Middle School Blast Feb 15, 2024
Note from Bill…
Life “in the Middle” continues to move at its own, often, unpredictable pace. The nature of working with Middle School students always brings surprises (both expected and unexpected) and it’s always how we choose to respond that dictates next steps. On the predictable side of things, we are approaching the mid-point of the third quarter, Feb. 16, which means that our faculty will be writing comments, addressed to each student, as to their current progress at this point in the year. During the week of Feb. 26, each Middle School student will have the chance to reflect on their teachers’ comments and to identify their strengths and challenges, as noted by their respective teachers. Perhaps the most important part of this exercise in reflection is having each student set realistic goals for the remainder of the school year and to craft an action plan on how to successfully meet these goals. Giving our students the chance to have a sense of autonomy and control over the direction of their lives is a crucial step for Middle Schoolers.
On the unpredictable side of things, I am always dumbfounded by how young adolescents respond to Valentine’s Day. Some students were decked-out in bright red and pink outfits and accouterments, secretly handing out candy and Valentine’s Day cards. Some students were oblivious to the day and looked at me as if I had a third eye when I wished them a Happy Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait for Star Wars Day…May the 4th…be with you…
Key Dates & Events
Friday, Feb. 16 — Professional Development Day. No Classes
Monday, Feb. 19 — Presidents Day. No School
Friday, Feb. 23 — Seventh and Eighth Grade Party in Founders Hall, 7 p.m.
Announcements
Seventh and Eighth Grade Winter Party — Friday, Feb. 23
Student Council is hosting a seventh and eighth grade winter party from 7-9:30 p.m. in Founders Hall. Admission is $5 at the door. This will be the only dance where students are permitted to bring a guest who is not a Seven Hills student. The guest must also be a seventh or eighth grader and a guest pass must be turned in to Mrs. Licata by 3:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23. Guest passes and other details are available on Schoology and were emailed to students. This dance is a dress-up event. Parent volunteers are much appreciated! Please sign up to volunteer if you can.
Middle School Talent Show — Friday, March 15
After lunch on Friday, March 15, Student Council will host our annual Middle School Talent Show in The Schiff Center. We are looking for students to perform in the show!! Performances can be live or pre-recorded. A Google form to sign up for auditions will be emailed to students next week.
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.
Community Service Sampler Summer Camp
The Summer Program will once again include a Community Service Sampler Summer Camp for rising ninth to 11th grade students. This camp does count for service hours in the Upper School. Space is limited. Contact Karen Glum with any questions. See page 24 of the brochure for details.
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.
The ABCs of Artificial Intelligence
Join us Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m. in The Schiff Center. Director of Instructional Technology Kristina O’Connor will present an informational session for the Middle and Upper School Parent Communities on the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Seven Hills educational framework.
Middle School Parent Community Upcoming Events and Happenings
We hope everyone has been enjoying the resurgence of sun, and we look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!
Spring Social Event —Save the date!
Our spring social event will be held on March 10, 3-5:30 p.m. at Sky Zone. It will be a fun and relaxed event where the kids can let loose and hang with their friends. More details and invites coming soon.
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.
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.
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.