Middle School Newsletter - September 16, 2020

NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION

 

New Role Announcement

This week, we want to extend our congratulations to Dr. Michelle Odell, who has been named assistant head of school for signature and special programs. She was previously director of signature and special programs. She will continue to work closely with members of the leadership team to provide the overall leadership, vision, and strategic planning direction for Athletics, Fine Arts, Counseling, the Learning Center, and student trips.

Early Pick-Up and Changes to Afternoon Pick-Up

As noted in our Middle School Morning Arrival And Afternoon Dismissal document on the Resource Board, please notify Middle School Attendance or Assistant to the Director of the Middle School Michelle Aspinwall if you have any changes to your afternoon routine (e.g. your child is getting picked up early or going home with a friend). If you are picking up early, you will use visitor parking and press the call button by the main entrance to announce your arrival.

Parent Toolkit Resource Board Tile

Next week, the Preparing for the 2020-21 School Year tile on the Resource Board in Husky Hub will be retired for the year, and we will launch a new tile — the Parent Toolkit. The Parent Toolkit will serve as a year-long resource with valuable information to help Flint Hill parents through the remainder of the school year. A pushpage with a link to the new tile will be sent to all parents next week.

Best Practices for Middle School Parents

The Middle School years provide an incredible opportunity for your children to take meaningful risks and gradually develop lifelong skills of resilience and independence. While the stakes are low, children can try on new strategies and figure out what works for them and what does not. They can practice ways to achieve balance while tackling increasingly complex academic work and a heavier workload. It is not about the grades and the points at this level; it is about learning skills, working through struggles and developing confidence. To ensure that these years can be the training ground our students need them to be, all of the adults around them play an important role — providing the right amount of structure and guidance while leaving room for stumbles. This “coaching” role is difficult for both educators and parents, and we have found these tips to be the most helpful for guiding daily homework for the majority of students.

 

Open Gradebook

In addition to quarterly grade reports, with narrative comments from teachers after the second and fourth quarters, we use an open gradebook in grades 7 and 8. Viewable via our Husky Hub under “Progress” and consistent with the model in the Upper School, students (and you) will be able to see all of the grades that have been entered into the gradebook, in a particular course, on an ongoing basis. This provides students (and you) with more timely information, greater transparency, and a move toward greater student ownership of learning. Please note that, like most aspects of our Middle School program, our focus is on growth and process rather than grades. Please help us keep grades in perspective during these critical formative years, using this resource for more complete information about what you will see, when you will see it, and how your use of this access will impact its success.

Birthday Treats/Snacks

To mitigate risk, this year students will not be able to bring treats into school to celebrate their birthday. Instead, students and advisors will come up with creative ways to celebrate a child’s special day that does not include edible birthday treats.

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM LAST WEEK

 

Technology Tools for Students

In addition to focusing on our Health Pledge and Core Values with students, this week, we are also reviewing the technology tools, resources, and guidelines they will need.

• Husky Hub — this is the main resource for students to view their schedule, keep track of daily assignments, and monitor their progress. You have the same access as students, using your Husky Hub login. Navigating the Husky Hub

• Google Classroom — this tool is utilized by teachers and students to share assignment specifics, streamline paperless transmission/submission, and organize documents for a particular class. Parents do not have the same access as students, but please note that all homework assignments are posted in Husky Hub, even if the more detailed specifics of the assignment are in Google Classroom. Google Classroom Tour

• Responsible Use — from the specifics of ownership and repair to expectations of behavior, the Student Technology Responsible Use Policy serves as a comprehensive policy document. As a reminder, you can access the Parent Technology Resources site, at any time, from the Resource Board in Husky Hub under Technology Resources.

 

Reminder: Next Tuesday, September 22, is picture day for on-campus learners!

Student Portraits for Middle School Students

Picture day will look a bit different this year but will be offered for both on-campus and virtual learners. Students will be photographed outdoors at the Peterson Middle School. Our photographers will be in masks and observing physical distancing.

On-campus learners in the Middle School will have their portraits taken on Tuesday, September 22. A make-up day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27.

Portraits for virtual learners in JK-11th grade are available by appointment on Wednesday, October 7, and Wednesday, October 28. To make an appointment, visit https://flinthill.timetap.com and follow the prompts. Select “Flint Hill Virtual Learners” and then choose your preferred date and time.

All ordering for school portraits will occur online. You will receive an email alert with a link to your student’s gallery, when it becomes available.

Articles for Middle School Parents

In the interest of sharing issues and perspectives relevant to the challenges of parenting young adolescents, here are a few articles that you might find helpful.

The 2020 Back-to-School List for Teens’ Emotional Well-Being

Managing Your Own Anxiety During School Reopening

Four Ways We Are Getting In Our Kid’s Way

 

Homework and Home Learning Policy for Special Circumstances and Religious Observances

Flint Hill School’s core values guide the behaviors and decisions of all members of the Flint Hill community. The School's Homework and Home Learning Policy for Special Circumstances and Religious Observances was created with this in mind.

Over the course of each year, there are a variety of circumstances and events outside of our published calendar that can prevent students from completing evening assignments. When these circumstances or events arise, the School will make every effort to be flexible and support students in completing their work in a timely manner.

Special Circumstances

In the event of a family obligation, illness or unforeseen emergency, Upper School students may request extra help or extensions for work missed during the student’s absence.

In the Lower and Middle Schools, teachers and division directors will work with families, to develop a plan for completing work missed during a student absence, on a case-by-case basis.

In all three divisions, families are encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher, advisor or division director to inform them of what to expect from your child, so we can work with your family accordingly.

Religious Observances

Flint Hill deeply respects and celebrates the customary rituals, observances and family gatherings associated with religious holidays and those of differing faiths at School. Upper School students who miss school due to a religious observance or celebration can work with their teachers or advisors to make up academic work.

In the Lower and Middle Schools, teachers and division directors will work with families, to develop a plan for completing work missed during a student absence, on a case-by-case basis.

Students are also excused from school, games and practices for religious commitments.