Middle School Newsletter – April 30, 2025
April 30, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Our final full day of field trips takes place this Friday, May 2. Both grades will spend the day in Washington, D.C. Please review the information below and note that regular arrival and dismissal times apply.
7th Grade Museum Trip
As part of our current civil rights unit in U.S. History, students will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Students will be prepared for the trip through the use of various in-class activities, readings, videos, and discussions.
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes or athletic practices.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, bag lunch, an additional snack, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Similar to our trip in the fall, students with a documented need for emergency medication (e.g. inhaler or Epi-pen) must self-carry those items in order to attend the trip.
- Please contact your child’s history teacher if you have questions.
8th Grade Advisory Day
With the goals of connecting with each other and exploring key areas of our nation’s capital, advisory groups will travel by Metro to Washington, D.C., and participate in a photography scavenger hunt.
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes or athletic practices.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, money for lunch (~$20), an additional snack, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Students will travel by Metro and participate in activities throughout the city.
- Similar to our trip in the fall, students with a documented need for emergency medication (e.g. inhaler or Epi-pen) must self-carry those items in order to attend the trip.
- Please contact your child’s advisor if you have questions.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year
Several resources are now available to help your family prepare for the 2025-26 school year. Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
Middle School Exams — Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29
From Tuesday, May 27, to Thursday, May 29, students will have exams in English (an in-class revision of an essay), history, math, language, and science. Each exam will be one hour with extended time as needed, and the remainder of the school day will consist of games and activities. The exam counts as 10% of the semester grade in a particular course. Like with everything else in middle school, we are trying to hit the sweet spot with exams — helping students engage in what will be an increasingly important academic process while still treating it as a low-stakes learning opportunity. Our focus is more on the review process and long-term study skills than on the results. We want them to prepare thoughtfully, strive for their best, and feel the “good stress” that can motivate, focus energy, and enhance performance. We hope the students come away from the experience with the realization that exams don’t have to be scary and with an understanding of how they may adjust their preparation in the future based on what worked well for them and what didn’t.
Class of 2030 Parents: Virtual Upper School Preview — Wednesday, May 14
RSVP today for the Virtual Upper School Preview, specially designed for families of rising 8th graders, on Wednesday, May 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m. You’ll hear from Upper School leaders and participate in a Q&A session with current parents about life in the Upper School.
RSVP! Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 15
Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents' Association President Rejera Arnold P’33 for the Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Thursday, May 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace, to honor your volunteer service to Flint Hill. RSVP by Friday, May 9, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2025-26 — Sign Up by Friday, May 16
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 16. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum or reach out to one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Middle School Parent-Advisor Conferences — Monday, June 2
Parents will have the option of meeting with their child’s advisor for 15-minute conferences on Monday, June 2. We will send the link to sign up on Monday, May 19.
Summer on the Hill: New Summer Session of Makers Lab
We are opening a second session of Makers Lab, July 14-18, for Rising Grades 5-8. Register here.
Reminders
Virtual PCW Event: 'Digital Well-Being' — TONIGHT
Register for the Parents Council of Washington (PCW) Virtual Speaker Series Webinar on Wednesday, April 30, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of "Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World," will present on "Digital Well-Being: How Can We Help Kids Navigate a World Where Everything is Shared and Compared?" Dr. Heitner will share insights on helping kids with boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation on social media (Roblox, Instagram, TikTok). A Q&A will follow. Submit questions to administration@parentscouncil.org.
Flint Hill is a PCW member. The PCW fosters communication within the D.C. independent school community.
Upper School Musical, 'She Loves Me' — This Weekend
Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, “She Loves Me” is a warm romantic comedy with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance. The Mikos Lazlos play “Parfuemerie,” on which it is based, has inspired many adaptations, including the beloved film “You've Got Mail” starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don't see eye to eye. After both respond to a "lonely hearts advertisement" in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves ... and all the twists and turns along the way!
Please note: This performance has been rated PG by Music Theatre International. Lower School families are encouraged to use their discretion, as the production includes some mature themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences.
The Upper School cast will perform in three shows in the Olson Theater located in the Hazel Lower School. Reserve your tickets!
- Friday, May 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, May 9
Meet up with fellow parents for one last walk through different trails and neighborhoods near the School on Friday, May 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Middle School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 will share location details with the group before the walk. Register and contact Molisa Meholic with any questions.
Don’t Miss Out! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
Whether swinging for birdies in the 18-hole Scramble or just practicing in the Skills Social, there’s a spot for everyone at the Flint Hill Golf Invitational and Skills Social!
This year, we’ve added a literal blast: fire a golf ball air cannon at one of the 18 holes, and send that ball soaring like never before! If you’re still on the fence, watch this very serious training video from Head of School Patrick McHonett and his wife, Jessica, as they practice their putting skills using some incredible mini golf courses made by our very own 6th grade students. Only a few spots left, so register today!
8th Grade (Class of 2029) Parent Dinner — Thursday, May 29
While students are enjoying the dance, 8th-grade parents are invited to gather and celebrate a great year together at the 8th Grade Parent Dinner on Thursday, May 29, 7:00-9:15 p.m., at the International Country Club! Registration includes a dinner buffet, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages. RSVP by Monday, May 19, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Concessions Volunteers Needed!
Help finish the year strong by volunteering in the Den or Igloo! Bring a friend, sign up for as many shifts as you'd like, and get a glimpse into the student experience. Upper School students may earn service hours!
Upcoming Events
Virtual PCW Speaker Series: 'Digital Well-Being'
Wednesday, April 30
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Middle School Field Trips
Friday, May 2
Upper School Musical, 'She Loves Me'
Friday and Saturday, May 2-3, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 5
Peterson Middle School, Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Spring Choral Concert
Thursday, May 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Parent Walking Group
Friday, May 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Register
Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Tuesday, May 13
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Class of 2030 Parents: Virtual Upper School Preview
Wednesday, May 14
9:00-10:00 a.m.
RSVP
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons
RSVP
Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Thursday, May 15
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Classics Banquet
Friday, May 16
Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Middle School Music Festival
Saturday, May 17
Middle School music students participate in clinics, performances, and a trip to Kings Dominion.
Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social
Thursday, May 22
Register
Middle School Spring Athletics End
Friday, May 23
Middle School Huskyfest
Friday, May 23
Peterson Middle School, 1:15-3:15 p.m.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Administrative Offices Closed
Middle School Exams
Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-off
Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
End of Fourth Quarter/Second Semester
Thursday, May 29
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 29
Grade 8 Dance
Thursday, May 29
Peterson Middle School Commons, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
8th Grade (Class of 2029) Parent Dinner
Thursday, May 29
7:00-9:15 p.m.
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
RSVP
Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Upper School Gym, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
