We are working toward a strong finish to what is always the most challenging (and coldest) stretch of the school year. Snow interruptions, holidays, and fatigue can make it hard for middle schoolers to maintain consistency and avoid regression, but they have done a great job overall. A few days with milder temperatures and the excitement of a new sports season have injected some energy into our building as we gear up for Spring Break.
As a reminder, we have parent conferences next Friday, March 13. We will post grade reports on Husky Hub the previous afternoon. You can sign up for a virtual or in-person conference with each of your child’s teachers using the links I sent via email last Friday. Please keep in mind that because we have only one day (unlike the two conference days in November), the slots are limited. If you go to schedule an appointment and that particular teacher shows no availability, you can reach out to them directly to schedule a virtual conference for after Spring Break.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
PCW Workshop: Exploring Parental Burnout and Mental Health — TONIGHT
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a workshop tonight, 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.
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 Learning Commons. This Parent Education Series 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.
Parents' Association Pickleball Social — Join the Waitlist!
Registration filled up quickly for the Pickleball Social on Wednesday, March 11. Join the waitlist, and Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum will reach out if space becomes available.
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. You should’ve received a sign-up link on Friday, February 27. Contact Michelle Keatley if you did not receive that link.
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 until 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.
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 Friday, March 13. For Exchange questions, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum ’11. For School Store questions, contact Store Manager Marina Matthes.
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.
Volunteers Needed: Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo!
We need your help to open the Igloo each day! Bring a friend and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like — your support makes a difference and gives you a glimpse into Upper School life. Sign up here!
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.
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
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Thursday, March 5 - Friday, March 6
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Miller House Front Porch, Lower School Campus
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday,
March 6
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
End of Third Quarter
Monday, March 9
Parents' Association Pickleball Social
Wednesday, March 11
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Country Club of Fairfax, 5110 Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Parent Education Series: Learning Center Information Session for Parents of Rising 9th Graders
Wednesday, March 11
4:00-4:45 p.m., Upper School Commons
Middle School Spring Athletics Picture Day
Thursday, March 12
1:15-2:15 p.m.,
Peterson
Middle School Commons
Enrollment Contracts Due — New Students
Friday, March 13
LS/MS Parent-Teacher Conferences — No LS/MS Classes
Friday, March 13
Spring Uniform and Spirit Wear Exchange
Friday, March 13
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 101
School Store Open
Friday, March 13
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Hazel Lower School, Room 112
Spring Break — No Classes, No Homework
March 14-29
Classes Resume
Monday, March 30
8th Grade Community Service Deadline
Wednesday, April 1
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
Course Selection for Rising 9th Graders Opens
Thursday, April 9