Every Friend Was Once a Stranger

Every friend was once a stranger — I think about that when I reflect on all the parents I have met while being a parent at Flint Hill. Now I can’t imagine my life without you all.

 Last week I was able to host the first Parents’ Association grade-level dinner at someone’s home in two years. Junior parent Mark Lowham was the first person to email back after I had shamelessly asked for hosts in every newsletter this winter. I called him straight away, and he explained that he and his husband, Joe, brought their son Alexander to Flint Hill last year and, because of the pandemic, hadn’t met many other Junior families, and that they love to host parties. A date was set and the evite was sent.  

As I drove up to the Lowham-Ruzzo home, I felt excited, maybe even nervous. Having parents get together like this is so important to me, and I couldn’t believe it was finally happening again. Mark greeted me at the door, I hugged him, and the fun began! I was able to see parents/friends that I hadn’t seen since these juniors were freshmen, and I got to meet lots of new families that have joined the Flint Hill family in the last two years.

 We talked, drank, ate and laughed, and when I left that night, I had to call my best friend to recap the whole night. It was wonderful. Thank you, Mark and Joe!

 So, over the next few months, I will be hosting a parent social for each grade. I will be sending evites, so please look out for them. I know it is hard to attend everything, but this is something special. I hope you join us on April 22 as we celebrate Mr. Thomas and his upcoming retirement, on May 26 for the Golf Clinic or Tournament, and at every coffee (virtual or in person) in between. 

Another great opportunity to meet people is to volunteer at the Igloo or Den – even if you are a Lower School family, it is such a great chance to see our amazing Middle and Upper School students and maybe meet a new friend. 

 The community that we all create and are a part of is what makes Flint Hill like nowhere else.