Upper School Blast Oct 31, 2025
Key Dates
Monday, Nov. 3 — A4
Tuesday, Nov. 4— B4. Conference sign-ups close at 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5 — A5
Thursday, Nov. 6 — Parent-Teacher Conferences, 12-8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 7 — Parent-Teacher Conferences, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 10 — Junior Family Meeting #1 with College Counselors, 7-8 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14 — Professional Development Day. No School.
Wednesday, Nov. 19 — Coffee with a College Counselor, 12-1 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 25 — Thanksgiving Break begins at 3:15 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 26-Friday, Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving Break. No School
Photos of the Week
Upper Schoolers check out junior Freddie Murrer’s vintage car outside The Schiff Center. Murrer restored the 1950 Crosley for his Challenge Experience and brought it to campus as part of his Challenge Defense.
What to Know Now
Growing Together: Doherty Oak Tree Planting Event
Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to help plant the Doherty Oak saplings at Lotspeich to grow until the new Lower School site is ready for the trees. In addition to planting (accessible for all ages), we’ll have Lower School site tours with Dr. Matt Bolton, kid-friendly activities with the Upper Sustainability team, Doherty Green Team, the Lotspeich ECC teachers and more! Stop by or stay for the whole time! We’ll have coffee, snacks, and swag! We can’t wait to help our campus green space grow with more history and beauty!
Pumpkins and Popsicles with S.H.A.R.E. — Saturday, Nov. 1, 2-4 p.m.
All are welcome to S.H.A.R.E.’s fun family event on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2-4 p.m. at the Pavilion on the Hillsdale Campus. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with family activities, including decorating pumpkins with words of kindness in honor of World Kindness Day. S.H.A.R.E. stands for Seven Hills Association of Rainbow Events. We are an affinity group for anyone with a family member or who is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. Let us know you are coming by emailing SHARE@7hills.org.
Parent-Teacher Conference Registration
Parent Teacher Conference registration is now open. It will remain open until Tuesday, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m.
If you require specific times and days, we encourage you to sign up early, as some spaces fill up quickly. Please note: Advisers will not be available to meet. If you would like to speak with your student’s counselor, please email them.
If you would like to meet with your students’ guidance counselor, please use the below links attached to sign-up for a time slot.
- Vicky Hausberger — Ninth and 10th Grade
- Christine Stier — 11th and 12th Grade
Registration can be found on your Veracross Parent Portal. If you have any issues accessing your parent portal or conference signups, please contact techsupport@7hills.org.
Junior Family College Counseling Meeting — Nov. 10, 7 p.m., Zoom
This presentation marks the start of the college search process for our juniors. Over the coming weeks, the college counselors will begin meeting with their advisees more regularly. Early meetings will focus on academics, interests, and key moments from the first years of high school. Later meetings will focus on the college search and building an initial list.
All parents and guardians will be invited to meet with their student’s college counselor this winter. During the presentation, we will review current topics in college admission and outline what to expect over the next year of college research and applications. We look forward to working with you throughout this process!
The slides and a presentation recording will be available for anyone who is not able to attend. A Zoom link will be shared in the Class of 2027 Canvas group.
Parent Community News
Share Some Yummies: Upper School Potluck for Teachers Returns!
Let’s come together to nourish the hearts (and bellies!) of our incredible Upper School faculty. During conference week, we’re reviving a beloved tradition — a community potluck for our faculty! We still have plenty of openings, and signing up is easier than ever. This year, we’ll include contributor names next to each dish so teachers can see the love behind every bite. Whether you whip up a homemade favorite or bring something delicious from your go-to spot, you’re sharing a piece of your family with theirs.
Pressed for time? No problem! Reach out and we’ll coordinate a joint order — because every contribution counts.
The teachers specifically requested the return of this tradition, saying how much they cherish the connection it brings. So, sign up today!
Fueling Futures — Notes from Dr. Renee Mattson
Thank you to those who joined us for Dr. Mattson’s powerful session! We explored how to guide our teens through big transitions — from high school to adulthood. The content was inspiring, and the sense of community made it even more meaningful.
Dr. Mattson reminded us that, as parents, we’re shifting from managers to mentors — and our kids need us more than ever.
Check out the program highlights. Let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we can strengthen our kids for today while preparing for them tomorrow.
If you would like more information or have questions, please reach out us.pa@7hills.org or Mr. Tate.
What’s That? — Challenge Projects, May Term, Leadership Opps, and Experiential Learning
How is your student growing as a leader — and why does it matter for college and beyond? Join us Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. to explore Seven Hills’ Experiential Learning Program. Discover how students are building purpose, confidence, and standout stories, as well as how you can support them. RSVP now to join Rick Tate, Dan Polifka, and Karen Glum at this interactive program.
Daylight Savings This Weekend — Nov. 2
Just a friendly reminder that daylight savings is this weekend! One more hour of sleep!
Are you in the Know?
Stay up-to-date on Upper School community happenings. Please say hello at us.pa@7hills.org. Did you make it to this part of The Blast? Drop us a line and let us know you made it!