Lower School Newsletter - March 31, 2021

The Kaleidoscope Book Club is a welcoming, inclusive space that utilizes literary choices as a springboard for equity and inclusion discussions. Reading is not required to attend. There are two opportunities to connect next week — at our book club session on Monday, April 5, at 9 a.m., and during an additional discussion session on Friday, April 9, at 9 a.m. This month’s read is "The Water Dancer" by TaNehisi Coates. Please contact All-School Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson at mchenderson@flinthill.org to receive the link to the virtual meetings. Our last sessions of the year are scheduled for May 3 and 7. John Thomas will lead our discussion of "Refugee" by Alan Gratz.

Lower School Virtual Engineering Night, Friday, April 9, 6 p.m.

Grab your Legos or building blocks and get ready for a night of fun, completing challenges from your own home. Collaborate with your friends and cheer each other on as you try to build the tallest tower or create a musical instrument that actually makes a sound or even build something with your eyes closed. We have lots of challenges ready for you, and we can't wait to see what you'll make during our Virtual Engineering Night!

Creativity Corner

As we enjoy 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.

Now Online! Fall Upper School Play, “Almost, Maine”

This year’s virtual Upper School play is now online. “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani is a hilarious and heartwarming collection of nine short plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine. The play, directed by Director of Upper School Drama Productions Kate Davis, was filmed remotely in student homes and edited together to create a beautiful theatrical experience.

School Store Update

Updates

• Have questions about items in the store? Click here to schedule a 15-minute consultation. Don’t have time to make an appointment? Feel free to email me with any questions, and I will be happy to make suggestions for your next purchase.
• Check out the Last Chance Spirit Wear section of the School Store website. With extremely limited quantities left, these sale items won’t last long.

Restock Alert!

• We are working with our vendors to restock girls’ and boys’ shorts and the Youth Gildan Husky logo tee. More inventory should arrive in the next few weeks. Check out the Restock Alert tab for items that have been recently restocked.
• See the links below for updated inventory in youth medium, large and x-large hoodies.
  • Champion Youth Eco Powerblend Hoody, navy and grey
  • Champion Youth Eco Powerblend Crewneck, navy and grey
  • Badger Grey Youth Performance Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
  • Jerzees Youth NuBlend Hoody, navy, aash or white 

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.

Articles

Parenting During Coronavirus: Surviving, Not Thriving

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM BEFORE SPRING BREAK

Save the Date – Virtual Lower School Transition Coffee, Thursday, April 15, 9-10 a.m.

In preparation for your child/ren’s transition from one grade level to the next, we ask you to save the date and join us for the upcoming Lower School transition coffee. Parents of students in grades JK-5 will have the opportunity to visit and meet with a teacher and students from one of the classrooms in their child’s next grade level. We will discuss the transition from one grade level to the next; you will receive information about summer enrichment activities, and we will share an explanation of this year’s summer learning. The program begins at 9 a.m. Here is the link to the Google Meet. I look forward to seeing you at the coffee.

Rising Seventh Grade Parent Coffee with Brian Lamont/Course Selection:

April is the month for rising seventh grade students and parents to receive helpful information about Middle School to ensure a positive transition.

• The Rising Grade 7 Virtual Division Coffee: Parent Orientation will take place on Thursday, April 22, 9-9:45 a.m. Middle School Director Brian Lamont will present the ins and outs of the grade and what you can expect as a family, as your rising seventh grader begins their Middle School journey.   Google Meet link
• The Rising Grade 7 Virtual Division Coffee: Course Selection will immediately follow, 9:45-10:30 a.m. As a continuation of the Parent Orientation (and using the same Meet link), Brian Lamont will review and discuss course selection for seventh grade. Google Meet link (same link as the previous session).
• In preparation for their course selection, your child will also receive pertinent information about seventh grade course selection, as Mr. Lamont will visit each advisory to discuss details and answer questions about the Middle School, the week of April 19.

Dates for Virtual Engineering and Math Night

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, April 9, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Engineering Night
• Friday, April 23, 6-7 p.m. — Lower School Virtual Math Night