Upper School Newsletter – October 29, 2025
October 29, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Upper School Families,
Happy Fall! Here at the Upper School, our students are currently having some fun leading up to conferences and Halloween. On Monday, advisories decorated their classroom doors as part of a hallway theme (i.e. Mummy Manor or Haunted Hallway). Earlier today, during the break, the students guessed how much candy was in the jar, and the winner received candy for their advisory. They also participated in a fun game where a student had to try to eat a dangling donut being held by an advisory member without using their hands. Tomorrow, they will have a Color Day with the 9th and 10th graders wearing orange and the 11th and 12th graders wearing black, an Open Mic during the break, and an SCA Movie Night.
On a separate note, I know that I speak for the Upper School’s teachers when I say that we are thrilled to meet many of you for Parent-Teacher Conferences at the end of the week! They are genuinely excited to hear your perspectives on your child, which is just as important as the updates that they will share from the classroom. Your insights are a vital piece of a teacher's toolkit, providing the essential context we need to help every student succeed. I look forward to hearing about some dynamic and productive two-way conversations about our amazing Huskies.
Finally, please read through the announcements and reminders below. Lots of great things are taking place!
Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School
Announcements
2026-27 School Year Calendar Highlights Now Available
Our 2026-27 Calendar is now available on the Parent Resource Board, including the first and last days of school, breaks, holidays, Conference Days, and Professional Development Days. We will communicate any changes made to the published dates on this calendar in the newsletter.
The Week of Thankful Giving Food Collection — November 10-17
We will hold our annual Week of Thankful Giving from Monday, November 10, through Monday, November 17, and look forward to celebrating with our community. In the Upper School, we will create Thanksgiving boxes for Cornerstones. Cornerstones works to strengthen families in need living and working along the Dulles Corridor. Collections will be done by advisory.
Celebrate Together: Community Festival - November 15
Mark your calendars for our annual Community Festival on Saturday, November 15, from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in the Upper School Commons! Join us for an afternoon of connection, learning, and fun as we celebrate the amazing diversity that defines Flint Hill. Experience vibrant traditions, enjoy delectable foods, and watch captivating performances from around the world. We still have space if your family would like to host an interactive table to showcase a tradition! Please bring your friends and family to explore, engage, and celebrate with us. RSVP so we can plan accordingly!
Preorder Tip-Off Tournament Tees
Attending the 21st Annual Tip-Off Classic on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6? The Tip-Off Tournament kicks off the Flint Hill Varsity Basketball season, and it starts with a white-out themed pep rally for Upper School students on the Friday of the tournament. We encourage Husky fans to continue our white-out theme and wear their Tip-Off T-shirt at the weekend games. Place your order here!
This preorder will be open until Friday, November 7. Exchanges and returns are not available on this item. Look out for game information in an upcoming newsletter!
Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Guided Play
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of Mahjong with fellow parents on Thursday, November 13, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, all are welcome. An instructor will lead lessons for beginners, while experienced players can begin playing together. Registration is limited to 16 parents. Location: The Collins Residence, 5407 18th Street N, Arlington, Virginia 22205. Register and contact Ali Collins P’29, ’31 with any questions.
Tickets Now Available: Upper School Play – 'The Game's Afoot'
Join us in the Olson Theater for the Upper School’s fall production of “The Game's Afoot” by Ken Ludwig. The play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are nonstop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. This play is PG-13. Reserve your tickets now!
Friday, November 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Club Pilates Oakton
Join fellow parents on Wednesday, December 3, 1:00-2:30 p.m. for a beginner-level reformer class at Club Pilates Oakton! Stay afterward for light refreshments and conversations. Registration is limited to 10 parents, and a waitlist will be available once the class is full. Register for Parent Meetup: Club Pilates Oakton and contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum with any questions.
College Advising for Grades 9 and 10 Slides Now Available
If you missed our recent Virtual Parent Education Series (PES) event, Introducing the College Advising Program for Grades 9 and 10, Director of College Advising Susan Chiarolanzio provided a valuable overview of the transition to a four-year college advising program, offering essential insights for parents of 9th and 10th graders. The presentation slides are here to download.
Bake Mini Pies for Teacher Appreciation
As Thanksgiving approaches, spread a little sweetness and gratitude to faculty and staff. Join us in baking and assembling mini pies before Thanksgiving break! Sign up to bake your favorite mini pies — we’ll provide the tins.
Not a baker? You can still join the fun by signing up to help wrap and organize pies for delivery. Contact Assistant Director of Engagement Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Fall Uniform Return
The fall season has come to an end. Please have students return their uniforms to Mr. Alex Walker. Make sure the uniforms are washed, dried, and placed in a plastic bag with your name on it. Place your bagged uniform in the bin by the athletic closet.
Conference/State Tournaments
As we approach the end of regular seasons, stay tuned for the most up-to-date information on conference tournaments available on the school website and on Husky Hub team pages.
Keep Your Eyes On Flickr!
Ever wonder what your students are up to? We’re always out and about, capturing the day-to-day life and big events here at Flint Hill!
We share dozens of photo albums on our Flickr page throughout the year — from classroom lessons and field trips to all-school assemblies. Be sure to bookmark the link and check back often!
Reminders
Parent-Teacher Conferences — Tomorrow and Friday
Upper School faculty look forward to welcoming parents on Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to connect with your student's teachers and advisor. Remember that Upper School conference slots are 8 minutes, and meetings are being held either in-person or virtually, based on your selection during the registration period.
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — The Return of Banned Books
This year, we’re highlighting banned books with a twist: every selection is a graphic novel! These titles combine compelling visuals and immersive storytelling to create a thought-provoking reading experience. The comic format allows readers to deeply engage with diverse characters and challenging, real-life themes, including racial identity, religious faith, healthy relationships, gender identity, and immigration. Our selected texts explore the real-life issues and themes that matter to today’s middle-grade and young adult readers. From healthy relationships to racial identity, religious faith, gender identity, and immigration, these stories open doors to understanding, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of graphic novels or discovering them for the first time, you are welcome to join us monthly (Mondays, 8:30-9:30 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room) for conversation and connection or drop in as your schedule permits. Please complete this interest form to receive additional information and to indicate your interest in upcoming sessions:
November 10: “New Kid” by Jerry Craft
December 8: “Hey Kiddo” by Jarrett Krosoczka
February 2: “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei
March 2: “Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” by Rey Terciero
April 6: “Shirley Jackson's ‘The Lottery’: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman
May 4: “Blankets” by Craig Thompson
Junior Family College Night: Required Attendance on November 12
The Junior Family College Night on Wednesday, November 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m., in the Upper School Gym, is an opportunity for our college advisors to share helpful guidance and advice with junior families. This program will provide an overview of the individual advising process, how to evaluate colleges for admission accessibility, and the support services that the college advisors will provide throughout the college search and application process. The College Planner will also be distributed. Please note that attendance is required by each junior and at least one parent/guardian.
Upcoming Deadlines — Early Admission for Siblings
We’re pleased to offer Husky families an early admission process for siblings applying for the 2026-27 school year. The application form is due Friday, November 7.
Financial Aid Deadline — Monday, December 1
Flint Hill’s need-based financial aid application is now open. Monday, December 1, is the new deadline for financial aid applications. Below is the updated timeline. Please contact admission@flinthill.org or 703.584.2314 with any questions.
- Monday, December 1: Deadline to submit your financial aid application
- Wednesday, January 28: 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to current students, including financial aid decisions.
- Thursday, February 5: Deadline for current families to submit 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts
- Friday, February 27: 2026-27 Enrollment Contracts are issued to new students, including financial aid decisions.
How to Access the Financial Aid Application
- Log in to Husky Hub and go to the Resource Board.
- On the Resource Board, click the Financial Aid Application tile.
- Follow the prompts to begin your application.
Flint Hill Math Competitions
The Flint Hill Upper School Mathematics Department will once again be offering the AMC 10 and AMC 12 competitions this year. Students who enjoy problem-solving, mathematical puzzles, and critical thinking are encouraged to sign up to participate. We look forward to seeing students take a meaningful risk and represent Flint Hill Mathematics in November! Here are details and registration information.
Managing Your Directory Visibility in Husky Hub
As parents and guardians, you can customize what information is visible to other families in the Husky Hub Directory.
To update your visibility preferences, navigate to your Profile (top right corner) and select Settings. From there, choose the Privacy tab on the left to customize what information appears in the Directory. This action removes data from the Directory view and does not delete your information. Changes may take up to 24 hours to update.
Sign Up for a Shift in the Igloo or Den!
One of the most popular ways to get involved is selling concessions in the Igloo or Den — a fun spot to meet parents, catch Upper School life in action, and enjoy the best view of Peterson Family Field. Upper School students can volunteer, too, and earn service hours. There’s always an opportunity, so sign up and invite a friend to join you!
Upcoming Events
Grades JK-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Thursday, October 30 - Friday, October 31
Upper School Winter Athletics Begin
Wednesday, November 5
December ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 7
Early Admission for Siblings Application Form Deadline
Friday, November 7
Application Form
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, November 8
Local National Testing Centers
Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, November 10
Peterson Middle School Conference Room, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Junior Family College Night
Wednesday, November 12
Upper School Gym, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Parent Meetup: Mahjong Lesson and Guided Play
Thursday, November 13
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: The Collins Residence, 5407 18th Street N, Arlington, Virginia 22205
Join the Waitlist
Student National Letter of Intent Early Signing Ceremony
Thursday, November 13
Upper School Learning Commons, 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Cyberpatriot Competition
Friday, November 14
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Upper School Fall Athletics Awards Ceremony
Friday, November 14
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Upper School Fall Play
Friday, November 14, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 16, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Hazel Lower School Olson Theater
Tickets
Community Festival
Saturday, November 15
Upper School Commons, 12:00-2:00 p.m.
RSVP
Parent Volunteer Leadership Fall Mixer
Tuesday, November 18
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Details and RSVP
Upper School Winter Athletics Picture Day
Wednesday, November 19
Upper School Gym, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
December SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, November 21
Virginia Junior Classical League Convention
Sunday, November 23 - Monday, November 24
Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 24 - Friday, November 28
Grades JK-12 No Classes
Admission Application Deadline for Sibling Families
Sunday, November 30
Classes Resume
Monday, December 1
Financial Aid Application Deadline for Current Students
Monday, December 1
Flint Hill Fund Giving Tuesday
Tuesday, December 2
Make your gift to the Flint Hill Fund
Parent Meetup: Club Pilates Oakton
Wednesday, December 3
1:00-2:30 p.m.
Location: Club Pilates Oakton, 2946 Chain Bridge Rd, Unit N, Oakton, Virginia 22124
Register
Upper School Tip-Off Pep Rally
Friday, December 5
Upper School Gym, 1:15-2:15 p.m.
Flint Hill Basketball Tip-Off Tournament
Friday, December 5 - Saturday, December 6
Upper School Gym
SAT National Test Date
Saturday, December 6
Local National Testing Centers
