Connections Fall 2022

Building Community by Creating Our Quilt Together

As I’ve been reflecting on the many varied and storied pieces of our history as a school, the practice of creating handcrafted quilts across decades and around campus came to mind. Not a quilter myself (although I do knit), I am intrigued by the metaphor of the quilt, which sews together all of the experiences of students, faculty, staff, and families over these last six decades. I love the notion of weaving together storytelling, history, events, identity, place, and values within the fabric of our Seven Hills community.

For years, a quilt would be constructed each year in the library under the tutelage of our own Linden Van Wert, and the names of the graduating 8th graders would be sewn into it. The quilt would then be auctioned off to 8th grade families where, I am told, a bidding war ensued. Some of these works of art have made their way back to campus, including the 25th Anniversary Quilt. Others are en route as they are lent back to us for our 60th anniversary this year.

like the quilts on campus hold the stories of our past, all of our Seven Hills families’

are woven together to create the rich fabric of our present community. We come from different zip codes, races, religions, orientations, and upbringings, but are connected

by our mission to raise good humans, and develop the whole child and each child. The quilt metaphor feels like a fitting theme for the 2022-23 school year as we celebrate our 60th.

The 2021-22 school year was my own “Super 7” year, one of the community-wide ways we mark time as students and employees. As I look back on my Super 7 year, I continue to have so much pride in our stories of community learning, belonging, growth, and generosity. I am also overwhelmingly thankful for our families, teachers, staff, and donors who went above and beyond during this third year of operating in the wake of COVID-19.

As many aspects of our Seven Hills program were able to come back online last year (p. 6), our sense of community was able to shine through once again—faculty collaborated in new teams and different ways (p. 4), new hires enhanced student learning (p. 5), creative ways to remain connected while keeping safety front and center were imagined (p. 8), and our in-person auction returned with a night at the “campsite” (p. 26)!

We continued to celebrate our passionate graduates, loyal alumni, and generous donors (p. 18). With a record-breaking year in both admissions and fundraising, progress made on our strategic plan, and an exciting new construction project commencing this year, it’s an inspiring time to be at Seven Hills!

I hope you enjoy this issue of Connections. It is with deep gratitude that I look back on the 2021-22 school year, and with great expectation that I look ahead to our future. As we move through this 60th year, I look forward to sharing knowledge and stories and weaving our experiences together.

With gratitude, Kathleen McNamara Head of School

The Seven Hills School is a learning community with the mission to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world.

from more than 40

hosted

people

to the Bay Area Crisis Nursery as part of PIA’s Support-AFamily program

Fund

chickens

by students in a schoolwide vote

pizzas and

consumed for lunch each Friday pizza day

2 DAYS and a record number of rounds to get to the final word “argonaut” in the spelling bee

zoo animals (including one alpaca) joined the ECE end-ofyear carnival

The Alberts-Siegel Family

Seven Hills parents since 2016, Katie Alberts and Lori Siegel first stepped foot on campus on a fall day in November before their son Max’s kindergarten year. As they had begun to explore options for Max’s education, parents from Max’s preschool tee ball team with older children attending Seven Hills spoke highly of its holistic educational experience and strong sense of community. As Katie and Lori traversed the campus hills on their tour, they were quickly drawn to Seven Hills’ philosophy and mission to provide students with a toolbox of skills that would serve them throughout their lives.

“We were looking for more than the public schools could offer, not academically, but for the whole child with social-emotional learning, smaller classes, and where students are met where they are and known for who they are,” said Lori.

Seven Hills’ beautiful setting was another major draw for the Alberts-Siegel family. Brimming with wildlife and boasting views of Mount Diablo, they appreciated an environment where learning and nature were woven together to create an immersive curriculum and unique educational opportunities.

Katie and Lori knew they made the right decision as soon as Max started Kindergarten, which Lori deemed a “magical” year in his education and personal growth. She recalled his teacher, Mrs. Levie, kneeling down to Max’s level before his first day to greet him and ease his first-day jitters (“She got him,” said Lori).

Their daughter, Sarah, started Seven Hills in Red Barn when Max was in 2nd grade. That year, his teacher, Mrs. Lane, built a strong connection with Max, and then three years later with Sarah, possessing what Lori called the “secret sauce” that helps students grow in their education while feeling warm and welcome in the classroom. Each year Max and Sarah developed special relationships with their teachers that continue to the present day.

As Max and Sarah progressed through their educational journeys, Katie and Lori witnessed the magic of the Seven Hills philosophy materializing in their children. “While academics are important, it is equally, if not more important, to help kids develop socially and emotionally—learning to overcome difficulties, getting to know different people, working with others, listening and having empathy, and being responsible to the world. These are skills that will prepare them most for whatever the future holds,” said Katie.

With Sarah in 3rd grade at Seven Hills this year and Max continuing his educational journey at a different school, Katie and Lori strive

to make a positive impact within the Seven Hills community, or “village,” by being engaged and involved. Lori is serving as PIA co-president this year, while Katie is a Seven Hills trustee and has served as the Annual Fund parent chair. Both are motivated by the desire to cultivate a bright future for tomorrow’s Seven Hills families and students.

“Helping shape what the future is going to look like at Seven Hills is important to me and is meaningful work,” said Katie. “I don’t have a lot of extra free time, but I wanted to give back to a school that has given my kids a lot.”

The Alberts-Siegels reflect back on their “Super 7” years at Seven Hills with satisfaction, gratitude, and excitement for what’s to come. Lori and Katie are eager for Sarah to experience some of the defining aspects of the Seven Hills experience, including the Japanese exchange program and 7th grade Europe trip. “It’s a big part of how Seven Hills learns. Books and movies are great, but seeing [places in person] is amazing,” said Katie. “To go there at such a young age just takes it to another level.” As the Seven Hills community reconnects and navigates its way to the “next normal,” their family is eager to live out this year’s PIA theme: Better, Stronger, Together

FACULTY

New Faculty Departments Enhance Student Learning

The start of the 2021-22 school year brought some exciting new opportunities for collaboration and consistency across our program as Seven Hills restructured and formalized four departments on campus: K-8 Arts, ECE-8 Student Services, ECE-8 Environmental Stewardship, and ECE-8 Technology and Library Sciences. These restructured departments were a partnership between classroom teachers, specialty teachers, and members of the administrative leadership team for added support.

This team approach broke down barriers to reveal the true scope and sequence of the student journey at Seven Hills. For example, the historical path of the arts program exposed students to studio art and music in Lower School before transitioning into expressive arts in Middle School. The new integrated K-8 Arts program

brought a fresh new rotating schedule, with students shifting their disciplines between music, visual arts, digital arts, and theater arts each quarter—allowing them to expand their minds, discover new passions, and reap the mental benefits of different kinds of art. With the opportunity to work with the oldest and youngest students in core courses, teachers also got the chance to work with students in grade levels or divisions they hadn’t before.

Adrienne Timmons, music teacher and academic lead for the arts department, said: “As we became more collaborative as faculty, we were able to really see the student experience as a whole rather than specific to one class. As we adopted our new multidimensional approach, we saw our students, especially those who may have had preconceived notions of the arts, build confidence and see how they could have success as an artist. They became well-rounded students and we became better teachers.”

This sort of student and professional growth supports the continued investment in faculty collaboration and departments. From a formalized Student Services team developing care plans that support students’ needs over time, to an Environmental Stewardship team that inspires sustainability starting with our youngest Rainbow learners, to Technology and Library Sciences that promote the responsible use of information—this integrated approach will create a spiral of deeper thinking for students and greater continuity of learning throughout the Seven Hills journey.

Kellen Bothwell

Sammy Buono

Veena Lohia

Kathleen McNamara

Heidi Plumb

Generra Rocchi

Kim Hughes

Tina Ory

Matt Shargel

Kirsten Woods

“The opportunity to partner with so many amazing young people, their supportive families, and my talented and dedicated colleagues is what makes this place so special. I’m looking forward to the next 28 years!”

– Kirsten Woods

ON FACULTY

New Leaders Join the Seven Hills Team

Seven Hills is excited to begin the 2022-23 school year with three new administrators: Jennifer Arnest, Tanner Ragland, and Victor Llanque Zonta. They are eager to get to know our students, faculty, and families after joining the leadership team over the summer. They are all experts in their fields with eyes on current research and trends and will partner with our innovative educators to enhance the student experience at every turn. Welcome to our campus and community!

Jennifer Arnest, a seasoned educator with more than 25 years of experience in independent schools, has taken the helm as Seven Hills’ next Head of Lower School. Her background in a Quaker school shaped her commitment to an education that balances both tradition and innovation, is rooted in thoughtful pedagogy, and is centered on child development and community values. Jennifer comes to Seven Hills from San Francisco Friends School, where she was the founding Lower School Head from 2008-2022. Prior to educational leadership, Jennifer was a Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher at Mills College Children’s School in Oakland and a 1st grade teacher at The Nueva School in Hillsborough.

Campus Guests

Tanner Ragland has joined the administration as the Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations. Having worn many hats with an education and startup background, Tanner brings a wealth of knowledge in managing and creating alignment across education teams including operations, finance, admissions, human resources, marketing and communications, and technology. He comes to Seven Hills from Milken Community Schools in Los Angeles where he was the Chief Operating Officer. Tanner has also worked directly with students as a director of technology, history and computer science teacher, and volleyball coach.

Dr. Victor Llanque Zonta is our new Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning. Victor partners closely with Seven Hills teachers and administrators to promote excellence in teaching and learning through curricular integration, inquiry-based learning design, and instructional coaching. He also spearheads our professional development program with Jase Turner, Assistant Head of School for Strategic Priorities. Victor’s leadership experience includes 14 years at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT, most recently as Associate Head of School. Victor was raised in Bolivia and is passionate about instilling a world perspective into education.

Jason Reynolds Middle School Visiting Author, Parent Lecture Series speaker, “Talking to Kids about Race”

George Brown Middle School Guest Educator, Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD)

Natasha Singh Middle School Guest Educator, Puberty and Sexual Literacy

Michael Thompson Parent Lecture Series speaker, “The Pressured Child During the COVID Era”

FOCUS ON STUDENTS

Taking Learning Outside the Classroom and Into the World

At the faculty and staff end-of-year “closing circle” when Kathleen McNamara asked the group to name a high point from the school year, the overwhelming response was taking learning outside the classroom and back into the world. As Seven Hills was able to reintroduce touchstones of our program that were on pause during the pandemic, the return of field trips and overnight

trips stood out as integral experiences for out-of-the-box teaching and deep learning.

Seven Hills has a long history of experiential education, with a curriculum that revolves around seeing, listening, and feeling while connecting what is happening at school to the real world. Across all grade levels, these unique opportunities outside

In Rainbow and Red Barn, visual and handson learning through observation and discovery began by exploring beyond the ECE gates.

During their campus walkabouts, students engaged their curiosity by observing the mysteries of the environment, collecting acorns, and preparing dirt for seeds. They visited the chicken coop and worm bin and were introduced— in a developmentally appropriate way— to the principles of environmental stewardship.

These hands-on experiences reinforced concepts they were learning in the classroom while providing an opportunity to practice their vocabulary for senses and colors.

In Kindergarten-3rd grade, local field trips enhanced classroom learning. A 1st grade engineering design study on sand and sand castles culminated in a much-anticipated trip to Baker Beach in San Francisco where students worked as a team to design, model, analyze, and construct a sand castle through trial and error.

In 3rd grade, an animal research study with the library that included writing animal books and building habitat dioramas culminated in a trip to the Oakland Zoo, where students studied their chosen animal up close.

the classroom allow students to build and develop their independence, self-awareness, and environmental stewardship. From using our campus as a laboratory to learn big things and small things, to Middle Schoolers traveling across the country and globe, Seven Hills students broaden their understanding of the world around them.

2021-22 Overnight Travels

4th Grade: Sonora

5th Grade: Yosemite

6th Grade: Nevada City

7th Grade: Santa Monica Mountains and Washington, D.C.

8th Grade: Outside Yosemite National Park and Washington, D.C.

In 4th grade, students graduated to a onenight overnight trip, bringing their outdoor learning to a new level. With the traditional Balclutha overnight ship experience not open to student groups last year, Seven Hills developed a new partnership with Sierra Outdoor School.

Students visited Gold Rush country outside of Sonora, a relevant extension of 4th grade’s study of Native American history and California’s gold-rich lands. As students visited historic sites and roleplayed a day in the life of a miner— cooking, carrying out daily chores, panning for gold—they developed historical empathy and learned about how Native Americans were impacted by the Gold Rush.

Fifth through 8th graders experienced various extended trips that are often remembered as highlights of the Seven Hills journey and give students an opportunity to engage with nature and history up close. Outdoor education is the focus of the 5th and 6th grade trips, and our 7th and 8th grade trips include longer-distance domestic travel (Washington, D.C.), and in most years, an international trip. Due to COVID, international travel was on hold for several years, but we look forward to it resuming in 2022-23! While the experience of traveling with teachers and friends is a highlight on its own, there is also scope and sequence to develop deep, personal learning and to broaden students’ understanding of themes such as personal responsibility, situational and cultural awareness, healthy risks (“challenge by choice”), and leaving things better off than they found them.

On the journey from Rainbow to 8th grade, students learn to become stewards and citizens of their diverse campus, neighborhood, country, and world—connecting big ideas and developing intellectual curiosity both in and out of school.

COMMUNITY LIFE

The Jaguar ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) team collaborates to launch its hand-built underwater robots.

First graders descend upon Baker Beach to use engineering, science, and nature to craft the perfect sandcastle.

Seventh and 8th grade students explore Planet Word in Washington D.C., a new museum where language comes to life, recommended by visiting author Jason Reynolds.

A Red Barn student pauses for a mindful minute outdoors.

Fifth graders engage in a lively retelling of our nation’s beginnings during their Walk Through American Revolution.

Coffee and Community parent gatherings hosted by the PIA return in the Heather Farm Park solar lot.

A Lower School Junior Librarian learns how to check books in and out for their class.

PIA Thrives and Shines

The Parent Involvement Association’s (PIA) theme for the 2021-22 school year, Thrive and Shine, acknowledged the hurdles families overcame during the pandemic and celebrated the collective strength, resilience, trust, and commitment of the Seven Hills community. Although parents were unable to gather or volunteer on campus for the majority of the school year, the PIA got creative and planned a variety of small, outdoor, off-campus events for parents to reconnect and make new friends, including:

• A walk at the Lafayette Reservoir

• Local hikes at Las Trampas, Borges Ranch, Shell Ridge, and Castle Rock

• Fitness boot camps at Heather Farm Park

• A habitat restoration volunteer project at the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve with Middle School students

• Coffee & Community gatherings in the Heather Farm Park solar lot

In the spring, Seven Hills was thrilled to finally welcome parents onto campus again, with events including Campus Beautification Day, the auction, in-person PIA meetings, Astrogation Week rocket launch, and the Farewell and Promotion Assembly. Throughout all of these opportunities—whether virtual or in-person—the PIA remained committed to community and came through the year thriving and shining.

Students cheer on their super speller classmates at the fun and competitive spelling bee.

Celebrating the joy of childhood and the end of school in Rainbow style with Color Day!

COMMUNITY LIFE

The return of cross-grade buddies means a moment to read together under the shade of a tree.

Middle School Jaguars Return to Competition

Many Middle School students took to the roads, courts, and fields this year with the highly anticipated return of Middle School athletics. Players engaged the spirit and built camaraderie through fitness and cross country, basketball, volleyball, golf, and a new girls’ soccer team.

In a highlight of the athletics year, the 8th grade girls’ volleyball team bumped, set, spiked, and served its way to an undefeated season! While some of the players had previous club volleyball experience, just as many were brand-new to the sport. Coach Kristine Shargel said, “It was amazing to watch the team unfold and see how the older kids took the youngest kids under their wing to teach, help, and encourage them. They love volleyball deeply, love Seven Hills, and were so excited to represent their school.”

Congrats to all the teams for their hard work. Go Jags!

Middle School students and their parents volunteer with the East Bay Regional Park District for its habitat and grassland restoration project.

Say It Loud!

Kicking off the month of February, Director of Technology Muhammad Ramadan introduced an exciting new segment to students’ weekly virtual assemblies. In a special video segment called “Say It Loud,” Mr. Ramadan interviewed different members of the faculty and staff community.

The segment launched with interviews of several Black employees during Black History Month, and later women employees during Women’s History Month. As Mr. Ramadan interviewed his colleagues, students got to listen and learn about their job duties, home towns or native countries, and their own school-age experiences including the pop culture, music, clothing, and slang of the day.

Second grade teacher Nancy Lane recalls, “When the first ‘Say It Loud’ episode came out, it was an amazing way for not only the students but us as colleagues, to learn something about one another, about our community. Sharing shared experiences and using humor is what truly brings so many people, cultures, and differences of opinion together. It gives us a common language, and I am so grateful for that.”

Second graders make their votes count at the school election to name our new chickens.

The Seven Hills Jag gives a warm welcome during the New Family Welcome Celebration.

Toasting togetherness at one of three (sm)All Community Parent Receptions in the fall.

Springtime joy of having parents back on campus!

Kindergarteners take healthy risks on the Kinder playground rock climbing wall.

OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO!

Outdoor Graduation Ceremony Celebrates the Class of 2022

For the second year in a row, Seven Hills honored the 8th grade with a special outdoor graduation ceremony on the Lower School field. Against the picturesque backdrop of Mount Diablo, the event was a mix of old and new traditions. The festivities began on the blacktop and field where the soon-to-be graduates reminisced with their families and looked at memory boards

made in their honor. As usual, the 8th grade speeches, stories of challenge, strength, and hope, and individual favorite quotes were highlights of the ceremony. The festivities concluded with a faculty and staff receiving line—an emotional and fitting Seven Hills goodbye—a reception for families, and a class party for the graduates. Congratulations, Class of 2022!

“We could not have done it without the support of the faculty and staff that ensured we remained engaged, while also having the difficult, yet necessary conversations, and helping us understand the world around us and our place in it. We are a class that has persevered and will contribute to the world around us each in our own ways.”

– Ibrahim Monawar ’22

OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO!

Class of 2022: High School Destinations

Zuri Akoni, Athenian

Luke Ashiku, Cate

Gael Benavides, TBD

Cam Blechman, College Park Sloan Brown, De La Salle

Sonya Caro del Castillo, Andover Kyle Chan, Head Royce

Graham Clinger, Cate

Carter Considine, Head Royce

James Crowley, De La Salle

Rodrigo Domínguez, Campolindo

Corinne Ebias, Carondelet

Jinane Ejjed, College Prep

Luke Gartner, Athenian

Max Grossman, Bentley

Natalie Hilmen, Carondelet

Rebecca Husk, Las Lomas

Alex Isom, Athenian

Gabby Johns, Carondelet

Jake Kangas, Head Royce

Tatum Karson, Carondelet

Dane Karson, De La Salle

Liam Kochly, Northgate Ash Lasky, Interlochen

Nate Littell, Campolindo

Ellie Macomber, Carondelet

Ian Manning, De La Salle

Maggie Mercado, Andover

Lindsey Mills, Bentley

Ibrahim Monawar, De La Salle

Olivia Nunn, Carondelet

Maddie Ragasa, College Prep

Jimmy Rainsford, De La Salle

Kelsey Rodde, Carondelet

Gavin Rogers, De La Salle

Ryan Roy, De La Salle

Emily Saoud, Carondelet

Dylan Seifart, San Ramon Valley

Hailee Shah, Acalanes

Saaj Shah, Acalanes

Peter Shargel, Las Lomas

Cameron Shirazi, De La Salle

Chloe Swany, Monte Vista

Henry Tatara, Head Royce

Xander Timmons, Andover

Tristan Tucker, Campolindo

Grace Weckerle, Carondelet

Stephen Weeks, Simsbury Luke Williams, Miramonte

Lucca Zamani, Miramonte

CLASS OF 2022: ALUMNI WELCOME LUNCHEON

To kick off graduation festivities, the Class of 2022 gathered for the Alumni Welcome Lunch and officially joined the ranks of nearly 1,200 Seven Hills graduates. During the lunch, four college-bound Seven Hills alumni from the class of 2018 participated in a panel discussion on “the high school experience from a Seven Hills perspective,” touching on everything from academics and extracurriculars to social life and peer pressure.

Cora Davidson Receives Marianne McBride Distinguished Faculty Award

At the Farewell and Promotion Assembly, a tradition during the last week of school where students “move up” to the next grade, Seven Hills recognized longtime faculty member Cora Davidson with the Marianne McBride Distinguished Faculty Award for her 21 years of service in student support. Thank you, Cora, for all you have done for Seven Hills students and families!

Class of 2018 alumni return: (left to right) Nyah Akoni, Maddie Woo, Jack Hoover, and Drake Nuñez.

OH, THE PLACES THEY’LL GO!

Class of 2018: Senior Send-Off

The Class of 2018 alumni and their parents returned to campus in May to catch up with old classmates and faculty members four years after their own Seven Hills graduation. Sharing memories, high school adventures, upcoming college plans, and future endeavors, these classmates spent the morning grateful for their unique Seven Hills experience that prepared them for high school and beyond.

Class of 2018: College Destinations

Seven Hills alumni from the Class of 2018 have big plans and were accepted into top colleges and universities across the U.S.

WEST

California State University, Chico

California State University, San Marcos

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2)

Central Oregon Community College

Chapman University (2)

Montana State University

Occidental College

Oregon State University

Saint Mary’s College of California

San Diego State University (2)

Santa Clara University Stanford University University of Arizona

University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles (2) University of California, San Diego University of Colorado

University of Washington University of San Diego

MIDWEST

University of Chicago (3)

University of WisconsinMadison

INTERNATIONAL

Duke Kunshan University, China

SOUTH

Baylor University

Rice University

Southern Methodist University

Texas Christian University (2)

Tulane University University of Mississippi (2)

NORTHEAST

American University

Brandeis University

Bucknell University (2)

Colgate University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Northeastern University (2)

Syracuse University University of Maryland University of Pennsylvania Williams College

CAREER PATHWAYS: THE FUTURE OF WORK AND TRANSITIONING POST PANDEMIC

Last November, Seven Hills parents, alumni, and alumni parents came together for an executive virtual panel discussion on key trends that are affecting organizations and their employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The executive panel— spanning the human resources, financial technology, healthcare, and marketing retail industries—discussed how companies are navigating the hybrid workplace model, hiring and retaining talent, employee well-being, work/life balance, and more.

Top to bottom: Sheren Bouchakian, Executive Human Resources Consultant; Sharda Caro del Castillo, Board Member, GoFundMe; Paul Deeringer, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Emerging Business, John Muir Health; Jacques Herring, Senior Vice President, Stores, Ross Stores, Inc.

ALUMNI EVENTS

ALUMNI HAPPY HOUR: DRAKE’S DEALERSHIP

The return of our annual Seven Hills Alumni Happy Hour continued to grow in popularity with alumni from around the Bay Area, current and former faculty and staff, and former Head of School Bill Miller in attendance in the private outdoor Alley Bar venue at Drake’s Dealership in Oakland.

ALUMNI REUNION

With 75 graduates, alumni parents, and faculty in attendance, the Alumni Reunion was a fun-filled afternoon of touring the campus and reminiscing in the outdoor Student Commons (where the pool used to be!). While much has changed over the years, the memories, connections, and love of Seven Hills remain strong.

ANNUAL REPORT

A Message from the Board Chair

In reflection on our family’s final year at Seven Hills, we want to express how fortunate we are to have joined such a vibrant community. Our family’s journey began in the 2012-2013 school year, when our son, Lincoln, entered kindergarten and our daughter, Jane, entered Rainbow. Fast forward, and Lincoln is now a sophomore in high school and Jane is starting her final year of middle school. During this journey, our children formed nurturing relationships with their teachers, while Marissa and I developed life-long friendships with like-minded parents who shared in our love of Seven Hills as we raised our children together.

As I complete my 10th year as a trustee and final year as board chair, I am excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead for our institution. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, the Board of Trustees is working actively with Kathleen on fully reopening the school and returning to many of the rituals that make Seven Hills such a special place. With this upcoming celebration, we also should never forget the herculean effort made by Kathleen, her educational leadership team, and our faculty, to carefully guide us through three pandemic school years. These efforts created an important sense of normalcy and safety for our students that will pay dividends far beyond their time at Seven Hills. It also modeled a team of adults doing real-world problemsolving that will set them up to be the innovators of their own futures.

Although much of the Board’s work during the pandemic was focused on the “here and now,” we made significant progress towards fulfilling the school’s Whole Child, Whole Community strategic plan, particularly in the areas of campus improvements, DEI initiatives, and the endowment. In this school year, families will experience a groundbreaking for a new outdoor amphitheater, enhancements to our tuition model, and ongoing strategic planning to reimagine some of our learning and gathering spaces on campus.

What has been accomplished to date could not have been done without the generous spirit of the Seven Hills community, past and present. The previous generations of families provided us with the campus infrastructure and cash reserves to successfully navigate the pandemic, and then our current families philanthropically supported a record-breaking auction and Annual Fund that were used to offset the unprecedented costs of running an independent school. This generosity strengthened the school for the future.

Thank you to all the inspiring teachers, dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and supportive families—you are the foundation of this diverse community. I am confident that under Kathleen’s leadership and in partnership with board chair-elect, Julie Meissner, and a committed Board of Trustees, Seven Hills will continue to thrive and serve our students, our mission, and our community for many years to come. Warmest regards,

Matt Janopaul Chair, Board of Trustees

“Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour.” – Walt Whitman

2022-23

Board of Trustees

BOARD MEMBERS

Sameer Advani

Jamil Akoni

Katie Alberts

Heather Alumbaugh

Pat Blake

Sharda Caro del Castillo

Paul Deeringer

Joel Grossman

Raj Gupta

Jacques Herring

Matt Janopaul

Chalis Kuba

Alexandra Lee

Eric Littell

Whitney Livermore ’00

Matt Macomber

Greg Marsh

Ianthus Martin

Julie Meissner

Ronke Olatunji

Bryce Pinkos ’99

Chris Riley

Marcela Robledo

Rina Shah

Del Stafford

John Sween

Kirsten Young

2021-22 FINANCIALS

OPERATING REVENUES

Net Tuition1 $ 10,644,480 84.9%

Annual Fund and Auction 1,007,070 8.0%

Other 570,714 4.5%

Endowment Draw 321,600 2.6%

Total $ 12,543,864

1. Net Tuition does not include Tuition Assistance $1,680,529

OPERATING EXPENSES

Salaries and Benefits $ 9,402,950 75.5%

Instructional 1,124,274 9.0%

General and Administrative 893,220 7.2%

Fundraising 128,920 1.0%

Plant 733,643 5.9%

Debt Service 168,569 1.4%

Total $ 12,451,576

Seven Hills is committed to investing in and enhancing the student experience while keeping tuition increases as low as possible. The Board of Trustees sets tuition annually and oversees the school’s finances with the dual goals of supporting mission-driven growth and promoting fiscal strength.

The overall operating budget in 2021-22 was more than $12.5 million. Faculty and staff salaries and benefits continued to account for more than 75 percent of the overall operating expenses, while tuition provided 85 percent of the overall operating revenue. Second to tuition, philanthropic support of the Annual Fund and auction combined was the largest source of operating revenue.

These numbers reflect pre-audited financials. Audit will be available upon request as of January 2023.

DONORS

An Extraordinary, Record-Breaking Year of Support

What is inspirational about Seven Hills is the way in which our community members help whenever and however they can to make our school the best it can be. In a second straight record-setting year of support, our dedicated philanthropic partners came together to raise vital funds to bolster our whole-child education guided by dedicated faculty that instill a love of learning, a sense of belonging, and a growth mindset. In the following pages, we recognize the collective generosity of parents, trustees, grandparents, alumni parents, alumni, foundations, friends, faculty, and staff who have made an extraordinary impact in the lives of our students.

Annual Fund Donors

We are most grateful to our Annual Fund donors and the 95 percent of families who gave above and beyond the cost of tuition to create the best learning environment for students between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. From big ticket items to the smallest details that set Seven Hills apart, the Annual Fund directly supports the people, programs, and experiences that we love and value most about a Seven Hills education—adding the “extra” in extraordinary.

Paul and Heather Holden

Hill’s Angels

$30,000+

The Benevity Community Impact Fund

Benjamin and Sara Clinger

Kirkland & Ellis Foundation

Visionaries

$20,000 - $29,999

Anonymous Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Leadership Circle

$10,000 - $19,999

Patrick and Alison Blake

Mark De Baca and Rose Harris Jason and Lena Dudum

Giving Champs

$5,000 - $9,999

Siamac Alemazkoor and Chet Siow Simon Ashiku and Annette Chen

Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Bank of America Matching Gifts Program

Eike and Margarethe Falkenberg Juan Gaviria and Marcela Robledo Google Inc. Employee Giving Robert and Wendy Greer Joel and Holly Grossman Louis Grossman Jacques and Kimberly Herring

Jason and Anna Husk Andrew and Andrea Hutchison Imran Junaid and Anita Bhat Benjamin and Rashna Larson Cornel and Alexandra Lee Douglas Lee and Michael Weiss Kurt and Leighanne Levensaler Eric and Kari Littell Matthew and Kamin Macomber Drew and Kaeti McMillan Kathleen McNamara and Jihad Mirza Fred and Cecilia Naranjo Jonathan and Sarah Naranjo Dasol Park and Jooyoung Kim

David and Sylvia Pearlstein

Gregory Pilarowski and Anna Gai

Psychiatric Care Surender Punia and Ling-Chun Lin Kilimanjaro Robbs and Kara King Philipp Sack and Sukhwant Singh Salesforce.com, Inc Kynan and Laura Scarr John and Kimberly Schilling Yi Shi and Shangjie Zuo Jonathan and Ali Singh Andrew and Kathryn Solomon Morgan and Lisa Swiggett Thomas and Stephanie Taira TIAA Matching Gifts

Sean Collins and Tanvee Mehra Combined Jewish Philanthropies

Jonathan and Laura Forman Matthew and Marissa Janopaul Amar and Sheetal Kinkhabwala Stephen and Mackenzie Lesher Randall and Elizabeth Luskey Gregory and Julie Marsh Maggie and Alex Mehran Schwab Charitable Fund Del and Kimberly Stafford Patrick and Diane Suciu

Jonathan and Kristin Butler Derek Butts and Rachael Holloway Michael and Dara Buzzard Fermin and Sharda Caro Del Castillo Chevron Matching Employee Funds Brian and Kristen D’Arcy

18 raised in a second straight record-breaking year for the Annual Fund

Larry and Deveney Totten Nghia and Pranom Tran

Vanguard Charitable Ramin and Gina Zahedi

Head’s Circle

$3,000 - $4,999

Sameer and Stella Advani

Olakunle Ajayi and Jenny Sung

Katherine Alberts and Lori Siegel

José and Maria Alface Anonymous (3)

Dan Browne and Palwasha Barekzaie Gordon and Diana Baty

Kevin Bui and Trina Dong

Frank and Elizabeth Cassal Lucien and Lauren Cazenave

Paul Chua and Grace Chan

Rick and May Chuarta Spencer Crawford and Tiffany Obenchain

Rory and Lauren Davis Paul and Christa Deeringer Samuel Deutsch Escalante and Cinzia Stella

Franklin Templeton Matching Gifts Program

GAP, Inc.

John and Khira Griscavage

Karan and Ella Gupta Rajneesh and Margaret Gupta

Michael Harwitz and Shihong Gu Elad and Anna Inbar

100% participation from the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff

Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund Brett and Kymberly Johnson Thomas and Danielle Kahl

Jeffrey and Nicole Kangas Tanveer and Sarah Khan

Charles Killian and Michelle Watts Killian

Mitchell Kumagai and Deborah Podberesky Nicolo and Razia Manlapaz

Ianthus and Xiomara Martin Jay and Julie Meissner

Jason and Melissa Ovadia Howard and Susan Overton Justin and Tracy Pajer Rahul Parikh and Rina Shah

Robert and Margie Pearce Peter Peng and Mitzi Williams Blake and Ashley Petersen Michael and Brianne Riley George and Cheri Russell Glen Ryan and Vanessa Totten Ryan ’95

Adam Salvas and Karen Braje Ross Schwaber and Catherine Fielding Edward and Devra Struzenberg Michael Tatara and Helen Kurtz

Trieu Vuong and Haruka Kuroda

Wells Fargo Foundation Educational Matching Gifts Program

Yan Xia and Wei He Davis Yee and Nina Lee Wally and Kirsten Young

Benefactors

$1,000 - $2,999

2020 LCH Trust

Adobe

Jamil and Cheryl Akoni Dennis Alumbaugh Jason and Nicole Ambrose American Endowment Foundation

Peter and Tina Andersen Anonymous (5) Maximilian and Lori Auffhammer

Amir Axelrod and Sherry Wang-Axelrod Douglas Baloun and Traci Huahn

Christian Balzer and Shireen Ghorbani Brian and Lisa Baskin Bayer/Monsanto Matching Gifts Program

Nicholas and Andrea Bell BlackRock Matching Gift Program

Tom Braje Dennis and Veronica Brinkmann

Ronald and Fannie Chan Charities Aid Foundation of America

The Clorox Company Foundation

Erin Colbert Warren Colbert

Kevin Considine and Christine Paige Considine

Kevin and Kitri Cook Judith Craddick

Lindsay Delaney Dolby Match Program

Thomas and Julie Ducharme

Mario and Graciela Dueñas Alexander and Samantha Duff Bayley Dycus and Katrina Thomas-Dycus Family Office Foundation, Inc. Bejan and Torrey Farahbakhsh

Marlon Fernandez and Wren Amos

Mary Lou Fiala Jeff and Kara Galbraith

Anne Gartner

Genentech, Inc. Sadegh and Narguess Ghorban Gilead Sciences, Inc. Matching Gifts Program

Charles and Annie Graves Thomas and Valerie Greeley Solomon Henik and Stacey Epstein

Jason Ho and Amy Chow Paul Ho and Katherine Jue

Michael and Gillian Hogan Thomas Houghton and Sindy Tew

Andy and Barb Jaspar Matthew and Nicole Jeffers

Thomas and Pauline Jeffers

Rahul Jolly and Richa Madan Leah Karson

William Katakis and Milena Martinez

Theodore and Jillian Kearns

Kenneth and Jennie Klein Andrew and Alana Kleinberger

Jeremy Lasky and Michelle Fang Yong Jae Lee and Yaewon Kang Thomas and Jacqueline Levey

Adding the “Extra” in Extraordinary: Your Gifts at Work!

Extraordinary Immersion opportunities allow students to expand their horizons through a robust travel program and oncampus hands-on learning experiences.

Extraordinary Campus surroundings offer countless learning adventures that inspire stewardship and appreciation for the environment.

Extraordinary Enrichment offerings—from art, music, and world languages to technology and science— give students the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Extraordinary Wellness programming fosters empathy and resilience skills through an on-campus counselor, student care teams, mindfulness, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Extraordinary Educators coordinate and collaborate to ensure every student receives personalized instruction and greater differentiation.

2021-22

Annual Fund Class Captains

With tireless enthusiasm and dedication, the Annual Fund Class Captains helped secure a solid 95 percent parent participation for the 2021-22 Annual Fund campaign by encouraging fellow parents to make their annual commitment. Many thanks to our Annual Fund Parent Chair Katie Alberts and the entire Class Captain team for ensuring a bright future for our students.

Annual Fund

Parent Chair Katie Alberts

Rainbow Thomas Lyle

Red Barn Mario Dueñas

Kindergarten Kristy McVey East

1st Margaret Gupta

2nd Ross Schwaber

3rd Wren

4th

5th

6th

7th

Alexandr and Julia Lints Norman and Mo Livermore Whitney Livermore ’00 Kathleen Manning Dan Meyers and Andrea Cartwright Jason and Ginelle Mills

Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust, Inc.

Alfred and Patricia Nethercott Bob and Kris Nunn Jon and Molly Ott Bryce Pinkos ’99 and Shawn Wood Sean Ragasa and Thanh Tran Jeffrey and Shelly Randesi Nathan and Kimberly Rapp Dunhill and Doroty Reyes Jeremy and Jennifer Rich Dustin Rocke and Jacey Howard Derrick Roth and Caryn Javinsky Sanjay and Tracy Roy Gay Lee Rubin

Amit Sachdeva and Rebecca Rubin

Colin Safreed and Xochitl Gonzalez Safreed Scarborough Insurance Agency

Armin Seifart ServiceNow Global Impact Jesal and Shachi Shah

Simerjit Singh and Harmol Raikhy

Steven and Susie Sovik John and Deborah Steinbuch STH Group LLC John Sween and Lisa Barnett Sween Daniel and Lindsay Sweetnam Todd Thorner and Leyla Khosrovani

TIAA TPG

George ’86 and Beshka Vukasin

The Vukasin Family Foundation Ramon and Hilary Walker

The Walt Disney Company Foundation

Robert and Amy Walters Daniel and Barbara Wark

Eric Washer and Jessica Frey Washer

Joshua and Tara Wellen Wellen Properties Eric ’96 and Emily Wight

Steven and Linda Wight Benjamin Winig and Malathy Subramanian Farhad Zamani and Georgina Jensen

Friends

Up to $999

Lauren Adams Nick Adamson and Carisa Harris Adamson Nyah Akoni ’18 Annie Allen

Anonymous (16) David and Victoria Arata David and Vivian Auslander Stanley and Aneta Austin Autodesk Inc. Gene and Alicia Bakkum Andrew and Lauren Barbano Cass and Carol Beals Lenora Beers Antonio and Seena Benavides Carlos Benitez The Blackbaud Giving Fund Noah Blechman Stephanie Bolanos Andrew and Kellen Bothwell

Stephen and Paula Breitbart Brent and Christiane Brinkerhoff Mark and Kelly Cardella Michelle Barahona Sylvie Cazenave Susan Chapman Steve and Lucy Chappell Christopher and Amy Charlton Daniel and Kelley Cochran William and Cynthia Cogswell Casey Conroy and Diana Herrera-Conroy Jeremy Coyne and Tet Salva Paul and Hannah Craddick

Dawn Craig and Teresa Brink

Kendall Craig ’18 Ryan and Nicole Crowley Dan and Rebecca Cushing Danaher

Brad and Cora Davidson Charles and Mevis Demarest Santosh Dhanalal and Caroline Love

Luis Domínguez and Vanessa Torre Amish and Shilpa Doshi Mario and Tamara Dueñas

Samuel East and Kristy McVey East Barbara Eaton Azeddine and Cate Ejjed Lauren Elkind Jarrod and Olesya Epps Scott and Katherine Espinosa-Brown Kurt and Sheryl Ettinger Paul and Laurel Evans Joseph and Lucy Felcher Cecilia Figueroa Scott Fink and Kathy Klein James and Marcie Fitzsimmons Jamaal Footman and Laney Erokan

Christopher Frangos and Jennifer Jones

Mary Gaines John and Elizabeth Garcia Nicholas Giordano and Nidhi Chanani

Laury Glasgow

Susanne Goldman

Bob and Patty Gonser Mark and Christi Gotvald Greater Horizons Doug and Susan Greenberg Benjamin and Joanna Grossman Zarmeen Gulgee Vincent and Laura Hackel Ogai Haider Monawar

Daryal and Christie Hall Joseph and Monique Harrison

Matthew and Natalie Johns

Kaiser Permanente Community Giving Matching Gift Program Pedram and Fatemeh Karbassi Ron and Hope Katakis Megan Kaye ’09 Bryan and Jenifer Kester Edward and Christine Kim Lina Kim Connie Komar Chalis Kuba Scott and Kim Kumnick

Robert and Caroline Maruska

James McDonnell and Linda Margulies Philip McFann Hollie and Lydia McLeod Michael and Leanne Mercado Neil Meyer and Stephanie Chiang

Dan Michael and Lillian Leong Craig and Marianne Mielcarski Eric Miller and Bo Espinosa-Setchko ’94

families support the Annual Fund at the leadership Head’s Circle level of $3,000 and above

Travis and Corinne Hayhurst

William and Kimberly Hecht

Joseph Herger and Eugenia Kang Jesus and Lucy Hernandez

Tony Hernandez

Terence Heywood and Pamela LesoganichHeywood

Douglas Hilmen and Joy Hirayama

Spencer and Gina Hinck Dewey Horton and Ann Hatanaka

Gabriel and Stephanie Hough Fred and Noel Hughes Patrick and Kimberly Hughes Liviu and Ana Ionescu Irwin Javinsky

Anthony Jerant and Nancy Palmer

Carlton and Carrie La Cour Troy and Nancy Lane

Lynx Lean and Katharine Horwitz Adam ’87 and Shannon Lechner Elgin and Michele Leslie David Levin and Julie Scarpelli

Samuel and Kate Levine Steve and Sarah Lewis Dale and Sylvia Lindstrom Chelsea Little Carlos Lobo and Riki Gibson

Paresh and Veena Lohia Thomas and Denise Lyle Christine and Helen Machaj Matthew and Shauna Maraccini Jennifer Marcus Jonathan and Gillian Marek

Bill and Kristy Miller John Anthony and Angela Miranda Jason and Patricia Moy Nand and Sarbani Mulchandani Daniel Murphy Michael Murphy Carolyn Nelson NetApp, Inc. Matching Gifts Stacy Norman Kerry and Charlene O’Brien Jon and Tina Ory Oliver and Amy Parker Theresa Patterson PayPal Donald and Deborah Petersen Piper Sandler Companies John and Hannah Pirone Lucia Pirone ’17 William Pirone ’19 William and Heidi Plumb

Don and Fern Prosnitz Robert and Gina Puljiz Gustavo Rafaela and Samantha Buono Nicholas and Anna Rainsford Muhammad and Helena Ramadan Ralph Raulli Ingrid Ray Geoff and Lauren Rhizor David Rippon and Heather Alumbaugh Daniel and Kristine Rivera Mohammed Rizvi and Meenal Kapadia Cyrell Roberson Generra and Nicole Rocchi

Jonathan and Jennifer Rodde Phillip and Teri Rogers ROSS Gives Back Nathan Rynerson and Daphna Klugman Matthew Sager and Amanda Ashton-Sager Carlos and Camellia Santos Brian Scheinberg and Laura PiersonScheinberg Edward Scherr and Shelly Pozzi Steve and Michele Schoch Derrick and Beatrice Shelton Deborah Shipherd Shervine Shirazi and Ameneh Khosrovani Kavindar Singh and Kaitlyn Gaffney-Singh

100+

donors increased their Annual Fund gift

Paul and Amy Sobel Hyung and Jisun Son Angelina Sosa Jeff Steinberg and Kirsten Woods Paul and Susan Sugarman Diana Superfin Blake Suttle and Erin Marnocha Christopher and Carrie Swany Gerald and Jessica Sylvester William and Diana Taylor Thermo Fisher Scientific Matching Gift Program Jason and Adrienne Timmons Ephraim Philip and Christine Tucker Jase Turner and Miriam Jones Twilio, Inc. United Way of the Bay Area Linden Van Wert

William and Kimberly Vaughn VTech Communications, Inc.

Geoffrey and Beth Wadsworth Brian and Taryn Wardwell Wareham Property Group, Inc.

Bob and Alison Wash Stephen Weeks Emily Werner William Blair & Company Charitable Matching Gifts Fund

Taffy and Patricia Williams Robinson and Joanie Wills

John and Lisa Woll Arthur Woo and Emmelie Sabatte Workday Shahad and Kristina Wright Larry Wynn and Tootie Olsen

The Julian Rettger Fund celebrates the life of Seven Hills graduate, Julian ’03, who passed in June 2010. Through the generosity of friends and family, gifts to this fund support programs that promote the social and emotional well-being of Seven Hills students.

Telos Academy

21 Julian Rettger Fund for Emotional Well-Being

Kathleen Manning

New Endowed Fund Supports Affordability and Access

Many of our families have established endowment funds as their legacy to the school or in honor of a loved one. With a generous gift this past year, two Seven Hills grandparents established a named family endowed fund to help make Seven Hills more accessible to families from a broad range of economic circumstances.

“Seven Hills has been a wonderful learning environment for both of our grandchildren,” said the donors. “Through this endowment, we hope that more students have the opportunity to join this wonderful community and thrive.”

Over time, generous gifts from families have built our $6 million endowment to provide for the long-term financial sustainability of Seven Hills. While invested for growth to provide annual support in perpetuity, a strong endowment ensures that today’s students, as well as future generations, have access to student-centered learning, engaging academics, co-curricular opportunities, and an inclusive community. This new endowment fund will be part of that long-term investment and Seven Hills’ commitment to affordability and access.

We are grateful to the many families who have supported the endowment over the past year to create an enduring legacy for the students of Seven Hills.

The Seven Hills School Named Endowment Funds

The Barlow Family Endowed Fund

The Brown Family Endowed Fund

The Butner Family Endowed Fund

Deborah Jansen General Endowment Fund

The Hennessy Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

The Hilal Family Endowed Fund

Jim Clark Former Trustees Endowment Fund

Joseph Family Minority Scholarship Fund

Julian Rettger Fund for Emotional Well-Being

Karen Malin Endowment for Professional Development

The Marcogliese Family Endowed Fund

Matthews Music Scholarship

The Scott Espinosa-Brown Endowed Fund for Student Life, Leadership, and Service

The William H. Miller Endowment Fund

2021-2022 Endowment Donors

Anonymous Chevron Matching Employee Funds Stephen Cohn and Rose Anne Critchfield Kevin Considine and Christine Paige Considine Critchfield Cohn Family Fund at the East Bay Community Fdn. Sydney Delgado ’17 Alexander and Samantha Duff Azeddine and Cate Ejjed Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Benjamin and Joanna Grossman

Brian Hennessy ’04 Kevin and Elaine Hennessy Sameer and Melissa Hilal David Levin and Julie Scarpelli Richard and Patricia Marcogliese Marianne McBride

Bill and Kristy Miller Amara Morrison

Sean Ragasa and Thanh Tran Muhammad and Helena Ramadan Fred and Susan Safipour Armin Seifart

If you wish to discuss making an endowment gift or establishing a named fund, please contact Director of Development Amy Walters at awalters@sevenhillsschool.org.

New Kelly Cardella Fund Supports Kindergarten Students

In January, Seven Hills lost a beloved member of the community with the passing of former Kindergarten teacher, Kelly Cardella, and mom to Michael ’23 and Joey ’25. A gifted and caring teacher, Kelly saw the good in everyone around her, radiated positivity, and taught us the meaning of strength and grace.

Established by her family to honor her legacy and wishes, the Kelly Cardella Kindergarten Fund for Tuition Assistance will provide financial support to a Kindergarten student at the start of their K-8 educational journey at Seven Hills. “Kelly loved nothing more than being with her students and watching them grow,” says her husband Mark Cardella. “Growing this fund into an endowment will allow her to continue to impact the lives of Seven Hills students in perpetuity and is something I know she’d be incredibly proud of.”

Thank you to the many families, friends, students, and colleagues who supported the Kelly Cardella Kindergarten Fund for Tuition Assistance.

MS Students Explore New Scanning Electron Microscope Amphitheater Construction to Begin

With a generous gift to the science program from a Seven Hills donor, Seven Hills was able to purchase and acquire its own scanning electron microscope (SEM). A long sought-after piece of equipment for the Seven Hills science lab, this microscope is giving students the opportunity to explore different specimens and structures with stunning magnification.

Unlike optical microscopes that use light to magnify an object, scanning electron microscopes use a beam of focused electrons to scan the surface of objects and are capable of magnifying an object up to 25,000 times! The user-friendly microscope is specially designed for studying the surface and texture of solid objects, revealing details down to the nanoscale level on a computer screen next to the machine.

“Students examined everyday samples and substances—a piece of hair, an ant from outside, an old needle—and all of a sudden they were exploring a microscopic world smaller than wavelengths of light,” says Middle School science teacher Matt Shargel. “We are grateful for the opportunity to have this stateof-the-art technology to inspire the next generation of scientists!”

At Seven Hills, we have seen how flexible spaces on campus allow us to convene and connect to help build community and create a sense of belonging for students, faculty, staff, and families. As the need for more outdoor gathering and learning spaces became a premium in response to COVID-19, Seven Hills was thrilled to receive a generous $500,000 lead gift for an outdoor amphitheater project from a graduating family.

Lining the hillside next to the current sport court, the future amphitheater will become a new heart of the campus where students will assemble, perform, sing, celebrate, and make meaningful connections together in the fresh air with our engaging campus as the backdrop. With construction planning and permitting well underway, we look forward to breaking ground this winter and unveiling our newest gathering space as we celebrate our 60th anniversary!

23 GIFTS AT WORK

2021-22 Hills Angels in Perpetuity

Jeffrey and Heidi Abramson

Ian Agol ’82 and Michelle McGuinness

Annie Allen

Robert Allen

Susan Alonso

Simon Ashiku and Annette Chen

Brian Atwood and Lynn Edminster Mathew and Sarah Bakulich Kelly and Carrie Barlow

Gretchen Bartzen

Sebastian and Renee Bea Brad and Shiva Berman

Patrick and Alison Blake Parke and Victoria Boneysteele

Kevin Booth

David and Emily Breach

David and Kim Bridges

Robert† and Alice Bridges Foundation

Ryan and Nicole Brown George and Stephanie Buhalis

Jonathan and Kristin Butler

Christopher and Annette Butner

Philae Carver

Mark Fosbury and Kristin Castagno

James and Françoise Cervantes

John† and Susan Chapman

Adam and Carol Chase

Chung-Cheng and Jen-Kuei Chen

James and Kathy Clark

Benjamin and Sara Clinger

Ronald and Susan Codd

Stephen Cohn and Rose Anne Critchfield

Michael and Shirley Coke

Alexander Copeland and Lolli Beall

The Copeland Family J. and Suzanne Crandall

John and Debby Cunningham Mary Dalsin-Mills

Steve and Celeste Danglade

Daniel Delaney

Lindsay Delaney Charles and Nancy Deschane Amber DeSilva David DeSilva Scott and Deborah DeVries

Robert Dolinko and Laurie Bronson

Todd and Christine Dow

Joseph and Holly Eiden Irwin and Vivian Eskanos

Ira and Pamela Finch

Charles Fiske and Karen Leo

David Fitzgerald and Haywon Lieh

David and Jessie Flatt

Roger and Madeline Fleischmann John and Laura Furstenthal

Bob Gallo

Sandra Gallo Ravikanth Ganapavarapu Shrikant and Ira Garde

W. Philip and June Gardner

Kimberly Gilmore

In recognition of their enduring commitment to Seven Hills, we wish to give a special thanks to the Hills Angel donors who, over time, have contributed $25,000 or more cumulatively to Annual Giving. Your support has made a tremendous impact on generations of Seven Hills students for 60 years!

John Gingrich and Christine Currie

Anthony Giordano and Theresa Klinger Charles and Alexis Glavin Kent and Diana Godfrey

Bruce and Barbara Goodman Dan and Linda Gordon Richard and Lori Green Robert and Wendy Greer John and Khira Griscavage Stephen and Katy Gronowski Thor and Christine Grossen Joel and Holly Grossman Louis Grossman Kenneth and Jeanifer Grullon Peter and Julie Gutzwiller John and Wendy Hammergren Michael Han and Annie Hahn

Terence Heywood and Pamela LesoganichHeywood

Sameer and Melissa Hilal Diane Horton

Abraham and Deanna Hsieh Frederick Hughes, Jr. Fred and Noel Hughes James and Laura Hulburd Robert Ishii and Nancy Wallace Matthew and Marissa Janopaul Paul and Deborah Jansen Brett and Kymberly Johnson Wendy Jordan

Thomas and Mary Anne Jorde Matthew and Melissa Jose Sheldon Kahn and Sarah Liron Joseph and Odette Kardek Ross and Amy Kari Janet Katari Kevin and Michaela Katari

Jerry and Carolina Katz Mitchell and Karen Kay Pamela Keith and Elizabeth Mahler George and Bonnie Kennedy Larry† and Julie Kirsch Kenneth and Jennie Klein Steven and Rochelle Klein Bob Kliger

Stuart and Anne Knowles Benjamin and Judy Kronick Mitchell Kumagai and Deborah Podberesky Jim and Shannon Lanzone David and Traci Lardner Ari and Sheryl Lauer Henry and Jennifer Leingang Stephen and Mackenzie Lesher Patrick and Darlet Lin Eric and Megan Lindberg Robert and Renee Little Michael and Sherrie Littlejohn Norman and Mo Livermore Jeffrey and Jennifer Loomis David and Connie Lowe James and Shari Lucas

John Lyngaas and Linda Noel Matthew and Kamin Macomber

Steve and Beth Marini

Gregory and Julie Marsh Mark and Mindee Mastrov

Pat Matthews and Patti Paulson

Scott and Tomi Matthews

Stephen and Nancy McCarthy

Wendy McDermott

James McDonnell and Linda Margulies

Kevin McGuirk

Kathleen McNamara and Jihad Mirza

Daniel and Marina Miller

Bill and Kristy Miller

James and Dorothy Mills

Sam Mills Tom and Julia Miner Abraham Mintz and Catherine Cutler

Langdon and Elizabeth Morris

Paul and Diane Morton Clarence and Irene Mou William and Frances Myers Brian and Patricia Napper

Subhendu Narayan and Kavitha Rao-Narayan

John and Ruth Nelson

Brent and Elizabeth Nomura

David and Sally Nosal Stephen and Maggie Oetgen Peter and Isabelle Op de Beeck

Ralph Pais and Gayl Huston

Charles and Adelaide Park Shami and Lori Patel

David and Sylvia Pearlstein

Jerome and Jane Perez

Eric and Amy Peterson

Joseph and Toni Petite

Gregory Pilarowski and Anna Gai

Scott Pipo and Gloria Pickhover

Michelle Place Joseph and Rosalia Polizzi

Ingrid Ray Christine Riley Geoffrey and Lesleen Riley Susan Rogers Andrew and Jinny Rudd Fred and Susan Safipour Edward Scherr and Shelly Pozzi

Steven Schwab

Larry and Cybille Scott

Carl Shapiro

Mark Shapiro and Roberta Goldberg

Brian and Michelle Sharpes Murray and Christine Sheldon Yi Shi and Shangjie Zuo

Philip Simon and Terry Neben Brad and Amy Skepner

Elizabeth Solomon Del and Kimberly Stafford Corby and Heather Stead

Ronald and Caryn Suber

Patrick and Diane Suciu Patrick and Teresa Sullivan Suri and Rushika Suriyakumar Bahman and Mardjan Taheripour

Carlo Tamburrino and Paulette DeFalco Ronald and Robyn Taylor

Larry and Deveney Totten Christopher Trinkus Richard and Karen Walker Michael and Maria Walton

Dennis and Bonnie Wells

Tom and Marla Williams Keith and Susan Wilson Douglas and Joyce Wing

Bruce Woods and Nancy Frary-Woods Glen and Elisa Yeung

Roy and Cathy Yih

Mark and Shawn Young

Wally and Kirsten Young

† deceased

New Hills Angels Member

Heritage Society Hale Society

Understanding that the future success of Seven Hills depends on plans made today, the Heritage Society honors members of the community who have remembered the School in their estate planning. Thank you for your thoughtful planning and commitment.

Pete Babiak and Laura Lippow

Parents of Steven ’07 and Sydney ’11

Gretchen Bartzen

Director of Development (1995–2012)

Brad and Shiva Berman

Parents of Daniela ’05

Jon and Lisa Blake

Parents of Adam ’11 and Andrew ’12

John† and Susan Chapman

Parents of Chris ’03 and Emma ’05

Sameer and Melissa Hilal

Parents of Holden ’17, Arden ’18, and Hudson ’21

Jim and Laura Hulburd

Parents of Alanna ’06 and Kyle ’09

Paul and Deborah Jansen

Parents of Ben ’03 and Nicholas ’05

Thomas and Mary Ann Jorde

Parents of Kevin ’01 and Christopher ’03

Joel King

Director of Finance and Operations (2000–2011)

Jim and Karen Malin

Head of Lower School (1992–2013)

Kathleen McNamara

Head of School (2015–present)

Dan and Marina Miller

Parents of Marshall ’01

Bill and Kristy Miller Headmaster (1992–2015)

Parents of Hennessy ’04 and Keenan ’08

Abraham Mintz and Catherine Cutler

Parents of Elizabeth ’13 and Zachary ’12

Jane Ord

Parent of Isabelle ’86 and Eleanor ’88, Grandparent to Sean and James ’21

Philip Rettger

Parent of Julian ’03† Linden Van Wert

Faculty member since 1975, Librarian (1976–2015), Green Ombudsman (2015–present),

Parent of Sara ’79 and Chris ’82

John and Alice Villanueva

Parents of Amber ’96 and Erica ’99

The Hale Society, named for the family who once owned the land on which Seven Hills flourishes today, recognizes the spirit of service of those trustees who have successfully completed at least one three-year term of service. As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we honor the generations of school leaders who, since the school’s inception, lived by the Seven Hills mission to show respect for and responsibility to our world, and to ensure the future of the school for generations to come.

Mary Anderson Kelly Barlow Shiva Berman Parke Boneysteele Milton Bruzzone Stephan Butler Annette O’Donnell Butner Jim Clark Steve Cohn Mike Coke Michele Cooper Joan Costello Cathy Cutler Mary Dalsin-Mills Scott DeVries Bob Dolinko Dick Eaton† Luzanne Engh Meribeth Farmer Jay Fischer R.J. Fleischmann Candace Fleming Laura Furstenthal Bob Gallo

Phil Gardner John Gingrich Anthony Giordano Kent Godfrey Khira Griscavage Anne Grodin Julie Gutzwiller Guy Henshaw Terry Heywood Sameer Hilal Bill Horton† Denise Howard Mary Ann Hruska Fred Hughes Jim Hulburd Ravi Hundal Charles Hunt† Deb Jansen Ruwani Jayasingha Gail Jern Mary Anne Jorde Michael Kamarck Ross Kari Kevin Katari Carolina Katz Julie Kirsch

David Lardner Lou Lavigne Alan Lefkof Mackenzie Lesher Patrick Lin Rob Little Sherrie Littlejohn Mo Livermore Teeda Locodo Beth Mahler

Pat Matthews Bill Miller Jim Mills Julia Miner Gina Morris Ed Nemeth Jane Ord Ralph Pais Dick Palomba Shami Patel Grant Petersen Eric Peterson Lu Pilgrim David Pottruck Darlene Quinn Joanne Reichenbacher Susan Safipour Ed Scherr Ron Schmidt

If you have included Seven Hills in your will or trust or are interested in learning more about how to do so, please contact Director of Development Amy Walters at awalters@sevenhillsschool.org or (925) 933-0666.

Brian Sharpes Brad Skepner Beryl Smith Virginia Smith Patrick Sullivan Seiyonne Suriyakumar ’02 Suri Suriyakumar Lisa Barnett Sween Bahman Taheripour Lou Ann Terry Brian Thomas Peter Thomson Mary True Alice Villanueva George Vukasin Nancy Wallace Julie Anne Springman Wickes ’98 Roy Yih Shawn Young

deceased Board Chair

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. If we have made any errors or omissions, please bring them to the attention of Director of Development Amy Walters at (925) 933-0666.

The Seven Hills community hit the trail, set up camp, and came together around the campfire to make the annual spring auction a weekend to remember! After two years of virtual auctions, guests were back in person for the highly anticipated community-wide event, Camp Seven Hills.

Camp festivities kicked off on Thursday with an online silent auction that ran through the weekend. On Saturday evening, adult campers had s’more fun together while enjoying cocktails, appetizers, and dinner; photo opportunities with friends in the vintage camper photo booth; spirited bidding on the field; and dancing under the stars to a recorded music set by our very own 8th grader, DJ Maggie Mercado.

Over the weekend, more than $240,000 net was raised in direct support of our mission-driven programs, students, and teachers, including $113,000 through Raise the Paddle. Congratulations to Simer Singh and Harmol Raikhy for winning the $5,000 tuition credit raffle, and to Jeff and Skyler Patmon for winning the campus parking raffle.

A huge thank you to our dedicated parent committee leads Kristen D’Arcy, Annie Graves, and Lori Siegel, who with their team of volunteers, led the way with all the behind-the-scenes details. Our auction basket coordinators pulled together amazing grade-level items, and our auction representatives rallied their class families and filled the campsite. Thank you to everyone who put in countless volunteer hours, sponsored the event, entered the raffle, donated items, and raised their paddle for Seven Hills. This outdoor adventure was a night to remember!

Auction Committee

Kristen D’Arcy

Lauren Barbano Lena Dudum

Annie Graves Kimberly Herring Carilu Melander

Ginelle Mills

Leslie Lievens

Denise Lyle Jeanette Naughton

Patricia Nethercott

Helena Ramadan

Brianne Riley

Lori Siegel

Stephanie Taira

Board Liasons

Alexandra Lee

Eric Littell

Matt Macomber

Del Stafford

Auction Coordinator

Riki Gibson

Auction Database

Dan Murphy

Business Sponsors

PLATINUM

City Center Bishop Ranch

Fender GOLD

First Republic Bank

SILVER Altwell

Realize CPA

BRONZE

Boaters Insurance Agency

Epicurean Group

Gallagher Insurance Hmm . . . I Know!!™

John Muir Health

Keller Mitchell & Co.

Le Pit Club

Morling Financial Advisors

Peet’s Coffee Pillar Legal

SoSo Cycles

Tilden Properties Treehouse Wealth Advisors

FRIEND

Alliant Employee Benefits

Coldwell Banker, Frank Woodward CP Partners

LOH Realty & Investment Walnut Creek Optometry Group Wellington Property Company

Faculty and Staff Sponsors

Jonathan and Amanda Ambrose Lucien and Lauren Cazenave Mark De Baca and Rose Harris Alex and Samantha Duff Derek Butts and Rachel Holloway Thomas and Danielle Kahl Douglas Lee and Michael Weiss Theodore and Jillian Kearns

Charles Killian and Michelle Watts Killian Kathleen McNamara and Jihad Mirza Kathleen Manning

Gregory and Julie Marsh Jay and Julie Meissner

Jeremy and Jennifer Rich Patrick and Diane Suciu

Item Donations

A Place For Your Face

A Sweet Affair Bakery

Katherine Alberts and Lori Siegel Annie Allen American Conservatory Theater

Amy Karanfilian Consulting Lori Auffhammer Balletto Vineyards

Christian Balzer and Shireen Ghorbani

Michelle Barahona Andrew and Lauren Barbano Bee Organized SF Bay Berman Skin Institute Board & Brush Creative Studio

Kellen Bothwell Boundary Oak Golf Course Christiane Brinkerhoff Kevin Bui and Trina Dong ButtercuP Diner & Bar Lucy Chappell

Cline Family Cellars William and Cynthia Cogswell Concannon Vineyard CorePower Yoga Cottages on River Road Crunch Fitness Walnut Creek Rebecca Cushing Danville Cheese

Brian and Kristen D’Arcy Mark De Baca and Rose Harris Tamara Dueñas Azeddine and Cate Ejjed Epicurean Group Laurel Evans Excel Basketball Camp Fairytale Town Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble Cecilia Figueroa Fraenkel Gallery Kara Galbraith Ravi Ganapavarapu Gorjana Christi Gotvald Greetings by the Yard, LLC Monique Harrison Travis and Corinne Hayhurst Gina Hinck Paul-Phillip and Heather Holden Honey Homes

Honig Vineyard and Winery Jason and Anna Husk Jack’s Restaurant Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Julie Pawloski Custom Skin & Brow Theodore and Jillian Kearns Kendra Scott Lina Kim Daphna Klugman Drs Koopah, Inc Chalis Kuba Kim Kumnick

Nancy Lane

Jim and Shannon Lanzone Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School Performing Arts

Cornel and Alexandra Lee Steve and Mackenzie Lesher Elgin Leslie Sarah Lewis

Lesher Center for the Arts Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center Lost Worlds Adventures Randy and Elizabeth Luskey Matt and Kamin Macomber Jennifer Marcus

Greg and Julie Marsh Ianthus and Xiomara Martin Mary Engelbreit Retail

Dr. Michelle Massa, Vida Wellness Boutique Kelly McCargar Phil McFann

Jay and Julie Meissner

Mendocino Grove Leanne Mercado

Dan Meyers

Mighty Market

Mike Hess Brewing Napa Valley Bike Tours

Carolyn Nelson

Open Barre Fitness

Tina Ory

Outdoorsy

Jason and Melissa Ovadia

Nancy Palmer

Robert and Margie Pearce

Peet’s Coffee Peju Winery

Piatti Ristorante and Bar Pillar Cowork and Childcare

Heidi Plumb

PREP

Gina Puljiz Lindsey Ravache

Gray and Brenda Reavis

Chris and Brianne Riley Kristine Rivera Generra Rocchi Rockin’ Jump Teri Rogers Saint Mary’s College San Francisco Opera Camellia Santos

Julie Scarpelli

Ross Schwaber and Catherine Fielding

Scribe Winery

Seven Hills Girl Scout Troop 33835

Seven Hills Rainbow Parents

Seven Hills Red Barn Parents

Seven Hills Kindergarten Parents

Seven Hills First Grade Parents

Seven Hills Second Grade Parents

Seven Hills Third Grade Parents

Seven Hills Fourth Grade Parents

Seven Hills Fifth Grade Parents

Seven Hills Sixth Grade Parents

Seven Hills Seventh Grade Parents

Shadowbrook Winery Matt Shargel

Yi Shi and Shangjie Zuo Sienna Ranch

Small Car, Big Time Tours

Smile Power Orthodontics Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Hyung Taik and Jisun Son Angelina Sosa

Splash Swim School

Steve & Kate’s Camp SusieCakes

Jessica Sylvester Thomas and Stephanie Taira

Diana Taylor

The Bar Method East Bay

The Next Step

Dance Studio

The Seven Hills School

The Seven Hills School Board of Trustees

The Walt Disney Family Museum

Patti Turetzky

Jase Turner

USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum

Village Music School

Robert and Amy Walters

Emily Werner Joanie Wills

Wish Walnut Creek

Kirsten Woods

Zachary’s Chicago Pizza

THEN AND NOW

From the first eager 15 students at St. Stephen’s School to the once rustic, always pastoral Seven Hills Ranch site, our school has seen many milestones small and large over 60 years.

1962: The Seven Hills ranch house sits on its original site circa 1926.

1962: The school opens as St. Stephen’s Parish Day School in Orinda with 15 students in preschool through 2nd grade. The entire student population fits in two carpools.

1966: The school moves to the current Seven Hills Ranch site in Walnut Creek and is renamed Canterbury Country Day School. Animals abound on campus—peacocks, rabbits, skunks, goats, foxes, and more!

1976: Parent volunteers help convert the ranch guest cottage—“Casita”—into the first Seven Hills library with librarian Linden Van Wert. The library housed 3,000 books, mostly handed down from parents and faculty.

SHS Now: The Seven Hills School serves 420 students and 270 families in preschool through 8th grade across more than 30 zip codes.

SHS Now: Our natural campus is home to 35 chickens in our own chicken coop. Visits from deer, turkeys, and other wildlife still provide opportunities for student wonder.

SHS Now: The Julian Rettger Memorial Library, completed in 2003, is a hub of creativity and learning and home to 15,000 books and other resources.

SHS Now: The now-turf Lower School field serves as the site of recess, assemblies, auction, graduation, and more.

SHS Now: The ranch house, through various remodels over time, became classrooms and was eventually rebuilt with offices for the school administration, as it is today. The center of the building— “the Living Room”—remains a friendly gathering space.

– Seven Hills mission statement, adopted 2001

SHS Now: Students widen their world view with a WWII trip through England, France, Belgium, and Germany in 7th grade, and the Japanese Exchange (24 years running) in 8th.

HEADS OF SCHOOL

Rev. C. Corwin Calavan 1962-1963 Georgia Strecker 1963-1965

Robert Wall 1965-1971

Dr. William Shwartz 1970-1971 Lu Pilgrim 1971-1985 Marcia Millar 1985-1986

Per Lee 1986-1991

Reyner 1991-1992

William H. Miller 1992-2015

McNamara 2015-present

1978: A new playing field is planted with the help of students and parents.

1994: Students take first school European trip.

“The Seven Hills School is a learning community with a mission to develop the intellect, engage the spirit, and foster respect for, and responsibility to, our world.”

The Seven Hills

975 North San Carlos Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94598

April

May 13 Class of 2019 Senior Send-Off

June 4 60th Anniversary

June 8

Parents of Alumni: Please Forward This Publication

If your son or daughter no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify Seven Hills of his/her new mailing and email address at dmurphy@ sevenhillsschool.org.