Upper School Newsletter – October 21, 2026
OCTOBER 21, 2026
Letter From the Division Director
Good afternoon, and I hope this message finds you enjoying the cooler fall weather! As October workloads increase and senior college deadlines approach, it is common for students to feel the pressure of a busy season.
To help navigate the weeks ahead, here are a few gentle reminders:
- Prioritize balance: Encourage your children to make time for the activities that bring them joy, whether that’s participating in clubs, attending games, or simply spending time with friends.
- Stay grounded: A brief break to step outside and enjoy the fresh air can make a world of difference in managing stress.
- Support each other: Let’s continue to stay connected and work together to support our students as they navigate these academic demands.
I’m also writing to remind you that we are looking forward to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences next week. Our teachers are very eager to hear your perspectives on your children and to share their experiences working with them. Your insights are a vital part of our toolkit and provide the additional information we need to ensure every student succeeds. I look forward to the productive, two-way conversations we will have as we continue to support our amazing Huskies together.
Lastly, I encourage you to review the announcements and reminders below, as there are many wonderful events and updates to explore!
Best,
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
You’re Invited to Community Fest!
Join us for Community Fest on Saturday, November 14, 12:00-2:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, for an afternoon of connection, learning, and fun as we celebrate the diversity that makes our school community so special! This interactive festival showcases vibrant traditions, delectable foods, and captivating performances from around the world. Throughout the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and celebrate the spirit of belonging that defines our school. Bring your friends, families, and classmates to explore our world — all right here on campus.
If you are interested in hosting a table that represents a country, culture, or heritage that is meaningful to you and your family, complete the Table Representative Form. Questions? Contact Mia Burton, Assistant Head of School for Community, Equity, and Student Success, or Ban Hameed, Upper School Office Administrator.
Winter Season Athletic Schedules Now Available
Winter sports schedules are now available on the Athletics website and on Husky Hub. The Winter athletics season at the Upper School begins on Wednesday, November 11. Students who signed up for a winter sport but do not see their athletic selection on Husky Hub should contact athletic.registrations@flinthill.org for assistance.
Junior Parent Meetup
On November 13, 6:30-10:00 p.m., join fellow Junior parents for a game night hosted by Upper School Divisional Ambassador Fatima Latif P’28. RSVP and contact Fatima Latif with any questions.
Tickets Available: Upper School Fall Play, ‘Faith County’
Join us for the Upper School’s fall production of “Faith County” by Mark Landon Smith. Somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the south, there's a place where the beehive hairdo is still the rage and Saturday nights are reserved for the tractor pull in nearby Pickler. Competition, gossip, and love are in the air in Mineola County as the townsfolk compete for first prize at the county fair. Reserve your tickets to see the play at the Olson Theater.
Friday, November 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 15, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Junior Family College Night: Required Attendance
The Junior Family College Night on Monday, November 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Upper School Gym, is an opportunity for our college advisors to share helpful guidance and advice with junior families. This program will provide an overview of the individual advising process, how to evaluate colleges for admission accessibility, and the support services that the college advisors will provide throughout the college search and application process. The College Planner will also be distributed. Please note that attendance is required by each junior and at least one parent/guardian.
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
With gratitude and thanksgiving for Divisional Ambassadors, Flint Hill Fund Parent Committee, and Hello Husky Team, the Advancement and Admission offices will host an informal gathering on Tuesday, November 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m., to kick off the holiday season. Register to attend.
Help Grow Our Community! Refer a Family to Flint Hill
Many of our Huskies find their way to Flint Hill because of families like yours! Your perspective plays an important role in helping others discover our community. If you know a family who would be a great fit for Flint Hill, fill out the Refer a Husky form, and we’ll reach out to them. Thank you for helping us grow our Husky community!
Reminders
Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our annual Flint Hill School conference days will be held on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30. At the Upper School, we offer 8-minute conference slots with 2-minute passing time throughout those two days. Parents are encouraged to set up conferences with as few or as many of their students' teachers as they deem appropriate. Some parents also choose to set up a conference with their student’s advisor. The School notified families on Thursday, October 15, about registration for time slots. These conferences can be held in-person or virtually, and you can select your preferred option when signing up via Calendly.
Free Girls’ Lacrosse Clinic, Grades 3-12
Girls in Grade 3 and above, of all experience levels, are invited to register to participate in the Flint Hill Girls’ Lacrosse program for a free lacrosse clinic on Saturday, October 31, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., on the Peterson Family Field. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their skills, learn more about the game, and work with members of the Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team and Flint Hill coaching staff. No prior lacrosse experience is required.
The clinic is open to all girls in Grade 3 and above, whether they are current Huskies or friends or family members of current Huskies. Participants should bring a lacrosse stick, mouthguard, goggles, and water. Since it’s Halloween, costumes are welcome but not required!
Drop-Off & Pickup: Parents/guardians are responsible for dropping off students at Peterson Family Field via the Oakton Road entrance before the clinic begins and for picking them up promptly at 12:00 p.m. Students should arrive ready to participate and dressed appropriately for outdoor activity.
Questions? Email Head Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach TJ Finnerty at tjfinnerty@flinthill.org.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
This year, the Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club invites members to explore the power of storytelling through a selection of anthologies from We Need Diverse Books (WNDB). Featuring short stories by authors of color written for children and young adults, these collections introduce readers to a wide range of characters, identities, experiences, cultures, and perspectives — reminding us that every young person deserves the opportunity to not only see themselves reflected in books but also to discover lives and experiences beyond their own. Our discussions create space for curiosity, reflection, and connection as we explore how literature can help build empathy, broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and strengthen our understanding of one another.
Join us monthly, Mondays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. Please complete the Kaleidoscope Interest Form to receive additional information and to indicate your interest in upcoming sessions.
Monday, November 2
Book: Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Spotlight Stories: “Main Street” by Jacqueline Woodson; “Sol Painting, Inc.” by Meg Medina
Monday, December 7
Book: The Hero Next Door
Spotlight Stories: “Minnows and Zombies” by Rita Williams-Garcia; “The Assist” by Linda Sue Park & Anna Dobbin
Monday, February 8
Book: Fresh Ink
Spotlight Stories: “Eraser Tattoo” by Jason Reynolds; “Super Human” by Nicola Yoon
Monday, March 1
Book: A Universe of Wishes
Spotlight Stories: “Dream and Dare” by Nic Stone; “The Takeback Tango” by Rebecca Roanhorse
Monday, April 5
Book: On the Block
Spotlight Stories: “Apt. 3D” by Jasmine Warga; “Apt. 4A” by Erin Entrada Kelly
Monday, May 3
Book: The Reading Adventure: 100 Books to Check Out Before You're 12
Taming the Imposter Within Workshop
Middle and Upper School parents and students are invited to attend an interactive workshop on Imposter Syndrome hosted by Middle School Divisional Ambassador Payal Aggarwal P'32 on Wednesday, November 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oakton Library.
Imposter syndrome isn’t just a workplace issue — it frequently shows up in parenting and in our children's daily lives. During this 60-minute session, parents and students will explore why capable children and adults sometimes feel "not good enough," learn how to spot the signs early, and discover actionable strategies that truly work to build real, lasting confidence. Register to attend.
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 2027-28 school year or beyond.
If you have a child who will be applying:
- Please complete the admission application (use fee waiver code 10409) by Friday, November 6.
- To receive an admission indication in mid-December, the full application package must be completed by Monday, November 30.
Questions? Contact the Admission Office anytime — we’re here to help.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
On Friday, November 13, 8:20 a.m., enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents! Register and contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.
Financial Aid Application Now Open
Flint Hill’s need-based financial aid application for the 2027-28 school year is open. Families applying for financial aid should submit their application by Tuesday, December 1. Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
Important Dates
- Tuesday, December 1 — Deadline to submit a financial aid application
- Wednesday, January 27 — 2027-28 Enrollment Contracts issued to current students, including financial aid decisions
- Thursday, February 4 — Deadline for current families to submit 2027-28 Enrollment Contracts
- Friday, February 26 — 2027-28 Enrollment Contracts issued to new students, including financial aid decisions
To Access the Application:
- Log in to Husky Hub and go to the Resource Board.
- Click the Financial Aid Application tile.
- Follow the prompts to begin your application.
Bus Drop-In Forms for Guest Riders
If your child plans to ride the bus home with a friend who is a regular bus rider, please complete a Drop-In Bus Form prior to travel. This requirement ensures two critical safety and operational steps:
- Parental Permission: It authorizes your child to ride and exit the bus.
- Driver Notification: It alerts our driver to expect additional passengers on that route.
Adjusted Rate: For guest rides with a regular bus student, the standard $20 drop-in fee is reduced to $10 per ride. Please indicate on the form in the final section that your child is riding as a guest of another student to receive the discounted rate. For Lower and Middle School students, please change their dismissal to bus in SchoolPass.
Sign up for a Shift in the Igloo or Den!
One of the most frequent 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 and earn service hours, too. Invite a friend to join you and sign up for a shift!
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.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, October 23
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Upper School Multipurpose Room
November SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, October 23
Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Thursday, October 29 - Friday, October 30
Girls’ Lacrosse Clinic, Grades 3-12
Saturday, October 31
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Upper School Turf Field
Register
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 2
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form
Parent Meetup: Taming the Imposter Within Workshop
Wednesday, November 4
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Oakton Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA 22124
Register
Model UN Conference
Friday, November 6 - Sunday, November 8
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, November 7
Upper School Winter Athletics Begin
Wednesday, November 11
Upper School Ceramics Raku Firing, Semester One
Thursday, November 12
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, November 13
8:20 a.m.
Register
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, November 13
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Upper School Multipurpose Room
Junior Parent Meetup
Friday, November 13
6:30-10:00 p.m.
2029 Arch Dr, Falls Church, VA
RSVP
Upper School Fall Play
Friday, November 13, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 15, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Hazel Lower School, Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Community Fest
Saturday, November 14
12:00-2:00 p.m., Upper School Commons
Interested in hosting a table? Complete the Table Representative Form.
Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament
Saturday, November 14
Location: BASIS Independent McLean
Junior Family College Night
Monday, November 16
7:00-8:30 p.m., Upper School Gym
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 17
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Register
Model UN Conference
November 19 - November 22
Location: Princeton University
National Letter Of Intent Early Signing Ceremony
Thursday, November 19
2:30-3:15 p.m., Upper School Learning Commons
December SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 20
Virginia Junior Classical League Convention
Sunday, November 22 - Monday, November 23
