Middle School Newsletter - May 18, 2022
Message From Division Director
In the final 10(!) days of our school year, we will continue to emphasize the importance of making the most of each day and interaction to ensure that we take positive memories with us into the summer. This Friday is the final day for assessments requiring outside preparation, and we begin exam review next week. 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. 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 they 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.
Brian Lamont
Director of the Middle School
THE LATEST
Middle School Creative Writing Submissions
Earlier this spring, students had the opportunity to submit their written work as part of our annual contest. Our English teachers reviewed the submissions and focused on the authenticity of voice, clarity of structure, sophistication of language, presentation of manuscript (formatting, punctuation, etc.), and overall emotional impact of the piece. Pieces ranged from poems to short stories to personal narratives and are presented for viewing on this site. Please note that you will need your child to access the site using their Flint Hill account.
You’re Invited: Class of 2027 Parent Virtual Upper School Preview
RSVP today for the Class of 2027 Parent Virtual Upper School Preview on Thursday, May 19, at 9 a.m. You will have an opportunity to hear from Upper School leaders and participate in a Q&A session with current Upper School parents. Don’t miss this important event!
The Community of Care
This event is currently postponed until the fall. Please email Miles Henderson if you have any questions.
FRIENDLY REMINDERS
- Use this form to request additional RFID tags for carpool.
- Refer a Husky and the Admission team will reach out to them.
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.
Grade 7 Parents Virtual Upper School Preview
Thursday, May 19, 9 a.m.
Community of Care: The Flint Hill Mission
Postponed until fall 2022.
Grades 5-8 Spring Orchestra Concert — rescheduled from May 3
Tuesday, May 24, 4:30 p.m.
Olson Theater — Lower School Campus
Memorial Day — Flint Hill Offices Closed
Monday, May 30
Parents’ Association Volunteer Appreciation Social
Wednesday, June 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m., John M. Thomas Terrace, Peterson Middle School
Exams
Please note that each exam counts as 10% of the semester grade in a particular course, and our focus is on the review process and long-term study skills. Please contact me if you have any questions or to make arrangements for any absence.
Friday, May 27 — Language exam, 8-9 a.m. (extra time as needed), followed by a modified class schedule and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Tuesday, May 31 — History exam, 8-9 a.m. (extra time as needed). Math exam 10:15-11:15 a.m. (extra time as needed), followed by lunch, flexible time in the afternoon and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Wednesday, June 1 — English exam 8-9 a.m. (extra time as needed). Science exam, 10:15-11:15 a.m. (extra time as needed), followed by lunch, Huskyfest (similar to Field Day) and a regular 3:30 p.m. dismissal.
Middle School Closing and Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony
Thursday, June 2, 1-2 p.m., Upper School Gym
- All Middle School students should arrive at the Middle School by 12:30 p.m. Parents should park in the Upper School lot and head directly to the gym. Eighth graders will gather on the John M. Thomas Terrace for a class picture prior to the ceremony.
- Middle School students and faculty will walk over to the Upper School gym.
- Our closing program will showcase reflections on the year and a musical performance before turning our focus to the eighth graders for some awards and the promotion certificates.
- Parents and relatives are invited to attend.
- Recommended Dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress.
- Students may go home with their parents immediately after the ceremony.
Grade 8 Dance
Thursday, June 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Middle School Commons
- Recommended Dress — a dress or a suit jacket, dress pants and a tie.
- Parents are welcome to take pictures on the John M. Thomas Terrace at 6:30 p.m.
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
Parent Volunteers: You’re Invited!
We want to recognize and thank you for your service to our School community. Join us on June 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m., for a breakfast reception on the John M. Thomas Terrace. Invitations were emailed, but you can also RSVP by emailing Olivia Landrum. We hope to see you there!
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed to help us create a fun day of community building at the Golf Invitational on May 26. There are many opportunities to help before and during the tournament, and volunteers get to be part of all the action. No golf experience required! Sign up to volunteer. Volunteers are invited to come before their shift for lunch or stay afterward for dinner.
Want to play? A few spots have opened up for the tournament, and we are looking for an Upper School, Middle School and Lower School parent to fill a few open spaces. Come out for some friendly golf and make some new connections! There is still space available in the Skills Clinic. Contact Tiffany Parry or visit flinthill.org/golf to register.
The deadline to register for both the Tournament and Skills Clinic is Friday, May 20.
Full Circle
Now a Flint Hill alum, Matthew McClements ’18 was the first Flint Hill Upper School student I really got to know. I can’t remember exactly when, but about eight years ago, I met his father, Mike McClements P’18, ’26 on a volunteer committee. Fast forward to present day, I now consider all the McClements part of my family. Read more.
NEWS ON THE HILL
