Upper School Blast Mar 8, 2024
Dear Families,
Today, we’re wrapping up both the third quarter and the first phase of the student course request process. Staggering the end of the quarter, so that it ends a week before we go on Spring Break, keeps each of the quarters the same length and should help to moderate the students’ workload.
Between Spirit Week, this week’s athletic awards, alumni guest speakers, and other events, it’s been a festive lead-up to the break. In next week’s note, we’ll look ahead to the fourth quarter, with the goal of helping the Upper Schoolers to have a strong finish to a great year.
Best,
Matt
Key Dates & Events
Monday, March 11 — A4. Advisory
Tuesday, March 12 —B4. All School
Wednesday, March 13 — A5. Wellness Wednesday
Thursday, March 14 — B5. Class Meeting
Friday, March 15 — A1. Extra Help
Announcements
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 theater classroom. Kindly RSVP using the above interest form and bring your family to partake in the festivities.
Senior Graduation Information
Parents, the following information was sent to your senior in their student Blast regarding graduation.
Seniors:
- Cap and Gown: Reminder, your caps and tassels are yours to keep. The gown is rented and will need to be returned the night of graduation. You normally will receive your cap and gown during May Term week. We will keep you posted.
- Diploma: Please fill out the 2024 Seniors Names and Pronoun Preference form to enter in the name you would like on your diploma. The deadline for this is April 1. (Parents, please check this document to ensure your student has filled it out correctly.)
Senior Photos for the showcase are due the last week of April. The criteria for these are as follows
- 4×6
- Black & White or Color
- Vertical
- Printed, since we do not have the capacity to print these in the office
Graduation announcements: As mentioned previously, we have traditionally ordered five announcements and envelopes per senior. We often end up with a full box of unclaimed announcements and would like to take a vote on if you would like us to order announcements for this year. Please fill out the graduation announcements online poll and vote on whether you would like to receive these announcements or plan on another avenue to announce your senior’s graduation. Majority vote will be used.
Please continue to check your emails daily. As we get closer to graduation you will receive several time-sensitive emails.
Prom Tickets and Information
Prom 2024, “Masquerade Ball,” will be held at the Music Hall Ballroom on Saturday, April 6, 8-11 p.m.
Seven Hills believes Prom should be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. There is no formal dress code for Prom and all ninth through 12th grade students are invited and encouraged to attend. Over 350 students from all grade levels attended Prom in 2023! Students must arrive between 8 and 8:30 p.m. and are dismissed between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Tickets to Prom are $55. Purchase Prom tickets now.
The evening includes music from DJ Etrayn, beverages, snacks and dessert, interactive photo and caricature experiences, games, and more! Students are allowed to bring one non-Seven Hills guest. Financial aid is available to defray the cost of Prom tickets for qualifying students; please get in touch with Dr. Bolton for more information.
Seeking Host Families for International Students
The Seven Hills Upper School is pleased to be welcoming new students from China for the 2024-25 school year. We are seeking families within the Seven Hills community to host these students. If you would like to learn more about the responsibilities and rewards of welcoming an international student into your home, please contact Nancy Clark. Interested families will be connected with an approved agency that will share program details and monthly stipend information.
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.
Reminder for Walking Club
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 on the Hillsdale Campus. 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. When inclement weather occurs, we gather at Element Eatery to chat.
Our next meetups are scheduled after Spring Break on April 10 and April 24. I look forward to chatting with you soon. Carolyn Klein (mom of Spencer, 11th grade, and Courtney, seventh grade).