Lotspeich Blast Sep 8, 2023
Dear Parents,
This morning, the Lotspeich Parent Community held its first meeting of the year; thank you to all who attended! Getting involved in our Parent Community (PC), under the leadership of Alisa Pitocco and Kelly Carrier, is a great way to meet other parents, hear about upcoming events, and most importantly, share your feedback and ideas for future Parent Community activities. It truly is all about building a strong sense of community, and there are many ways to be a part. If you were unable to make today’s meeting, keep a look out for the next one (there are usually four meetings a year), and make sure to read the announcements below for upcoming events.
Please check Veracross for your child’s teacher’s webpage to find our weekly newsletters. You will find both a recap of the highlights from this past week as well as a sneak peek into what will be happening next week in your child’s classroom. In addition, each of our specials teachers will write a summary about what they are teaching at a specific grade level; these will be available on a four-week rotation so each grade level hears from each specialist at least once a month. It is our hope that this robust and consistent communication from your child’s teachers will keep you abreast of what your child is doing here at school.
To access the webpage, log in to your Veracross Parent Portal from the Seven Hills webpage. Once in your portal, scroll down to “My Children” and click “Classes and Reports.” From there, you will see a variety of classes for your child. Find the one with your child’s grade, for example, “Grade 1 (teacher’s name) Homeroom” and click “Website.” If you look to the right, you will find the webpage menu. You will find the “Newsletters,” which the teachers update weekly. If you need help locating the class website, reach out, and we can assist you.
Enjoy your weekend!
Susan
Be sure to scroll down for key dates and announcements.
Key Dates & Events
Friday, Sept. 15 — Parent Coffee About AmazeWorks Curriculum, Lotspeich Library
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 22-23 — Homecoming
Friday, Sept. 22 — Family Picnic, 5-7 p.m., Hillsdale Campus
Announcements
After the Bell Updates
Encore
Encore Club is in full swing! We are now launching a weekly sign up, with options to pick up at 4:15 p.m., or stay until 6 p.m. This is all available in your parent portal the Friday prior to the month starting. If you need a drop in, please fill out a request under the Student Logistics request, and we will approve if space is available.
If you are signed up annually, there is no need for you to select an option each week, as you registered for the full year.
Enrichment
Check out our enrichment options (after school classes). Programs will begin the week of Sept. 18. There are options at both campuses, and students in first through fifth grade may ride the shuttle for programs after school. Look for a link to register soon. Programs will begin the week of Sept. 18.
Music Lessons
If your child is interested in music lessons, we have violin and piano lessons available. For violin, we have space for students on several days. Piano lesson spaces are more limited. Email Jill and Christina to find out more.
Alternate Routes during Dismissal
During dismissal from the Hillsdale Campus, Red Bank Road can become quite backed up as cars head toward Red Bank Expressway. Did you know there are alternate routes to reach main roads like I-71 and Montgomery Road? The map below highlights these alternate routes to ease your commute and cut down on traffic congestion as you leave campus. You can find a printable copy of the map here.
Spirit Week — Sept. 18-22
The week of Sept. 18-22 will be a Spirit Week in celebration of Homecoming. Check out the flyer for each day’s theme and prepare to show your Stinger pride!
Lotspeich Parent Community News and Announcements
Thank you to all who attended our first Parent Community meeting of the year! We’re thrilled with the energy and ideas from our Lotspeich parents so far! Kelly and I are really pumped about this year, and if you missed the first meeting, don’t worry… we’ll be including the meeting minutes in next week’s Blast message. Our next meeting will be the evening of Friday, Nov.17. More details to follow.
For any questions, please reach out to the Lotspeich Parent Community Co-Chairs Alisa Pitocco or Kelly Carrier.
Walking Club — New meet up location
We are a group of parents that get together bi-weekly on Wednesdays after morning drop off to talk and walk the lower soccer field. All divisions are welcome and no RSVP required. This group provides you a great opportunity to connect with other community members all while getting your steps in! Please park in the lower field parking area, campus guest passes will be passed out to ensure visibility, for security purposes. When inclement weather occurs, we gather at Element Eatery to chat.
Our next meet up is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are Sept. 27, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 8 and 29, Dec. 13, and Jan. 10, 2024. I look forward to chatting with you soon, Carolyn Klein (Mom of Spencer, 11th grade, and Courtney seventh grade)
Upcoming Events — Mark your calendars!!
Fall Parent Socials
- Parent Socials are a long-standing tradition at Seven Hills. They are adult-only events aimed to give parents an opportunity to meet and get to know each other in a fun, kids-free environment.
- The Fall Parent Socials are organized by grade level. Each grade will have their own event to mingle in a smaller group setting.
- The goal is to have these events in September or October to give parents a chance to meet early in the school year. Be on the lookout for an invitation from your grade’s parent volunteer soon (via Evite). Thank you to all the parents who have volunteered to coordinate!
Halloween Trunk or Treat — Field House Parking Lot, Saturday, Oct. 28, 3-5 p.m.
This daytime Halloween event is held in an on-campus parking lot to give families a chance to get to know each other and safely celebrate Halloween. Families decorate the trunks of their vehicles in Halloween-themed decor and pass out candy or other goodies. Costumes are encouraged but not required. SignUpGenius for RSVP will be set up soon.
Halloween Parade Parent Coffee — Pavilion, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Mingle with other parents in between school drop-off and the annual Lotspeich Halloween Parade. Parent Community will provide coffee. The event will be held at the Pavilion near the Lotspeich playground.
Parent Basketball Group
All parents are invited to join the Seven Hills Parent Basketball Group (PBG). The PBG is a weekly standing pickup basketball game at the Hillsdale Campus for parents of students in all divisions of the school. The court will be open to parents starting at 7:45 p.m., and the pickup game(s) will begin at 8 p.m. Day-of sign-up via SignUpGenius is required.
Lotspeich Parent Community Volunteer Signup
Volunteer opportunities are still available for all interests and levels of commitment. And remember, the No. 1 way you can support the Parent Community this year is by coming for fun and attending the events/activities! Complete this survey.
Still wondering what in the world is Parent Community?
The Seven Hills parent group is called the Parent Community, better known as the Parent Association or PTA at other schools. Seven Hills parents are automatically enrolled, there is no fee or sign up process to join, and all parents and families are eligible to participate in any capacity you desire. Parent Community is fueled 100% by parent volunteers. If you missed Parent Night or want to learn more about Parent Community, click here for an overview.