Lower School Newsletter - February 15, 2023
Message From Division Director
It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the spring parent / teacher conferences, as it seems like yesterday that you met with your child’s teacher in the fall. As you prepare to meet next month, it would be helpful to reread the Progress Report comments and corresponding checklists. Not only did teachers identify specific areas of strength and growth, goals were also noted.
In March, your child will showcase their learning during our Student-Involved (Grades JK - 4) and Student-Led (Grades 5 - 6) Conferences. Throughout the year, students have reflected on their work and learning, and, at the Conferences, they will communicate their strengths as learners, the progress they have made and areas for growth. The Conferences will be 20 minutes long, and the sign-up links will be posted on the Resource Board and emailed to you on Tuesday, February 21. Due to the nature of the Conferences, some will take place on the designated day listed on the school calendar, Friday, March 10, while others will be arranged before or after school throughout the week of March 6. Again, please be sure to look for additional information on Tuesday, February 21. We look forward to seeing you!
In partnership,
Robyn M. Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School
Announcements
Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 15
Love is in the air! The Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award winning a cappella group, invite you to their annual concert, featuring songs of love for Valentine’s Day. Bring a date. It’s sure to be a heartwarming experience. The concert is free and will be held in the Upper School Commons on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Classroom Visits: Grades JK-3 This Friday and Grades 4-6 on Friday, February 24
We look forward to welcoming Grades JK-3 parents to the Hazel Lower School this Friday, February 17, and Grades 4-6 parents on Friday, February 24. From 8:15 to 8:45 a.m., parents are welcomed into classrooms where students will share what they are currently learning. If you are unable to join us and would like to have a grandparent or special friend attend, please complete this form. From 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., in the Olson Theater, parents may opt to attend a Q&A session with Lower School leadership to learn more about divisional topics of interest.
Student-Involved / Student-Led Conferences – Friday, March 10
We invite you to meet in-person with each of your child’s teachers for 20 minutes. Please note that, while no Lower or Middle School classes will meet, the Upper School will still be in session. We will send a signup link on Tuesday, February 21.
Middle School Play, “Robin Hood” — Friday, February 24, at 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 25, at 2:00-4:00 p.m.
In a tale from age-old British folklore and literature, Robin Hood, with the help of his merry group, infamously robs from the rich and gives to the poor during adventures through Sherwood Forest. The Middle School play version is a comic retelling of the story that includes thumb wars, missed cues and a slow-motion fight.
The students will perform in an evening show and a matinee in the Olson Theater at the Lower School — Friday, February 24, at 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 25, at 2:00-4:00 p.m. Tickets are free and can be reserved through our online box office.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Discussion, "Dress Coded" — Monday, March 6
The Kaleidoscope Book Club provides an opportunity for parents to connect and discuss a variety of topics through books. The group will discuss the book "Dress Coded" by Carrie Firestone on Monday, March 6, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. You are welcome to attend even if you haven't read the book. We look forward to building and deepening relationships through this shared learning opportunity. Please contact Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson if you have any questions.
Save the Date — Rising Grades 5 and 6 Virtual Parent Meeting: Math Placement — Wednesday, March 29
In preparation for the upcoming school year, JK-6 Math Department Chair Jess Henry will give a virtual presentation to provide an overview of the Math 5 and 6 course offerings. Parents will learn more about each course description and get an overview of possible course options for the 2023-24 school year and beyond. On Wednesday, March 29, 9:00-9:45 a.m. join via Google Meet or dial: (US) +1 440-772-1830 PIN: 319 165 846#
Summer on the Hill — Limited Space Available
Spaces are still available to register for Summer on the Hill! We are proud to offer programs in the following categories:
- Headfirst Summer Camps: Ages 3-5
- Athletic Camps: Grades 3-9
- Enrichment Camps: Grades 5-9
- For-Credit and Academic Prep Courses: Grades 9-12
- D.C. United Soccer Camp and Washington Nationals Baseball and Softball Camps: Ages 5-13
We look forward to campers and students joining us on campus for new and returning programs and to a safe, enriching and fun summer ahead! Contact Director of After School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart with any questions.
A Message From The Yearbook Staff
Hello, Flint Hill parents! We are doing a flashback section in the yearbook this year and are offering the opportunity for you to submit old photos of your Flint Hill Husky. They can be pictures from Flint Hill or outside of Flint Hill. There is no age specification, any picture from before high school works!
If you’d like to participate, please email your photo to yearbook@flinthill.org and be sure to include the following information:
- Your student’s full name
- Your relationship with them as the submitter (ie. mom/dad)
- Their current grade
Upcoming Events
Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 15
Upper School Commons, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits
Friday, February 17
Olson Theatre, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grades JK-3 Division Coffee: Jess Henry
Friday, February 17
Olson Theatre, 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Presidents’ Day, No School
Monday, February 20
Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits
Friday, February 24
Olson Theatre, 8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.
Grades 4-6 Division Coffee: Carolina Currás Nieto
Friday, February 24
Olson Theatre, 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Middle School Play
Friday, February 24, 7:00-9:00 p.m. and Saturday, February 25, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Lower School, Olson Theater
Reserve Tickets
Parent Morning Mixer
Thursday, March 2
Miller House, 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Kaleidoscope Book Club
Monday, March 6
Peterson Middle School, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Lower School / Middle School Parent Conferences, No Lower School / Middle School Classes
Friday, March 10
Lower School Uniform Exchange
Friday, March 10
Hazel Lower School - Room 101, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Spring Break, No School
Monday, March 13-Friday, March 24
Parents’ Association
Meet the Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassadors
The Divisional Ambassadors are here to help you connect! They are actively involved in our community and will be encouraging you to get involved, too, by sharing information about volunteer opportunities and Parents’ Association events. Read about them on our website (click the “Divisional Ambassadors” tab).
Join the Divisional Ambassadors (DA) for an informal social, following the Lower School Division Coffee this Friday, February 17, 9:30-10:00 a.m. in Room 201 of the Hazel Lower School. They will be hosting informal socials after each Divisional Coffee for parents to get together and make connections. Mark your calendars with these upcoming dates:
- Friday, February 17: Lower School Grades JK-3 Divisional Coffee, 8:45-9:30 a.m., followed by DA parent social, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
- Friday, February 24: Lower School Grades 4-6 Divisional Coffee, 8:45-9:30 a.m., followed by DA parent social, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 1: Upper School Rising Grade 9 Divisional Coffee, 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by DA parent social, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, March 1: Upper School Rising Grades 10-12 Divisional Coffee 1:00-2:00 p.m. followed by Divisional Ambassadors parent social 2:00-2:30 p.m.
Spring Uniform Drop-Off — Monday, February 27 - Friday, March 3 & Monday, March 6
Parents may drop off gently-used, clean uniforms, P.E./athletic and spirit wear on the Miller House front porch from Monday, February 27, to Friday, March 3, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and Monday, March 6, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Middle and Upper School parents are also welcome to donate.
Parent volunteers are needed to help sort and organize donations on Thursday, March 9. Sign up to volunteer! Questions? Contact Melissa Riley in the Advancement Office.
Spring Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 10
Time for some spring cleaning! Mark your calendars for the Spring Uniform Exchange on Friday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., in Room 101 of the Hazel Lower School. Enter the Lower School through the front entrance (Door 1) to check in with Security, and head down the stairs to Room 101.
There is no cost for this event, and you do not have to donate uniforms in order to participate. Item availability is based on donations and will be first-come, first-served.
School Store Open During the Uniform Exchange — Friday, March 10
Great news – the School Store will be open during the Uniform Exchange! Stop by for in-person shopping on Friday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The School Store is located in the Hazel Lower School in Room 112, just down the hall from the Uniform Exchange (Room 101). Be sure to stop by the School Store and check out the new spirit wear. Please email schoolstore@flinthill.org with any questions.
Save the Date for A Night on the Hill
— Friday, April 14
All JK-12 parents, alumni parents and alumni are invited to A Night on the Hill for an all-adult, social evening at the Peterson Middle School – Friday, April 14, 7:30-10:00 p.m. An electronic invitation and more details will be sent soon.
Volunteers Needed: Concessions
Volunteers are needed to sell concessions during the day, after school and during basketball games. Check out the schedule and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like. Feel free to invite a friend to sign up with you too, or come ready to make a new connection!
February
17—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following LS Division Coffee
24—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following LS Division Coffee
27-28—Spring Uniform Exchange Drop Off
March
1—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following US Division Coffee
1-3—Spring Uniform Exchange Drop Off
2—Parent Morning Mixer
6—Spring Uniform Exchange Drop Off
10—Spring Uniform Exchange
April
11—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following Learning Center Coffee
12—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following MS Division Coffee
14—“A Night on the Hill”
19—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following US Division Coffee
May
19—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following LS Division Coffee
25—Flint Hill Golf Invitational
31—Volunteer Appreciation Reception
