Middle School Newsletter - May 5, 2021

NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION

 

 

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.

 

 

The Path to $15,000 Annual Fund Challenge

We’re almost there! Our community is well on its way to raising $15,000 and securing the matching funds from our generous trustee.

Thanks to those of you who have already been counted in. But we’re not there yet – we still need your help! With every gift, we’re one step closer.

Ensure students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to solve any challenge that comes their way by making your gift today!

 

 

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM LAST WEEK

 

End of Year Schedule — Exams and Closings

Not that we are looking forward to the end of the school year, but I wanted to make you aware of our plans for the final week of the school year. As noted below, we will have regular arrival and dismissal times on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of that week.

Monday, May 31 — Memorial Day; no classes.

Tuesday, June 1 — all classes meet; full school day.

Wednesday, June 2 — final exams; full school day.

Thursday, June 3 — final exams; full school day.

Friday, June 4 — no classes.

• Middle School Closing Ceremony — pre-recorded video released in the morning.
• Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony — 11:30-noon, in-person on the Middle School terrace and turf field; we will email details to eighth grade families next week.

 

Middle School Exams

Like everything else in middle school, it is important to keep exams in perspective as part of our low-stakes training ground. Our focus is more on the review process and long-term study skills than on the results. We view the benefits of the exam process to be:

• The process of preparing for a cumulative assessment.
  • Reviewing/synthesizing skills and concepts to cement learning.
  • Learning and practicing study strategies to help each student determine what works best for them.
• Assessing learning on a cumulative assessment.
  • This can be an important gauge of student learning/synthesis/retention.
• The experience of taking longer assessments on consecutive days.
  • In high school and beyond, our students will need to sit for longer assessments and learn how to manage time during an exam period.

Students will have a final project in their history classes (due prior to Memorial Day) and exams in English (an in-class revision of an essay), math, language and science. The exam periods on June 2 and June 3 will be one hour each with extended time as needed. The remainder of the school day will consist of community-building activities. More details will be provided in the coming weeks.

 

 

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.

 

 

A Reminder from Health Services

Last week, we shared a reminder with Middle and Upper School students, faculty and staff regarding our COVID-19 mitigation protocols. We understand we’re all seeing the same headlines about anticipated changes to guidance for mask-wearing and distancing as vaccinations increase. And the day we sent the email, the CDC updated its guidance on mask-wearing outdoors for vaccinated individuals.

We want to remind our families that, at Flint Hill, we are still following the guidance of our local health department and the safety protocols that have brought us this far in the school year.

We want to make sure that our students can have a strong finish to the school year and avoid quarantines and preventable disruptions after we’ve come so far!

Here are the reminders we shared with your students:

• Everyone is still required to wear a mask at all times, except in instances in which a teacher or staff member is alone in a classroom or office. In those instances, masks can be removed. Students may remove their masks during meals and scheduled mask breaks. This is still the case regardless of vaccination status.
• Between athletics and divisional outdoor activities, there is a range of approaches among students and adults when it comes to physical distancing and wearing masks outdoors. The default should always be to wear masks and maintain a safe distance during athletic practices, recess and other outdoor activities. However, our Director of Health Services Mary Hart has worked with the division directors on division-specific guidelines regarding mask-wearing and distancing outdoors, and families are encouraged to contact them if you have specific questions.

We are so close to ending this year on a high note, and if we work together, we can do exactly that. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

Virtual Robotics Exploration

Campers will experience the basics of turning a machine into a robot. Using Parallax’s Cyber:bot, students will use the built-in breadboard to create sensors including touch sensors and light sensors. Campers will be exposed to basic programming, in Python, to code a plan for their robot to follow. At the end of camp, students will have created a robot that will navigate a room looking for the darkest area while avoiding physical obstacles.

Campers will need access to a computer with a USB Type-A port. Each camper will need to purchase a Cyber:bot kit. Information about ordering supplies will be provided with enrollment information.

Session:    June 28-July 2

Time:        9 a.m.–noon

Grades:    Rising grades 5-8

Cost:        $250 (Does not include Cyber:bot kit, approximately $250)

 

Virtual iMovie/Film

Come be a part of the ultimate collaborative art form – filmmaking! Film camp is a hands-on introduction to movie making. Students will explore the way that movies are crafted and will have the opportunity to explore the various roles involved in creating a film. Students will develop their own stories, learn to work in iMovie, and edit their footage for a final screening. Writers, actors, photographers, and fans are invited to be a part of our team in this hands-on exploration of what it takes to make a movie. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm

Note: Campers must have access to a device with iMovie and internet.

Session: June 14-18

Time:      9 –10 a.m. Presentation and directions

10 a.m.-1 p.m Students have work time

1- 2 p.m. Optional Help time

2 –3 p.m. Show Time

Grades:  Rising grades 6-9

Cost:      $250

 

Virtual Clay Camp: CLAY-ZY Days of Summer

This camp will get you hooked on CLAY! So, get fired up! Come explore the exciting world of ceramics in this two-week virtual program. Live instructor demonstrations, practice and group discussions will occur in our Google Hangout Meets. Clay campers will have an opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively throughout each meeting with both peers and instructors. This camp offers exposure to a wide range of techniques and projects while developing good relationships throughout our studio community. Clay Camp is designed to offer opportunities for all skill levels to develop their technical ability with clay while finding their unique voice as a maker. Individual instruction will promote creative expression and skill development. Each camper will complete a body of work they can both use and admire for many years to come.

No experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. Our session will end with a celebratory online exhibition of selected works.

Materials:

All clay, glaze materials and firings are included in the camp fee. Each camper will need to pick up a 50-pound box of clay prior to the first day of camp (included in camp). Participants will also be supplied with a beginner tool kit and supplies.

Session:    June 14-25

Time:        9-11 a.m.

Grades:    Rising grades 5-12

Cost:        $500

 

 

Transportation

Bus service to and from Flint Hill is an important logistical component for many of our families.  We are working toward providing bus service for the 2021-22 school year for Lower, Middle and Upper School students.

If you are interested in bus service for the 2021-22 school year, please complete the bus service interest form by Friday, May 7. Information on cost, possible routes, stops and pick-up/drop-off times is included on the bus service interest form.

The final list of available bus routes will be determined by ridership demand and is subject to change.