Seven Hills Buzz - March 19, 2010 by The Seven Hills School

The Seven Hills Buzz The Seven Hills School Bulletin

A Brief Word from Chris Garten Last week brought one of the traditional highlights of the year, the Talent Show in Upper School. Emceed by two juniors with a connective tissue of witty patter, this year’s iteration featured acts as diverse as a Rachmaninoff étude, a rendition of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song transcribed for string quartet (really!), and a moving duet, a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. In front of a giant projected timer, a sophomore solved three Rubik’s Cubes in 2 minutes, 10 seconds and was greeted by a thunderous ovation and a gauntlet of high fives. The evening ended with a massive jam session by our instrumental groups as the Upper School students rushed the stage. For a brief moment, Founders looked like the Fillmore! It’s a chance to revel in being young and alive and to celebrate each other’s gifts. It’s a perfect rite for spring! Have a wonderful and safe holiday! Chris Garten Head of School

“Here comes summer!” Doherty’s traditional year-end song says it all: “Here comes summer,” and Seven Hills is ready with a wealth of enrichment opportunities for Cincinnati area children in its 2010 Summer Program. See page 5 for more information or go to www.7hills. org>Quicklinks>Summer Program.

Vol. 1 No. 13 March 19, 2010

Global Education Day culminates in International Evening

An extravaganza of international food reflecting the rich cultural diversity of our school community spread across the width of Founders Hall as Seven Hills families came together for an International Evening of food, entertainment, and fun on March 12. The event capped a week of Global Education activities at Doherty, Lotspeich, and Middle (Upper will celebrate Global Ed Day on April 23). More on the global education and International Evening activities is in this Buzz.

Top honors at Ohio Jr Classical League Convention Members of the Middle and Upper School Latin Clubs earned top honors at the 2010 Ohio Junior Classical League State Convention in Columbus in which some 785 students participated in academic, creative arts, and graphic arts contests. Out of the 30 schools that attended, Seven Hills finished second in Academic Per Capita—our highest finish in 12 years— and seventh in Overall Sweepstakes (total points in academics and arts, regardless of club size). All of the 20 Seven Hills students who participated earned at least one top-ten

ribbon. Out of 785 students, freshman Claire Romaine finished tenth in Individual Overall Points and ninth in Individual Academic Points. She earned eleven top-ten places, including first in Pentathlon and first in Latin Recitation. Other students who earned top-ten places were freshmen Cullen Deimer, Chris Baggott, Katherine King, Anne-Stuart

Bell, Katie Shen, Lawrence Vignola, John Rowe, Sara Hodgkins, Jasmine Terry; sophomore Alex Baggott; seniors Danny Korn, Shirley Yan, Ainsley McWilliams; eighth graders Hannah Berger, Ellie Wilson, Kyle McKibben, Hayden Schiff, Kelsey Stratman, and Daisia Jackson. A list of individual honors is at www.7hills.org>News.

A Look at What’s Happening at Doherty, Lotspeich, Middle & Upper . . .

A Look at What’s Happening at . . . DOHERTY

LOTSPEICH

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

Doherty and Lotspeich students enjoyed a wonderful visit with children’s author April Pulley Sayres on March 1–2. Article and photos on page 7. “The fifth graders created water filters from 2-liter bottles and household materials,” said science teacher Ms. Wildfong. “They turned out very well and a majority of them filtered out the ‘pollutants’ within the water!” Photo page 5. Mr. Betts reported, “Some of our sixth, seventh, and eighth grade math enthusiasts participated in the Cincinnati Chapter MATHCOUNTS competition on Feb. 20 at the University of Cincinnati. Our team finished in 10th place out of about 40 schools. Gregory Sun (above) was our top mathlete, placing 30th out of about 300 students. Hayden Schiff placed 47th.” Group photo page 11.

Congratulations to fifth graders (from left) Daniel Grass, Max White, and Chase Gardner, who read and answered questions about The Wright Three by Blue Balliett (in addition to their regular work) as an extra credit project in the Doherty Library. They were rewarded with an ice cream sundae which they made themselves from an array of toppings, ice creams and whipped cream.

The warm weather brought fifth graders outside to dye yarn as part of their colonial studies. Mrs. Balskus said, “We were dying cochineal bugs from Central America. The colonists would have them shipped up— we use the Internet!”

As part of their study of the circulatory system, the sixth graders participated in heart relay races in the Middle School Commons. Mrs. Licata said, “Each student represented a red blood cell and they had to race through the various parts of the heart and lungs to model blood circulation, including being able to recognize when blood is oxygenated and deoxygenated.”

Unit I students loved when Mrs. Guethlein visited and read Cranberry Easter.

As part of Global Education Week, PK students took an “airplane trip” to Ireland! More photos page 9.

The PK friends spent the month of February studying one of the world’s oldest and greatest traditions—the Winter Olympics. Ms. Merritt said, “We learned about the many cultures of the world, the traditions that surround the Olympics, and the sporting events that take place. PK students created masterpiece art projects, cooked up a storm of cuisines from around the

Congratulations to the talented performers in Upper’s Talent Show on March 10, to MCs John Lewis and Luke Beckwith, and to its organizers—John Rising with the help of Jason Knarr and Tina Groom. More photos page 11. Junior Chase Atherton (studying in France this school year) Skyped with Mme Griep’s French IV Honors class on March 5. Mme Griep said, “We had a nice conversation with Chase and two of her friends from her school in France. The students spoke in French and compared their daily schedules and classes. One of the French students had recently traveled to Pennsylvania as part of a high school exchange program and students asked about her experience.” Three students from Mrs. Lovro’s Chinese I class—Mia Perlman, Kristen Prevost, and Katie Cromer—did a presentation on Chinese New Year for Lotspeich second graders on March 10. The second graders, who knew a great deal about Chinese New Year, asked complex, philosophical questions about the Chinese legends. Photos page 12.

The Middle School Roots & Shoots Club has established a permanent cell phone collection site at the Middle School. Mrs. Glum said, “The club is working with EcoCell and the Cincinnati

Mr. Gleiner said, “My English 11 class is in the midst of reading The Color Purple. One of the most important themes in the book is the importance of community in achieving individual identity. In the novel, the protagonist, Celie, first finds

A Look at What’s Happening at . . . DOHERTY LOTSPEICH

The Unit III math classes of Aimee Burton, Regina Daily, and Julie Guminey enthusiastically explored probability outcomes through a variety of experiences. Students from all three classes were randomly grouped and, over a three-

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world, and even learned how to say hello in new languages! “Our unit concluded with our own Olympic feats of strength competition in the Kalnow Gym (Canada). China, Spain, France and Italy came together in a competition of Winter Olympic events: Downhill Skiing, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating. All students were a marvel and won their very own Gold Medals!” Photos page 8. Congratulations to the fifth grade winners of Pi Day medals for memorizing digits of pi: Mia Reilly, gold medal for memorizing 160 digits; Brianna Ko, silver medal for memorizing 138 digits; and Charlie Goldsmith, bronze medal for memorizing 63 digits. The winners won chances to “pie” parent volunteers Elza Jonas, Kim Choo, and Amy Lutz. Photos page 8. The third graders put on a great production of the musical “Go West,” under the direction of Mrs. Wilson and Mr. White. Photos page 10.

week period, they learned how to calculate the frequency a pattern would be repeated or the odds/chances that the same item would be selected from a bag. Using spinners, dice, coins, rock-paper-scissors, golf balls, symbols, sticks, grab bags, the Internet, some skill and a little luck, the students encountered probability variables and saw how slight changes would affect their final results.

The kindergarteners’ annual Kids to Kids project, in which the students make, decorate, fill, publicize, and sell “pots of gold” to raise money for Heifer Project International, was a big success. With their proceeds, they were able to buy five goats for needy families in underdeveloped countries. Photo page 5.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Zoo to recycle old cell phones. Several mineral components of cell phones are mined in central Africa in lowland gorilla habitat. Mining destroys gorilla habitat, and miners hunt gorillas for food. “In addition to the impact of cell phone production on animals, there is an enormous human toll. The minerals that are mined for cell phones are sometimes called ‘conflict minerals.’ Their sale funds militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other regions of central Africa. Children are often forced to work in the mines or become soldiers in the militias. “Each year the Roots & Shoots and French Clubs hold a bake sale to raise money for children in the DRC. Gilbert Mulamba, brother of French teacher Madame Kalubi, sends the money to contacts in the DRC who use it to buy medicine, clothing, or to help pay for tuition for children. This year the clubs raised $200.” Cell phones for recycling can be sent to Karen Glum at the Middle School. A short, very good video to explain the conflict mineral aspect of cell phones can be found at http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFsJgcoY20&feature=channel. On Saturday, March 6, several members of the Roots & Shoots Club and their families volunteered at Kids Against Hunger in Blue Ash.

Mrs. Hickenlooper’s, Mrs. Kulhavik’s and Mrs. Vanoy’s buddy classes celebrated the campuswide study of Ireland with a treasure hunt. The big buddies

The first and second graders displayed their musical talent in their instrumental recital on March 15, and third and fifth graders shared their musical talent in their March 19 recital. More photos on page 10.

UPPER SCHOOL

fulfillment through the communal act of quilting, which ultimately leads her to her own creative identity and personal fulfillment as a seamstress. “To engage my students in a similarly communal process, Diane Kruer and I have put together a project in which we will create an ‘Identity Quilt,’ which will be a collection of student responses to the statements, ‘I am...’ and ‘We are...’ The quilt will also include embellishments and adornments connected to their personal identity.” Another photo page 12. In the OCTM contest (Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics) four students qualified for a test to be given at Capital University in Columbus on Saturday, March 27—sophomore Isabel Arjmand, junior Peppar Cyr, and seniors Britt Cyr and Josh Wang. In the AMC (American Mathematics Contest), three students qualified for a second round given at Seven Hills on March 16—Isabel Arjmand, Britt Cyr, and senior Robby Woodworth. On March 10 Mrs. Ford’s Environmental Science class toured the new upgraded facility of Rumpke Recycling Center in St. Bernard. Mrs. Ford said, “The upgrade cost $6.2 million and the capacity for sorting, bundling and shipping commodities back into the marketplace is now ranked third in the nation.“

A Look at What’s Happening at . . . DOHERTY LOTSPEICH

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL The work of Upper art students was featured and prominently displayed in the Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Third Annual Student Art Show March 6–April 10. Photos page 12.

prepared clues and carefully hid them sequentially at their proper locations around the school. Together they enjoyed the hunt and especially the “golden treasure.” Students in kindergarten and Unit I enjoyed the sounds of Schoolhouse Symphony and even learned a few new dances!

Mrs. Balskus said, “Fifth graders had two presenters in Language Arts on March 16—Vaishali Sarbhoy and Anoop Magowan—who shared their Indian culture with us to enrich our understanding of one of our literature circle novels, Homeless Bird. The morning included an educational Powerpoint, sampling tasty Indian food, decorating hands with henna, learning more about clothing including saris, and dancing to Indian music.” More photos page 6.

Unit I and kindergarten enjoyed a lesson in Irish dancing for Cultural Connections Week. The story dances involved St. Patrick, played by Scott Williams, and sheep and snakes. The children danced an exuberant line dance doing a “laundry washing” jig. Photos page 6. Cultural Connections Week featured presentations by Irish storyteller Michael O’Malley (photo page 6), as well as an Irish lunch! As part of Cultural Connections Week at Doherty, fifth graders presented the delightful musical, “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” under the direction of Mrs. Eynon and Mr. White. Photos page 10.

More photos and news on pages 5-16 . . .

Middle Schoolers culminated their Global Ed Day March 12 with The Amazing Race—a race with 12 stations at which small groups had to complete fun challenges in a given amount of time. Organized by Mrs. Glum and Mrs. Licata, international challenges included Irish Jig, Congolese Water Jug, Running with the Bulls, Currency Exchange, and more! Pictured below are Building the Pyramids and Crossing the Amazon. More photos page 15.

Ramsey Ford (Mrs. Ford’s son) and his wife, Kate Hanisian (above), visited Seven Hills on March 17 to talk with the Environmental Science and Global Issues classes about the non-profit organization they founded— Design Impact—whose mission is to empower communities affected by poverty to design and implement life-improving solutions. Design Impact works with non-profit organizations and the communities they serve to design solutions that address an urgent need, like better access to potable water, education, employment, or safe environments. Design is used as the catalyst between the idea and its implementation. Since September 2009, they have worked with the Organization for Action Development and Maintenance (ODAM) in Tamil Nadu, India. Juniors Ari Kirsh and Sydney Larkin were selected to participate in Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s High School Science Student Symposium on March 15. Designed to stimulate outstanding science students’ interest in pursuing biomedical careers, the symposium gave students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the work of doctors, scientists and allied health professionals who are finding new treatments and cures for childhood diseases and improving the outcomes for children today. 4

Summer at Seven Hills June 14–August 13! “Embrace the Spirit of Summer” at our 29th Seven Hills Summer Enrichment Program. Applications are currently being accepted for students (ages 3 – 18 years) for over 120 different weekly programs available throughout the summer.Programs begin the week of June 14 and continue through August 13. Over 57 new activities are being featured this summer including Mad Science, Amazing Portable Circus, and iSpace, which complement some of our returning favorites such as Gourmet Cooking, Magic, Tennis, Jump Start School and Edible Art. Additionally off-campus opportunities include field trips to historical Cincinnati parks and places of interest including Kings Island, Museum Center, Reds Hall of Fame, and Coney Island.

Separate programs for Middle School students have been expanded with more academic enrichment offerings as well as a wide array of technology, fine arts, and Greater Cincinnati community programs. Our Summer Program has been designed to accommodate the various needs and interest of our students. Whether you prefer a halfday program for one week or a full-day option for the entire summer, our talented and dedicated staff is here to provide an enriching, fun and exciting opportunity for your child. Early Care, After Care, and a lunch option may also be selected on a weekly basis. All summer program information and registration forms are available on the Seven Hills website (www.7hills.org) or in the summer brochure mailed to your home. Additional brochures are displayed in the divisional offices or you may contact Jill Romerill, Summer Program Director, to request one. Please contact Jill with any questions or for assistance at 513.272.5345 or jill.romerill@7hills.org. We are pleased to offer a wonderful program and hope you will join us this summer!

Mrs. Vanoy’s homeroom simulated evaporation and rain to begin a Unit I study of weather. They read Rain Talk by Mary Serfozo and Keiko Narahashi then wrote about rainy days.

Lotspeich fifth graders built water filters in science. At right, some of the Lotspeich kindergarteners and Moms who sold “pots of gold” for the Heifer Project. Ms. Okin said, “Thanks to the generous donation of Rolo candies from our kindergarten parents and the students’ hard work, we raised over $600, enabling us to purchase five goats for needy families around the world. The goats will provide nourishment and income for families, helping them to afford education, clothing, and other essentials.”

Indian dancing in Lotspeich’s fifth grade

Doherty’s celebration of Ireland in this year’s Cultural Connections Week included Irish dancing, storytelling, traditions, food, parades and more! Irish storyteller Michael O’Malley

Children’s author April Pulley Sayre’s visit to Seven Hills is mutually-enjoyable! Visiting children’s authors and illustrators always feel welcome and appreciated at our school when they see all of the student artwork and writing inspired by their books decorating the hallways and libraries at Doherty and Lotspeich. This was certainly true when award-winning author April Pulley Sayres spent the day at Lotspeich and Doherty on March 1-2. Lotspeich librarian Mrs. Snyder (pictured at right) said, “Award-winning author April Pulley Sayre visited the Lotspeich and Doherty Libraries on March 1-2. Ants marching on the ceiling into the library, a pasta machine and pasta sculptures, turtle poems and collages, and a mural of the sea were a few ways Lotspeich students welcomed her to our school and prepared for her visit. April is the author of more than 60 books, although she said some are in her drawers at home waiting for illustrations or more editing. She encouraged the students to write about what makes them happy. Nature and learning about nature is what makes her happy! “She told the students that if they have written books and shared them with others, they are ‘young authors.’ She suggested keeping a notebook of ‘delicious’ words. A few of her favorites are: bumblebee, crunch, parallelogram, Sheboygan, and her all time favorite – The Okefenokee Swamp! “April was excited to see that we had an early copy of her big book, One Is a Snail, Ten Is a Crab, which she was happy to sign for us. Many of our students purchased books that she signed during her visit—the favorite being her newest book, Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out! We will have to wait until 2012 for her next book, Eat Like A Bear, illustrated by Caldecott Medal winner Steve Jenkins, who also illustrated her award-winning book Vulture View. “I’m sure April has inspired some writers and researchers in our audience after sharing her experiences and travels. We are grateful that Grandparents Annual Giving supports our annual author

visits, a program that is a valuable experience for our students.” Mrs. Snyder added, “April Pulley Sayre loved being at Lotspeich and Doherty. She enjoyed her visit as much as the students did. She has added photos she took during her visit and wrote such nice things about our school which are now part of her wonderful author website: www.aprilsayre.com/category/april-on-the-road-schoolvisits.” Doherty librarian Mrs. Wolfe said, “April Pulley Sayre, writer of non-fiction extraordinaire, was just as impressed with the Doherty students’ depth of knowledge of her work as they were with her lively and dynamic presentations. We took photos of her with students and she took many many photos of the students’ work to display on her website. Besides exploring her books, she gave the students many helpful hints on how to write nonfiction.”

In the background of the photo above at right of the author with Doherty librarians Mrs. Wolfe and Mrs. Anderson is a school-wide project based on the books Trout Are Made of Trees and Vulture View. Mrs. Wolfe said, “The entire food chain from decomposing leaves to caddis flies, minnows and trout is represented with models to scale. The vultures in the background are not made to scale.”

Pi Day in the Lotspeich fifth grade

Lotspeich PK Winter Olympians

Doherty prekindergarteners took an airplane trip to Ireland on March 10, complete with packed â&#x20AC;&#x153;baggage, passports, security check, instructions from the pilot and flight attendant, seats with views, seatbelts and reading material,â&#x20AC;? and the most realistic airplane in a hallway ever!

The Lotspeich third grade musical production of “Go West”

The Doherty fifth grade musical production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

Some of the performers at the Lotspeich first and second grade instrumental recital. Photos from the March 19 recital for grades 3-5 will be in our next Buzz.

A few photos from Upper’s Talent Show

And, one of the highlights of a great night of entertainment— Mrs. Groom on the accordian.

Above, Mr. Betts and Middle School mathletes (from left) Carl Compton, Tigar Cyr, Hayden Schiff, Ned Dawson, and Gregory Sun.

At right, the Environmental Science class trip to Rumpke Recycling Center

This is a sample of our students’ dazzling artwork at the Kennedy Heights Art Center’s Student Art Show. Haley and Tessa Jones are pictured at left with their parents and teacher Diane Kruer. Above them is hanging Tessa’s sculpture of a butterfly evolving and taking flight. Behind them, on a specially-built display on the mantel, is Shannon Monnier’s sculpture, “Heart of Gold.” English 11 students working on their “Identity Quilt.”

Chinese I students did a presentation on the Chinese New Year for Lotspeich second graders, who tried their hand at writing Chinese characters. Another fun Lower/Upper School collaboration was shared PE time on the soccer field.

Parent Anush Balian did a presentation on Armenia for Lotspeich second and third graders. The students learned to write their names in Armenian.

Parent Bin Chen did a presentation on China for Lotspeich PK, kindergarten, and first grade. The students sampled Chinese snacks.

Parents Myrna and Benjamin Pérez did a presentation on “Mayan Enigmas” on Middle’s Global Ed Day.

The Cool Critters Outreach presentation at Middle’s Global Ed Day started calmly enough. Then...

...the African Pygmy Hedgehog ran into Mitch’s pants! It was a great Global Ed Day! Parent volunteers shared their expertise on important global subjects, and the day culminated in Middle’s The Amazing Race (see page 15).

Global Ed Day at Middle started with sharing by some of the students who have lived abroad. It was a big hit! Complete coverage of all Global Ed activities will be in the next issue of Seven Hills magazine.

A few photos of Middle’s The Amazing Race. More in the next Seven Hills magazine.

Pictured above, clockwise from top left, are the challenges Crossing the Amazon, Congolese Water Jug, Strike a Pose, and Irish Jig. At left is the challenge “You Want Us To Eat THAT?” Yes, Palmer did eat the octopus. Other delicacies included “hard-boiled quail eggs, sea weed salad, limburger cheese, sharon fruit, pork rinds, rice cakes filled with red bean, pumpkin butter, beef jerky, wheat crackers that looked like rotten sticks, and giant caper blossoms,” said Mrs. Donovan. Kudos to the brave gourmets!

A few photos of the International Evening of great food and entertainment. More to come in the next Seven Hills magazine.