Middle School Newsletter – February 18, 2026

Grateful Huskies week celebrates the many donors who embrace Flint Hill’s vision to “make a difference.” Middle School students will have the opportunity to reflect on what they are thankful for during advisory through a gratitude activity that encourages thoughtful sharing and appreciation across campus.

Throughout the week, Upper School Grateful Huskies Club members and other volunteers will participate in special outreach to thank those who have made gifts to the Flint Hill Fund. You can join in with a gift or learn more about the Flint Hill Fund.

2026-27 Middle School Program Guide Now Available

Students and parents are invited to review the 2026-27 Middle School Program Guide on the Resource Board. Course selection for Rising MS and US students will take place after Spring Break. More information on that timeline can be found here on the Resource Board.

PES: Academic Planning for Parents of Rising 9th Graders — Wednesday, February 25

We invite parents of rising 9th graders to join us for an essential installment of our Parent Education Series focused on the transition to the Upper School. On Wednesday, February 25, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, Upper School Director Chris Tennyson and Director of Academics Aaron Proctor will lead an informative session regarding academic planning for the years ahead. This presentation is designed to provide families with a clear understanding of the timeline, the registration process, and the various resources available to support our 8th grade students as they prepare for this exciting next step in their Husky journey.

Parents' Association Pickleball Social — Wednesday, March 11

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball player or a first-timer, this is a great chance to connect with other families and enjoy some friendly competition. Join us on Wednesday, March 11, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA. All skill levels are welcome! Registration is limited to 30 players, and a waitlist will be available once full. This popular event fills up quickly, so grab your spot! Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11with any questions.

PES: Learning Center Info Session for Parents of Rising 9th Graders — Wednesday, March 11

Parents of rising 9th graders who currently utilize the Learning Center are invited to an informational Q&A session on Wednesday, March 11, 4:00-4:45 p.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. This session offers a valuable opportunity for students and families to meet our Upper School Learning Specialists and learn about the specific resources and support structures available at the next level.

Middle School Parent Conferences — Friday, March 13

You will have the opportunity to meet virtually or in person with each teacher for a 10-minute conference about your child’s progress. We will send a sign-up link on Friday, February 27.

Spring Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange — Friday, March 13

Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 13, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in Hazel Lower School, Room 101. The Exchange is intentionally scheduled to coincide with Lower School Parent Conferences. There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first-come, first-served.

Donation Drop-off: Parents may drop off gently used, clean uniforms and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, March 2, to Friday, March 6, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Kindly launder items before donating. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate and/or shop for spirit wear.

Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Tuesday, March 10, and during the Exchange on Friday, March 13. Sign up to volunteer and get the first chance to shop!

School Store Open — Friday, March 13

The School Store will be open during the Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange on Friday, March 13, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at Hazel Lower School in Room 112. You can also shop early online and pick up your items on Tuesday, March 11.

For Exchange questions, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11. For School Store questions, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.

Coming Soon — Golf Invitational and Skills Social

Calling all golf enthusiasts and novices! Join the Flint Hill community on Thursday, May 21, for a fun day on the links, with an 18-hole scramble and skills social for all levels. Parents, alumni parents, grandparents, and alumni are all welcome for a day that brings our community together to benefit the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid, helping students whose families face unexpected financial hardship.

Registration opens soon, but mark your calendars now! Interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities? Reach out to Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ‘11 for more information.

Does Your Work Involve City Planning, Animals, or Space?

From time to time, teachers would like to bring in a presenter to enhance the classroom curriculum. Given the extensive levels of expertise within the parent and alumni community, we’d like to make these opportunities more broadly accessible.

We have a current need for speakers who would briefly present on the following topics in an age-appropriate way for 1st graders:

• City Planning: We are looking for someone who can share how cities are planned, possibly connecting it to the problem-solving process or writing process.
• Animals/Plants: Help facilitate a nature walk and spark curiosity about animals and the planet before we begin or during those learning units.
• Space: Having learned about day and night patterns, and following a planetarium visit, we are looking for someone who can share more info about space.

Contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Thank you for helping students and teachers make these real-world connections!

Beyond the Reminders and Announcements

Since this newsletter is always full of parent need-to-knows, we want to tell you where to find more of the fun stuff! Our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) are the best place to see real-time highlights of student life. Follow our dedicated athletics account for all things Husky sports!

We’re also sharing in-depth stories on our Husky Highlights blog and spotlighting alumni journeys on Flint Hill Futures. Did we mention Flint Hill started a podcast featuring insights from our expert faculty and staff? We hope these channels offer a vivid window into our community and a deeper connection to the Husky experience.