Lower School Newsletter - January 18, 2023

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Message From Division Director

We will resume our Classroom Visits with Grades 4-6 on Friday, January 20, and Grades JK-3 on Friday, January 27. In our Parent Coffee series — also on January 20 and 27 — we will welcome Director of Fine Arts James Venhaus who will discuss the variety of programs in the Lower School.

The secret to our success begins with a Lower School program dedicated to being makers of art. Students develop the mindset and practices of being artists. They work on key foundational skills in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and ceramics, and learn how to observe, create and experience art from a team of teaching artists who serve as both role models and teachers.

In Grades JK-4 music, classes are taught using the Orff Schulwerk Approach, involving listening, movement, singing and other creative activities. Students develop skills in music theory and instrumental music, playing instruments such as the xylophone and other percussion instruments. Students perform during weekly Inspiration and the winter and spring concerts. Fifth grade is the time to select an ensemble. Students may choose from band, concert choir, orchestra, or percussion groups and perform in fall and spring concerts.

Please mark your calendars, and we look forward to you observing your child’s classroom, where our dedicated and talented Lower School teachers make the learning visible!

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

In partnership,

Robyn M. Nichols
Interim Director of the Lower School

Announcements

Summer on the Hill Registration Opens Tomorrow

Registration for the 2023 Summer on the Hill lineup opens tomorrow, Thursday, January 19 at 12:00 p.m. 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 & Academic Prep Courses: Grades 9-12
D.C. United Soccer Camp & 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.

Classroom Visits: Grades 4-6 on January 20 and Grades JK-3 on January 27

We look forward to welcoming Grades 4-6 parents to the Hazel Lower School on Friday, January 20, and Grades JK-3 parents on Friday, January 27. 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.

Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 15

Love is in the air! Join the Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award winning a cappella group, for their annual concert, featuring songs of love for Valentine’s Day. Bring a date. It’s sure to be a heart warming experience. The concert is free and will be held in the Upper School Commons on Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

School Store — New Items Available in Youth Sizes

The School Store now has Champion Youth Joggers in grey and navy, available in sizes small through x-large. Additionally, we have added a new Under Armour Youth Armour Fleece ¼ Zip in pink and blue, available in sizes x-small through x-large, and a new Champion Youth Powerblend Hoodie in green and pink, available in sizes small through x-large.

Shop online anytime at store.flinthill.org or make an appointment to shop in person!

Upcoming Events

Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back
Thursday, January 19
Women Giving Back, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Summer on the Hill Registration Opens
Thursday, January 19
12:00 p.m., registration link

Grades 4-6 Classroom Visits
Friday, January 20
Olson Theatre, 8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

Lower School Division Coffee: Director of Fine Arts James Venhaus
Friday, January 20
Olson Theatre, 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Semester Report Cards Available on Husky Hub
Wednesday, January 25, 4:00 p.m.

Grades JK-3 Classroom Visits
Friday, January 27
Olson Theatre, 8:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

Lower School Division Coffee: Director of Fine Arts James Venhaus
Friday, January 27
Olson Theatre, 8:45-9:30 a.m.

Enrollment Contracts Issued
Wednesday, February 1

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Enrollment Contracts Due
Thursday, February 9

Parent Meetup: Pickleball
Friday, February 10
Country Club of Fairfax, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Professional Development Day, No Classes
Monday, February 13

Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 15
Upper School Commons, 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Parents’ Association

Tomorrow Thursday, January 19 — Join FH Parents at Women Giving Back

There’s still time to join us at Women Giving Back, an organization that supports women and children in crisis by providing quality clothing at no cost. Join other FH parents to help sort donations at the Sterling warehouse. Sign up to participate.

Next Parent Meetup — Pickleball is BACK!

Friday, February 10, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Country Club of Fairfax

Whether you have played pickleball or not, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet other families and enjoy some friendly competition. Players of all levels are welcome — including first-timers! The event is free, but advanced registration is required. Contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum ’11 with any questions. Read more about this event and register to attend.

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!

Parents Council of Washington — Mental Health Panel
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00-8:30 pm, The Field School

Are you wondering how to talk with your child/student about worries in a helpful and reassuring way?
Do you know what resources your school can provide to support the mental health of your child/student?
How can you tell if therapy is "working" and how do you find a right-fit therapist?

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 Wednesday, January 25, FH parents are invited to attend a PCW event where a panel of expert psychologists and counselors will share first-hand observations and insights and explore the value of school-based student support systems as well as ways that parents/guardians can partner with schools to enhance a culture of wellness. Learn about the difference between anxiety and stress, social exclusion versus bullying, and the skills that need to be developed from interrupted schooling during the pandemic.

The panel includes: Lower and Middle School Counselor Adam Diaz from Landon School; School Psychologist and Upper School Counselor Dr. Holly Hinderlie from Holton-Arms School; and Upper School Counselor and Director of Student Support Josie Woods from The Potomac School. Dr. Heather Tedesco, psychologist, will be the moderator, and an audience Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

Register to attend this event, which will be held in person on January 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the Field School, 2301 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC 20007.