Upper School Newsletter - May 5, 2021

NEW/UPDATED INFORMATION

 

Quotes of the Week

“Integrity is when you say the same things publicly that you say privately.”

— Simon Sinek

“The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”  

— Carl Rogers

 

Interesting Article

Parents, Teens, and Alcohol: A Dangerous Mix

 

An Update from the Counseling Office

Last week was an emotional week at Flint Hill, as we celebrated our seniors. Times like these highlight the importance of relationships, community and the resources we have at school. Being a teenager today is more demanding than ever. Your children are constantly juggling the responsibilities of family, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, friendships, their social media identities and their college resumes.

We recognize the challenges of navigating the teenage years and help foster social-emotional health in many proactive ways: through Human Development classes, advisory, Community of Care events, strong student-teacher relationships and the support from our full-time counselors: Andrew Doll, Charlotte Fomengia and Natalie McLaughlin. Supporting your child and recognizing early warning signs of serious emotional distress can be difficult for parents as well. Here is a list of common symptoms of mental health diagnoses.

Please feel free to contact our counselors, if you have any questions or concerns.

 

 

The Path to $15,000 Annual Fund Challenge

We’re almost there! Our community is well on its way to raising $15,000 and securing the matching funds from our generous trustee.

Thanks to those of you who have already been counted in. But we’re not there yet – we still need your help! With every gift, we’re one step closer.

Ensure students and teachers have the necessary tools and resources to solve any challenge that comes their way by making your gift today!

 

 

Athletics Corner

Welcome to the Athletics Corner! Find all your Flint Hill Athletic weekly updates here!

Spring Sports Schedule:

• We are excited that spring sports start and compete this week!!!!
• Schedule:
  • May 7 Girls’ Lacrosse vs. Bullis — Home
  • May 7 Boys’ Tennis vs. Highland School — Home
  • May 8 Boys’ Lacrosse vs. Blue Ridge — Home
  • May 8 Boys’ JV Baseball vs. GDS — Home
  • May 8 Boys’ Varsity Baseball vs. Highland School — Away
  • May 8 Girls’ Lacrosse vs. Bullis — Away

We are hoping to stream these matches on our Flint Hill YouTube channel.

Spectator Policy:

Our leagues, the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAC) and the Independent School League (ISL),  have approved spectators for the upcoming spring season. The leagues have approved two spectators (family members/guests) for each home athlete only. Family members/guests or students from visiting/non-host schools are not permitted, and no other outside spectators are permitted.

In accordance with our respective leagues, Flint Hill has approved the following spectator policy for the spring sports:

1. Two immediate family members per Flint Hill player are allowed. No other spectators are permitted.
   1. Family members must sign up prior to each game so we have an accurate list of spectators attending the match.
   2. Please find the sign-up form for spectators here.
   3. If a student has more than two parents/guardians, please reach out to me to discuss options.

Spring Sports Covid-19 Testing

• We will test fall athletes in all grades, 9-12, on Thursdays before practice. This Covid-19 testing schedule will allow us to schedule competitions on Fridays and Saturdays with other schools that are also testing. All in-season athletes must complete Covid-19 testing each week in order to practice or compete.
• Students must test on Thursday to play in matches or games.

Husky Highlights:

• Katie Chong — Coach Krug had this to say about Katie: “She is one of our experienced players who sets a great example for our novice players and is very supportive of their learning curve. She also cleared the bases with a grand slam home run in our first game and pitched us to a win in the second.  She unselfishly plays out of position to make the team stronger.” Way to go, Katie!!
• Jackson Emery — Coach Verbanic has this to say about Jackson: “Jackson Emery has led the Huskies offensively, batting .600 through the first 5 games with 10 RBIs. He has played a flawless centerfield and has come through in clutch situations at the plate. The entire baseball team has been working really hard, and Jackson’s leadership has shown through.” Way to go, Jackson!!!!

Social Media

Please follow our social media accounts @flinthillathletics on Instagram and @Athletics_FHS on Twitter for fun challenges between our athletes, Husky Highlights, and photos from our athletic events!

 

UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM LAST WEEK

 

Spring Exam Schedule

Here is the Upper School exam schedule:

• May 27: Reading Day (required for Grades 9 and 10) — this is a change, as we used to only require Grade 9. In other years, students from other grades could attend optionally.
• May 28: Math Exams.
• June 1: Upper School History Exams and 9/10 English Essay Exams.
• June 2: Science Exams.
• June 3: Language Exams.
• June 4: Closing Ceremony.

 

Please Complete the Student Vaccination Form

Let's all do our part! Vaccine appointments are open to everyone 16 and older. Let’s protect ourselves and each other. Another benefit is that any student or employee who received their final vaccine dose 14 days or more before exposure does not have to quarantine per CDC guidelines.

Students and employees who have been fully vaccinated 14 days or more before exposure to a person who tests positive will be exempt from quarantine if the Student COVID-19 Vaccination Form has been completed. In the event of a positive case, the list of students for whom this information is on file will be reviewed in advance of a Red Group Notification being sent. Those individuals will not receive the Red Group Notification message.

If your student has already been vaccinated, please complete the form now. Otherwise please complete it at the time the final dose is administered. 

 

 

Transportation

Bus service to and from Flint Hill is an important logistical component for many of our families.  We are working toward providing bus service for the 2021-22 school year for Middle and Upper School students only.

If you are interested in bus service for the 2021-22 school year, please complete the bus service interest form by Friday, May 7. Information on cost, possible routes, stops and pick-up/drop-off times is included on the bus service interest form.

The final list of available bus routes will be determined by ridership demand and is subject to change.

 

 

Student Virtual Trivia Night for Rising Grades 5-12 — Wednesday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Students currently in grades 4 through 11 are invited to a Trivia Night! Similar to the recent parent event, this event will be hosted by Trivia Hub and will feature a live host. Students new to Flint Hill next year are also joining in on the fun. To help students make new connections, we will randomly create grade level teams that include both new and current students. Teams will huddle in breakout rooms as they discuss their answers, so the evening will be a combination of time with all participants and small group fun.

Sign Up here to participate. The registration deadline is Wednesday, May 12.

 

 

A Reminder from Health Services

Last week, we shared a reminder with Middle and Upper School students, faculty and staff regarding our COVID-19 mitigation protocols. We understand we’re all seeing the same headlines about anticipated changes to guidance for mask-wearing and distancing as vaccinations increase. And the day we sent the email, the CDC updated its guidance on mask-wearing outdoors for vaccinated individuals.

We want to remind our families that at Flint Hill, we are still following the guidance of our local health department, and the safety protocols that have brought us this far in the school year.

We want to make sure that our students can have a strong finish to the school year and avoid quarantines and preventable disruptions after we’ve come so far!

Here are the reminders we shared with your students:

• Everyone is still required to wear a mask at all times, except in instances in which a teacher or staff member is alone in a classroom or office. In those instances, masks can be removed. Students may remove their masks during meals and scheduled mask breaks. This is still the case regardless of vaccination status.
• Between athletics and divisional outdoor activities, there is a range of approaches among students and adults when it comes to physical distancing and wearing masks outdoors. The default should always be to wear masks and maintain a safe distance during athletic practices, recess and other outdoor activities. However, our Director of Health Services Mary Hart has worked with the division directors on division-specific guidelines regarding mask-wearing and distancing outdoors, and families are encouraged to contact them if you have specific questions.

We are so close to ending this year on a high note, and if we work together, we can do exactly that. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

 

2021 Virtual Fine Arts Awards are Now Online

In this special video, each of our Upper School Fine Arts awardees has been interviewed by their nominating teacher. Their stories about their experiences as artists at Flint Hill School are inspiring and illuminating. Congratulations to all of our Fine Arts award winners, and their teachers.

 

 

 

Virtual Clay Camp: CLAY-ZY Days of Summer

This camp will get you hooked on CLAY! So, get fired up! Come explore the exciting world of ceramics in this two-week virtual program. Live instructor demonstrations, practice and group discussions will occur in our Google Hangout Meets. Clay campers will have an opportunity to work both independently and collaboratively throughout each meeting with both peers and instructors. This camp offers exposure to a wide range of techniques and projects while developing good relationships throughout our studio community. Clay Camp is designed to offer opportunities for all skill levels to develop their technical ability with clay while finding their unique voice as a maker. Individual instruction will promote creative expression and skill development. Each camper will complete a body of work they can both use and admire for many years to come.

No experience is necessary and all levels are welcome. Our session will end with a celebratory online exhibition of selected works.

Materials:

All clay, glaze materials and firings are included in the camp fee. Each camper will need to pick up a 50lb box of clay prior to the first day of camp (included in camp). Participants will also be supplied with a beginner tool kit and supplies.

Session:    June 14-25

Time:        9-11 a.m.

Grades:    Rising grades 5-12

Cost:        $500

School Store

Updates

• As the school year comes to an end, inventory will be restocked in late summer for the 2021-22 school year.
• Returns and Exchanges are quick and easy, but the items returned must sit in quarantine before they are returned to inventory. Please order only the size you think you need, so we can keep as much inventory in stock as possible. We are happy to change out the size quickly if it doesn’t fit.
• Enjoy free shipping on all orders for the month of May!

Restock Alert!

• Boys’ and girls’ shorts are now in stock in sizes small to x-large!

How do I make an exchange or return?

• Please contact Adrienne Robinson within 30 days of your original purchase.
• Exchanges may be made for the same item in a different size or for an item of equal value.
• We are happy to issue a refund for items that did not work for you.