Middle School Blast Sep 15, 2023
Note from Bill…
After a week of hiking, camping, climbing, swimming, white water rafting, and no showering, our annual eighth grade trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains was an experience that will long be remembered. While the variety of challenges and experiences that pushed students a bit out of their comfort zones was an important part of this trip, the chance to get away from campus in a unique and awe-inspiring setting will remain a highlight of this trip!
The approach to this trip — challenge by choice — gives each student the chance to determine the degree of risk they decide to take during the week. For example, when faced with climbing a 40-foot slab wall of mountainside granite, some students felt comfortable climbing three feet while others climbed the entire wall, taking on several routes. Some students chose to slide down Sliding Rock (a 50-foot natural water slide) one time, plunging into frigid waters, while two intrepid students slid down Sliding Rock 51 times! I can’t think of a better experience for our most senior Middle Schoolers to strengthen their friendships, sense of self, and sense of community.
In a similar manner of celebrating this sense of community, we begin to look forward to next Friday’s, Sept. 22 Homecoming by kicking off next week with spirit days:
- Monday — Pajama Day
- Tuesday — Dress Like a Teacher Day
- Wednesday — Sports/Jersey Day
- Thursday — Blockbuster Movie Character Day
- Friday — Seven Hills Spirit Wear
Friday, Sept. 22, gives the entire Seven Hills community a chance to gather for our annual Homecoming events! This is truly an event not to be missed, as it brings together all of our divisional student and parent communities in a manner that celebrates the rich and important diversity that make Seven Hills such a wonderful institution. Please be sure to block out time to meet old and new friends and to celebrate who we are!
Key Dates & Events
Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Sept. 23 — Homecoming
Friday, Sept. 29 — “Between the Pages” author visit
Friday, Sept. 29, 8:15 a.m. — Middle School Parent Community Meeting, Sixth Grade Commons
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:30-9 p.m. — Middle Choral Concert, The Schiff Center
Announcements
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!
Homecoming Schedule
Please see the flyer for the detailed schedule of the Homecoming events on Friday, Sept. 22, and Saturday, Sept. 23. We hope to see you all there!
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.
Shuttle Notification
If your student could potentially ride the shuttle between the Doherty Campus and the Hillsdale Campus at any time this year, please let the office know by emailing Melissa Morelli or Director of Transportation Micheal Scherpenberg. For added security, we are loading potential riders’ names in a database so that if they ever ride the shuttle, we can mark them as present and accounted for that day. If you aren’t sure if you will use the shuttle, it’s best we add their names so that we are prepared should the need arise. We would rather have students in the system and never checked off as riding than have them riding without verification for the driver. As always, there is no charge for this service. Thank you for your help with our ongoing efforts to provide the safest experience for our students and families.
Middle Chorus Concert —Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m.
Students should be seated in the chorus room by 6:50 p.m., wearing black on bottom, white on top, boys in a tie. For this concert, we are combined with the Upper choruses. Please plan to stay for the entire concert, which should finish around 8:15 p.m.
Veracross Tips and Training
There have been many changes this year with the transition to Veracross. Below are some valuable resources to assist you with becoming proficient in our new system:
- For a quick introduction to some of the basic features (My Children, My Calendar, Directories, and Updating Family Profile), watch this short video. Here are the slides seen in the video.
- To efficiently access student schedules, watch this short video. Here are the slides seen in the video.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please contact techsupport@7hills.org.
- These resources will also be posted in the Parent Portal.
Message from Athletic Director Scott Willard
I wanted to provide some helpful information and resources as it relates to following our Stinger Athletic Program.
Athletics Website
To access The Seven Hills School’s athletic website, go to Gostingers.org. From the athletic website you can find athletic announcements, athletic news, current season schedules with the most up-to-date information, team web pages, and directions to all athletic events. You will also be able to download athlete forms that include the current athletic handbook, campus maps, Lower and Middle School registration information and OHSAA physical forms.
Athletics Gostingers App
Download our Gostingers App to receive personalized notifications, watch live streamed events, view team schedules and rosters, and read articles featuring our amazing student athletes and coaches. Click the following links to get rolling:
Social Media
Please visit and follow our Instagram social media accounts using the tag @7hillsStingers. Our Facebook page is Seven Hills Athletics.
If you have any questions about the aforementioned information, please do not hesitate to reach out. Go Stingers!
Middle School Parent Community
Fall events are in full gear! We look forward to seeing you all at the many fun events this month!
MSPC Upcoming Events and Happenings
Middle School Fall Parent Socials
Please save the date for your Fall Parent Social. You won’t want to miss out on this fun event.
- Sixth Grade Fall Parent Social — Sunday, Oct.1, 4-7 p.m. RSVP and see more event details.
- Seventh Grade Fall Parent Social — Saturday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. RSVP and see more event details.
- Eighth Grade Fall Parent Social — Saturday, Sept. 30, 7-9 p.m. RSVP and see more event details.
The Sixth Grade Dance Party — Friday, Oct. 13, 6:15-8:15 p.m.
Your sixth grader will have a blast! RSVP, make payment, and view more event details.
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Dance — Friday, Oct. 27, 7-9:30 p.m.
More details to come. Interested in chaperoning? Sign up via the SignUpGenuis.
Spirit Shop Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers to help in the Seven Hills Spirit Shop. All are welcome to join the fun and spread Stinger pride! Make lifelong friends in the Spirit Shop. Work one shift per month, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. That’s all there is to it! No experience needed. The Spirit Shop is located just outside Kalnow Gym on the Hillsdale Campus. If interested, please contact Lindsay Cassady.
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 27, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are 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)
Questions?
For any MSPC related questions or to volunteer, please contact Lauren Boymel or Katya Trevino.