TWO-HOUR DELAY THURSDAY JANUARY 13, 2022
Lower School Newsletter - January 12, 2022
Message From Division Director
Although remote learning for the Lower School is not ideal, the faculty and staff have worked extremely hard to provide a developmentally appropriate balance between academic instruction and focusing on the social and emotional well-being of the students. We also understand that it is yet another transition they are experiencing. Lower School students are resilient, yet some may be frustrated and tired, manifesting in various ways. As you continue to support your child, please encourage them to take a screen break in the afternoons, as the classroom schedules allow time to work on an asynchronous school activity or to rest if needed. Also, if your child needs to disconnect for a while, please let their teachers know. They are available to support and guide you and your child throughout this week.
I am so excited to host Grade Level Welcome Back Meetings in the Olson Theater that will begin on Thursday, January 20, from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Many of you have not had the chance to connect in person with Megan Dhar and me (aside from virtual events and carpools) to establish the relationships we take pride in nurturing during the school year. Each meeting will be a thoughtful and intentional opportunity to welcome you into the building and show how much we have missed your presence.
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.
Thursday, January 20: Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Friday, January 21: Grades 1 and 2
Monday, January: 24: Grades 3 and 4
Wednesday, January 26: Grade 5
Thursday, January 27: Grade 6
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.
Flint Hill’s Fall/Winter Magazine
A new issue of the Flint Hill School Magazine is now online!
Read about the preparation to start the 2021-2022 school year; an eighth-grader’s surprise reunion with her Marine father, an Upper School student’s reflections about 9/11, the Middle School Makers class collaboration with Magic Wheelchair and the Washington Nationals; the making of a third-grade author; a chat with Patrick McHonett, Flint Hill’s next Head of School; “Self-Discovery Through The Arts” by Director Fine Arts James Venhaus; “Athletics Is About Community” by Dewayne Robinson; alumni feature stories about Tess Boyer ’08 (“A Champion for All Things Right”) and Kayla Hewitt ’17 (“The Story Behind the Voice”); and much more.
FRIENDly REMINDERS
- Refer a Husky and the Admission team will reach out to them.
Parent Resources
The Parents Council of Washington (PCW) is pleased to host online viewing of “The Upstanders” from January 10 through January 13, 2022. This iNDIEFLIX original documentary about resilience and the power of connection to end bullying addresses the multiple facets of cyber-bullying including bully, victim, bystander, and family member. Remote learning and socializing due to COVID-19 has increased screen time for children while also significantly increasing circumstances of cyber-bullying. This documentary provides bystanders with the tools and confidence to "change the narrative" to eradicate cyber-bullying. Register here to receive the link to view “The Upstanders” documentary and access its At-Home Discussion Guide and other online resources. All PCW member school parents, administrators, faculty, and staff are invited. Students are invited to view the documentary with their parents due to the fact that suicide is discussed.
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.
Lower School Virtual Admission Information Session
Wednesday, January 12, 8-9 p.m.
Two-Hour Delay
Thursday, January 13
Lower School Remote Learning classes will begin at 10:10 a.m.
Birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Grades JK-12 No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed
Monday, January 17
Grade Level Welcome Back Meetings
8:15-9:30 a.m.
Thursday, January 20: Grades Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Friday, January 21: Grades 1 and 2
Monday, January 24: Grades 3 and 4
Wednesday, January 26: Grade 5
Thursday, January 27: Grade 6
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
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
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. 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
All orders are being mailed at this time.
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!
Hoodies and Outerwear
We have a great selection of hoodies and outerwear for youth and adults. Click the links below to view our inventory.
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
