Upper School Newsletter - December 7, 2022
Message From Division Director
As I reflect on this year, I have a lot of gratitude for how much travel our students have been able to do now that we are another year away from COVID-19. Just this year alone, we have sent the entire ninth grade to the National Museum of the American Indian, English students to multiple Shakespeare performances, the Classics students to the Virginia Junior Classical League Convention, the Major Minors group on their annual Fall Tour, a multitude of arts students to the Glenstone Museum, as well as Mr. Atwood's famous regular trips all over Northern Virginia's ecological wonders.
Because travel has been so limited, since March 2020, I appreciate all of the hard work and resources that have gone into bringing back these amazing experiences that make use of the fact that we live in a unique world location. The ability to use Washington, Northern Virginia and Maryland as our classroom gives our students such an impactful benefit to the learning. Thanks to our teachers and facilities departments for coordinating and actualizing these great experiences!
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
Gifts to Faculty and Staff
As we approach the Winter Break, I wanted to remind you of the School's recommendations concerning gifts to faculty and staff. Flint Hill encourages simplicity in the giving of gifts. The School discourages the collection of money from parents to provide teachers or coaches with gifts. Please note that holiday gift giving is not an expectation, and individual families should decide what is best for them, keeping in mind that a sincere, heartfelt "thank you" often carries the greatest meaning.
Inclement Weather Classwork Policy
Delayed openings and closures will be announced to members of the Flint Hill community by 5:45 a.m. on the day of a severe weather event in the following ways:
- Text/email alerts through our emergency notification system
- A banner on our website
- Story posts on Instagram and Facebook
We also want to make you aware of our classwork policy on snow days. Starting with the second snow day of the season and including all others, teachers may choose to assign work by sending an email to students alerting them of assignments by 10:00 a.m. Work should be made available on the teacher course page or through another electronic form. Individual or additional considerations will be made in the event of:
- excessive consecutive snow days,
- a high number of individual snow days; or
- extended time periods without power.
Optional Ordering for Grade 11 & 12 Families
Visit this link to order optional graduation announcements (for grade 12 families) or optional class rings (for grade 11 families.) Flint Hill does not receive any benefit from orders placed and does not play a role in the processing or fulfillment of any orders placed. Interested families must order by Monday, January 16. Any inquiries related to graduation announcements or class rings should be communicated with Herff Jones directly: info@hjvirginia.com or 804.598.0971.
Driving Spirit Award Nominations Deadline - December 30
The Driving Spirit Award recognizes current Flint Hill faculty and staff members who lead by example through their dedication to students and ability to energize and inspire the Flint Hill community. Please think about the exceptional current teachers and staff members in the Flint Hill community who you believe fit this description and complete the nomination form by Friday, December 30.
Financial Aid Application Deadline - January 9
The financial aid application deadline for the 2023-2024 school year is Monday, January 9. Current families can expect their financial aid notifications on Wednesday, February 1. New student financial aid notifications will go out on Friday, March 3. Please email admission@flinthill.org or call 703.584.2314 with questions.
School Store - New Items Coming Soon
New apparel items have been ordered and are on the way to the School Store. Stop by the School Store page to check it out.
Upcoming Events
Middle and Upper School Winter Band Concert
Thursday, December 8
Olson Theater (Hazel Lower School), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Information Session
Friday, December 9, 8:15 - 9:00 a.m., Lower School, Room 201
Parent Meet-Up: Orangetheory
Tuesday, December 13, 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Register to Attend
Middle and Upper School Winter Choral Concert
Tuesday, December 13
Olson Theater (Hazel Lower School), 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Information Session
Wednesday, December 14, 7:30 - 8:00 p.m., Virtual via Google Meet
Middle and Upper School Winter Percussion Concert
Thursday, December 15
Upper School Learning Commons, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
Winter Break
Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2
Classes Resume
Tuesday, January 3
Parents' Association
Reminder: Self-Nominations for Divisional Ambassadors due December 16
Interested parents should complete this form to submit their self-nomination by Friday, December 16, at 3:00 p.m.
In reimagining the Parents' Association, we are striving to create a volunteer structure that supports an even wider range of participation, has a time commitment more flexible and manageable for the busy lives of today's parents and better reflects the diverse identities of our student body. Please refer to the email sent Monday, December 5, at 6:00 p.m. for all of the details.
Parents' Association President KayAnn Schoeneman and Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Meredith VanDuyne are hosting two information sessions to answer your questions.
Friday, December 9, 8:15 - 9:00 a.m., Hazel Lower School (Room 201)
Wednesday, December 14, 7:30 - 8:00 p.m., Virtual via Google Meet
If you have any questions about the divisional ambassador role please contact KayAnn Schoeneman or Meredith VanDuyne (703.584.2351).
Parent Meet-Up: Orangetheory Class - Run, Row and Lift with Fellow FH Parents
There's still time to sign up for a private Orangetheory class with your Flint Hill community at the Vienna studio.
Orangetheory is a group fitness, full-body workout class that focuses on either endurance, strength and/or power. All fitness levels and abilities are welcome for this hour-long class. There is no cost to attend, but registration is limited to the first 39 participants.
Tuesday, December 13, 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Location: 127 Maple Ave W., Vienna, Virginia
- 1:00 p.m. - Check-in and demo
- 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Class
- 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. - Refreshments and mingling
Register to Attend - Spaces are limited.
Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum (703.584.2315) in the Advancement Office.
Concessions Volunteers Needed - Winter Schedule Available
Many volunteers are needed to sell concessions during the day, after school and during basketball games. It's a great way to meet other parents and get a special glimpse into the Flint Hill experience. Check out the schedule, and sign up for as many shifts as you'd like. Feel free to invite a friend to sign up with you too!
December
9-Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Information Session
13-Parent Meet-Up: Orangetheory, Tuesday, December 13, 1:00 - 3:15 p.m. Register to Attend
14-Parents' Association Divisional Ambassador Information Session
March
2-Parent Morning Mixer
10-Lower School Spring Uniform Exchange
April
15-Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
May
25-Flint Hill Golf Invitational
June
1-Volunteer Appreciation Reception
