Upper School Blast Jan 16, 2026

MLK Day of Service – Monday, Jan. 19

The entire Seven Hills community is warmly invited to join us for our 13th Annual MLK Day ON, Not Off. We’re excited to offer two service sites where volunteers can participate in meaningful, hands-on projects that honor Dr. King’s vision of service, unity, and community responsibility.

Please use the Google Form links below to let Seven Hills organizers know who and how many people will be attending and to fill out the registration forms for each organization. two items for the site you will be visiting. 

We look forward to making this day of service a meaningful experience for members of our Seven Hills community.

Matthew 25: Ministries
Time: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: Open to participants of all ages
Address: 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242
Forms: Please register using the Matthew 25: Ministries Google Form. Returning volunteers can bring their MM25 ID card with them.

Freestore Foodbank
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: Open to volunteers 12 years and older
Address: Community Resource Distribution Center, 3401 Rosenthal Way, Cincinnati, OH 45204
Forms: Please register using the Freestore Foodbank Google Form.

Experiential Learning Fair — Jan. 21

The Upper School is hosting its third annual Experiential Learning Fair during lunch and Community Time on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The purpose of the fair is to introduce students to opportunities in the community. See a list of practicing organizations.

Re-enrollment Contracts Reminder

Re-enrollment contracts for the 2026-27 school are now available via your Veracross Parent Portal. To secure your student’s space for next fall, please submit the re-enrollment contract and deposit by Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. Thank you.

Join Us for a Fireside Book Discussion: Ariel Lawhon’s “The Frozen River”

Please RSVP to attend the Seven Hills Books For Lunch Fireside Book Discussion on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Upper School library.

In this cozy, intimate setting, our Head of Upper School Rick Tate will be joined by English teacher Nate Gleiner for a lively discussion of Ariel Lawhon’s award-winning novel, “The Frozen River.”

Enjoy an evening discussing Lawson’s gripping historical mystery novel, inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who investigates a shocking murder that unhinges her small community.

The best part? You don’t have to have read the book to join the conversation! This is your shortcut to an engaging night full of ideas, insights, and lively conversation. Whether you’ve read “The Frozen River” or just enjoy exploring thought-provoking literature, you’ll find something valuable in the discussion.

RSVP today. The last day to RSVP is Jan. 19.

Reserve your Ticket to Books for Lunch!

Join us for the Seven Hills 39th Annual Books for Lunch on Feb. 6 at The Lightwell in Covington! Enjoy an engaging afternoon featuring New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon as our keynote speaker. The cash bar opens at 11 a.m., followed by a delightful luncheon and Lawhon’s talk at 12 p.m.  The last day to purchase tickets is Jan. 28.

Don’t forget to snag your copy of “The Frozen River,” a Good Morning America book club pick, for a special signing after the event. Hurry, tickets are selling fast. Secure your ticket and book now. Sponsorship opportunities are available, please consider supporting this important event.

Questions? Email us at booksforlunch@7hills.org.

Senior Diplomas — Name Preference

Senior parents, please know your students have received an email regarding the name they would like printed on their diploma. It is very important that students put their information into the 2026 Seniors Diploma Name document by March 1. A calligrapher does each diploma by hand and needs time to complete them all. Please note that if your student does NOT enter their desired name by the deadline, their first and last name in the system will be used. Please contact the Upper Office with questions.

New Visitor Kiosk Will Be Introduced in All Divisions Later in the Spring

Roadmap to College Slides

Slides from last week’s “Parent Community Presentation: Roadmap to College” have been posted in the Canvas College Counseling classes for ninth and 10th grades. You can find the link to the slides under the “Resources” module.

Second Semester LEAD Together Events

Thanks to all who joined us for one or more of the LEAD Together events during the first semester. We are looking forward to learning alongside you with a new lineup of speakers and local experts who can support our journey in parenting and educating. Save the dates for our second semester LEAD Together programming! 

10th Grade Family College Counseling Conversation — Jan. 26, 7 p.m., Zoom

In our experience, parents and guardians of 10th graders often have many questions about the months and years ahead. To make sure we address your questions and concerns, the conversation on Monday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. via Zoom will primarily be an open discussion.

We will begin with a few updates from the world of college admission and share guidance for the months ahead. From there, the floor will be open for questions and topics you would like to discuss. Common areas of interest for 10th grade families include testing timelines, when and how to begin a college search, summer plans and programs, course scheduling and choices, grades versus rigor, and the cost of higher education.

Because the college admission landscape continues to evolve, we encourage all parents and guardians to join us for this conversation. A recording of the meeting will be posted on Canvas.

Global Ed Day Volunteer Presenters Needed … Middle School Needs Your Help!

On Friday, March 6, Middle School will celebrate our 17th Annual Global Education Day and we could use your help! As part of our morning activities, students will attend small group sessions. We are looking for members of the Seven Hills community (and beyond) to conduct these sessions. Students will attend three 40-minute sessions during the morning, between 10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 

In the past, sessions have included topics such as travel, cuisine, or other elements of culture from around the world, conducting business in a global world, technological advances and their impact on the world, science and conservation, etc. The ideas are limitless! Facilities could be available to prepare foods. The number of students in a session can be limited if necessary due to space or recommendations from the presenter.  

If you are interested in being a presenter or know someone who you think would be a good fit for this day, please contact Jennifer Licata by no later than Friday, Feb. 13.

Senior Showcase Photo — Due April 30

We would love to showcase each senior’s achievements and post grad plans by displaying a senior photo of them in our showcase located outside of the Upper office. Along with their photo we will display their chosen college. 

Below are the guidelines we would like you to follow regarding the photo:

• 4×6
• Vertical
• Black & White OR color
• MUST be printed (we do not have the ability to print in house)

We would like to have these photos displayed before graduation to ensure your students are able to see the showcase and enjoy this traditional moment. The due date for this is April 30. Your students may bring this photo to Mrs. Minton in the Upper office.

We appreciate your assistance and attention to this. If you have any questions, please contact upper.office@7hills.org.