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Beyond the Classroom: Physical Activity
I haven’t always been very intentional about my physical health. When I worked at an all-boys school in Lima, Peru, I would occasionally play on the faculty soccer and basketball teams, join in on basketball practices, and play around at recess. But I didn’t have a consistent practice of staying active. When I returned to…
Beyond the Classroom: Friendships
I recently heard Dr. Lisa Damour (author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers) on Adam Grant’s podcast ReThinking and found a few occasions to share a clip of the episode with students as we’ve tried to navigate some tricky situations. “I will just go ahead and say I’m not a huge fan of friendship groups….
Beyond the Classroom: Dangers of Comparison
It is inevitable that at school comparisons between students will occur. Whether it’s selecting members for the basketball or soccer team, determining winners at the science fair, or deciding who presents in a group project, comparisons are an often accidental and all too common experience for our boys. However, these comparisons can significantly interfere…
Beyond the Classroom with Mr. Murphy: Why Goal Setting Matters
During the first days of January, families often reflect on the importance of setting resolutions and planning for the future. I don’t often give myself a New Year’s resolution, but I do look at important life markers to take stock in how things are going and make decisions about changes I’d like to make. At…
Beyond the Classroom with Mr. Murphy: Next Week at AMLE
Next week, I have the honor of representing Seven Hills School at the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) annual conference. This gathering is one of the biggest in our field, bringing together educators dedicated to understanding and supporting middle school students through this critical developmental stage. It’s an exciting opportunity to engage with colleagues…
Beyond the Classroom with Mr. Murphy: Cell Phones
Earlier this month, the Virginia Department of Education rolled out new guidelines on “cell phone-free education” following the governor’s executive order. It’s part of a bigger trend—schools across the country are starting to ban phones, recognizing how they distract students and disrupt classrooms. Even social media platforms like Instagram have started to adjust, adding new…
Community and Connections by Ms. Andres
Confession/Disclaimer: These words just skim the surface of the beautifully complex topic of community and connections at Seven Hills. I believe so many of us in this community could share stories and anecdotes about their time and experiences that would be joyful and fulfilling to read about. However, I began writing this to explain how…
The 7HS Approach to High School Prep
A boy’s educational experience is a journey that can range from a smooth ride on freshly-paved roads to a bit bumpier on rough roads with potholes, speed bumps, and sometimes even roadblocks. Our school is designed to even out and remove some of those barriers by meeting our boys wherever they are developmentally—social-emotionally, academically, and intellectually. Everyday, we focus…
