Middle School Newsletter – October 15, 2025

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    October 15, 2025

    Letter From the Division Director 

    After a successful day of field trips yesterday, we look forward to our next day of special programming next Tuesday, October 21. We will run a modified class schedule to allow for 7th grade service activities (on campus) and an 8th grade preview of the Upper School. Much of the day (drop-off, lunch, athletics, dismissal) will follow a regular schedule. 

    • Community Service Overview — Both grades will begin the day hearing from Upper School students who lead service-related clubs and from representatives of external service organizations about their efforts and volunteer opportunities. 
    • 7th Grade Service — Students will learn about community service and its role at Flint Hill before engaging in some hands-on activities. They will put together Power Packs for Kids (P3) in partnership with Food For Others, make blankets for Project Linus, decorate ornaments for Operation Ornaments, and write personalized cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids.
    • 8th Grade Upper School Preview — As part of our orientation programming for 9th grade, students will tour the Upper School building, meet with key teachers and administrators, and speak with students to learn more about the program and understand how to position themselves for a successful academic and social transition. As noted in an email from Director of the Upper School Chris Tennyson last week, parents have a similar Upper School preview opportunity on Thursday, November 6.

    Brian Lamont
    Director of the Middle School

    Announcements

    Tomorrow’s PES Event: Signature Programs in MS/US Science

    Join us in the Upper School Multipurpose Room tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, 8:30-9:30 a.m., to hear from Director of Academics Aaron Proctor and MS and US Science Department Chair Zack Krug as they share the exciting work happening in our MS/US Science Department, highlighting two major initiatives: the Science Research Scholars Program in the Upper School and the new Middle School Science Exhibition.

    Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Middle School faculty look forward to welcoming parents on Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31. You will have the opportunity to meet virtually or in person with each teacher for a 10-minute conference about your child’s progress. The school will send an email to all families tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, by 10:00 a.m. with information and links to sign up.

    Upper School Preview for Middle School Parents

    Get excited about joining our Upper School community! To help your family prepare for the transition, you’re invited to our Upper School Preview for Middle School Parents on Thursday, November 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m. You’ll see what Upper School life is all about and hear from leaders of each department. We’ll share how to make the move from middle to upper school as smooth as possible. Please register and select the sessions you're most interested in attending by Thursday, October 30.

    Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — The Return of Banned Books

    This year, we’re highlighting banned books with a twist: every selection is a graphic novel! These titles combine compelling visuals and immersive storytelling to create a thought-provoking reading experience. The comic format allows readers to deeply engage with diverse characters and challenging, real-life themes, including racial identity, religious faith, healthy relationships, gender identity, and immigration. 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. 

    Whether you’re a longtime fan of graphic novels or discovering them for the first time, you are welcome to join us monthly (Mondays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room) for conversation and connection or drop in as your schedule permits. Please complete this interest form to receive additional information and to indicate your interest in upcoming sessions:

    November 10: “New Kid” by Jerry Craft
    December 8: “Hey Kiddo” by Jarrett Krosoczka
    February 2: “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei
    March 2: “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero
    April 6: “Shirley Jackson's ‘The Lottery’: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman
    May 4: “Blankets” by Craig Thompson

    Save the Date: Upper School Fall Play, 'The Game's Afoot'

    Join us in the Olson Theater for the Upper School’s fall production of “The Game's Afoot” by Ken Ludwig. The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. This play is PG-13. Ticket information coming soon. 

    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.

    Be Part of FH’s Community Festival — Saturday, November 15

    This interactive festival on Saturday, November 15, 12:00-2:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, showcases lively traditions, delicious foods, and stunning performances from across the globe. All members of the Flint Hill community are invited to join us for an afternoon of connection, learning, and celebration as we come together to honor the rich diversity that makes our community truly special. If you would like to participate as a table host, performer, or volunteer, please contact Ban Hameed.

    Managing Your Directory Visibility in Husky Hub

    As parents and guardians, you can customize what information is visible to other families in the Husky Hub Directory.

    To update your visibility preferences, navigate to your Profile (top right corner) and select Settings. From there, choose the Privacy tab on the left to customize what information appears in the Directory. This action removes data from the Directory view and does not delete your information. Changes may take up to 24 hours to update.

    Reminders

    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.

    Financial Aid Deadline - Monday, December 1

    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

    1. Log in to Husky Hub and go to the Resource Board.
    2. On the Resource Board, click the Financial Aid Application tile.
    3. Follow the prompts to begin your application.

    Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo or 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

    Parent Education Series: Signature Programs in MS/US Science
    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.

    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

    First Quarter Report Cards Available
    Wednesday, October 29, 4:00 p.m.

    Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
    Grades JK-12 No Classes
    Thursday, October 30 - Friday, October 31

    Middle School Fall Athletics End
    Tuesday, November 4

    Middle School Winter Athletics Begin
    Thursday, November 6

    Upper School Preview for Middle School Parents
    Thursday, November 6
    Event begins at Peterson Middle School, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
    Register by Thursday, October 30

    Early Admission for Siblings Application Form Deadline
    Friday, November 7
    Application Form

    Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
    Monday, November 10
    Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m. 

    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

    Community Festival
    Saturday, November 15
    Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.