Middle School Newsletter - April 12, 2023
Message From Division Director
The level of activity continues to rise with the temperatures. I hope to see many of you this Friday, April 14, for A Night on the Hill at the Peterson Middle School, as well as at tonight’s Arts Jam concert at George Mason University. Arts Jam is an incredible showcase of talent and collaboration, and it’s something for our middle school performers to look forward to. In addition to the athletic games and meets this month, we look forward to a day of field trips (information below) and a visit from author Caralena Peterson ’10. Prior to her session with parents, on the evening of Wednesday, April 26, she will spend some time with our middle school students to share her relatable experience and powerful message.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
Announcements
Daily Schedule Update for 2023-2024
While the details of our time allocation and class rotation, between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., do not generally impact parents, I want to share some adjustments we have made to the Middle School Daily Schedule for next year. Here are the highlights and considerations:
- Returning to a Six-Day Letter Cycle: In the spring of 2020, we moved to a five-day (Monday-Friday) cycle for its simplicity during a chaotic time. The main downside of a schedule that is tied to the day of the week is that the same classes are impacted by Monday/Friday holidays, leading to an imbalance of class time. In the Middle and Upper Schools, we are moving back to a six-day cycle. Please note that we will NOT be going to school six days per week! Rather, each school day will be assigned a letter (A, B, C, D, E and F), and we will rotate the schedules accordingly. These letter days will be on the school calendar and loaded into Husky Hub for the entire year, so you will still be able to see your child's schedule every day, to schedule appointments, etc.
- Exact Alignment with the Upper School Schedule: To facilitate the schedules of students and faculty with classes in both the Middle and Upper Schools, the class times and period rotations will be identical.
- Part-Time Electives: Returning to a schedule in which each full-time class meets four times every six days rather than three times every five days also improves the scheduling of part-time electives. Many middle school students fill their elective choice with a combination of two part-time classes (e.g. Makers and Creative Writing), which will now each meet twice per cycle rather than meet for one full and one partial class period.
- Two Lunch Periods: As part of matching the Upper School schedule and managing lunch lines and seating, we will now have two lunch periods. Half of the students will be scheduled to eat first lunch on a given day (lunch followed by class) and the other half will eat second lunch (class followed by lunch).
- Slight Increase in Class Time: Having each class meet four times per six-day cycle for 55 minutes results in slightly more time than our current schedule in which each class meets three times per week for 60 minutes.
TONIGHT! Arts Jam at George Mason University
Arts Jam is tonight — Wednesday, April 12, 7:00-10:00 p.m. — at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. This year's theme is Celebration!, and the show features the Upper School band, choir, orchestra, percussion, dance and musical theater ensembles. The performance is family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. More information about the venue, including a map and parking instructions, is available on the Arts Jam website.
See You at A Night on the Hill — Friday, April 14
We are excited to bring our community together for a fun evening this Friday, April 14, 7:30-10:00 p.m. at the Peterson Middle School. A large turnout is expected, so please check your email for helpful details and parking information. If you are still wondering about what to wear, Klondike had a little fun showing off some options. Contact Olivia Landrum ’11 in the Advancement Office should your plans have changed or if you have questions.
An Evening with Alum Author Caralena Peterson ’10 — Wednesday, April 26
The Flint Hill Parents’ Association and Alumni Office are proud to co-host a special evening with our very own Caralena Peterson ’10, author of “The Effortless Perfection Myth.” Caralena informs parents of the red flags to look out for and the not-so-obvious strategies their children may be using to hide all that is going on beneath the surface, while providing pointers for engaging them in conversation about how it’s okay to not always be okay.
6:00 p.m. Meet the Author
6:30 p.m. Book Talk: “Beneath the Surface: What Your Seemingly Self-Sufficient Child Secretly Wants from You.” Q & A moderated by Upper School English Teacher Tracy Peterson.
7:15 p.m. Mix & Mingle
R.S.V.P.: Register to Attend
Location: Flint Hill Upper School Learning Commons, 3320 Jermantown Road, Oakton, Virginia, 22124.
Details: Visit our website or contact Tiffany Parry in the Advancement Office for more information. This event is open to the public. Please feel free to share this information with friends, neighbors and book clubs.
Upcoming Field Trips — Friday, April 28
We look forward to taking all of our students off-campus at the end of the month for enrichment and community building. See below for grade level details.
7th Grade Museum Trip — Friday, April 28
As part of our current theme in U.S. History, students will visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture to better appreciate and understand the ongoing journey of African Americans from slavery to equity. Students will be prepared for the trip through the use of various in-class activities, readings, videos, and discussions.
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:20 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes or athletic practices.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, bag lunch, an additional snack, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Please contact your child’s advisor, history teacher or Seventh Grade Team Leader Travis Keatley if you have questions.
8th Grade Advisory Day — Friday, April 28
With the goals of connecting with each other and exploring key areas of our nation’s capital, advisory groups will travel by Metro to Washington, D.C., and participate in a photography scavenger hunt.
- Regular 8:00 a.m. arrival and 3:20 p.m. dismissal times.
- There are no academic classes or athletic practices.
- Students should be in regular school dress with comfortable walking shoes.
- Students should leave MacBooks at home.
- Students will need a daypack, water bottle, money for lunch (~$20), an additional snack, and a hat/sunscreen as needed.
- Students will travel by Metro and participate in activities throughout the city.
- Please contact your child’s advisor or Eighth Grade Team Leader Leslie Bumgarner if you have questions.
Reserve Seats to See 'Mamma Mia!' — April 28-30
The Upper School musical production of 'Mamma Mia!' is fast approaching, and the box office is now open. 'Mamma Mia!' is a jukebox-musical based on the songs of ABBA, following the story of a young bride-to-be trying to uncover the identity of her father before her wedding on a Greek island, leading to hilarious and heartwarming hijinks. Tickets are free, and good seats are going fast. Due to the high demand for this show, patrons are encouraged to reserve seats online in advance.
Performances will be held on Friday, April 28, Saturday, April 29, 7:00-9:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 30, 2:00-4:30 p.m. in the Olson Theater, in the Activity Center of the Hazel Lower School. The address is 10409 Academic Drive, Oakton, VA 22124.
Summer on the Hill - New this Summer!
Check out these featured camps! For more information, contact Matt McCoart. Register Today!
Dance Camp: Rising Grades 4-8; 7/24-7/28
In this athletic camp, students will get the opportunity to explore three dance styles: jazz, hip hop, and pom techniques. Students will learn the fundamentals of each dance style, choreography, and performance skills. The camp will culminate in a short showcase performance for parents and families. Classes will be led by Upper School Dance Teacher Ariel Harper and Dance Team Head Coach Olivia Landrum.
Flag Football: Rising Grades 5-9; 6/26-6/30
Join Flint Hill’s very own Head Coach Peterson and his staff for the First Annual Flint Hill Flag Football Camp. Whether you're experienced or new to the game, this is the camp for you. Campers will get a great experience focusing on basic football skills, games, agility, and position training. Throughout the week of camp the athletes will be guided by varsity football players. The camp will emphasize practicing good sportsmanship, the importance of teamwork, and more importantly FUN.
Upcoming Events
Arts Jam Concert
Wednesday, April 12
George Mason University, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
A Night on the Hill
Friday, April 14
Peterson Middle School, 7:30-10:00 p.m.
Course Selections Due
Monday, April 17
Parent Social following DEI Coffee
Wednesday, April 19
Upper School Building, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Upper School Visual Art Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 19
Upper School Building, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
An Evening with Alum Author Caralena Peterson ’10
Wednesday, April 26
Upper School Learning Commons, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
RSVP
7th and 8th Grade Field Trips to Washington, D.C.
Friday, April 28, 8:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
All Middle School students will be off-campus for grade-level trips. No change to school arrival and dismissal times.
Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Friday, April 28
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve seats
Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Saturday, April 29
Olson Theater, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Reserve seats
Upper School Musical: Mamma Mia!
Sunday, April 30
Olson Theater, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Reserve seats
Parents’ Association
Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassadors
The Divisional Ambassadors are here to help you connect! They are actively involved in our community and encourage you to get involved too. Read about the Divisional Ambassadors on our website as well as volunteer opportunities and Parents’ Association events.
The Divisional Ambassadors (DA) are hosting informal parent socials. Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, April 19: Upper School Division Coffee (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), 8:30-9:30 a.m., and DA Parent Social, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
- Friday, May 19: Lower School Division Coffee (Open Forum), 8:15-9:15 a.m., and DA Parent Social, 9:15-9:45 a.m.
Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series (Zoom): Ana Homayoun — Thursday, April 20
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 Thursday, April 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m., FH parents are invited to a PCW webinar presentation — “Social Media Wellness: Helping Children and Adults Build Buoyancy in an Unbalanced Digital World.”
Noted author, speaker and educator Ana Homayoun will discuss modern parenting dilemmas in the age of smartphones and speak about the framework of the three Ss – healthy socialization, effective self-regulation, and overall safety – from her book, “Social Media Wellness: Helping Teens and Tweens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World.” Ana will offer practical solutions for parents, educators, and students of all ages as they navigate the ever-changing issues involving social networking and healthy child and teen development. Time for Q&A will be provided after the presentation. Please submit advance questions by Friday, April 14, to administration@parentscouncil.org. Register for the webinar.
Parent Meetup: Honor Flight — Saturday, April 22
Join fellow parents and students in welcoming and recognizing WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, as their Honor Flight arrives to Dulles International Airport. Volunteers will greet the veterans outside the main terminal and will not pass through TSA security.
Honor Flight is a national organization that transports American Veterans to Washington, D.C., to celebrate and share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer
Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum ’11.
Clinic or 18-Holes … There’s Still Time to Join Us for a Fun Day on the Links! — Thursday, May 25
Spend the day with fellow Huskies at the Golf Tournament and Skills Clinic — enjoy lunch and try your luck at many fun contests and prizes. Whether you want to play in the tournament or learn the basics at the skills clinic, it’s a fun day of community building and all abilities are welcome.
There is limited space in the tournament, but plenty of spots are available for the skills clinic! Enjoy an hour-and-a-half of casual conversation and skills taught by pros, and then join us for lunch in the Clubhouse to connect with golfers arriving for the tourney!
Invite a friend and join us on the links!
Register at flinthill.org/golf.
Spring Concessions Volunteers Needed
Volunteering in concessions is a fun way to make new connections with other parents across divisions. Check out the schedules and invite a friend to join you! Students are welcome to volunteer as well and will receive service hours.
April
14—“A Night on the Hill”
19—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following Upper School Division Coffee
20—Parents Council of Washington Speaker Series (Zoom Webinar): Ana Homayoun
May
19—Parent Social hosted by Divisional Ambassadors following Lower School Division Coffee
25—Flint Hill Golf Invitational
31—Volunteer Appreciation Reception
