Upper School Blast Sep 8, 2023
Dear Families,
I wanted to use this week’s column to share two pieces of expert advice about the teenage years. The first comes from Lisa Damour, who has visited Seven Hills in the past and spoken with parents and teachers as part of our Creating Conversations series. In this interview in last week’s New York Times, Lisa Damour answers questions about how to connect with teens and help them to thrive.
The second piece of advice comes from one of our recently graduated seniors. During last week’s Freshman Retreat, the ninth graders received letters written to them by members of the Class of 2023. As you can imagine, there was a lot of great advice in these letters, each one a distillation of what a student has learned about life during their four years in the Upper School. Here’s the advice of one senior:
“These next four years, you’ll make lifelong friends and memories, have the most inspiring teachers and classes, and, in a way, find out who you truly are. Do your homework. Show up to school. Try your hardest, because your future matters. But also go to games! Take time to hang out with friends! Enjoy school dances, and take part in spirit weeks. Everyone says four years fly by and they do — so don’t take it for granted.”
Terrific advice. Other seniors encouraged ninth graders to be themselves, to connect with teachers and friends, to join clubs and pursue interests, and to recognize that making mistakes is an essential part of learning. (Speaking of clubs, please read the notice below about our annual club fair, which is happening next week).
Ms. Damour’s work and the seniors’ letters all point to the importance of supporting teenagers as they make this four-year journey to adulthood. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to a teacher, advisor, counselor, or administrator as we work together to be advocates and guides for the Upper Schoolers.
Best,
Matt
Be sure to scroll down for key dates and announcements.
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Sept. 11 — B2. Picture Day. Advisory
Tuesday, Sept. 12 — A3. Picture Day. All-School: Alumni Guest Speaker Marsha Williams ’77
Wednesday, Sept. 13 — B3. Club Fair at lunch. Extra Help
Thursday, Sept. 14 — A4. Club Fair at lunch. Class Meetings
Friday, Sept. 15 — B4. Extra Help
Announcements
Club Fair
Next week during lunch, the Upper School will be hosting its annual club fair. Clubs are an important way for students to make new friends and explore their interests. Every club is eager to recruit new members; please talk with your child about which clubs they would like to explore next week and this year!
Coffee with a College Counselor
Coffee with a College Counselor will be at 9 a.m. via Zoom on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Director of College Counseling Susan Marrs and Assistant Director of College Counseling Cheryl Dixon will discuss how students in ninth through 12th grade can “Make the Most of Fall.” Parents of Upper School students are also welcome to ask questions during this hour-long meeting. You’ll find the Zoom link on Schoology on Monday, Sept. 11. Come and bring your questions!
Spirit Week — Sept. 18-22
The week of Sept. 18-22 will be a Spirit Week in celebration of Homecoming. Check out the flyer for each day’s theme and prepare to show your Stinger pride!
Coffee with Dr. Bolton — Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 7:40-8:30 a.m.
All Upper School parents are invited to a meet and greet with Dr. Bolton in the Hillsdale Commons, hosted by the Upper School Parent Community. This coffee will be a great place to meet other parents and have a quick chat with Dr. Bolton. Thank you to the Upper School Entrepreneurship Club for providing the coffee!
Taiwan Trip
The deadline to sign up for the Taiwan Trip is Sept. 30. If you have any questions, please contact Mia Wu.
Experiential Learning Updates
Information for parents related to the Personal Challenge Project, Community Service, Concentrations, the Job Networking and Career Mentoring Program, and May Terms can be found in this Google Drive folder. Information will be updated throughout the year as needed.
Parents (as well as alums and friends of parents) are invited to support our Job Networking and Career Mentoring program. To participate, please complete the Job Networking and Career Mentoring sign up form. It can also be used to make changes to any information entered last year.
Coming soon — be on the lookout for an invitation to offer your thoughts about the Experiential Learning program as we use this year to re-examine the what, why, and how of all that the program encompasses. Your input is important!
Afterschool Volunteer Opportunity — there is room for a few more student volunteers to join a small group serving the Save the Animals Foundation, 3:30-4:30 p.m., on the dates listed below. Transportation is provided by the school to and from STAF. Hours served will count toward the community service requirement. Interested students should contact Mrs. Glum. Volunteer dates are Sept. 15 and 29, Oct. 13 and 27, Nov. 17, and Dec. 1 and 8.
Parents of Juniors
The deadline for juniors to submit a Personal Challenge Project contract is Sept. 22. Students will find the contract on Schoology. Please note, it does require your signature.
Upper School Chorus performance dates for 2023-24
- Tuesday, Oct. 3 — Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m., The Schiff Center
- Monday, Dec. 4 — Chorus Tour, during the school day
- Wednesday, Dec. 6 — Winter Concert, 7:30 p.m., The Schiff Center
- Friday, Apr. 26 — Arts Alive, 3-10 p.m. Performance times TBA, Hillsdale Campus
- Thursday, May 16 — Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., The Schiff Center
Alternate Routes during Dismissal
During dismissal from the Hillsdale Campus, Red Bank Road can become quite backed up as cars head toward Red Bank Expressway. Did you know there are alternate routes to reach main roads like I-71 and Montgomery Road? The map below highlights these alternate routes to ease your commute and cut down on traffic congestion as you leave campus. You can find a printable copy of the map here.
Fall Parent Socials – RSVP today!
Join us for a long-standing tradition among the Seven Hills parent community. Fall parent socials are the perfect opportunity to connect, relax, and socialize with other parents from your student’s grade. We look forward to kicking off the 2023-24 school year with you all!
- Ninth Grade Parent Social – Saturday, Sept. 30, at Fulton Yards Coffeehouse and Spirits, 3-5 p.m. RSVP here.
- 10th Grade Parent Social – Friday, Sept. 29, at the Kennedy Residence, 6:30 p.m. RSVP here.
- 11th Grade Parent Social – Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Huguenin Residence, 5:30-7:30 p.m. RSVP here.
- 12th Grade Parent Social – Friday, Sept. 8, at the Anand Residence, 6:30 p.m. RSVP here.
Walking Club — New meet up location
We are a group of parents that get together bi-weekly on Wednesdays after morning drop off to talk and walk the lower soccer field. All divisions are welcome and no RSVP required. This group provides you a great opportunity to connect with other community members all while getting your steps in! Please park in the lower field parking area, campus guest passes will be passed out to ensure visibility, for security purposes. When inclement weather occurs, we gather at Element Eatery to chat.
Our next meet up is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are Sept. 27, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 8 and 29, Dec. 13, and Jan. 10, 2024. I look forward to chatting with you soon. Carolyn Klein (Mom of Spencer, 11th grade, and Courtney seventh grade)
Volunteering
If you are interested in being part of the Upper School volunteer team, please reach out to Regina or Marnie or you may sign up in the attached SignUpGenius link.
Photo Day in the Upper School