Upper School Blast Apr 3, 2026
Key Dates
Monday, April 6 — A5
Tuesday, April 7 — B5
Wednesday, April 8 — A1. Upper Blood Drive
Thursday, April 9 — B1
Friday, April 10 — A2. Culture Fair
Saturday, April 18 — Prom
Friday, April 24 — Upper School Play, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 — Upper School Play, 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 — Instrumental Concert, 3 p.m.
May 4-15 — AP Exams
May 14-19 — Spring Exams
May 20-27 — May Term
Monday, May 25 — No School. Memorial Day
Thursday, May 28 — Last Day of Classes. Upper Awards Day
Friday, May 29 — Upper Graduation, 6 p.m.
Photos of the Week
Chemistry students made creations out of thermoplastics.
What to Know Now
Free In-Person Practice ACT Opportunity —Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m.
Thirty-Six Education will host a free practice ACT at the Upper School on Saturday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. Interested sophomores and juniors can sign up for the test. This test will be administered using standard time constraints (i.e., no accommodations), with or without science, depending on individual student preference, and students will receive a detailed score report to guide further study. Space is limited; available seats will be assigned in order of students’ registrations. Please contact support@36education.com with any questions about this opportunity or your student’s registration.
Big Little Talks: Parent Book Series — Exploring Gender, April 7
Children are naturally curious, and questions about gender are increasingly part of what they’re noticing, discussing, and bringing home. As parents, it can be hard to know how to respond — or even where to begin.
Join us for our next Big Little Talks Parent Book Series, inspired by the “A Kids Book About” collection.
In partnership with GLSEN, a representative will be present to help answer parents’ questions around topics involving gender. Join us on Tuesday, April 7, at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. in the Lotspeich library. RSVP for the session that works best for you. This program is intended for Lower School parents, but all parents are welcome to attend.
Reminder: Field House Parking Lot — Temporary Traffic Flow Changes
Due to the new Lower School construction, you are only able to enter and exit the Field House lot from Bufler Lane. The exit onto Ellmarie Drive is closed through summer 2026.
Parent Community News
Appreciation is in the Air!
Teachers and faculty returned after break to find a SURPRISE make-over of their lounge for Teacher Appreciation Week! This transformation was symbolic of the parents gratitude for the efforts the teachers make for the students and our community from the big bucket items to the small but meaningful actions they make every day. The Parent Community outdid themselves making big changes while not overlooking the smaller details. Thank you to the teacher appreciation committee and all who contributed to this incredibly generous effort! Check out the pictures! The teachers also were treated to aromatherapy and a delicious breakfast.
Announcements
Information for Prom — April 18
Date/Time
Saturday, April 18, 8-11 p.m. Students must arrive by 8:30 p.m. Students are allowed to leave at 10:30 p.m., and the event ends at 11 p.m.
Location
Prom will be at the Mercantile Immersive, 120 E. 4th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Who goes to Prom? What should I wear?
Seven Hills believes Prom should be an inclusive, welcoming event for all students. There is no formal dress code, and all students in grades nine through 12 are invited and encouraged to attend. In 2025, more than 325 students from across all grade levels attended Prom.
Registration
Purchase tickets to Prom via Square. Tickets are $65 each. Cash, check, or credit card will also be accepted at the door, although pre-registration is strongly preferred. Financial aid is available to help defray the cost of Prom tickets for qualifying students; please contact Mr. Catalan or Ms. DiRoma for more information.
Entertainment and Food/Drink
While many students choose to go out to dinner before Prom, warm appetizers, assorted sodas, and a wide selection of desserts are provided. Entertainment includes music from DJ Etrayn, an interactive photo booth, and a variety of immersive entertainment experiences.
Guests
Students can bring one guest and must submit the required Guest Agreement Form. Copies are available in the Upper Office and on the ticket sale website. Completed forms can be emailed to Ms. DiRoma, dropped off in the Upper School Office, or turned in at Prom. Guests must enter Prom with their host.
Security and Safety
Prom is staffed by a large group of faculty, venue staff, and security, who will assist with arrival, pickup, and event safety. Additional details regarding arrival and pickup procedures, safety, parking, and other logistical information will be shared closer to the event.
For Parents of Graduating Seniors
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.
Upcoming Instrumental Concert!
The Big Spring Instrumental Concert will be on Sunday, May 3, at 4:30 p.m. (Please note the time change). Details will be posted on Canvas. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Mr. Rising.
May Term — Save the Dates!
Just a reminder that our May Term Intensive Courses for students in ninth through 11th grade run May 20-22 and May 26-27, followed by our last day of school on May 28. We look forward to spending this time with your children in deeply immersive learning experiences. Successfully completing three May Terms is a graduation requirement, so please protect this time.
International Travel for 2026-27
If your ninth to 12th grade student is thinking of participating in one of the proposed international travel experiences next year (Shakespeare in London, Denmark exchange, marine biology in Costa Rica, French exchange, or the performing arts trip), please fill out this brief survey. This is an interest survey to determine which trips will run, not a formal commitment yet.