Dear Flint Hill School Family,
Happy New Year and welcome to the start of a new winter season! And what a start it has been! We thank you for your understanding on Tuesday as we all faced a very challenging morning. Communication becomes key at moments like that, and we are working to find a way to communicate more directly with families who use the bus service. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we are so thankful that everyone is safe and sound.
Communication was a key aspect of my holiday break. Emily and I made bi-coastal trips to catch up with each of our three sons and their families, and communication became a critical part of those trips. In California, we heard about our youngest son’s new career working in the space industry. We visited his apartment and his office, and heard about his projects and the challenges he and his wife have faced returning to the United States from Japan. Our oldest son took us on a tour of several of the building complexes that he is helping develop for his commercial real estate firm.
In New York, we were able to spend time with our middle son and his family as we visited their new “weekend home” and heard of their plans to make it a real “family” gathering place. The communication took place over meals, while taking tours, hiking, working together on various projects and just being together. We also had plenty of time to talk and play with our grandchildren and to hear tales of their fall experiences and plans for the winter and spring. The communication we shared with them often took place while holding their hands on walks or while tucking them into bed.
As I share and reflect on the precious time I had with my family, let’s never lose sight of the fact that at Flint Hill, we are a school family, and communication is key to us here as well. Communication remains a priority for us this year. The additional coffees, improved weekly newsletter and the entire Strategic Planning process all focused on communication – who we are as a school and where we want to go in the future.
To that end, I’d like to remind you of upcoming opportunities to share in our communication this month. These activities will give us a chance to be together, to learn from and with each other, and to communicate. Division-specific events are noted in each individual newsletter, but here is a sampling of valuable opportunities for us to connect as a community:
January 8
Founder’s Day All-School Gathering at 1:15 p.m.
Lower/Middle School Campus Gym
On Thursday we will host a celebration of our 25th Anniversary since our wonderful school re-organized. Many of the founding faculty members and members of the Board of Trustees who contributed to making Flint Hill what it is today, will join our students and share their stories. Parents are welcome to attend, if you wish.
January 11
Admission Open Houses
Lower and Middle School: 1:00 p.m., Lower and Middle School Campus
Upper School: 3:00 p.m., Upper School Campus
These events will provide an opportunity for prospective families to get to know us better. If you know of anyone who might be interested, please encourage them to attend.
January 13
Parent Discussion Series: The FHS Budget at 8:15 a.m.
Upper School Campus – Multipurpose Room
I will host this annual event with Assistant Head of School for Business and Operations Anne Peterson. This meeting is focused on helping you better understand how our budget is prepared each year. It is always an informative and open discussion, and one that parents have often found very helpful.
January 16
Parent’s Association Open Board Meeting at 8:15 a.m.
Upper School Campus – Multipurpose Room
This annual meeting is open to all parents who wish to join our parent representatives. It is always a very helpful and positive discussion and helps parents better understand the important leadership role that our Parents’ Association plays here at School.
January 27
Prospective Student-Athlete and Artist Open House at 6:00 p.m.
Upper School Campus
Anyone that you know in the community with an interest in the arts and/or athletics who wants to consider us in their next educational step, is welcome to join us and learn more about the excellence of our programs here and the balance we provide.
January 28
Learning Center Parent Coffee at 8:15 p.m.
Upper School Campus – Multipurpose Room
Director Susan Biggs and her team of Learning Center Specialists wil enjoy the opportunity to meet with parents who use the resources of the Learning Center.
January 31
Winterfest
Upper School Campus
This is a full day of games and activities that also serves as a Homecoming in the winter. It usually takes place on a cold and bitter day, but it is a chance for all of us to come together and enjoy the camaraderie of our great school family. We can witness the spirit, energy and drive that are such an important part of our children’s experience.
The list may seem long, but that is part of our strength as a school family. There are so many opportunities for us to communicate and connect during the year. I hope you will be able join us when you can. If you can’t, please know that our doors are always open and if you have any questions, concerns, insights or suggestions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are in this journey together.
Best wishes to you! Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
John M. Thomas
Headmaster