Lower School Newsletter - October 27, 2021

Last Friday, Lower School parents had an opportunity to take a virtual sneak peek into four classrooms: 3B Morning Meeting, JK Music, 6B language arts, and 2A math. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to participate in thinking routines that focused on inquiry, observation and reflection.

During the Parent Coffee segment, Megan and I responded to questions from those who attended. One parent stated, “Share something about yourself that is not on your resume.” Ironically, I had no intentions of becoming a teacher. I told my mother (now retired after 40 years of teaching), “You don’t make enough money, and you spend too much time grading papers, and you make me put up your bulletin boards.” Little did I know that the connection with one child during a summer program would change my life. At the start of my junior year, I changed my major to elementary education, and the rest is history. After 24 years in the field, my mother never passes up an opportunity to say, “I told you so!” Megan shared that her first job is being the parent of two girls with completely different personalities. It keeps her on her toes and allows her to empathize with families at school.

Although the stories Megan and I shared are different in some ways, our commitment to nurturing students is the same. Between the two of us, we could spend hours talking about the latest educational research. However, if you ask us why we love Flint Hill or to share the bright moments that take place in the Lower School, the dialogue and the number of amazing interactions with students and families would be endless.

It’s Time to HIGHLIGHT the Virtual Halloween Parade!

On Friday, October 29, 1:30–2:15 p.m., we will have our Lower School Virtual Halloween Parade. We are so excited to resume this wonderful experience for our Lower School Huskies! A few gentle reminders about the parade:

• Students who plan to wear their costumes in the parade should please wear as much of it as possible to school, but plan to keep accessories in a bag with their name, to limit distractions until the parade begins.
• Wear most of your costume TO SCHOOL in the morning. (There will be no opportunities to change your clothes.)

Choose a costume that shows respect and compassion to all Huskies (keeping in mind our littlest Huskies). We would like for our older Huskies to ask themselves the following question: “Will my costume cause fear or concern?” If so, then it is best to select another costume.

Reserve Your Seats! ‘Radium Girls’ Opens on Friday, October 29

The Upper School fall play, “Radium Girls,” opens on October 29. “Radium Girls,” by D.W. Gregory, is set in New Jersey in the 1920s and is based on the true story of young factory workers who begin a campaign for justice after being sickened by radium-laced paint on the job. It is a fast-moving theatrical ensemble piece about greed, wealth, the environment, science and courage. “Radium Girls” will be performed on October 29 at 7 p.m. and October 30 at 2 p.m. at Olson Theater in the Hazel Lower School. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. Reserve your tickets here.

RFID Tags for Afternoon Carpool 

We are ready for our next iteration of carpool efficiency as we begin to use RFID scanning, starting on Monday, November 8. Parents, be on the lookout for a mailing in the next week with instructions for mounting your RFID tag on your car's headlight. This will enable us to quickly scan your tags during our dismissal process and sync information you have entered into SchoolPass. This will replace our walkie system and ensure a smoother, more accurate process. Thanks in advance for having your tag installed and ready by November 8!

Refer-a-Husky Today

Nearly every family who enrolls at Flint Hill was either referred by or talked with a current family during the admission process. Your perspective is critically important. You are in the best position to identify potential Huskies who are a great fit for our school.

Refer a Husky and the Admission team will reach out to invite them to learn more about Flint Hill.

Kindergarteners Practice How to Speak and Listen Like Huskies

During their morning meeting time, kindergarteners practiced a partner listening share. One partner shared while the other partner listened. Then, students switched places and tried out being the speaker or listener. Afterward, students shared with the class what their partner had said. They had to pay attention and remember what their partner had said! Speakers practiced making eye contact, using a clear speaking voice and being concise. Listeners practiced looking at the speaker, having a calm body and thinking about what their partner was saying.

To help protect the integrity and privacy of virtual events, we have placed all the links to Google Meet virtual events in Husky Hub via the All-School Calendar.  

Husky Pride Day (every Friday!)

Grades JK-12 Two-Hour Delayed Opening
Thursday, October 28
Lower School drop-off will begin at 9:20 a.m.

Lower School Virtual Halloween Parade
Friday, October 29

Lower School Virtual Parent Conferences (No Classes)
Thursday, November 4, and Friday, November 5

Stay Up To Date: Review This Year’s COVID-19 Protocols and Procedures

The COVID-19 Health Information tile on the Resource Board has this year’s protocols and procedures.

The COVID-19 Case Dashboard has been updated.

The Igloo Snack Bar Is Now Open!

The hours are Monday-Friday, 2:45–3:45 p.m., and Tuesday-Friday, 10:30–10:55 a.m. In order to keep the Igloo open, parent volunteers are critical. Please sign up here.