Middle School Newsletter – September 17, 2025
September 17, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
As we begin establishing some momentum and ramping up the academic expectations, your child will begin having more homework assignments and assessments. Particularly for those in 7th grade, this can feel like a big step as they learn to keep track of what they need to be working on in each class, manage time and due dates, and figure out which strategies work for them and which don’t. These are all very important aspects of growth during the middle school years and, like much of the journey, can be messy and challenge our ability to maintain perspective. To ensure that these years can be the training ground our students need them to be, all of the adults around them play an important role — providing the right amount of structure and guidance while leaving room for stumbles. This can be VERY difficult for both educators and parents. Here are some recommendations for supporting homework and a healthy perspective.
- Create space and time in the evening schedule for homework — consider distractions and start/end times — generally one hour and no more than two hours.
- Check assignments in Husky Hub and ask about your child’s plan/priority.
- Clear out so they can work independently, and redirect them to class resources and the teacher if they are stuck.
- Stick to a time limit and bedtime — guide your child to communicate with the teacher if they weren’t able to finish and/or have follow-up questions.
- While students need to practice taking ownership and taking the lead on communication (often imperfectly), parents should use backchannel communication with us to ask questions and express concerns (e.g. homework is taking too long).
- Embrace the ups and downs — stumbles are great learning opportunities if we handle them right!
- Our mutual goal should be to foster gentle, periodic, “coaching” conversations about students' progress, recognizing the importance of helping them make adjustments while focusing on growth and process rather than individual grades.
Please visit our more in-depth Parents’ Guide to Supporting Academic Growth in Middle School or jump to the specific headings below.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Friday, September 26
Did you miss the Parents’ Association Tennis Social or want to keep playing? Join fellow parents for casual matches or to continue practicing your skills on Friday, September 26, 9:00-10:30 a.m. on the Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts. Bring your own balls and racket. Registration is limited to the first 30 parents. Register here.
Save the Date: Homecoming Week Under the Lights
Join us Monday, September 29, through Friday, October 3, for a week filled with Husky pride as we cheer on our athletic teams and celebrate Homecoming! Throughout the week, support the athletes by attending games under the lights on Peterson Family Field. The celebration culminates on Friday night with traditional Homecoming festivities for the whole family, including the bonfire, Spirit Alley activities, face painting, inflatables, balloons, and a football game. Stay tuned for a full schedule of events and volunteer opportunities that will be shared on the website soon.
Games Under the Lights
- Monday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. — Varsity Field Hockey vs. Holton-Arms
- Tuesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. — Girls' Varsity Soccer vs. Episcopal
- Wednesday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. — Junior/Senior Flag Football
- Thursday, October 2, 6:00 p.m. — Boys' Varsity Soccer vs. St. Andrew’s
- Friday, October 3, 7:00 p.m. — Varsity Football vs. Bullis
K-8 Dance Clinic and Homecoming Performance
All K-8 students are invited to join the Upper School Dance Team for a free workshop and will get the opportunity to perform at Homecoming! Students will participate in fun group activities, practice skills and also get to work with the Upper School team. They will learn a short routine that will be performed with the Upper School Dance Team at the Varsity Girls’ Soccer game during Homecoming! Register here.
There are two separate clinics based on grade level in order to accommodate more students. If you have any questions, please contact Head Dance Team Coach Olivia Landrum.
- Grades 5-8 Dance Team Clinic: Wednesday, October 1, 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lower School Gym
- Grades K-4 Dance Team Clinic: Thursday, October 2, 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lower School Gym
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with Brian Lamont
Grab a cup of coffee and connect with Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to ask questions and chat with Brian about the Middle School experience. Join us on Wednesday, October 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Commons. We hope to see you there!
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail
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: Women Giving Back — October 15
On Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., spend time with fellow parents while making a difference! Women Giving Back is an organization that supports women and children in crisis. Parents will volunteer together to help sort donations at the Women Giving Back warehouse (20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164). Registration is limited to 25 parents. Sign up and contact Divisional Ambassadors Alex Castleberry P’24, ’27, ’31 or Kasey Simons P’27, ’28, ’31, ’33 with any questions.
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 Makeup Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15.
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.
Looking Ahead: Upper School Science Curriculum
The Upper School’s updated science curriculum now gives students more ownership over their learning by letting their interests guide their course progression. Students first learn foundational skills and concepts in three semesters of required physics and chemistry courses. Then they choose from a variety of electives that apply these core concepts to real-world issues. Read more details in MS and US Science Department Chair Dr. Zack Krug’s blog, Exploring Flint Hill’s New Science Curriculum: Student-Driven Chemistry and Biology Options.
Early Admission Process for Siblings
We are pleased to offer Flint Hill families an early admission process for siblings who are not yet enrolled and are interested in applying for the 2026-27 school year or beyond.
If you have a child who will be applying:
- Please complete the Sibling Interest Form or submit the admission application directly.
- To receive an admission indication in mid-December, the full application package must be submitted by November 30.
- An email with full details and instructions for requesting an application fee waiver will be sent this Friday.
Questions? Contact the Admission Office anytime — we’re here to help.
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.
Reminders
Self-Carry Medications
If your child is self-carrying their medications (inhalers and epi-pens), please remind them to carry those with them at all times. This includes when they are on their way to and from all practices/games, regardless of whether they are on or off campus. It must be easily accessible for them during their activity.
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.
Watch Middle and Upper School Sports via Live Stream
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School campus will be live-streamed via Hudl TV. Once you have clicked the Hudl TV link, you will be able to see all the games streamed for that day and time. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser and then searching for “Flint Hill.” Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for game schedules.
Help Needed 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
Middle School Fall Athletics Team Picture Day
Thursday, September 18
Middle School Commons, 1:50-3:15 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, September 19
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Leadership Donor Reception
Friday, September 19
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Friday, September 26
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Register
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 27
Upper School Gym
The tournament starts at 8:00 a.m.
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
September 29 - 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
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.
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
As part of Advisory Day, 7th graders will participate in a scavenger hunt around the National Mall. Meanwhile, 8th graders will visit the United States National Holocaust Museum, complementing their study of human rights. Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:25 p.m. dismissal times apply.
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
Sign Up
Parent Education Series: Understanding Flint Hill's Academic Program
Thursday, October 16
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
