Upper School Newsletter - February 1, 2023

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Message From Division Director

Our next Upper School Parent Coffee will be held on Wednesday, March 1. Each year, the February parent coffee focuses on the topic of course selection and academic planning for the next school year. The coffee is split into different sessions. The morning session, held at 8:30 a.m., is for rising Freshmen (current grade 8 students). The afternoon session, held at 1:00 p.m., is for rising Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (current grades 9-11 students).

Parents who cannot attend these sessions are welcome to reach out to their student’s advisor with any questions about the process. The actual selection of classes happens after Spring Break, so families and students have ample time to plan and ask questions.

Don Paige
Director of the Upper School

Announcements

10-Minute Play Festival — Friday, February 3

Join us for the premiere of eight short plays written, directed, acted and designed entirely by students — Friday, February 3, at 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Olson Theater. Tickets are free and can be reserved at our online box office.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club Discussion, "Stella by Starlight" — Monday, February 6

The Kaleidoscope Book Club provides an opportunity for parents to connect and discuss a variety of topics through books. The group will discuss the book "Stella by Starlight" by Sharon Draper on Monday, February 6, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. You are welcome to attend even if you haven't read the book. We look forward to building and deepening relationships through this shared learning opportunity. Please contact Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Miles Henderson if you have any questions.

Business Dress Day — Wednesday, February 8

The school will hold its annual Flint Hill Day ceremony on Wednesday, February 8. Students in grades 9-11 will wear “business dress,” as per the Upper School Dress Guidelines. Seniors will wear the traditional white polo shirt with khaki pants outfit that the graduating class wears each year to this event. Please note that this is a required student event, so early sign out privileges are only available for students with a confirmed medical appointment. Other requests should be sent directly to Director of the Upper School Don Paige.

Senior Skip Day — Friday, February 10

Each year, the school grants a “skip day” to the senior class when they are granted an excused absence for the day. Traditionally, this is granted on the Monday after the Super Bowl. Because that day is already a Professional Development Day without classes, we have moved it to the Friday before Super Bowl weekend.

Major Minors Concert — Wednesday, February 15

Love is in the air! The Major Minors, Flint Hill’s award winning a cappella group, invite you to their annual concert, featuring songs of love for Valentine’s Day. Bring a date. It’s sure to be a heartwarming experience. The concert is free and will be held in the Upper School Commons on Wednesday, February 15, at 7:00 p.m.

Register Now for Summer on the Hill!

Registration for the 2023 Summer on the Hill is now open! We are proud to offer programs in the following categories:

Headfirst Summer Camps: Ages 3-5
Athletic Camps: Grades 3-9
Enrichment Camps: Grades 5-9
For-Credit and Academic Prep Courses: Grades 9-12
D.C. United Soccer Camp and Washington Nationals Baseball and Softball Camps: Ages 5-13

We look forward to campers and students joining us on campus for new and returning programs and to a safe, enriching and fun summer ahead! Contact Director of After School and Summer Programs Matt McCoart with any questions.

Upcoming Events

Enrollment Contracts Issued
Wednesday, February 1

10-Minute Play Festival
Friday, February 3
Olson Theater (Lower School Campus), 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Reserve tickets

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, February 6
Peterson Middle School Conference Room 204, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Flint Hill Day
Wednesday, February 8
Upper School Gym, 1:15 p.m.

Enrollment Contract Deadline
Thursday, February 9

Parent Meetup: Pickleball
Friday, February 10
Country Club of Fairfax, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Join the waitlist

Professional Development Day, No Classes
Monday, February 13

Major Minors Concert
Wednesday, February 15
Upper School Commons, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Reserve tickets

Presidents' Day, School Closed
Monday, February 20

Upper School Parent Coffee: Academic Planning
Wednesday, March 1
Rising 9th Graders - 8:30 a.m.
Rising 10th-12th Graders - 1:00 p.m.

Parents’ Association

Parent Meetup: Pickleball — Join the Waitlist

Friday, February 10, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Country Club of Fairfax

The Pickleball Social registration is now full, but you can join the waitlist, and we will let you know if space becomes available. Contact Advancement Officer Olivia Landrum ’11 with any questions.

Volunteers Needed: Concessions

Volunteers are needed to sell concessions during the day, after school and during basketball games. 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, or come ready to make a new connection!