Middle School Blast Oct 30, 2026

Creepy Critters — TODAY, Oct. 30

Sixth grade parents, you are invited to join your student(s) for a morning of fun and get to know their classmates and teachers a little better as we explore the world of creepy critters!

Today, parents can begin to arrive at 9:45 a.m. in Founders Hall. Activities will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up by 11:30 a.m. Feel free to join whenever you can during that time. It is always a special memory for our sixth graders!

School iPads — Update Required THIS WEEKEND

Please help your child update their school iPad to iPadOS 27.2 at home this weekend before returning to school on Monday, Nov. 2.

Our Technology Department has identified a software issue affecting ninth-generation iPads running iPadOS 27. Updating will help address this issue.

To complete the update:

1. Connect the iPad to home wi-fi and plug it into power.
2. Open Settings → General → Software Update
3. Install iPadOS 27.2, allowing time for the update and restart to finish.

Thank you for helping keep student devices ready for learning.

Middle School Diwali Acknowledgment — Tuesday, Nov. 3

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, our Middle School community will acknowledge Diwali, the Festival of Lights, through a series of activities thoughtfully planned by our students and informed by families who celebrate the holiday.

Throughout lunch, students will have the opportunity to learn more about Diwali and experience traditions and cultural practices meaningful to their peers.

Students will be invited to participate in:

• Mango Lassi Tasting: Sample a traditional South Asian beverage made with yogurt, mango purée, and sugar.
• Rangoli Art: Help create colorful decorative patterns traditionally associated with Diwali.
• Henna Designs: Receive small, temporary designs on their hands using dye derived from the henna plant.

These student-led experiences offer a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another, deepen cultural understanding, and appreciate the traditions represented within our school community.

We encourage families to remind their children about these exciting opportunities during Middle School lunch on Nov. 3. We’re grateful to the students and families who helped shape this experience and look forward to acknowledging Diwali together!

Pathways for Prevention — Nov. 2-6

Seven Hills students in grades 5 and 7, along with all Upper School students, will participate in scheduled visits and lessons from our Pathways for Prevention specialist, Glenn Hall. “Mr. G,” as he is known to the kids, will deliver an evidence-based curriculum of developmentally appropriate education on substance misuse trends, healthy coping skills, peer pressure, and addiction.

Mr. G has a keen ability to build rapport and maintain elevated levels of student engagement. His sessions are filled with his personal recovery story as well as current information and trends to make this a relevant and informative experience for our Seven Hills students.

If you have questions or would like to know more, please visit Pathways for Prevention’s website for more information or reach out to Dayna Sargent, Middle School counselor.

Little Big Talks: Talking About School Safety — Thursday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m.

In a continuation of our LEAD Together series, join us in the Doherty library for a community conversation about how to talk with students about school safety. Presented in partnership with our director of safety & security (Sheriff Jun Cho), counseling department, and office of DEI, this conversation will offer helpful books, resources, and guidance for discussing school safety with children.

While the conversation will be geared toward Early and Lower School families, parents and caregivers from all divisions may find it beneficial.

RSVP for the event to let us know you’ll be attending.

Real Talk Series: “Rites of Passage” — Friday, Nov. 6

As part of our school’s commitment to building a community where everyone feels safe, seen, and successful, we’re preparing the first panel of our Real Talk Series. This series brings together powerful stories and perspectives from people with different lived experiences. Designed exclusively for the Middle School student body, these conversations spark curiosity, open minds, and help us all better understand and celebrate the diversity that makes our Seven Hills community so special.

The first of this year’s two panel discussions, “Rites of Passage,” will be preceded by advisory activities that introduce students to the topic. Around the world, people mark the passage from childhood into adolescence and adulthood with celebrations and rituals, many rooted in religious or socio-cultural traditions.

All content is thoughtfully planned and age-appropriate, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for students. The goal of this panel is to help students listen, ask thoughtful questions, and deepen their understanding of diverse experiences within our community.

We believe this is an important step in helping our students build empathy for one another. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to James Jessup, Jacky Kalubi, or Kristin Montalvo Suer.

If you do not want your child to participate in the Rites of Passage programming, including the advisory activities and Real Talk panel presentation on the morning of Friday, Nov. 6, please print, sign, and return this form to your child’s adviser.

Speed Limit Change on Red Bank Road

This week, the city of Cincinnati lowered the speed limit on Red Bank Road to 25 mph around campus. During drop-off and pick-up, the speed limit remains 20 mph.

Remembering Todd Benzinger

Many of you may have heard the difficult news of the passing of Todd Benzinger, a longtime Seven Hills parent and coach. We’d like to share the beautiful memories and stories we’ve been hearing over the last few days with Todd’s family.

If you’re interested in writing a note or capturing a favorite story, please submit a response to this Google Form. We will then compile the submissions and send them to Todd’s wife and children. Thank you for the outpouring of love for our community.

Save the Date: Screen Smart at Seven Hills 2.0 — Thursday, Nov. 12, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Join us in the Upper School Library to learn more about empowering healthy choices for the journey ahead with your children. At this event, you’ll hear from administrators, counselors, and Upper School students about making choices around technology use. We’ll have stations where you can learn more about AI, group chats, and our school recommendations for technology use. Light bites provided.

RSVP if you’re interested!

Save the Date! Growing Together: Building Community in Nature — Saturday, Dec. 5

As our community takes root, join families on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:15-11 a.m. to spend time in nature with activities led by faculty and upperclassmen. Activities include building bug hotels, a winter walk to the Lower School construction site, and other teacher-led activities.

Check out the flyer below for more information.