Upper School Newsletter – April 15, 2025

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April 15, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

Good afternoon, and I hope that all is well!

The countdown to Arts Jam is on, and we are only a few hours away. I hope that all of you are as excited as I am to allow our performing arts students to show off their talents!

This week’s update is purely to share a few dates so that you can be aware of some important things on the horizon:

Course Selection — Your child has already started to select courses for next year and has had conversations with their teachers, advisor, and/or college advisor. Please note that they can update their registrations until Wednesday, April 22.
Visual Arts Show — Join us on Wednesday, April 22, for the Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception. We will transform the Upper School into an art gallery, so we hope that you can swing by and see some amazing pieces.
Senior Day — The energy on campus continues to be high (Spirit Week always helps with that!), and we are excited to pay tribute to the Class of 2026 on Senior Day, Friday, May 1.
AP Exams — These begin on Monday, May 4, and will also run during the week of Monday, May 11.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch with any questions. I hope to cross paths with many of you at the Arts events or along the sidelines in the coming weeks.

Regards,

Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School

Announcements

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — Tuesday, May 12

Stay active with fellow parents and join Katie Ramsey P'28, '30 and Fatima Latif P'28 for a Zumba class! Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. The next class will be Tuesday, May 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Sign up and contact Katie Ramsey with any questions.

Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 14

Head of School Patrick McHonett invites parent volunteers to a reception celebrating your service to Flint Hill on Thursday, May 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace. RSVP here.

Classics Banquet — Friday, May 15

A banquet for all students from the Classics department and their families will be on Friday, May 15, 5:30-8:00 p.m., at the Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons.

Save the Dates! Upper School Dance Team Open Practices and Tryouts — Tuesdays, May 19 and May 26

Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited to join us for open practices on Tuesdays, May 19 and 26, 4:00-5:30 p.m., in the Upper School Gym. These technique clinics are a great way to practice skills and learn more about the team. Tryouts for rising grades 9-12 will take place on June 15-16, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Gym. Interested students should complete this form and contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum with questions.

Limited Edition FH Golf Hat — Available Until Thursday, May 21

Show your Flint Hill pride on or off the course with a custom-embroidered FH hat. Not interested in playing in the golf event, but still want a hat? When registering, select “Golf Hat Only” and continue to the Add-Ons section to complete your order. Visit the Golf Invitational and Skills Social 2026 webpage to register, and reach out to Olivia Landrum with questions.

Recording of Our PES on Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use

Thanks to those who were able to attend our Virtual PES on Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use. Prevention specialist Brenda Conlan provided practical tips for guiding preteens and teens toward healthy, substance-free decisions to help pave the way for an emotionally healthy adulthood. Those who missed it are invited to view the recording. For additional resources, please go to the Wellness tile on Husky Hub.

Host Families Needed for Students from Cataluña, Spain

We are excited to welcome back our friends from our partner school, Instituto Josep Vallverdú in Cataluña, Spain. They will visit New York before arriving in Washington, D.C., and will be at Flint Hill from September 14 to September 24. We are looking for Upper School host families to provide lodging, meals, and transportation to school during this time. The students will visit the major DC landmarks with their teachers, so families don't have to worry about planning special excursions.

The students are interested in experiencing life in the United States and practicing their English. They know our students have sports practice, games, and homework after school, and they are fine waiting at school until the FH students finish. This is a great opportunity for Flint Hill students to practice their Spanish, but families do not have to speak Spanish; they are here to practice English. The group will include 11 students. Please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting, and contact Kristin Piazza with any questions.

Do You Have Artificial Intelligence Expertise?

From time to time, teachers look to enrich the classroom experience by connecting students with real-world perspectives. The depth of knowledge within the parent and alumni community makes that possible in meaningful ways.

As interest in artificial intelligence continues to grow across disciplines, the School is beginning to explore ways we might tap into this expertise. If you have experience in AI or a related field and are open to being a resource, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. There is no set format or commitment at this stage.

Please contact Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne if you are willing to be contacted as a potential resource in the future (no obligations).

Thank you for helping Flint Hill take meaningful risks, explore emerging ideas, and make connections beyond the classroom.

Spring Athletics Notes

National Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony — Wednesday, April 22
Upper School Gym, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate and recognize Flint Hill student-athletes from our senior class who will continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. If your child has committed to play sports at the collegiate level and would like to be involved in this ceremony, please ensure they have completed the survey or contact Director of Sports Information Derek Brunn.

Senior Night Schedule

Track & Field Senior Night — Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 p.m., Norris Mitchell Track
Softball Senior Night — Thursday, April 23, 4:30 p.m., Softball Field (Lower School Campus)
Boys’ Tennis Senior Night — Monday, April 27, 4:15 p.m., Upper School Tennis Courts
Girls’ Lacrosse Senior Night — Tuesday, April 28, 4:15 p.m., Peterson Family Field
Baseball Senior Night — Tuesday, April 28, 4:30 p.m., Upper School Baseball Field
Boys’ Lacrosse Senior Night — Thursday, April 30, 4:00 p.m., Peterson Family Field

Flint Hill Athletics Spring Candids and Team Pictures
Candid Upper School athletic photos from Freed Photography are available for purchase. Enter your email address to access the Upper School Athletics Photos. Photos will regularly be added as the spring season progresses.

Team photos for the Middle School and Upper School Spring 2026 Athletics season are now available. Links for Varsity Athletic Media Day Portraits are emailed directly to the parents. If you are looking for the link to your individual media day photos, email Freed Photography support at support@freedphoto.com.

Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the spring season comes the possibility of rain, which can lead to 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 will serve as the source of the most accurate, up-to-date information.

Reminders

Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are — Tonight

You’re invited to Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are! Join us for a celebration of identity through music, featuring collaborative performances inspired by the iconic sound of The Who. More than a tribute, the concert reflects the heart of our Performing Arts program — creativity, collaboration, and the shared joy of making music together. It will be a wonderful night of entertainment that spotlights our talented percussion, choir, band, and musical theater ensembles. Arts Jam will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Upper School Musical — Ticket Box Opens Wednesday, April 15

The Upper School Theatre students’ spring production of Yoorintoun is coming to the Olson Theater from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3. This witty, high-energy musical proves that even the most unexpected stories can make for great theatre. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 15.

Show Times:

Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.

Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Tomorrow

Connect with fellow dads at Topgolf on Thursday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m., and get your swing ready for the Golf Invitational and Skills Social! While this event is geared towards dads, parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!

PES: Coffee and Conversation With the Learning Center Team — Tuesday, April 21

This Parent Education Series event is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Learning Commons.

Virtual PES: Navigating Student Support Services at the College Level for Parents of Seniors — Wednesday, April 22

Parents of seniors are invited to a virtual Parent Education Series session on Wednesday, April 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m., with Upper School Learning Center specialists and the Director of College Advising. Learn about college-level academic support, including requesting accommodations, navigating support differences, fostering self-advocacy, and preparing your student for this transition. (A condensed in-person version will be offered to students in late April.)
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/cfm-dona-uew
Or join by phone: ‪(US) +1 636-707-2787‬ PIN: ‪159 172 076‬#

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 22

The Spring Visual Arts show on Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, offers a chance to experience the incredible work of our Upper School visual arts students, featuring pieces from studio art, ceramics, digital and graphic design, photography, film, and more. This evening will celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration that are central to the Fine Arts experience at Flint Hill. Opening remarks begin at 6:00 p.m.

Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, April 24, and Friday, May 15

Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School on Friday, April 24, and Friday, May 15, 8:20-9:15 a.m. The location will be shared with the group before each walk. Register here and contact Upper School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.

RSVP for Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24

Don’t miss this all-adult social evening on Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., with current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff that leans into all the nostalgic fun — plus a few things you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. RSVP today and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.

Still wondering what to wear? Watch this video from Klondike to help decide your prom outfit.

Senior Day — Friday, May 1

The Senior Day program is a special seniors-only event on Friday, May 1, at the Upper School, that celebrates the relationships between students and faculty/staff. The events of the day will allow the community to celebrate the journey of the senior class.

Senior Parent Meetup — Friday, May 1

While students are enjoying Senior Day, on Friday, May 1, join Divisional Ambassador Solat Zaidi and fellow senior parents at Compass Coffee in Fairfax, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Spend time reflecting on your FH journey together and write letters to your senior. RSVP here and contact Solat Zaidi with any questions. Compass Coffee is located at 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Final Meeting of the Year! Monday, May 4

By popular request, we’ve updated our final selection to a different graphic novel, “The Anxious Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” by Jonathan Haidt. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, our selections explore the literary topics and current issues that matter most to today’s young, middle-grade, and young adult readers — and help foster thoughtful, healthy conversations for those parenting them. From relationships and identity to faith and belonging, these stories invite reflection, build understanding, and open the door to meaningful dialogue.

Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2026-27 — Sign Up by Friday, May 15

You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 15. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, please contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum or Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne.

You can also reach out to one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:

AI: Hype vs. Reality with Arjun Gupta '08 — Monday, May 18

Join Flint Hill alum Arjun Gupta ’08 for an evening of connection and innovation. Beyond a fascinating look at how technology is shaping our world, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Flint Hill parents and experience firsthand how the School’s spirit of curiosity and innovation continues to thrive.Arjun will demystify AI tools like ChatGPT and share practical insights on how to stay ahead of the curve while avoiding common pitfalls.We’ll gather for refreshments at 6:15 p.m., and the program will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the Peterson Middle School.

View more details and register today.

There’s Still Time to Register! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 21

Join the Flint Hill community for a fun day on the links! Choose between the 18-hole scramble or the casual Skills Social (clubs included) with co-chairs Caroline Gray ’08, Head of School Patrick McHonett, and Jess McHonett P'31, '35. Not able to play? You can still get involved by sponsoring or volunteering! Only a few spots left — register today!

Den and Igloo Concessions Volunteers Needed!

We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and Den concession stands running smoothly. Upper School students can also volunteer in the Den and receive service hours. Grab a friend and sign up for a shift!

Commencement 2026 Details and Website Now Available

Our Commencement webpage is now updated with everything you need to know for the Class of 2026 graduation on Friday, June 12. Visit the site for the full event schedule, parking instructions, and details on the ceremony livestream for those cheering from afar. We are honored to welcome Anjali Singh Code ’02, chief development officer at the Malala Fund, as our distinguished alum Commencement speaker to share her insights with our graduates.

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.

Arts Jam
Wednesday, April 15
7:00-9:30 p.m.
George Mason Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Thursday, April 16
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Topgolf Loudoun, 20356 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Register

Faculty Professional Development, Grades JK-12 No Classes
Friday, April 17

May SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, April 17

Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation With the Learning Center Team
Tuesday, April 21
8:15-9:15 a.m., Peterson Middle School Learning Commons

Virtual Parent Education Series: Navigating Student Support Services at the College Level for Parents of Seniors
Wednesday, April 22
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/cfm-dona-uew
Join by phone: ‪(US) +1 636-707-2787‬ PIN: ‪159 172 076‬#

National Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony
Wednesday, April 22
2:30-3:15 p.m., Upper School Gym

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 22
5:30-7:00 p.m., Opening Remarks 6:00 p.m., Upper School Commons

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 24
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Prom Night on the Hill
Friday, April 24
8:00-10:00 p.m., Peterson Middle School
RSVP
by Wednesday, April 15.

Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Friday, May 1

Senior Day
Friday, May 1, Upper School Building

Senior Parents: Senior Breakfast Drop Off
Friday, May 1
8:15-8:45 a.m., Upper School Circle
Sign Up

Senior Parent Meetup
Friday, May 1
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Compass Coffee, 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
RSVP

Upper School Musical
Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School
Ticket Box Office

SAT National Test Date
Sunday, May 3

AP Exams Begin
Monday, May 4

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, May 4
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form

June ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, May 8

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle
Tuesday, May 12
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Register

Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 14
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School John M. Thomas Terrace

Classics Banquet
Friday, May 15
5:30-8:00 p.m., Peterson Middle School Mitchell Commons

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, May 15
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Register

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