Middle School Newsletter – May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
It is hard to believe that we have just ten days of school remaining. I am a firm believer that how we finish — a school year or any activity — is at least as important as how we begin. Our students have worked hard throughout the year on their own personal development and on making the experience positive for everyone in the community. At this point in the school year, many of us are running on reserves, and it can be easy to let up and allow our thoughts to drift to the summer months. For our students, it is important that they maintain their focus and positive energy to ensure they finish the year in a manner that leaves them proud and without regret. As adults, it is critical that we maintain our enthusiasm, commitment to excellence, and sense of humor. I emphasize to teachers that our interactions with students over the next few weeks will be the ones that they think about this summer as they reflect on the school year. We all owe it to each other to lift each other up and maximize the opportunities presented each day. Here’s to a strong final push!
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year: Textbooks & Supplies
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. New to the tile is information regarding textbooks and supplies.
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.
Upper School Dance Team Open Practice — Tuesday, May 20
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited to join Head Coach Olivia Landrum for an open practice on Tuesday, May 20, 4:00-5:30 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio to learn more about the dance team, practice skills, and prepare for tryouts in June.
Middle School Huskyfest — Friday, May 23
This is our last day of regular classes, with Huskyfest (similar to Field Day) on Friday, May 23, 1:15-3:15 p.m., at the Peterson Middle School. Students are welcome to wear “free dress” to school. No tank tops, but any other appropriate tops and bottoms (including athletic shorts and leggings) are fine.
Grade 8 Dance — Thursday, May 29
On Thursday, May 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Peterson Middle School Commons, we will celebrate the 8th graders’ important milestone with a festive evening, and we hope that all members of the Class of 2029 will attend and enjoy the evening as a group. Parents are welcome to take pictures on the terrace until 6:45 p.m. Recommended Dress — a dress; or a suit jacket, dress pants, and a tie. Please keep it simple and avoid homecoming and prom-style attire and transportation.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Sunday, June 1
Sunday, June 1, is the date on which your 2025-26 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2025-26 school year after Sunday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Sunday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 2
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Summer on the Hill Camp Spotlight
Still hunting for innovative summer camp options for your child this summer? Check out these interesting offerings with space available open to students in grades 5-8.
Culture World Tour, July 21-25: Is your student in grades 5-8 and interested in learning about other cultures? Join this camp for a world tour, learning about different cultures, foods, entertainment, languages, and more! Lower School Teacher Caitlin DeNure will be leading this weeklong program July 21-25, diving into what it means to respectfully learn about other cultures while engaging in fun, games, and education! Click here to register.
Cryptography, July 14-18: What’s cryptography? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to find out! Upper School Teacher Brad Savage will host a cryptography camp July 14-18, where we’ll teach basic cryptography and other math games as applications of mathematics topics from the middle-grade curriculum. Students will engage in traditional pencil/paper games as well as scavenger hunts and other types of active games. Click here to register.
Makers Lab (We've opened a second session!), July 14-18: Unleash your creativity and build something awesome at our Makers Camp! Dive into hands-on projects that combine design, engineering, and technology. Campers will explore 3D printing, laser cutting crafting, and more, creating their own unique projects to take home. Perfect for curious minds, this camp is all about learning new skills, having fun, and bringing big ideas to life! Click here to register.
Middle School Creative Writing Submissions
Earlier this spring, students had the opportunity to submit their written work as part of our annual contest. Our English teachers reviewed the submissions and focused on the authenticity of voice, clarity of structure, sophistication of language, presentation of manuscript (formatting, punctuation, etc.), and overall emotional impact of the piece. Pieces ranged from poems to short stories to personal narratives and are presented for viewing on this Creative Writing Spring 2025 site.
2025 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 9, and Friday, August 22. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus.
Casino Night on the Hill Photos
Everyone hit the jackpot at Casino Night on the Hill! Whether you tried your luck at the tables or just came to enjoy the atmosphere, we all had a winning time together. Relive the fun — check out the photo gallery!
Gratitude for Our Middle School Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff who are departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career or educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors. We also look forward to announcing and welcoming the new faculty and staff who will join us for the upcoming school year in August.
Jim Bour — Director of Security
Chris Cook — Middle School Innovation Teacher
Miles Henderson — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Bridget Montagne — Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects
Adam Rice — Associate Director of Athletics
Reminders
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 Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace, to honor your volunteer service to Flint Hill. RSVP here 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 one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Last Chance! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
This is it! Grab your spot in the 18-hole scramble, learn in the Skills Social, or volunteer on the course. Enjoy free ice cream on the turn, fun raffles and prizes, the legendary Mega Putter Challenge, and connecting with the Husky community while supporting financial aid. New this year: launch a golfball air-cannon down the fairway for a prime putt! (Yes, it is as fun as it sounds!) What are you waiting for? Register Now — fewer than 15 spots left!
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.
Please note the exam schedule and pickup times:
- Tuesday, May 27 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. English and math exams in the morning. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Wednesday, May 28 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Science and history exams in the morning. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Thursday, May 29 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Language and makeup exams in the morning. We will also have a final Town Meeting assembly and a brief rehearsal for 8th graders. We will run two dismissals — one at 10:45 a.m. and one at 12:00 p.m. We will have supervision available for those who need to stay for the afternoon. Please note that this is the last day of school.
RSVP! 8th Grade (Class of 2029) Parent Dinner — Thursday, May 29
While students enjoy 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! RSVP by Monday, May 19, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
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.
8th Grade Promotion Reminders
On Friday, May 30, students should be dropped off at the Middle School by 10:00 a.m., and parents should park in the Upper School lot and proceed to the main Upper School entrance. Family members and relatives are invited to attend; no RSVP required. Seventh graders may attend as audience members, but their attendance is not required. There will be a brief reception for families in the Upper School Commons immediately following the ceremony. Recommended Dress — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse or sundress.
RSVP for the 8th Grade End-of-Year Pool Party
Calling the Class of 29! Please join the 8th graders for an end-of-year pool party on Friday, May 30, 2:00-5:00 p.m. View details and RSVP here if you haven’t already. If you'd like to help or bring something for the party there is a signup genius here. Thanks so much and hope to see you there!
There’s Still Time to Volunteer in the Igloo!
There are just a few shifts left — help finish the year strong by volunteering in the Igloo! It’s a great way to get a glimpse into the Upper School experience and is a favorite of many parent volunteers.
Upcoming Events
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.
Upper School Dance Team Open Practice
Tuesday, May 20
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited.
Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social
Thursday, May 22
Register
Middle School Spring Athletics End
Thursday, May 22
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
Please note the exam schedule and pickup times for Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29.
- Tuesday, May 27 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. English and math exams in the morning. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Wednesday, May 28 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Science and history exams in the morning. We will run two dismissals — one at 11:45 a.m. and one at 3:20 p.m.; students who choose to stay for the afternoon will have flexible time.
- Thursday, May 29 — Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival time. Language and makeup exams in the morning. We will also have a final Town Meeting assembly and a brief rehearsal for 8th graders. We will run two dismissals — one at 10:45 a.m. and one at 12:00 p.m. We will have supervision available for those who need to stay for the afternoon. Please note that this is the last day of school.
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.
8th Grade End Of Year Pool Party
Friday, May 30
2:00-5:00 p.m.
RSVP
Middle School Parent-Advisor Conferences
Monday, June 2
The sign-up link will be sent on Monday, May 19.
Commencement
Friday, June 6, 12:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
