What a fantastic start to the academic year! It was wonderful to see so many of you at Back-to-School Night last week. I trust you enjoyed meeting your child’s teachers and left feeling excited for the upcoming academic year. As I mentioned on Back-to-School Night, it’s a true partnership, and we will do our best because we want the best for your children.
The first week of classes saw tremendous energy on display, including: a fantastic town meeting full of student announcements, the introduction of a new House system (think Harry Potter), two great days of orientation, presentations about the many activity credits available to your children and ways to engage fully in the life of the school, and our first Husky Dress Day of the year (earned by making a basket during our town meeting).
The first few weeks of school are always busy ones, so I want to call your attention to a few important dates on the horizon:
On Wednesday, September 16, we will hold our first All-School Gathering. This JK-12 community tradition will feature student speakers and the lighting of the lantern. It is also 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 long-standing tradition for seniors to wear a specialized “Senior Dress” — a white collared shirt and khaki-colored pants.
Please also mark your calendars for Homecoming Week (Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2) and the Upper School Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 3. Ahead of the dance, we will host a 9th grade gathering featuring pizza, photos, and more in the Middle School. While additional details will be shared in future newsletters, we want to highlight these spirited, community-wide events early so you can save the dates.
Thank you for reading through all of the announcements below, and you can always email me with any questions. I look forward to seeing you around campus in the coming weeks.
Go Huskies!
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Register to Secure a Spot at the Club Fair
This year’s Club Fair will be on Monday, September 21, during Flex, and on Tuesday, September 22, during Office Hours. Every club must register each year, whether or not they were previously approved and registered. Students can register their clubs using Club Hub. Once a club is registered, it will be allowed to sign up for the Club Fair. Spots at the Club Fair are limited. Club registrations are accepted year-round. If you have any questions, please email US Dean of Student Life and Community Joelle Tam.
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Join fellow parents on Friday, September 25, 9:00-10:30 a.m., on the Middle and Upper School tennis courts for some casual matches and tennis drills. Continue practicing your skills or play some mixed doubles with fellow parents. All JK-12th grade parents and guardians are welcome! Register and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Fall Parent Meetup Walking Group
Join fellow parents on for refreshing walks through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. The group will begin gathering at 8:20 a.m. to depart at 8:30 a.m. for a 45-minute walk. The location will vary for each walk, and US Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P'29 will send a reminder and location update the day before. Walks are often followed by coffee and conversation at a nearby coffee shop.
Sign up for each date you can attend and reach out to Molisa Meholic P'29 with any questions. Next Walk: Friday, September 25
Homecoming Week 2026
Join us Monday, September 28 – Friday, October 2, 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.
Games Under the Lights
- Monday, September 28, 6:00 p.m. — Girls’ Varsity Soccer vs. D.C. International
- Tuesday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. — Boys’ Varsity Soccer vs. John Paul the Great
- Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. — Junior/Senior Flag Football
- Thursday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. — Varsity Field Hockey vs. Potomac
- Friday, October 2, 7:00 p.m. — Varsity Football vs. Maret
Friday Student Pep Rally
Students in grades 4-12 gather in the Upper School Gym on Friday, October 2, to raise school spirit at the annual Homecoming Pep Rally. Be on the lookout for which colors students should wear. GO HUSKIES!
Friday Spirit Alley & Bonfire
On Friday, October 2, we'll gather for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of community celebrations on the Middle and Upper School Campus! The festivities kick off at 4:00 p.m. near the Norris E. Mitchell and Peterson Family Fields at Spirit Alley, where everyone is invited to enjoy Upper School student-led activities, face painting, interactive games, balloons, and much more. Afterward, stick around for our beloved bonfire tradition. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our entire community to connect, celebrate, and show their Huskies pride!
Saturday Upper School Homecoming Dance
All Upper School students are invited to the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 3, 8:30-10:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons.
- Dress Code: Semi-formal (e.g., cocktail dresses, blazers, collared shirts, tie-optional).
- Arrival/Departure: All students must arrive by 9:00 p.m. and stay until 10:00 p.m.
- Outside Guests: Flint Hill students may bring one outside guest. Guest forms are due on Friday, September 25, to the Dean of Students, Mr. Jeremiah Shepherd.
9th Grade Homecoming Dinner
On Saturday, October 3, beginning at 6:30 p.m., 9th graders will gather for dinner in the Middle School Commons and have the opportunity to take pictures together on campus. Afterward, they will walk together to the Homecoming Dance. This dinner is a class-wide occasion, and all are welcome! Our goal is to ensure a safe and memorable evening focused solely on bringing the Class of 2030 together. If your child will attend, please fill out this form so that we can plan accordingly.
We look forward to a fun and safe evening, and thank you for encouraging your students to make good decisions as they enjoy this event!
The Student Life Weekly
We are pleased to restart the Student Life Weekly for the 2026-27 school year! This is where you will be able to find announcements and information of all kinds regarding Upper School student life. The Student Life Weekly is always accessible as its own tile on the Resource Board.
Everyday Expectations From the Dean of Students
During Orientation and our opening Town Meeting, I spoke with students about our everyday expectations around punctuality, dress code, and device use. To maintain consistency, we will continue to use Warnings within Husky Hub and assign a point for tracking purposes.
Please know that a point or two is simply a minor nudge to course-correct — not a red flag — and most students will interact with this system rarely, if at all. We only escalate to detentions or advisor outreach if a repeated pattern develops. Thank you for partnering with us to turn these routine moments into opportunities for growth and responsibility. Email Jeremiah Shepherd with any questions. Here’s to a great school year!
Financial Aid Application Opens
The application link for the 2027-28 academic year becomes available on the Tuition and Financial Aid page of the website on Thursday, October 1.
Virtual Panel — Core Value: How Our Students Blaze the Trail
On Friday, October 2, 12:00-12:45 p.m., prospective and current families are invited to Core Value: How Our Students Blaze the Trail, a virtual event with a panel of students and parents discussing how Flint Hill teachers inspire risk-taking and help Huskies blaze their own trails. Register for this virtual event.
Virtual Parent Engagement Series: College Financial Aid Workshop
Parents are invited to join our virtual Parent Engagement Series workshop on Monday, October 5, 7:00-8:00 p.m. 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. Google Meet link: meet.google.com/kth-veuu-sje
Arrival Time for Athletic Participation & Driving Guidance
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!
Upcoming: Winter Season Athletics Selection
Upper School students will be invited by email to complete their winter season selection on Monday, September 21. Replies are due by Friday, September 25. Winter schedules will be posted on the website and on Husky Hub on Friday, September 18, and the Winter Season tryout calendar with locations will be posted on Husky Hub on Friday, October 9.
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.
First Day of School Photos on Flickr
Throughout the year, you’ll find photos from activities and events posted on our Flickr account. While social media helps us share the broader Flint Hill story with the world, our goal with Flickr is specifically to give our current families a vibrant view into what our Huskies are up to each day.
You can easily access our Flickr galleries using the floating camera icon in the newsletter sidebar, the footer of our website, or any faculty and staff email signature. Our Flickr page is unindexed — meaning it will not appear in internet search engine results — and photo downloads are now restricted to registered Flickr members. If you wish to download images, you can quickly set up a free profile on the Flickr Sign-Up Page.
Calling All Concessions Volunteers! Fall Schedule Available
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. The fall game schedule has been added, so invite a friend to join you and sign up for a shift!
You’re Invited to a Parent Mixer
This 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 at Peterson Middle School, on the John M. Thomas Terrace, for coffee and conversation on Thursday, September 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Rain location: Mitchell Commons
Navigating Standardized Testing: 11th Grade Family Webinar
11th grade families are invited to a special Virtual Parent Engagement Series session on Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Standardized testing experts from Compass Education Group will share crucial insights on current trends shaping the testing landscape, alongside actionable strategies for planning and preparing for upcoming exams. Use this link to register and secure your spot for this informative session.
Parents’ Association Tennis Social: Join the Waitlist!
Registration filled up quickly for the PA Tennis Social on Friday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., but there are always last-minute cancellations! Join the waitlist to be contacted when a space opens up.
Action Required: Turn On Husky Hub Notifications
We know electronic school communications can add up quickly. To make it easier for you to find key information, teachers will now send class communications exclusively through Husky Hub.
Schoolwide and grade-level updates will continue to arrive via email and in this biweekly newsletter. However, to ensure you never miss critical teacher updates, please take a few minutes to enable notifications in Husky Hub.
Steps to Set Up Notifications in Husky Hub
- Log in to Husky Hub, click on your Profile Name in the top right-hand corner → Select Settings
- Navigate to Notifications
- Find Announcements Posted → Click Edit Options
- Under In My Child’s Groups, select all boxes → Click Save
- Lastly, ensure the checkbox next to Announcements Posted under the Email column is selected. You may also choose to receive notifications by text message.
- Click here for more detailed instructions and email helpdesk@flinthill.org with any questions.
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.
New Visitor Sign-In System
As we shared by email, Flint Hill moved to Raptor Safe for all campus check-ins to enhance safety and streamline visits. Whether you are a returning family or new to Flint Hill, please download the Raptor Safe app and create your digital Raptor Passport prior to your next campus visit to ensure seamless entry.
This new process allows for faster entry during school events and provides thorough automated ID verification to keep our community secure. Please feel free to reach out to Director of Security Kevin Plourde with any questions.
What’s for Lunch? Daily Options with Fairfax Food Service
In collaboration with Fairfax Food Service, we are pleased to provide a nutritious, buffet-style lunch every day, fully included in your tuition. Students can enjoy a fresh salad bar and varied sandwich options daily, ensuring there is always something delicious for everyone. Monthly menus and nutritional/allergen information are readily available to help your family plan ahead.
Explore the 2026-27 Upper School Academic Handbook
As you prepare for the upcoming school year, we invite you to review the newly updated 2026-27 Academic Handbook, now available on the Resource Board. Reflecting our ongoing dedication to educational excellence, this comprehensive guide contains essential information on academic policies, diploma requirements, and detailed course selection guidance. It serves as a valuable tool to support your child’s entire journey through the Upper School. Additionally, please be sure to review the updated missing work section, as we have made the decision to return to our previous policy.
Parents: 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 opportunities arise, and volunteer sign-up forms will be shared in the newsletter throughout the year.
Fall Athletics Reminders
Fall sports are officially underway, and we can’t wait to see our Middle and Upper School Huskies shine on the fields and courts this season! Please expand the sections below for essential reminders about medication protocols, game cancellation policies, and live game streaming.
Calling All Announcers: Interested in being more connected to FH Athletics?
We’re looking for enthusiastic announcers for all sports seasons! Announcing is a great way to get involved, support our student-athletes, and be part of the excitement at our games. If you're interested in joining the team, please reach out to Frances Wolf for more information.
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 if they are on or off campus. It must be easily accessible for them during their activity.
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.
Streaming Games via Hudl Fan
All games held on the Flint Hill Upper School campus will be streamed via Hudl TV. You can also access the livestream by typing fan.hudl.com into your browser or downloading the Hudl Fan app. After downloading the app or navigating to fan.hudl.com, search for “Flint Hill School.” You will now have access to all games that are being streamed. Please check Husky Hub and/or the school website for the Middle School and Upper School athletic schedules.
Student Locker Reminders
Students using an athletic locker this season should remember:
- Bring your own lock to secure your belongings.
- Only use your assigned locker. Do not place a lock or belongings in another locker.
- Locks placed on unassigned lockers will be removed.
- Please remember to lock your belongings each day. Do not leave valuables unsecured.
- If you have any locker-related questions or issues, please see Alex Walker for assistance.
Students are responsible for providing their own combination or key lock and securing their personal belongings.
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.
Parent Mixer
Thursday, September 10
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Peterson Middle School, John M. Thomas Terrace
Upper School Fall Athletics Picture Day
Thursday, September 10
2:30-5:00 p.m.
Upper School Gym
October ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 11
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, September 12
Virtual Parent Engagement Series: Standardized Testing Insights and Overview for 11th Grade Families
Tuesday, September 15
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Register
All-School Gathering
Wednesday, September 16
1:15-2:15 p.m., Upper School Gym
October SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, September 18
Parents' Association Tennis Social
Friday, September 18
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts
Join the Waitlist
ACT National Test Date
Saturday, September 19
Flint Hill Volleyball Invitational
Saturday, September 19
8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Upper School Gym
Winter Athletic Registrations Sent to Students via Email
Monday, September 21
Students will be invited to register for their winter athletic selection. Students must submit their selection by Friday, September 25.
Club Fair
Monday, September 21, during Flex
Tuesday, September 22, during Office Hours
Senior Breakfast
Tuesday, September 22
7:45 - 8:25 a.m., Upper School Commons
Upper School Student Letter Jacket Fitting
Tuesday, September 22
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Upper School Cafeteria
Upper School students interested in purchasing a letter jacket are invited to a fitting managed by the Neff company.
Senior Portrait Makeup Day
Thursday, September 24
Upper School Building
Parent Meetup: Tennis Open Play
Friday, September 25
9:00-10:30 a.m., Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts
Register
Homecoming Week Under the Lights
Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2
Junior And Senior Flag Football Game
Wednesday, September 30
6:00-7:15 p.m., Middle and Upper School Campus, Peterson Family Field
Financial Aid Application Opens
Thursday, October 1
Virtual Panel:
How Our Students Blaze the Trail
Friday, October 2
12:00-12:45 p.m.
Register
Homecoming Pep Rally
Friday, October 2
1:15-2:30 p.m., Upper School Gym
Homecoming Spirit Alley
Friday, October 2
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Near Norris E. Mitchell and Peterson Family Fields, Middle and Upper School Campus
Homecoming Bonfire
Friday, October 2
6:00-6:30 p.m.
Near Norris E. Mitchell Field, Middle and Upper School Campus
Upper School Homecoming Dance
Saturday, October 3
8:30-10:00 p.m.
9th Grade Homecoming Dinner
Saturday, October 3
6:30 p.m., Peterson Middle School Commons
RSVP
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, October 3
Virtual Parent Engagement Series: College Financial Aid Workshop
Monday, October 5
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Google Meet link:
meet.google.com/kth-veuu-sje
Faculty Professional Development
Friday, October 9
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Friday, October 9 - Monday, October 12
