Upper School Newsletter – January 7, 2026
January 7, 2026
Letter From the Division Director
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a fantastic winter break with family and friends and that we have returned with renewed energy, ready to tackle the second semester. I am hopeful and confident that the semester ahead will provide plenty of opportunities for growth and success, and I look forward to working alongside the Upper School teachers to support and challenge our students.
I also want to take a moment to highlight two items of interest for you and our students. The first is a partnership with the Social Innovators Program. This will be the second year of our partnership, and we hope to see it grow. The Social Innovators Program is open to 10th and 11th graders, aligning with our new Strategic Vision and Flint Hill’s Portrait of a Student. Right before the break, one of the program leaders joined our town meeting to present about the Social Innovators Program. The second is next week’s Parent Education Series, which will cover Senior Projects. This program will be held on Wednesday, January 14, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room, and is intended primarily for senior parents. However, the Senior Project is a graduation requirement, so any interested parents are welcome to attend. If you are not able to make it, don’t worry. We will be emailing information out, too.
Finally, it’s been great hearing and seeing people in the hallways again! As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please email or be in touch. Here’s to an awesome 2026!
Warmly,
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Your Feedback Requested: Athletics Survey
As part of our Strategic Vision, Flint Hill is partnering with Carney Sandoe Athletics to conduct a comprehensive review of our athletic systems, resourcing, and student development. We are committed to building intentionally for the future and believe that listening to the aspirations of our community is essential to this process. We invite all parents, students, and employees to share their feedback via this confidential survey by Friday, January 16. Your input will be benchmarked against peer schools nationwide to help us identify strengths and meaningful opportunities for growth as we continue to strengthen the Husky experience.
Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — January 21
On January 21, 8:45-10:00 a.m., at Vienna Community Center, join Upper School Divisional Ambassadors Katie Ramsey P’28, ’30 and Fatima Latif P’28 for a fun Zumba class for all abilities. Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. Stay for refreshments and conversations after class. Registration is limited to 30 people. Sign up and contact Olivia Landrum ‘11 with any questions.
PES: Writing Across the Divisions — Thursday, January 22
Join our academic leaders from the English and Language Arts Departments on Thursday, January 22, 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Lower School, Room 201, as we explore the theme of Writing Across the Divisions, offering a deep dive into how we intentionally build strong literacy skills and a love for storytelling from Junior Kindergarten through 12th grade. Whether your student is just beginning to form letters or is preparing for college-level research, this discussion will provide valuable insight into the vertical alignment of our curriculum and the consistent growth of the Husky writing experience. We look forward to seeing you there for coffee and conversation.
Virtual PES: Athletics And College Admissions — Monday, January 26
On Monday, January 26, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Flint Hill families are invited to a Virtual Parent Education Series (PES) hosted by the College Advising Office and Athletic Department to learn about the college recruiting process. Presenters include a university compliance officer and current Flint Hill seniors who will respond to questions about their process and share advice based on their experiences. Use this Google Meet link or join by phone: (US) +1 304-402-4716 PIN: 269 880 242#
Flint Hill School Science Exhibition — Friday, January 30
Join us for our inaugural Science Day on Friday, January 30, 3:00-6:00 p.m., at the Upper School Building. The event begins with a showcase of our Upper School Research Scholars and demos from Science Olympiad challenges. Click here for a schedule of events. This exhibition is open to the wider community, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the wonders of science to attend!
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Monday, February 2
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, February 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. The book is “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.
PES: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team — Friday, February 6
On Friday, February 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, attend this Parent Education Series event to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
Winter Sport Team Photos on Husky Hub
Winter sport team photos are available for purchase via Freed Photography. Simply navigate to your student's team page on Husky Hub and click the link. Winter photos will be found in the folder labeled “25-26 Winter Sports.”
Save the Date for these Upcoming Senior Nights!
Come out and celebrate our senior student-athletes as they take the court and the ice for their final home games of the winter season! Senior Nights are a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to honor the dedication, leadership, and spirit our seniors have brought to the Husky athletic program.
Swim & Dive Senior Night — Thursday, January 8, 4:30 p.m., Holton-Arms School
Indoor Track & Field Senior Night — Saturday, January 24, 8:00 a.m., Episcopal High School
Climbing Senior Night — Thursday, January 29, 3:30 p.m., Sportrock Sterling
Ice Hockey Senior Night — Friday, February 6, 3:20 p.m., The St. James Sports Complex
Girls’ Basketball Senior Night — Tuesday, February 10, 5:45 p.m., Upper School Gym
Boys’ Basketball Senior Night — Thursday, February 12, 6:00 p.m., Upper School Gym
Reminders
Virtual: Flint Hill Alumni College Panel — Thursday, January 8
On Thursday, January 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Middle and Upper School families are invited to hear directly from recent graduates as they describe their transition to college and respond to questions about what they have learned, how they were prepared, and the challenges they experienced during this pivotal time. We hope you’ll join us to learn about how Flint Hill prepares our students for college life — inside and outside the classroom. Use this Google Meet link to attend the Alumni College Panel.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents! The group will walk on Friday, January 9, and Friday, February 6, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Register and contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.
Parent Education Series (PES) Event: The FH Budget — Tuesday, January 13
Current families are invited to join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson for our annual budget coffee on Tuesday, January 13, at 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room to learn more about your investment in a one-of-a-kind Flint Hill experience for your student(s).
Parent Education Series (PES): Senior Projects — Wednesday, January 14
Senior Project Coordinator Stephanie Batbouta will go over the senior project program and its various requirements during this Parent Education Series event on Wednesday, January 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. This event is open to all parents, but is primarily for senior parents.
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.
- Thursday, January 8 — 2026-27 Tuition Announcement
- Tuesday, January 13 — Parents are invited to attend the Parent Education Series: The 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.
Start the New Year with a Shift in the Igloo!
Looking for an easy way to get involved in the new year? There’s always an opportunity to sign up for a shift in the Igloo, and we need many volunteers to open each day. It’s a fun, social way to connect with other parents while supporting our community. Upper School students can volunteer for basketball games, too! Sign up to volunteer in the Igloo
Game Cancellations Due to Inclement Weather
With the winter season comes the possibility of snow and ice, which can lead to game cancellations. 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. 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 primary source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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.
February ACT Registration Deadline
Wednesday, January 7
2026-27 Tuition Announcement
Thursday, January 8
Virtual: Flint Hill Alumni College Panel
Thursday, January 8
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: meet.google.com/mtm-tiwn-sxi
Join by phone: (US) +1 413-752-0875 PIN: 742 128 111#
Driving Spirit Award Nomination Deadline
Friday, January 9
Nomination Form
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, January 9
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Invite Your Friends: Fine Arts & Innovation Workshops (Admission Event)
Sunday, January 11
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Register
Parent Education Series: The FH Budget
Tuesday, January 13
8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room
Virtual Parent Education Series: College 101 for Grades 9 and 10
Tuesday, January 13
7:00-8:00 p.m.
On the morning of January 13, each college advisor will send the link to their virtual event to the families they are working with.
Parent Education Series: Senior Projects
Wednesday, January 14
8:30-9:30 a.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room
Faculty Professional Development
Friday, January 16
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 19
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Parent Education Series: Writing Across the Divisions
Thursday, January 22
8:30-9:30 a.m., Lower School, Room 201
Junior-Senior Faculty Basketball Game
Thursday, January 22
1:15-2:15 p.m., Upper School Gym
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, January 23
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room
FH Certamen Tournament
Saturday, January 24
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Upper School
Virtual Parent Education Series: Athletics And College Admissions
Monday, January 26
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: meet.google.com/yof-sbni-fof
Join by phone: (US) +1 304-402-4716 PIN: 269 880 242#
Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Wednesday, January 28
Financial Aid Notification — Current Students
Wednesday, January 28
Flint Hill School Science Exhibition
Friday, January 30
3:00-6:00 p.m., Upper School
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 2
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form
Upper School Student: National Girls' and Women In Sports Day Program
Wednesday, February 4
1:15-2:15 p.m., Upper School Learning Commons
Deadline for Current Families to Submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
Thursday, February 5
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, February 6
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk
Register
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, February 6
8:30-9:30 a.m. Upper School Multipurpose Room
