Upper School Newsletter - January 4, 2023

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Message From Division Director

Welcome back, Huskies! I hope that everyone had a restful and enjoyable Winter Break.

As a reminder, we have seven days until the semester ends on Friday, January 13. The end of any semester is often a busy time for students as they finish makeup assignments and close out assessments. For many students, this can feel like an abrupt transition from the calm lull of the break. Though we do not hold semester exams in January, there are still steps students need to take to make sure that they are organized and prepared as they finish strong. Particularly for younger students, it is important that they sit down and look at all of their upcoming assignments so they can design a plan to complete their work between now and the end of the semester. If students need any guidance on how to create this type of academic plan, they can turn to their advisor for help during office hours.

Though families can follow their student’s grades through Husky Hub, official first semester report cards will be released on Wednesday, January 25.

Don Paige
Director of the Upper School

Announcements

Alumni Virtual College Panel — January 9

NOTE THE TIME CHANGE. On Monday, January 9, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Middle and Upper School families are invited to join us virtually to hear directly from recent graduates as they describe their transition to college and respond to questions about what they have learned, how they were prepared and the challenges they experienced during this pivotal time. We hope you’ll join us to learn about how Flint Hill prepares students for college life — inside and outside the classroom. This year’s event will be virtual (and can be accessed using the links below), based on the student’s current grade at Flint Hill.

Panel for Grades 11 and 12

Panel for Grades 7 - 10

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.

Kaleidoscope Book Club Mtg. — January 9

The Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club will meet again on Monday, January 9 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School to discuss “Tornado Brain” by Cat Patrick. Our monthly meetings allow us to share, connect and learn from different perspectives and experiences. We look forward to building and deepening relationships through this shared learning opportunity. Please contact Miles Henderson, All School Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, to join our email list.

Head of School Coffee: Budget — Thursday, January 12

Current families are invited to join Head of School Patrick McHonett and Associate Head of School for Finance & Operations Anne Peterson for our annual budget coffee on Thursday, January 12, at 8:15 a.m. in the Upper School multipurpose room.

Flint Hill Magazine – Fall/Winter Issue Online

We hope you enjoyed reading the Fall/Winter issue of Flint Hill Magazine sent by mail over the break. You can now view the issue online. Prefer receiving Flint Hill Magazine electronically only and not by mail? Complete this short form to confirm paperless only delivery for future issues.

Service Animal on Campus

Starting this week, one of our students will begin bringing a service dog to campus. This accommodation is granted to the student under the rules and guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The dog will be wearing a service vest at all times and will not interact with other students. We also announced this to the students at Tuesday’s town meeting with clear guidelines that they cannot pet, feed or interact with the service dog.

Optional Ordering for Class Rings and Graduation Announcements — Grade 11 and 12 Families — by January 16

To purchase optional graduation announcements (for grade 12 families) or optional class rings (for grade 11 families), interested families must place an order by Monday, January 16. 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. Any inquiries related to graduation announcements or class rings should be communicated with Herff Jones directly: info@hjvirginia.com or 804.598.0971.

Upcoming Events

Financial Aid Application Deadline
Monday, January 9

Kaleidoscope Book Club Meeting
Monday, January 9
Peterson Middle School, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Virtual College Panel for 7th-12th Grade Families
Monday, January 9
Virtual, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (*note the time change)

US Division Coffee: Senior Projects
Wednesday, January 11
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Head of School Coffee: Budget
Thursday, January 12
Upper School Multipurpose Room, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.

End of Second Quarter and First Semester
Friday, January 13

Martin Luther King Day
Grades JK-12 No Classes, Administrative Offices Closed
Monday, January 16

Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back
Thursday, January 19
Sign up to participate!

Parents’ Association

Winter Concessions — Volunteers Needed

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!

Next Parent Meetup: Women Giving Back — Thursday, January 19

Parent Meetups — for JK-12 parents — are small off-campus events focused on a shared activity or interest. The next Parent Meetup will focus on making a difference at Women Giving Back, an organization that supports women and children in crisis by providing quality clothing at no cost. On Thursday, January 19, join other FH parents to help sort donations at the Sterling warehouse. Sign up to participate! Questions? Contact Olivia Landrum ‘11 in the Advancement Office.

Parents Council of Washington — Mental Health Panel
Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm, The Field School

Are you wondering how to talk with your child/student about worries in a helpful and reassuring way?
Do you know what resources your school can provide to support the mental health of your child/student?
How can you tell if therapy is "working" and how do you find a right-fit therapist?

Flint Hill is a member of the Parents Council of Washington (PCW), a nonprofit organization that hosts programming for member schools throughout the school year. On Wednesday, January 25, FH parents are invited to attend a PCW event where a panel of expert psychologists and counselors will share first-hand observations and insights and explore the value of school-based student support systems as well as ways that parents/guardians can partner with schools to enhance a culture of wellness. Learn about the difference between anxiety and stress, social exclusion versus bullying, and the skills that need to be developed from interrupted schooling during the pandemic.

The panel includes: Lower and Middle School Counselor Adam Diaz from Landon School; School Psychologist and Upper School Counselor Dr. Holly Hinderlie from Holton-Arms School; and Upper School Counselor and Director of Student Support Josie Woods from The Potomac School. Dr. Heather Tedesco, psychologist, will be the moderator, and an audience Q&A will follow the panel discussion.

Register to attend this event, which will be held in person on January 25, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the Field School, 2301 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC 20007.