1/25/2024 0 Comments The Week in ReflectionOpening: The Value of Patience
Our choices are one thing that we can control. Our actions emulate our choices, and our character defines our lives. This mantra helps defines our purpose. With that opening, let me begin with my evening...
7:00 PM on Thursday, I published this blog. While it was spinning to publish, the page crashed. I thought that it was no big deal since the draft always saves and that I could just republish....nope, the whole site deleted. I was on the phone with the provider for about 30 minutes..to hear the words--THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO, SIR. All we can do is restore the last published version of your website. At that point after a long day-- I had two choices. Tell everyone, sorry...I have no idea how I can recreate this---or do my best to make sure that this routine was back in place. I chose the latter. So, please be kind to me this week. This version of the Week in Reflection will the best that I can offer. I am a big advocate of forging through difficulties even when I have no energy to get there. I believe in empowering students, and adults all of the time. I am also an advocate for being thorough, compassionate, and consistent. We all share important roles in guiding ourselves, and others within choices. As parents, the world that we are raising our children in has changed significantly since we grew up as teenagers. The countless hustle, schedules, along with personal devices has shifted much of the time that we are able to spend with our children. The noise in the world forced us to learn evolving technology, means of communication, and new trends. One thing that doesn't change in this world, is our response to the noise. Raising a child today is challenging. Our job as parents is the key to the relationships that we form with our children. They need us more than ever--even when they put out barriers, and tell us that we don't understand. At some point, our children will mature to see that we too were in their shoes. Through good and bad times, we love our children unconditionally--even through the noise. From the students perspective, their world was born with with movement, technology, snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram. Students can hang out with a group of friends in the same room and snap each other without even opening their mouth. Student live by spontaneous schedules driving most parents nuts. Whereas we as adults were raised in a personable, face to face interactions to talk with friends--- we (parents and educators) have to teach these skills to our children and students in order to help them communicate, stand confident, share and collaborate. As much as they leave clothes on the floor, listen half-heartedly--our children do love us--even when we don't see it. As educators, we often find ourselves filling shoes not only being an educator but also as a role model and guide to our students. Educators are constantly running throughout the day to teach, provide intervention, and run extra-curricular activities while often being a parent taking for their families. All educators become an extension of the household as role models and mentors. All of this circles us to a larger community that we are all connected to. We are better connected when we communicate with intention, and do everything we can in our capacity to serve each other. As much as I need you to be the best version of yourself, you need me to lead to be the best of my abilities each day. Our shared responsibility guides each of us and our children to make the best decisions, coral them when they don't, and work together to raise our children in our world filled with noise. Together, we can all help turn down the volume of the noise around us and be present to current needs of each other. I appreciate you. 27BeTheChange2024
Members of our Executive Student Council and Hilltopper Minds worked in December and January to present 2024's Focus in February: 24BeThe Change.
Purpose Chardon is our home. It is our community. We love our families and those who have surrounded us with love for generations. Like most homes, we too have faced difficulties and times when we felt lost. There are so many moments that transformed us through these challenging times. Our community, the resilience and love of students, staff, and alumni have built the bridges of compassion, outreach, and our core values. Each day allows us to grow stronger, love more, and give ourselves. We have great days, good days, and tough days. What is most important is that we keep sight of our purpose. From the moments after our darkest day, leaders in our school and community vowed to stimulate change in laws, behaviors, and awareness. At Chardon High School, we stand firm in our conviction to be an instrument of change. The school is challenging all people to spread and share kindness and to be an instrument of change every day, specifically in the month of February. The 27 Days of Be the Change will begin February 1 and well beyond February 27. It is the continued hope of the established core values at CHS that these actions will inspire and change lives. By actively caring for others each day, a habit of kindness can develop and continue well past this month. Weekly Themes February 1-9: SELF-Be the Best Version of Yourself; Be Positive and Kind to YOU
February 12-16: OTHERS- Demonstrate Kindness to not only yourself, but to others- family, friends, staff
February 19-23: COMMUNITY- Find yourself in the service of others
February 26-March 1: LIVE THE CHANGE- 21 Days create new habits. Model this leadership each day
Opportunities for Outreach
If any parent or community member is interested in participating in #27BeTheChange to support our students or staff, please contact[email protected] . We would love parent and community engagement any time throughout the year--especially in February. The Schedule for Next Week
Counselors Corner
Chardon High School will be hosting a CCP Presentation & Curriculum Evening on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Chardon Middle School LGIR. This evening also coincides with our Parent Teacher Conferences.
At this meeting, Counselors will provide an overview of the curricular offerings, course delivery options (including College Credit Plus), and an overview of the CCP scheduling process. Any student planning on taking class through College Credit Plus MUST plan on attending this state mandated mandatory presentation with their parents/or guardians. Several key details along with the Intent Form will be filled out this evening. Parent Teacher Conferences
Welcome to the Chardon High School parent teacher conferences scheduling system.
Our Last Parent Teacher Conference is Tuesday, February 6 Directions: Please select your conference (or conferences) below, then press "Submit." You will be asked to select the event and then enter your names and email. The system will then send you a link to choose your appointment time(s). From that link you may add or change times. Please note, all dates for conferences are listed for the school year. Please select the conferences under Tuesday, February 6 date. ICYMI: FAFSA Night Presentation
We wanted to be sure that all parents had the opportunity to review the FAFSA Night presentation provides for our families,
Auburn Career Center: FREE Sprint Classes
Auburn Career Center is ready to offer FREE Sprint Classes for all students in February. They will offer one more round late March early April of at least MIG Welding and Leadership Excellence.
CHS SKI CLUB
The CHS Ski/Snowboard Club is back for the 2024 school year... let's keep hoping for some more favorable winter ski weather in the coming weeks! There are three Saturday trips which have been organized - two trips to Peek 'n Peak Ski Resort (February 3 and February 24) and a final trip to Holiday Valley Ski Resort (March 2). Very flexible options... students can sign up for all three trips or just one trip. No experience is necessary. Lessons are an option if students are looking to learn a new sport. This trip is open to all students at the high school (grades 8-12). Please see the attached flyer for more details, including dates, pricing options, and an overview of the itinerary for the day. Space for this opportunity is limited to just one bus, so interested students should turn in their registration to Miss Fisher as soon as possible! If you have any questions, please email Alison Fisher at [email protected] or contact her at 285-4057 (x 1718). Sign up for a trip today - you won't regret it!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the girls basketball program for their unwavering commitment to our community. Their sponsorship of youth night not only enhances the game-day experience but also fosters a sense of belonging for our future Hilltoppers. Thank you for exemplifying the core values at Chardon High School and creating amazing memories for our youth, and memories that you will always remember!
This Week's Topper Tickets Recipients
Art Piece of the WeekPost of the Week
Topper Bistro Lunch Menu
Talent Show and One Acts: TONIGHT!
Join us tonight at Park Auditorium for an unforgettable evening filled with talent, creativity, and entertainment! You won't want to miss this amazing evening presented by our talented students!
The senior-directed One Acts will feature two comedies and a dramatic play, while the talent acts include the student band Clueless and several other vocal performers. This entertaining evening sponsored by the Chardon High School Thespians is only $5 at the door, supporting the CHS Drama program. Resources
Stay Safe. Speak UP!
Chardon Local Schools partners with PublicSchoolWORKS to offer the Stay Safe. Speak UP! student safety and bullying prevention program. This 24/7, confidential reporting tool is available to students, parents, staff and the community. Visit the link to learn about 3 easy ways to report and bookmark access to the tool. Link to: https://bit.ly/chardonnewssssu
K-12 Monthly Pledge Contest -- Runtime: Each Week
Student Leadership Opportunity! Would your K-12 student like to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a Board of Education meeting? Student leaders gain practice at public speaking; meet the Superintendent and Board President; and earn a Portrait of a Hilltopper certificate. Enter our monthly contest today for a chance to win!
After Prom: Attention Class of 2024 Parents
We need to get the ball rolling on Senior After Prom planning. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help make this event a memorable one for our graduating seniors. If you would like to be included in upcoming After Prom planning sessions and/or want to stay in the loop on ways to be involved, email us at [email protected]. Yearbook Information Work Permit Ohio Law requires that students under 18 years of age possess a work permit for NON-SEASONAL (school year) employment. Forms are also available in the Student Services Office or Main Office. After the parent/guardian, employer, and physician complete and sign the permit, the completed permit should be forwarded by the student to the CHS Main Office along with a Proof of Age document. The CHS Main Office processes the work permit via the State Of Ohio website.
Closing: Routines
As a educator, I find the importance of routines to be integral in fostering a positive learning environment and supporting the overall well-being and performance of students and staff. Research consistently highlights the numerous benefits of routines in promoting mental health, wellness, and academic success. As difficult as it was for me to literally rewrite everything that I could remember after this website crashed, I knew that there are those out there that expect this newsletter to be in the inbox by 7:00 AM on Friday. The last couple of weeks have taxed our ability to establish routines.
However, routines at school are mission critical, and establishing routines at home help pave the way for success. Establishing consistent routines has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels among students. Having a typical expectation to what is planned provides a sense of predictability and stability, creating a conducive atmosphere for learning and comfort at school and at home. We know as parents and guardians the positive impact of consistent routines on sleep patterns, nutrition, and overall physical health. I appreciate the enormous assistance of my staff to establish routines after the last couple of weeks. It has felt as we have been at home more than school. I really appreciate EVERY staff member that assisted me in recreating many of the talking points in this Week in Reflection, and I pray that this never happens to you or me ever again. Have a beautiful weekend with your family! Signing off Douglas Murray, Principal
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1/19/2024 0 Comments The Week in Reflection: 1/19/24CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL IS CLOSED-- JANUARY 19, 2024
The Chardon Local Schools will be closed today, January 19, 2024 due to inclement weather conditions or other circumstances requiring us to declare a calamity. ALL extracurricular and athletic competitions, practices, and meetings are also canceled.
I will reflect on our very short week at the end of this newsletter. Prior to the calamity days, I had an opening message that still fits with the week. Opening Message: You Matter
You matter. In this moment, in this place, regardless of your last name, your status on the team, the letter at the top of the exam. You matter. A history will be written in your steps, eyes and ears will see and hear the beauty of who you are. Trust in tomorrow, believe in the story, and hear me now: You Matter.
Relationships Matter. When you look at your life and the people that you surround yourself with--it is mission critical to live and love in the moment. Life is too short not to say words of encouragement...a simple thank you or love you will make the biggest difference in your day. Think positively. Where your attention goes, so goes your emotional energy. When you think of negative things, your energy and productivity drop. Maintaining a positive attitude is one of the most essential ingredients to your productivity. Focus on what you can control. Don’t waste time worrying or thinking about things you can’t control. The negative energy and time spent is a huge time waster. Instead, focus your time on the things you can control that lead you on the path to achieving your goals. Structure your time according to your goals. Your time should always be spent doing things that help you achieve your goals and bring fulfillment to your life. Plan your days and determine how you will use your time most productively to accomplish your goals. Take time to recharge. A constant state of stress and overwork slows you down. Make sure you schedule time to refresh and recharge your batteries. This includes making the time each week so that you can rest and do what you enjoy with the people who are most important to you. As we navigate through the cold January days, we want to make sure families and students know who is available to answer questions or respond to concerns you may have. Chardon High School Administration, School Counselors, Social Worker, SRO, and School Nurse are available to respond to any concerns you may have. As always, feel free to contact your teacher for your academic needs. For more information regarding ways that we can support you and your family consider the following resource. The Schedule for Next Week
Due to the calamity days this week, we will be moving the scheduled Black Day Schedule to Monday. The students know what schedule this means: Block Schedule- Periods 1, 3, 5, 7
Counselors Corner
Chardon High School will be hosting a CCP Presentation & Curriculum Evening on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Chardon Middle School LGIR. This evening also coincides with our Parent Teacher Conferences.
At this meeting, Counselors will provide an overview of the curricular offerings, course delivery options (including College Credit Plus), and an overview of the CCP scheduling process. Any student planning on taking class through College Credit Plus MUST plan on attending this state mandated mandatory presentation with their parents/or guardians. Several key details along with the Intent Form will be filled out this evening. FAFSA Night Presentation
With the weather that we faced this week, we are providing the presentation to review at your convenience. Please review the slides and feel free to contact LEAF for any additional questions.
Auburn Career Center: FREE Sprint Classes
Auburn Career Center is ready to offer FREE Sprint Classes for all students in February. They will offer one more round late March early April of at least MIG Welding and Leadership Excellence.
CHS SKI CLUB
The CHS Ski/Snowboard Club is back for the 2024 school year... let's keep hoping for some more favorable winter ski weather in the coming weeks! There are three Saturday trips which have been organized - two trips to Peek 'n Peak Ski Resort (February 3 and February 24) and a final trip to Holiday Valley Ski Resort (March 2). Very flexible options... students can sign up for all three trips or just one trip. No experience is necessary. Lessons are an option if students are looking to learn a new sport. This trip is open to all students at the high school (grades 8-12). Please see the attached flyer for more details, including dates, pricing options, and an overview of the itinerary for the day. Space for this opportunity is limited to just one bus, so interested students should turn in their registration to Miss Fisher as soon as possible! If you have any questions, please email Alison Fisher at [email protected] or contact her at 285-4057 (x 1718). Sign up for a trip today - you won't regret it!
Madison Primc and Jennifer Kogovsek are senior students involved in many activities at Chardon High School. One leadership role that many people do not see are their roles as board liaisons each month. Their job is to highlight all of the great things that we accomplish each month at Chardon High School. Their work does not get unnoticed by our board members, community members present, communications director, or by me. They are quite accomplished young leaders that our underclassmen should look up to for their attention to detail, high achievement, and school involvement. I am so proud of their work. Jen and Madison never need additional resources, meetings, or reminders- these young ladies are mature well beyond their age. I am so grateful for their commitment to growth, our district, and exceptional leadership! Check out their latest highlights that they presented on January 16th's meeting.
27BeTheChange2024
Members of our Executive Student Council and Hilltopper Minds worked in December and January to present 2024's Focus in February: 24BeThe Change.
The 27 Days of Be the Change will begin February 1 and well beyond February 27. It is the continued hope of the established core values at CHS that these actions will inspire and change lives. By actively caring for others each day, a habit of kindness can develop and continue well past this month. Weekly Themes February 1-9: SELF-Be the Best Version of Yourself; Be Positive and Kind to YOU
February 12-16: OTHERS- Demonstrate Kindness to not only yourself, but to others- family, friends, staff
February 19-23: COMMUNITY- Find yourself in the service of others
February 26-March 1: LIVE THE CHANGE- 21 Days create new habits. Model this leadership each day
Purpose Chardon is our home. It is our community. We love our families and those who have surrounded us with love for generations. Like most homes, we too have faced difficulties and times when we felt lost. There are so many moments that transformed us through these challenging times. Our community, the resilience and love of students, staff, and alumni have built the bridges of compassion, outreach, and our core values. Each day allows us to grow stronger, love more, and give ourselves. We have great days, good days, and tough days. What is most important is that we keep sight of our purpose. From the moments after our darkest day, leaders in our school and community vowed to stimulate change in laws, behaviors, and awareness. At Chardon High School, we stand firm in our conviction to be an instrument of change. The school is challenging all people to spread and share kindness and to be an instrument of change every day, specifically in the month of February. Opportunities for Outreach
If any parent or community member is interested in participating in #27BeTheChange to support our students or staff, please contact[email protected] . We would love parent and community engagement any time throughout the year--especially in February. This Week's Topper Tickets Recipients
Topper Bistro Lunch Menu
Resources
Stay Safe. Speak UP!
Chardon Local Schools partners with PublicSchoolWORKS to offer the Stay Safe. Speak UP! student safety and bullying prevention program. This 24/7, confidential reporting tool is available to students, parents, staff and the community. Visit the link to learn about 3 easy ways to report and bookmark access to the tool. Link to: https://bit.ly/chardonnewssssu
K-12 Monthly Pledge Contest -- Runtime: Each Week
Student Leadership Opportunity! Would your K-12 student like to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a Board of Education meeting? Student leaders gain practice at public speaking; meet the Superintendent and Board President; and earn a Portrait of a Hilltopper certificate. Enter our monthly contest today for a chance to win!
After Prom: Attention Class of 2024 Parents
We need to get the ball rolling on Senior After Prom planning. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help make this event a memorable one for our graduating seniors. If you would like to be included in upcoming After Prom planning sessions and/or want to stay in the loop on ways to be involved, email us at [email protected]. Yearbook Information Work Permit Ohio Law requires that students under 18 years of age possess a work permit for NON-SEASONAL (school year) employment. Forms are also available in the Student Services Office or Main Office. After the parent/guardian, employer, and physician complete and sign the permit, the completed permit should be forwarded by the student to the CHS Main Office along with a Proof of Age document. The CHS Main Office processes the work permit via the State Of Ohio website.
Closing Message
This was a short and very cold week. The polar vortex dropped into Northeast Ohio creating some very windy and frigid conditions over the last 7 days. Whereas parts of Lake Erie snow machine pounded the eastern part of the Lake, we were feeling the drop in temperatures all week. With Monday off for MLK Day, and a return to school on Tuesday, most of our region (including some colleges) called off Wednesday due to the temperatures. Thursday was a RED Day schedule, and now Friday is another calamity due to snow. It is a game of who's on first, and what's on second.
Most of us adults cannot recall a time during our school days where such a calamity day occurred. We were the generation that walked to school (up hill both ways), road the bus until we were almost 17, didn't have 4x4, a phone, and coffee was brewed at home. We read the paper, and had a 50ft curly phone line connected to a landline. Each generation can certainly learn from each other. However, the most essential skill that today's generation should continue to learn and understand is the cross generational skill of communicating with respect- looking someone in the eyes, and responding with empathy. This is an innate skill that starts from infancy and grows through adulthood. In a world where everyone loves to type a response- open communication, respect, empathy, and dialogue leads every generation to look through the same filter. The more that we all seek to understand, the better our approach to our response will be. As I started this Week in Reflection, YOU MATTER. These are not just words typed. It is our fundamental belief instilled by our core values that Our Community helps shape us, our Humility provides us an opportunity to understand empathy. Our focus on Achievement in and out of school raises our bar as individuals and as a school, our ability to show Respect and Dignity gives a lens to treat others how we want to be treated, and our attitude of Optimism and Nurturing mindset gives us hope and the grit necessary to overcome any obstacle that we face. Together, we all can #TopperUP in every moment of our lives! Have a beautiful weekend with your family and friends! Stay warm! Douglas Murray, Principal 1/12/2024 0 Comments The Week in Reflection: 1/12/24Opening: Choosing our Response Each Day
This time of year can create a sense of passiveness or lethargy in energy, creativity, and health. Living in Northeast Ohio and walking outside to cloudiness, wind, snow, rain and other unpredictable weather only adds to the feeling of waiting and wishing for a change. Taking care of yourself will best equip you for emotions that can arise this time of year. The quote in this image is great example how we can choose our response to the waves our lives. We can either let them hit us and react, or learn to ride them and learn.
Weathering the storm When a storm is predicted you prepare the best that you can. Your experiences, along with trusting others who have been in similar conditions, best equip you with the knowledge that you need to get through these situations. Likewise, in your life, there are many people that you encounter that have experienced the trials of good and bad times. Listening to the wisdom of family members and trusted adults can provide insight into the best ways to get through difficult times. Knowing that there are others who are experiencing these feelings, or passiveness is an important reality to remember. You are not in this alone. In order to equip yourself fully, it is important to talk to others and share how you are feeling instead of letting the "storm" grow inside of your life. The third quarter of a school year can be compared to the 7th inning stretch in baseball: the time of year where students can become very restless and lethargic. Every student can fall into this restless period- it is important that parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators work collaboratively to guide students through this seasonal experience. Creating new habits The best way to get out of the third quarter blues is to create new habits and routines. This is easier said than done. Students need to choose this response to create the new outcomes that they desire. Light energizes each of us. During the winter, the days seem shorter due to the change in season and the tilt of the earth. Our bodies adjust to this change and we need to create new routines to increase our energy. In the same way, the third quarter can create a "tilt" in our energy to stay on top of our work, exercise, and past routines. Many students may fall into this trap of the third quarter and wonder what happened when the quarter ends in early March. Instead of wondering where the time went---reestablish the routines that you set forth in the first and second quarters and plowshare the noise of the third quarter. Preparing for tomorrow by living today In the book, Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Program, the authors discuss the success formula that can catapult our responses to any "crashing wave" or event in our lives. This formula is simple: E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) We don’t control the events in life and we don’t directly control the outcomes. However, we always have control over how we choose to respond.. The key indicator is leadership. This leadership is not only what I can control as a principal. It is what WE can lead as parents, teachers, and coaches to our children--along with how we can support each other in the process. We all need to ask the question--exactly what is it that I am after each day? Having this clarity of purpose will allow us to keep our responses "above the line" of being intentional, purposeful, and skillful whereas living "below the line" of being impulsive, and on autopilot. Under pressure, we do not rise to the occasion. We rise or fall to the level of our training. Therefore, train far beyond the finish line of the third quarter and the outcomes will catapult the goals that you set for yourself. Ride the wave of this quarter and learn from the previous wakes you have already faced. The Schedule for Next Week
Monday, January 15- MLK Day (No School)
Tuesday, January 16- White Day Schedule Wednesday, January 17- Red Day Schedule Thursday, January 18- Black Day Schedule Friday, January 19- White Day Schedule Counselors Corner
Financial Aid Night:
Chardon High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Night in collaboration with the Lake Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF). The FAFSA has undergone MAJOR changes this year. It is highly recommended that all parents with children attending college attend this meeting. Financial Aid Night Chardon Middle School LGIR January 17th, 2024 6:00pm-7:30pm Read the document
LEAF Sessions: Lake Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF)The 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an online financial aid application that students should complete if they plan to attend college in the 2024-25 academic year. This form will open up for filing by December 31 at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is the one form that all colleges, universities, and career technical schools require to allow students to be considered for federal and state-funded need-based aid, including federal loans. It is also the form that MOST schools require to award their own institutional need-based aid. Some colleges (typically private institutions) require a second form like the CSS Profile or their own institutional form posted on their website. Check "Financial Aid" tabs on your schools' websites for requirements and deadlines. Plan to file the FAFSA by Priority Filing Deadlines. These deadlines will vary by institution. You can list up to 20 schools on your FAFSA and they will all receive your information when you submit the one application. If you file your FAFSA by the earliest FAFSA Priority Filing Deadline of all the schools on your list, then they will all receive it on time or ahead of time. Institutional aid is limited. By meeting Priority Filing Deadlines, you are maximizing your aid eligibility. There are steps you can take now to be prepared to file the FAFSA when it opens, including setting up FSA IDs and gathering the needed financials. Review LEAF's November E-Newsletter to make sure you are ready. Click here for answers to common FAFSA-related questions Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions Financial Aid/Filing the FAFSA Monday, January 29, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm Understanding the various forms of college financial aid and the FAFSA, and how LEAF can help you complete the FAFSA filing process. Making Sense of Financial Aid Offers Monday, February 26, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm The admission process is over and financial aid offers have arrived. An expert will walk you through comparing college costs and the terminology used on these offers so that you can understand the final costs to attend and be prepared to make decisions. Making Sense of Student Loan Options Monday, March 4, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm There is typically a gap between the aid provided on financial aid offers and the final cost to attend. Loans can be used to fill that gap. A school loan expert will discuss available loan options (Subsidized vs Unsubsidized or Parent PLUS vs Private) and their impact on your future. Register for a free LEAF Virtual Information Session Mandatory College Credit Plus Annual Presentation
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