Upper School Blast Dec 15, 2023
Dear Families,
I wish you all a wonderful Winter Break! I hope that the two weeks away from school provide a chance for the Upper Schoolers to rest and recharge, to explore interests and hobbies, and to spend time with family and friends.
While the students will come back on Wednesday, Jan. 3, the teachers will start back a day earlier. We’ll be using that Tuesday as a professional development day to study culturally responsive pedagogy and brain-based learning. That’s a mouthful — so what does it mean? Simply put, studies show that feeling seen, known, and valued is key to students’ academic success. We’ll be identifying ways that we can engage both the heart and the mind so that students can thrive in our classrooms.
On the far side of the break, we’ll review the semester exams, produce report cards, and ask students for feedback on their classes. By filling out an evaluation for each course they take, the Upper Schoolers provide teachers with a student perspective that informs their approach going into the new semester. As a division, we’re all committed to being the best at getting better.
In the meantime, enjoy the break and see you in the New Year!
Best,
Matt
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Jan. 1— New Year’s Day. No School.
Tuesday, Jan. 2 — Faculty Professional Development Day. No School.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 — A2. Advisory
Thursday, Jan. 4 — B2. Class Meetings
Friday, Jan. 5 — A3. Extra Help
Announcements
December Parent Connext — Brought to You by the Counseling Department
Seven Hills values partnering with parents to address the development of the whole child. Parent Connext allows us to explore some of today’s most relevant topics in your child’s social/emotional development, while offering practical tools for parenting. Please feel free to connect with your student’s building counselor if you would like more conversation or support around this topic.
Robotics Competition Volunteers Wanted
After a successful event last year, Seven Hills fifth grade will once again be hosting a robotics competition. One thing that made it so successful was the many volunteers who helped out. We are looking for volunteers for this year’s event. Please see all the details and sign up via SignUpGenius.
Save the Date — Books for Lunch 2024!
The 2024 Books for Lunch committee, chaired by Seven Hills parents Lisa Briquet and Lalitha Chunduri, is honored to present this year’s guest author, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Andrew Sean Greer! Please join us in the Madisonville Ballroom at The Summit Hotel on Feb. 2 for lunch, community, and an engaging address from Greer. Please visit 7hills.org/BFL to purchase tickets and learn more about the events, Greer, and his work.
Summer Program 2024 — Mark Your Calendars
Make the summer of 2024 the best summer ever! Make friends, discover new passions, and create memories that last a lifetime! With eight weeks of action packed camps, beginning June 17 and going through Aug. 9, there are all kinds of adventures and opportunities for your child to explore to make this the best summer ever. Priority registration for Seven Hills families opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024.