Upper School Newsletter - September 9, 2020

NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION

Interesting Quote

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

— Frederick Douglass

Interesting Articles

Helping Your Teen Adjust to Socially-Distanced High School

The Value of Character Education 

 

Reminders for Next Week

Students will experience a full day of classes, starting on Monday, September 14, (8:10 a.m.- 2:55 p.m.). The temperature screening process will begin for Upper School students at 7:30 a.m., and Advisory sessions will begin at 8:10 a.m. This is a shift from previous years when our school day started at 8:00 a.m. Don't forget to pack your lunch.

 

Hybrid Schedule

Juniors and seniors are expected to learn from campus on Monday and Tuesday of each week, and our freshmen and sophomores will attend school virtually on Monday and Tuesday of each week.

Freshmen and sophomores are expected to learn from campus on Thursday and Friday of each week, and our Juniors and Seniors will attend school virtually on Thursday and Friday of each week.

All predetermined virtual learners will participate in daily class sessions remotely. Wednesday has been identified as a virtual day for all members of the Upper School community.

 

Virtual Back to School Night

Thursday, September 24, 7 p.m.

Please join us at our Virtual Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 24, at 7 p.m. This virtual platform will provide you with an opportunity to hear from your child’s instructors while being exposed to a snapshot of their daily experience. Course requirements and expectations will be shared during the event.

 

2020-21 Senior Portrait Information

As noted in the message families received last week, this year, senior portraits will be taken in phases. The first phase, for casual senior portraits, will cover photos of students that most represent their personalities and interests. For these portrait sessions, which are optional, students may dress in the clothing of their choice. These sessions will take place on Wednesday, September 30, and Wednesday, October 21, from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Upper School Campus. Portraits are taken by appointment. To schedule an appointment, visit our photographer’s website, select “Flint Hill 2021 Seniors” and follow the prompts, until you arrive at the calendar screen, to schedule your session.

 The second phase, in which students will be photographed in their caps and gowns, will be taken Wednesday, November 4, and Wednesday, November 11, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., on campus. This year, rather than using a cap and gown provided by the photographer, seniors will be given their formal caps and gowns early and must store them at home for safekeeping, until Commencement in June. This mandatory portrait session will consist entirely of formal cap and gown photos, including poses to be used for the yearbook and senior composite. Families will be able to schedule their cap and gown photos, using the link above, at a later date. An announcement will be made in the Weekly Newsletter when scheduling becomes available for these sessions.

Please note there is a one-time $30 fee that covers both sessions. If your student is a virtual learner, or you are unable to schedule an appointment for one of the above dates, you may contact our photographer directly to schedule a personal appointment at their studio at 301.652.5452. Please be sure to complete your cap and gown photos by no later than December 11, 2020, to ensure that your student is included in the 2021 yearbook and senior composite.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Upper School Dean of Students Howard Chang.

 

Portrait Information for Students in Grades 9-11

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 Upper School Campus. Our photographers will be in masks and observing physical distancing.

On-campus learners in 9th and 10th grade will have their portraits taken on Friday, September 25. A make-up day is scheduled for Friday, October 23.

On-campus learners in 11th grade 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.

 

Student Technology Responsible Use Policy

Please take a moment to review our Student Technology Responsible Use Policy with your child. This new document combines the Laptop Use Agreement, iPad Use Agreement and Acceptable use policy into one comprehensive policy document.

 

Carpool Reminder

Please follow the signs that are posted on campus at all times, especially during our morning and afternoon carpool experience. We do not allow left turns into the Upper School circle during morning and afternoon carpool. There will be cones and faculty members present to contribute to a safe and organized experience.

We have observed students and parents walking in the road after parking. Please remember to use the sidewalk and crosswalk while on campus.

Finally, please pull to the far end of the circle when picking up and dropping off your child.

 

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 school 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.

 

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM THE LAST NEWSLETTER

Guidelines for Face Masks

As noted in the Campus Reopening Plan, face masks are required to be worn on campus. In addition to the face masks provided by the School, Upper School students may wear their own personal face masks to school. No references to political affiliations, drugs, alcohol, weapons, sexually explicit or offensive content will be permitted on face masks. Please note that gaiters, bandanas and masks with vents or exhalation valves are also not permitted.

 

Email Communication Information for New Families

We’d like to share some information regarding school email communications with new families who may be accustomed to different processes from their previous schools.

• As a Flint Hill parent, you are automatically opted in to receive school emails; there is no specific action to take to receive emails from the School. However, unsubscribing from a single school email will unsubscribe you from all school communications, so please do not unsubscribe!
• Over time we’ve observed that some businesses have a higher tendency than others to mark bulk emails as spam and/or block access to Google documents. If you have a business email address on file with us, please also make sure we have a personal email address on file so there are no interruptions to your ability to receive communications from the School.
• If you received tonight's newsletter, great news! That means you are subscribed to receive communications from Flint Hill.

 

College Counseling Update

Senior/Parent Virtual College Night — On Thursday, September 10, we will host our annual information night for senior families. We are still finalizing the details of the event but hope you will plan to join us online, at 7:00 p.m., for important information about our application review process and for guidance and advice on applying to college, particularly with regard to today’s Covid-19-impacted admission process. During the Senior/Parent Virtual College Night, we will outline our application review process and how seniors will be able to interact with their college counselor throughout the year.

Senior Check-in Meetings — On September 11, 16, 17 and 18, each senior will meet for a brief virtual check-in meeting with their college counselor. Scheduling information will be shared with seniors next week. These check-ins will allow seniors to ask questions and discuss their current college list. Counselors will provide feedback and advice, which will allow the student to position him/herself best to maximize the chances for admission.

Meetings with College Representatives — We already have almost 70 virtual visits scheduled with admissions officers from a broad range of colleges, including 24 visits set for the week of September 7 alone! Seniors are allowed to miss class to attend a meeting with a college admission officer, as long as they have secured permission from their teacher. Participants must sign-up in SCOIR to attend. Registering in SCOIR will give access to the visit’s Google Meet. Because students will be learning at home when the visits take place, we do ask that parents/guardians allow their senior to participate in the visit on their own. College admission officers are happy to engage with parents in other forums but expect that these visits will include only students. Thank you for your understanding. These visits are not visible to parents on their SCOIR portal but can be viewed on the college counseling tile on the resource board and Flint Hill’s electronic calendar.

 

Morning and Afternoon Carpool

On-campus students should plan to arrive on campus between 7:30-7:50 a.m., to avoid late arrivals. Students will be released from their final class of the day (period 5) when their ride has arrived in the Upper School circle. Every family was mailed carpool signs last week. Families with multiple households were mailed signs to each address. Please display your carpool signs during both morning and afternoon carpool. You can see a demonstration of Upper School carpool here.

 

Dress Code

In response to feedback from families, we have made a few adjustments to the Upper School dress code for this unique school year. The Upper School dress code for the 2020-21 school year was created with comfort in mind. Our gender-neutral dress code permits casual pants, including jeans, and comfortable tops, consisting of polo shirts, Oxford shirts, blouses, and sweaters as well as hooded sweatshirts. Students are also allowed to wear skirts and dresses.

The dress code must be respectful. No references to political affiliations, drugs, alcohol, weapons, sexually explicit or offensive content on clothing or school-related items will be permitted.

There are a few restrictions.

• No shorts
• No T-shirts
• No torn or ripped clothing
• Shoes must have backs (no slides, flip-flops, etc.)
• College sweatshirts are reserved for SENIORS ONLY as a senior privilege

If you have specific questions, please contact Upper School Dean of Students Howard Chang at 703-584-2300.