Lower School Newsletter - January 26, 2022
Message From Division Director
Megan and I are having the best time connecting with those of you who are able to attend your Grade Level Welcome Back Parent Meeting. You have seen us briefly during afternoon carpool, but during the Meetings, we provide a detailed presentation to highlight examples of inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections in your child’s grade. Most importantly, we share why we are so drawn and committed to serving in the Lower School. If you cannot attend, don’t worry as Megan and I will provide more opportunities on campus to connect with you.
We understand the importance of implementing safety measures, so this will not be a division-wide event that we have had in the past but rather grade-level events. The meetings will be held in the 300-seat Olson Theater, so parents can safely spread out. Please enter through the Activity Center, Door #4, where our security team will check you in and provide you with a name tag. Parents must be properly masked at all times while in the building. At the end of your meeting, we ask that you wait until your seated row is called before exiting the building. We invite you to reconnect with other parents, within your child’s grade level, outside.
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 27: Grade 6
Friday, January 28: Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Welcome back, and we hope that you join us!
Robyn M. Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School
The Latest
Dressing for Cold Weather
In cold weather, a hat, gloves and a winter-weight coat are required attire to go outside. Barring a medical condition, all children will participate in outdoor recesses. If wind chill conditions cause temperatures to feel 20 degrees or less, students will remain inside for recess. Children who do not have the required outerwear will not be allowed to go outside. It would be appreciated if parents could ensure that their child/children have the appropriate clothing for break and recess.
Next Kaleidoscope Book Club Meeting
The next meeting of the Kaleidoscope Book Club is scheduled for Monday, February 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m. We will discuss “See No Stranger” by Valerie Kaur. 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 use this link to RSVP. Contact All-School Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson if you have any questions.
FRIENDly REMINDERS
- Refer a Husky and the Admission team will reach out to them.
MAKING THE LEARNING VISIBLE
Third graders continue to delve into an integrated exploration of weather. Thinking like scientists, they began the unit by observing a hailstorm and documenting their thoughts as a “See-Think-Wonder” thinking routine. Students filmed “live weather reports” and created iMovies to share with their classmates broadcasting from their own backyards. Each student chose a type of weather to extend their learning through research and writing. Their practice with collecting data and analyzing it in math class integrated nicely with how meteorologists use data to predict and analyze weather patterns over time.
Upcoming Events
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.
Grade Level Welcome Back Meetings
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 27: Grade 6
Friday, January 28: Grades Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Grade 6 Virtual Game Night
Friday, January 28, 7-8 p.m.
Junior Kindergarten Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Monday, January 31, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Kindergarten Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Tuesday, February 1, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
2022-23 Enrollment Contracts Issued — Current Students
Tuesday, February 1
Grade 1 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Thursday, February 3, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grade 2 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Friday, February 4, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Lower School Virtual Literacy Night
Don Tate, author and illustrator
Friday, February 4, 7-8 p.m.
Kaleidoscope Book Club
Monday, February 7, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Grade 3 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Tuesday February 8, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grade 4 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Wednesday, February 9, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grades JK-12 Two-Hour Delayed Opening
Thursday, February 10
2022-23 Enrollment Contracts Due — Current Students
Thursday, February 10
Grade 5 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Friday, February 11, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Grade 6 Parent Social, Hosted by Parents’ Association
Monday, February 14, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
Health Services
We have reviewed the evolving Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) health requirements and recommendations. Please review the updated Flint Hill Positive Case and Close Contact Exposure Protocols.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status Dashboard
All of these links can be found on the COVID-19 Health Information tile on the Resource Board.
Reminder: Keep Everyone Healthy by Staying Home if Sick
If your student has fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea you should keep them home to recover. They must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Parents' Association
Calling All Husky Volunteers — The Igloo Is Back!
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Meet fellow parents while helping to fuel our Upper School students during morning break and after school. In order to keep the Igloo open, parent volunteers are critical. Sign up for a shift here.
Opportunity: Host a Grade Level Parent Dinner!
The Parents’ Association is looking forward to hosting grade-level parent dinners at people’s homes. Contact Sibel Unsal necatismom@gmail.com if you are interested in hosting!
My Coffee Crew
What all began with coffee is now a group of friends that I hope to have the rest of my life. Read more.
Lower School Parents
Remember to check your inboxes for an Evite! I’m looking forward to meeting you in the Miller House Cafeteria in the upcoming weeks.
School Store
School Store Updates
The Champion Reverse Weave hoodies and crewnecks are back! We have navy and black hoodies as well as navy and silver/grey crewnecks. Click the links below to purchase!
Navy and Black Hoody
Navy Crew
Silver/Grey Crew
Stay warm with some of our Under Armour Beanies.
Youth
Adult Pom
Women’s
Unisex
Click here to view new inventory in the School Store.
Check out the Last Chance Spirit Wear section of the School Store. With extremely limited quantities left, these sale items won’t last long. Shop now before they are gone!
How Do I Make an Exchange or Return?
Please email Adrienne Robinson within 30 days of your original purchase. Include your order number, the item(s) that didn’t work, and if you would like to return your items or exchange them. 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.
NEWS ON THE HILL
