Middle School Newsletter - May 10, 2023

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Message From Division Director

It is hard to believe that we have just 15 days of school remaining. I am a firm believer that how we finish — a school year or any activity — is at least as important as how we begin. Our students have worked hard throughout the year on their own personal development and on making the experience positive for everyone in the community. At this point in the school year, many of us are running on reserves, and it can be easy to let up and allow our thoughts to drift to the summer months. For our students, it is important that they maintain their focus and positive energy to ensure they finish the year in a manner that leaves them proud and without regret. As adults, it is critical that we maintain our enthusiasm, commitment to excellence and sense of humor. I emphasize to teachers that our interactions with students over the next few weeks will be the ones that they think about this summer, as they reflect on the school year. We all owe it to each other to lift each other up and maximize the opportunities presented each day. Thank you so much for spoiling us rotten this morning with such a wonderful breakfast spread! Here’s to a strong final push!

Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School

Announcements

Preparing for the 2023-24 School Year — Parent Action Items

Several resources are now available to help families prepare for the 2023-24 school year. To access the Resource Board, visit www.flinthill.org/app, then enter your username and password. After you log in, click on the Preparing for the 2023-2024 School Year tile. Online back-to-school forms are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. The deadline for submission is Friday, June 16.

Starting Friday, June 9, parents are asked to log into the Health Portal to submit required health forms, which are due Tuesday, August 1. Click here to access a link to our 2023-24 calendar highlights.

New Husky Hub Features:
We understand the value of putting a name with a face so we have made it possible for parents to add their profile photo to Husky Hub. To add a profile photo: when logged in, click on your name in the top right corner and select Profile. In the About section, click edit photo and upload your photo. Click save.

We've also added a name pronunciation field recognizing how important it is that members of the Flint Hill community know how to correctly pronounce each other's names. To add pronunciation to your profile, click on your name in the top right corner and select Profile. In the General Information section, click edit and enter your pronunciation into the fields. Click save.

7th Grade Parents: Virtual Upper School Preview — Wednesday, May 17

R.S.V.P. for the Class of 2028 Parent Upper School Virtual Preview on Wednesday, May 17, 9:00-10:00 a.m. You’ll hear from Upper School leaders and participate in a Q&A session with current Upper School parents. Don’t miss this important event! Register by Friday, May 12.

LAST CHANCE to Join Us on the Links! Golf Invitational and Skills Clinic — Thursday, May 25

The Golf Invitational and Skills Clinic is right around the corner. Registration is filling up with very limited spots available for the tournament, but there’s still space in the Skills Clinic. Grab a friend and sign up together to learn from the pros.

All abilities are welcome, so register here!

What do marshmallows and golf have in common? Volunteer and find out! No experience necessary, and it’s a fun way to support the community and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

End-of-Year Schedule

Here is an overview of the final week of school. Eighth grade families have received additional information via email.

Monday, May 29 — Memorial Day, no school.
Tuesday, May 30 — science and language exams in the morning, flexible time in the afternoon, and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Wednesday, May 31 — history and English exams in the morning, flexible time in the afternoon, and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Thursday, June 1 — math and makeup exams in the morning, flexible time in the afternoon, and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal. This is the last day of school, and there is a dance for eighth graders from 6:30-9:30 p.m. that evening. Note that Huskyfest (similar to Field Day) will now be on Friday, May 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Friday, June 2 — Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony, 10:30 a.m. Eighth graders arrive by 10:00 a.m. and may leave after the ceremony. Seventh graders may attend as audience members, but their attendance is not required.

Middle School Exams

Students will have exams in English (an in-class revision of an essay), history, math, language and science, and each exam counts as 10% of the semester grade in a particular course. Each exam will be one hour with extended time as needed, and the remainder of the school day will consist of games and activities. Like with everything else in middle school, we are trying to hit the sweet spot with exams — helping students engage in what will be an increasingly important academic process while still treating it as a low-stakes learning opportunity. Our focus is more on the review process and long-term study skills than the results. We want them to prepare thoughtfully, strive for their best, and feel the “good stress” that can motivate, focus energy, and enhance performance. We hope the students come away from the experience with the realization that exams don’t have to be scary and with an understanding of how they may adjust their preparation in the future based on what worked well for them and what didn’t.

Upcoming Events

Grades 5-8 Spring Percussion Concert
Thursday, May 11
Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Grades 5-8 Spring Band Concert
Tuesday, May 16
Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Class of 2028 Parent Virtual Event: Upper School Preview
Wednesday, May 17
Virtual, 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Grades 5-8 Spring Orchestra Concert
Thursday, May 18
Olson Theater, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Middle School Huskyfest
Friday, May 26
Peterson Middle School, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Memorial Day, No School
Monday, May 29

Grades JK-12 Last Day of School
Thursday, June 1

Grade 8 Dance
Thursday, June 1
Peterson Middle School, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony
Friday, June 2
Upper School Gym, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Parents’ Association

Sign-Up Form Closes TONIGHT! Serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador for 2023-2024

You are invited to serve as a Parents’ Association Divisional Ambassador next year, and there’s still time to sign up if you’re interested. Complete the Sign-up form by tonight! If you have any questions or want to learn more about the Divisional Ambassador role, please see below for more information:

Divisional Ambassador Description — Duties and Responsibilities
Divisional Ambassador FAQ

Uniform Donation Drop-Off: May 30 - June 9

Start cleaning out your closets because we will have another uniform donation drop-off at the end of the school year. Parents may drop off gently-used uniforms and spirit wear items on the Miller House front porch on these dates: Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, June 2 and Monday, June 5 - Friday, June 9.

Save the Date: Volunteer Appreciation Reception — Wednesday, May 31

Check your email for an invitation to join us for a reception to celebrate your volunteer service to Flint Hill! R.S.V.P. by Friday, May 26 via Paperless Post and contact Olivia Landrum with questions.

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.