Upper School Newsletter – May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Good evening, Huskies,
As of today, we only have four days of classes left in this school year. Teachers have finished introducing new curriculum and are dedicating time toward synthesis and review. Exams will start on Thursday of next week. The regular exam period runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. Students are required to stay until at least 11:00 a.m. for each test. Please note that students are welcome and encouraged to leave campus upon finishing their exam. We run a very small lunch service during those days just for students who have to take exams that run into the afternoon. If a student should become ill during the exam week, they should contact Upper School Academic Dean Debbie Ayers to schedule the makeup exam.
I also want to give a gentle nudge to encourage your students to get good sleep and eat a solid breakfast with slow-burning carbohydrates, as opposed to sugar and caffeine, before their exams. I have been part of different exam weeks for 26 years, and I have often seen a student perform suboptimally once the sugar rush has ended, which often leads to memory fog and slower executive functioning.
The exam schedule is:
- Thursday, May 22 — History
- Friday, May 23 — Modern and Classical Languages
- Tuesday, May 27 — English
- Wednesday, May 28 — Math
- Thursday, May 29 — Science
Please note that during the exam period, we do not run an evening bus service at 6:00 p.m., but we will continue to run the afternoon bus service at 3:45 p.m.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year: Textbooks & Supplies
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents. New to the tile is information regarding textbooks and supplies.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Burnett with any questions about student forms.
Last Day for Late Bus Service — Friday, May 16
Friday, May 16, will be the last day we offer the early evening bus service that leaves campus at 6:00 p.m. The morning and afternoon bus service will continue to run through the end of exams on Thursday, May 29. There will be no bus service available on Friday, May 30, for the afternoon Upper School Awards Ceremony.
Junior/Senior Prom Night Tickets — Until Wednesday, May 28
The Junior/Senior Prom Night is on Tuesday, June 3, 8:30-11:00 p.m., at CrystalView Weddings & Events in Fairfax. Tickets will be available for purchase until Wednesday, May 28.
- Tickets cost $60 for seniors and $65 for juniors and guests.
- Students in Grades 9, 10, and any non-FH student may only attend as a guest of a Flint Hill junior or senior (limit of one guest per student).
- All students must arrive no later than 9:00 p.m. and stay until 10:30 p.m. The event will be chaperoned by Flint Hill staff and security.
- Prom Guest Forms are due to either Mr. Andrew Kane or Mr. Howard Chang by 3:30 pm on Wednesday, May 28. All guests must have a valid, completed form on file to attend the prom.
- If a guest must leave the prom before 10:30 p.m., the guest’s parent/guardian must email both Mr. Andrew Kane and Mr. Howard Chang. To receive permission to leave early, the guest must also inform both Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang of the individual transportation arrangements. Entire groups will not be excused to leave prom early because one person within the group has an early curfew. Please contact Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang with any questions.
Upper School Awards Ceremony — Friday, May 30
We will hold the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Because the Grade 6 and Grade 8 Promotion Ceremonies are also taking place that day in the Upper School, we are asking students to wait until 12:00 p.m. before arriving on campus so we have ample parking and space. Here are some other key pieces of information about the ceremony.
- If a student is winning an award that day, we will contact their family in advance so they can attend. Attendance for Upper School students is encouraged but not required.
- Parents attending the event should park in the Upper School visitors parking or faculty parking areas and walk over to the Upper School Gym.
- The Awards Ceremony program includes the presentation of a variety of Flint Hill endowed awards, community awards, membership in honors societies, and the announcement of the Flint Hill Medal award winners.
- Recommended dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress.
- Students are dismissed from school immediately after the ceremony.
- Please note that there is no bus service on this day.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Sunday, June 1
Sunday, June 1, is the date on which your 2025-26 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2025-26 school year after Sunday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Sunday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Senior Alumni Move-Up Day and Head of School Senior Dinner — Monday, June 2
The Alumni Office presents a series of workshops for seniors on Monday, June 2, 2:30-7:00 p.m. at the Upper School Building to prepare for life beyond Upper School, followed by a seniors-only celebration dinner hosted by Head of School Patrick McHonett.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 2
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Upper School Dance Team Open Practices and Tryouts
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited to join Head Coach Olivia Landrum for an open practice on Tuesday, May 20, 4:00-5:30 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio to learn more about the dance team, practice skills, and prepare for tryouts in June.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts for students in rising grades 9-12 will be held Wednesday-Thursday, June 4-5, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Interested students should complete this form to be included in updates and to receive tryout registration information. Contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum with questions.
End-of-Year and Summer Athletics Notes
Spring Uniform Return
Please have students return their uniforms to Mr. Alex Walker. Make sure the uniforms are washed, dried, and placed in a plastic bag with the student's name on it. Place the bagged uniform in the bin by the athletic closet.
Locker Room Cleanout
All locker rooms must be cleaned out by Friday, May 23. Any items left behind will be placed outside the Athletics Office and held until Friday, May 30. After that date, unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill.
Athletic Training Room Information
The athletic training room will be open during the summer — Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — when the school is open. If you need treatment and would like to schedule a specific day and time, email Head Athletic Trainer Derek Ross or call 703.584.2393.
Summer Training Information
Join Coach Keith Trumps this summer for Open Gym in the Upper School Weight Room through Friday, August 8. Note: There will be no Open Gym on June 26-27 or June 30 - July 5.
Open Gym Hours
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Fridays, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Fall Tryout Information
Fall tryout information is now available on Husky Hub in the Athletics tile.
2025 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 9, and Friday, August 22. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus.
Important Information for Senior Families
RSVP for the Parent Dinner Celebration: Join fellow senior parents for dinner and cocktails on Wednesday, June 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at the International Country Club. RSVP by Tuesday, May 27, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: Seniors are required to attend Commencement Rehearsal on Thursday, June 5, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Upper School. Lunch will include pizza and salad at 11:30 a.m. This event will be immediately followed by the Commencement rehearsal, which will end at approximately 3:00 p.m. This practice will allow students to know exactly where to sit, how to process in, how their name will be read, and the process of being handed their diploma. The rehearsal is critical, so please be on time and ready to start. Seniors will receive their cap, tassel, and gown when they arrive on campus.
Senior Projects Under Way: During this time in May, seniors have ventured off to start their approved Senior Project and complete a final graduation requirement. The purpose of the Senior Project is to culminate each student’s Flint Hill School career with an educational experience tailored to individual interests. Seniors are expected to meet the minimum expectation of 50 hours during their Senior Project experience while keeping an ongoing journal shared with their Senior Project team leader and mentor. An oral presentation is due at the end of the project. The presentation will be in front of a Senior Project Team Committee consisting of faculty and staff. Seniors have received notification of their scheduled date and time for their oral presentation. Projects are graded on a pass/fail basis. If a project is so noncompliant with the guidelines that it is deemed a failure, the student must rectify the situation before receiving a diploma. If a project does not pass, the student must bring the project up to passing standards before receiving a diploma. Students who require a second opportunity will present to a group of faculty on Wednesday, June 4, at 7:00 a.m., the morning after prom. For more information about the Senior Project, please visit the Senior Project Guidebook. We look forward to hearing about the student's experience, self-reflection, and engagement through this capstone assignment. If you have any questions, please reach out to Stephanie Batbouta.
Encourage Your Senior to Turn in Their Time Capsule: Since 2006, each senior class has created a time capsule filled with pictures, letters, notes, and other memorable items from being a student at Flint Hill. Each senior’s personal time capsule is added to their class’ time capsule, which is sealed, saved by the school, and opened at their 10-year Reunion.
The tradition of opening the time capsule has become one of the most loved highlights of Reunion Weekend, since the Class of 2006 opened theirs in 2016. Recently, the Class of 2015 opened their time capsule and shared some suggestions for the Class of 2025 of what to include in their capsule. Encourage your senior to participate, and they will have fun opening their time capsule in 2035 — we hope every senior will participate! Time capsules can be turned into the head of school’s office anytime before Monday, June 16.
Casino Night on the Hill Photos
Everyone hit the jackpot at Casino Night on the Hill! Whether you tried your luck at the tables or just came to enjoy the atmosphere, we all had a winning time together. Relive the fun — check out the photo gallery!
Gratitude for Our Upper School Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff who are departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career or educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors. We also look forward to announcing and welcoming the new faculty and staff who will join us for the upcoming school year in August.
Fred Atwood — Upper School Science Teacher
Debbie Ayers — Assistant Director of the Upper School
Jim Bour — Director of Security
Jason Bowler — Upper School Classics Teacher
Esther Choi — Upper School Math Teacher
Miles Henderson — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Bridget Montagne — Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects
Don Paige — Director of the Upper School
Tracy Peterson — Upper School English Teacher
Adam Rice — Associate Director of Athletics
Devanshi Shah — Upper School Math Teacher
Liz Van Lieshout — Upper School Math Teacher
REMINDERS
RSVP! Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Thursday, May 15
Join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Parents' Association President Rejera Arnold P’33 for the Volunteer Appreciation Reception on Thursday, May 15, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Middle School on the John M. Thomas Terrace, to honor your volunteer service to Flint Hill. RSVP here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2025-26 — Sign Up by Friday, May 16
You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year. The sign-up form is open through Friday, May 16. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum or one of this year’s Divisional Ambassadors to hear about their experience. Please see below for more information:
Upper School Reading Day — Wednesday, May 21
Reading Day at Flint Hill is on Wednesday, May 21, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. It is a required day for all 9th grade students, but it is optional for 10th and 11th grade students. The day is designed so that students can prepare for their exams while also having teachers available to respond to questions. We schedule blocks for all seven classes to meet that day so students have a dedicated time to see their teacher. Please note that 10th and 11th grade students may not come and go repeatedly during that day. Once they have left campus, they should not return to campus.
Last Chance! Golf Invitational & Skills Social — Thursday, May 22
This is it! Grab your spot in the 18-hole scramble, learn in the Skills Social, or volunteer on the course. Enjoy free ice cream on the turn, fun raffles and prizes, the legendary Mega Putter Challenge, and connecting with the Husky community while supporting financial aid. New this year: launch a golfball air-cannon down the fairway for a prime putt! (Yes, it is as fun as it sounds!) What are you waiting for? Register Now — fewer than 15 spots left!
End-of-Year Exam Details
The end-of-year exams are approaching. Here is useful information for our families to help students prepare for the large assessments. The exam schedule is at the bottom of this page, under “Upcoming Events.”
- In the rare circumstance where a student has two exams scheduled at the same time, the student should report this to their teacher, who will work with their department chair to create a makeup schedule for the exam conflict.
- Exams are worth 20% of the students’ second-semester grade. The exam is based upon material from the second semester, but will often require skills and proficiencies developed in the first semester.
- Students are not permitted to take exams early. The exam makeup day is Friday, May 30.
Each student’s advisor is a great resource for strategies to prepare for the exam period. A great step at this point would be for a student to sit with their advisor and plan out a preparation schedule based on their own particular needs.
Host Families for Visiting Students from Cataluña, Spain
We are excited to welcome back our friends from our exchange school, Instituto Josep Vallverdú in Cataluña, Spain. They will be visiting Boston and New York before arriving in Washington, D.C., and will be at Flint Hill from September 15 to 25. We are looking for host families to provide lodging, meals, and transportation to school during this time. This is a great opportunity for Flint Hill students to practice their Spanish, but families do not have to speak any Spanish, as they are here to practice their English. The group will include 16 students. Please contact Kristin Piazza with any questions, and please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting.
There’s Still Time to Volunteer in the Igloo!
There are just a few shifts left — help finish the year strong by volunteering in the Igloo! It’s a great way to get a glimpse into the Upper School experience and is a favorite of many parent volunteers.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
Thursday, May 15
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons
RSVP
Classics Banquet
Friday, May 16
Peterson Middle School, Mitchell Commons, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Upper School Spring Athletic Awards Ceremony
Monday, May 19
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Upper School Dance Team Open Practice
Tuesday, May 20
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Students in rising grades 7-12 are invited.
Upper School Reading Day
Wednesday, May 21
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
June SAT Registration Deadline
Thursday, May 22
Flint Hill Golf Invitational & Skills Social
Thursday, May 22
Register
Upper School Exam Schedule
Thursday, May 22 — History
Friday, May 23 — Modern and Classical Languages
Tuesday, May 27 — English
Wednesday, May 28 — Math
Thursday, May 29 — Science
Memorial Day
Monday, May 26
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Administrative Offices Closed
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Tuesday, May 27 - Friday, May 30
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
End of Second Semester
Thursday, May 29
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 29
Exam Makeup Day
Friday, May 30
Upper School Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Upper School Gym, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Senior Alumni Move-Up Day and Head of School Senior Dinner
Monday, June 2
Upper School Building, 2:30-7:00 p.m.
Junior/Senior Prom Night
Tuesday, June 3
8:00-11:00 p.m.
CrystalView Weddings & Events, Fairfax, VA
Purchase Tickets
Class of 2025 Parent Dinner Celebration
Wednesday, June 4
6:00-9:00 p.m.
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
RSVP
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Wednesday-Thursday, June 4-5
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Interest Form
Senior Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
Thursday, June 5
Upper School Building, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
July ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, June 6
Commencement
Friday, June 6, 12:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
SAT
Saturday, June 7
Local National Test Centers
