Middle School Blast Oct 20, 2023
Note from Bill …
As a native New Englander, I absolutely love this time of year; it always heartens me to see the leaves changing color, with cooler temperatures as well. The ISACS visiting team was on our campuses from Monday-Wednesday, visiting classes and speaking with a wide-range of Seven Hills constituents, all in the purpose for re-accrediting our school’s membership with the ISACS governing body.
The upcoming week is always a special one for Middle School, and Friday will culminate in our annual Pumpkin Day festivities. Sixth grade students will start Friday with “Creepy Critters Day” (see below) where students will explore the world of insects with a variety of grade-level activities that are engaging, fun, and purposeful. If you are a sixth grade parent, please feel free to drop by between 8:20-10:10 a.m. Friday afternoon is a time for all students (in mixed grade-level groups, a.k.a SWARMS) to create pumpkin displays centered on the (currently top-secret) theme for the afternoon. Along with this, students will be competing in fun, team-building activities all to celebrate the day! Finally, Friday evening, from 7-9:30 p.m., is the seventh and eighth grade’s first dance of the year, held in Founders Hall. Students will be encouraged (but not required) to dress up in Halloween style to dance and have fun with a DJ supplying the tunes; yes, “The Monster Mash” will be played! If students do decide to dress up in costumes, please help them (with a watchful parent-eye) to select costumes that do not stereotype, mock, or poke fun at another person/group or human condition.
Key Dates & Events
Friday, Oct. 27 — Pumpkin Day. Seventh and Eighth Grade Fall Party, 7-9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31 — Halloween
Announcements
Sixth Grade Creepy Critters Day — Friday, Oct. 27
Join the sixth grade as we explore the world of creepy critters the morning of Friday, Oct. 27. Activities will run from 8:20-10:10 a.m. A schedule will be provided to students a few days before the event, and they will be asked to talk to their parents and review the details. Feel free to join, even if you can only stay for a little while!
Costumes for Halloween — Tuesday, Oct. 31
If students want to wear a Halloween costume to celebrate this event on Tuesday, Oct. 31, we would appreciate your help in having your child wear costumes that are fun and appropriate for this occasion. Please make sure that your Middle Schooler comes to school with props or costume pieces that will not inhibit their ability to participate in regular classroom activities. Most importantly, please help us ensure that your child’s costume is socially appropriate and does not stereotype, mock, or poke fun at another person/group or human condition.
Middle School Parent Community Upcoming Events and Happenings:
We hope everyone had a relaxing and fun fall break. Many thanks to our parents for making our Fall Parent Socials a success these past few weeks. We hope the socials offered an opportunity to meet, mingle, and connect.
MS Parent Community Meetings:
For any MSPC-related questions or to volunteer, please contact Lauren Boymel or Katya Trevino.
- Please save the date for our November MSPC meeting, a delightful wine and cheese evening, held on Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. in The Schiff Center.
- Future MSPC meeting dates are as follows in the Sixth Grade Commons:
- 23, 8:30 a.m.
- April 5, 8:30 a.m.
- May 3, 8:30 a.m.
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.
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 from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. That’s all there is to it! No experience is needed. The Spirit Shop is located just outside Kalnow Gym on the Hillsdale Campus. If interested, please contact Lindsay Cassady.
Donate Blood on Oct. 26 in the Upper School Library — Parents and Students Can Save a Life!
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).
Seventh Grade Blast
On Oct. 27, seventh graders will have the chance to watch the hit movie, “The Martian,” to continue their current study of Astronomy. Read the review of this movie from the website Common Sense Media. The movie is rated PG-13. If you prefer that your child not see this film, please let Mrs. Suer know so other arrangements can be made.
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!