Lower School Newsletter - February 24, 2021

On Tuesday, students in 4B had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Dennis Blanton, James Madison University archaeology professor. While a professor at William and Mary, during the preparation for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, Dr. Blanton made observations in John Smith's journals that led him to develop a hypothesis that a drought occurred during the "starving times." Working with dendrochronologists (tree ring scientists), he took samples of 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees, from the swamps around Jamestown, that proved his hypothesis to be correct! The children asked Dr. Blanton how he became an archaeologist, and he shared with them that he became an archaeologist when he was only seven years old. He found an arrowhead that was thousands of years old. After reading everything he could find about archaeology, he wrote to the state archaeologist of Virginia, when he was 12, to learn more about his passion. He connected the study of the past with understanding that the most important thing is how people treat one another. He also shared that we know that climate change impacts how we treat one another, as it impacts our ability to acquire the things we need. He talked to the students about the importance in research of asking good questions and of talking to experts in their field to learn more about your interests. It was a powerful hour with this incredibly accomplished teacher and researcher.

Recording from Lower School Division Coffee, Thursday, February 18.

Last week, Director of Counseling Ilana Reyes and Lower School Counselor Emily Sorbi hosted a Lower School Coffee with a focus on the Lower School Wellness Program, including the Second Step curriculum and mindfulness, as well as how we are supporting our students’ social and emotional well-being during COVID-19. Here is a recording of the presentation.

Links Now Available for Empty Bowls 2021

Empty Bowls will look a little different this year — the entire event will be online! The excitement kicks off on March 1, at 7 p.m., with a live Google Meet featuring DC Central Kitchen’s CEO Mike Curtin, Upper School Ceramics Teacher Julia Cardone and the students of the Clay Club. The event will also serve as the launch of our online auction/sale website. You can bid on one-of-a-kind items, or purchase bowls for a fixed price. Watch this space for a link to be shared soon!

The third meeting of the virtual Kaleidoscope Book Club is scheduled for Monday, March 1, 9-9:45 a.m. We will discuss “The Distance Between Us” by Reyna Grande. We look forward to building and deepening relationships through this shared learning opportunity. All parents are welcome to attend regardless of your familiarity with the book selection. Please submit your name and email address, in this form, to RSVP for the meeting and/or be added to our email list. Please contact All-School Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson if you have any questions.

Creativity Corner

As we begin to approach spring, here are this week’s suggestions for fun and creative activities, for families to try at home, from our Department Chair for Innovation Joey Starnes.

Lower School Virtual Literacy Night for Grades JK-3 Students, Thursday, March 11

Students in JK-3rd grade will have an opportunity to visit with local author Erica Perl during two virtual literacy night events on Thursday, March 11. Ms. Perl is an award-winning author of both picture books and several chapter books. During the events, which will be held on Google Meet, Ms. Perl will read a story and lead the children in an activity and discussion. The students are reading many of Perl's books during their library class, so they are familiar with her funny, rhyming stories. The events will be held back to back: Grades JK-1, 6-6:30 p.m., and Grades 2-3, 6:45-7:30 p.m.

Here is the link for Grades JK-1 registration

Here is the link for Grades 2-3 registration

Articles

Making Mistakes is Part of Learning

School Store Update

Restock Alert!

• We are working with our vendors to restock sweatpants and hoodies in our most popular sizes. The inventory should arrive in 2-3 weeks.
• Youth X-Large is a very popular hoodie size. If you would like to purchase a hoodie or sweatshirt now, please check out the following items that come in adult x-small and small. They will have a similar fit to youth x-large.
  • Bella + Canvas Unisex Sponge Cotton Fleece Pullover Hoodie, Forest or Heather
  • Champion MTO Super Fan Pullover
  • Gildan Hammer Adult Fleece Crew
  • Pennant Spoiler Hoodie
  • Under Armour Gameday All Day Crewneck

Additional Updates

• Do you have a tiny Husky? Check out the links below for hoodies that come in sizes x-small and small.
  • Champion Youth Eco Powerblend Crewneck, Navy
  • Badger Grey Youth Performance Hooded Sweatshirt
  • Champion Youth Powerblend Hoodie, Navy, Dark Green, Pink, or Grey
  • Gildan Youth Husky Logo Hoodie, Navy or Pink
  • Under Armour Youth Fleece Hoody
  • Under Armour Youth Hustle Hooded Sweatshirt
• Outerwear, sweatshirts, and beanies are now available!
• Check out the new Last Chance Spirit Wear section of the School Store website. With extremely limited quantities left, these sale items won’t last long. Shop now before they are gone!
• Please contact Adrienne Robinson with any questions.

How do I make an exchange or return?

• Please contact Adrienne Robinson within 30 days of your original purchase.
• Exchanges may be made for the same item in a different size or for an item of equal value.
• We are happy to issue a refund for items that did not work for you.

Q4 Learning Location Section

Parents will receive an email on Thursday, March 4, to make the learning location selection for quarter 4. The form will be due on or before Monday, March 8.

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM THE LAST NEWSLETTER

Flint Hill Virtual Drama Club Rehearsal and Performance Information

Calling all actors! The Fifth and Sixth Grade Virtual Drama Club will meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after school, 4-5:30 p.m., and will begin Friday, February 19, ending with the Final Showcase Performance on Friday, April 16. All rehearsals and the performance will be online via Google Meet. This will be a combination of a drama club, where we play fun drama games, learn acting exercises and techniques, and rehearsals for our Final Showcase Performance. Details can be found here. Please email Holly Kelly with any questions.

Dates for Virtual Game Night, Literacy and Engineering Nights

We have been so impressed with the resilience, compassion and perseverance our Lower School students continue to show each day. We have been very closely monitoring their social and emotional well-being, cognizant that life is so different for them right now. While we continue to meet our goal of keeping our students safe in their cohorts, we have continued to look for innovative ways for them to interact socially and meet and strengthen social relationships with their peers throughout the grade level. We are excited to announce that we are planning a number of virtual Lower School events, for the different grade levels, over the next few months. Below is a list of the events. More specific details will be shared closer to the events.

• Friday, February 26, 7-8 p.m. — Grade 4 Virtual Game Night
• Thursday, March 11, 6-6:30 p.m. — Grades JK-1 Virtual Literacy Night
• Thursday, March 11, 6:45-7:30 p.m. — Grades 2-3 Literacy Night
• Friday, April 9, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Engineering Night
• Friday, April 23, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Math Night