Upper School Newsletter – May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025
Letter From the Division Director
Good evening, Huskies.
Congratulations to all of our Huskies for being so close to the end of the year. We have one more day of exams tomorrow (science exams), and then we will host the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 30. Details about that ceremony, prom, and final grade reports can be found below.
Before heading off into the summer adventures, here’s a short checklist of things to remind your student.
- Athletes need to turn in all of their uniforms and equipment.
- All students need to upload their community service hours to the x2Vol portal. Information and instructions can be found in the Husky Hub Resource Board on the Middle and Upper School Community Service tile.
- Students need to check email periodically in the summer because the registrar might reach out to them with questions about their course requests or scheduling conflicts.
Don Paige
Director of the Upper School
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Required and Recommended Summer Work
We've added information to the Required and Recommended Summer Work Resource Board tile on the Husky Hub. While you're there, also check the Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year tile for other helpful resources and a handy parent action item list.
Back-to-school forms are now available on Husky Hub and are due by Sunday, June 15. These forms are required for your student to attend school and any school activities before the academic year officially begins. If you have any questions about student forms, please reach out to our Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight.
Final Grade Reports — Open Wednesday, June 11
Your child’s Upper School Second Semester Report will be available on Husky Hub on Wednesday, June 11, at 4:00 p.m. The grade report will post second semester grades for each subject. Please note that we do not issue year-long grades, only semester-based grades. Report cards do not contain exam scores, but those grades can be found on Husky Hub after the teacher finishes grading the assessments. If you would like to see what a Flint Hill transcript looks like once those grades are entered, you can see a sample transcript in the Upper School Academic Handbook. Families that would like to receive a copy of that transcript for summer programs should reach out to Upper School Registrar Maha Morse.
Important Yearbook Distribution Update
This year, Flint Hill is implementing a new yearbook distribution model — a change driven by sustainability considerations. Historically, we've handed out yearbooks to every student on the last day of school. Below is our updated approach:
- Each senior will still receive an individual copy of the yearbook.
- Families with students in grades JK-11 will receive one yearbook per family.
- Families with a senior and other siblings will receive two yearbooks (one for the senior and one for the family).
While this updated model means we won't have the traditional yearbook signing, we're now able to adjust the production schedule to include end-of-year activities that truly define the school year, such as Field Day, HuskyFest, Prom, 6th and 8th Grade Promotion, and Commencement. This way, your yearbook will be a more complete and cherished memento!
Pickup Information: Yearbooks are expected to be available the last week of July. Families will be notified by email and invited to collect their yearbooks from their eldest child’s divisional school office during set hours. Students who are unable to pick up their yearbook by the end of the summer will be able to get it when they return to school in August. Families of multiples will have the opportunity to request one yearbook per child if desired, at no extra cost; and we'll share details of how to request in late July.
We understand many seniors will be off to college before yearbooks arrive. We kindly ask families to pick up yearbooks on their behalf. We will mail yearbooks only in specific circumstances, such as international relocation.
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off — Thursday, May 29 - Friday, May 30
Parents may drop off gently used uniform and spiritwear items on the Miller House front porch, at the Lower School Campus, on Thursday, May 29, and Friday, May 30, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Middle and Upper School parents are welcome to contribute, too! Please be sure items have been laundered. Reach out to Melissa Riley with any questions.
Parents' Association President’s Message
Dear Flint Hill Families,
What a joy and privilege it has been to serve as the Parents' Association President this past year. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and for all the meaningful connections made along the way.
One of the things I love most about Flint Hill is how we balance tradition with fresh ideas and energy each year. With that in mind, please join me in thanking and welcoming incoming Parents’ Association President Barbara O’Reilly for stepping into this role. Barbara has already made an impact in the Flint Hill community, where she has:
- Served as an Upper School Divisional Ambassador.
- Served as a Flint Hill Fund volunteer.
- Helped at many school events such as Homecoming, Teacher Appreciation Week, and more!
Barbara, you bring a generous spirit and deep commitment to everything you do. I can’t wait to see the wonderful things ahead under your leadership!
Though my time as Parents’ Association President is ending, I’m excited to continue to serve as a divisional ambassador next year with many of you. In fact, the Divisional Ambassador Program has reached over 80 volunteers heading into next year, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the level of interest and what it will mean for the school.
To parents, faculty, staff, and everyone who dedicates time, energy, and talent in support of strengthening our Flint Hill community, Thank You! It’s truly been an honor to serve alongside you. I look forward to continuing to pull the sled with all of you.
Enjoy your summer and Go Huskies!
With gratitude,
Rejera Arnold P’33
Barbara O’Reilly & Rejera Arnold P’33
Check Out Flickr!
As the school year winds down, take a moment to revisit all the wonderful moments captured! We've compiled over 125 albums showcasing your child's Flint Hill experience from throughout the year. Visit our Flickr page to check them out!
REMINDERS
Upper School Awards Ceremony — Friday, May 30
We will hold the Upper School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Because the Grade 6 and Grade 8 Promotion Ceremonies are also taking place that day in the Upper School, we are asking students to wait until 12:00 p.m. before arriving on campus so we have ample parking and space. Here are some other key pieces of information about the ceremony.
- If a student is winning an award that day, we will contact their family in advance so they can attend. Attendance for Upper School students is encouraged but not required.
- Parents attending the event should park in the Upper School visitor parking or faculty parking areas and walk over to the Upper School Gym.
- The Awards Ceremony program includes the presentation of a variety of Flint Hill endowed awards, community awards, membership in honors societies, and the announcement of the Flint Hill Medal award winners.
- Recommended dress for students — a collared shirt or blouse with khaki-style or dress pants; skirt with a blouse; or sundress.
- Students are dismissed from school immediately after the ceremony.
- Please note that there is no bus service on this day.
- Because final grades cannot be calculated until after semester exams are finished, we will send certificates for students that achieve the Head of School’s list in mid-June. The Head of School’s list recognizes students who received an A- or above in each of their classes for both the first and second semesters.
Enrollment Contract Binding Date — Sunday, June 1
Sunday, June 1, is the date on which your 2025-26 Flint Hill Enrollment Contract becomes legally binding. As stipulated in the contract, if a student is withdrawn for the 2025-26 school year after Sunday, June 1, those who are financially responsible for that student are liable for payment of the full tuition. If your child(ren) will not be attending Flint Hill School next year, please contact Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Anne Peterson prior to Sunday, June 1. If you have specific billing questions, please contact Student Billing Specialist Sammy Nelson.
Final Medication Pickup — By Monday, June 2
Any medication sent to the School Clinic for this school year must be picked up on or before Friday, May 30, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Emergency medication (EpiPens, inhalers, diabetic supplies) must be picked up by Monday, June 2, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Medications are not stored at the School over the summer. All medication not picked up by Monday, June 2, at 2:30 p.m., will be discarded. Please call the division clinic to schedule a time for you to pick up your child’s medication.
- Lower School Clinic: 703.584.2399
- Middle School Clinic: 703.584.2397
- Upper School Clinic: 703.584.2396
Junior/Senior Prom — Tuesday, June 3
The Junior-Senior Prom is on Tuesday, June 3, 8:30-11:00 p.m., at CrystalView Weddings & Events in Fairfax. Ticket sales and prom guest forms both closed today, so after this point, there will be no more additions to the guest list.
- Students in Grades 9, 10, and any non-FH student may only attend as a guest of a Flint Hill junior or senior (limit of one guest per student).
- All students must arrive no later than 9:00 p.m. and stay until 10:30 p.m. The event will be chaperoned by Flint Hill staff and security.
If a guest must leave the prom before 10:30 p.m., the guest’s parent/guardian must email both Mr. Andrew Kane and Mr. Howard Chang. To receive permission to leave early, the guest must also inform both Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang of the individual transportation arrangements. Entire groups will not be excused to leave prom early because one person within the group has an early curfew. Please contact Mr. Kane and Mr. Chang with any questions.
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts — Wednesday-Thursday, June 4-5
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts for students in rising grades 9-12 will be held Wednesday-Thursday, June 4-5, 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Upper School Dance Studio. Interested students should register here to be included in updates and to receive tryout information. Contact Head Coach Olivia Landrum with questions.
Important Reminders for Senior Families (Parents & Students)
Note on Husky Hub Access: Parents of seniors are changed to Parent of Alumni on Commencement day. Parents can still access Husky Hub to see all past report cards, but will lose access to directories and must contact the school for transcripts.
RSVP for the Parent Dinner Celebration: Join fellow senior parents for dinner and cocktails on Wednesday, June 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m., at the International Country Club. RSVP by Tuesday, June 3, at 12:00 p.m. Contact Olivia Landrum with any questions.
Senior Alumni Move-Up Day and Head of School Senior Dinner: The Alumni Office presents a series of workshops for seniors on Monday, June 2, 2:30-7:00 p.m. at the Upper School Building to prepare for life beyond Upper School, followed by a seniors-only celebration dinner hosted by Head of School Patrick McHonett. Seniors will receive their cap, tassel, and gown at the dinner.
Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal: Seniors are required to attend Commencement Rehearsal on Thursday, June 5, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Upper School. Lunch will include pizza and salad at 11:30 a.m. This event will be immediately followed by the Commencement rehearsal, which will end at approximately 3:00 p.m. This practice will allow students to know exactly where to sit, how to process in, how their name will be read, and the process of being handed their diploma. The rehearsal is critical, so please be on time and ready to start.
Encourage Your Senior to Turn in Their Time Capsule: Since 2006, each senior class has created a time capsule with memories, sealed and saved by the school, to be opened at their 10-year Reunion. This beloved tradition recently saw the Class of 2015 open theirs, offering suggestions for the Class of 2025. Encourage your senior to participate for a fun reveal in 2035!
End-of-Year and Summer Athletics Notes
Spring Uniform Return
The spring 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 the student’s name on it. Place the bagged uniform in the bin by the athletic closet.
Locker Room Cleanout
All locker rooms should have been cleaned out by Friday, May 23. Any items left behind have been placed outside the Athletic Office and held until Friday, May 30. After that date, unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill.
Athletic Training Room Information
The athletic training room will be open during the summer — Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — when the school is open. If a student needs treatment and would like to schedule a specific day and time, email Head Athletic Trainer Derek Ross or call 703.584.2393.
Summer Training Information
Join Coach Keith Trumps this summer for Open Gym in the Upper School Weight Room through Friday, August 8. Note: There will be no Open Gym on June 26-27 or June 30 - July 5.
Open Gym Hours
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Fridays, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Fall Tryout Information
Fall tryout information is available on Husky Hub in the Athletics tile.
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year: — Back-to-School Forms Due Sunday, June 15
Preparing for the 2025-26 School Year is a tile on the Husky Hub Resource Board, with checklists for each division, containing important action items for parents. New to the tile is information regarding textbooks and supplies.
Online back-to-school forms, due by Sunday, June 15, are now available on Husky Hub and are required for students to attend school and any school activity prior to the start of school. Please contact Enrollment Services Manager Sarah Speight with any questions about student forms.
2025 Summer Tutors List
Some Flint Hill faculty and staff will be available for tutoring this summer. Please note that Flint Hill employees may only tutor Flint Hill students between Monday, June 9, and Friday, August 22. All arrangements for times, rates, and payments are solely between the faculty member and the family, and tutoring sessions may not take place on campus.
Host Families for Visiting Students from Cataluña, Spain
We are excited to welcome back our friends from our exchange school, Instituto Josep Vallverdú in Cataluña, Spain. They will be visiting Boston and New York before arriving in Washington, D.C., and will be at Flint Hill from September 15 to 25. We are looking for host families to provide lodging, meals, and transportation to school during this time. This is a great opportunity for Flint Hill students to practice their Spanish, but families do not have to speak any Spanish, as they are here to practice their English. The group will include 16 students. Please contact Kristin Piazza with any questions, and please fill out this form if you are interested in hosting.
Gratitude for Our Upper School Departing Faculty and Staff
As we do each year, we have faculty and staff who are departing due to retirement, relocation, or new career or educational opportunities. We are grateful for their service to Flint Hill and wish them well in their future endeavors. We also look forward to announcing and welcoming the new faculty and staff who will join us for the upcoming school year in August.
Fred Atwood — Upper School Science Teacher
Debbie Ayers — Assistant Director of the Upper School
Devanshi Shah — Upper School Math Teacher
Jim Bour — Director of Security
Jason Bowler — Upper School Classics Teacher
Esther Choi — Upper School Math Teacher
Miles Henderson — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator
Bridget Montagne — Board Liaison and Director of Special Projects
Don Paige — Director of the Upper School
Tracy Peterson — Upper School English Teacher
Adam Rice — Associate Director of Athletics
Liz Van Lieshout — Upper School Math Teacher
Upcoming Events
Lower, Middle, and Upper School Last Day of School
Thursday, May 29
Upper School Exam Schedule
Thursday, May 29 — Science
Uniform and Spirit Wear Drop-Off
Thursday, May 29 - Friday, May 30
Lower School Campus, Miller House Front Porch
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Exam Makeup Day
Friday, May 30
Upper School Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 30
Upper School Gym, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Senior Alumni Move-Up Day and Head of School Senior Dinner
Monday, June 2
Upper School Building, 2:30-7:00 p.m.
Junior/Senior Prom Night
Tuesday, June 3
8:00-11:00 p.m.
CrystalView Weddings & Events, Fairfax, VA
Purchase Tickets
Class of 2025 Parent Dinner Celebration
Wednesday, June 4
6:00-9:00 p.m.
International Country Club, 13200 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax, VA 22033
RSVP
Upper School Dance Team Tryouts
Wednesday-Thursday, June 4-5
Upper School Dance Studio, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Register
Senior Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
Thursday, June 5
Upper School Building, 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
July ACT Registration Deadline
Friday, June 6
Commencement
Friday, June 6, 12:00 p.m.
Watch the livestream
SAT
Saturday, June 7
Local National Test Centers
Final Grade Reports Open on Husky Hub
Wednesday, June 11, at 4:00 p.m.
Online Back-to-School Forms Due
Sunday, June 15
Forms are available on Husky Hub
Summer on the Hill Begins
Monday, June 16
Register
Required Health Forms Due
Thursday, August 1
Newsletter Resumes
Wednesday, August 6
Student Schedules Available in Husky Hub
Thursday, August 7
