From The Head of School

Flint Hill Community, 

I hope that you are finding these first few days of Thanksgiving break to be restful, fun and full of connections with family and friends. I also find that this break is a helpful opportunity to reflect, recenter and consider what’s to come through the school year.    

Reflect: True to our goal of having a great school year emerging from the pandemic and change, I continue to be so impressed by the active engagement and healthy partnership of our families in support of our Husky community. 

This was evident most recently at the Community of Care and International Festival held on campus a short while ago. Each of these two events underscore Flint Hill’s commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming environment, not just for the important social-emotional wellbeing of our students, but as a factor for academic excellence. 

When we can come together, learn from one another and broaden our horizons to imagine what’s possible, we’re creating a world in which our students are best prepared to live, learn and lead in a multifaceted and interconnected world. Many thanks to the faculty, staff and family volunteers who helped make these events a reality.

Recenter: In a similar vein, while our students are away from campus this week, our entire faculty and staff have come together for impactful professional development and meaningful connections with one another. In partnership with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, our teachers have reflected on the importance of inclusivity, particularly its impact on student learning and social-emotional wellness. Together, we learned ways to consider our own blindspots and biases and seek opportunities to build a sense of belonging among our Husky community. 

After grappling with these important opportunities, we also took the time to connect with one another as peers. Faculty and staff took part in social connections, with choices that included a World Cup watch party, a nature hike and a group yoga class. I am proud to be a part of such an impressive group of professionals, who also happen to be world-class individuals committed to making Flint Hill an outstanding community for all Huskies.

Consider: Upon our return from Thanksgiving break, it’s a quick sprint from here until winter break. In my experience, this time can be a challenging balance of time-management and competing priorities for students and families. My best advice is this: the school year, as a whole, is a marathon; there are times when it is flat and easy, and others which can be hilly and difficult. 

Keeping perspective to put one foot in front of the other to do what needs to be done builds grit and endurance for our students. Considering the horizon– where we’re going and why– gives the grace to understand that any challenge is temporary and an opportunity for growth. Parents, teachers and advisors are integral in helping our students understand where they are within their journey, so open communication and collective support is key. As needs arise, please reach out, and we’ll continue to do the same in support of our Huskies.

Lastly, and most importantly, please allow me to share my most sincere gratitude to our entire community– students, families, faculty, staff and alumni. Flint Hill is a truly special place, and together we’re doing our best work in support of our Huskies. Thank you for your active partnership with Flint Hill and for entrusting us with your children each day. That is a major responsibility that bears a weight that our faculty and staff carry with incredible grace and care, which continues to inspire others every day. We’re thankful for you– all of you– every day at Flint Hill.