The Seven Hills Buzz

SEVEN HILLS The Buzz

A Brief Word from Chris Garten This Buzz offers yet another glimpse into the whirlwind of activity that is Seven Hills in May. With the end of a highly successful spring sports season, Advanced Placement exams, a myriad of fine and performing arts activities (Coffee House at Upper, choral and instrumental concerts, and a host of plays and musical performances at Doherty and Lotspeich), class trips (Camp Kern, Dearborn, and the end-of-year sojourns in Middle), and interdisciplinary learning opportunities like Bird Day and the Upper School’s Poetry Festival, this is an incredibly exciting time at school.

As the year draws to a close, I want to express, on behalf of this whole community, a special word of thanks to all of our faculty and staff whose energy and creativity make all of this possible! It has been a wonderful year!

Chris Garten Head of School

UC researcher demonstrates Brain-Computer Interfaces at Middle School Middle School students had the exciting opportunity to meet a leading researcher in biomedical engineering who has garnered national attention for his work in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) when Dr. Adam Wilson visited Seven Hills on May 16. A postdoctoral researcher at UC’s Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Wilson was invited to give a presentation at the World Science Festival (worldsciencefestival.com) in New York at which Stephen Hawking will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Wilson will be giving a hands-on presentation on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI)—using brain waves to control a computer—to a group of about 500 10 to 15 year olds, and he contacted Seven Hills to see if he might “do a dry run of my presentation to a group of students before the real thing.”

Adam Wilson has been at the forefront of the field of Brain-Computer Interfaces, developing ways individuals can use their brain activity to manipulate devices to communicate. Recently, he Tweeted using only his brain waves! His work has been featured on NPR and in Time Magazine (“The 50 Best Inventions of 2009”). Popular Science called him one of its annual Brilliant 10—the brightest young continued next page

Thank you for your support!

The Seven Hills Fund is fast approaching its successful completion for the year, with just $100,000 of our $1,050,000 goal left to raise. “A big ‘thank you’ goes out to the many families who have supported annual giving this year! We’ve heard from about 57% of the families in our School community, and we’re eager to reach full, 100% participation before the fiscal year ends on June 30,” said Development Committee Chair Jen Stein.

If you haven’t made a gift this year, there’s still time! We have

May 18, 2012

Inside this Buzz $100,000 left to raise to meet our goal by June 30, 2012. To make your gift, please click the DONATE NOW button below… and THANK YOU!

Alex Bibler Memorial Golf Scramble 2

DONATE NOW

As a reminder, the School has received a conditional grant from The EE Ford Foundation. They will match, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, any new or increased gifts from last year.

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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Brain-Computer Interfaces

This event is in memory of Alex Bibler ’06, who was a member of the Seven Hills golf team and had a lifelong love of the sport. It is sponsored by the Alumni Association and Athletic Boosters to provide an opportunity for past and present Seven Hills community to reconnect.

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researchers in the country—stating “Adam Wilson is the Mental Messenger, brilliant because his engineering achievements will let people with disabilities control machines.”

Walden Ponds Golf Club 6090 Golf Club Lane Indian Springs, OH 45011 513.785.2999

All registrations must be received by June 7, 2012.

Register online here or go to www.7hills.org/quicklinks, select Bibler Golf Registration

Adam Wilson’s BCI presentation for the Middle School was fascinating and a big hit with the students, who cheered as student volunteers played Pong by moving their paddles with their minds!

$100 per player (includes greens fee, cart, unlimited range balls, 2 drink tickets & lunch). $10 of each player’s fees will go to the Alex Bibler Scholarship Fund.

$30 lunch only. $10 of each non-player’s fees will go to the Alex Bibler Scholarship Fund.

Cash Bar

When registering, you will have the opportunity to list foursome, pair or single. Pairs and singles will be matched.

Questions or to register via phone Nancy McCormick Bassett ‘83 Director of Alumni Relations nancy.bassett@7hills.org 513.728.2432 page 2

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support of this event.

Baldwin Gilman LLC The Bibler Family BMI, Inc. Clayton L. Scroggins Associates, Inc. Jean Schmidt Fifth Third Bank Jancoa Janitorial Services, Inc. J.T.M. Food Group Panera Bread-Kenwood Pavilion The Preview Group The Seven Hills School Resale Shop Schiff-Kreidler-Shell Tri-State Centers for Sight, Inc. UC Health Artwork courtesy of Dave Sanders ’91

A look at what’s happening at Upper School

See page 5 for Middle School, page 7 for Lotspeich, and page 9 for Doherty Congratulatiions to junior Sara Hodgkins, who was one of five junior finalists in the annual Simon Lazarus, Jr. Human Relations Awards, presented by the American Jewish Committee Cincinnati Chapter (AJC) to recognize the contributions young people make to their community.

Math Department Chair Anne Ramsay said, “In Upper geometry classes, my students investigated the surface area of spheres by using oranges and their peels. If the orange were a perfect sphere, its peel would fill four circles with radius the same size as that of the sphere. Bailey Wharton is pictured showing her orange peel circles.”

Congratulations to senior Sharon Liao, who won the David Lyon Journalism Scholarship. “David Lyon was a familiar and respected journalist in Mason and Deerfield Township from the mid-1970’s to 1995. The David Lyon Memorial Scholarship is an annual $500 award. The selection standards for this prestigious award are an interest in studying print or broadcast journalism or communication arts, academic achievement, and performance in activities both in school and in the community.”

Congratulations to sophomore Kayla Kavanaugh, who recently won several major science honors. Over winter break, Kayla worked with a scientist at UDRI and conducted a research project for which she earned honors in local, regional, and state science fair competitions including a Governor’s Award for Excellence in Environmental Protection Research at

State Science Day 2012; Ohio Environmental Health Association Science Award; Ohio Academy of Science Awards achievement rating of Superior for her science project at the State Science Day at OSU on May 5; UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Award in Environmental, Earth, and Space Sciences—Second Place; Co-winner of James M. Morand Environmental Engineering Scholarship, sponsored by UC’s School of Energy, Enviromental and Biological and Medical Engineering Program; State qualifier at UC’s Southwest District Science and Engineering Xpo. Kayla plans to continue to work on science projects this summer. She will also be attending a weeklong camp at UD for Women in Science and Engineering.

For the latest Upper School news, check out the online student publication, Canvass, at http://7hillscanvass.org/.

Bravo to our amazing Upper School musicians!

Founders Hall was filled with the beautiful, amazing orchestral sounds of the Spring Instrumental Concert, featuring the Symphonic Ensemble and the Contemporary Ensemble, under the direction of John Rising.

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The ensembles wowed the audience with their separate performances of a wide range of impressive selections, then played together for Paul Winter’s “Frankenstein.” Wonderful!

Tess of the D’Urber villes

Head of School Chris Garten described Upper’s spring production of Tess of the D’Urbervilles as an “incredibly ambitious collaborative experience.” The play was adapted from the Thomas Hardy novel by the Acting Workshop students of teacher Kate Riley—senior Alex Baggott and juniors Georgie Russell, Marisa Steele, and Lawrence Vignola. The students chose the novel to adapt, wrote a script that would include the 40+ students who audition for Upper’s productions, and designed every aspect of the production: sets, costumes, lighting, sound effects, music.

It was a powerful theatrical experience and an incredible accomplishment! Congratulations to Director Kate Riley, Technical Director Katie Hamilton ’97, Acting Workshop students, actors and crew!

Below, seniors had a great time visiting their former Doherty teachers (and William Snakespeare, still going strong!) and watching their fifth grade video.

Above, seniors love reminiscing and watching their second grade musical with their Lotspeich second grade teacher Anne Greenwald and music teacher Jane Clajus. page 4

A look at what’s happening at Middle School Students in Doug Huff’s seventh grade social studies classes completed Civil War Museum Display Projects.

The students researched and constructed museum displays depicting an important person, place, or thing in the Civil War. Completed entirely outside of class, the projects were graded on creativity, professionalism, entertainment value and accuracy. Project topics included Animals of the Civil War, Flags of the Civil War, Andersonville Prison, Civil War Uniforms and Flags, American Red Cross and Clara Barton in the Civil War, and a soldiers’ encampment.

Outstanding choral and instrumental spring concerts at Middle!

Theresa Keller’s math classes studied geometry through the design of stained glass windows.

Carri Haskins’s math students studied rate of change, percentages, etc. through a simulated Stock Market Game.

Bill Waskowitz’s Latin 6 class examined the positive and negative influences that Roman Gladiatorial games have had on the current state of sports in American society. Students had to take a position on whether the Roman Gladiatorial games have been a positive or negative influence on our sports culture.

Roots & Shoots sponsored its annual Bead For Life sale, selling bracelets, necklaces, etc. that were created by women in Uganda. The profits from these sales help to eradicate extreme poverty in this region of the world, while supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle for these women.

Sixth graders visited a local Mosque and Hindu Temple to support their study of these cultures/religions in Geography classes.

History teacher Judith Neidlein-Dial sponsored an evening trip to the Cintas Center for students to hear Elie Wiesel speak on the Holocaust and current global concerns. page 5

The musicians received well-deserved standing ovations!

Willy Wonka Junior

What a wonderful, thoroughly entertaining production of the Middle School spring musical, Willy Wonka Junior!

A treat for the eyes and ears! Congratulations to Director Stephanie Park, Musical Director Robin Wilson, Directors of Design Jacky Kalubi and Martha Slater, the wonderful cast and crew, and everyone who contributed to the great success of Willy Wonka Junior!

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A look at what’s happening at Lotspeich

It was the best horse race ever on the Seven Hills track! In art class with teacher Jody Knoop, fifth graders made individually-designed hobby horses for their first grade buddies. The fifth graders presented their horses to the buddies on May 1, and a “race” ensued with the fifth and first graders riding their horses tandem. It

was a great day at the races!

First grade teacher Margaret Vitz said that her students faithfully fed, walked, and groomed their horses all afternoon! They also wrote Thank You notes to their big buddies.

On the annual Japan/China Day, second graders performed songs and folktales from Japan and China. Earlier in the day, students participated in an origami workshop with the help of parent volunteers. This, along with the Japan and China Webquest project presentations, culminates second grade’s study of the two countries.

A few of our special visitors on Grandpersons Day! At right, as part of their study of birds, the pre-Kindergarteners set out on a campus hike to bird watch on May 4. Teacher Kara Meador said, “The students were field journalists and recorded bird activity in their journals. They drew and wrote about the different birds they saw, nests, and other bird homes.” » page 7

Our thanks to teachers Karla Balskus and Kaye Riser for this glimpse at the cross-curricular background of the fifth grade colonial studies which culminates in the annual Colonial Dinner and day of colonial activities.

“In social studies, we have been using Joy Hakim’s The History of US (which contains many primary documents ) and activities from the Williamsburg Teachers Institute to better understand this era in our country’s history.

“Our fifth grade research project is a colonial trades report, where students become an expert on a chosen trade. They write a short process paper and demonstrate how to make the product to their peers. Before they present this research, a blacksmith comes to our campus, demonstrates his trade, and helps the students to make their own dinner bell.

“In language arts/reading, students have studied Ben Franklin’s proverbs and George Wash-

Third graders had a great time exploring the dynamic world of science with hands-on activities at COSI (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus.

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ington’s Rules of Civility and have learned calligraphy, which they practice in their handmade copybooks. Their reading curriculum includes three historical fiction selections: Sign of the Beaver, Witch of Blackbird Pond, and Johnny Tremain, so they can better understand how people lived and thought back in the day. For a creative writing project, they also composed a colonial diary based on our ‘Discovery’ simulation experience.

“In math class, students study colonial money and how to convert pounds, shillings, and pence. They learn to add colonial money using slates and then copy their problems into their copy books. They also choose how to buy supplies using a colonial price list from Williamsburg. They write the supplies bought into their copy books and figure the total amount spent in colonial pounds sterling.”

A look at what’s happening at Doherty

“As dangerous weather touched our local communities this spring, Doherty students took the initiative to collect items for those impacted by the tornadoes,” said Unit III Coordinator Vaishali Sarbhoy. “The students and their families donated non-perishable items, cleaning supplies, gently-used clothing, and blankets for the victims of the storms. Mr. Shillinger transported the fourth graders to Matthew 25 Ministries to deliver the donations. The students were given a tour of the facility and informed about the work of Matthew 25 Ministries.”

Unit II second graders visited LaBoiteaux Woods.

Students explored the preserve for plants in different stages of their seasonal life cycles.

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Ms. Sarbhoy continued, “On April 6, Unit III had the wonderful opportunity of meeting with Andrew Santamarina’s great-uncle, Ram Halady. He has written and published stories for children that feature the adventures of Andrew and his cousins on a fictional farm set in India. Mr. Halady, who was visiting from Chicago, gave the students a very inspiring presentation on how he creates stories using real life experiences with a moral hidden in them. The students had lots of questions to ask about the writing and publishing process. It was a very informative and engaging presentation.”

On April 23, 33 Unit III fourth graders spent a day at Camp Kern. They hiked down to stone formations or effigies used for marking the winter and summer solstices created by the Native Americans who lived in Ohio in 1200 A.D. Along the banks of the Little Miami river, they collected fossils and visited an old tavern from the 1800s.

They participated in a reenactment of the treaty of Greenville and had the opportunity to meet with General Wayne. After lunch, the students were divided into groups of pioneer families and transported back to the 1800s as they trekked through the woods visiting with a school teacher, a farmer, and a frontiersman. Everyone had a wonderful time!

We L OV E t he Mi ni Pi g Marathon!

At left, Unit I students had the last Poetry Presentation of this school year.

Each child selected his/ her own poem and recited the poem while using a prop. The students performed in front of parents, grandparents, siblings, and their peers.

The fourth graders went to Dayton for a visit to the Wright Dunbar Interpretive Center. They had the opportunity to scavenger hunt through the bicycle shop that belonged to the Wright brothers. A visit to the Wright family home site concluded with a walk through the historic neighborhood. The students toured the museum where they learned about the personal histories of Paul Dunbar and the Wright family. They were excited to see the replica of the Wright flyer.

Students in Amy Kulhavik’s Unit I math class are learning about money.

The classroom was transformed into Kulhavik’s Cafe and the students acted as waiters and waitresses taking orders from their classmates. Students had to add up the total and figure out how much money to pay and to give back in change. page 10

Librarian Linda Wolfe said, “This group of second and third grade students participated in the optional Doherty Library’s Poetry Postcard program this year. They were rewarded at a Poet Tea in the library where each received a bound booklet of all the poems they completed this year. The students with the balloons completed their second year in the program.”