Middle School Blast Nov 6, 2026

Eighth Grade Hunger Banquet — Tuesday, Nov. 10

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, eighth grade will kick off its year-long community focus unit on housing access and food insecurity. From 8:20 a.m.-12:40 p.m., students are invited to participate in the Hunger Banquet and will watch and discuss the movie “The Public.” You can find more information about both events below. Please contact Judith Neidlein-Dial if you have questions.

We look forward to this powerful learning experience for our students. Students will follow their regular schedule in the afternoon.

Hunger Banquet

The Hunger Banquet is an educational simulation that helps students better understand global food distribution and inequality. During this event, students will be randomly assigned to different groups based on world population statistics. Depending on which group they are placed in, students will have access to different varieties and quantities of food, reflecting the reality of food access around the world. This hands-on experience is designed to spark meaningful conversations about equity and global issues.

Allergy Information: While we are sensitive to food allergy concerns and will do our best to accommodate students’ needs, we ask that you please remind your child about any foods they cannot eat. This will be a nut-free event.

Movie Viewing: “The Public”

“The Public,” which was filmed in the main branch of the Cincinnati Public Library, is rated PG-13. We have included a plot summary from IMDb below:

In “The Public,” an unusually bitter Arctic blast has made its way to downtown Cincinnati and the front doors of the public library where the action of the film takes place. The story revolves around the library patrons, many of whom are homeless, mentally ill, and marginalized, as well as an exhausted and overwhelmed staff of librarians who often build emotional connections and a sense of obligation to care for those regular patrons. At odds with library officials over how to handle the extreme weather event, the patrons turn the building into a homeless shelter for the night by staging an “occupy” sit-in. What begins as an act of civil disobedience becomes a standoff with police and a rush-to-judgment media constantly speculating about what’s really happening. This David versus Goliath story tackles some of our nation’s most challenging issues, homelessness and mental illness, and sets the drama inside one of the last bastions of democracy-in-action: your public library.

Anxiety: A Guide for Parents — Free Virtual Trainings Hosted by Terrace Metrics on Nov. 10, 17, and 24

We’re excited to share that Terrace Metrics is offering a free parent training focused on understanding and supporting children experiencing anxiety, designed specifically for parents and caregivers of students in grades 5-12.

Anxiety can significantly impact students’ emotional well-being, school experience, and daily lives. This training offers families an opportunity to gain helpful insights, practical strategies, and tools to better support their children.

Training details:

• Cost: Free
• Duration: Three sessions: Nov. 10, 17, and 24 from 8-9 p.m. EST
• Audience: Parents and caregivers of students in grades 5-12
• Topic: Understanding and supporting student anxiety

Join the Zoom here: tinyurl.com/terracemetricsanxiety

Have questions? Please reach out to Middle School counselor Dayna Sargent.

Eighth Grade Upper School Preview Day — Wednesday, Nov. 11

On the afternoon of Nov. 11, our eighth graders will visit the Upper School for a fun and meaningful afternoon!

Students will enjoy Dewey’s Pizza for lunch and participate in engaging activities with the Upper School’s 11th and 12th grade Beekeepers, building connections and getting to know one another better. Through these shared experiences, our eighth graders will also learn more about the values and community that make the Upper School special, helping them feel more connected and excited about the next step in their Seven Hills journey!

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 from Dean of Students Dan Polifka, about group chats from Head of Middle School James Jessup, and our school recommendations for technology use. Light bites provided.

RSVP if you’re interested!

Save the Date: Middle School Instrumental Concert — Saturday, Dec. 5

The Middle School Instrumental Concert is on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. on The Schiff Center stage. Concert details are available on Canvas, and more information will be shared in future Blasts. If you have any questions, please email John Rising. This is going to be a great show!

Locks for Leonard Hair Fair

We are excited to kick off our annual Locks for Leonard Hair Fair this month! Beth Leonard was a beloved Middle School PE teacher who lost her life to cancer in 2014 at the age of 50. Her strength and courage continue to inspire us, and we honor her memory by giving back to those facing similar battles.

Each year, we collect hair donations for an organization that creates wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment or living with autoimmune diseases. Did you know that it takes 10-12 ponytails to make one hairpiece? These hairpieces are manufactured and shipped to those in need at no cost, but it does cost money to make them.

We will officially kick off the event at an upcoming assembly, where one lucky Middle School student will be randomly selected to cut Hannah Hanley’s hair! Students can purchase raffle entries from Student Council members from Nov. 9-20 between 8-8:10 a.m. and during fruit break. Cash only, please! Entry prices are outlined below.

1 entry = $1
6 entries = $5
14 entries = $10
30 entries = $20

Anyone connected to the Seven Hills community can also donate their hair! Just follow these three steps:

1. Get a haircut and tell your stylist you want to donate your hair.
2. Take before-and-after pictures and email them to Hannah Hanley.
3. Bring your bagged ponytail to the Middle School office. We will give you a shoutout on Seven Hills social media!

We need at least eight inches of hair. Hair donations will be accepted through May 3, 2027.

Girls on the Run: Heart and Sole

Girls on the Run: Heart and Sole is an after-school program specifically designed for girls in grades 6-8 that creates a welcoming space where girls can explore the experiences that come with Middle School, build meaningful connections, discover their strengths, and celebrate what makes them unique.

This after-school program meets two times per week from March-May and includes both evidence-based lessons and running/walking activities to build up to the Girls on the Run 5K in May.

If your daughter is interested in participating, or if you are interested in helping coach this amazing program, please reach out to Angie Bielecki.

Pathways for Prevention — How to Continue the Conversation With Your Child

This week, we’ve had the privilege of having Pathways for Prevention on campus to work with our fifth, seventh, ninth, 11th, and 12th grade students. Glenn Hall, our presenter, covered topics including peer pressure, stress management, vaping, alcohol information, and addiction as a medical disease. Ask your child what they learned from our amazing speaker, “Mr. G,” about his story and how it has impacted them.

Thanksgiving Lunch — Monday, Nov. 23

Students, faculty, and staff at both campuses will enjoy a special Thanksgiving lunch on Monday, Nov. 23, before kicking off Thanksgiving Break the following day.

This special hot plate lunch will feature an assortment of typical Thanksgiving favorites, including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, and more. Students can also look forward to a selection of desserts, including pumpkin, fruit, and pecan pies. This special meal is a wonderful opportunity to bring our Seven Hills community together and celebrate the season of gratitude.

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.

Save the Date: Middle School Basketball Bash and Spirit Night — Wednesday, Dec. 16

Mark your calendars for the Middle School Basketball Bash! Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 16, in Kalnow Gym for a fun night of basketball. We will also take time to celebrate our Middle School winter athletes during the event. We hope you’ll join us. More information coming soon!

Speed Limit Change on Red Bank Road

Last 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.