Lower School Newsletter – May 28, 2025

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May 28, 2025

Letter From the Division Director

As we close out another remarkable school year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared. What a year it has been!

From the first day of school to our final community gatherings, your children have grown in ways that are both inspiring and profound. Together, we've nurtured curious minds, cultivated friendships, and deepened our collective sense of belonging. The connection within our community has never been stronger, and I hope that each of you feels the warmth and intentionality that defines Flint Hill.

A special congratulations goes out to our 6th graders, the Class of 2031! As they prepare to take their next steps into Middle School, we celebrate all that they have accomplished and all that lies ahead. They have led with integrity, kindness, and curiosity, and we are proud of who they are becoming. We know they will continue to blaze trails and make a meaningful impact as they move forward in their Flint Hill journey.

Our mission calls us to focus on the learner within a context of strong relationships, and this year has been a testament to that vision. Your children have taken meaningful risks, supported one another, and embraced what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and ethical citizens.

As we head into summer, I want to express my deepest gratitude to you, our partners in this journey. Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being active participants in our vibrant school community.

Wishing you a joyful and restful summer break!

Happily,

Jess Henry
Director of the Lower School

Announcements

Required and Recommended Summer Work

We've added information to the Required and Recommended Summer Work Resource Board tile on the Husky Hub. While you're there, also check the Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year tile for other helpful resources and a handy parent action item list.

Back-to-school forms are now available on Husky Hub and are due by Sunday, June 15. These forms are required for your student to attend school and any school activities before the academic year officially begins. If you have any questions about student forms, please reach out to our Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight.

Final Grade Reports — Open Wednesday, June 11

Your child’s Lower School Progress Report will be available on Husky Hub on Wednesday, June 11, at 4:00 p.m. The report will include a checklist accompanied by a narrative comment from each teacher with a reflective summary of their growth this year.

Spring Concert Recordings

Below are recordings from our recent spring concerts:

Class Placement Process for 2025–26

As we look ahead to next year, our faculty, staff, and administration are engaged in a thoughtful, student-centered process to determine class placements for the 2025–26 school year.

In Wellness classes, rising Grades 4-6 students are identifying three peers they hope to have in their class next year, with the aim of including at least one of those choices. Teachers and specialists are also sharing their insights to help create balanced, supportive classroom communities.

In collaboration with our Admission team, we are thoughtfully integrating newly enrolled students to ensure strong connections and opportunities for new friendships. Additional considerations — such as Learning Center support, and music and math placements (for rising Grades 5 and 6) — are also part of the process.

Families of rising Grades 5 and 6 will receive math placements by early June and music placements by early July. Classroom teacher assignments and schedules will be available in Husky Hub on Thursday, August 7.

Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off — Thursday, May 29 - Friday, May 30

Parents may drop off gently used uniform and spiritwear items on the Miller House front porch, at the Lower School Campus, on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to contribute, too! Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.

Important Yearbook Distribution Update

This year, Flint Hill is implementing a new yearbook distribution model — a change driven by sustainability considerations. Historically, we've handed out yearbooks to every student on the last day of school. Below is our updated approach:

Each senior will still receive an individual copy of the yearbook.
Families with students in grades JK-11 will receive one yearbook per family.
Families with a senior and other siblings will receive two yearbooks (one for the senior and one for the family).

While this updated model means we won't have the traditional yearbook signing, we're now able to adjust the production schedule to include end-of-year activities that truly define the school year, such as Field Day, HuskyFest, Prom, 6th and 8th Grade Promotion, and Commencement. This way, your yearbook will be a more complete and cherished memento!

Pickup Information: Yearbooks are expected to be available the last week of July. Families will be notified by email and invited to collect their yearbooks from their eldest child’s divisional school office during set hours. Students who are unable to pick up their yearbook by the end of the summer will be able to get it when they return to school in August. Families of multiples will have the opportunity to request one yearbook per child if desired, at no extra cost; and we'll share details of how to request in late July.

We understand many seniors will be off to college before yearbooks arrive. We kindly ask families to pick up yearbooks on their behalf. We will mail yearbooks only in specific circumstances, such as international relocation.

Parents' Association President’s Message

Dear Flint Hill Families,

What a joy and privilege it has been to serve as the Parents' Association President this past year. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for all the meaningful connections made along the way.

One of the things I love most about Flint Hill is how we balance tradition with fresh ideas and energy each year. With that in mind, please join me in thanking and welcoming incoming Parents’ Association President Barbara O’Reilly for stepping into this role. Barbara has already made an impact in the Flint Hill community, where she has:

Served as an Upper School Divisional Ambassador.
Served as a Flint Hill Fund volunteer.
Helped at many school events such as Homecoming, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!

Barbara, you bring a generous spirit and deep commitment to everything you do. I can’t wait to see the wonderful things ahead under your leadership!

Though my time as Parents’ Association President is ending, I’m excited to continue to serve as a divisional ambassador next year with many of you. In fact, the Divisional Ambassador Program has reached over 80 volunteers heading into next year, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the level of interest and what it will mean for the school.

To parents, faculty, staff, and everyone who dedicates time, energy, and talent in support of strengthening our Flint Hill community, Thank You! It’s truly been an honor to serve alongside you. I look forward to continuing to pull the sled with all of you.

Enjoy your summer and Go Huskies!

With gratitude,
Rejera Arnold P’33

Barbara O’Reilly & Rejera Arnold P’33

Check Out Flickr!

As the school year winds down, take a moment to revisit all the wonderful moments captured! We've compiled over 125 albums showcasing your child's Flint Hill experience from throughout the year. Visit our Flickr page to check them out!

Reminders

Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Sunday, June 1

Sunday, June 1, is the date on which your 2025-26 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2025-26 school year after Sunday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Sunday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.

Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 2

Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.

Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396

Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year: Back-to-School Forms Due Sunday, June 15

Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents. New to the tile is information regarding textbooks and supplies.

Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight with any questions about student forms.

Stepping Up to the Next Grade Level — Watch the Presentation

Those who were not able to attend the individual webinars are invited to view the slide presentations linked below.

2025 Summer Tutors List

Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 9, and Friday, August 22. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus.

Summer on the Hill Camp Spotlight

Still hunting for innovative summer camp options for your child this summer? Check out these interesting offerings with space available for students in grades 5-8.

Culture World Tour, July 21-25: Is your student in grades 5-8 and interested in learning about other cultures? Join this camp for a world tour, learning about different cultures, foods, entertainment, languages, and more! Lower School Teacher Caitlin DeNure will be leading this weeklong program, July 21-25, diving into what it means to respectfully learn about other cultures while engaging in fun, games, and education! Click here to register.

Cryptography, July 14-18: What’s cryptography? Students in grades 5-8 are invited to find out! Upper School Teacher Brad Savage will host a cryptography camp, July 14-18, where we’ll teach basic cryptography and other math games as applications of mathematics topics from the middle-grade curriculum. Students will engage in traditional pencil/paper games as well as scavenger hunts and other types of active games. Click here to register.

Makers Lab (We've opened a second session!), July 14-18: Unleash your creativity and build something awesome at our Makers Camp! Dive into hands-on projects that combine design, engineering, and technology. Campers will explore 3D printing, laser cutting crafting, and more, creating their own unique projects to take home. Perfect for curious minds, this camp is all about learning new skills, having fun, and bringing big ideas to life! Click here to register.

Gratitude for Our Lower School Departing Faculty and Staff

As we do each year, we have faculty and staff who are departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career or educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors. We also look forward to announcing and welcoming the new faculty and staff who will join us for the upcoming school year in August.

Emma Barnes — 2nd Grade Teacher
Jim Bour — Director of Security
Adjoa Burrowes — Lower School Art Teacher
Miles Henderson — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Jody Patrick — Lower School PE Chair and PE Teacher
Bridget Montagne — Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects
Adam Rice — Associate Director of Athletics
Allie Smith — 4th Grade Teacher
Ben Stern — Kindergarten Assistant Teacher