Middle School Newsletter – November 12, 2025
November 12, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
At the middle school level, we believe in "sweating the small stuff" by addressing relatively minor behaviors to prevent them from becoming more serious or habitual. It is normal for young adolescents to test limits and seek attention/approval, and they need timely feedback to know when they are bumping up against firm boundaries and expectations of behavior, language, etc. Typically, this involves a brief, corrective conversation, and we have many of those each day as part of building and upholding community norms.
The additional challenge is that so much of the students' interaction occurs beyond the eyes and ears of adults — via group chats, social media, etc. We work on empowering our kids to speak up in those moments and hold each other accountable, but that is a lot to expect at these ages. We also discuss the importance of using the adults in our building as resources. Students can be reluctant to speak up for fear of getting someone "in trouble" or being accused of "snitching," but we have many direct and indirect ways to approach these situations.
As parents, you may hear things from your kids or see things on their phones or social media accounts that are concerning — mean comments, inappropriate or insensitive language, etc. Just as with situations that occur at school, I believe it is important that kids receive corrective feedback to prevent escalation to more serious behaviors, consequences, and impacts. You might choose to communicate and partner with other parents. I also encourage you to consider consulting with me, Middle School Counselor John Magner, or Director of Counseling Tracie Epes. This doesn't need to involve any action steps on our part, but we can discuss the situation and talk through some possible interventions. Again, the point is not to punish behavior but to stop anything inappropriate, support the development of our kids, and ensure that all of our spaces are safe and respectful. As noted in our 2025-26 Family Handbook, all interactions between our students are subject to our Community Standards and Policies, whether in person or online.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Community Festival This Weekend!
Join us this Saturday, 12:00-2:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, for an afternoon of connection, learning, and fun as we celebrate the diversity that makes our school community so special! This interactive festival showcases vibrant traditions, delectable foods, and captivating performances from around the world.
Throughout the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and celebrate the spirit of belonging that defines our school. Bring your friends, families, and classmates to explore, engage, and celebrate our world — all right here on campus! RSVP so we can properly prepare!
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club - Join Our Next Meeting!
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, December 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “Hey Kiddo” by Jarrett Krosoczka.
Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.
Walking Group — Winter Dates Added
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents. Join us on Friday, November 21, and Tuesday, December 9, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Location will be shared with the group before the walk. Register and contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.
Middle School Activity Night
The annual Middle School Activity Night is coming soon — the week we return from Thanksgiving Break. All students are encouraged to attend the activities on Friday, December 5, which will begin immediately after school and involve a trip to the Upper School gym to support our Girls’ Varsity Basketball team as part of the FH Basketball Tip-Off Classic. This is a great opportunity to socialize and connect with the Upper School program.
Parents must complete this form by Thursday, December 5, at 8:00 a.m. This confirms your child’s attendance at the event and your 8:00 p.m. pick-up plan. You may edit the form later if your plans change.
- 3:30-6:00 p.m. — activities and pizza in the Middle School building, supervised by FH staff.
- 6:00-8:00 p.m. — basketball game in the Upper School gym, supervised by FH staff.
- 8:00 p.m. — event concludes; all students return to the Middle School building for pickup. Parents either pick up in the Middle School carpool line or on foot. We encourage families to attend the boys' basketball game at 8:15 p.m. after pickup, so you may pick up your child and walk back to the Upper School gym together. Please note that Middle School students may not remain for the boys' basketball game without adult supervision.
Middle School Parent Social
While students are enjoying Middle School Activity Night, join 7th and 8th grade parents for a casual social on Friday, December 5, 6:00-7:45 p.m., at Settle Down Easy. Come on over for some fun of your own before picking up your kids at 8:00 p.m. RSVP by Monday, December 1, and contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
On Sunday, December 7, 2:00-4:00 p.m., families are invited to contribute items and participate in a Power Pack event to benefit Food for Others at the Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Road. Power Packs are weekend meals for students facing food insecurity. Sign up to volunteer or contribute, and contact Laura Schwartz with any questions.
Step Up to Upper School: 8th Grade Parent Website
We’re excited to welcome our 8th graders to the Upper School next year! Get all the information you need on the Step Up to Upper School webpage. The page includes answers to frequently asked questions, short videos related to the Upper School, links to resources, and a calendar of upcoming step-up events.
2026-27 Re-Enrollment Timeline — Important Dates
As we look ahead to the 2026–27 school year, please review the key dates and deadlines that will guide the upcoming enrollment process. From financial aid applications to contract issuance and the regionally adopted binding date, the timeline below outlines everything families need to stay on track. We encourage you to mark your calendars and reach out with any questions as we move through each step together.
- Monday, December 1 — Deadline to submit financial aid applications. To access the financial aid application: navigate to the Resource Board in Husky Hub, click the Financial Aid Application tile, and follow the prompts to begin your application.
- Thursday, January 8 — 2026-27 Tuition Announcement
- Tuesday, January 13 — Parents are invited to attend the Parent Education Series: FH Budget, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, January 28 — 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to current students, including financial aid decisions
- Thursday, February 5 — Deadline for current families to submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
- Friday, February 27 — 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to new students, including financial aid decisions.
- Friday, May 1 — Enrollment Contract Binding Date*
* The Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW), of which Flint Hill is a member, has made the decision to move its strongly encouraged guideline for the contract binding date from June 1 to May 1 for the 2026-27 school year.
Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Volunteer in the Igloo this Winter Season!
The winter athletic season is here, and the Igloo is gearing up to serve our school community during both basketball games and daytime hours. We're looking for volunteers to help run the concessions stand each day, and can’t keep it open without you!
Why Volunteer?
- It’s fun: Interact with our wonderful students and community members.
- Bring a Friend: Volunteering is more fun when you do it together! Invite a friend or family member to join you. It’s a great way to meet other parents, too.
- Students Welcome: Upper School students earn service hours as volunteers!
Reminders
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection Continues
Our annual Week of Thankful Giving continues from Thursday, November 13, through Monday, November 17. In the Middle School, we are collecting toiletries to support Cornerstones. Cornerstones works to strengthen families in need living and working along the Dulles Corridor. Collection boxes will be placed outside the Middle School office.
Items of greatest need:
Travel-size toothpaste
Toothbrush
Travel-size shampoo
Bar soap
Liquid soap for hands and body
Deodorant
Shaving cream
Disposable razor
PES: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health and Technology — Middle School Edition
Parents of Middle School students are invited to a discussion on Technology and Mental Health with local experts Dr. Laura Gray and Cate Riihimaki on Wednesday, December 3, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Commons. This session will cover brain science, intervention techniques, teen insights, and practical parenting advice to help you support your developing children.
2026-27 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
Our 2026-27 Calendar is now available on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to the published dates on this calendar in the newsletter.
*Note the email from Flint Hill School sent on October 30 correcting the Winter Break dates for 2026-27 are for the next school year, not this school year. We had some questions about that.
Upcoming Events
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.
The Week of Thankful Giving
Thursday, November 13 - Monday, November 17
Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Guided Play
Thursday, November 13
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Collins Residence, 5407 18th Street N, Arlington, Virginia 22205
Join the Waitlist
Upper School Fall Play
Friday, November 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Tickets
Community Festival
Saturday, November 15
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 18
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Details and RSVP
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 21
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register
Virginia Junior Classical League Convention
Sunday, November 23 - Monday, November 24
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Admission Application Deadline for Sibling Families
Sunday, November 30
Classes Resume
Monday, December 1
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Current Students
Monday, December 1
Flint Hill Fund Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 2
Make your gift to the Flint Hill Fund
Parent Education Series: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health and Technology — Middle School Edition
Wednesday, December 3
Peterson Middle School Commons, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Meetup: Club Pilates Oakton
Wednesday, December 3
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Club Pilates Oakton, 2946 Chain Bridge Rd, Unit N, Oakton, Virginia 22124
Register
Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6
Upper School Gym
Middle School Activity Night
Friday, December 5
Peterson Middle School, 3:30-8:00 p.m.
Middle School Parent Social
Friday, December 5
6:00-7:45 p.m.
Location: Settle Down Easy, 2952 Chain Bridge Rd, Oakton, Virginia, 22124
RSVP by Monday, December 1
Parent Meetup: Food for Others Power Pack
Sunday, December 7
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Location: Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Road, Virginia, 22181
Sign Up
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, December 8
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Interest Form
Grades 7-12 Winter Band Concert
Monday, December 8
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Tuesday, December 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Grades 5-12 Winter Choral Concert
Wednesday, December 10
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Grades 7-12 Winter Percussion Concert
Monday, December 15
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
End of Second Quarter/First Semester, Middle School
Friday, December 19
Winter Break
December 20 - January 4
Grades JK-12 No Classes, No Homework
