With the semester approaching its end, deadlines are looming for students throughout the school, filling the air with stress. As the week progresses, students are counting down the days until winter break. However, the school faculty and SCA have worked hard to bring festive energy to the halls of Flint Hill in creative ways.
One such effort is the newly implemented “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt, featuring the elves “Elfy and Shelfy.” An automated message was sent to the student body explaining that the elves move each night. Students are challenged to be the first to find them, take a photo, and win a prize. This activity demonstrates that even the smallest gestures can significantly boost the school’s energy.
Ethan Butcher ‘26, one of the first winners of the scavenger hunt, shared his appreciation, stating, “It was something to look out for and forward to. We really appreciate how the teachers are putting extra effort into making our school days a little more interesting.” Butcher explained that after he found one of the elves near the help desk, he received a coupon for igloo candy.
For seniors, December can feel like a never-ending time of year, especially as college decisions begin to be released. “It feels like there’s some homework to be doing and like everyone is drowning in their end-of-semester essays, projects, and assessments,” noted Julia Murphy ’26. Many students all around campus, in the commons and cafeteria, largely shared this sense of being overwhelmed.
Through realizing that you’re not alone and that many exciting things—like winter break and spirit days—are ahead, we can lean on each other. Throughout this year, Upper School students asked for more school spirit, and through sports games, SCA events, Husky high fives, and excitement, Flint Hill has delivered.
This would not be possible without our faculty facilitating community-building opportunities. It is vital that we show gratitude to the teachers and others who listened, heard, and helped us continue creating a better version of ourselves and our environment. The elves may be a small gesture, but they show how more and more Huskies are taking the time to celebrate each other and the opportunities being given.
