SEVEN HILLS The Buzz
A Brief Word from Chris Garten
Noted arctic scientist George Divoky at Seven Hills
Among other events, this weekend featured major swimming and gymnastics competitions, both the culmination of weeks of focused and committed work by dozens of our student athletes.
A colony of Black Guillemots seabirds and George Divoky, living in a tent, were alone on small Cooper Island, until the polar bears showed up. The tent (shown at left) was soon replaced by a small cabin.
At both events, huge crowds witnessed courageous individual performances by athletes with a wide variety of skill levels. Some of our students blew away their competition with astonishing displays of skill and endurance; others churned courageously well behind the leaders. But no matter what their skill level, even in these ostensibly individual sports, our students distinguished themselves by their teamwork. Throughout a very long day of competition, our athletes were spurred on by vocal and enthusiastic crowds, and even more so by their teammates. Furthermore, in my somewhat biased estimation, they stood out among their competitors for their sportsmanship and for their graciousness not only to one another, but to their opponents. It was a winning day, no matter what the final score.
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Arctic scientist George Divoky, whose 40-year research on seabirds on a remote barrier island adjacent to the arctic pack ice has garnered international attention, spent January 26 at Seven Hills. His day included meetings with classes of seventh grade science, ninth grade biology, and Environmental Science, as well as the
evening community presentation, “The Polar Bear at My Front Door: Realities of Climate Change in a Melting Arctic,” to a packed Founders Hall. The event was free to the public but donations to Friends of Cooper Island to support his work were invited. Continued page 2
Pulitzer Prize-winning author at Seven Hills
Chris Garten Head of School
STINGER SPIRIT! Stinger Spirit was in air— and on painted faces and spirit T-shirts—for the Athletic Boosters’ Lower School Spirit Night January 21 and the Middle School Spirit Night January 28! Photos are on pages 2–3.
A high point of the school year came with the visit of Books for Lunch 2011 guest author Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Hours.
Join us for International Dinner & Family Night March 11! See page 13.
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Arctic scientist George Divoky at Seven Hills
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Divoky has witnessed firsthand how environmental change, brought about by warming temperatures and resulting decreases in snow and ice habitats, is threatening his study population of Black Guillemots, as well as other components of the arctic ecosystem. He predicted that the Lower 48 would also see the results of global warming. For example, future production of wheat may move to Alaska, as the Midwest becomes too warm for this cold-loving crop. His presentation, often very funny, delighted, as well as informed, his audience. George Divoky’s visit to Seven Hills was part of his effort to make his data accessible to teachers and students and to connect classrooms in a more personal way to the unfolding story of change in the Arctic. His long-term goal is to open these opportunities to students across the U.S. and worldwide. Divoky’s connection with Seven Hills began last summer, when he met Science Department Head Karen Glum, who traveled to Alaska on a Titcomb Fund grant with Drs. Dave and Jill Russell, the ornithologists who have been working with the Middle School bird program. At right, the image captured by one of Divoky’s remote cameras on Cooper Island. That’s too up close and personal with the realities of climate change!
Above, Steven Johns, Sustainability Coordinator of the City of Cincinnati Office of Environmental Sustainability, spoke briefly at the presentation. To stay in touch with George Divoky’s work, go to cooperisland.org.
STINGER SPIRIT! Continued from page 1
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Spirit Nights events included exciting varsity games, recognition of all Doherty, Lotspeich and Middle winter athletes, spirit face painting and hair spraying by the varsity cheerleaders, free
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Spirit Night T-shirts for Middle students at the games, and great food. Special thanks to Penn Station East Coast Subs for providing subs at the Spirit Nights!
Books for Lunch presents Michael Cunningham
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Books for Lunch 2011 included a Lecture Luncheon and Book Signing at Cintas Center on February 4, a Dinner with the Author at the home of Freidoon and Shiva Ghazi, an assembly with Upper School students, and meetings in the Young Family Library with Upper and Middle students. We are grateful for the generosity of the event’s sponsors and for the hard work of the parent volunteer committee, which made Books for Lunch 2011 such a success. It’s an understatement to say that Michael Cunningham delighted his audiences. He won them with his great humor, candor, and detailed accounts of formative points in his life which struck a common chord with his audience. But it was his exquisite use of language that left his listeners inspired, sharing his “total fascination with what a pen and paper can create.” He described his introduction in his sophomore year of high school to the work of Virginia Woolf (motivated by a desire to impress a girl) and the impact Woolf had on his life. He credits Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway (the inspiration for The Hours) with allowing him to entertain “the wild hope” of being a writer. “I realized through my introduction to Woolf that language is a living medium that could soar and swoop. This was such a transforming experience that it became part of my autobiography. Over time, my experience with Woolf and Mrs. Dalloway turned me into a reader and eventually a writer. I grew up with Mrs. Dalloway—it was an experience from which I’ve never fully recovered.” Cunningham shared valuable insights about his creative process with the students: “Every writer draws nourishment from his surroundings—not just location, but the people who appreciate his writing, believe in his work. “We should not count as virtues those things that come to us
The author was impressed with the depth of the students’ questions.
easily. Unquenchable determination is as important as talent. Write and rewrite and rewrite a sentence until it comes to life. “Everything you need to know about human life is seen in every human life. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can be the hero of the book. “Planning the novel means that you just arrive at where you planned to arrive. A writer needs to be surprised along the way. “Start with character and what that person wants. Characters whose desires we don’t understand don’t tend to have stories. “Language is as much about music as it is about meaning. Find a rhythm for that piece of writing that feels right and true. “Publishers don’t want more of what they already have. They want something new, original, revolutionary. Go as crazy as you want.” Committee Co-Chair Rica Ligeralde, Dinner hosts Freidoon and Shiva Ghazi, Michael Cunningham, Head of School Chris Garten, Committee Co-Chair Sarah Johnson, and Head of Upper School Nick Francis.
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A look at what’s happening at Upper School
See page 9 for Middle School, page 14 for Lotspeich, and page 17 for Doherty Congratlations to senior Gabriel Blanco, who has been been named a candidate in the 2011 Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for graduating high school seniors. Presidential Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and service activities.
The Kennedy Heights Arts Center’s Fourth Annual Student Art Show January 22–March 4 features many outstanding pieces by Upper’s talented artists. Arts teachers Diane Kruer, Jason Knarr, Barbra Streff, and John Rising attended the opening reception, where members of the Contemporary Ensemble performed.
Congratulations to senior Chris Clark, who won a spot in the May Festival Youth Chorus.
Sarah Vorherr, her parents, and Diane Kruer with Sarah’s “Mermaid” sculpture
U.S. History students in the eleventh grade completed a research project and presentation on modern-day slavery. They could either research a specific form of slavery, like bonded labor, human trafficking or sex slavery, or they could research a specific industry or country where slave labor is prevalent. This was the culminating experience for their unit on American slavery in historical context. Congratulations to senior Aaron Markiewitz, who has been selected to be honored as one of 40 tri-state teen leaders at the 2011 YMCA Character Awards. The awards recognize 40 teens from the Greater Cincinnati area who have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and character and are working to strengthen their schools and communities. Alumnus Zachary Hurwitz (’04) came to Mr. Davis’s Economics class to discuss his experience of majoring in economics at Tufts University. He also discussed technical analysis techniques for securities. 30,566 pages were read by 16 students and 11 faculty and staff members for the Young Family Library’s Third Annual page 5
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Senior Gabe Blanco, Barb Streff, Diane Kruer, senior Leah Ransohoff-Englert, Jason Knarr.
Winter Break Reading Contest. A pizza party for all participants and prizes for the top three readers in each category were awarded during lunch on January 27. Sophomore Elizabeth Young, the top reader for students, read 11 books and 5568 pages, followed by sophomore Carly Harten (6 books, 2436 pages) and junior Olivia Koster (4 books, 2240 pages). Marlene Baer led the faculty and staff category with 7 books and 2167 pages, followed by Vicky Hausberger (3 books, 1650 pages) and Barbara Scarr (3+ books, 1500 pages).
Mrs. Groom said, “The Speech students read a children’s book to the pre-K classes on Jan. 25. We always do this project as a speaking warm-up, but we’ve never done it for ‘real‘ kids.” Readers and listeners alike had a good time!
Mr. Wabler said, “Twenty-nine students participated in Model UN at Earlham College on January 28–29. We represented the UK, Brazil, Tanzania, Algeria, Jordan, Indonesia, Serbia, and Kazakhstan. Students debated subjects like water rights on the Nile, North Korean nuclear weapons, the Kashmir conflict, and child labor. All of the kids worked hard and did a very good job, and junior Broti Gupta won the award for Best Conflict Mediator in her committee.” Photos on page 7.
To: Donors, Shoppers, Interested Parents From: The Seven Hills Resale Shop Each month, YOUR Resale Shop sends a customer newsletter to all who have shared their email addresses with us. We would be delighted to share our monthly news and coupons with you as well! Simply send your email address to Resaleshop@fuse.net. Many thanks!
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Pictured at right and below, it’s time again for the Alumni Association tradition of sending a winter fun pack filled with candy and munchies to the college freshman. Thanks to our junior and senior class agents’ assembly line, the packing went quickly.
Congratulations to the Upper School’s Mock Trial team on an outsttanding performance at the all-day scrimmage at the Hamilton County Courthouse on January 25. Advisor Jen Faber said, “The team placed 10th in the district (out of 44) and captured a Best Witness Award (sophomore Shray Ambe) and Best Attorney Award (sophomore Kyle Patel)!” The team’s legal advisors are Ken Patel, Pat Lane, James Englert, and Kelly McDow.
Just a few of the Seven Hills representatives at Model UN at Earlham College Jan. 28–29
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Chinese I & II students celebrate Chinese New Year!
The Mandarin Chinese I and II students of Peggy Lovro celebrated the February 3 start of 2011 as the Year of the Rabbit with songs, a musical performance on the yue qin, a demonstration of Tai Chi 32 sword form, abundant Chinese food, and decorations. The Mandarin Chinese II class is pictured.
TSHS Parent Council Open Meeting Wednesday, March 9, 8:30am Heffner Alumni Conference Room (Next to Head of School Office in Upper School Building)
All interested parents are invited to see how the divisions function together at a Parent Council meeting.
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A look at what’s happening at Middle School
Seventh grade science students are studying the carbon cycle as part of their study of climate change. The students set up experiments in biochambers in which they monitored the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels as plants germinated, grew, died, and decayed. Before the experiment began, the students used their understanding of the carbon cycle, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration to predict in the form of graphs what the changes in the carbon dioxide and oxygen levels would be over time in the biochambers. Seventh graders are using the Boinx TV software in their Social Studies class to create television newscasts reporting on modern day legal issues in regard to technology and the law. Objectives of the unit include students’ ability to gain a broader understanding of the applications of the U.S. Constitution in our lives today and to recognize and define constitutionality in our legal system. Students develop their organizational, technical, creative, and critical thinking skills, as they collaborate with their team members. The Boinx TV software is also being used to teach Roman history in the Latin 6 classes. Seventh grade science students are using a new simulation software to probe the impact of the tilt of the earth’s axis on seasonal temperatures. page 9
Mrs. Heinlen said, “Seventh graders in English have been exploring the question, ‘How do we balance an individual’s needs with the needs of society?’ The unit began with a study of the written and unwritten rules that govern us. They read and discussed literature to support this study, while the students’ history class covered the formation of the American Constitution and government; this was an important reinforcement of these basic principles and gave the seventh graders much material for spirited debate. This study led the English class into its first inquiry-based project, which asked students to create and conduct surveys that might determine what some of these written and unwritten rules are, why they exist and why we follow them, and what happens when we choose not to comply. Students reported these findings with charts and essays. “This introductory idea was the basic premise for the students’ first specific cultural study of American Indians, who were faced with the challenge of surviving, as individuals and as tribal cultures, and their needs melded with the needs of the country over generations. Students first read contemporary excerpts about the duality of existence for present-day American Indians by authentic authors like Joseph Bruchac and Sherman Alexie. “Using the photo collections of Edward Curtis, a photographer of the American West and Native American peoples during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each seventh grader was assigned a tribe and charged with researching self-selected cultural aspects for the tribe, determining the group’s current status and ultimately forming a hypothesis about what might happen to the tribe in the future. With support from the Young Family Library and Mrs. Sittenfeld, students planned and carried out research using the extensive digital collections from the Library of Congress website as well as carefully selected information from additional web resources and collected print materials. With this work, students created extensive photo essays of their tribes for display in the Middle School.”
“Eighth grade science students’ Roller Coaster Tube Projects illustrate the basics of a gravity-powered roller coaster design,” said Mrs. Wiesemann. “The students are given 15 feet of clear plastic tubing and are asked to design a roller coaster with two vertical loops, two hills, and a corkscrew as required elements. The roller coaster also demonstrates the conversion of gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy as the ball rolls through the tube. “They must make a blueprint drawing of the roller coaster, labeling the components, giving it a name, and indicating where kinetic and gravitational potential energy have the lowest and highest values. They also calculate the gravitational energy at the beginning of the ride. A practical understanding of momentum is gained through the project, as the ball will not get over a vertical loop if it does not have enough speed.”
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Seven Hills and Youth Frontiers partner on character development program
Seventh graders had the opportunity to explore some of the issues facing young adolescents today when Youth Frontiers, Inc., a national educational leader in character development, conducted a Courage Retreat on January 14. Youth Frontiers seeks to teach students how to incorporate the values of kindness, courage, respect and integrity into their personal and school lives. The nonprofit organization aims to strengthen core values, confront negative behaviors, and enable students to recognize the consequences of their actions. Youth Frontiers’ high-impact retreats use interactive games, music, small discussion groups and gripping stories to break down walls between young people and to help them to see each other differently. The Courage Retreat at Seven Hills included communitybuilding activities and presentations on “Fear—Following the Crowd” and “Courage—Following Your Heart.” The day concluded with the activity, “The Pebble in the Pond,” in which
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participants committed to take action based on their retreat experience. The seventh graders reported that the Courage Retreat was a positive, powerful, and unifying experience. Matthew Clayton said the experience was “life changing,” and Maria BobbittChertock said that it “showed a different side of classmates.” Kennedy Mauro said, “It was cool and it really made you think about the way you treated people.” Wasif Sajjad said, “I think it was a really good experience and opportunity because we all expressed our feelings and got a fresh start.” Claire McDonald liked this quote from the retreat: “The person that I want to be and the person that I am is the same person.” The Youth Frontiers Courage Retreat reinforced the values that are intrinsic to a Seven Hills education. Starting in the earliest grades, the classroom guidance program includes a curriculum of character development, bullying prevention, and appreciation for diversity.
Artist residency with Rob Macke Thanks to funding from the Middle School Parent Association, students had the opportunity to work with Rob Macke during an artist residency January 24–26. Macke is one of the remarkable artists who are part of Visionaries and Voices, a nonprofit organization in Cincinnati whose mission is to provide artistic and cultural opportunities for artists with disabilities and to build an inclusive environment where all artists feel valued. The students benefitted from an artist residency with V&V artist Courttney Cooper January 10–12. Student artists emulated the amazing and imaginative work of Rob Macke during his residency. V&V Outreach Director Samantha Johnson Charek, who accompanied Rob to Seven Hills, said, “Rob is currently working on a children’s book (scheduled to be finished this spring) about a fantasy land called Egatoria. According to Rob, ‘Egatoria is a world where magical characters live out wild fantasies. It is a world where no man has ever been. The characters are very different than anything you have ever seen. Every character is special in its own way and they all play a part in good or bad. They live in a world that is controlled by the red ruby diamond which helps all life stay good.‘ “The story is basically one of good vs. evil (Egatoria vs. Awktoria). The idea for Eagatoria and Awktoria came from Rob’s personal interest in animals, specifically eagles and other raptors. Through his research, he learned that eagles and hawks naturally compete with each other for food and often fight. So he named his two groups of characters after the two birds.”
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When:
Friday, March 11, 2011
5:30 pm 8:00 pm
Where:
Founders Hall
You do not need to travel far to meet people from all over the world. Just come to The Seven Hills School’s 3rd annual celebration of our rich diversity! Bring along your parents, your kids, your siblings or anyone who is up for a great ethnic adventure. We are all so proud that students with such a variety of backgounds and nationalities attend our school. Come and enjoy delicious ethnic foods, rich traditions, traditional costumes, great music. And do not be shy to participate! It is potluck so cook your favorite entree, salad or a dessert and share it with the crowd!
Potluck Buffet
Performances Edu-tainment Activities
If you want to actively participate - help with activities, performances, and food - please contact your parent association leadership for details. page 13 11
A look at what’s happening at Lotspeich
Congratulations to fifth grader Jessica Nordlund, winner of the Lotspeich Geography Bee, and to runner-up fourth grader Gaurav Kilaru. Congratulations, too, to Natalie Choo, who qualified for participation in the WCPO-TV (Region II) Final Spelling Bee on February 19. Fifth graders conducted a Skype interview with Charlotte Jones Voiklis, the granddaughter of Madeline L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time. Mrs. Balskus said, “After reading this classic Newbery Award-winning novel, students used our fifth grade blog to prepare for this interview by composing and posting possible questions. During our 30-minute Skype interview on Jan. 26, which was shown on our whiteboard with our Mimio projector, Charlotte shared background information on L’Engle’s writing and thoughtfully answered questions posed by our students. She also asked them to share their personal responses to A Wrinkle in Time. It was quite cool—a neat connection for all involved.” A photo of fifth grader Ricardo Godoy in his fourth grade portrayal of Vince Lombardi was published in the Green Bay Press-Gazette in the run-up to the NFL Championship game between the Packers and the Bears. page 11
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Congratulations to second graders (from left) Aaron Ziegler, Benjamin Yoo and Zachary Domet, who won a trophy at the iSpace LEGO Expo. Parent and team coach Bin Chen (pictured with the boys) wrote to teachers Mrs. Necessary and Ms. Feeney, “Good news! Team Stinger won a trophy at the iSpace LEGO Expo on Jan.15. The trophy was in the model category and each boy won a medal. The boys built a LEGO model depicting a medical instrument that treats blood clots. At the Expo, the team had to explain the model to the reviewer, answer reviewer questions, and perform an on-the-spot test. Everyone did a wonderful job at the review! Throughout the model-building process, the boys were exposed to both medical and engineering knowledge, practiced presenting skills, and learned working together in a team environment. On top of all these, they all had fun!” Go to the Lotspeich Corner on our website for many more photos and movies of Lotspeich events and activities.
Lotspeich fifth grade held its optional Winter Break Book Club. Book Club members met over lunch to discuss Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan, a historical novel set in Norway during WWII. All enjoyed hot chocolate, snowball sugar cookies, and lively book talk!
Lotspeich and Doherty fifth graders have a great time together at Ski Club, a four-week program offered at Perfect North Slopes. Each week the students take a one-hour lesson, then have free ski time to perfect their skills.
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A look at what’s happening at Doherty
Unit II second graders had a “yummy” visit to Fuji House as part of their study of Japan. Doherty students and teachers loved the visitors from Kentucky Down Under! The visit was part of Doherty’s focus on Australia this year. Photos on page 19.
After reading the story, Possum Magic by Mem Fox, Unit I students took a Google LitTrip to Australia. They visited the places the characters traveled in the story! page 17
Mrs. Streff’s third grade art students who worked with local artist Anthony Becker on Dec. 15 will have their origami houses exhibited as part of his “House” community art project from February 11 to April 9 at Prairie, 4035 Hamilton Avenue in Northside. And, Stephen Walsh (at top right) and Alex Hood (above with the artist) are two of the top 50 artists in the exhibit of adult and student art!
Maite Cortes, Valentina’s mom, discussed animals, life, and the people of South Africa with Unit I students. Valentina, her sister, and mom shared toys, clothing, and utensils they purchased and used while living in South Africa.
Go to the Doherty Corner on our website for many more photos and movies of Doherty events and activities.
Doherty’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation on January 19 was beautiful, impressive and powerful. Congratulations to Mrs. Daily, Mrs. Eynon, Mr. White, the fifth graders who represented quiet voices of thousands of children who were involved in the civil rights movement, and the fourth graders who closed the convocation with a rousing, inspiring song. Mrs. Burton said, “Some of the children whose stories were presented were as young as six years, yet their stories are a part of history and as inspirational as those of the adults.”
Mrs. Wolfe said, “In addition to their regular homework and book reports,these fourth grade students (at left) read all five books in the Spiderwick series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerrilizzi. They were rewarded with a terrific Spiderwick party in the Doherty Library. During one party game, teams competed by answering detailed questions about the books with such profieciency that I think these students will win big if they ever compete on the TV quiz show, Jeopardy!”
Note from Development Office The Development Office now accepts American Express and Discover Card. Although Visa and MasterCard are still the only options for online donations, you can make your gift using American Express or Discover Card if you call the Development Office (513-272-5340) or if you send your credit card information by mail using one of our remittance envelopes. page 18
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Unit I students are learning about continents in Social Studies. In Mrs. Kulhavik’s class, students made and enjoyed a delicious Australian treat called a Lamington.
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Students in Unit I hosted a bake sale to raise money to assist in purchasing a guide dog for someone. The children made their treats and sold the goodies for a quarter. These dedicated saleswomen gave up their recess to sell their treats at Unit III’s lunch.
Unit I students received a special visit from Rosie Red. They listened to “Casey at the Bat” and asked tons of baseball questions! Unit II had a wonderful time sledding on the big Lotspeich hill!
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Mrs. Burton said, “The Outdoor Program is in full swing since the return from winter break. Fifty-three fifth grade students from Lotspeich and Doherty travel to Perfect North Slopes every Thursday to participate in Ski Club. It’s a great opportunity for students from Doherty and Lotspeich to get to know each other better.” Photos are on pages 15–16.