Lower School Newsletter - April 12, 2023

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Message From Division Director

Anytime transitions are on the horizon, it evokes a myriad of questions for students and their families. Excitement tends to be the initial emotion, peppered with nervous energy wondering about a new grade, a new teacher/advisor and different classmates. Given our commitment to keep Huskies at the center of every decision, we are intentional in how we support you and your child's transition to their rising grade.

In preparation for your child(ren)’s transition from one grade level to the next, we ask you to save the date and join us on Friday, April 14 (current JK-2 families), and Friday, April 21 (current 3-5 families). Please feel free to meet with other families in the Commons for coffee/light refreshments before transitioning to the Olson Theater by 8:15 a.m. You will get a “peek” into our Lower School Morning Meeting, hear firsthand from our Huskies about highlights from each grade level — the developmentally appropriate social and academic changes from one grade level to the next — and the classroom placement process.

Mindfulness Maya is available to support your family! Please click here to learn some helpful tips on transitioning to a new grade.

To support our current Grade 6 families, Director of the Middle School Brian Lamont hosted a Rising Grade 7 Parent Orientation Coffee at the Peterson Middle School this morning, followed by a Q&A about course selection. On Thursday, April 13, Mr. Lamont and current Grade 7 students will travel to the Lower School’s Olson Theater to meet with current Grade 6 students about the course selection process. Similar to our support of the JK-5 Huskies, it is important for the 6th graders to hear directly from Middle School students on what to expect next year.

If you and your child are interested in getting a glimpse into the wonderful world of Middle School life, please feel free to watch this short video.

In partnership,

Robyn M. Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School

Announcements

TONIGHT! Arts Jam at George Mason University

Arts Jam is tonight — Wednesday, April 12, 7:00-10:00 p.m. — at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. This year's theme is Celebration!, and the show features the Upper School band, choir, orchestra, percussion, dance and musical theater ensembles. The performance is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. More information about the venue, including a map and parking instructions, is available on the Arts Jam website.

Grade Transition Coffees — Friday, April 14 & Friday, April 21

Informational sessions will be offered in April for Lower School parents to learn more about what's in store for your child's next school year. The program will include a Divisional presentation as well as a visit to a rising grade level classroom.

Rising Grades K-3 Transition Coffee — Friday, April 14, 8:15-9:00 a.m. Parents of current students in Grades JK-2 are invited to attend.

Rising Grades 4-6 Transition Coffee — Friday, April 21, 8:15-9:00 a.m. Parents of current students in Grades 3-5 are invited to attend.

See You at A Night on the Hill — Friday, April 14

We are excited to bring our community together for a fun evening this Friday, April 14, 7:30-10:00 p.m. at the Peterson Middle School. A large turnout is expected, so please check your email for helpful details and parking information. If you are still wondering about what to wear, Klondike had a little fun showing off some options. Contact Olivia Landrum ’11 in the Advancement Office should your plans have changed or if you have questions.

An Evening with Alum Author Caralena Peterson ’10 — Wednesday, April 26

The Flint Hill Parents’ Association and Alumni Office are proud to co-host a special evening with our very own Caralena Peterson ’10, author of “The Effortless Perfection Myth.” Caralena informs parents of the red flags to look out for and the not-so-obvious strategies their children may be using to hide all that is going on beneath the surface, while providing pointers for engaging them in conversation about how it’s okay to not always be okay. Register to Attend

6:00 p.m. Meet the Author
6:30 p.m. Book Talk: “Beneath the Surface: What Your Seemingly Self-Sufficient Child Secretly Wants from You.” Q & A moderated by Upper School English Teacher Tracy Peterson.
7:15 p.m. Mix & Mingle

Location: Flint Hill Upper School Learning Commons, 3320 Jermantown Road, Oakton, Virginia, 22124.

Details: Visit our website or contact Tiffany Parry in the Advancement Office for more information. This event is open to the public. Please feel free to share this information with friends, neighbors and book clubs.

Reserve Seats to See 'Mamma Mia!' — April 28-30

The Upper School musical production of 'Mamma Mia!' is fast approaching, and the box office is now open. 'Mamma Mia!' is a jukebox-musical based on the songs of ABBA, following the story of a young bride-to-be trying to uncover the identity of her father before her wedding on a Greek island, leading to hilarious and heartwarming hijinks. Tickets are free, and good seats are going fast. Due to the high demand for this show, patrons are encouraged to reserve seats online in advance.

Performances will be held on Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29, 7:00-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 30, 2:00-4:30 p.m. in the Olson Theater, in the Activity Center of the Hazel Lower School. The address is 10409 Academic Drive, Oakton, VA 22124.

Summer on the Hill - New this Summer!

Check out these featured camps! For more information, contact Matt McCoart. Register Today!

Dance Camp: Rising Grades 4-8; 7/24-7/28

In this athletic camp, students will get the opportunity to explore three dance styles: jazz, hip hop, and pom techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of each dance style, choreography, and performance skills. The camp will culminate in a short showcase performance for parents and families. Classes will be led by Upper School Dance Teacher Ariel Harper and Dance Team Head Coach Olivia Landrum.

The Write to Travel: Rising Grades 5-7; 6/26-6/30

Have you ever read something that somehow transported you to a different place or time? In this writing camp, YOU will harness that power to transport an audience. We will stay put in our one location and focus our writing in such a way and in such a style that we will bring our imaginations and our audience to a different destination altogether. Campers will experience various forms of writing such travelogues, feature pieces, and poetry that matches the taste of the local cuisine. Join Mrs. Dwyer to find which place you will travel to.

Let’s Party: Rising Grades 4-6; 7/31-8/4

Do you like to plan parties and host celebrations, including games and prizes, decorations and treats, invitations and goodie bags? On the first day of camp, work together to choose your themes for the week. Campers spend the mornings designing games and activities, putting up decorations, and preparing refreshments, then each afternoon it's party time. Artists, makers, creators, entertainers, and bakers - don't forget to RSVP.

Upcoming Events

Arts Jam Concert
Wednesday, April 12
George Mason University, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Rising Grades K-3 Transition Coffee
Friday, April 14
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-9:00 a.m.

A Night on the Hill
Friday, April 14
Peterson Middle School, 7:30-10:00 p.m.

Parent Social following DEI Coffee
Wednesday, April 19
Upper School Building, 9:30-10:00 a.m.

Upper School Visual Art Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 19
Upper School Building, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

Rising Grades 4-6 Transition Coffee
Friday, April 21
Hazel Lower School, 8:15-9:00 a.m.

An Evening with Alum Author Caralena Peterson ’10
Wednesday, April 26
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
RSVP

Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Friday, April 28
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve seats

Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Saturday, April 29
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve seats

Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Sunday, April 30
Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Reserve seats

Parents’ Association

Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassadors

The Divisional Ambassadors are here to help you connect! They are actively involved in our community and encourage you to get involved too. Read about the Divisional Ambassadors on our website as well as volunteer opportunities and Parents’ Association events.

The Divisional Ambassadors (DA) are hosting informal parent socials. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:

Wednesday, April 19: Upper School Division Coffee (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), 8:30-9:30 a.m., and DA Parent Social, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Friday, May 19: Lower School Division Coffee (Open Forum), 8:15-9:15 a.m., and DA Parent Social, 9:15-9:45 a.m.

Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series (Zoom): Ana Homayoun — Thursday, April 20

Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), a nonprofit organization that hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. On Thursday, April 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m., FH parents are invited to a PCW webinar presentation — “Social Media Wellness: Helping Children and Adults Build Buoyancy in an Unbalanced Digital World.”

Noted author, speaker and educator Ana Homayoun will discuss modern parenting dilemmas in the age of smartphones and speak about the framework of the three Ss – healthy socialization, effective self-regulation, and overall safety – from her book, “Social Media Wellness: Helping Teens and Tweens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World.” Ana will offer practical solutions for parents, educators, and students of all ages as they navigate the ever-changing issues involving social networking and healthy child and teen development. Time for Q&A will be provided after the presentation. Please submit advance questions by Friday, April 14, to administration@parentscouncil.org. Register for the webinar.

Parent Meetup: Honor Flight — Saturday, April 22

Join fellow parents and students in welcoming and recognizing WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, as their Honor Flight arrives to Dulles International Airport. Volunteers will greet the veterans outside the main terminal and will not pass through TSA security.

Honor Flight is a national organization that transports American Veterans to Washington, D.C., to celebrate and share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.

Learn more and sign up to volunteer

Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum ’11.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day — Friday, May 12

Invitations have been mailed directly to grandparents and special friends. If you would like to provide or update contact information, please email the names of grandparents or special friends, along with their addresses, emails and phone numbers to Olivia Landrum.

Information for Parents:

To help us provide a special surprise for grandparents and special friends, please complete this form by Wednesday, April 19.
Students may leave early with their guest, following the event, with parent permission. Please use the SchoolPass system to notify the school, by Thursday, May 11, if your student will be leaving early.
We will continue to update parents via the school newsletter.

Visit flinthill.org/grandparents for more details.

Clinic or 18-Holes … There’s Still Time to Join Us for a Fun Day on the Links! — Thursday, May 25

Spend the day with fellow Huskies at the Golf Tournament and Skills Clinic — enjoy lunch and try your luck at many fun contests and prizes. Whether you want to play in the tournament or learn the basics at the skills clinic, it’s a fun day of community building and all abilities are welcome.

There is limited space in the tournament, but plenty of spots are available for the skills clinic! Enjoy an hour-and-a-half of casual conversation and skills taught by pros, and then join us for lunch in the Clubhouse to connect with golfers arriving for the tourney!

Invite a friend and join us on the links!

Spring Concessions Volunteers Needed

Volunteering in concessions is a fun way to make new connections with other parents across divisions. Check out the schedules and invite a friend to join you! Students are welcome to volunteer as well and will receive service hours.