Upper School Newsletter – April 1, 2025

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April 1, 2026

Letter From the Division Director

Dear Huskies,

I hope that the past two weeks with your child(ren) have been excellent and that you were able to find some time for relaxation and fun together. I also hope that everyone is excited to be back!

Flint Hill comes to life in the spring with loads of athletic contests planned, and the month of April has some awesome Fine and Performing Arts events scheduled. All families and friends are invited, and I look forward to seeing you along the sidelines, in a theater seat, or walking the halls of the Upper School. Please be sure to read about both our Arts Jam and the Visual Arts Show Opening Reception in the Announcements and Reminders sections below.

Continuing into May, we kick off the month with Senior Day on Friday, May 1, as well as the Upper School Musical, Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 3. Both will be phenomenal community moments leading us into AP exams and the final month of school.

Two other important dates to highlight for you:

Thursday, April 9, is when your child(ren) will be selecting courses for next year. Our teachers have already entered their recommendations, and now returning students get to look at and choose the courses that are available to them. This will happen in advisory during the Flex Block, but students will have the chance to update their registrations until Wednesday, April 22. Any questions can be directed to Howard Chang.
Saturday, April 11, is the Spring Semiformal Dance and will be held at the Upper School from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A reminder that doors close at 9:00 p.m.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch. Have a wonderful week!

Regards,

Chris Tennyson
Director of the Upper School

Announcements

The Arts Are Blossoming This Spring!

April is a wonderful time to experience the creativity of our Fine and Performing Arts students. We invite you to browse the Upcoming Events section below and join us for various events featuring our artists, musicians, and performers as they share the work they’ve been creating this year.

School Store Pop-Up — Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10

The School Store will host a pop-up shop on Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10, in the Upper School Multipurpose Room. Students may stop in and shop during the school day. Payments can be made in cash, via Apple Pay, or with credit cards.

Upper School Musical — Ticket Box Opens Wednesday, April 15

The Upper School Theatre students’ spring production of “Your-In-Town!” is coming to the Olson Theater from Friday, May 1, to Sunday, May 3. This witty, high-energy musical proves that even the most unexpected stories can make for great theatre. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 15.

Show Times:

Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.

PES: Coffee and Conversation With the Learning Center Team — Tuesday, April 21

This Parent Education Series event is an opportunity to connect with other parents of students who use the Learning Center and discuss topics of interest with the Learning Center team. Join us on Tuesday, April 21, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Peterson Middle School Learning Commons.

Virtual PES: Navigating Student Support Services at the College Level for Parents of Seniors — Wednesday, April 22

Parents of seniors are invited to a virtual Parent Education Series session on Wednesday, April 22, 12:00-1:00 p.m., with Upper School Learning Center specialists and the director of college advising. Learn about college-level academic support, including requesting accommodations, navigating support differences, fostering self-advocacy, and preparing your student for this transition. (A condensed in-person version will be offered to students in late April.)

Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/cfm-dona-uew
Or join by phone: ‪(US) +1 636-707-2787‬ PIN: ‪159 172 076‬#

National Letter of Intent Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony — Wednesday, April 22

Students committing to play sports at the collegiate level will be recognized at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 22, 2:30-3:15 p.m., in the Upper School Learning Commons.

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception — Wednesday, April 22

The Spring Visual Arts show on Wednesday, April 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in the Upper School Commons, offers a chance to experience the incredible work of our Upper School visual arts students, featuring pieces from studio art, ceramics, digital and graphic design, photography, film, and more. This evening will celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and artistic exploration that are central to the Fine Arts experience at Flint Hill. Opening remarks begin at 6:00 p.m.

RSVP for Prom Night on the Hill — Friday, April 24

Break out your best 80s look — Prom is back, and this time it’s just for the grown-ups! On Friday, April 24, 8:00-10:00 p.m., enjoy an all-adult social evening with current parents, alumni parents, and faculty and staff that leans into all the nostalgic fun — plus a few things you definitely didn’t have at your high school prom. RSVP by Wednesday, April 15, and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.

Senior Day — Friday, May 1

The Senior Day program is a special seniors-only event on Friday, May 1, at the Upper School, that celebrates the relationships between students and faculty/staff. The events of the day will allow the community to celebrate the journey of the senior class.

Senior Parents: Sign Up to Support Senior Breakfast — Friday, May 1

Senior parents are invited to support our Senior Day festivities by providing breakfast for the Class of 2026. Sign up to contribute to the breakfast. On Friday, May 1, drop off your donations between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. in the Upper School Circle. Your items will be delivered and served on your behalf.

Senior Parent Meetup — Friday, May 1

While students are enjoying Senior Day, on Friday, May 1, join Divisional Ambassador Solat Zaidi and fellow Senior parents at Compass Coffee in Fairfax, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Spend time reflecting on your FH journey together and write letters to your Senior. RSVP here and contact Solat Zaidi with any questions. Compass Coffee is located at 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Hit the Links With the Flint Hill Community — Thursday, May 21

Whether you play every week or are new to the game, there’s a spot for you at the Golf Invitational and Skills Social on Thursday, May 21. Play in the 18-hole scramble or join the Skills Social — a casual, beginner-friendly clinic to work on your swing (clubs included!) with co-chairs Caroline Gray ’08, Head of School Patrick McHonett, and Jessica McHonett P'31, '35.

Bring your own foursome, or we’ll pair you up with fellow Huskies. Not able to play, but want to make a difference? You can still get in on the fun by sponsoring or volunteering. All skill levels welcome, but spots are limited. Register today!

Flint Hill Fund — Lead the Pack Challenge Starts Today!

It’s go time, Huskies!

The Flint Hill Fund Lead the Pack Challenge is officially underway. We kicked off today at the Upper School with an April Fool’s Carpool Takeover, where students, parents, teachers, and staff were wondering if they were at the Lower School!

Now that the challenge is on, let’s pull together, Huskies!

Check out where your division or grade stands — and who’s out in front!

For any division or grade that reaches its goal, here’s how we’ll celebrate:

Lower School: Pajama Day!
Middle School: Free Dress Day!
Upper School (by grade 9–12): Pie in the Face Day!

Thank you to the families who are already leading the way with a gift or pledge to this year’s effort! Every gift (or pledge payable by June 30) counts toward your child’s division or Upper School grade.

Reminders

Virtual PES: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use — Thursday, April 2

Parents are invited to join us on Thursday, April 2, 8:15-9:15 a.m., for a virtual Parent Education Series conversation with prevention specialist Brenda Conlan. This session will focus on guiding preteens and teens toward healthy, substance-free decisions to help pave the way for an emotionally healthy adulthood. Brenda will share insights from her current work with Flint Hill 8th graders and provide practical tips for parents to navigate these important topics at home. Use this Google Meet link to join virtually.

Parent Meetup: Walking Group — Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24

Walk with fellow parents through different trails and neighborhoods near the School. Our first spring walks together will be on Friday, April 3, and Friday, April 24, 8:20-9:15 a.m. The location will be shared with the group before each walk. Register here and contact Upper School Divisional Ambassador Molisa Meholic P’29 with any questions.

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club — Last 2 Meetings of the Year! Monday, April 6, and Monday, May 4

Spring is here, and with it come our final two Book Club meetings of the year. We look forward to gathering for our last banned book selection, “Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery: The Authorized Graphic Adaptation” by Miles Hyman, on Monday, April 6.

By popular request, we’ve updated our final selection to a different graphic novel, “The Anxious Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” by Jonathan Haidt. This meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 4.

Whether fiction or nonfiction, our selections explore the literary topics and current issues that matter most to today’s young, middle-grade, and young adult readers—and help foster thoughtful, healthy conversations for those parenting them. From relationships and identity to faith and belonging, these stories invite reflection, build understanding, and open the door to meaningful dialogue.

Both meetings will be held from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Peterson Middle School Conference Room. Please complete this interest form or drop in as your schedule permits.

Virtual PES: Practice ACT Review Session and Standardized Testing Overview for 10th Grade Families — Tuesday, April 7

For this Virtual Parent Education Series session, Compass Education Group is offering a webinar, “Navigating College Admissions Tests,” for Flint Hill families of 10th graders on Tuesday, April 7, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Learn what you need to know about the latest developments in SAT/ACT Digital Transitions; crafting a personalized testing and prep timeline; and more. Registration is required. Upon registering, parents will receive the link to the virtual event.

A recording of this program will be sent to anyone who registers. Attendance at this virtual program is not required to receive the recording.

Arlington Parent Meetup — Thursday, April 9

On Thursday, April 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m., join Divisional Ambassadors Julia Blizzard, Ali Collins, Becca Moss, and Jackie Rotz for a casual meetup to connect with fellow Arlington parents. While this event is geared toward Arlington parents, all JK-12 parents are invited to join! RSVP here and contact Julia Blizzard or Ali Collins with any questions.

Upper School Spring Semiformal Dance — Saturday, April 11

The SCA is hosting this year’s Spring Semiformal Dance on Saturday, April 11, 8:30-10:00 p.m. at the Upper School. This year’s theme is “Gatsby.” Students must arrive by 9:00 p.m. and stay until the end. Students are encouraged to attend with friends (dates are not necessary). Guest Forms (for outside guests only) are due to Dean of Students Jeremiah Shepherd by Tuesday, April 7, 3:30 p.m.

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle — Tuesday, April 14

Stay active with fellow parents and join Katie Ramsey and Fatima Latif for a Zumba class! Katie will lead a 45-minute class that gets your heart pumping and ends with a Pilates-style stretch. The next class will be Tuesday, April 14, 9:00-10:00 a.m., with another class to follow on Tuesday, May 12, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180. Sign up for each date that you can attend and contact Katie Ramsey with any questions.

Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are — Wednesday, April 15

You’re invited to Arts Jam 2026: WHO We Are! Join us for a celebration of identity through music, featuring collaborative performances inspired by the iconic sound of The Who. More than a tribute, the concert reflects the heart of our Performing Arts program — creativity, collaboration, and the shared joy of making music together. It will be a wonderful night of entertainment that spotlights our talented percussion, choir, band, and musical theater ensembles. Arts Jam will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m., at George Mason University's Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Dads Meetup at Topgolf — Thursday, April 16

Connect with fellow dads while enjoying some friendly competition at Topgolf on Thursday, April 16, 6:00-8:00 p.m. While this event is geared toward dads, parent meetups are open to all JK-12 parents and guardians. Register here and contact Olivia Landrum with any questions. Special thanks to Divisional Ambassador Mani Qazi P’29 for hosting and Lion Federal for sponsoring this meetup!

Commencement 2026 Details and Website Now Available

Our Commencement webpage is now updated with everything you need to know for the Class of 2026 graduation on Friday, June 12. Visit the site for the full event schedule, parking instructions, and details on the ceremony livestream for those cheering from afar. We are honored to welcome Anjali Singh Code ’02, chief development officer at the Malala Fund, as our distinguished alum Commencement speaker to share her insights with our graduates.

Concessions Volunteers Needed: Spring Schedule Available!

The spring athletic season is here, and the Den will reopen for selected athletic games! We need many volunteers to keep both the Igloo and Den concession stands running smoothly. Upper School students can also volunteer in the Den and receive service hours.

Upcoming Events

Click on the plus sign to add the event to your Google Calendar. Important note: changes made to the original calendar event won't populate on your Google calendar, so please be sure to look out for changes announced in the newsletter.

Virtual Parent Education Series: Postponing Alcohol and Drug Use
Thursday, April 2
8:15-9:15 a.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/nwm-mhkr-swb

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 3
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Kaleidoscope Parent Book Club
Monday, April 6
8:30-9:30 a.m., Peterson Middle School Conference Room
Interest Form

Virtual Parent Education Series: Practice ACT Review Session and Standardized Testing Overview for 10th Grade Families
Tuesday, April 7
7:00-8:00 p.m.
Register — Upon registering for Compass Education Group’s webinar, “Navigating College Admissions Tests,” parents will receive the link to the virtual event.

School Store Pop-Up
Thursday, April 9, and Friday, April 10
Upper School Multipurpose Room

Arlington Parent Meetup
Thursday, April 9
6:00-8:00 p.m.
SER, 1110 N Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201
RSVP

Parents' Association Spring Tennis Social
Friday, April 10
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Middle and Upper School Campus Tennis Courts

Upper School Spring Semiformal Dance
Saturday, April 11
8:30-10:00 p.m., Upper School Building
Guest Forms (for outside guests only) are due to Dean of Students
Jeremiah Shepherd
by Tuesday, April 7, 3:30 p.m.

ACT National Test Date
Saturday, April 11
Local National Testing Centers

Parent Meetup: Move and Mingle
Tuesday, April 14
9:00-10:00 a.m.
Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Register

Arts Jam
Wednesday, April 15
7:00-9:30 p.m.
George Mason Center for the Arts, 4373 Mason Pond Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030

Dads Meetup at Topgolf
Thursday, April 16
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Topgolf Loudoun, 20356 Commonwealth Center Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20147
Register

Faculty Professional Development, Grades JK-12 No Classes
Friday, April 17

May SAT Registration Deadline
Friday, April 17

Parent Education Series: Coffee and Conversation With the Learning Center Team
Tuesday, April 21
8:15-9:15 a.m., Peterson Middle School Learning Commons

Virtual Parent Education Series: Navigating Student Support Services at the College Level for Parents of Seniors
Wednesday, April 22
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/cfm-dona-uew
Or join by phone: ‪(US) +1 636-707-2787‬ PIN: ‪159 172 076‬#

National Letter of Intent Spring Athletic Signing Ceremony
Wednesday, April 22
2:30-3:15 p.m., Upper School Learning Commons

Upper School Visual Arts Show Opening Reception
Wednesday, April 22
5:30-7:00 p.m., Opening Remarks 6:00 p.m., Upper School Commons

Parent Meetup: Walking Group
Friday, April 24
8:20-9:15 a.m.
Location will be shared with the group before the walk.
Register

Prom Night on the Hill
Friday, April 24
8:00-10:00 p.m., Peterson Middle School
RSVP by Wednesday, April 15

Enrollment Contract Binding Date
Friday, May 1

Senior Day
Friday, May 1, Upper School Building

Senior Parents: Senior Breakfast Drop Off
Friday, May 1
8:15-8:45 a.m., Upper School Circle
Sign Up

Senior Parent Meetup
Friday, May 1
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Compass Coffee, 10400 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030
RSVP

Upper School Musical
Friday, May 1, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, 7:00-9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 2:00-4:30 p.m.
Olson Theater, Hazel Lower School
Ticket Box Office opens on Wednesday, April 15

SAT National Test Date
Sunday, May 3

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