Lotspeich Blast Feb 15, 2024
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believe we’ve hit mid-February already! Everyone is hard at work as we near the end of our second trimester. Teachers are completing narratives and report cards in preparation for parent teacher conferences next week. Reports will be available on Wednesday afternoon, so you’ll have time to read and review them before your scheduled conference.
I want to extend a very heartfelt “Thank you!” to all of you who made this week’s Teacher Appreciation Week so special for us! Under the leadership of Emily Emeneker and a whole crew of parent volunteers, the thoughtful gestures and support for our teachers did not go unnoticed. The personal notes of appreciation written by students and parents were well-received and went a long way in letting teachers know how much they mean to you; thank you! From organizing the delicious breakfast to providing lunch and covering a lunch or recess duty for each teacher, every detail reflected your genuine appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our teachers. Your commitment to recognizing their efforts goes a long way in fostering a supportive and nurturing community.
I am immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication of our teachers. They inspire and motivate us daily, shaping minds and futures with their passion and knowledge. Your efforts to acknowledge their tireless work not only uplift their spirits but also remind them that their work is cherished and valued.
Thank YOU! And enjoy your long weekend!
Susan
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Feb. 19 — Presidents Day. No School. All buildings and offices are closed.
Thursday, Feb. 22 — Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for Grades 1-5. Full Day for Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten.
Thursday, Feb. 22 — Parent Teacher Conferences, 12-8 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 23 — No School. Parent Teacher Conferences, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Announcements
Parent Teacher Conference Week
We are excited to welcome parents into the classrooms next week. If you haven’t had a chance to sign up for meeting times, please visit your Veracross Parent Portal. After Tuesday, the sign-ups will be closed to allow teachers to plan out their conferences. If you have any questions or need anything changed, please contact Anna Karol in the office and she can assist you. Also, please remember that we have an early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for first to fifth grade on Thursday, Feb. 22, and all students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will be off school on Friday, Feb. 23.
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please make sure to stop by (especially during parent teacher conferences) to reclaim any items your child may have left behind. All items will be donated at the end of the month.
Arts Alive — Call for Performers
Are you interested in having your group perform at Arts Alive? We are looking for acts to perform on the outdoor stages and in the DAC Blackbox. Last year we had some wonderful performances by student organized groups and we would love to have that continue this year. Arts Alive is intended to celebrate all of the artistry within our community. Please note that this is not a talent show, and that groups should have a couple of pieces, totaling approximately 10-25 minutes, performed as a set. If you would like to be considered, please complete the Arts Alive performers Google form and upload a video of your act. We will be accepting submissions from now through Feb. 20 and will let acts know if they are accepted by Spring Break. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Hauser.
February Parent Connext — A Message from 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. Please feel free to connect with your student’s building counselor if you would like more conversation or support around this month’s topic, Emotional Regulation.
Give a Gift…Get a Bee!
Our annual week-long community giving event Stinger Madness will be all the buzzzzz March 4 through 8. And we need you to help fill the hills! For every contribution you make to the Annual Fund, we’ll place a stinger bee on the hill of the campus your oldest child attends. If you’ve already made your Annual Fund gift this school year, thank you! No need to make another gift, your bee is already headed to the hill.
The Stinger Madness Trophy Competition
Each division — the Lower Schools, Middle School, and Upper School — will compete for the Stinger Madness trophy which will be awarded to the division that gives 50 new gifts to the Annual Fund! Don’t miss out — make your gift before 3:15 p.m. on Friday, March 8 and help us #FillTheHills! Visit www.7hills.org/StingerMadness to learn more and make your gift.
Parent Community News
A big round of applause for our teachers! We hope they experienced the heartfelt thanks they deserve during Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to the kids and families who decorated hearts and a special thanks to Emily Emeneker for coordinating the entire week with all of her amazing volunteers!
Save the Date — More details below!
- Winter Conference Dinner — Thursday, Feb. 22
- VIP Day (Formerly Grandpersons’ Day) — Friday, April 19
- May Fete — Friday, May 3
- Fifth Grade Closing Ceremony — Monday, June 3
Spring is right around the corner and with it, a lot of planning for our end-of-year activities. Some of you completed the volunteer survey earlier in the year indicating you’d like to help with planning or day-of support — thank you! We also wanted to put at a general “call for volunteers” now for the remaining events we have planned, so anyone interested may be added to the respective committee chair’s email list. Thanks in advance!
VIP Day (formerly Grandpersons’ Day) — Morning of Friday, April 19, Call for Volunteers
The ECC and Lotspeich children’s VIPs are invited to visit campus for a morning of special programming and a glimpse into their classrooms. The Parent Community assists the school with coordinating volunteers for the day. If you’re interested in helping, please email Cristina Castaneda.
May Fete — Evening of Friday, May 3, Call for Volunteers
May Fete is a fun-filled evening of carnival-style activities for the whole family to celebrate the end of the school year. It’s open to pre-kindergarten through fifth grade families and typically includes games, raffles, inflatables and food. It takes place on the Hillsdale Campus. If you’re interested in helping, please email Priya Shahani.
Fifth Grade Closing Ceremony — Monday June 3, Call for Volunteers
The Fifth Grade Closing Ceremony is an annual event celebrating and recognizing fifth graders before they move up to Middle School. There is a formal ceremony and reception on campus, as well as an off-site celebration for the students that is being held at the JCC. If you’re interested in helping, please email Meredith Ficks.
LGBTQIA+ Parent Group and Spring Social
Last year, we inaugurated a Parent Community space for LGBTQIA+ families, making strides toward our inclusive school commitment. As we embark on a new year, we aim to reunite existing families and extend a warm welcome to new families joining our community. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, please express your interest with this LGBTQIA+ PC Group interest form.
Additionally, we cordially invite all Seven Hills LGBTQIA+ families to our Spring Social on March 9, from 12-2 p.m. in The Schiff Center lobby. Kindly RSVP using the above interest form and bring your family to partake in the festivities.
Stock the (Teachers’ Lounge)
If you’d still like to contribute to stocking the teachers’ lounge, please order from this Amazon Wishlist. FYI, all items will be delivered to a central location (Kelly Carrier’s house) and volunteers will assist in transporting them to the lounges in the ECC and Lotspeich buildings.
Staff Appreciation Notes — Spread the Love!
Take two minutes to say “thanks” with a staff appreciation note!
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 SignUp Genius is required.