Middle School Blast Feb 2, 2024
Note from Bill…
February? What happened to January? While I struggle with how quickly the calendar progresses, we have had a great week. This past Sunday, Jan. 28, we opened our Middle School to Lotspeich and Doherty families for our annual STEAM Fair. With an array of activities for our younger students (slime, squishy circuits, insulators and conductors, drone racing, etc.), seventh and eighth grade students served as teachers and guides, helping our young scientists and creators discover and enjoy amazing complex ideas and concepts. A huge thanks to our participating Middle School students and especially to Mr. Revell for the overall organization of this fun and educational event!
This week, our seventh grade students met with Mr. G., a representative from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Prevention Soultion program, a nonprofit organization that provides alcohol, tobacco, and other drug education to schools and colleges world-wide. Prevention Solution presents the most up-to-date information available on the physiological and psychological effects of various drugs, and provides a forum for discussing social, cultural, and personal issues that relate to the choices people make. This program is part of Seven Hills’ overall approach to educate students at key grade points (fifth, seventh, ninth, and 11th grade) in order to promote healthy choices by increasing protective factors and addressing risk factors now.
Key Dates & Events
February — Black History Month
Friday, Feb. 16 — Faculty Professional Development Day. No Classes.
Monday, Feb. 19 — Presidents Day. No School. All Buildings and Offices are Closed.
Announcements
Chinese Lunar New Year Boba Tea Sale — Tuesday, Feb. 6
To celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, Boba Cha will be selling boba tea in Founders on Feb. 6 during lunchtime. Please bring $6 in cash if you want to purchase a boba tea!
Delay The Phone! Parent Meeting — Thursday, Feb. 8
All Middle School parents are invited to a community meeting on Feb. 8, starting at 7 p.m. in The Schiff Center, to understand the serious and detrimental effects that smartphones and social media have on our children’s social and emotional development. As a part of understanding this important issue, Bill Waskowitz will also be introducing the Wait Until 8th parent program to help reduce the pressure felt by both students and parents over kids having smartphones. No need to RSVP; just show up for this important meeting that is focused on what is best for our children.
Come Watch “Space Jam: A New Legacy” with LeBron James — Friday, Feb. 9
The Upper School’s African American Awareness Club invites all Middle School students to come watch “Space Jam: A New Legacy” with LeBron James on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 6 p.m. in The Schiff Center theater classroom. A snack pack for $5 can be purchased that includes a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni), a drink box, chips, and a piece of candy. Show up, relax, and enjoy this classic movie with fellow Middle School students!
Getting Ready for Global Education Day
On Friday, March 8, the Seven Hills Middle School will celebrate our Annual Global Education Day. Students will attend three 40-minute sessions during the morning, between 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to increase information and awareness of our global community. In the past, sessions have included topics such as: travel, cuisine, or other elements of culture from around the world (facilities could be available to prepare foods), conducting business in a global world, technological advances and their impact on the world, science and conservation, etc. The ideas are limitless! We are looking for members of the Seven Hills community (and beyond) to conduct these sessions. If you are interested in being a presenter or know someone who would like to present, please contact Jennifer Licata at your earliest convenience.
Seventh Grade Washington, D.C., Trip — Save the Date!
The seventh grade will be traveling to Washington, D.C. May 20-24. More details will be shared with all families later this quarter in upcoming Blasts, but if you have any immediate questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Carri Haskins, seventh grade team leader.
Summer Program 2024 — Mark Your Calendars
Make 2024 the best summer ever! Make friends, discover new passions, and create memories that last a lifetime! With eight weeks of action packed camps, beginning June 17 through Aug. 9, there are all kinds of adventures and opportunities for your child to explore to make this the best summer ever. Priority registration for Seven Hills families opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13.
New Summer Program: Middle School Expeditions: Caves
Dates: June 24-28
Grades: 6-8
Instructor: Shane Marsan
Camp Snapshot: Embark on a dynamic, five-day, four-night Middle School summer course, departing from Cincinnati for an adventure-filled journey to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. This well-rounded itinerary seamlessly blends educational exploration and outdoor excitement, offering students a mix of guided cave tours, zip-lining adventures, and interactive outdoor activities. The week culminates with a return journey to Cincinnati, marked by a farewell dinner that encapsulates the camaraderie and memories forged during this enriching and unforgettable summer experience. This program is exclusively offered for Seven Hills students and will be released with the brochure. Please contact Shane Marsan with any questions and info about registration.
Academic Kick Start — New Summer Enrichment Program
Elevate your child’s learning experience this summer with our specialized program designed for academic excellence called Academic Kick Start. The program will run from July 15 to Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be classes for first and second graders, third and fourth graders, and fifth and sixth graders. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention, fostering a focused and supportive environment throughout the entire camp. Dive deep into core subjects, including reading, writing, and math, with an emphasis on individualized instruction. Unlike traditional camps, Academic Kick Start maintains small class sizes for the entire duration, allowing for continuous engagement and targeted academic growth. Prepare your child for the upcoming school year with a curriculum tailored to their needs and led by experienced educators. Join us for a unique educational journey that goes beyond the ordinary camp experience.
This program is run by Shane Marsan and will have a separate registration from the Summer Program, but is offered simultaneously with other Summer Programs. Contact Shane Marsan about registration. These class sizes are limited and for Seven Hills families only.
Planning for Solar Eclipse on April 8
As you no doubt already know, Cincinnati will experience a total solar eclipse on April 8. Particularly since the eclipse’s totality will coincide with afternoon dismissal, the school’s administration is discussing various options, including schedule modifications, to make sure that students are safe throughout the event. We’ll include in an upcoming Blast a detailed plan for April 8.
Middle School Parent Community Upcoming Events and Happenings:
Stay tuned for more event details on our upcoming Winter Social Event in early March!
MS Parent Community Meetings
Future MSPC meeting dates are as follows in the Sixth Grade Commons:
- March 1 — 8:30 a.m. Note: This is a date change.
- April 5 — 8:30 a.m.
- May 3 — 8:30 a.m.
Please save the date on March 7 at 6:30 pm. for a special meeting on the “ABCs of AI” across all divisions. More details to come.
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 PBG SignUpGenius is required.