Upper School Newsletter – September 3, 2025
September 3, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
What an awesome start to the year, and it was great seeing so many of you at Back-to-School Night! I hope that you enjoyed meeting your child’s teachers and walked away excited for the experiences that they will have within their classrooms.
During the first week of school, I have made it a point to ask students, “What makes Flint Hill special for you?” Here are some of the responses that I received:
- “It’s the community …. everyone is willing to help and people are kind.”
- “There are so many opportunities to be involved here.”
- “The teachers genuinely care about you and go above and beyond.”
- “I have created friendships that have spanned divisions and will last a lifetime.”
- “I can grow here.”
These are just a few testimonials that drive home the point that Flint Hill really is a special community. And, as I mentioned on Back-to-School Night, we may not be perfect, but we will do our best, and we want the best for your children.
One important date on the horizon is our first All-School Gathering, on Monday, September 15, in the Upper School gym. The event will feature student speakers, the lighting of the lantern, and will include students from Junior Kindergarten through their senior year. It is a great celebration and one of the few times when we will ask our students to adhere to Professional Dress, which includes the following:
- Tops: Button-down shirts, blouses, or tailored sweaters.
- Bottoms: Slacks, khaki pants, skirts, or tailored pants.
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes or dress shoes.
Note: On these special occasions, it is a longstanding tradition that seniors wear a specialized “Senior Dress” — a white collared shirt and khaki-colored pants.
Also, please mark your calendars for Homecoming Week, Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3, and the Upper School Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 4. More details will follow in subsequent newsletters, but we wanted to alert you about those events now. They are spirited, community-wide events.
Thank you for reading through all of the announcements below, and you can always email me with any questions.
Finally, I hope to see you on campus in the coming weeks, and I invite you to stop by and say “hello.”
Go Huskies!
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Parent Mixer — Monday, September 8
The Parent Mixer is an informal social for JK-12 parents to get together on campus after morning carpool and is a great way to meet parents across divisions. Join us for coffee and conversation on Monday, September 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at the Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace. Rain location: Mitchell Commons, Peterson Middle School
Register to Secure a Spot at the Club Fair
The Club Fair is on Thursday, September 18, and Friday, September 19. Every club must register every year, whether they were previously approved and registered. Students can register their clubs using this Google Form. Spots at the Club Fair are limited. To participate in the Club Fair, registration must be approved beforehand by the Dean of Student Life and Community, Joelle Tam. Once a club is approved, students can reserve a booth for the fair. Club registrations are accepted year-round. Each club must document a minimum of two events per year to be in good standing to re-register next year. If you have any questions, please email Joelle Tam.
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
Arrival Time for Athletic Participation & Driving Reminder
To be eligible to participate in practices and games, all athletes must arrive on campus by 10:40 a.m. on the given day. Please plan accordingly to avoid missing practices or competitions.
Please remember to drive carefully to and from all practice locations. For the safety of everyone, students are not permitted to drive other students, with the only exception being siblings. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!
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.
First Day and Grade Orientation Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from classroom and student life activities as well as Flint Hill events posted on our Flickr account. You can access Flickr via the floating camera icon on our newsletter sidebar. The link can also be found in the footer of our website and within the email signature of every Flint Hill faculty and staff member.
Reminders
Parent Education Series: Q&A with Chris Tennyson
Upper School parents are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Upper School Multipurpose Room, to learn more about our new director of the Upper School, Chris Tennyson. This event is designed to be a two-way conversation, where Chris will share his reflections on his first two months on campus and, more importantly, listen to your questions. He is eager to learn more about our community directly from Upper School parents.
Parent Education Series: Academic Assessment Philosophy and Practice
All parents are invited to join us for a presentation with Director of Academics Aaron Proctor on Wednesday, September 17, 8:30-9:30 a.m,. in the Upper School Multipurpose Room to learn about the latest updates to our Middle and Upper School academic assessment philosophies and practices. Attending this session will offer a deeper understanding of how Flint Hill measures student progress and allow parents to participate in a Q&A.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Enjoy different trails and neighborhoods near campus while connecting with fellow parents. Questions? Contact Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29.
Upcoming Walks:
Daily Schedule and Letter Days
Each school day of the year has been assigned a letter (A, B, C, D, E, and F), and we will rotate the schedules accordingly. You are welcome to subscribe to the letter day calendar (Google calendar link, iCal feed link) or simply view your child's class schedule for any day of the year, which is helpful for scheduling appointments, etc.
- View Your Child's Class Schedule in Husky Hub: Log in to Husky Hub, click “Children” and select your child’s name. The default view is "Progress" to see your child's classes and teachers. If you click the "Schedule" tab instead, you will see the schedule for the week and can click "View Full Schedule" to see the current (or future) month's view.
- View the General Upper School Daily Schedule.
Lunch Information
In collaboration with Fairfax Food Service, we provide a buffet-style lunch every day that is included in tuition. Salad bar and sandwich options are available daily as well as complete menus and nutritional/allergen information.
Get Involved and Share Your Volunteer Interest
Looking for ways to get involved in our school community? Learn about some of the many volunteer opportunities, and share your interest by completing this form. We will contact you as each opportunity arises, and volunteer sign-up forms will be shared in the newsletter.
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! Invite a friend to join you and sign up for a shift!
Upcoming Events
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador Kickoff Meeting
Friday, September 5
Westwood Country Club, 8:45-11:45 a.m.
ACT National Test Date
Saturday, September 6
Local National Testing Centers
Parent Mixer
Monday, September 8
Peterson Middle School Terrace, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Rain location: Mitchell Commons, Peterson Middle School
Upper School Fall Athletics Picture Day
Monday, September 8
Upper School Gym, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Parent Education Series: Meet Chris Tennyson, the New Director of the Upper School
Wednesday, September 10
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
October ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 12
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, September 13
Parents of "Lifers" Reception
Monday, September 15
Middle and Upper School Campus, deCamp Garden, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
All-School Gathering — Student Event
Monday, September 15
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Standardized Testing Insights and Overview for 11th Grade Families
Tuesday, September 16
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Register to join standardized testing experts from Compass Education Group for an overview of current trends impacting the testing landscape, along with insights into successfully planning and preparing for tests.
Parent Education Series: Middle School/Upper School Academic Assessment Philosophy and Practice
Wednesday, September 17
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Upper School Club Fair
Thursday, September 18 - Friday, September 19
Upper School Learning Commons
October SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 19
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.
Winter Athletic Registrations Sent to Students via Email
Monday, September 22
Senior Breakfast
Monday, September 22
Upper School Commons, 7:45-8:25 a.m.
Upper School Student Letter Jacket Fitting
Wednesday, September 24
Upper School Cafeteria Foyer, 11:45 a.m.
Senior Make-up Portraits
Thursday, September 25
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Friday, September 26
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts, 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 27
Upper School Gym, Time TBD
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
September 29 - October 3
Financial Aid Application Opens
Wednesday, October 1
Junior And Senior Flag Football Game
Wednesday, October 1
Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Virtual: Blaze the Trail at Flint Hill
Thursday, October 2
Virtual Event, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
Hear from students and parents about how Flint Hill teachers inspire Huskies to blaze their own trails. This event, designed for prospective families, is also open to current families interested in learning how this core value comes to life. Register and bring your questions.
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
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.
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, October 4
Local National Testing Centers
Upper School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 4
8:30 p.m.
