Part of our growth-focused approach with students involves providing feedback on their work, incorporating opportunities for self-reflection, and giving direction on areas for improvement. We recently had students fill out a reflection survey on their first semester, asking them to note areas of progress, read their teachers’ report card comments, and set goals for the new quarter.
As a School and a Middle School division, we try to model a similar growth mindset and use of feedback. Over the past few weeks, students have filled out anonymous surveys for each of their classes. Through a combination of rating scales and open-ended questions, the survey focuses on the teacher’s learning environment, clarity of expectations, helpfulness, things to keep, and things to change. Giving middle schoolers anonymity to express their opinions is a risky endeavor, but they typically do a very thoughtful job overall. The results inform my responsibility to ensure quality and consistency throughout our program. I also share responses directly with each teacher and department chair as they consider ways to refine and improve the classroom experience.
I am also working with Fairfax Food Service on a feedback survey that we plan to give to students in the next few weeks. This annual survey seeks to identify favorite and least favorite options, solicit suggestions for improvement, and inform menu changes.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
PES: Academic Planning for Parents of Rising 9th Graders — Wednesday, February 25
Preparation for the 2026-27 course selection is underway! During this Parent Education Series (PES) event on Wednesday, February 25, 8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Director Chris Tennyson and Director of Academics Aaron Proctor will explain the timeline, process, and resources that support our rising 9th graders in planning for the upcoming school year. This event will take place in the Upper School Multipurpose Room.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off — Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 6
Parents may drop off gently used, clean uniforms and spirit wear at the Lower School Campus, on the Miller House front porch from Monday, March 2, to Friday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Kindly launder items before donating. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to donate.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, March 2
This year, we’re highlighting banned books with a twist: every selection is a graphic novel! Our selected texts explore the real-life issues and themes that matter to today’s middle-grade and young adult readers. From healthy relationships to racial identity, religious faith, gender identity, and immigration, these stories open doors to understanding, reflection, and meaningful conversations. Join us for the next meeting on Monday, March 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.
Workshop: Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health — Wednesday, March 4
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a workshop on Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Washington Waldorf School. The workshop will explain why parental burnout happens and offer realistic strategies to recharge your mind, mood, and motivation while helping you reconnect with your children. This highly interactive session will be facilitated by Kate Gawlik, clinical professor and co-director of Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness at The Ohio State University College of Nursing. Register today!
Save the Date: Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24
Break out your best ’80s look because this year’s Night on the Hill theme is Prom, but just for the grown-ups! Current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff are invited for an all-adult evening filled with nostalgic fun, great company, and a few surprises you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. Invitations will be sent electronically soon, but mark your calendars for Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m.
2026-27 Enrollment Contracts Due Thursday
2026-27 Enrollment Contracts were sent by email on Monday, January 26, and must be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, February 5. Please reference the email you received for more details. If you have any questions about or need help with this process, please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight at 571.548.2455.
Mahjong Lesson and Open Play — Limited Space Available
A few spots remain for this popular meetup on Thursday, February 5, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Beginners can register for a lesson, and experienced players can now register for open play. Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum '11 with any questions.
Parent Walking Group — Friday, February 6
Bundle up and walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School on Friday, February 6, 8:15-9:15 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.
PES: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team — Friday, February 6
On Friday, February 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Building Multipurpose Room, attend this Parent Education Series event to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Headfirst Summer Camp Open House — Thursday, February 12
Mark your calendars for the Summer Camp Open House on Thursday, February 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Families are invited to preview this year's summer camp programming. Headfirst Summer Camp offers a wide variety of weekly day programming for 3- to 13-year-olds, including Junior Day Camp, STEM programming, Multi-Sports, D.C. United Soccer Camp, and Washington Nationals Camp options. Extended day options are also available for families requiring additional care. Sign up to reserve your spot.
Parent Meetup: Cooking Class — Wednesday, February 18
Enjoy a cooking class with fellow parents and personal chef Alison Garen P'32 on Wednesday, February 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ingredients and all supplies are provided. Registration is limited to 30 people. Special thanks to Kate Fennell P’26, ’29 for hosting! Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum '11 with any questions.
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 18
Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award-winning a cappella group, for their annual concert on Wednesday, February 18, 7:00-8:00 p.m., in the Middle School Commons. The concert is free, and your attendance is a great way to show support for our wonderfully talented student singers!
Flint Hill Day — Thursday, February 19
Flint Hill Day is on Thursday, February 19, 1:15-2:15 p.m., in the Upper School Gym. Students, faculty, and staff will gather to recognize 20-year employees and Driving Spirit Award winners. The Driving Spirit Awards are given to current Flint Hill employees who lead by example through their dedication to students, faculty, or the Flint Hill community at large, as evidenced by their ability to energize and inspire the Husky community.
Middle School Brings 'Madagascar' to FH
The Middle School is excited to announce their upcoming play production of “Madagascar” on Friday, February 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, February 21, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater. Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the hip-hop Hippo, and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto your stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, this play follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s “Madagascar.” Reserve your tickets now!
Spring Sports Practices — Tuesday, February 24
Middle School Spring Sports practices start on Tuesday, February 24. If a student wishes to join a sport but does not see it listed on their Husky Hub profile, please email Assistant Director of Athletics Stefan Borowski.
PCW Forum on Reducing Parental Burnout — Wednesday, February 25
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to join Marina Lopes, author of “Please Yell at My Kids,” on Wednesday, February 25, 10:00-11:30 a.m., at Bullis School, for an engaging discussion on reducing parental stress and burnout by building community. Marina, a former foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, will draw on parenting practices and wisdom from around the world. Parents will leave with simple, research-backed strategies to reduce stress, foster connection, and build their own "village" of support. Register here.
Volunteers Needed: Make a Difference in the Igloo!
There’s always an opportunity to volunteer in the Igloo, and it’s a fun way to connect with other parents while supporting our school community. Upper School students are welcome to volunteer during basketball games, too. Grab a friend and sign up to help!
New Student Life Images on Flickr
We're constantly capturing the Flint Hill experience on Flickr! Check out what's new, including images from last week's inaugural Flint Hill Science Exhibition.
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Deadline for Current Families to Submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
Thursday, February 5
Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Open Play
Thursday, February 5
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., The Andreas Residence
Register
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 6
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, February 6
8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room
Divisional Ambassador Mid-Year Meeting
Wednesday, February 11
8:45-10:45 a.m.
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Mem Hwy, Fairfax, VA
RSVP
Wear the Colors You Love Day at the Lower School
Thursday, February 12
Headfirst Summer Camp Open House
Thursday, February 12
6:00-7:30 p.m., Hazel Lower School
Sign Up
Faculty Professional Development
Friday, February 13
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Presidents' Day
Monday, February 16
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Parent Meetup: Cooking Class
Wednesday, February 18
6:30-8:30 p.m., The Fennell Residence
Register
Major Minors Winter Concert
Wednesday, February 18
7:00-8:00 p.m., Middle School Commons
Flint Hill Day
Thursday, February 19
1:15-2:15 p.m., Upper School Gym
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits: Spotlight on Specials
Friday, February 20
8:15-8:45 a.m., Hazel Lower School
Grateful Huskies Week
Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
PCW Forum, ‘It Takes a Village: Beating Parental Burnout Through Community’
Wednesday, February 25
10:00-11:30 a.m.
Bullis School, Trone Studio Theater, 10601 Falls Rd, Potomac, MD 20854
Register
2026-27 Admission Enrollment and Financial Aid Contracts Issued to New Students
Friday, February 27
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits: Carnaval Festival
Friday, February 27
8:15-9:15 a.m., Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Monday, March 2 - Friday, March 6
Miller House, Lower School Campus
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, March 2
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form
PCW Workshop, ‘Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health’
Wednesday, March 4
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Washington Waldorf School, 4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Register
