Lotspeich Blast Nov 10, 2023
Dear Parents,
Thank you for attending parent conferences last week. Our teachers enjoy the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress so far this year and to hear from you what your hopes and dreams are for your child for the next part of the school year. We deeply value our partnership with you as we work collaboratively to help your child reach their potential.
The upcoming weekend brings with it two important holidays: Veterans Day and Diwali. As we celebrate Veterans Day tomorrow, I want to extend my gratitude to those of you who have served in any of our Armed Forces or have family members who have served our country. Your service and your sacrifice to protect our freedom are deeply appreciated.
Sunday marks the celebration of Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. This festival is about light (or good) triumphing over dark (or evil), which is one reason why people light diyas outside their homes. Rangolis, an art decoration created on the floor near the entrances of homes or even on tables, are made to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck, as well as guests. For those of you who celebrate, I wish you a Diwali that brings happiness, prosperity, and joy to you and all your family.
Enjoy your weekend!
Susan
Key Dates & Events
Wednesday, Nov. 15 — First Grade Penguin Visit for Science
Monday, Nov. 20 — Third Grade Field Trip to Sunwatch Archaeological Park
Tuesday, Nov. 21 — Thanksgiving Break begins at 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 22 – Friday, Nov. 24 — Thanksgiving Break. No School.
Monday, Nov. 27 — School Resumes
Announcements
Save the Date — Books for Lunch 2024!
The 2024 Books for Lunch committee, chaired by Seven Hills parents Lisa Briquet and Lalitha Chunduri, is honored to present this year’s guest author, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer! Please join us in the Madison Ballroom at The Summit Hotel on Feb. 2 for lunch, community, and an engaging address from Greer. Please visit 7hills.org/BFL to purchase tickets and learn more about the event, Greer, and his work.
Parking Lot Reminder: Numbered Spaces Reserved for Students
Parking spaces with numbers are assigned spaces for students. Please do not park in any numbered space. If you are a visiting parent, please park in the short-term parking spots in Lot A (the main lot adjacent to the Upper School and Lotspeich) or the spaces without numbers near the Resale Shop. Additionally, spots 201-208 across from the Red Barn are unassigned and available for visitors.
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 will approve if space is available.
Winter Holiday Care
We are offering two days: a half day program held at both campuses on Dec. 15 and Jan. 2 on the Hillsdale Campus, when school is still closed. The link for registration will be available by next week. Be on the lookout!
Parent Community News
We’re excited to see everyone at our evening Parent Community Meeting next Friday, Nov. 17, with special guest Head of School-Elect, Dr. Matt Bolton! RSVP space for childcare is now filled and closed; however, all adults are still welcome to attend without RSVP. We hope to see you there!
Glow in the Dark Movie Night and Parent Community Meeting
We’re excited to pilot our first evening Parent Community meeting on Friday, Nov. 17, 6-8 p.m.! 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 and kids together)
- 6:30-8 p.m.
- Kids — Glow in the Dark Movie Night (G-rated movie) in the Lotspeich Library for kids with childcare provided by Seven Hills staff.
- Adults — Parent Community Meeting and “Meet & Greet” with Head of School-Elect Dr. Matt Bolton in the Lotspeich ATB Room
Lotspeich Community Service — Halloween Costume Donation
New this year, we’re hoping to integrate community service activities into our Lotspeich Parent Community calendar. Our theme is in line with reduce, reuse, recycle and so our fall activity is to give a second life to all of our Halloween costumes by organizing a Halloween Costume Donation. Bins will be placed at the entrance of the ECC and Lotspeich building through Tuesday, Nov. 21, the last day of school before Thanksgiving break.
Staff Appreciation Notes — Spread the Love!
It’s officially THANKSgiving month! Take two minutes to show your gratitude with a staff appreciation note! Make someone smile with a staff appreciation note!
Parent Walking Club
We are a group of parents who 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 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; 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, Nov. 29, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are 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)
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 SignUpGenius is required.