Middle School Newsletter – October 1, 2025
October 1, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
It’s been a great week so far, and we look forward to the last two days of our Homecoming Week Under the Lights. Please review these final reminders and note the Friday afternoon pickup instructions. It will be a complicated operation with Middle School dismissal, visiting team and fan arrivals, and a huge crowd of Flint Hill families parking/shuttling, so we appreciate your advanced planning and safe execution.
- Tomorrow is Pajama Day.
- Friday is Color Day, and students are encouraged to go all out in their class colors (purple for 7th, pink for 8th).
- We encourage Middle School students to attend the various afternoon and evening events each day, however, they may not stay after school by themselves, with a sibling, or attend without parental supervision.
- We will run our regular dismissal process starting at 3:25 p.m.; as always, all Middle School students must be dismissed to the bus, to a parent, or to Extended Day at that time.
- If you are attending the events with your child, you may either pick them up in the regular carpool line or park first and meet your child on foot at the Middle School entrance.
- If your child is attending the events with another parent, let us know about the dismissal change in SchoolPass; the other parent will then pick up your child in carpool or on foot and assume supervision responsibility during the events.
- A Middle School student who attends Extended Day must be picked up by a parent by 6:00 p.m.
- On Friday night, the campus will close at 10:00 p.m.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Celebrate Homecoming Week Under the Lights!
Cheer on the Huskies this week as they play under the lights on the Peterson Family Field. Then, join us on Friday, October 3 for traditional Homecoming festivities, including the bonfire and activities for all ages. Visit the FH Homecoming webpage for the schedule of games and events Under the Lights!
Volunteer — Help pull the sled and sign up to volunteer. It’s a great way to make a difference and meet more Huskies! Upper School students can volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.
Important Note: Middle School parents planning to stay should park in the Upper School lot and pick up their child. Volunteers arriving before 4:00 p.m. should park in the Upper School lot. Please do not park in the Middle School lot to avoid backing up traffic.The Middle School parking lot will be available 3:45-10:00 p.m
PCW Webinar: Finding the College That's Right for You
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) invites you to a fall webinar on Wednesday, October 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m., with New York Times bestselling author and national college expert Jeff Selingo. He'll share insights from his new book, Dream School, offering families a clear playbook to reduce stress and think more broadly about finding the perfect college fit. Register here and submit questions for the Q&A in advance to administration@parentscouncil.org by Friday, October 3.
Middle School Field Trips — Tuesday, October 14
7th Grade Advisory Day: With the goals of connecting with each other and exploring key areas of our nation’s capital, advisory groups will engage in team-building activities and a scavenger hunt competition around the National Mall. Safety is our top priority, and the level of responsibility for both students and advisors is increased off campus, particularly in navigating busy city streets. We will be reviewing safety protocols with students — particularly in terms of staying together as a group, paying close attention to instructions about crossing streets, and respecting the thousands of others trying to move about the city. We appreciate your efforts to support these messages at home.
7th Grade Advisory Day Reminders:
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes, but we will have athletic practices when we return.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, bag lunch, an additional snack, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Please contact your child’s advisor if you have questions.
8th Grade Holocaust Museum and World War II Memorial: As part of our unit on human rights, students will visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to better appreciate and understand the events leading to, during, and after the Holocaust. We will prepare students for the trip using various in-class activities and readings. While the subject matter and images contained within the exhibition are sometimes disturbing, the most graphic footage is protected behind walls that must be looked over in order to see them. Therefore, unless a student so chooses, they will not be exposed to extremely graphic images. While we will talk with the students about this, please feel free to also discuss this option with your child.
We encourage you to review information on the Permanent Exhibition we will be visiting. After visiting the museum, students will travel to the World War II Memorial to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of World War II, its impact on the world, and the formation of Universal Human Rights.
8th Grade Museum Trip Reminders:
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes, but we will have athletic practices when we return.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, bag lunch, an additional snack, a notebook and pencil/pen, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Please contact your child's history teacher if you have questions.
Parents: Share Your Professional Knowledge With Our Students!
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.
If you are willing to present or have a connection you might be willing to facilitate, please contact Assistant Head of Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne to learn more (no obligations). Note: These presenting opportunities are not compensated.
We have the following specific upcoming need:
- Service Fair, Tuesday, October 21: The Middle School team would like to hold a Service Fair for students. We'll include 4-6 local organizations that can give a series of 10-15 minute presentations to small groups of students. The purpose is to broaden students' understanding of the needs in our community and beyond, foster empathy and compassion for those in need, and inspire students as they consider opportunities to serve. If you have a connection to an organization making a difference in our community and would be willing to make an introduction, or if you’re able to represent an organization, please email Meredith VanDuyne.
Have You Scrolled Through FlintTok Yet?
FlintTok is this year’s Annual Report on Your Philanthropy showcasing the impact of support at Flint Hill — no TikTok account needed! You'll find information in a way that is fun and easy to navigate. Become a FlintTok influencer by "liking" the posts you enjoy the most while learning about the impact of giving back to Flint Hill. Happy scrolling!
Financial Aid Application Now Open
Flint Hill’s need-based financial aid application is now open. Monday, December 1, is the new deadline for financial aid applications. Below is the updated timeline. Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
- Monday, December 1 — Deadline to submit your financial aid application
- 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.
How to Access the Financial Aid Application
- Log in to Husky Hub and go to the Resource Board.
- On the Resource Board, click the Financial Aid Application tile.
- Follow the prompts to begin your application.
Reminders
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail — Tomorrow
Join us as our students and parents share powerful stories of the trails they’ve blazed and how these journeys have transformed their lives. Come to Blaze the Trail, a virtual event on Thursday, October 2, 12:00-12:45 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are more than welcome to attend! Send to a friend or register today.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Fridays, October 3 and October 24
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents! Register here for Friday, October 3, and Friday, October 24. Questions? Contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Picture Day Portraits Now Available Online
Flint Hill student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452. Middle School Picture Make-Up Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15.
Upcoming Deadlines — Early Admission for Siblings
We’re pleased to offer Husky families an early admission process for siblings applying for the 2026-27 school year. The application form is due Friday, November 7.
Middle and Upper School Student Trip Opportunities
We're excited to announce a new Student Travel Opportunities webpage, your comprehensive guide to all upcoming trips. These experiences are a wonderful way for students to build strong bonds with their peers while expanding their world.
To help with your family's planning, the webpage provides details on all options, dates, and financial commitments. Please take a moment to review the information and consider joining us for upcoming interest meetings, which begin this week. Indicate your interest in learning more about one or more of our trip offerings using this form.
Need a Babysitter? Babysitting Network Available
The Flint Hill Babysitting Network was designed to build community and is available exclusively for Flint Hill families. The database lists the Upper School students who have indicated an interest in babysitting this school year. Where applicable, students have included notes relating to their experience and any relevant skills and/or certifications they have acquired. This network is provided as an informational resource only. The School does not participate in scheduling, transportation, or fee negotiation. Participating students are engaged members of our school community. Families are encouraged to interview and vet students to ensure they match their individual needs.
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the fall season comes the possibility of rain, leading to the potential for cancellations or delays. In the case of inclement weather, the Athletics Department will determine by 1:30 p.m. whether a home game/meet will be canceled. If there is an away game/meet, the decision to play lies with the opposing school and their field conditions. Once a home game/meet is canceled, Flint Hill coaches will notify parents and students. Husky Hub will also be updated and be the source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Volunteer in the Igloo and Den!
One of the most popular ways to get involved is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den — a fun spot to meet parents, catch Upper School life in action, and enjoy the best view of Peterson Family Field. Upper School students can volunteer, too, and earn service hours. There’s always an opportunity, so sign up and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
Continues through October 3
Schedule of Games and Events
Financial Aid Application Opens
Wednesday, October 1
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with Brian Lamont
Wednesday, October 1
Middle School Commons, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic
Wednesday, October 1
Lower School Gym, 3:30-5:45 p.m.
Register
Junior and Senior Flag Football Game
Wednesday, October 1
Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail
Thursday, October 2
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 3
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Homecoming Pep Rally — Student-Only Event
Friday, October 3
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Homecoming Spirit Alley
Friday, October 3
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Homecoming Bonfire
Friday, October 3
6:00-6:30 p.m.
PCW Webinar: Finding the College That's Right for You
Wednesday, October 8
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Register
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Faculty Professional Development
Friday, October 10
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 13
Middle School Field Trips
Tuesday, October 14
Middle School Picture Make-Up Day
Wednesday, October 15
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back
Wednesday, October 15
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
Parent Education Series: Understanding Flint Hill's Academic Program
Thursday, October 16
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, October 17
Cafeteria in the Miller House, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
An opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Grade 7 Service Day
Tuesday, October 21
Upper School Tour and Student Panel for the Class of 2030
Tuesday, October 21
Upper School Learning Commons, 9:25-11:00 a.m.
End of First Quarter, Middle School
Wednesday, October 22
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 24
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Virtual: Balancing Student Technology at Flint Hill
Friday, October 24
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Thursday, October 30 - Friday, October 31
