SEVEN HILLS
February 24, 2012
The Buzz
A Brief Word from Chris Garten
Congratulations, Seven Hills winter athletes!
Sometimes I’m asked to clarify what educators mean by “21st century learning.” Here’s a recent example.
MVPs in the varsity fall sports season were (front) Amy Mauro, Jasmine Cline-Bailey, Claire Duncan, Maggie Gosiger, Ryan Ferrell, Jackson Callow, and Brian Goertemoeller. Not present for the group photo were Jack Tyndall and Sarah Austin. Sarah was competing in the state swim meet!
Karen Glum’s seventh grade science class has been studying plate tectonics. The unit involves using measurements of ocean depths to extrapolate conclusions about where the intersecting edges of tectonic plates may lie.
Reports on the varsity season and all award winners are on pages 4-5.
Then, after interacting with an architect, students are asked to submit competing designs for a building which could withstand an earthquake of a given magnitude. Each team transfers preliminary sketches to buildable 3-D models, using a computer assisted design (CAD) program.
Sarah Austin, Jack Tyndall
Finally they build models of structures out of the requisite materials and test the structural integrity on a shake table that simulates the action of an earthquake.
ALL TSHS Families! Save Friday evening, March 9, for All-School International Dinner, Edu-tainment Activities, & Performances! The fun starts in Founders Hall at 5:30.
This unit requires students, working in project teams, to apply what they have learned for a practical, “real world” purpose. It involves the use of sophisticated instructional technology and engages students in meaningful problem solving. That, as I understand it, is what 21st century learning is all about! Chris Garten Head of School
Inside this Buzz Chess Simul 2012
International Chess Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov returned to Seven Hills for the Feb. 10 Chess Simul. See page 2.
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Upper School News
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Middle School News
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Lotspeich News
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Doherty News
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Chess Simul at Seven Hills! Seven Hills hosted International Chess Grandmaster Gregory Kaidanov for the 2012 Seven Hills Chess Expo on Friday, February 10. The daylong event included a Chess Simul in which the Grandmaster simultaneously played (along with senior and national chess master Alex Markovits) students in grades two to 12 and faculty, as well as a presentation at Doherty for Unit III. This is the Grandmaster’s third Chess Expo at Seven Hills. The Expo was in conjunction with Seven Hills’ hosting a Cincinnati Scholastic Chess Series tournament on Saturday, February 11.
Players of all ages faced the International Grandmaster. At right, senior Alex Markovits joined in the Chess Simul.
After-School Instructional Chess
Above, one highlight of the Chess Simul was the five-minute blitz chess game played by the blindfolded Gregory Kaidanov and Alex Markovits. This involved players stating their moves aloud and someone (in this case, after-school chess teacher Andy Ward) making those moves on a board visible to the audience. Amazing!
The Seven Hills after-school enrichment program offers instuctional chess classes to players of all levels in Kindergarten through Middle School, plus a Thursday afternoon Chess Club. Taught by Andy Ward and Andy Mackowiak, the classes take place in Lotspeich’s Spanish Room in the Fine Arts Building weekday afternoons through mid-March. For more information, contact Jill Romerill at jill.romerill@7hills.org or 513-728-2380.
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A look at what’s happening at Upper School
See page 6 for Middle School, page 7 for Lotspeich, and page 9 for Doherty Barbara Scarr’s Anatomy & Physiology students had close encounters with chickens in lab recently. Mrs. Scarr said, “We have been studying the Skeletal system and Muscular system. The chicken dissection is used to find in a practical way what has been covered in theory.”
We love the chorus’ Vocal Valentines! page 3
Director of Alumni Relations Nancy Bassett said, “In January, the Alumni Association sent winter fun packs consisting of essentials like snacks and candy to the Class of 2011. This is to let the freshmen know we are thinking of them and hope their first year of college is going well. The junior and senior class agents assembled the packs in their usual fast-paced style.
“The Class of 2012 also received a special treat in January. Since they are halfway through their senior year, the alums wanted to let them know we look forward to welcoming them into our group in June. Free food can say a thousand words, so the Alumni Association left snacks every day in the senior lounge for the seniors’ enjoyment.”
Winter sports reports next page
Sports photography by Keith Neu
Varsity Winter Sports
BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach Phelps said, “The team finished 11-7 overall and 8-5 in the MVC. The team was led by Captains Caleb Daniel and Louis Goldsmith but many players contributed to the team success. The future of Seven Hills basketball is bright!” Head Coach Brian Phelps, Assistant Coach Greg Burkett MVP—Brian Goertemoeller; MIP—Devin Garrett; Coach’s Awards—Caleb Daniel, Jeff Dedeker
Amy Mauro
Congratulations to our winter athletes and coaches on a great season. City and state honors have not been announced yet, and tournament results will be reported in our next Buzz. Sportsmanship and Integrity Award—Claire Duncan (More on this new award in the spring Seven Hills magazine.) BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach Hill said, “The Stingers had a tough 201112 season. With no returning starters and one of—if not the—toughest schedules in Div. IV, they posted a 3-16 record for the season (first losing season in seven years). With only seven Div. IV teams on their schedule, they had a record of 3-4, losing two of those games to one of the top Division IV teams in the region. The players competed hard in every game and showed great character and sportsmanship.” Head Coach Willie Hill; Assistant Coaches Brian Phelps, Greg Burkett, Jordan Harris (’05) MVP—Ryan Ferrell; MIP—Harrison Addy; Coach’s Award—Mathew Cohen All-League (Scarlet Division): Second Team—Ryan Ferrell; Honorable Mention— Pauley Gosiger, page 4
Roderick Mc- Farland MVC Scholar-Athletes—Harrison Addy, Brian Goerte moeller, Carson Quimby, TJ Robinson, Jonathan Tiao
BOYS FRESHMAN BASKETBALL Coach Burkett said, “The team finished a successful regular season with a 10-3 -record and a #1 seed in the Freshmen Tournament. The team came together and kept improving as the season progressed. The whole team worked hard and supported each other.” Coach Greg Burkett MVP—Jackson Callow; MIP—Josh Weaver; Coach’s Award—Leo Fried GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach McIlwraith said, “The team finished the regular season with a 14-4 record, including big wins over Cincinnati Country Day, Madeira and CHCA. They earned a #3 seed for the sectional tournament.” Head Coach Tyler McIlwraith (’03); Assistant Coaches Cary Daniel, Dick Faul; Manager Helen Davidoski (’12) MVP—Claire Duncan; MIPs—Kate Hickenlooper, Hillary Goldsmith; Coach’s Award—Katie Cirulli All-League (Scarlet Division): First Team—Lauren Weems; Second Team—Claire Duncan, Hillary Goldsmith; Honorable Mention—Alexis Lindsay, Katie Cirulli MVC Scholar-Athletes—Monica Blanco, Katie Cirulli, Hillary Goldsmith, Maggie Gosiger, Lauren Weems
Lauren Weems Ryan Ferrell
GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL Coach Faul said, “The team finished 2-9 overall and 2-5 in the MVC. The team was led by leading scorers Maggie Gosiger and Libby Gerhart but many others contributed to the team this year. All of the JV team were also members of the varsity team, some of them seeing limited playing time which will prepare them for next year.” Coach Dick Faul MVP—Maggie Gosiger; MIPs—Beth Hickenlooper, Olivia Koster; Coach’s Award—Monica Blanco GYMNASTICS Coach Bone said, “The gymnasts improved their skills throughout the season. Our score improved with each meet. Despite injuries, we have met our goal this season for a team score of 115. At the Miamisburg meet Amy Mauro was first on vault, beam, floor and was
the First Place All-Around Gymnast of that meet. At the Seven Hills Quad meet Amy placed second All-Around and Reena placed third All-Around. Amy was voted most dynamic gymnast by the judges at the Lakota East Invitational. Amy was 12th in the city on floor and 22nd All-Around in the city. Reena SenGupta placed 10th in the city on beam and 21st in the city AllAround. Seven Hills placed seventh at the city meet. Head Coach Sue Bone, Asst. Coaches Keri Bett (’05), Molly Critchell, Kimi Remenyi MVG—Amy Mauro; MIG—Amanda Shepherd; Coach’s Award— Reena SenGupta All-League: Not announced yet MVC Scholar-Athletes—Grace Cawdrey, Lauren Driskell, Claudia Fernandez, Caroline Linne, Emily Long, Sarah Williamson GIRLS SWIMMING Coach Forster said, “The swim team had a very successful season. The girls finished fourth in the MVC. At sectionals, Sarah Austin, Carly Harten, Ellie Wilson, and Leah Yuan qualified for districts, with Sarah and Ellie qualifying in two individual events. Sarah Austin qualified for state in both of her events!” Head Coach Robin Murphy, Asst. Coach Katie Forster MVS—Sarah Austin; MIS—Bailey Wharton; Coach’s Award— Kate Harsh All-League: All League Female Swimmer of the Year— Sarah Austin; First Team—Sarah Austin, Leah Yuan, Ellie Wilson, Carly Harten MVC Scholar-Athletes—Sarah Austin, Grace Carroll, Kate Harsh, Carly Harten, Nicole Malofsky, Sarah Shim, Ellie Wilson, Leah Yuan
Sarah Austin page 5
The Upper School faculty emailed and texted their support to Sarah, as she headed to finals on Friday. This is Sarah’s third state meet, representing Seven Hills, in the last four years. Going into finals, she was seeded sixth in the 500 free, having achieved another school record, and 10th in the 200 IM.
Pearce Kieser
BOYS SWIMMING Coach Forster said, “The boys finished third in the MVC. At sectionals, Jack Tyndall and Pearce Kieser qualified for districts, with Pearce qualifying in two individual events.” Head Coach Robin Murphy, Assistant Coach Katie Forster MVS—Jack Tyndall; MIS—David Morad; Coach’s Award—Pearce Kieser All-League: First Team—Jack Tyndall MVC Scholar-Athletes—Pearce Kieser, Suhel Singh CHEERLEADING Coach Licata said, “Seven Hills cheerleading had a great season with 14 girls on the squad, led by co-
captains Katie Lewis and Maddie Shanahan. The squad had several first-year cheerleaders, as well as girls who have cheered all four years of Upper School. They worked very well together and enjoyed cheering for the girls and boys varsity basketball teams. This year the fans showed tremendous spirit, especially during cheers like the Stinger Rumble and Red
Margaret Cummins
Hot.” Coaches Natalie Wildfong-Williams, Jennifer Licata MVC—Jasmine Cline-Bailey; MIC—Margaret Cummins; Coach’s Awards—Katie Lewis, Maddie Shanahan All-League: First Team—Jasmine Cline-Bailey MVC Scholar-Athletes—Madie Aichholz, Katie Lewis, Sophie Lewis, Shea Renusch, Hannah Silverman, Jasmine Terry, Sarah Wei
Winter sports award honorees, minus absentees including our state swim competitor.
A look at what’s happening at Middle School Teacher Theresa Keller described a very cool math activity: “Students have been studying scale and scale factor. We used standard Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars with a scale factor of 1:64 to calculate actual measurements of the cars. Students then measured the wheel on their toy car. Using centimeter graph paper, they drew the wheel in actual size.” The sixth graders raised $901 for Unified for UNIFAT at their Feb. 2 bake sale, selling the baked goods they made in their Math Recipe Project. Seventh grader Micah Bachrach attended the Ohio State Special Olympic Winter Games near Cleveland from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. This is the third year that he has skied with the team weekly at Perfect North Slopes, culminating in the Winter Games. Micah is partnered with a boy with special needs, and Micah says that he LOVES the experience of this unified ski team. It is a very bonding and gratifying experience. Congratulations to seventh grader Sam Eng, who qualified for Jr. Olympics in swimming.
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Middle School Winter Sports The boys A basketball team, coached by Ed Wiseman and Bob Kirch, made great strides and gained valuable experience, as they competed against a tough MVC A League. The team gained confidence with big wins over Lockland, Summit, and Cincinnati Christian. They made a strong tournament run with an opening round win vs. New Miami and a hard-fought loss to league rival and #2 seed CHCA in the quarter-finals. The boys were led by a good group of eighth grade leaders and they improved with every game. Twin towers Kevin Brenning and George Davis provided the bulk of the scoring on the inside with Brian Hills, Alex Mueller, and Andrei Savu anchoring the backcourt. The coaches are confident they are passing on quality basketball players to the high school next year. Coach John Krauss and the boys B Team battled injuries and illnesses to key players all season, but they persevered to make the 2011-12 season a successful one. The team managed quality wins over Lockland, New Miami, St. Bernard, and an exciting 1 point win over CHCA. The B team received steady scoring from Jeremiah Weaver and Tyler Zmich with Charlie Goldsmith and Cam Leonard providing leadership. The players improved with every game and gained valuable experience in the MVC. At every boys C team basketball game, you were guaranteed to see a lot of heart, hustle, and team chemistry. Playing a very tough schedule, the team had many close games throughout the season, and they beat league rival Summit twice and avenged an early season loss to CCD with a comeback vic-
tory the second time around. Coach Craig Young and Assistant Coach Eric Wetli were very impressed with the work ethic and intensity their players displayed during both practices and games this season. Wil Morris, Andres Antonsson, and Trey Kieser served the team well with consistent guard play and leadership, while Stephen Curtis and Alex Jiang pitched in on the scoring end. The girls basketball team, coached by Linda Clark and assisted by Sally Leyman, had a tremendous 2011-12 season. Coach Clark said, “The team finished the season with a record of 16-2 and advanced to the championship game in the Miami Valley Conference Girls A tournament. The eighth grade players provided strong leadership throughout the season and everyone contributed greatly to the team’s success.” Coach Sue Bone, who was assisted by Keri Betts (’05), said, “Middle School gymnastics does not have many teams in the area to compete with so we have five meets with Miamisburg, Nagel and Cincinnati Country Day. The meets were close—we came in behind Nagel by .2 at one meet and 2 points at another. “We had great success and improvements in all the athletes through the season. We were led by Captains Catherine Besl and Audrey Ditty. We had some great highlights in the season by placing well in the events. The scores we were receiving had risen to the end of the season.”
A look at what’s happening at Lotspeich Zak Morgan at Lotspeich!
Award-winning national performer Zak Morgan, who attended both Lotspeich and Doherty, delighted his Lotspeich audience on Feb. 9 with a wonderful performance of music, magic, theater, and comedy to encourage children to read books and exercise their imaginations. The performance was sponsored by the Madame Binkley Assembly Fund, established by Lotspeich faculty to honor the late beloved French teacher Bonnie Binkley.
Teacher Kristen Feeney told us, “On Feb. 8, second graders traveled to Happen Inc.’s Toy Lab in Northside. There, students created toys using old and broken toy parts. This is one type of upcycling, which students learned is a means of taking something old and turning it into something new or repurposing it. At another activity station, students upcycled soup cans to make their own ‘canjo,’ a banjo-like instrument. This hands-on field trip was out of this world!” Pre-K students enjoyed their eight weeks of gymnastics with teacher Katie Forster.
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Monday morning assembly was very special on February 13, as Lotspeich celebrated the community service that takes place in all of the grades. This year one of those service efforts—the second grade bake sale—will benefit first grader Armorach Gladys and her school, UNIFAT in Uganda, as part of Seven Hills’ Unified for UNIFAT all-school effort. UNIFAT students end their school day with a dance, so fifth graders
designed a dance of their own and taught it to the rest of the school. The library was filled with music, dancing and laughing—it made for a fun, high energy start to the week! The fifth grade led the Middle Schoolers in the dance at the Middle assembly on Feb. 23, and the dance will also be taught in the sixth grade physical ed dance classes.
Spot the Dog at Lotspeich
The pre-Kindergarten students enjoyed a visit from Spot the Dog in the Lotspeich Library. Librarian Marcia Snyder won the visit from Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Kenwood. Mrs. Snyder said, “The students had fun listening to stories about Spot, especially Spot at the Library! There were many high fives for Spot. We thank Barnes and Noble for making the visit possible.�
Below, fourth and fifth grade Girl Scouts from Doherty and Lotspeich spent a night exploring the caves at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The outing on February 10 brought girls from both campuses together for an overnight adventure packed with fun and learning.
Making friends with a turtle at the Cincinnati Museum Center.
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A look at what’s happening at Doherty
The pre-K Spanish students of Señor John Krauss took advantage of the rare snow (nieve) this season which fell briefly on Feb. 14. The students drew pictures of snowmen in an outdoor scene, using white crayons on black paper and, throughout the class, reviewed the Spanish words for snow, white, black, paper, crayon, circle, snowman, the snowman’s parts, and more!
Doherty and Lotspeich fifth graders have been improving their skills and having fun on the Perfect North slopes after school on Thursdays. Some have been working on their skiing skills, while others are perfecting their snowboarding! Everyone in the Ski Club has been having a good time! Fourth and fifth grade Girl Scouts from Doherty and Lotspeich spent a night exploring the caves at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The outing on February 10 brought girls from both campuses together for an overnight adventure packed with fun and learning. The group photo is on page 8.
Units I-II Coordinator Elisa MacKenzie said, “Unit II third graders visited the Museum Center for a tour of the Rotunda and the Cincinnati History Museum. What an amazing building. A highlight was getting to go up on the catwalk and look out over the rotunda.”
Unit I students said, ”I mustache you a question: Will you be my Valentine?“ The Museum Center’s Program on Wheels presented “The Waking City” for third graders. Students enjoyed hearing what life was like in Cincinnati in 1863. They used period maps, map keys, advertisements and illustrations to perform a series of tasks to help them better understand the city. page 9
Valentine boxes were quite a creation in Unit I!
Photos from the visit to Unit III of individuals from Starfire University, as part of the Everybody Counts Program, are on page 10. Starfire U of Cincinnati is a one-of-a-kind program, designed for young people with disabilities to continue their social and personal development beyond high school.
Visit from Star fire University
Unit III Coordinator Vaishali Sarbhoy told us, “As a part of the Everybody Counts program, Unit III had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with some talented and creative young people from Starfire University on Feb. 16. Some students learned the history of rock and roll from Andy, also known as The Human Jukebox, who had a fun and interactive presentation to share, with music to listen to, and a wealth of information about rock and roll. “Shane and Robert talked to another group about the act of giving through community service and doing random acts of kindness. The students created cards and listened to Shane and Robert share how they participate in community service projects. “Carole taught another group techniques to use pastels. She talked about her own experiences with art and how she likes to paint landscapes and abstract art. The students had a wonderful time creating their own masterpieces. “Craig presented the history of video games to another group. This presentation was filled with actual clips and versions of the games. The students were amazed at his knowledge of the subject which included even knowing which company bought the rights to which game and when! “The students ate lunch with their presenters and got the chance to share and learn more from these wonderful people!” page 10