SEVEN HILLS The Buzz
A Brief Word from Chris Garten
Congratulations, Seven Hills fall athletes!
We celebrate this week the close of a very successful fall athletics season. Some 497 student athletes (237 in grades 1–6 and 260 in grades 7–12) committed themselves to at least one competitive team.
Varsity fall MVPs (front) Andrea Compton, Mathew Cohen, Anne Mapes, Kimia Ghazi, Ellie Osborn; Monica Blanco, Ian McNamara, Carlton Zesch, Luke Miller, Jun Ko; Alex Ferree, Chris Brenning, Eryn MacKenzie, Lawren Pieper, Emma Uible, Caroline Linne. Not pictured: Bryan Robinson.
In Middle School, the seventh and eighth grade boys soccer team mounted an historic run, winning the MVC championship with a record of 19 - 0, First Place in the CHCA Invitational Tournament, and scoring 76 goals while allowing only 4! Both the girls and boys cross country teams won league championships, and the boys fifth/sixth grade Team Antonsson qualified for the SAY state soccer tournament! In Upper School, Seven Hills teams won two league and two sectional titles. Seven Hills students were named MVC Player of the Year in both boys and girls soccer, and one coach was named MVC Coach of the Year. In the league, 14 varsity athletes were named All-League First Team, 11 were named Second Team, 9 received Honorable Mention, and 46 were recognized as Scholar Athletes, with other awards still to be announced.
November 2, 2010
Congratulations to our fall athletes and their coaches for an outstanding season! A report on the varsity season starts on page 7, and the Middle School season report starts on page 12. In an effort to serve the interests of the different audiences for our publications, the reports on the Upper and Middle School sports seasons and celebration
of team and individual honors will be covered in the Buzz, which is published primarily for current Seven Hills parents and students. Seven Hills magazine, whose audience includes alumni and other out-of-town members of our community, will continue to celebrate our major sports achievements but will leave the detailed sports reports to the Seven Hills Buzz.
Moreover, our teams played with their usual tenacity and distinguished themselves by their courage and by their support of one another. But here’s what I’m proudest of: over the last two weeks I’ve received no fewer than five unsolicited calls from two coaches, two principals, and one parent from another school, each commending our students (and coaches) for their sportsmanship: their humility and kindness in victory, their grace in defeat. Athletics, here, is part of an overall commitment to developing character and leadership in our young people. We do, indeed, have a great deal to celebrate. Chris Garten, Head of School
Pumpkin Day is a highlight of the year at Middle! Games and pumpkin decorating! More photos are on pages 4 and 13.
All-School Parent Volunteer Day is a great success!
Save the Date! The Seven Hills School’s
Parent volunteers at the Seven Hills Resale Shop included Nancy Brown, (back) Mary Lynne Birck, Bin Chen,Ellen Austin-Li, Martha Slater, Bill Waskowitz, and Jenny Garrett.
25th Annual Books for Lunch Proudly Presents
Michael Cunningham Pulitzer Prize-winning Author of The Hours Lecture Luncheon & Book Signing Friday, Feb. 4, 11:00 AM
Cintas Center at Xavier University
Dinner with Michael Cunningham Thursday, Feb. 3, 6:00 PM
Thank you to Seven Hills parents for their great turnout in support of our All-School Parent Volunteer Day on the morning of October 14. “We had over 25 parents from all four divisions,” said Upper School Parent Association Vice President Sue Baggott, who organized the event. The parents volunteered at the following locations: Starfire Council (including a trip to Visions Day Care), Dress for Success, Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, The Caring Place, and the Seven Hills Resale Shop.
Books for Lunch 2011 Committee is planning a great event
Books for Lunch 2011 Committee Chairs and sub-committee chairs include (seated) Shiva Ghazi, Sarah Johnson, Rica Ligeralde; (standing) Nancy Brown, Tracey Lewis, Kay Johnson, Kyle Hodgkins, Ruth Klette, Laney Renusch, and Mary Beth Young.
Books for Lunch 2011 parent volunteers have been busy organizing another wonderful event with an acclaimed author for the school and wider communities. Sponsored by the Upper School Parent Association, the event includes an author luncheon at the Cintas Center at Xavier University, a Dinner with the Author at the home of Seven Hills parents, and an assembly and meetings with our students. page 2
These meetings with students are highpoints of Books for Lunch. Typically, the author addresses an assembly, then meets with students for informal discussion in the library, when the author discusses his/her work and shares the struggles and strategies of his/her writing process. These exchanges are invaluable for our students, giving them insights into the creative process of leading authors and inspiring them in their own writing.
At the Home of Freidoon & Shiva Ghazi Michael Cunningham gets all the little things right in his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Hours. Rarely missing a telling detail or a larger emotional truth, the Cincinnati native masterfully explores the quiet, private moments of a life.
Richard Phibbs
Cunningham’s novels include A Home at the End of the World, Flesh and Blood, and The Hours, which received the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/ Faulkner Award. Acclaimed films were made of The Hours and A Home at the End of the World. He is a senior lecturer in the English Department at Yale University, and his latest novel, By Nightfall, was published in September, 2010. “Michael Cunningham’s novel The Hours is that rare combination: a smashing literary tour de force and an utterly invigorating reading experience.” —USA Today Invitations will be mailed in December. For more information, contact Books for Lunch 2011 Committee Chairs Sarah Johnson at sarah.johnson@fuse.net or Rica Ligeralde at ricaligeralde@cinci.rr.com.
Click for book order form.
HALLOWEEN!
Go to the Doherty Corner and the Lotspeich Corner on our website for many photos from Halloween.
More Halloween next page page 3
All Hallow’s Eve was another great Halloween musical from the Lotspeich fourth graders! A movie and images are at Lotspeich Corner!
PUMPKIN DAY AT MIDDLE!
Two more photos of Pumpkin Day games are on page 13.
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A look at what’s happening at Upper School
See page 10 for Middle School, page 14 for Lotspeich, and page 18 for Doherty
Congratulations to chemistry teacher Mrs. Ford, a winner in the Chem 13 News “Chemistry in Pictures” contest. Chem 13 News is a worldwide magazine published by the Department of Chemistry of University of Waterloo in Ontario. This winning photo by Mrs. Ford will be on the cover of the April issue of Chem 13 News.
The Alumni Office thanks Ari Shifman, Victoria Huang, Maddie Caldemeyer, and Sydney Larkin for doing a great job of representing the Seven Hills of today to our returning alumni at Reunion 2010’s Classics Luncheon at Cincinnati Country Club.
Look, up in the sky! It is a bird! High above visitors to Middle’s Insect Day in the Hillsdale Commons flew a flock of beautiful birds. Titled “Migration,” the birds were created with recycled metal by the Materials and Design class.
Environmental science teacher Mrs. Ford said, “This was the Environmental Club’s tree planting project on campus. We obtain the trees from The Releaf Program operated by the Cincinnati Parks and sponsored by Duke Energy. This year we planted four Greenspire Linden trees at the four corners of the parking lot in front of the tennis courts on Saturday, October 16.” At right, Upper hosted its second annual Community Service Fair on October 27, bringing together students with agencies and organizations where they have opportunities to do meaningful community service. page 5
Continued next page
On hand for Upper’s Community Service Fair were MEAC, Starfire, Little Brothers/Friends of the Elderly, John Parker Elementary, Kenzie’s Closet, Cincinnati Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship, Breakthrough Cincinnati, Kennedy Heights Art Center, Bethany House, and Sycamore Senior Center.
Holiday decorating starts in November at Seven Hills Resale Shop!
The Resale Shop will be open through November 20, closed for the week of Thanksgiving, and open in December through December 18. Following the Winter Break we will re-open on January 3, 2011. page 6
Our Seven Hills Resale Shop has been storing holiday donations for the entire year. Manager Louise Cottrell said, “Our 20-foot storage trailer is nearly full with beautiful decorations. In order to be able to sell everything before the Winter Break, we will start celebrating the holidays on November 1. “Displaying and decorating your Resale Shop is definitely one of the most enjoyable volunteer experiences. Please stop in to volunteer and take a little extra time to shop for your decorating needs.”
Varsity Fall Sports Sports photography by Keith Neu
Zoë Pochobradsky, Andrew Bowen, Grace He
BOYS VARSITY SOCCER League and sectional champs, district finalists! Undefeated in the league for the third straight year. Overall record of 12-3-3. Coach Terry Nicholl, Assistant Coaches Scott Cagle, Ted Sidor MVPs—Mathew Cohen, Ian McNamara; MIP—Daniel Griffin; Coach’s Awards—Andrew Bowen, Gilbert Richards All-State (Division III): Not announced by presstime All-Southwest District: First Team—Mathew Cohen, Miles Hill, Ian McNamara, Gilbert Richards District All-Star Senior Athletes—Miles Hill, Ian McNamara, Gilbert Richards All-City (Division II-III): Not announced by presstime All-League: Player of the Year—Ian McNamara; Coach of the Year—Terry Nicholl; First Team—Mathew Cohen, Miles Hill, Ian McNamara, Gilbert Richards; Second Team—Graeme Harten, Henry Head; Honorable Mention—Charlie Kramer, Tyler Lindblad MVC Scholar-Athletes—Michael Bain, Chris Clark, Alex Ferree, Graeme Harten, Kerry Hoar, George Lawson, Alex Markovits, Luke Miller, Virgilio Urbina Lazardi SW Ohio High School Soccer Coaches Association Academic All-Stars: Alex Ferree, Alex Markovits Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Academic Excellence Recognition: Graeme Harten, Virgilio Urbina Lazardi
GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS Ranked # 1 in the city, the team had a season record of 12-3, playing half of the season against Div. I teams, and placed second in the league. The team won the CTC invitational. At sectionals, Andrea Compton won in singles, and Grace He and Hillary Goldsmith won in doubles. All seven players advanced to the districts. Coach Tim Drew MVP—Andrea Compton; MIP—Grace He; Coach’s Award— Jennifer Springer Greater Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association (Division II): First Team—Andrea Compton, Hillary Goldsmith, Grace He; Second Team—Priyanka Parameswaran, Jessica Seibold, Jennifer Springer; Honorable Mention— Jordan Seibold; GCTCA Div. II Doubles Team of the Year—Hillary Goldsmith and Grace He; GCTCA Newcomer of the Year—Jessica Seibold; GCTCA Most Improved Player—Andrea Compton Enquirer All-City (Divs. II-IV): Not announced by presstime All-League: First Team—Andrea Compton, Hillary Gold- smith, Grace He; Second Team—Jennifer Springer, Priyanka Parameswaran; Honorable Mention—Jessica Seibold, Jordan Seibold MVC Scholar-Athletes—Andrea Compton, Hillary Goldsmith, Grace He, Priyanka Parameswaran, Maddie Shanahan, Stella Warner
BOYS JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER Both the Blue and Gold Squads had many shutouts. Coaches Ted Sidor, Cooper Sawyer (’06), Assistant Coach Michael Fink (’09) MVPs—Chris Brenning (Blue Squad), Luke Miller (Gold Squad), Bryan Robinson (Gold Squad); MIPs— Ned Dawson (Blue Squad), Daniel McKinnon (Gold Squad); Coach’s Awards—Michael Bain (Blue Squad), Andrew Berliant (Gold Squad)
GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY GOLD TENNIS The team had a 9-3 record and was one of the top eight, among 30 teams, at the GCTCA Tournament. Coach Amelia Crace (’03) MVP—Ellie Osborn; MIP—Olivia Koster; Coach’s Award— Allie Baretta
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GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY BLUE TENNIS JV Blue was a young team and every player improved her play during the season. Coach John Krauss MVP—Caroline Linne; MIP— Tessa Woodall; Coach’s Awards—Sara Hodgkins, Allie Scheiber
GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER The team had a 7-9-2 record. Unbeaten in the league, including a tie with highly-ranked Summit, the Stingers placed second in the league. Seven Hills was the only team to shut out Blanchester. Coach Nick Francis, Assistant Coach Hannah Wheatley (’05) MVP—Anne Mapes; MIPs—Zena Al-Abed, Sara Johnson; Coach’s Award—Helen Davidoski All-SW District: First Team—Zoë Pochobradsky; Honorable Mention—Anne Mapes SW Ohio Senior All-Star Representative—Anne Mapes All-League: Player of the Year—Zoë Pochobradsky; First Team—Anne Mapes, Zoë Pochobradsky; Second Team— Emily Bedell, Katie Cirulli, Meredith Collette; Honorable Mention—Leah Cromer, Sydney Larkin MVC Scholar-Athletes—Julianne Bain, Emily Bedell, Maddie Caldemeyer, Katie Cirulli, Meredith Collette, Katie Cromer, Leah Cromer, Helen Davidoski, Kimia Ghazi, Sara Johnson, Sydney Larkin, Anne Mapes, Zoë Pochobradsky, Kristen Prevost, Maddie Rogers, Adeline Sawyer, Celine Shirooni SW Ohio High School Soccer Coaches Association Academic All-SW Recognition—Emily Bedell, Katie Cirulli, Sara Johnson, Zoë Pochobradsky, Maddie Rogers Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Academic Excellence Recognition—Julianne Bain, Maddie Caldemeyer, Meredith Collette, Katie Cromer, Leah Cromer, Helen Head, Sydney Larkin, Kristen Prevost GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER The team had a successful 7-2-2 season. Coaches Amy Ilg, Erich Schweikher MVP—Kimia Ghazi; MIP—Sarah Shim; Coach’s Award— Nyla Morgan
Dan Shi
GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL The young team had a winning season against ranked teams and advanced to the semifinals of the sectionals. Coach Linda Clark, Assistant Coaches Barry Silber, Linda Behen MVP—Monica Blanco; MIP—Caleigh Griffin; Coach’s Award— Tory Kennedy All-City: Third Team—Tory Kennedy All-League (Scarlet Division): First Team—Tory Kennedy; Second Team—Rachel White; Honorable Mention— Monica Blanco, Anna Gagliardo MVC Scholar-Athletes—Anna Gagliardo, Carly Harten,Tory Kennedy, Rachel White GIRLS JUNIOR VARSITY VOLLEYBALL The team had a 9-7 record and won impressive matches against Div. II and III teams. Coach Barry Silber, Assistant Coach Linda Behen MVPs—Eryn MacKenzie, Lawren Pieper; MIP—Hannah Berger; Coach’s Award—Ellen Sizer VARSITY GOLF League and sectional champions! The team won the league in a two-day tournament by one stroke over CCDS and won the sectionals with the second lowest sectional score in Seven Hills history. The team placed fourth at the districts. Coach Doug Huff MVP—Carlton Zesch; MIP—Pauley Gosiger; Coach’s Award— Kevin Pan All-City: Second Team—Dan Shi, Carlton Zesch All-League: First Team—Dan Shi, Carlton Zesch; Second Team—Pauley Gosiger; Honorable Mention— Kevin Pan MVC Scholar-Athletes—Alec Kagan, Dan Shi, Carlton Zesch
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Carly Harten, Tory Kennedy
JUNIOR VARSITY GOLF The team had a tough schedule against top teams and won key victories over Summit and CCDS. Coach Ismael Godoy MVP—Jun Ko; MIP—Matt Postell; Coach’s Award—Chris Baggott VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY The boys team finished second in the Seven Hills Invitational with Alex Ferree taking First Place. At regionals, Alex finished 23rd. Coach Tana Luckie MVR—Alex Ferree; MIR—Erik Smail; Coach’s Award—Ari Kirsh All-League: First Team—Alex Ferree; Second Team—Paddack Bahlman, Ari Kirsh MVC Scholar-Athletes—Chris Baggott, Alex Ferree, Ari Kirsh, Aaron Markiewitz
Kevin Cole, Alex Ferree, Paddack Bahlman, Ari Kirsh, Erik Smail, Aaron Markiewitz. Not pictured: Chris Baggott.
VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY The girls team won the Seven Hills Invitational. Emma Uible, who finished second, was the top Seven Hills runner. Coach Tana Luckie MVR—Emma Uible; MIP—Betsy Johnson; Coach’s Award—Lauren Truncellito All-League: First Team—Emma Uible; Second Team—Betsy Johnson MVC Scholar-Athletes—Carly Harten, Betsy Johnson, Elizabeth Young
Emma Uible, Lauren Truncellito, Betsy Johnson, Elizabeth Young, Carly Harten. Not pictured: Anne Stuart Bell. Some of the award winners in the varsity fall sports season
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A look at what’s happening at Middle School Insect Day is a muchanticipated experience for sixth grade students, teachers and their families. The October 21 event was a celebration of insect artwork, theater class presentations, and original stories. Sixth graders and their parents especially enjoyed working together on experiments with termites.
Termite (above, greatly enlarged; at right, actual size).
g Above, charting the campus’ insect population.
More photos next page page 10
More termite experiments
What Floats Your Boat? Mrs. Wiesemann’s eighth grade science Team Survivor Challenges are creative ways to engage students in the exploration of different principles in chemistry and physics. Students work in pre-assigned teams to meet specific challenges, like using simple machines to keep a marble in motion for exactly 20 seconds. The purpose of each event is to challenge the students to be creative, apply scientific knowledge, and work as a group to solve problems. Team Survivor Challenges include Metric Mysteries, Forensic Fibers, White Powders, Egg Drop, Marble Motion Machines, and What Floats Your Boat. Pictured, What Floats Your Boat tests understanding of buoyancy and density. The team challenge is to build a boat or craft that holds the most mass before sinking.
(Note: the students who appear to have fallen into the tub of water actually were caught in the rainstorm just before class on October 26.)
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Middle School Fall Sports
Sports photography by Keith Neu
Above, (left) the cross country teams who won two MVC championships; (middle) Nicole Malofsky; (right) Mollie Rouan.
“The Middle School cross country team grew as a team throughout the season,” said Coach Andy McGarvey. “This year was one of the largest teams in many years. The boys were very inexperienced with only two returning runners from last year (Andrew Wilson and Alex Li). After placing second in the MVC last year, their goal was the MVC Championship in 2010. Throughout the year the boys showed progress and worked hard as a team. In the end it was this team effort with Andrew Wilson leading the way that prevailed at the MVC Championships. A First Place team finish was the highlight of the season for the boys. “The girls team lost freshman Emma Uible—the number one runner in the city from a year ago—but this did not deter them. They had five returning runners and, with the addition of two new members, they started off strong. At the first meet they took third in the Middletown Christian Invitational. Fighting some injuries, the team had some ups and downs during the middle of the season. With everyone healthy again and back in action, the girls were able to place first in the CHCA Invitational and win the MVC Championship for the second year in a row!”
The Middle School boys soccer team ended their season with a perfect record. Their accomplishments included a Miami Valley Conference Championship and a First Place finish in the CHCA Invitational Tournament. During the season, the boys scored 76 goals and only allowed 4. Goalies Kevin Brenning and Stefan Antonsson combined for 15 shutouts. The seventh and eighth grade Stingers were coached by Mike Heis, Mike Schnirring, and Bob Zepf. “What the Middle School girls soccer team lacked in experience they made up for in heart,” said Coach Sally Leyman, who was assisted by Tyler McIlwraith (’03). “Having only won three games throughout their entire season, they approached the season ending tournament as the sixth seed out of eight teams. Having lost their first game by a score of 3-0 to a much more experienced Kings Middle School team, they then moved into the consolation bracket and won their next two games against teams that had beaten them previously in the season. By the score of 1-0 they beat Clark Montessori,
MVC soccer champions!
Mary Smithers
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then by the same score beat Cincinnati Christian School in overtime to earn a place in the consolation finals. Though losing to CHCA in the finals, no one would have expected such a high seed to be playing for third or fourth place in the tournament.”
Tennis Coaches Bone and Wiesemann with Mona Scheiber and Kathy Wang.
“Middle School volleyball had a great season!” said Coach Keri Betts (’05). “We had seven girls on the team, many of whom had never played before. We went from not knowing how to bump or set a volleyball at the beginning of the season to setting, spiking, and even attempts to block the volleyball by the end. Our record does not reflect how our team played and improved throughout the season. We came very close to winning more matches. Although we may not have won many games, we played well, improved a lot, and most importantly, had fun!” “The Middle School golf had a very rewarding season,” said Coach Greg Burkett. “Overall our record was 3 and 9, but every golfer improved on his average as the season progressed. The eighth graders led the way with the seventh graders providing plenty of good golf as well. It seemed that every match was close with just a few strokes making the difference. Highlights included convincing victories over Walnut Hills on our home course at Reeves.” Middle School girls tennis, coached by Sue Bone and Judy Wiesemann, had a 7-7 record and many close matches. Coach Bone said, “At the CCDS Tournament, we had some
Another look at Pumpkin Day games
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nail-biter action. We placed third in the tournament and had a finalist team—Kathy Wang and Mona Scheiber—win their doubles division. This group of girls formed a great team—no divisions between seventh and eighth graders. The eighth graders set the tone for this inclusiveness and provided great leadership. Captains Bailey Wharton and Ellee Kennedy put in extra effort to make this a great season. “Many parents and coaches complimented our girls on their fairness, kindness and sportsmanship on and off the court.”
A look at what’s happening at Lotspeich “Third grade students have partnered with schools in Costa Rica and Bolivia as part of a penpal program to enhance their Spanish learning,” said Mrs. Herrell. “Mrs. Beckwith’s class is penpals with a school in Bolivia and Mrs. Niehaus’ class is penpals with a school in Costa Rica. During Spanish classes, students in third grade have been reading/ translating letters from their new friends. In the next few weeks, students will be writing letters back to their penpals. This correspondence will continue over the course of this school year. The goal is for students to enhance their Spanish learning, as well as increase their cultural awareness of and appreciation for a Spanish-speaking country.”
To complete their study of Greek mythology, fifth graders worked in collaborative groups and presented skits on Heracles, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Theseus and the Minotaur, and The Trojan War. Using D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Gods and Goddesses as a reference, they displayed creativity and critical thinking as they made their own props and costumes, and devised informal scripts and staging. Third grader Ethan Rising’s riddle was published in the comic section in of the Sunday Enquirer on October 17. Not surprising, the riddle by bird enthusiast/ bander Ethan involved a bird: What kind of birds serve in the Navy? Carrier pigeons. page 14
Fifth graders have begun a new unit in math on Financial Literacy, simulating the stock market process. The 8-10 week unit will including learning and applying decimal computation, group work researching stocks, investing in the stock market, calculating investor fees in transactions, and tracking investments. Second graders completed their first social studies unit on life as a pioneer child. As one of the culminating activities, students worked together as a “pioneer family” to pack a covered wagon for their journey westward. Lively discussion took place about how to prioritize items and what would
have needed to be left behind. The average size of a covered wagon was mapped out in the second grade classrooms to help students to visualize what little space pioneers had available. Congratulations to fourth grade teacher Mrs. Snyder, the Featured Educator in Mimio.ink, the monthly e-news communication of DYMO/Mimio Interactive Teaching Technologies. Read here about Sara’s experience with Mimio in the classroom.
For their Native American mask pumpkin project, the third graders were asked to design and create their pumpkin “masks” after studying the designs from
the Hopi Kachinas of the Southwest and the Kwakiutl masks from the Northwest Coast. Using acrylic paints, feathers, raffia, Spanish moss, beads, acorn, tree bark and other exciting materials, the students applied their materials and imaginations to create a stunning gallery of masks.
“The first graders enjoyed a wonderful visit to California Woods Nature Preserve on October 19,” said Miss Braun. “We spent the morning exploring the habitats of local wildlife in the forest and the meadow. We hiked up to the ridge and down to the bridge across the creek. We also visited a paw paw patch and learned that the paw paw is the only fruit native to Ohio. We had fun playing a great game of Animal Catchers and even met a three-legged turtle. We learned so much on this day of outdoor learning.”
“Kindergarteners took a wonderful trip to Benton Family Farms in Walton, KY, to pick pumpkins and participate in farm chores,” said Mrs. Martin. “The children’s activities included collecting eggs from the nests in the chicken coop, feeding lambs and a llama, petting bunnies and goats, combing and shearing a sheep, listening to the conversation of a pig interpreted by Farmer Paula and milking a cow. The highlight was a hayride to the pumpkin patch to find and pick the perfect pumpkin to bring home. The weather, animals and pumpkins guaranteed a great farm experience for all.”
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To go along with their unit on Fall, Mrs. Settle and Mrs. Kramer’s pre-K students took a nature walk and collected various fall items to put on a collage. The pre-K children also enjoyed their field trip to Shaw Pumpkin farm.
Below, it’s Biscuits and Buddies! Fifth graders and their Moms bake, then share homemade biscuits and the apple butter cooked earlier over an open fire with their first grade buddies.
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“The fifth graders went on a rafting field trip to the Little Miami River where we studied the Native American history of the area, local ecosystems, and participated in a kick seine method to test water quality,” said Ms. Wildfong.
The fifth graders’ Halloween bowling activity at Madison Bowl is more than a lot of fun—it’s a math activity with the students scoring their own games
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A look at what’s happening at Doherty First graders cooked pumpkin bread in celebration of the season. They read the recipe, measured the ingredients, and wrote the steps they followed. The bread was delicious!
Pre-K teacher Mrs. Rubin recently presented the story of the Kemper House to Unit I. She is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Judy and James Kemper who settled in Walnut Hills and built the home in 1804. Mrs. Rubin shared the history of the house that has now been relocated to Sharon Woods Historical Village. “Once again Pumpkin Chemistry has hit Doherty, literally,” said Mrs. Dawson. “Fourth grade science students looked on as flames flew from the face of a once smiling pumpkin. Eerie! Not only that, they learned that with the right chemical reaction you can create your own selfcarving pumpkin, which saves a lot of work with the carving knife. [Actually Mrs. Dawson had to pre-carve it, but they did not know this.] page 18
Pieces flew and so did the WOWs! We may have future chemists now, as they realize the fun that they can have with experiments in all seasons.”
are studying. This can be done in the form of a quick review or a more formal assessment. Either way, the students are enjoying the new technology.
First graders investigated gravity. They constructed parachutes, tried various
Below, third graders participated in a science program about water, and their task was to create a filter to clean dirty water given to them.Then they drank some of the water. “After purifying, of course,” said Mrs. Claybourn.
methods of launching, and raced them from the top of the jungle gym. Mrs. Dawson’s Unit III students are finding new ways to take tests. Recently, Clickers arrived in our classroom and are they a hit! The remote control type devices allow students to answer an array of questions related to the concepts they
Second graders enjoyed a wonderful fall day at the Cincinnati Zoo. Thanks to the parent chaperones who went along and for taking some great pictures. A sample of the activities Mrs. Lawrence’s pre-K students have enjoyed recently: 100s activities (farm animals), building towers, and measuring chains all the way down the hall. First graders took their first field trip and traveled to the Heritage Village at Sharon Woods. They learned about groceries, train stations and homes from long ago. Their favorite part of the trip was collecting buckeyes in front of the relocated Kemper log house. Above, the second graders enjoyed learning about Korean Mask Dancing in the Doherty Library after hearing the book Behind the Mask by Yangsook Choi. Mrs. Wolfe said, “After the story the students were challenged to find both North and South Korea on a map of Asia. This is just one small example of how literature and world geography are interwoven throughout the curriculum.� page 19
What a difference a day makes! “Doherty’s campus looked as neat a pin for Open House, thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Unit III students and Doherty’s Maintenance Staff,” said Mrs. Daily. “Both Mr. Questa and Mr. Drew were impressed with the enthusiasm and energy the students displayed as they spent their day cleaning flowerbeds, raking leaves, bagging up loose debris, and removing broken branches. The students were pleased that they were able to help and proud of their accomplishment.”
Fall fun: pre-K hayride and pumpkins! page 20
Thank you, Mr. Questa and Mr. Drew! More photos next page.
On October 15, 29 fourth graders participated in the Doherty Outdoor Program camping trip! Mrs. Hickenlooper said, “The students loaded the vans right after school and they traveled to Verona, KY, to camp at Mrs. Wichman’s family farm. The students were put in groups of four or five and the first thing they did was learn how to set up their tents. It was somewhat of a challenge, but everyone pitched in and got it done. Next they had some free time to explore and play games. “After cooking and eating dinner, they went on a night hike and enjoyed the stars and sounds of the evening. As an evening treat, they roasted marshmallows, made s’mores and enjoyed stories around the fire. In the morning, they took down their tents and had a hot breakfast. After everything was packed up, there was still time for one more hike around the lake. It was a very fun, memorable trip.” page 21