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Letter From the Division Director
I hope that you are enjoying time with your families during these final weeks of the summer. If your children are anything like me, they are full of nervous excitement about the start of the school year, feeling confident and ready at times and anxious at others.
We appreciate that middle school is a uniquely wonderful and emotional period of time and that over half of our students will be new to our building — some from our Lower School and some brand new to Flint Hill. This informs our communications and programming in the next few weeks, as well as the structure and activities of the first few days of school.
As we get excited for the 2026-27 school year, please review the information below. I look forward to seeing your children soon and partnering with you for another outstanding year.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Back-to-School Information
Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year on Husky Hub
A reminder that you may find answers to several of your back-to-school questions on the Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board.
Student Schedules Available Online - Tomorrow, August 13
Specific teacher and class assignments will be available tomorrow morning, Thursday, August 13. To access your child’s class placement, log in to Husky Hub, click “Children,” and select your child’s name. Click on the "Schedule" tab to access your child's schedule.
We hope that providing this information ahead of the first day of school is helpful to you and your child in the transition back to school. We’ve observed over the years that these details can create an emotional reaction for some students who were hoping or expecting to be placed with their best friends or particular teachers. This presents a challenge for parents who are trying to navigate this disappointment and help their children feel positive and optimistic about the year ahead. Here is some additional context about our process, along with some recommendations for parents.
Advisory Placement
Our goal is to create balanced groups of compatible students who have varying styles, personalities, genders, and interests. Each advisory has a combination of new and returning students, and those who are returning are generally mixed differently from the previous year to ensure a new experience and dynamic. While we generally avoid placing close friends in the same advisory group, we did incorporate student preferences for all returning students.
Class/Teacher Placements
Our goal is to make sure that every student can take the combination of classes they requested. This is a complex puzzle with parameters such as class sizes, the number of sections for particular classes, and sharing some teachers and spaces with the Upper School. We cannot assign classes based on individual requests for particular teachers or classmates.
Guidance for Parents
Regardless of the fact that we aren’t trying to put your child with their close friends in advisory or classes, they still may be upset by this. This is just one situation of many we all encounter as parents — particularly during adolescence — and it presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Here is some guidance that aligns with messaging from local experts:
- Listen actively to your child to help them express themselves and what they are feeling.
- Validate their feelings as normal/understandable — it makes sense that they would want to be surrounded by their closest friends in advisory and classes.
- Avoid the tendency to fix or solve it for them — both because we (at school) don’t change advisory or class groupings at this point and because, in order to build resilience, kids need to be able to sit with discomfort and know that the adults around them believe they are capable of handling it.
In their article 4 Ways to Help Your Child Adapt to Life’s Rapid Changes, Heather Tedesco, Jennifer Weaver, and Catherine McCarthy note: “Less is often more with parenting, and much of the time doing nothing is the hardest — and best — parenting move. Allow your child to feel hurt or afraid or uncomfortable. Be present, be empathetic, just don’t immediately intervene. A kid will only become adaptable when given the opportunities to do so. And they will sense a parent’s confidence in them in that pause.”
Some of you heard them share those recommendations in November 2023, when they visited Flint Hill to present their book Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength. They emphasize that “every time our child asks for certainty, we should take a cue from the emoji of the wondering, shrugging lady in the purple shirt. When we parent for adaptability, we are empathetic, supportive, but not overly involved or reactive.”
You heard similar sentiments from Jennifer Weaver and Amy Killy of Weaver and Associates during their April 2024 visit to Flint Hill as part of their presentation, Anxious Kids and Tolerating Big Feelings. Rather than activating our natural tendency to “fix” the problem for our children, we should validate their feelings and emotions and convey that we believe they can handle this discomfort and uncertainty because they have done so before.
Please feel free to reach out to Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont, Middle School Counselor John Magner, or Director of Counseling Tracie Epes to consult about any of this. Here are a few additional resources to consider.
Additional Resources
Please Review the 2026-27 Flint Hill Family Handbook
All families are required to review the Flint Hill Family Handbook for the 2026-27 school year. The Family Handbook outlines community standards and policies for all Flint Hill students and family members and is organized into three sections: “Respect for Self,” “Respect for Others,” and “Respect for Shared Environment.” The Flint Hill Family Handbook will live on the Resource Board for ease of reference. No other action is required, as enrollment at Flint Hill requires awareness and respect of these policies throughout the school year.
Bus Service Sign-Up Deadline — Saturday, August 15
To sign your student up for bus service, please complete the Bus Service Registration Form by Saturday, August 15. Detailed information and a complete list of all morning, afternoon, and evening bus routes is on the Bus Service Information page. If you have any questions, please contact Director of Systems Operations and Systems Training Melissa Turner at bus@flinthill.org or by phone/text at 571.926.7502.
Extended Day Sign-Up Deadline — Saturday, August 15
The Extended Day program is a space for students to recharge after a structured school day, engage with fellow students, and complete their nightly homework. The program is available daily, 3:30-6:00 p.m. Learn more and sign up here by Saturday, August 15. If you have any questions, please email Director of After School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart or phone/text 571.752.1630.
SchoolPass Steps To Complete Before School Starts
Flint Hill School uses SchoolPass, a user-friendly and real-time system that allows parents to easily notify the school of student absences, late arrivals, appointments, or changes to afternoon dismissal.
Returning Families
The only step you need to complete at this time is to review your approved driver's list and update or delete it if needed. Instructions for “Drop-Off, Pickup & Authorized Drivers” for the SchoolPass app are on the Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year tile in Husky Hub.
You will receive your carpool sign during your Parent/Advisor Conference. During afternoon carpool, you will display this sign on the driver’s side dashboard to alert us to send your child to the pickup area.
New Families
On July 1, you should have received an auto-generated “welcome” email from noreply-2300@schoolpass.com with instructions to download the application and create a profile. If you did not receive that email or need SchoolPass assistance in general, please email helpdesk@flinthill.org.
Review instructions for Drop-Off, Pickup & Authorized Drivers on Husky Hub. You will receive your carpool sign during your Parent/Advisor Conference. During afternoon carpool, you will display this sign on the driver’s side dashboard to alert us to send your child to the pickup area.
Textbooks and School Supplies
Families are responsible for purchasing all required textbooks/resources. The cost of textbooks/workbooks for all students in grades JK-12 is not included in tuition. Complimentary shipping at the eCampus textbook store continues through Sunday, August 16. Visit the Textbooks & Supplies tile on the Resource Board for more information.
Middle School students are responsible for the following school supplies:
Required
- Reusable water bottle
- Earbuds/headphones
- At least two 1" binders or refillable notebooks with pocket dividers
- Lined paper and graph paper
- Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- TI 84 graphing calculator (new or used)
Recommended
- Small Post-it Notes or tabs
- At-home storage (e.g. accordion folder)
- Index cards and organizer
- Pencil pouch
- Colored pencils & erasers
Uniform Ordering Reminder From Land's End
Land's End uniform order volumes are currently at an all-time high. Orders placed today carry an estimated arrival window between Wednesday, August 26, and Saturday, September 5. If you haven't finalized your student’s uniform order for the new school year, please check out as soon as possible to help ensure your items arrive in time for the start of school! A reminder that Dress Expectations can be reviewed on the Husky Hub Resource Board.
Health Forms — New and Returning Students
Completed health forms must be uploaded to the Magnus Health system and approved by the first day of classes, or your child may not attend school. If you have any questions regarding the health forms, please email Director of Health Services Mary Hart or call at 571.926.2818.
Medication Drop-Off — Thursday, August 27
For students requiring medication on campus, medication drop-off day is Thursday, August 27, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Upper School Circle. Pull into the circle, and a member of the team will collect medication and forms directly from your car.
Prescription Medication
Requires a physician's order on the Medication Authorization Form, signed by the prescribing physician. All medication must have the pharmacy label.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication
Requires the Medication Authorization Form completed and signed by a parent/guardian. OTC medication must be in its original packaging and administered according to package instructions (including time and route).
Unable to drop off on August 27?
Please call your division's nurse to schedule an appointment before school starts. For medication refills during the school year, please call to schedule an appointment with your division's nurse: Upper School, 703.584.2396; Middle School, 703.584.2397; Lower School, 703.584.2399.
Parent Volunteer Fair, Uniform Exchange & School Store
Get ready for the new school year with the Parents’ Association at the Hazel Lower School on Wednesday, August 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! Here is how you can get involved and gear up for the fall:
- Uniform & Spirit Wear Exchange (Room 101): Free and open to all divisions on a first-come, first-served basis. Please drop off gently used, laundered donations at the Lower School entrance from Monday, August 17 to Friday, August 21 (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.).
- Parent Volunteer Fair (Outside Room 101): Stop by the table on Wednesday, August 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn about the many ways to engage with our community this year. We also need volunteer support from August 24-26 to help staff our events. Click here to sign up to help!
- School Store Open (Room 112): Shop for brand-new Husky spirit wear to start the year off right. The store will be open during the Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange: Wednesday, August 26, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at the Hazel Lower School in Room 112.
For questions about volunteer opportunities or the School Store, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum or School Store Manager Marina Matthes.
Middle School Parent-Advisor In-Person Conferences
To facilitate the important partnership for the school year ahead, advisors will be hosting parent conferences on Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1. These 15-minute conferences will allow you to connect with your child’s advisor and share any helpful information. A sign-up link will be sent on Monday, August 17. If you have any difficulties or questions about the online scheduling system, please contact MS Office Administrator Michelle Keatley. You are welcome to bring your child to the conference or have them take a self-guided tour if they would benefit from visiting the building before the first official day!
MS Athletics Practices Begin — Tuesday, September 8
As fall practices draw near, we are thrilled to welcome our student-athletes back for another inspiring year of Flint Hill Athletics! Organizational meetings take place during the first week of school, with practices officially beginning on Tuesday, September 8.
Read the full letter from Director of Athletics to learn more about our sports philosophy, preseason expectations, and how we can partner together for an incredible season.
Schedules & Logistics
Game schedules for Middle and Upper School, along with seasonal logistics, are available on the Athletics webpage and Husky Hub. For questions, please contact Assistant Director of Athletics Stefan Borowski.
Athletic Clothing & Sport-Specific Items
Required daily practice attire consists of any Flint Hill logo top paired with navy blue shorts or gray/navy sweatpants. Review the sport-specific equipment checklist below for additional items needed on Day 1.
- Cross Country: Families provide running shoes; students may also wear black or navy blue running tights.
- Football: Families provide mouthguard and cleats.
- Field Hockey: Families provide mouthguard, goggles, cleats, and stick.
- Soccer: Families provide cleats and shin guards.
- Volleyball: Families provide athletic shoes and knee pads; students may also wear black or navy blue spandex shorts.
- Tennis: Families provide athletic shoes and racket; students may also wear white or navy blue skirts or shorts with pockets.
Update on MS Golf — Sign Up by Friday, August 28
As noted in May, we are excited to introduce golf as a pilot program this fall, available as a co-ed option for experienced golfers. Due to time and space constraints at the Oakmont course, we will need to limit the roster to a maximum of 12 students.
- If your child is interested in trying out for golf, please email Assistant Athletic Director Stefan Borowski by Friday, August 28. This will allow him to effectively plan the evaluation process, coordinate tee times and course access with Oakmont Golf Course, and communicate additional important information with participating families prior to the start of tryouts.
- Tryouts will take place during the first few days of athletics, beginning Tuesday, September 8. Students who are not selected for the final golf roster will transition back to the fall sport they initially selected, ensuring they still are able to participate in the evaluation period before those team levels are finalized.
Save 20% at DICK’S Sporting Goods August 14-17
Gear up for the fall season! Through our membership with VISAA, Flint Hill families can receive 20% off their purchase in-store at all Virginia DICK’S Sporting Goods locations from Friday, August 14, through Monday, August 17. To receive the discount, families must present this event coupon at checkout.
Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Divisional Ambassadors are invited to a kickoff meeting on Friday, September 4, 8:45-11:45 a.m., at the International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Highway in Fairfax.
You're Invited! Parent Mixer on Thursday, September 10
Parents are warmly invited to join Flint Hill’s Advancement Office for a relaxed morning social on the Peterson Middle School Terrace on Thursday, September 10, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a cup of coffee, connect with fellow parents, and learn more about how our team supports the school community!
MS Student Portrait Day — Thursday, September 10
Middle School students will have yearbook portraits taken on Thursday, September 10, at Peterson Middle School and must follow dress expectations. Details about ordering photos will be emailed to parents when images are ready to view.
MS Back-to-School Night — Thursday, September 10
On Thursday, September 10, 7:00-9:00 p.m., at Peterson Middle School, parents are invited to explore the student experience, meet teachers, and review curriculum plans for the upcoming year.
Welcome from Our New Parents’ Association President
As we kick off the 2026-27 school year, we are thrilled to introduce our new PA President, Stephanie Anderson P’28! Read her full welcome letter to learn more about her story, how our Parents’ Association builds community across all divisions, and how you can get involved — including details on the upcoming Parent Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, August 26.
New Roles, Departures, and New Hires
We're excited to introduce the new faces joining our community this year, as well as admin, staff members, and faculty who have taken on new roles in the Middle School.
New Roles
- Lisa Campo, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
- Carlos Hernández, MS Science Teacher
- Dan Johnson, Assistant Director of Security
- Jackie Viteri, Senior Content Specialist
New Hires
Will Plaut ’22 — Facilities Management Associate
Will is a recent business school graduate with over four years of experience working in the facilities management and operations field. He holds a B.S.B.A. in management from Christopher Newport University. He graduated from Flint Hill in 2022. Fun fact: Will has played the drums for over 12 years.
Mikeira Spriggs — Advancement Operations Coordinator
Mikeira brings over seven years of administrative and human resources experience supporting operations in higher education, government, and private sector settings, most recently serving as a clinical coordinator at The Catholic University of America. She earned a B.S. in psychology from Old Dominion University. Fun fact: Mikeira loves to travel, explore new cities and countries, and runs her own floral business creating custom arrangements.
Aremi Tapia-Torres — Associate Director of College Advising
Aremi has worked in education for eight years at small liberal arts colleges and independent schools. She spent five years as a college counselor at the Community School of Naples, guiding students through every step of the college application process. She has a B.A. in global studies from Colby College and studied abroad in Rio de Janeiro. Fun fact: Aremi enjoys recreating macro-friendly sweet treat recipes from TikTok and loves spending time outdoors — whether at parks, hiking trails, beaches, or lakes.
Summer Departures
Jesi Hessong-Brown, MS Science Teacher
Middle School Family Social — Tuesday, August 18
All Middle School families (new and returning) are invited to a casual, community-building gathering at the Peterson Middle School on Tuesday, August 18, 5:30-6:45 p.m. Students can connect with one another while enjoying sweet treats, field games, board games, and the playground, and parents can socialize and build connections as well. Let us know you can join us!
Subscribing to 2026-27 School Calendars
The 2026-27 Calendar Highlights list the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Parent-Teacher Conference days, and Faculty Professional Development days. Any changes made to the published dates on this calendar will be announced in the newsletter.
We recommend subscribing to your child’s division calendar and the school-wide calendars below. If you use Google Calendar, click the links to add them directly to your personal Google Calendar.
Not a Google Calendar user?
If you’re NOT a Google Calendar user, you can subscribe to each calendar using the iCal links below. It may take up to an hour for calendar feeds to sync and be reflected in your external calendars. Events for the past 2 months and the upcoming 12 months will be included in the feed.
iCal Feed Links
Optional: Join the Flint Hill Carpool Network
Families interested in forming a new carpool or adding to an existing one can access the carpool availability feature in the Student Directory on Husky Hub. This resource may be especially helpful to new families who are not served by one of our existing bus routes. From the main toolbar in Husky Hub, select “Directories,” then select “Student.” In the right-hand margin, navigate down to the "Carpool Availability" box and select “Yes.” Use the other available filters (such as "Home City," "Home Postal/Zip," and "Student Grade") to narrow your results, and use the "Map" feature for an additional view.
Required and Recommended Summer Reading
With just a few days of summer left, here is a quick reminder to review our Middle School summer resources before school starts! Please note that some of these assignments and reading lists are required, helping ensure your student keeps essential skills sharp and steps into the new year ready to succeed.
Middle School Summer Reading (required)
Middle School Summer Learning (optional)
Give Us Your Summer Programming Feedback!
Thank you to all the families who joined us for a fantastic season at Summer on the Hill! As we plan for next year, we want to hear from our entire Flint Hill community — whether your child spent the summer on campus or elsewhere. Please take 10 minutes to complete our quick, anonymous survey to help shape and elevate our future programs. We appreciate your time and insight!
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.
Online Bookstore Opens
Monday, August 3
Husky Hub Opens for Families
Thursday, August 13
Bus and Extended Day Registration Deadline
Saturday, August 15
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Monday, August 17 - Friday, August 21
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
Middle School Family Social
Tuesday, August 18
5:30-6:45 p.m., Peterson Middle School
All Middle School families are invited.
RSVP
Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange and Parent Volunteer Fair
Wednesday, August 26
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Room 101
Medication Drop-Off
Thursday, August 27
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Upper School Front Circle
Middle School Parent Virtual Orientation
Monday, August 31
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/ktr-pgph-otg
Middle School Parent-Advisor Conferences
Monday, August 31, and Tuesday, September 1
Signup link and instructions will be emailed to families on Monday, August 17.
First Day of School for Middle School
Wednesday, September 2
8:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Friday, September 4
8:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Labor Day — Grades JK-12, No Classes
Monday, September 7
Middle School Fall Athletics Begin
Tuesday, September 8
Parent Mixer
Thursday, September 10
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace
Middle School Student Portrait Day
Thursday, September 10
Peterson Middle School
Middle School Back-to-School Night
Thursday, September 10
7:00-9:00 p.m.
