Upper School Blast Nov 13, 2026

Thanksgiving Food Drive — NOW-Nov. 20

The Thanksgiving Food Drive is accepting items now! We encourage families and students to bring in non-perishable, non-expired food items (no glass, please) to benefit the Freestore Foodbank, a local food pantry.

Upper School students should bring their donations to their advisers.

Revolution Prep Tutoring and Test Prep Discount — Valid NOW-Dec. 18

Revolution Prep is offering Seven Hills families up to $900 in savings when enrolling in an eligible 1:1 academic and test-prep tutoring program. Claim your gift card worth up to $900 off. The discount can be applied toward academic tutoring, 1:1 test preparation, small group courses, and executive function coaching. Offer valid through Dec. 18, 2026.

The Overture Awards 2027 Competition

The Overture Awards Competition is the area’s largest solo arts competition and offers awards in six artistic disciplines: creative writing, dance, instrumental music, theater, visual art, and vocal music. Students have the chance to win $4,000 (one awarded in each discipline) or a $1,500 finalist award (a total of 18 awarded).

We can send a total of 10 students across all disciplines, so if you are interested, please see John Rising, instrumental music teacher, by the end of the day today, Nov. 13.

Upcoming Ninth Grade Field Trip — Tuesday, Nov. 17.

All ninth grade students will take a field trip to see a performance of Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company on Tuesday, Nov. 17 (B1 day). We will leave school around 9:15 a.m. and return after 1 p.m. All students should pack a lunch that day, since we will return to school after the lunch line closes.

Coffee with a College Counselor — Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 12 p.m. on Zoom.

All Upper School parents and guardians are invited to join the college counselors for an informal lunchtime discussion about current topics in college admissions. Bring your questions and any topics you’d like to discuss — the floor will be open for conversation. A link to the meeting (and a post-meeting recording) will be posted to all College Counseling Canvas pages.

Upper School Fall Musical: “Chicago (Teen Edition)” — Nov. 20-21

On Nov. 20-21, join us for the Upper School Fall Musical: “Chicago (Teen Edition).” The cast and crew have been working hard to create an amazing performance. Tickets are on sale — purchase yours now. Check out the flyer for more information!

After the Bell Announcement from Lotspeich — Seeking Board Game Donations

We are looking for donated board games for After the Bell kiddos to use due to the fire. If you have age-appropriate board games (ages 7-12) that you are looking to donate, we would happily take them! Please drop off at the Andress Art Gallery in the Upper School.

Screen Smart Seven Hills Resources

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the LEAD Together session Screen Smart at Seven Hills 2.0. It was great to connect with our community on this important topic.

Wondering about when to get your child their first phone, gaming, or social media? Last night, we released guides covering these important topics.

If you weren’t able to make it, please find all Screen Smart Seven Hills resources linked on Veracross (under General Information) or visit the Screen Smart site.

Anxiety: A Guide for Parents — Free Virtual Trainings Hosted by Terrace Metrics on Nov. 17 and 24

We’re excited to share that Terrace Metrics is offering a free parent training focused on understanding and supporting children experiencing anxiety, designed specifically for parents and caregivers of students in grades 5-12.

Anxiety can significantly impact students’ emotional well-being, school experience, and daily lives. This training offers families an opportunity to gain helpful insights, practical strategies, and tools to better support their children.

Training details:

• Cost: Free
• Duration: Remaining sessions: Nov. 17 and 24 from 8-9 p.m. EST
• Audience: Parents and caregivers of students in grades 5-12
• Topic: Understanding and supporting student anxiety

Join the Zoom here: tinyurl.com/terracemetricsanxiety

Have questions? Please reach out to Upper School counselors Vicky McGuinness Hausberger or Christine Stier.

Thanksgiving Lunch — Monday, Nov. 23

Students, faculty, and staff at both campuses can enjoy a special Thanksgiving lunch on Monday, Nov. 23, before kicking off Thanksgiving Break the following day.

This special hot plate lunch option will feature an assortment of typical Thanksgiving favorites, including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, and more. Students can also look forward to a selection of desserts, including pumpkin, fruit, and pecan pies. This special meal is a wonderful opportunity to bring our Seven Hills community together and celebrate the season of gratitude.

Save the Date! Growing Together: Building Community in Nature — Saturday, Dec. 5

As our community takes root, join families on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9:15-11 a.m. to spend time in nature with activities led by faculty and upperclassmen. Activities include building bug hotels, a winter walk to the Lower School construction site, and other teacher-led activities.

Check out the flyer below for more information.

Upcoming Free Practice ACTs — Dec. 5 (At School) and Jan. 30 (Online)

Seven Hills has partnered with several test prep organizations to offer free practice ACT, SAT, and PSAT opportunities for our students. View the 2026-27 Practice Test Opportunities for Seven Hills Students document or check out your student’s College Counseling course in Canvas for more information.

Winter Exam Schedule — Dec. 14-18

All students are required to take winter exams, which are offered on designated days to ensure equity and security. Morning exams begin at 8:30 a.m. each day; standard time exams are over by 10:45 a.m., after which students are excused.

Afternoon exams begin at 12:30 p.m. These are generally for students who are enrolled in more than one class in the same department (such as two science classes).

• Monday, Dec. 14: Science (and Computer Science in the afternoon)
• Tuesday, Dec. 15: English (and Science in the afternoon)
• Wednesday, Dec. 16: Math
• Thursday, Dec. 17: World Language
• Friday, Dec. 18: History

On rare occasions, families might have unmovable plans that prevent students from taking an exam on their designated day. In those cases, we offer a 6 a.m. make-up exam on Wednesday, Dec. 16. If you’re in that situation, please reach out to Rick Tate to confirm the alternative time.

Save the Date for a Fireside Book Discussion: Susan Choi’s “Flashlight” — Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027

Please save the date for the Seven Hills Books For Lunch Fireside Book Discussion on Thursday, 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 Susan Choi’s award-winning novel, “Flashlight.”

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 “Flashlight” or just enjoy exploring thought-provoking literature, you’ll find something valuable in the discussion.

More information, including how to RSVP, is coming soon.

Join Us for Books for Lunch — Friday, Feb. 5, 2027

Please join us for the 40th anniversary of Books for Lunch on Friday, Feb. 5, 2027, at Hotel Covington in The Lightwell. Enjoy an afternoon with National Book Award-winning author Susan Choi, featuring her novel, “Flashlight.”

The cash bar opens at 11 a.m., followed by an engaging luncheon at 12 p.m. Tickets are on sale now — purchase your seat today.

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