Middle School Newsletter - March 9, 2022
Note: Newsletter will resume on March 30
Message From Division Director
As we head into our Spring Break, we are trying to both embrace and manage the energy level in the building. Based on a compelling appeal from students, we are doing a spirit dress day tomorrow and engaging in a kickball tournament at the end of the day rather than regular athletics. For this “vacation day” dress tomorrow, students may wear clothing related to the vacations they are planning (or hoping) to take while following regular guidelines of coverage and messaging.
When we return from the break, masks will be optional. This is a significant change after two long years and we took some time this week to discuss how we will all respect each other’s choice. We are grateful to be at this point where the case and transmission levels make it possible for mask-wearing to be a choice. It is important to recognize that we have students and adults who are excited for this change, others who are worried, and that there is no wrong choice. As with every other aspect of our school experience, we will Respect and Value All Equally and Lead and Support with Compassion when it comes to mask-wearing.
I look forward to seeing many of you on Friday for conferences. This is the first time in two years that we have offered an in-person option. Many have found virtual conferences to be most convenient and I will solicit feedback after the break to determine the best model for us moving forward.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
THE LATEST
Special Olympics Track and Field Event — Volunteer!
We are thrilled to again be hosting the Special Olympics on Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Eighth graders may volunteer with a parent/guardian present. If your child would like to participate, please have them fill out this form to sign up for available shifts. Special Olympics requires that all volunteers be vaccinated and fill out an additional paper form that will be provided later.
Stay In the Know! Link the All-School Calendar to Your Calendar
Did you know that you can have the electronic All-School Calendar feed directly into your iCal or Google calendars? As we head into a busy time in the school year, with many events on both campuses, linking the All-School Calendar to your calendar can be a great way to stay in the know.
Save the Date, April 13! Arts Jam is Back
Mark your calendars for the most exciting performing arts event of the year. Join us for the annual Arts Jam concert featuring Upper School band, choir, orchestra, percussion, dance, and musical theater. The concert will be held on April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus of George Mason University. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting event.
Parent Toolkit Resource Board Tile
The Parent Toolkit tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board is available. It is a resource with valuable information to help Flint Hill parents throughout the rest of the school year.
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.
End of Third Quarter
Wednesday, March 9
Grade reports will be available online on Thursday, March 10, at 4 p.m.
Lower and Middle School Parent Conferences — No Classes
Friday, March 11
Please note that the Upper School will still be in session. Conferences will be on-campus in the morning and virtual in the afternoon. Please visit this link on the Resource Board for more information and links to sign up.
Spring Break
March 12-27
Classes Resume
Monday, March 28
Founder’s Day
Thursday, March 31, Upper School Campus Gym
Middle and Upper School students will gather in the gym for this traditional program to celebrate the founding members of Flint Hill School and Driving Spirit Award recipients. Parents are welcome to attend.
Special Olympics Track and Field Event
Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Arts Jam
April 13, 7 p.m.
MASK UPDATE
Masks Optional Starting March 28
Masks are currently optional outdoors on both campuses. Effective Monday, March 28, the day we return from Spring Break, masks will be optional for students and visitors, indoors and outdoors. Currently, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Permanent COVID-19 Standard requires employers to mandate masks for employees. It is anticipated this may change or may not become applicable to independent schools within the coming weeks. When it does, masks will also become optional for employees indoors.
Health Services
Helpful Links
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
Join Us for a Fun Day on the Links!
The Flint Hill Golf Invitational is more than playing a great round of golf, it’s about building community and school spirit. This beloved event connects parents, alumni and friends and benefits the Parents’ Association Endowment for Financial Aid in honor of Sally Hazel. Want to join the fun but not quite ready for a full 18 holes? Sign up for the Skills Clinic where you’ll learn the basics and sharpen your putting skills with the help of a golf professional. All abilities are welcome, so sign up at flinthill.org/golf.
Volunteer Opportunity: The Den Is Reopening for the Spring!
Spring athletic games are here and concessions will return in the Den located on the Terrace of the Peterson Middle School. Starting on April 1, the Den will also be open for Middle School break on Fridays from 10:20-10:35 a.m.
Parent volunteers are needed for weekday and weekend shifts. Sign up for a shift during Middle School break or one of the athletic games.
56 T-Shirts
I have been collecting Flint Hill t-shirts since my son began at the school in kindergarten. From husky pride, Homecoming, band trips, Latin conventions, color games, you name, we have it! Read more.
NEWS ON THE HILL
