Middle School Blast Mar 8, 2024
Note from Bill…
You guessed right … it has been another very busy week “in the Middle!” Last weekend, our young actors and tech designers had a wonderful experience putting up “Matilda Jr.” on The Schiff Center stage! This large cast played to a variety of audiences — our fourth and fifth graders, the entire Middle School student body, and parents and friends. Please be sure to read Chris Garten’s message in today’s Blast that focuses on the power and effect of “Matilda Jr.” for our Middle Schoolers. To top it off, these young thespians participated in the Ohio Jr. Thespian Conference, which was hosted by Seven Hills! Aside from performing “Matilda Jr.” for participating Middle Schools from southern Ohio, our students were able to attend workshops and watch other school performances. Bravo to all of our thespians, and a huge thanks to Jacob Hauser, Kathyrn Rosenberg, and Trey Tatum for putting in so much time, effort, and energy in making the play and conference such a resounding success!
Following a week of ERB testing (the results of which will be sent to families in early April), the Middle School community participated in our annual Global Ed Day today. The morning featured speakers and workshops that focused on a variety of global issues, events, traditions, and themes, all of which empowered students to understand and celebrate the diversity of our global community. Following lunch, all students participated in the Great Race that challenged students to work in mixed-grade SWARM groups, competing against each other in fun and engaging activities, including the much anticipated Running of the Bulls! I am pretty sure that your child will be able to share with you fun experiences from this day.
Key Dates & Events
Friday, March 15 — Middle School Talent Show
Friday, March 15 — Seventh Grade Volunteer Day at Matthew 25: Ministries
Friday, March 15 — Eighth Grade Film: “Napola”
Friday, March 15 — Spring Break Begins, 3:15 p.m.
Monday, April 1 — School Resumes
Announcements
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, 12-2 p.m. in The Schiff Center theater classroom. Kindly RSVP using the above interest form and bring your family to partake in the festivities.
Seventh Grade Field Trip and Volunteering — Friday, March 15
The seventh grade will be volunteering their time at Matthew 25: Ministries on Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Carri Haskins, seventh grade team lead.
Eighth Grade Viewing of “Napola — Before the Fall” on March 15
On Friday, March 15, eighth graders will watch the movie “Napola — Before the Fall” to better understand the promises with which young people were targeted to join the Nazi movement and the reality of what the ideology of fascism represented. The movie is powerful and emotionally gripping and provides an insight beyond what can be found in a textbook or classroom. However, there are some scenes which might be difficult to watch. Please rest assured that we will spend a significant amount of time discussing events shown and choices made, both during the film and after, to help students appropriately process the content and their emotions.
Please contact Judith Neidlein-Dial if you have any questions or concerns, or would simply like more information.
Seeking Host Families for International Students
The Seven Hills Upper School is pleased to be welcoming new students from China for the 2024-25 school year. We are seeking families within the Seven Hills community to host these students. If you would like to learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of welcoming an international student into your home, please contact Nancy Clark. Interested families will be connected with an approved agency that will share program details and monthly stipend information.
Middle School Parent Community Upcoming Events and Happenings
Spring Social Event — This Sunday
Our spring social event will be Sunday, March 10, at Sky Zone. It will be a fun and relaxed event where the kids can let loose and hang with their friends. RSVP and see event details.
Volunteers Needed for Culture Week, April 15-19
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DEI) is currently planning a culture week for April 15-19! This week-long event will be organized by continent, with one or two continents on an assigned day with distinct booths. These booths can represent anything from a country or region to a religion, race, or ethnicity. This culture fair is a great opportunity to represent Seven Hills’ diverse student body, and to do that, DEI is asking for parent volunteers to host booths!
Some booths may have culturally significant foods, traditional clothing, or anything else that represents your identity. If you have any questions, please contact Aleesha Adhami or Nathan Walker. If you are interested in hosting a booth please fill out this Culture Week parent and family volunteer form.
MS Parent Community Meetings
Future MSPC meeting dates are as follows in the Sixth Grade Commons:
- 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.