Lotspeich Hives Create Homes Away From Home

New Lotspeich students joined their Hives during the first assembly of the school year. 

Cheers erupted when each group of students opened their box and balloons that were the same color as their Hive floated out.

The Hives are multiage buddy groups with students in kindergarten through fifth grade, each with their own name and color. Through monthly get-togethers, students build friendships across grade levels, foster a sense of belonging and identity in their school community, and work on community service projects together. 

Monthly Hive gatherings will include various games and activities that strengthen their sense of community, identity, and belonging around the Seven Hills values.

Fourth graders Hana Ashiki and Sydney Fender are very excited to continue spending time with their Hives, the Purple Squirrels and Blue Polar Bears, respectively. 

Fender said she enjoys hanging out with different grade levels and helping their Hive feel like a home away from home.

“I want people to feel safe and comfortable, that they can be themselves,” Fender said. “I also really love the dance to our song. It’s very fun.”

This year, kindergartners will join their Hives in October. Assistant Head of Lotspeich Danielle Necessary explained that it’s to give the youngest Hive members time to adjust to their school routine. 

“We wanted to give them a little more time to settle into their routine, and so the Hives can think of ways to make Hives a home away from home,” Necessary said. “Making a home away from home is our theme for the year, and throughout the year, students will get the chance to figure out how we can make Lotspeich feel like a home not just for our Hives, but also for our VIPs during VIP Day, for visiting athletic teams, for parents, for potential families, and more.”