Lotspeich Blast Oct 20, 2023
Dear parents,
This week, in preparation for our first ALICE drill, which will happen next week, our teachers and students talked about safety while at school, a topic of the utmost importance to all of us. We regularly practice fire drills to quickly and safely evacuate the building in case of a fire. In addition, this week, we introduced our Lower School students to ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate), which is the protocol that has replaced traditional lockdowns.
All Lotspeich classroom teachers have a copy of the book “I’m Not Scared, I’m Prepared,” which presents the ALICE curriculum in an age-appropriate manner. The book links critical safety information with the worldview of elementary-aged children in an empowering and proactive way. The focus is on a drill called “The Sheep, the Shepherd, and the Wolf” (which identifies the teacher as the shepherd, the students as the sheep, and anyone we would not want in our school building as the wolf) and the importance of “Stop, Look, Listen” in any emergency.
In addition to reading the book with our students, there is a corresponding activity book that guides teachers in a number of activities that help children feel prepared for any situation. These activities include things such as:
- Finding all exits that are near a classroom or shared space
- Taking a walk to alternate rally points where students should go upon evacuating the building
- Moving in a zig-zag pattern safely
- Engaging in an activity that helps them understand the value of distraction
Again, our purpose is to prepare students and teach lifelong safety skills for life both inside and outside the classroom.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher, Seraphine Schomber, or me.
Warmly,
Susan
Key Dates & Events
Saturday, Oct. 21 — Fourth Grade Parent Social
Thursday, Oct. 26 — Third Grade Field Trip: Makino Park
Friday, Oct. 27 — Fifth Grade Musical: The Lion King, 1:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 27 — Picture Retake Day
Saturday, Oct. 28 — Trunk or Treat, 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31 — Halloween Parade
Wednesday, Nov. 1 — Parent Conferences, 12-8 p.m. No Classes.
Thursday, Nov. 2 — Parent Conferences, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. No Classes.
Friday, Nov. 3 — Professional Development. No School.
Tuesday, Nov. 7 — Election Day
Announcements
Costuming Requests
We would appreciate your help in not providing props or costume pieces that we would not permit as play equipment in school (guns, swords, arrows, etc.). Similarly, we need your help in being sensitive to the children’s need to negotiate steps and maintain a parade route. We have found that large box costumes or very bulky outfits are particularly problematic for children. Makeup is difficult for the children to apply, so please do not send any to school. Of course, we ask that no child come to school in makeup as well. There are lots of costumes to wear that celebrate Halloween. Please help us ensure that our children’s costumes do not stereotype, mock, or poke fun at another person/group or human condition.
Picture Retake Day
Picture packets should be coming home today or Monday at the latest. Please remember that Picture Retake Day is on Friday, Oct. 27. Pictures will be retaken for any child who was absent on the original day or for anyone with a photographer error (glare, out of focus, etc.).
Donate Blood on Oct. 26 in the Upper School Library
According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. The Upper School Red Cross Club and HOSA are partnering to host a blood drive on Oct. 26 in the Upper School library, 10:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. Parents are encouraged to sign up here (and bring a friend!). Students 16 and older are also able to donate (16 year olds must bring a parent consent form signed by a parent).
Parent Community News
We’re excited to share that our next Parent Community Meeting will be an evening family event for all and includes childcare. Please see the details below.
Glow in the Dark Movie Night + Parent Community Meeting — Friday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m.
We’re excited to pilot our first evening Parent Community meeting! To make it a fun night for all, children are welcome and childcare will be provided. Kids can come in their pajamas (optional) and enjoy a Glow in the Dark movie night with their friends, while parents attend the Parent Community Meeting. Here are some details:
- 6-6:30 p.m. Pizza and Salad in the Lotspeich ATB Room (Parents + Kids all together)
- 6:30-8 p.m.
- Glow in the Dark Movie Night (G-rated movie) in the Lotspeich Library (Kids with childcare provided by Seven Hills staff)
- Parent Community Meeting & “Meet & Greet” with Dr. Matt Bolton, Head of School Elect in the Lotspeich ATB Room
- Childcare space is limited, please RSVP here ASAP to secure your spot!
Fall Parent Socials — Kindergarten and Fourth Grade this weekend!
The last socials are this weekend! Thank you to everyone who has attended and a huge thank you to our parent volunteers for hosting!
- Kindergarten: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2-4:30 p.m. RSVP here
- Fourth Grade: Saturday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. RSVP here
The Lotspeich Book Fair is Just Around the Corner!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Bookshelf in Madeira and the Lotspeich Library are teaming up to bring the Book Fair back to our school. From Nov. 1-13, during their library class, students will have the opportunity to preview the exciting books available at the Book Fair right in the Lotspeich Library. We welcome families to drop in and browse the fantastic book selection in the morning during drop-off between 8-8:30 a.m. For added convenience, we’ll also have book browsing available during parent-teacher conferences on Nov. 1 and 2. On Nov. 1, you’ll receive an email with a link to the website for ordering books. It’s a great way to explore even more options and make your selections. Most books ordered from the Book Fair will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom before winter break. Get ready for an exciting literary adventure at the Lotspeich Book Fair. Stay tuned for more updates and happy reading! If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Lotspeich Librarian, Lori Suffield.
Halloween Trunk or Treat Event — Field House Parking Lot, Saturday, Oct. 28, 3-5 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween at this fun, low-key Halloween event on campus. Come in your costumes, decorate your trunks, and bring treats to pass out (not required). See this flyer for details and please use this Signup Genius to RSVP.
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. Join us at the Pavilion near the Lotspeich playground. See the flyer by clicking here.
Staff Appreciation Notes — Fill Their Buckets!
Take two minutes to brighten someone’s day! As part of our ongoing appreciation efforts, we’ve created this form for parents to shower the Seven Hills staff with words of affirmation, thanks, and recognition for all the big and small things they do each day. To all the homeroom teachers, specials teachers, office staff, maintenance staff, admissions, development, marketing, etc, thank you! Make someone smile – click here!
Yearbook Photos – Please Submit!
The yearbook needs your pictures! Please send photos to lotspeichyearbook@7hills.org to be added to the yearbook!
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 this SignUpGenius is required.
After the Bell Updates
Encore Club
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 can approve if space is available.
Holiday Care
Holiday Care on Nov. 1, 2, and 3 is now full! Please email Jill and Christina to be added to the waitlist.
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? This map 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.
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 Field. All divisions are welcome and no RSVP is 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, and 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, Oct. 25 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are 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)
October Parent Connext — brought to you by the Counseling Department
Seven Hills values partnering with parents to address the development of the whole child. Parent Connext allows us to explore some of today’s most relevant topics in your child’s social/emotional development while offering practical tools for parenting. View a Parent Connext Powerpoint Presentation here and a Parent Hub October Tips sheet here about bullying and resiliency factors. Please feel free to connect with your student’s building counselor if you would like more conversation or support around this topic.
Resale Shop
It’s time to clean out closets, cabinets, drawers, etc., and bring what you don’t need any more to the Resale Shop! We are in need of household items, clothing, artwork, furniture, linens, etc. We are open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and we are located across the street from the main entrance on the Hillsdale Campus.
We need your help
We encourage you to tell your friends, family members, and co-workers about upcoming admission events for prospective parents. Please refer interested families to 7hills.org for details and to register. Thank you in advance!