Middle School Newsletter - May 12, 2021

NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION

Virtual Arts Jam — Tomorrow Night at 7 p.m.!

Our annual Arts Jam concert is back! This year, we present an exciting collection of performances from our band, choir, percussion ensemble, orchestra, dancers, and our a capella group, Major Minors. These performances, recorded by students in their homes, or in small groups outside at a safe physical distance, will premiere on our YouTube channel at 7 p.m. on May 13. Please enjoy these performances from the comfort of your home, and celebrate the amazing talent and hard work of our student artists. You can access the event here.

2021 Parent Satisfaction Survey

This year, we will resume conducting our annual Parent Satisfaction Survey. On Tuesday, May 18, you will receive an email with a link to the survey. The survey is being conducted for us by Measuring Success, who will handle all data collection, analysis and reporting confidentially. Please take the time to tell us what you think we’re doing well, what we can improve on and what is important to you. Your input is extremely valuable. Thank you in advance for completing the survey!

Middle School End-of-Year Exams

All students will have final assessments in English, math, history, language, and science. We believe it is important for students to:

• Learn to prepare for a cumulative assessment — note that most of this will happen during class time, with teachers guiding students through review activities and study strategies in the days leading up to the exam.
• Practice taking assessments on consecutive days — which they will do in the Upper School.
• Destigmatize the word “exam” during our low-stakes training ground — the assessments themselves are actually about the same length (one hour) and weight as a test during the year.

Each exam or project 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.

• Week of May 24 — History projects due (specific date varies by class).
• Monday, May 31 — Memorial Day; no classes.
• Tuesday, June 1 — Review Day: all classes meet.
• Wednesday, June 2 — English and Science

• English 8:15-9:15 a.m. (extra time as needed).
• Science 12:45-1:45 p.m. (extra time as needed).

• Thursday, June 3 — Math and Language
  • Math 8:15-9:15 a.m. (extra time as needed).
  • Language 12:45-1:45 p.m. (extra time as needed).

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM LAST WEEK

Middle School Virtual Headmaster's Parent Discussion Series

For those of you who were unable to attend last week’s discussion with John Thomas, you can view the recording here. It has also been added to the 2020-21 Webinars tile of the Resource Board.

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.

Final Uniform Exchange Donation Opportunity

The last uniform donation opportunity for the 2020-21 school year will be May 24 through May 28.

Donations should be dropped off on the Miller House front porch between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and adhere to the following guidelines.

We are only collecting the following uniform items for future distribution:

• Flint Hill polo shirts

• Khaki and navy skirts, shorts, skorts, pants, and jumpers

• Spirit Wear

• P.E. shirts and shorts

All items should be washed and sorted to minimize contact when they arrive. Pants in one bag. Shirts in one bag.

Student Virtual Trivia Night for Rising Grades 5-12 — Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Students currently in grades 4 through 11 are invited to a Trivia Night! Similar to the recent parent event, this event will be hosted by Trivia Hub and will feature a live host. Students new to Flint Hill next year are also joining in on the fun. To help students make new connections, we will randomly create grade level teams that include both new and current students. Teams will huddle in breakout rooms as they discuss their answers, so the evening will be a combination of time with all participants and small group fun.

Sign Up here to participate. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 12.

Class of 2026 Virtual Event
Thursday, May 20, 9-10:30 a.m

The Upper School looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2026, to the Upper School, in the 2022-23 school year! To look ahead, we invite you to a virtual event, where current seventh grade parents will have the opportunity to hear from Upper School leaders and engage in a panel Q&A with current Upper School parents. To register for the Class of 2026 Parent Upper School Virtual Preview, click here before Friday, May 14.

School Store Update