Middle School Blast May 1, 2026

Big Spring Instrumental Concert This Sunday!

All Middle School instrumental ensembles will be performing this Sunday, May 3 at 2 p.m! Young musicians should arrive at 1:30 p.m., ready to go and looking good! Collared shirt, dress pants, best-looking shoes that fit with dark socks or dresses or dress pants, nice shirt, no heels.  Musicians and families should plan on staying for the entire concert, about an hour. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email Mr. Rising.

Sixth Grade Studying Reproductive Systems

The sixth grade science classes are wrapping up the body systems unit, and Mrs. Licata will briefly introduce the human reproductive system as part of the curriculum. Students will use the Kids Health website to learn the basic biological functions of both the male and the female reproductive systems and will then complete a short homework assignment. This will be assigned as homework on May 6 (A day classes) and May 7 (B day classes). 

More than anything else, we understand the importance and sensitivity that go hand-in-hand when talking about the human reproductive system. Please know that we will not be talking about the social and emotional elements related to human reproduction and sexuality. 

As always, if you have questions about this unit on human reproduction, please feel free to contact Jennifer Licata.

Screen Smart at Seven Hills — May 7

Do you want to set up healthy technology boundaries at home before the summer starts? Do you want to learn recommended practices for technology use at home?

Please join us on May 7 to:

• meet our new Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Tony DePrato.
• get the first look at our grade-level Screen Smart guides for school and home technology use.
• bring personal devices to learn how to set up parental controls and get tips about creating age-appropriate guardrails.
• chat with Upper School students, counselors, and others to learn more about student technology use.

We’ll offer this session at three different times: 8:30 a.m. in the Lotspeich Library, 5:30 p.m. in the Upper School Library, and 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Zoom session will not include the full workshop that the in-person sessions will have; videos and handouts will be sent out in the call. RSVP for Screen Smart.

Science Spectacular — May 9

Please join us on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to celebrate science at Seven Hills. Middle and Upper School students will be leading booths for our Early and Lower School students to take part in science-related activities. Please join us for an hour or the whole event! 

Activities include hands-on stations across multiple science disciplines, interactive demonstrations, a nature walk, and a native species planting project in our creek bed. We’ll also have food to purchase with a variety of food trucks, including coffee, food, and Kona Ice.

Eighth Grade Exams

During exam week, May 18-21, eighth graders will be dismissed at 12 p.m. Please use the After Exam Sign Up to sign up your child for supervision after the exam if you will not be able to get them at 12 p.m. Please contact Judith Neidlein-Dial with questions.

Eighth Grade Class Photo

Middle School is coming to a close for our eighth graders and we know you will want to commemorate your child’s final Middle School year. We will take a class photo Friday, May 29 before the Closing Ceremony. If you would like a copy of that picture for yourself, order via Square. The deadline to order is May 22.

Asia Day — Friday, May 22

Every year the sixth grade celebrates our geography study of Asia with a special day of presentations and hands-on activities. The day is Friday, May 22. We ask for your help. If you have something special to share about Asian culture and would like to participate as a parent presenter (small group or full sixth grade) please contact Andy McGarvey.

We will begin scheduling immediately.

Here are some examples of past presentations:

• Japanese Tea
• Life in Korea
• A Taste of India
• Yoga
• Games of Asia
• How to Play Cricket

These small group presentations are generally about an hour in length and will probably take place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. (these times may change). Large group (all sixth grade) times are flexible. Thank you, this is a special day for our sixth graders!

Final Seventh and Eighth Grade Dance — May 28

Let’s wrap up an amazing year together! Join us for the final dance on Thursday, May 28, from 7–9 p.m. in Founders Hall. The cost is $7 (cash only). This is a dress-up event, so come ready to look your best and celebrate in style! Dressy attire may include a button-down shirt, blouse, dress, skirt, or collared shirt, paired with dress pants (no jeans or shorts) and appropriate shoes. Students who are not dressed according to these guidelines could be asked to find appropriate attire before being admitted to the dance. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 

Eighth Grade Closing Ceremony — May 29

• Students will be allowed to have six guests attend this event.
• Students should be in The Schiff Center at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, May 29, for their class photograph.
• The Closing Ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
• At the conclusion of the ceremony, we are having a reception for our eighth graders and their families in the lobby of The Schiff Center. We will serve food and drinks.
• Dress Expectations for the Closing Ceremony: Listed below are the specific dress suggestions for the Closing Ceremony that have served as a guideline for previous Middle School Closing Ceremonies: 
  • Dresses/Outfits that are mid-thigh in length and are white, off-white, or pastel in color (this can include subtle patterns, etc.), no spaghetti straps or strapless tops, appropriate shoes/sandals. 
  • Khaki pants, dark/blue blazer, or an appropriately colored/styled suit, white or off-white dress shirt, tie (or bow-tie!), dark dress socks, shoes (i.e., no sneakers, tennis shoes, sandals, etc.).

Happier Parenting Webinar with Dr. Laurie Santos

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the LEAD Together event this past week. If you weren’t able to make it on Wednesday, you can access the webinar and the resources. As Dr. Santos noted, more than 40% of college students report being too depressed to function most days. In this webinar, Dr. Santos highlights five evidence-based insights for happier parenting and how to help our kids flourish at all ages and stages of development.