Upper School Newsletter – September 17, 2025
September 17, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
I hope that this newsletter continues to find all of you doing well. It was wonderful seeing so many of you at the first Parent Education Series of the year, and I truly enjoyed our conversation. I hope that it is the first of many more!
The Upper School remains full of energy — home athletic contests, guest speakers in an English and Arts class, and the All-School Gathering on Monday have contributed to very high levels of spirit! I will say that witnessing the All-School Gathering for the first time made me very proud of the entire Flint Hill Community.
Our Club Fair is tomorrow and Friday and will be set up in the Learning Commons during Flex Block and Office Hours, respectively. This is a fantastic way for students to learn about the many ways that they can participate in the life of the school. Please encourage your student(s) to attend and challenge them to get involved. I promise that it will make their experience here even better!
You can also continue to mark your calendars for Homecoming Week, which runs from Monday, September 29, to Friday, October 3, and the Upper School Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 4. The student leaders are working on their Spirit Days and the theme for the dance, and once they have those finalized, we will communicate those details.
Thank you for reading through all of the announcements below. As always, if there are any questions, my inbox is always open.
Take good care,
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Senior Parents: Volunteer to Treat the Class of 2026!
The first senior breakfast will take place on Monday, September 22, 7:45-8:20 a.m. in the Upper School Commons. Volunteer to contribute food, set up, and serve breakfast. Learn more and sign up here!
Student Letter Jacket Fitting — Wednesday, September 24
If you are interested in purchasing a letter jacket, make sure to complete this form and bring it to the Letter Jacket Fitting on Wednesday, September 24, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Upper School cafeteria. A Neff representative will be on campus.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play — Friday, September 26
Did you miss the Parents’ Association Tennis Social or want to keep playing? Join fellow parents for casual matches or to continue practicing your skills on Friday, September 26, 9:00-10:30 a.m. on the Middle and Upper School Tennis Courts. Bring your own balls and racket. Registration is limited to the first 30 parents. Register Here
Homecoming Week Under the Lights — September 29 - October 3
Join the Flint Hill community for a week filled with Husky pride! Throughout the week, cheer on athletes under the lights on Peterson Family Field. The celebration culminates on Friday, October 3, with traditional FH Homecoming festivities, including the bonfire, Spirit Alley activities, face painting, inflatables, balloons, and a football game. Visit the Homecoming webpage for the full schedule of events and games.
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
Virtual Event: Blaze the Trail
Join us as our students and parents share powerful stories of the trails they’ve blazed and how these journeys have transformed their lives. Come to Blaze the Trail, a virtual event on Thursday, October 2, 12:00-12:45 p.m. While this event is designed for prospective families, current families are more than welcome to attend! Send to a friend or register today.
Virtual PES: College Financial Aid Workshop
Parents are invited to join our virtual workshop on Monday, October 6, 7:00-8:00 p.m., with a local financial aid officer who will talk about the need-based financial aid process, distinct from merit scholarship opportunities. While open to families of all grade levels, this program may be especially helpful for junior and senior families. Google Meet link: meet.google.com/gqe-gvaw-edv
PES: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health & Technology
On October 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m., parents of US students are invited to Upper School Multipurpose Room for a discussion on Technology and Mental Health with local experts Dr. Laura Gray and Cate Riihimaki. This session will cover brain science, intervention techniques, teen insights, and practical parenting advice to help you support your developing children.
PSAT DAY – Tuesday, October 14
The PSAT is a national test that is used as a preparation tool for the SAT and also to determine the recipients for the various National Merit programs. All 10th and 11th graders are required to take the test on Tuesday, October 14.
Because of the number of students missing throughout the day as a result of the administration of the test, there are no classes for 9th and 12th grades on that day. Please note that this day follows the Professional Development Day for faculty/staff on Friday, October 10, and the long three-day weekend of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Specific testing information for 10th and 11th graders will be coming soon from the College Advising Office.
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back — October 15
On Wednesday, October 15, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., spend time with fellow parents while making a difference! Women Giving Back is an organization that supports women and children in crisis. Parents will volunteer together to help sort donations at the Women Giving Back warehouse (20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164). Registration is limited to 25 parents. Sign up and contact Divisional Ambassadors Alex Castleberry P’24, ’27, ’31 or Kasey Simons P’27, ’28, ’31, ’33 with any questions.
Picture Day Portraits Now Available Online
Flint Hill student portraits are now online for viewing and ordering. Parents should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received that email (check your spam too), please contact Freed at support@freedphoto.com or call 301.652.5452. Grades 9-11 Picture Make-up Day is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15.
Senior Portraits: Seniors who have had their yearbook/senior portraits taken can now view and order online. You should have received an email from Freed Photography with your student's private gallery information. If you have not received this (check your spam too), please contact them at support@freedphoto.com or call 301-652-5452. Seniors who have not had their portrait taken should plan to have it taken on Thursday, September 23. Be sure to schedule a time slot using this link.
Virtual PES: Introducing the FH College Advising Program for Grades 9 and 10
Parents of 9th and 10th grade students are invited to join Director of College Advising Susan Chiarolanzio for a virtual lunchtime session on Thursday, October 23, at 12:00 p.m. to learn more about Flint Hill’s expanded college advising program. We know that preparing for college is often a focal point for our families, which is why we’ve transformed our program to allow us to engage with students early on in their upper school career. We invite you to learn more about how we will support your Husky and the tool we’ve created to maximize their college planning success. Use this link to join the virtual event.
Middle and Upper School Student Trip Opportunities
We're excited to announce a new Student Travel Opportunities webpage, your comprehensive guide to all upcoming trips. These experiences are a wonderful way for students to build strong bonds with their peers while expanding their world.
To help with your family's planning, the webpage provides details on all options, dates, and financial commitments. Please take a moment to review the information and consider joining us for upcoming interest meetings, which begin this week. Indicate your interest in learning more about one or more of our trip offerings using this form.
Read the Upper School Student Life Weekly on Husky Hub & Via Email
Did you know you have access to the same Student Life Weekly announcements your child receives every Monday afternoon?
Read Student Life Weekly Directly on Husky Hub
To find them, log in to Husky Hub, click on the News tab, then Recent Activity, and scroll to the Student Life Weekly posted by Mrs. Hameed.
Athletics: Lock Your Lockers
All in-season student athletes have been assigned a locker with a code. Please lock your items in your lockers to keep your belongings safe. If you don’t know how to use a combination lock, a member of the Athletics department can help you.
Curriculum Corner: Upper School Science Course Progression
Our updated science curriculum now gives students more ownership over their learning by letting their interests guide their course progression. Students first learn foundational skills and concepts in three semesters of required physics and chemistry courses. Then they choose from a variety of electives that apply these core concepts to real-world issues. Read more details in MS and US Science Department Chair Dr. Zack Krug’s blog, Exploring Flint Hill’s New Science Curriculum: Student-Driven Chemistry and Biology Options.
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 2026-27 school year or beyond. If you have a child who will be applying:
- Please complete the Sibling Interest Form or submit the admission application directly.
- To receive an admission indication in mid-December, the full application package must be submitted by November 30.
- An email with full details and instructions for requesting an application fee waiver will be sent this Friday.
Questions? Contact the Admission Office anytime — we’re here to help.
Interested in Hosting a French Student?
French students from Lycée Rocroy will once again be visiting Flint Hill and the Washington, DC Metro area next year! They will likely be arriving February 17 or 18 for approximately nine or ten days. Hosting a student provides an enriching experience to practice or learn French, learn about another culture, and, ultimately, make a lifelong friend. It has always been one of the highlights of the year for our Flint Hill students, regardless of whether or not they take French.
If you would like to host a student, kindly fill out the interest form. Upper School French Teacher Robin Goldstein will follow up with you once the dates are confirmed. You may also reach out to her with any questions. Please note that hosting a student does not give priority toward the trip to Paris, which is only open to students taking French courses. Merci beaucoup!
Reminders
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.
Self-Carry Medications
If your child is self-carrying their medications (inhalers and epi-pens), please remind them to carry those with them at all times. This includes when they are on their way to and from all practices/games, regardless of whether they are on or off campus. It must be easily accessible for them during their activity.
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.
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. There’s always an opportunity, so sign up and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
Upper School Club Fair
Thursday, September 18 - Friday, September 19
Upper School Learning Commons
Club Registration Form
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.
Parent volunteer opportunity: Sign Up
Senior Portraits
Thursday, September 23
For Seniors who have not had their portrait taken.
Schedule a Time
Upper School Student Letter Jacket Fitting
Wednesday, September 24
Upper School Cafeteria, 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Complete this form and bring to the fitting.
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.
Register
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 27
Upper School Gym
The tournament starts at 8:00 a.m.
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
September 29 - October 3
Schedule of Games and Events
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 Event: Blaze the Trail
Thursday, October 2
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
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 — Student Only Event
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.
Virtual Parent Education Series: College Financial Aid Workshop
Monday, October 6
7:00-8:00 p.m.
meet.google.com/gqe-gvaw-edv
Join by phone: (US) +1 530-738-1382 PIN: 151 976 827#
A local financial aid officer will talk about the need-based financial aid process, distinct from merit scholarship opportunities. While open to families of all grade levels, this program may be especially helpful for junior and senior families.
Parent Education Series: Navigating the Interactions of Mental Health and Technology — Upper School Edition
Thursday, October 9
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Faculty Professional Development
Friday, October 10
Grades JK-12 No Classes / Indigenous Peoples' Day
Monday, October 13
Grades 9 and 12 No Classes
Tuesday, October 14
Grades 10 and 11 Required PSAT Testing
Tuesday, October 14
Grades 9-11 Picture Make-up Day
Wednesday, October 15
Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back
Wednesday, October 15
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Women Giving Back, 20 Export Drive, Sterling, VA 20164
Sign Up
Parent Education Series: Understanding Flint Hill's Academic Program
Thursday, October 16
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation with the Learning Center Team
Friday, October 17
Cafeteria in the Miller House, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
An opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team.
ACT National Test Date
Saturday, October 18
Local National Testing Centers
Virtual Parent Education Series: Introducing the FH College Advising Program for Grades 9 and 10
Thursday, October 23
12:00-1:00 p.m.
https://meet.google.com/vrg-svud-imj
Join by phone: (US) +1 515-599-7417 PIN: 673 757 833#
November SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, October 24
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, October 24
Upper School Building, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, October 24
Location will be shared with the group before the walk, 8:15 a.m.
Register
Major Minors Fall Tour
October 24-26
Virtual: Balancing Student Technology at Flint Hill
Friday, October 24
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
