Middle School Blast Nov 13, 2026

Office Reminders

Start Time

As we move into cooler weather, remember students are not permitted to enter the building before 7:30 a.m. That is when their badges activate in the morning and when we have adults present in the building. If you drop off your child earlier than that, they will need to wait outside until their badges work.

Early Dismissal

If you need an early dismissal for your student, we ask that you try to arrange for pick-up by 2:45 p.m. The end of the day is very hectic for both the office and the students. Advisory often includes important lessons and activities, and early dismissals disrupt the entire group.

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found is overflowing! Please ask your child to take a moment during the day to visit the clothing rack and peek through the many lunch boxes and water bottles. We will donate all unclaimed items to a local charity when we leave for Winter Break in December.

After the Bell Announcement from Lotspeich — Seeking Board Game Donations

We are looking for donated board games for After the Bell kiddos to use due to the fire. If you have age-appropriate board games (ages 7-12) that you are looking to donate, we would happily take them! Please drop off at the Andress Art Gallery in the Upper School.

Screen Smart Seven Hills Resources

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the LEAD Together session Screen Smart at Seven Hills 2.0. It was great to connect with our community on this important topic.

Wondering about when to get your child their first phone, gaming, or social media? Last night, we released guides covering these important topics.

If you weren’t able to make it, please find all Screen Smart Seven Hills resources linked on Veracross (under General Information) or visit the Screen Smart site.

Anxiety: A Guide for Parents — Free Virtual Trainings Hosted by Terrace Metrics on Nov. 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: Remaining sessions: Nov. 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.

Thanksgiving Lunch — Monday, Nov. 23

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

This special hot plate lunch option 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 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!

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!

Save the Date for a Fireside Book Discussion: Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” — Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027

Please save the date for the Seven Hills Books For Lunch Fireside Book Discussion on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Upper School library.

In this cozy, intimate setting, our Head of Upper School Rick Tate will be joined by English teacher Nate Gleiner for a lively discussion of Susan Choi’s award-winning novel, “Flashlight.”

The best part? You don’t have to have read the book to join the conversation! This is your shortcut to an engaging night full of ideas, insights, and lively conversation. Whether you’ve read “Flashlight” or just enjoy exploring thought-provoking literature, you’ll find something valuable in the discussion.

More information, including how to RSVP, is coming soon.

Join Us for Books for Lunch — Friday, Feb. 5, 2027

Please join us for the 40th anniversary of Books for Lunch on Friday, Feb. 5, 2027, at Hotel Covington in The Lightwell. Enjoy an afternoon with National Book Award-winning author Susan Choi, featuring her novel, “Flashlight.”

The cash bar opens at 11 a.m., followed by an engaging luncheon at 12 p.m. Tickets are on sale now — purchase your seat today.

Questions? Email us at booksforlunch@7hills.org.

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.