Upper School Blast Feb 9, 2024
Dear Families,
I’ve been writing about academic topics, such as course registration, these past few weeks, so let me use this week’s column to focus on social and cultural life in the Upper School. We’re celebrating Black History Month, through events such as this Friday’s film night, as well as Lunar New Year. As we near the end of the winter season, we’re recognizing the accomplishments of our student-athletes through senior nights and other events. In the arts, we enjoyed a student-written and student-directed winter play, an inspiring visit from Books for Lunch author Andrew Sean Greer, and the dulcet tones of the chorus as they deliver “Vocal Valentines.” Finally, the students have been dressing up according to a different theme each day in a spirit week that culminates in Saturday night’s Winter Formal.
A few words about the dance. Like all of our dances — including the Prom this spring — the Winter Formal is open to all Upper Schoolers. Very few students bring dates; instead, they tend to come on their own or in groups of friends. And while there is, of course, music and dancing, there are also other fun activities for students who just want to socialize. If your child is on the fence about whether to attend the dance, please encourage them to come on out!
Here are some dance logistics. The dance runs from 8 to 10 p.m. this Saturday night in Kalnow Gym and the Hillsdale Commons. To make sure the dance is a safe and appropriate event, we always follow a few common sense practices. Dean of Students Ms. Leonard and I will have a breathalyzer on hand, and students may be randomly breathalyzed on entering the dance. To make sure everyone is on campus and supervised for the evening, we do not admit students into the dance after 8:30 p.m. and do not allow students to leave until 10 p.m. If your child is attending and is not driving themselves, please arrange to pick them up from the upper lot at the end of the dance. Students who wish to bring a guest from another school must sign their guest up by the end of the school day today. The Upper Schoolers look forward to the school dances and have great memories of them, so we hope to see a big turnout at the Winter Formal this weekend.
Best,
Matt
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Feb. 12 — B5. Advisory
Tuesday, Feb. 13 — A1. Extra Help
Wednesday, Feb. 14 — B1. Personal Challenge Sharing
Thursday, Feb. 15 — A2. Wellness Activities
Friday, Feb. 16 — No School. Professional Development Day
Announcements
Arts Alive — Call for Performers
Are you interested in having your group perform at Arts Alive? We are looking for acts to perform on the outdoor stages and in the DAC Blackbox. Last year, we had some wonderful performances by student organized groups, and we would love to have that continue this year. Arts Alive is intended to celebrate all of the artistry within our community. Please note that this is not a talent show and that groups should have a couple of pieces, totaling approximately 10-25 minutes, performed as a set. If you would like to be considered, please complete the Arts Alive performers Google form and upload a video of your act. We will be accepting submissions from now through Feb. 20 and will let acts know if they are accepted by Spring Break. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Hauser.
Coffee With A College Counselor — Wednesday, Feb. 14
Parents and guardians from all grade levels are invited to join college counselors for a casual conversation about looking ahead to summer on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. via Zoom. After our opening presentation, the floor is yours to ask questions and discuss current topics in college admissions. A Zoom link will be posted to all class college counseling Schoology groups.
The ABCs of Artificial Intelligence
Join us Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. in The Schiff Center. Director of Instructional Technology Kristina O’Connor will present an informational session for the Middle and Upper School Parent Communities on the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Seven Hills educational framework.
Summer Program 2024 — Mark Your Calendars
Make 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 through Aug. 9, there are all kinds of adventures and opportunities for your child to explore to make this the best summer ever.
- Honeybees (for ages 3-4)
- Stingerbees (for rising kindergartners, ages 5-6)
- Hive Flyers (for rising first and second graders)
- Create Your Summer (for rising second through sixth graders)
- Middle and Upper Experience (for rising sixth through 11th graders)
Priority registration for Seven Hills families opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13.
LGBTQIA+ Parent Group and Spring Social
Last year, we inaugurated a Parent Community space for LGBTQIA+ families, making strides toward our inclusive school commitment. As we embark on a new year, we aim to reunite existing families and extend a warm welcome to new families joining our community. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, please express your interest with this LGBTQIA+ PC Group interest form.
Additionally, we cordially invite all Seven Hills LGBTQIA+ families to our Spring Social on March 9 from 12-2 p.m. in The Schiff Center lobby. Kindly RSVP using the above interest form, and bring your family to partake in the festivities.
Graduation Volunteers Needed
The graduation committee is seeking Upper School parent volunteers to assist with the greenery arches and the sidewalk chalk activities on June 6 and 7. If you are interested in assisting, please reach out to Nupur Anand.