us to refocus on personal growth and community norms, knowing that we have a relatively short amount of time remaining. This is the aspect we have emphasized this week, and my hope for all of us is that we finish this final stretch in a way that leaves us proud of our engagement, progress, and impact.

Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School

Announcements

The Arts Are Blossoming This Spring!

April is a wonderful time to experience the creativity of our Fine and Performing Arts students. We invite you to browse the Upcoming Events section below and join us for various events featuring our artists, musicians, and performers as they share the work they’ve been creating this year.

Upper School Musical — Ticket Box Opens Wednesday, April 15

The Upper School Theatre students’ spring production of “Your-In-Town!” is coming to the Olson Theater from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3. This witty, high-energy musical proves that even the most unexpected stories can make for great theatre. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 15.

Show Times:

Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.

PES: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team — Tuesday, April 21

This Parent Education Series event is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Learning Commons.

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 22

The Spring Visual Arts show on Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, offers a chance to experience the incredible work of our Upper School visual arts students, featuring pieces from studio art, ceramics, digital and graphic design, photography, film, and more. This evening will celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration that are central to the Fine Arts experience at Flint Hill. Opening remarks begin at 6:00 p.m.

RSVP for Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24

Break out your best 80s look — Prom is back, and this time it’s just for the grown-ups! On Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., enjoy an all-adult social evening with current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff that leans into all the nostalgic fun — plus a few things you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. RSVP by Wednesday, April 15, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.

Middle School Field Trips — Friday, May 1

On Friday, May 1, 7th graders will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of their study of civil rights. 8th graders will participate in a scavenger hunt around Washington, DC, as part of their Advisory Day. Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.

Date Change: Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert

The Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert date, start time, and location have changed. Please note this new information: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Upper School Gym.

Hit the Links With the Flint Hill Community — Thursday, May 21

Whether you play every week or are new to the game, there’s a spot for you at the Golf Invitational and Skills Social on Thursday, May 21. Play in the 18-hole scramble or join the Skills Social — a casual, beginner-friendly clinic to work on your swing (clubs included!) with co-chairs Caroline Gray ’08, Head of School Patrick McHonett, and Jessica McHonett P'31, '35.

Bring your own foursome, or we’ll pair you up with fellow Huskies. Not able to play, but want to make a difference? You can still get in on the fun by sponsoring or volunteering. All skill levels welcome, but spots are limited. Register today!

Flint Hill Fund — Lead the Pack Challenge Starts Today!

It’s go time, Huskies!

The Flint Hill Fund Lead the Pack Challenge is officially underway. We kicked off today at the Upper School with an April Fool’s Carpool Takeover, where students, parents, teachers, and staff were wondering if they were at the Lower School!

Now that the challenge is on, let’s pull together, Huskies!

Check out where your division or grade stands — and who’s out in front!

For any division or grade that reaches its goal, here’s how we’ll celebrate:

Lower School: Pajama Day!
Middle School: Free Dress Day!
Upper School (by grade 9–12): Pie in the Face Day!

Thank you to the families who are already leading the way with a gift or pledge to this year’s effort! Every gift (or pledge payable by June 30) counts toward your child’s division or Upper School grade.

Summer on the Hill Highlight: Clay Camp: Mud n' Fire

Clay Camp: Mud n' Fire
June 15-26 (closed Friday, June 19)
Register Here

Get fired up! Join in the fun this summer at the clay studio for a two week intensive in ceramics with Ms. Julia Cardone. This camp introduces young potters to a variety of construction, decorating, and firing methods. Whether working to create sculpture, hand building forms, or on the potter's wheel, students learn in a supportive and small class setting with plenty of individual instruction and inspiration from one another as well as our teaching artists. Clay Camp is designed for all skill levels to develop technical ability with clay while exploring unique ideas and expressions.

Reminders

Virtual PES: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use — Thursday, April 2

Parents are invited to join us on Thursday, April 2, 8:15-9:15 a.m., for a virtual Parent Education Series conversation with prevention specialist Brenda Conlan. This session will focus on guiding preteens and teens toward healthy, substance-free decisions to help pave the way for an emotionally healthy adulthood. Brenda will share insights from her current work with Flint Hill 8th graders and provide practical tips for parents to navigate these important topics at home. Use this Google Meet link to join virtually.

Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24

Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Our first spring walks together will be on Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24, 8:20-9:15 a.m. The location will be shared with the group before each walk. Register here and contact Upper School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Last 2 Meetings of the Year! Monday, April 6, and Monday, May 4

Spring is here, and with it come our final two Book Club meetings of the year. We look forward to gathering for our last banned book selection, “Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman, on Monday, April 6.

By popular request, we’ve updated our final selection to a different graphic novel, “The Anxious Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” by Jonathan Haidt. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, our selections explore the literary topics and current issues that matter most to today’s young, middle-grade, and young adult readers—and help foster thoughtful, healthy conversations for those parenting them. From relationships and identity to faith and belonging, these stories invite reflection, build understanding, and open the door to meaningful dialogue.

Both meetings will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Course Selection Process for Rising 8th Graders — Begins Monday, April 6

On Monday, April 6, we will begin the course selection process for rising 8th graders — providing information about our Program Guide, options for students, guidance about selecting the appropriate courses and load, and Q&A sessions for students and parents. More information on that timeline can be found here on the Resource Board. Parents of current 7th graders are invited to a special session focusing on course selection for the upcoming year, hosted by Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont. It will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 9:00-9:45 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Commons.

Course Selection for Rising 9th Graders — Opens Thursday, April 9

The timeline for current 8th graders will follow the Upper School process. The online course selection module will officially open on Thursday, April 9. Here are the slides about Rising 9th Grade Course Selection from Assistant Director of the Upper School and Academic Dean Howard Chang and Director of College Advising Suzy Chiarolanzio. We will support students during the course selection process using this pared-down version of Howard's presentation to highlight typical 9th grade schedules and requirements. Howard and Suzy will also host a Q&A session with students on Tuesday, April 14. We encourage students to bring all of their course selection questions, and don't forget to visit the Step Up to the Upper School webpage for more helpful resources!

Arlington Parent Meetup — Thursday, April 9

On Thursday, April 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m., join Divisional Ambassadors Julia Blizzard, Ali Collins, Becca Moss, and Jackie Rotz for a casual meetup to connect with fellow Arlington parents. While this event is geared toward Arlington parents, all JK-12 parents are invited to join! Details and RSVP here and contact Julia Blizzard or Ali Collins with any questions.

7th and 8th Grade Science Events — Monday, April 13

Monday, April 13, will be an exciting day of science for our Middle School students, and there’s a great opportunity for 8th grade parents to attend activities in the afternoon.

7th Grade — As part of their science curriculum, 7th graders will go on a field trip to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center during the school day. They will return to school for lunch and participation in the 8th grade exhibition.
8th Grade — As the culminating event for their research projects, 8th graders will host a Science Exhibition at the Peterson Middle School to showcase and discuss their work. After reviewing and providing feedback on each other’s projects, they will open the exhibition to 7th graders. We invite 8th grade parents to attend the public viewing (1:15-2:10 p.m.) as well as a keynote presentation and preview of Upper School science research (2:15-2:45 p.m.).

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — Tuesday, April 14

Stay active with fellow parents and join Katie Ramsey and Fatima Latif for a Zumba class! Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. The next class will be Tuesday, April 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m., with another class to follow on Tuesday, May 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Sign up for each date that you can attend and contact Katie Ramsey with any questions.

Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are — Wednesday, April 15

You’re invited to Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are! Join us for a celebration of identity through music, featuring collaborative performances inspired by the iconic sound of The Who. More than a tribute, the concert reflects the heart of our Performing Arts program — creativity, collaboration, and the shared joy of making music together. It will be a wonderful night of entertainment that spotlights our talented percussion, choir, band, and musical theater ensembles. Arts Jam will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Thursday, April 16

Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Thursday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is geared toward dads, parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!

Concessions Volunteers Needed: Spring Schedule Available!

The spring athletic season is here, and the Den will reopen for selected athletic games! We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and Den concession stands running smoothly. Upper School students can also volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.

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.

Virtual Parent Education Series: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use
Thursday, April 2
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/nwm-mhkr-swb

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 3
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Course Selection Process for Rising 8th Graders Begins
Monday, April 6

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 6
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form

Parent Education Series: Course Selection for Parents of Rising 7th and 8th Graders
Wednesday, April 8
9:00-9:45 a.m., Peterson Middle School Commons

Course Selection for Rising 9th Graders Opens
Thursday, April 9

Arlington Parent Meetup
Thursday, April 9
6:00-8:00 p.m.
SER, 1110 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201
RSVP

Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 10
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts

7th Grade Field Trip to Air and Space Museum
Monday, April 13

8th Grade Science Exhibition
Monday, April 13
1:15-2:45 p.m., Peterson Middle School

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle
Tuesday, April 14
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Register

Arts Jam
Wednesday, April 15
7:00-9:30 p.m.
George Mason Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Thursday, April 16
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Topgolf Loudoun, 20356 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Register

Faculty Professional Development, Grades JK-12 No Classes
Friday, April 17

Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Tuesday, April 21
8:15-9:15 a.m., Peterson Middle School Learning Commons

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 22
5:30-7:00 p.m., Opening Remarks 6:00 p.m., Upper School Commons

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 24
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Prom Night on the Hill
Friday, April 24
8:00-10:00 p.m., Peterson Middle School
RSVP by Wednesday, April 15

Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Friday, May 1

Upper School Musical
Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School
Ticket Box Office opens on Wednesday, April 15

Middle School Field Trips
Friday, May 1
7th grade: National Museum of African American History and Culture
8th grade: Scavenger hunt around Washington, DC
Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.

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