​How to Study Infographic

Experiencing test anxiety is natural. In fact, most people – even those who have prepared extensively – experience some level of anxiety before and during tests. While a certain level of test anxiety is beneficial (as it motivates students to adequately prepare), too much can be detrimental if it prevents them from studying, preparing properly, or concentrating during a test.

These following strategies can help you control extreme test taking anxiety:

• Develop good study habits. One of the most effective ways to handle test taking anxiety is through proper preparation. Besides preparing you for the questions on a test, studying will also build your confidence. As your confidence increases, your test anxiety will decrease.


• Be prepared. If you're completely prepared for a test to the point of being familiar with any question that could be asked, anxiety will dramatically decrease. There is little reason to experience anxiety for a test you've prepared for. 


• Don't cram! Cramming for an exam the night before is a major cause of test anxiety. Students who take their time to regularly study for an exam throughout the term will experience less anxiety than those who decide to study a day or even hours prior to one. If you're studying a difficult subject (ie. chemistry, biology, math, etc.) it's imperative that you start studying early on in the semester, as you're likely to come across concepts, topics, and subjects that require outside help. Cramming can leave you not only pressed for time, but unable to get the help you in time.


• Get adequate exercise. Exercise relieves stress and increases mental function. It can also increase energy. If you take time to take care of your body, you'll experience far less anxiety all around.


• Get plenty of sleep. Not only is receiving adequate sleep necessary for good health, it's also an effective way to decrease anxiety. This is why it's recommended to get plenty of sleep the night prior to a test. It is recommended that you get plenty of sleep the entire week before a test. If you do not get enough sleep prior to a test, you will be fatigued, less able to concentrate, unable to remember everything, and more anxious.


• Get plenty to eat. Never take a test on a hungry stomach. Not only do you need the nutrients necessary for proper brain function and physical energy, taking a test on an empty, grumbling, stomach will make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the test. Some students neglect to eat prior to a test because they don't want to take time away from last minute studying. You don't have to eat a four course meal before every test, but at least grab an apple or some other healthy snack.


• Stay positive. Do not allow yourself to get overly pessimistic. Remain positive and concentrate on doing well on the test. If you dwell on negative thoughts, it will increase your anxiety and make it more difficult to perform. If you think you're going to perform poorly on a test, chances are you will. If you're confident in your ability, you're much likely to be less anxious and perform better.


• Stay relaxed. Take a few minutes to relax before taking a test. If you're struggling to relax, take deep breaths. Take a moment and clear your head. Focus on something completely unrelated to the test, or even school. Think about something fun you're planning later during the week, or maybe a fun trip you'll be taking. Once you're calm, go in and do your best!


• Focus on the learning experience. Do not be too hard on yourself if you do not perform up to your expectations on a test. Instead, learn from the experience, so you can make the necessary changes for the future. Nothing is accomplished by getting all stressed out over something that has already past.

Thank you for all who helped support Jeremy's kids. This was another successful year. Students, staff, and families were able to raise over $8,000! Thank you, Mr. Mizen, for leading another successful example of our core values in action! This is the most amount of money we have collected in over 10 years.  Thanks to the 8th grade teacher for really stepping up.  Your effort really helped to push our totals to the top.  The students will shop for over 30 families on Monday and wrap the present on Tuesday afternoon.

1st Place     Room 408 Mitch Hewitt's class with $1659.13
2nd Place    Room 300 Mrs. Ricci's class with $995
3rd Place     Room 110 Mrs. Kaiser's Class with $547

​Thank you for being such an inspiration to our children!

​Need a Christmas present for your son/daughter? Give the gift of snow before it’s too late and allow your son/daughter the opportunity to join the CHS Ski/Snowboard Club!  
 
Does your child already like to ski/board? Perfect - our club is a great chance for your child to improve his/her skills.
 
Your child doesn’t know how to ski/board yet? No worries - it’s a great chance to learn. Lessons and rentals are included for everyone at no additional cost.
 
Your child already has a season’s pass to Alpine/Brandywine? No worries - we can accommodate that too!
 
To register, go online to https://www.bmbw.com/club-program/. After submitting the online registration your child needs to turn in the emergency medical forms and the bus fee to complete registration.If your son/daughter already has a season pass to Alpine Valley SKIP the online registration and just turn in the emergency forms and the bus fee. Paperwork/bus fees can be turned into Miss Fisher in room 307 or to the main office (directed to her attention).
 
Remember the FINAL DAY for the ONLINE SKI CLUB REGISTRATION is at midnight on Wednesday, December 19. This deadline is set by BMBW and is not something that can be changed, so please be mindful of the deadline if your child plans to join the club. The club is open to all students grades 8 through grade 12. We will be skiing on Tuesday evenings in January, leaving CHS around 4:10.

If you have any questions, please contact the adviser (Alison Fisher) at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or have your child see Miss Fisher during the school day in room 307. Hope your son/daughter considers joining us on the slopes in January! It will be so much fun!  

​There is still time to join us this summer to Spain, southern France, and Italy!  If you are interested, please contact Senora Tekavec at stacy.tekavec@chardonschools.org or Casey Ptasznik at casey.ptasznik@chardonschools.org
​
This is an unforgettable experience for your son/daughter!  

The high school has a new way to process students as they enter after the day begins. Checkmate plus is an attendance tracking system that uses a barcode that is applied to every student ID. Now, as students enter the building (late) they will walk into the main office or student services and scan their ID and receive a ticket that allows them to enter class--while entering their attendance automatically. 

Likewise, students who return back from open campus will no longer have to sign in on a clipboard. They will enter the main office and use their ID to "check-in" from open campus. Students returning from open campus will then report to the cafeteria (periods 1-4, 6-7) and the gym for period 5.

Guest who enter the building will have their license barcode scanned, and take a picture which will print on a badge for our staff to easily identify who is in the building.

Students are receiving their ID's on Friday. The system will fully be integrated on January 3, 2019. In the meantime, we will continue to practice this system during midterm week. Enclosed are a few highlights of the system.

Obtain a pre-application for minor work permit in the school office.

1. Student/Applicant Information:  this is to filled out by the student and signed by parent or guardian.
2. Pledge of Employer:  this is to be filled out by the employer.  We must have the Employer’s Tax ID Number (9 digits).  The number of days per week, hours per day, starting time and quitting time can NOT say varies.  Employer needs to sign and date.
3. Physician’s Certificate for Minor Work Permit:  this is to be filled out by the physician.
4. All sections of the form need to be filled out before processing.
5. You must present one of the following valid forms of ID when you bring the form in for processing:  Birth certificate, Driver’s license, Passport. A copy will be made to keep with the work permit.
6. Mrs. Sprinzl or Mrs. Thompson can process the application.  Work permits are then processed through the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Please allow 24 hours turn around on permits.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest about Chardon High School:

Mr. Murray, Principal: @chs_dmurray and  @chardonhs
Mr. Bandiera, Assistant Principal: @Mr_Bandiera 
Mr. Higham, Assistant Principal: @CHS_AP_HIGHAM 
Mr. Snyder, Athletic Director: @toppernation

Next week's publication of the Week in Reflection will be sent on Thursday, December 20th due to winter break.  Thank you for sharing your children with us! Stay Warm!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

It is hard to believe that we celebrated Thanksgiving a few weeks ago. Preparing for the holiday season can deploy so many emotions: excitement, beauty, new beginnings, and stress. Our response to the season often can act as an amalgamation of all of these feelings all at one time. So, how can you take time this December to prepare for the season?

Excitement: Recall the emotions that you had as a child. You were filled with wonder and awe. Life was very simple in your eyes and everything was pure. These feelings remind us that this time of year is about spending time in the comfort of family and friends while celebrating traditions. Recreate these traditions with your family and celebrate each other. Your time together is so precious. As a child, we cherished these moments. Our children need traditions and memories to pass on these celebrations with their families someday.  Stop for a moment to reflect on how quickly your time has come and gone with your children. These moments can never be replicated. We all need to pause and be reminded that certain things at work can wait in order for us to celebrate our children. 

Beauty: This season is filled with beauty in Ohio.  Yes, not all of us love snow. Yet, we cannot ignore its glory around us throughout this season. We know that our lives do not surround the obvious plot twists on the Hallmark channel, but we can pause to see the beauty in the simple things of life. I preach all of the time that we all have a story and together our stories make our community. Take time this month to create new habits for yourself, or even break some tough ones. One of the hardest tasks that dwell deep inside of humanity is being at peace with yourself. As hard as it can be---reduce the noise around you to see the beauty in you. Your life is a gift to be shared and nourished. Take time for yourself to breathe, slow down, and live in the moment.

New Beginnings: Celebrate your relationships. This is nothing new to your vocabulary. Many people are uncomfortable this time of year because of failed relationships, mourning, and hardships. I have learned through my father that life is a gift.  A year ago, my father was very sick and almost lost his battle with a bone infection and diabetes. Instead of living in fear, he removed the fear---literally. First in his mind, and second in removing the infection in his lower leg permanently. He now is moving and shaking in some new hardware and living life just as he always did. Many of us have a hard time letting go of the past, of feelings, and tough memories. How will you ever grow? Will you run from it or learn becomes of it? Seize every positive moment as an opportunity to expand your humility and every difficult moment as an opportunity to expand your territory and influence. Life is too short to hold on to the past as an ornament. Rather, seize the moment and polish your choices from it. 

Stress: Without a doubt, this time of year can cause stress. A simple example is to look at our mothers and spouses this time of year. They are stressed because they want everything to be perfect. That's all fine, but if you want your mother or spouse to experience fully the above stated---HELP THEM. This time of year is not to be burdened on the shoulders of one. It is an opportunity to show our love to those that care for us. Besides the stress that our families have during this season, we have our own personal stress. Students have the stress of exams, finals, and projects on top of their job and athletics. Of course, our children love to schedule (without telling us) social gatherings with their friends.  Students, take time to check your phone in at the door and converse with your family. The latest post on Snapchat is certainly not as important as talking to a human face-to-face. Likewise, this time of year is a stressful time for staff as they attempt to do all of the above: preserve the excitement with their families, seeing the beauty in themselves, creating new beginnings, and grading all of their exams and projects. I am grateful to each of them as they work together to create new routines in new places while serving our mission.

With the time constraints of my job, it so important that I practice what I preach. The students and staff know that they are an extension of my family...but my faith, family, and friends are mission critical to the daily energy and tasks asked of me as one of the building leaders.  Be the best version of yourself to those that matter most and live today with a focus on tomorrow.

Chardon High School Schedule: December 14; 17-20

Friday: December 14, 2018

Mr. Strieff and Ms. Lichtler are excited to bring back the Holiday Concert for all students during a split school assembly. The concert will be performed during two assemblies: one for grades 9-12, and one for grade 8. This will provide the opportunity for all grades to see our students perform and help curtail distractions.

Jazz Orchestra (approx. 20  min)
Big Band Holiday
Mary, Did You Know?
Jingle Bell Boogie
Let It Snow!
Trans Siberian Orchestra

Free Harmony (approx. 20 min)
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
There is a Santa Claus
Rockin' Holidays
Five Favorite Holiday Songs
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day

Friday Assembly Schedule

Chardon High School Schedule
December 17th-20th

Enclosed Schedule  (Please see the attached schedule for further clarity)

Midterm Week: The purpose of this week is to meet the educational needs of our students as they prepare for midterms, finals, and project presentations. ALL classes will meet during midterm week. If a class does not have a midterm or a final, they will commence a class period. The only non-mandatory period is study hall. Students do not need to sit in study hall. We will provide supervision in the cafeteria for a silent study hall as needed, but attendance is not mandatory. Parents, please see this form.  Will will work with the Special Ed department to allocate accommodation rooms for the week.


Important Notes:

• Transportation will run at the regular time in the morning and afternoon.
• All academic classes will meet during the scheduled time. Dismissal will occur at 11:30 AM each day.
• Lunch during the week will be À la carte.
• Auburn students will have scheduled exams that do not impede upon their schedule.
• CHS Teachers will be in teacher-based teams each day after exams.
• In the case that we have a calamity day during an exam schedule, we will follow the scheduled exam day and adjust the afternoon exam time slots by adding the missed exam(s).

Monday: December 17, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (1st Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (5th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-5th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 1, 5) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Tuesday: December 18, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (2nd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (6th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-6th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 2, 6) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Wednesday: December 19. 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (3rd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (7th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-7th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 3, 7) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Thursday: December 20, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (4th Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (Make-ups with Teacher)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students: Make-ups) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Faculty Meeting- Cafeteria

Parental Acknowledgement Form

​I had the wonderful opportunity to watch our 8th and 9th graders in the production: Suesspeare- Hamlet Hears a Who. It was the production that was created by synthesizing the Drama Club for 8th/9th graders after reconfiguration. The cast absolutely nailed this production. The cast and Mrs. Douglas have met once a week for approximately ten weeks--yet, the outcome was fascinating. Imagine Dr. Suess writing Shakespeare. Everything rhymes and is sequenced between whimsical humor and dramatic characters.

This is definitely something that connects with our current ELA themes. I highly recommend seeing the performance. The play is at the Geauga Lyric Theatre and runs for approximately an hour straight. The cost is $5 and helps support future programs. The final show is this Saturday at 3:00 PM.

December 5-6, 2018: Lorain-Winter Conference at Lorain County Community College – High School

OPENING DAY OF THE CONFERENCE
8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-8:45 Opening Ceremony
8:45-11:00 Committee Session I
11:00-11:30 Lunch Break (students should bring lunches)
11:30-1:15 Committee Session II
​
CLOSING DAY OF THE CONFERENCE
8:30-10:30 Committee Session III
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Committee Session IV
12:15-12:45 Lunch Break (students should bring lunch for some conferences-check specific conference for details)
12:45-1:15 Closing Ceremony

Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and/or academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

Participants in Model UN conferences, known as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries, or occasionally other organizations or political figures, where they represent members of that body. They are presented with their assignments in advance, along with a topic or topics that their committee will discuss. Delegates conduct research before conferences and formulate positions that they will then debate with their fellow delegates in the committee, staying true to the actual position of the member they represent. At the end of a conference, the best-performing delegates in each committee, as well as delegations, are sometimes recognized with awards.

Chardon High School has grown over the last several years under the direction of Mr. Mosnik and the leadership and vision of  CHS Senior, Grace Kilfoyle. We are so proud of the work and passion that Grace has put into sustaining Model UN for generations of Hilltoppers.

Continuous Improvement: Lean Training Reflection by Justin Bloyd

​Hi, I am Justin Bloyd, President of RB Sigma and together with my business partner John Gaul we have designed a Lean Six Sigma; Continuous Improvement training program for High School Students.  Over the last two weeks, we have had the privilege of training over 30 Chardon Hilltoppers in the Continuous Improvement Methodology known as ‘Lean”.  Lean is widely used in all industries and is a set of tools that the students will take with them for the rest of their lives.  Once your ‘Lean Eyes’ are opened, you cannot help but see ‘waste’ everywhere you go and want to eliminate it.

Hilltoppers are the first students to go through this training in the State of Ohio and a number of area companies have supported their effort.  PCC Airfoils in Mentor, OH has developed a Co-Op program specifically for Hilltoppers and has committed to hiring 2-3 students who have gone through the training with a starting wage of $21/hr.  Kurt Struab, Procurement Officer from NASA Glen Research Center spoke with the students about how NASA uses Lean and met with Dr. Klein on how NGRC could be more involved with the Chardon students. 

As a training company that has focused on adult & industry training, we were uncertain how training today’s youth would go.  However, by the end of Day 1, we realized that this group of students was going to be unlike any adult group we have trained.  To understand how Lean is applied in manufacturing and transactional industries the training model is a hybrid of lecture and case studies, with the primary focus being on the “Captain Zach” simulation.  A hybrid factory that makes sailboats for the Navy out of bristle blocks.  As students learn lean topics such as: 5S, 8 Types of Waste, Pull, Value Stream Mapping, Spaghetti Diagrams, and how to run a Kaizen event amongst other tools.  They take these problem-solving tools and apply them to the non-value-added process steps required to manufacture a sailboat.  Their goal is to manufacture a sailboat at a cost of less than $20 per unit.  Roles and responsibilities are assigned to the group and as a team. The students need to work together to decide how to create a more efficient manufacturing process.  In a training of adult students half the group thinks they need to be the leader, others want their opinion heard, and a few arguments break out about the best approach to building sailboats.  After all, building sailboats is serious business.
 
Students from both sessions did not argue about the approach once.  They broke into groups, methodically went through the tools they learned in lecture and were determined to apply them to the next round of the simulation.  They were determined to beat the record set by their district administrators in October, of $13.70/unit.  I am proud to say that they did just that.  The current record of $8.79/unit is now held by Hilltoppers!  This is a significant record, as hundreds of adult students from a number of industries have gone through this same training, but without the same results.  I believe the reason for this, is that as adults, we try to solve problems at a blazingly fast speed.  Without slowing down to think about all the steps and personalities that should be considered along the way.

​John and I told students in both sessions, that we would be honored to give each student a recommendation for employment, military, college, or help them strategize on how to become a young entrepreneur.  Which there were already a few of.  Mr. Murray encourages the students every day to know your ‘purpose’ and consider which of the ‘4E’s’ is best for you.  Going into this training I was not a Hilltopper, but certainly feel like I am one now!

Students taking an EOC AIR test must report to the media center promptly at 7:20 am. All of these have been notified by their school counselors.  Testing will commence approximately at 7:30 am at Maple Elementary in rooms that we have set-up as testing locations and will conclude approximately at 10:30 am.  Our building bell schedule WILL NOT be altered on these dates. Students will take these test(s) with their proctors and report to their regularly scheduled classes upon completely the test.

​Attached is the December issue of the Learning Center Newsletter. 

This issue contains information on the teaching license renewal process. Many teachers have licenses that expire in June of 2019. Please see the article for information on this important, yet infrequent task. 

There is a second article that restates some of the services provided by the staff at the Learning Center. Please take a look to see the many ways staff and students can be helped when visiting the library.

​There is still time to join us this summer to Spain, southern France, and Italy!  If you are interested, please contact Senora Tekavec at stacy.tekavec@chardonschools.org or Casey Ptasznik at casey.ptasznik@chardonschools.org
​
This is an unforgettable experience for your son/daughter!  

Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

This week, thirty students participated in the beginning of a six-part training in basic lean certification.  As I have shared last month, this system analysis training introduces organizations, functions and individuals to a problem-solving process using a structured model to define an area of improvement to maximize time, energy, and outcomes. This model ensures that identified problems are resolved by finding the root cause of the performance or process problem rather than just blindly jumping to solutions.

When thinking about this for Chardon, it is not just about the curriculum, and not just about focusing on the students, teachers or administration. School systems are complex systems, much of which have commonalities with traditional businesses. There are many opportunities to look at process improvements and money saving efforts so they can continue to support a well-rounded curriculum of programs.

For example, schools can optimize processes and save money by streamlining the purchase requisition and form management processes. There is a significant potential to remove inefficiencies in these areas that can lead to savings and increasing time.

Schools can also reduce costs and waste with proactive and process driven facilities management. This includes not only preventative maintenance but also energy management, technology integration, green and sustainable building projects.
​
Applying Lean to the cafeteria can ensure that staff orders right quantities of food and prepared in order to eliminate food waste...something that Mrs. Culliton does really well already.

These are just a couple of examples to highlight the potential. All of these improvements require an understanding of who the internal customer is as well as their requirements. The next step is mapping these requirements to the current situation, identifying the root causes for the process or performance gap and then finding solutions which will improve the current situation.

​Once the situation is improved, they can establish measurements to monitor and maintain the changes, including using a balanced scorecard. This is exactly what Lean Six Sigma can help with. It provides a foundation for not just problem resolution, but also elimination of waste and improved efficiency.

The Lean system will be implemented curricularly to parts of our Circuit of Success, CCP Business courses and training will be added to approximately 40 students who will learn and implement their first Kaizen-change for the good.

Later this year, we will have a career fair at CHS! More to come on that!

Topper Club Awards 2018

Our core values recognize Achievement as an essential benchmark of the learning that transpires every day at Chardon High School. We have extraordinary educators that prepare our students for college, career, and life readiness. Our students refine their learning in the classroom and demonstrate their abilities in so many skill sets in extra-curriculars, service, and clubs.

It is our goal that every single person in this room will graduate finding his/her purpose. The programs and experiences that you experience at Chardon from grades 8-12 expose you to opportunities to achieve this purpose. More importantly, the relationships that you develop are paramount in your development. Every student matters to us. Taking the time to celebrate achievement collectively provides us the motivation and encouragement to push and strive for success ---so that every student will find their outcome after walking across the stage to further education, immediate employment, enlistment into our armed forces, and even delving into becoming a young entrepreneur. Today, we will celebrate many moments of achievement.

Furthermore, being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students being recognized today have maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Looking throughout the gym today, we are seeing the future leaders of our ever-changing world. Together, we are witnessing the development of engineers, doctors, lawyers, educators, chemists, advanced manufacturers, cosmetologists, medics, leaders, and philanthropists who see the good in others and respond to the needs of others. We are grateful for your leadership and look forward to the many ways that you will serve our school in the present and the future.

Thank you for being respectful to the young men and women who will be recognized this morning. We will begin our awards ceremony by recognizing our National Hispanic Scholar.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

National Hispanic Scholar: Ryan Bandiera

National Hispanic Scholars are recognized for scoring in the top 2.5 % among Hispanic and Latino PSAT/NMSQT test taking in the region. Over the past 2 months, students were evaluated and recognized appropriately. Participation in the National Hispanic Recognition Program enables students to highlight their outstanding educational achievements. Please join me in recognizing:

Nicholas Gehrke
Heather Humbert

National Merit Commended Students: Douglas Higham

National Merit Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2017 PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. These young men and women are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. While these students will not continue in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, they have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success.

Both of Chardon High School’s students who are recognized this year demonstrate academic and service leadership. They are being commended, not only for National Recognition, but for embracing the Core Values of our school with consistent integrity. Please join me in recognizing:

Nicholas Gehrke
Heather Humbert


National Merit Semi-Finalist: Douglas Murray

Of the 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools who enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), approximately 16,000 students will be recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. Semifinalists are the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represent the top 0.5% percent of the state’s senior students. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship, Semifinalists have to fulfill additional requirements to advance to Finalist standing. Please join me in recognizing:

Isabelle LeMaster

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Smith College Award: Mindy Baierl The Hartford Smith College Club’s Book Awards program recognizes the achievements of students from high schools in our area by presenting a Smith Book Award to an outstanding junior who exemplifies the academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others that characterize the thousands of women who have graduated from Smith College. We recognize a girl from the top tenth of the junior class who embodies these qualities and serves as an example of scholarship and community service.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

RPI Scholarship: Lacey Jacobs
The Rensselaer Medal is awarded to a promising Senior who has distinguished his or her self in mathematics and science. As a Rensselaer Medal Recipient, this individual is eligible to receive a $25,000 merit scholarship, per year, to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Please join me in recognizing this year’s recipient, Grace Turk

Yale Book Award: Mr. Kovach
The Yale Book Award is made available the local Yale Club and Alumni Association.  

Participating schools are selected from among those interested in sending students to Yale.

The recipient of this award is a student who seamlessly exhibits the complementary traits of Outstanding Personal Character and Boundless Intellectual Promise.

This year’s winner is no exception. Isabelle LeMaster
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Harvard Award: Lacey Jacobs
The Harvard book award is presented each year by Harvard Alumni Association to an outstanding student who displays excellence in scholarship and high character combined with achievement in other fields. The winners of this award, through their intelligence and variety of achievement, exemplify Harvard’s commitment to excellence. This recipient is no exception; please join me in recognizing:

Joe Sweet
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Chardon Science Olympiad Letter Recipients: Laura Vokoun

For the past 34 years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. Science Olympiad’s ever-changing line-up of events in all Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines exposes students to practicing scientists and career choices, and energizes classroom teachers with a dynamic content experience. The following students are being recognized for their achievements and contributions and will receive a letter or pin this year from Science Olympiad.

Owen Vokoun
Rachel Yates
John Ellington
Ethan Fuerst
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Core Values Award: Principal’s Awards

Talk about Core Values

Seniors:

Katherine Lessick
Cameron Holt

Juniors

Grace Powell
Dylan Grieb

Sophomores

Catherine Condon
Jesse Decipeda

​Presentation of Awards: School Counselors: Nikki Hetrick, Lacey Jacobs, Tim Hurlbut
10th Grade Certificates
11th Grade Academic Letters
12th Grade Academic Letters/Pins

Chardon High School Schedule: December 14; 17-20

Friday: December 14, 2018

Mr. Strieff and Ms. Lichtler are excited to bring back the Holiday Concert for all students during a split school assembly. The concert will be performed during two assemblies: one for grades 9-12, and one for grade 8. This will provide the opportunity for all grades to see our students perform and help curtail distractions.

Jazz Orchestra (approx. 20  min)
Big Band Holiday
Mary, Did You Know?
Jingle Bell Boogie
Let It Snow!
Trans Siberian Orchestra

Free Harmony (approx. 20 min)
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
There is a Santa Claus
Rockin' Holidays
Five Favorite Holiday Songs
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day

Friday Assembly Schedule

Chardon High School Schedule
December 17th-2oth

Enclosed Schedule  (Please see the attached schedule for further clarity)

Midterm Week: The purpose of this week is to meet the educational needs of our students as they prepare for midterms, finals, and project presentations. ALL classes will meet during midterm week. If a class does not have a midterm or a final, they will commence a class period. The only non-mandatory period is study hall. Students do not need to sit in study hall. We will provide supervision in the cafeteria for a silent study hall as needed, but attendance is not mandatory. Parents, please see this form.  Will will work with the Special Ed department to allocate accommodation rooms for the week.


Important Notes:

• Transportation will run at the regular time in the morning and afternoon.
• All academic classes will meet during the scheduled time. Dismissal will occur at 11:30 AM each day.
• Lunch during the week will be À la carte.
• Auburn students will have scheduled exams that do not impede upon their schedule.
• CHS Teachers will be in teacher-based teams each day after exams.
• In the case that we have a calamity day during an exam schedule, we will follow the scheduled exam day and adjust the afternoon exam time slots by adding the missed exam(s).

Monday: December 17, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (1st Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (5th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-5th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 1, 5) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Tuesday: December 18, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (2nd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (6th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-6th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 2, 6) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Wednesday: December 19. 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (3rd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (7th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-7th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 3, 7) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Thursday: December 20, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (4th Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (Make-ups with Teacher)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students: Make-ups) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Faculty Meeting- Cafeteria

Parental Acknowledgement Form
​

This year AC4P and the Actively Caring Leadership class will raise funds for the 19th annual Jeremy's Kids Christmas fundraiser. This fundraiser is in memory of Jeremy Mizen, the 6-year-old son of teacher Rob Mizen, who died in a car crash on Christmas Eve in 1999. Instead of dwelling on their horrible loss and having this tragic event destroy their lives, Mr. Mizen and his wife decided that they would instead celebrate Jeremy’s life focusing on the positive aspects of his life.

AC4P and the Actively Caring Leadership class will use the raised funds to support less fortunate families in the Chardon Community. Many local families are struggling financially with giving their children gifts on Christmas. Every year the students of Chardon High School have joined together with the community to make sure relief was available to these families. At Chardon High School, money will be collected during 1st period classes. At the end of the two weeks, the class that donates the most money will win a donut party for their classroom. As you can see below, we have some work to do.

Businesses that donate 100 dollars or more will be named and posted on the school’s morning announcements and on the large TV’s throughout the school and on GTV. Thousands of dollars pour in every year to benefit the young children of Chardon. An average of four thousand dollars a year has been raised since the program's conception in 2000. The students of Chardon High School and our community have generous hearts. We have raised tens of thousands of dollars.

Remember, Christmas is a time of giving and Christmas giving is in the hearts of the people of Chardon. You can help bring joy to a child this Christmas. Please send your donation to Rob Mizen by December 8th.

Thank you for your generosity.  

Please make checks payable to Chardon Local Schools. ​ (memo: Jeremy's Kids)+

Rob Mizen
Chardon High School
​151 Chardon Ave.
Chardon Ohio, 44024

Current Totals/classroom
​
Band           Lichtler                      $11.35
Cafe             Bonzo, Mosnik     $17.12
1                    Chenoweth              $94.75
2                    Deszczykiewicz             $0
4                    Herner                              $26
100              Spreitzer                             $0
101              Mizen                             $5.01
102              Tagliafierri                       $20
103              Rohr                             $19.43
104              Yeager                                   $0
105             Tekavec                              $14
106             Schneider                          $17
108             McGovern                         $29
109             Bartley                                   $7
110             Kaiser                                $161
200             Steinmetz                        $100
201             Shafer                                   $58
202             Britt                                $10.50
203             Bunker                                    $6
204             Tekavec                           $8.38
205             Downs                                    $5
206             Dalton                                 $41
207             Tersigni                               $14
208             Kolcum                         $12.37
209             Korenke                       $38.12
210             Niedzwiecki                        $0
211             Lichtinger                          $13
212             Monaco                       $23.74
213             Deshetler                        $246
214             Weaver                        $33.85
215             Armelli                                   $0
300             Mrs. Ricci                           $41
303             Mr. Ricci                           $173
304             Brown                                     $6
306             Butala                         $112.10
307             Fisher                                   $66
308             DiCato                                 $11
400             Heintz                                  $50
401             Grantham                   $38.26
402             Murawski                       $7.65
404             Goss                                         $2
405             Fronk                             $53.79
406             Cole                                          $1
407             Hauber                                $51
408             Hewitt                           $36.33
                                                                 $1,680.75

SUBMISSION DEADLINE for senior pictures are Friday, JANUARY 11, 2019

Requirements for your senior picture:

• Pictures can be taken with the professional photographer of your choice.
  
• Your picture must be a head and shoulder shot.  If your picture does not meet this requirement,  we reserve the right to crop your picture accordingly.
  
• It is recommended/preferred for the picture to have a simple background.  The picture can be taken indoors or outdoors.
  
• If submitted in color, your picture will be printed in color.
  
• There should be props in the picture. We will not accept pictures with hands touching the face or head.  No hats allowed.
  

Submitting your senior picture:  

• Email your picture to daniel.chenoweth@chardonschools.org (please do NOT reduce quality of photos when sent - at least 300 dpi)
  
• Send your picture to the high school on a CD as a “.jpeg” file.
  
• Last resort option, submit a wallet size hard copy photo to the high school office.  
  

Note:  Digital submissions are much preferred and strongly recommended in order to preserve quality of the photos.

​

The 8th grade students have the opportunity to go on a field trip to Washington, DC in May of 2019. As we have expressed in previous years, we believe this trip will give our students great memories, but will also give teachers the opportunity to bring the classroom to life. This is a great place to extend learning outside of the classroom.

The Ohio 8tth grade social studies content standards heavily emphasize U.S. Studies from 1492 to 1877: Exploration through Reconstruction- The historical focus continues in the eighth grade with the study of European exploration and the early years of the United States. The year incorporates all four social studies strands into a chronologic view of the development of the United States. Students examine how historic events are shaped by geographic, social, cultural, economic and political factors. The trip will begin by walking the battlefield of Gettysburg to heading to DC to learn more about the memorials at Jefferson, FDR, Martin Luther King Jr, World War II, Lincoln, Vietnam and Korea. The students will see many other areas of DC including the Washington Monument and the White House. We will also tour Arlington Cemetery, along with seeing the National Archives, American History Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture Museum.


Enclosed you will find a tentative proposal and itinerary provided by Great Day! Tours. The important details of the trip are as follows:
​
✓ Dates: May 13-15, 2019
✓ Cost: $435.00/per person
✓ Up to 18 chaperones may attend free of charge (consisting of teachers, a volunteer nurse/doctor, and an administrator)
✓ 5 motor coaches will be provided
✓ An associate from Great Day! Tours will attend the trip


Payment Plans: Payable to Chardon Board of Education (Memo: DC Trip), or by using payschools


12/01/2018: 1st Payment $145
2/01/2019: 2nd Payment $145
4/01/2019: 3rd Payment $145


Total: $435


Chardon Board of Education will handle paying Great Day Tours directly.

If you are a nurse or doctor and would like to offer your assistance on the trip as a chaperone, please email douglas.higham@chardonschools.org

Last year Munson PTO launched Munson Goes to the Musicals; discounted group tickets for Playhouse Square.  We had tickets to four shows.  With that, we sold over 200 tickets and had over 100 families participate.  It doesn't cost the district any money, and is not meant as a fundraiser, simply an opportunity for Chardon families to experience the largest theater district in the USA outside of Broadway, for tickets as low as $20.  

We have expanded the program this year and renamed it "Chardon Goes to the Musicals."  We have reserved seats for all of the Broadway Series, as well as three of the additional shows.  I already sent out a sneak peek to the people who participated last year and the feedback is very positive, with some tickets already sold. Lots of interest in Chardon Goes to the Musicals; tickets are selling.  ​

Students from the Core Values group will be sharing future programming initiatives at the Bellamore Salon & Spa Open House on Friday, December 7 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.  Please stop by and you may go home with a  fabulous raffle basket, gift card or free item!  Proceeds raised will benefit the following student-led groups Active Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP), Actively Caring, Diversity and Core Values.  ​

Do you like to ski or snowboard? If so, consider joining the CHS Downhill Ski/Snowboard Club. This club program will run after school for five consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 8th. The club will be skiing at Brandywine Ski Resort. Club passes are also valid at Alpine Valley. No experience is necessary to join; both rentals and lessons are included in the club price. Students who have season passes are welcome to join and only have to pay the bus fee. 

If your son/daughter is interested in joining, please see the attached forms for more details about registration. The FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 19th. Please note that this club is open to students from grade 8 through grade 12. If you have any questions, please contact the adviser (Alison Fisher) at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or have your child see Miss Fisher during the school day in room 307. Hope you consider joining us on the slopes in January!

​Tuesday, December 4
7th Grade, 3:30-5:00
8th Grade, 5:00-6:30

Wednesday, December 5
7th Grade,4:45-6:00
8th Grade, 6:00-7:15

Thursday, December 6
7th Grade, 7:00-8:00*
8th Grade, 8:00-9:00
*could vary depending upon end time for boys' home games

This time of year provides us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the simple things of life. It is important to take the time to reflect on all of the beauty of the semester.  Every single day provides for us an opportunity to give, to learn, and to serve. I am forever grateful to the friends that I have as I walk down each hallway. It is easy to call the staff at CHS my friends. The teachers and staff members energize me with their passion for learning and love of our students. The staff at CHS have rallied this year around one single focus: Live Your Purpose. This simple statement has created a culture of caring, and a focus on high achievement. I love my staff, and I am forever grateful for their gifts that they provide our students.

One of the best parts of my day is interacting with students. It is hard to believe that we are almost at the halfway point of the school year. We have such wonderful students! I truly love their kindness, energy, creativity, and leadership. I am so grateful for the beauty they give to the Chardon community. I am a better man just by working beside each of them.

I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and assistance that our parents have provided not only me, but to our teachers, coaches, and community. You continue to model servant leadership to each of us!

Have a great weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Happy Thanksgiving! Chardon Community.  Another Thanksgiving has come and I am again provided with time to reflect on all the blessings I receive daily through my role as Assistant Principal at Chardon High School.  The greatest part of my job is the time I get to spend with students. As I mentioned in years past, it was a big jump for me to leave my classroom and take on the role of an administrator.  When making this leap, I feared I would lose my positive interactions with students. At Chardon High School, I have found quite the opposite to be true. Everyday I am provided with the opportunity to bring students into the office to talk about their day; the good, the bad, relationships, and future plans.  I cherish these conversations because it provides me time to get to know our students. I feel most thankful when I can walk the halls of Chardon High School and address a student by name and discuss an area of interest with them because I have learned part of their story.

As we approach this holiday season, it is my hope that all of the Chardon High School Students, Families, and Staff take the time needed to rest, relax, and regroup.   Chardon High School looks very different than it did a year ago. We have been blessed with the presence of our 8th grade students and new staff members. The majority of our classrooms are used 7 periods a day.  Our students and staff and learning and achieving at a record rate. In all these great accomplishments, I ask that we all seek the much needed balance in our lives by resting and relaxing. Spend this time with your family and take your mind off school.  When we return, we will once again carry out our mission of High Achievement for All Students!

My break will be filled with this time of rest and relaxation.  It is an exciting time for my wife and I as we celebrate our first holiday season as Mom and Dad.  Our son is a little young to understand all the excitement of the holidays, however that is not breaking our spirit.  This Thanksgiving, we are lucky enough to spend it with both of our families who love and support us and our son daily.

Thank you for the constant love and support I receive daily from the Chardon Community.  I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and blessed holiday season. ​
​
-Mr. Bandiera

There will be no Week in Reflection this Friday. Stay warm!

Over the past three weeks, I have been extremely connected to our students in providing communications, counseling, and service to our mission.  Mr. Higham, Mr. Bandiera, and I have taken time to meet with numerous students to discuss academics, relationships, and behaviors. 

Countless hours have been spent with families, outside agencies, and local advocates to document, plan, and articulate ways to provide and ensure that all of the situations that have come to our offices are comprehensively attended to with precision.

In between proactively talking with groups, guiding young students with their words, and situations outside of the school--- we have worked tirelessly to not interrupt learning and targeted outcomes in the classroom.

Many of the tasks that the administration work on are unnoticed by many, but they are done out of a commitment to you, our students, and our school. We do this while balancing our own family life.

Approximately ten days ago, I was coaching my daughter's 14u team and was hit by an errant softball to the back of the head. I knew at that moment that I was concussed.  I was impacted with blurred vision,  headaches, and dizziness. I took it slower over the next several days, but I certainly understood the impact that our students face when impacted with a brain injury. 

This moment allowed me to take a step back from screen time and to really put things in perspective. What I have realized is that I am constantly moving and multi-tasking.  Our world lives in constant contact. Emails can pile up worse than laundry if unattended.  Likewise, voicemails and messages can add to that stress. On top of that, attempting to have an active conversation with adults and students can become difficult within the acute sounds that are picked up.

I share this information as an opportunity to commend the team of educators and staff members that surround our students. The CHS staff are extraordinary people. They have been assisting me, our assistant principals, and teachers while we manage and lead through covering classes, lending a hand with supervision, and assisting students with their needs. At our core, community driven values and relationships carry the beacon that drives our success. The phrase that breathes energy in our building is Chardon Strong. This mantra is best understood in the following ways:

We are Chardon. To live our values means that we are defined by our response to any outcome. We have modeled for tens of thousands of students and parents how we respond to difficulty. We are a community in good and bad times who will live with integrity. We have been consistently humble in our response to moments of success, doubt, and difficulty. We are a district that demonstrates achievement in our outcomes to the state, and outreach to our community and nation. We model respect in our success and failures and how we respond to each other. We recognize the value of seeing the dignity and honor of all of the students and staff members that we encounter. Most importantly, we are optimistic for tomorrow by living our purpose today as we nurture each other.

We are Chardon...you cannot be built much tougher. 

You can read this and say to yourself, "that's nice, Murray- your concussed" or you can truly realize that my words never come as fluff. I mean every word when I tell you that I am committed to serving every person that I encounter. Together, we will continue to define our response to any obstacle that we face...Together.

​The Curious Savage showcases phenomenal acting, themes, and hilarious overtones that once again place our drama program into elite standards.

Special thanks to Mr. Lichtinger, Mr. Brown, Ms. Grantham, Mr. Streiff, Mrs. Dalton, and Mr. Hauber for their phenomenal vision and artistry.

We are so blessed with talented students on and off the stage! I highly recommend seeing this performance this week!

Mrs. Savage has been left ten million dollars by her husband and wants to make the best use of it, in spite of her grown-up stepchildren’s efforts to get their hands on it. Knowing that the widow’s wealth is now in negotiable securities, and seeing they cannot get hold of the fortune, the stepchildren commit her to a sanatorium hoping to “bring her to her senses.” In the sanatorium, Mrs. Savage meets various social misfits, men and women who just cannot adjust themselves to life, people who need the help Mrs. Savage can provide. In getting to know them, she realizes that she will find happiness with them and plans to spend the rest of her life as one of them. But when the doctor tells her there is no reason why she should remain, she hesitates to go out into a hard world where people seem ready to do anything for money. The self-seeking stepchildren are driven to distraction by their vain efforts to browbeat Mrs. Savage, but she preserves her equanimity and leads them on a merry chase. At last her friends conspire to get rid of her stepchildren, and through their simple belief in the justice of her cause, they enable Mrs. Savage to carry out her plans to establish a fund to help others realize their hopes and dreams. (Dramatists Play Service, Inc.)

The CHS Bands held their 22nd Annual Awards Banquet on Wednesday, November 7, at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake. Awards are based on cumulative points and are earned by participating in various ensembles; volunteering with younger students, fundraisers, and outside musical organizations; taking lessons; just to name a few ways students earn points. The following students were honored:

For the second consecutive year,  the Topper Club Awards (certificate/letter/pin for 3.75 cumulative GPA and higher, in addition to recognizing the National Merit students, etc) will occur at Chardon High school during the day in an effort to properly recognize these students while demonstrating to all students what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to their academics. With that said, we will have the assembly to recognize these students for the whole student body on the morning of Tuesday, November 20th. ​

Sergeant Mike Shaw spent the week in Mr. Armelli's health class speaking about the dangers of opiates and opiate addiction. Sergeant Shaw did a great job presenting the material and talking with students about the reality of this dangerous drug. ​The role of Resource Officer is more than a person being present for safety and security.  Sergeant Shaw is an educator, police sergeant, relationship builder, and visible leader in our district.

Do you like to ski or snowboard? If so, consider joining the CHS Downhill Ski/Snowboard Club. This club program will run after school for five consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 8th. The club will be skiing at Brandywine Ski Resort. Club passes are also valid at Alpine Valley. No experience is necessary to join; both rentals and lessons are included in the club price. Students who have season passes are welcome to join and only have to pay the bus fee. 

If your son/daughter is interested in joining, please see the attached forms for more details about registration. The first registration deadline is November 19, less than three weeks away! All students who register by this date get a free long-sleeve ski club shirt at no additional cost! Please note that this club is open to students from grade 8 through grade 12. If you have any questions, please contact the adviser (Alison Fisher) at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or have your child see Miss Fisher during the school day in room 307. Hope you consider joining us on the slopes in January!

mCORE To Provide Cardiac Screening Opportunity for Chardon High School
​
PREVENTATIVE HEART SCREENINGS I wanted to make you aware of an excellent opportunity that’s again been made available to our athletes at Chardon High School. We are again partnering with mCORE™ —Mobile Cardiac Overview and Risk Evaluation — to screen our athletes for the cardiac conditions and abnormalities which may put them at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). mCORE partners with high schools and athletic organizations to give convenient and dependable heart screenings to students.

SCA is the #1 Killer of Student Athletes Each Year, many of which could have been prevented with a
simple examination like this. The time requirement is approximately 10-12 minutes per athlete. Each athlete will be given an EKG and Echo screening and these tests typically cost more than $2000 in a clinical setting. You may use your Healthcare Spending Account or Flex Care Spending Account. All screenings are performed by a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer and results are read by mCORE Medical Director and our pediatric cardiology team. (Please contact mCORE should financial hardship preclude you from taking part).

Learn more about mCORE and Preventative Heart Screenings at www.mcoreathletes.com

Chardon High School Heart Screening

mCORE will be in the Learning Center Conference Room

Time: 8am – 4pm

When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 Cost: $75
​
To reserve your child’s time please click: https://mcoreathletes.com/scheduler_schedule/?school=162
or visit https://mcoreathletes.com/ and choose Chardon High School.

Please join BellAmore Salon and Spa and Chardon High School for this event.  Funds raised will benefit several student-led groups at Chardon High School.  ​

There will be no edition of the Week in Reflection next Friday. A Thanksgiving edition will be sent out on Tuesday afternoon. Stay warm this weekend!

Douglas Murray, Principal

On Tuesday, we celebrated the Fall Sports Awards.  Looking through the robust list of names that have received League, Academic, and State Awards is extraordinary. I am so grateful of not only the accomplishments of our student athletes, but I am also very appreciative of our coaches, assistants, and volunteers that have placed countless hours in preparing our student athletes for competitions and skills in life.  Special thanks to all of our parents for your sacrifice, love, and passion that you have shared for your children this year. We are blessed to have such a supportive community! Furthermore, please join me in thanking our athletic director, Doug Snyder for his organization and dedication to Chardon Athletics!

Additionally, special thanks go out to Kim Avery for organizing the countless awards, rosters, forms, and programs for Chardon Athletics.

If you’ve seen a Chardon Hilltoppers marching band performance within the past three years, you’ve definitely noticed Domenic Mularo.

His uniform featured a striped silver top and fitted black pants in a sea of skirts and tights.

He was the only male in a 16-member flag squad, and the first-ever male Topperette in Chardon.
​
With your eye already drawn to him, you may have also noticed that he’s a pretty great twirler and dancer. He’s not just there to stand out.

Creating the profile of a Chardon High School graduate has been the task of educators for decades. More recently, teachers and administrators across CLSD have been working to pinpoint the fabric which weaves the foundational values, and outcomes that every student should know and be able to articulate before our students walk across the stage.

Chardon High School has phenomenal students who go out and seize the world. For many students, the goal is higher education. This has been the norm for generations. Yet, our world is ever-changing, and the needs of our world are ever-evolving.

With technology, career based training, and industry credentials knocking on the doors of a high school graduate--finding a student's purpose is more and more important than the phrase "what do I want to do when I grow up."

Historical data reflects that an average of 80% of graduating Chardon High School students enroll in two- and four-year colleges and universities. Yet, we notice a decrease in students maintaining that status after matriculating.

We are intentionally establishing programs, enrichments, and opportunities throughout our district to emphasize the importance of soft skills, focusing on the 4 E's: Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship.  Our goal is that each of our students will identify and develop their purpose through programs, activities, and opportunities throughout our community.

College will always be the central focus for most of our students. Yet, we have hundreds of students that could enter into a career moments after graduation that will encapsulate their purpose and provide training, salaries, and benefits that would lead them into further education through the business that their working within.  This is where the paradigm shift might need to swing. Graduates are already doing this, and it is gaining traction. There are countless industries looking for graduates that they can grow into their company. We are not just talking about machinists, and manual labor jobs. Jobs in the areas ofadministrative assistants, accounting, design, and innovation. Our economy is driving a need for students who are problem solvers and critical thinkers. On March 1, we will provide this opportunity for our students to enquire which "E" best fits them as we host a Career/Job Fair at CHS.

Likewise, as we transition into a weekend in which we honor Veterans, enlistment into the armed forces is always an avenue for our young men and women to not only serve our country, but to receive training in areas that serve the purpose of our students and opening further opportunities for our students.

As I was preparing this Week in Reflection, I received a few updates about our recent graduates who are finding their purpose through the experiences that they received at Chardon High School. This is the beginning of many communications about the "4E's", If you are interested in learning more or participating in our shared responsibility in raising  a generation of leaders within the "4E's" please contact Mr. Murray or Dr. Klein.

Enrollment: Connor Prusha of Chardon was among nearly 600 first-year students welcomed to the Baldwin Wallace University campus this fall who claimed $7.7 million in merit scholarships. Prusha, a graduate of Chardon High School majoring in music education, earned a $17,000 President's Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school. BW's merit scholarships are awarded to full-time students and are renewable up to four years with good academic and social standing.  Congratulations, Connor!

mCORE To Provide Cardiac Screening Opportunity for Chardon High School
​
PREVENTATIVE HEART SCREENINGS I wanted to make you aware of an excellent opportunity that’s again been made available to our athletes at Chardon High School. We are again partnering with mCORE™ —Mobile Cardiac Overview and Risk Evaluation — to screen our athletes for the cardiac conditions and abnormalities which may put them at risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). mCORE partners with high schools and athletic organizations to give convenient and dependable heart screenings to students.

SCA is the #1 Killer of Student Athletes Each Year, many of which could have been prevented with a
simple examination like this. The time requirement is approximately 10-12 minutes per athlete. Each athlete will be given an EKG and Echo screening and these tests typically cost more than $2000 in a clinical setting. You may use your Healthcare Spending Account or Flex Care Spending Account. All screenings are performed by a Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer and results are read by mCORE Medical Director and our pediatric cardiology team. (Please contact mCORE should financial hardship preclude you from taking part).

Learn more about mCORE and Preventative Heart Screenings at www.mcoreathletes.com

Chardon High School Heart Screening

mCORE will be in the Learning Center Conference Room

Time: 8am – 4pm

When: Thursday, December 6, 2018 Cost: $75
​
To reserve your child’s time please click: https://mcoreathletes.com/scheduler_schedule/?school=162
or visit https://mcoreathletes.com/ and choose Chardon High School.

It's not too late to join the 2019 European trip.  Please contact Stacy Tekavec at stacy.tekavec@chardonschools.org or Casey Ptasznik at casey.ptasznik@chardonschools.org for more information.  Last day to enroll is January 31, 2019.

On Monday, November 12, Josten's will at the high school to present the graduation packages for high school seniors during Topper Time. The seniors will bring the information home for parents and guardians to assess which package you would like to purchase. Packages are as simple as cap and gown regalia to the multiple opportunities to purchase announcements and invitations.

At the end of World War 1, the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason November 11, 1918, became the official day to celebrate all our nation’s veterans.  Originally called Armistice Day, it became Veteran’s Day after World War II. At Chardon High School, thousands of graduates have served our country for duty, honor, and love of country. We are grateful to the men and women who are proud veterans of the US Armed Services.
​

Stay Warm!
​Douglas Murray, Principal

We have certainly enjoyed an outstanding regular season for the Chardon Hilltoppers with exciting games and great support of the team. Coach Hewitt, his staff, and all of the athletes are ecstatic with the opportunity to host a playoff game this Friday, November 2, at 7:00 PM.

$8 pre-sale tickets are available in the CHS Athletic office during the following days/times:
 
Wednesday, 10/31,  8:00 am-3:00 pm  
 
Thursday, 11/1,  8:00 am-3:00 pm  
                           5:00-8:00 pm (conferences)

Friday, 11/2,  8:00 am-3:00 pm  

 
All tickets at the gate will be $9 for adults, seniors, and school-aged children 6 years and older.  This is an OHSAA game. No passes can be accepted.  The CHS Athletic Department receives a small portion of all pre-sale tickets. Get yours early and keep part of the proceeds here!

We are expecting a large crowd for this game. The Chardon Crazies have shared with us that it will be a BLACK-out. Please join us in living our core value of Community. Together, we will empower the "Toppers to victory!
 
Athletic Director, Doug Snyder, traveled to Columbus to receive the hosting rules for our home playoff game. We are requesting your assistance in ensuring that children are supervised adequately during this event.  In addition, we appreciate you speaking with your children, if they are attending the games, concerning expected behavior and respect for property and the rights of others to attend a game without experiencing inappropriate behavior.

Our Hilltoppers are enjoying a historic run in football this year and our fans are regarded as among the best in the State of Ohio.  See you at the game! Check out last week's video below:

Enclosed is the video that we are playing at the rally for our XC athletes and Football Team:

This week, I reflected on the hours that I have spent inside of classrooms this quarter. Formally, I have observed twenty-six observations over the last ten weeks. This intentional act is to confirm and support the work of our teachers and student learning outcomes. I love learning. Over the last two weeks, I have intentionally walked the steps of our students by observing a full Red Day, and then a full Black Day. Why would I do this? Ultimately, I do have some state requirements for classroom observations---but, I want to flip the experience for myself. Mr. Higham, Mr. Bandiera, and I have a very packed schedule each day and accomplish numerous tasks that only a few see. We are not just running the day-to-day operations. We have personal goals, and building goals. We have district goals, and state requirements. We are meeting with students, teachers, parents, covering classes, and living the mission. Our day never is the same. 

Students have up to seven courses in a typical day. On a block day, the students have less classes but more time. In order for me to gauge a sense of what the students and teachers experience inside of the classroom, I wanted to walk in the steps of the students. 

I can share that the day went by fast. The experiences that the students interacted in were differentiated and highly engaging. After reflecting on the fifteen hours spend in classrooms this week, I know without a doubt that our students are in good hands. The mission of high achievement for ALL students was certainly the focus and learning was absolutely the outcome! The work is very tiring but the finish line is the goal!

​School Fees are DUE
 
School fees are due to Chardon Local Schools.  Payable at your students individual school.
Please look at your students Infinite Campus account under “Fees” to see what is owed for each child. 
 
All Participation fees for the Fall Season are due.
 
DO NOT PAY   WINTER Participation fees until they are posted in Infinite Campus.    This takes a little time to get the final official rosters from the coaches added and adjustment made where needed.
 
When you are looking at the fess, if something does not look right or your student has dropped a class and it is still showing, please call so that it can be corrected.
 
Direct all of your calls to Mrs. McBride.

Happy November! Attached are the latest editions of The Learning Center Newsletter, and back by popular demand, The Lav Report.

The LC Newsletter contains the third and last installment from INFOhio on Inquiry and Locating Information. Teaching effective strategies for locating information helps students begin to use tech and the internet for learning and working and prepares them for success in college and career.

The Lav Report is a special edition devoted to electronic resources available to Chardon High School students, staff and family members. Libby, Hoopla and SORA are all places to go to enjoy audiobooks, e_books, magazines, movies, and music. SORA is the newest addition made available through an agreement between Overdrive and LGCA. Students should stop in the Learning Center for help using any of the resources showcased in The Lav Report.
​

​In his book Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, with Jay Carty, Coach Wooden defined integrity and its importance in the following manner:
​
“Integrity in its simplest form is purity of intention. It’s keeping a clean conscience. To some extent, integrity contains a bit of reliability, a healthy helping of honesty and a portion of sincerity. The heart of a person with integrity always wants to do what’s right, once he or she is sure what ‘right’ is."
If we could teach only one value to live by, it should be this: Our definition of success will come and go, but integrity is forever. Integrity means doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances, whether or not anyone is watching. It takes having the courage to do the right thing, no matter what the consequences will be. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose, so never allow yourself to ever do anything that would damage your integrity.

I share this with you because as we share so many positive accolades within the first quarter...we are a school of a thousand students within the ages of 13-18. Our young adults make many great decisions, but at times make poor ones.  I will preface that it wasn't a single event that lead me to write this reflection, but a pod of small moments that encouraged me to take a firm stand.

I am one of the instructional and cultural leaders in the building. The best analogy that I can share with you of how I spend my day is in the following:  "I write the sheet music for all of the conductors that draw the music out of the musicians."  Every word written, said, and heard defines to the students and staff what my values are and how my integrity plays a role in who I am.  

These are my Integrity Power Standards:

I believe in the power of relationships and how nurturing people becomes the indicator that drives learning.

I believe that respect is built out of a consistent demonstration of trust and reliability.

I believe that kindness is the fruit of positive behavior and chosen attitudes.

I believe that nothing is entitled to you and everything is earned through your hard work and proper mindset.

I believe that blaming, complaining, and defending becomes a poison to autonomous integrity and tarnishes the established culture and climate.

It is important to realize that others pay attention to those you have chosen to associate with, and they will inevitably judge your character by the character of your friends. Why is that?  It is best explained by a quote my parents often said to my sister, brother, and I while in high school:  “When you lie down with dogs you get fleas.” Inevitably we become more and more like the people we surround ourselves with day to day. If we surround ourselves with people who are dishonest and willing to cut corners to get ahead, then we’ll surely find ourselves following a pattern of first enduring their behavior, then accepting their behavior, and finally adopting their behavior. If you want to build a reputation as a person of integrity then surround yourself with people of integrity.  The Event + Your Response = Your Outcome.

Go 'Toppers!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

This week has highlighted our purpose as educators. Please watch the video enclosed to see all of the great examples of what  makes CHS such a great school. Before you proceed, check out this data!

We are now an 8-12 building.

We have 24 new staff members to the high school experience.

We have 215 more students this year.

We do not blame, complain, or defend  things that we cannot control. We choose our response .

​We are Chardon. 

1215 Students
Avg GPA for Q1= 3.20

Seniors Avg =3.18
Juniors Avg= 3.20
Sophomores Avg= 3.14
Freshman Avg= 3.23
Eighth Grade Avg= 3.25

I am so proud of our students and our teachers efforts to focus on the eminent core value of achievement.  Together, we will continue to refine what we do by analyzing how we can continue to move from good to great!

Over the last several weeks, I have shared our state report card and school profile. These measures help identify the story that we are creating at Chardon High School. This year, we have placed so much attention on refining the outcomes of our mission. Just take a moment and think about it...we have added an entire grade level of 250 students, 24 staff members, refined our bell schedule, expanded our courses of study, established the Circuit of Success, refined Topper Times, and continued training staff members within instructional strategies.  The culture and climate at Chardon High School has been the main focus this fall. We have spent years on our core values and responses as a community and are mindful of the needs of all of our students and staff.

The Why

The mission of Chardon School is High Achievement for ALL students where learning is our most important work. This lens of learning is mastered when students and staff focus on learning as the sum of all of the experiences that students engage in.  There are seven periods in a day. As a teacher, we believe that the time that we have is priceless each period.  As a student, every class plays a role in the development of the child towards the mission. No class is greater than the other. It is the learning that matters the most.

We are further able to focus our outcomes on the end goal. The most important learning that any student can achieve (within their high school experience) is finding his or her purpose.  The desire for all educators is that all of our students can determine their purpose within an outcome of becoming employed right out school, enrolling in a college/university, enlisting in the armed forces, or using their abilities and passion as a young entrepreneur.

The How

Our students and educators spend years establishing the foundation of their learning within this blueprint. This map demonstrates the direction that all learners follow. This is where the work of the educator really comes into action. The educator moves from the sage on the stage to the facilitating tour guide.  Professional Learning Communities, aligning standards, defining instructional strategies, preparing common formative assessments,  and most importantly-developing meaningful relationships with students. It is through deep development of creating goals, and student choices that guide all learners on the map of learning.

The What

Our students love to live in the what. Who wouldn't? It is through these experiences that students begin to find their way and live their purpose.  Students and staff engage in soft skills, or what I call the essential skills. They are learning many ways to communicate, innovate, and problem solve. They are learning about becoming a young leader, understanding their place in this grand world, and planning for their ideas as young entrepreneurs. Students and staff engage in mentoring students and developing new ideas and relationships in our established brain breaks. Teachers are creating opportunities inside of AP and CCP courses along with career planning at Auburn Career Center.

The mission and vision of Chardon is clear. Our destination hasn't changed. How you get there is your choice.

​

This past Monday and Tuesday, our 8th grade students had the opportunity to take a field trip to local businesses to acquire information about future career avenues. The two day field trip, sponsored by the Geauga Growth Partnership, allowed 8th grade Chardon students to visit local businesses for a one day trip on either Monday or Tuesday. The field trip visited businesses in the community including Geauga County Airport, University Hospital Geauga, and Best Sand. During the visit our 8th grade students were introduced to a multitude of different careers and were given information about how to attain those careers from actual employees at each company. The 8th grade class will continue to complete similar career exploration activities in the future. ​

​Calling all snow lovers to consider joining the CHS Downhill Ski/Snowboard Club. This club program will run for five consecutive Tuesdays beginning in January. The club will be traveling to Brandywine Ski Resort. No experience is necessary to join; both rentals and lessons are included in the club price. If your son/daughter is interested in joining this club there is a brief informational meeting right after school next week on Tuesday, October 30 in room 307. Information and registration packets will be distributed.

If you have any questions, please contact Alison Fisher, the club adviser, at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org.

United Way’s Youth Fund Distribution Committee Empowering Youth

United Way’s Youth Fund Distribution Committee (YFDC) is seeking High School Students to join a unique program with the goal of engaging and empowering students. Students help solve community problems affecting youth and collaborate with other young leaders. This committee provides a challenging opportunity to instill volunteerism in future adult leaders and identifies critical issues important to students through hands-on experiences. Students will learn about the needs of the community, particularly the needs of our youth, and the agencies addressing those issues, generate fundraising to help support agencies and programs, and research, interview and make funding decisions to distribute dollars to non-profit partners that serve youth in Geauga County.

Student applications should be submitted by November 1, 2018 and be approved by the student’s parents and High School Advisor.  Meetings will be held once a month on Monday evenings plus two days during the week in Spring 2019.  More information and the application can be found attached to this email or on our web site www.uwsgc.org/yfdc

Have a wonderful weekend with family and friends!

Douglas Murray, Principal

​The CHS Choir Department presented their fall concert titled "Roots & Wings" on the evening of Wednesday, October 17th.  The theme stems from the calling of parents and the wishes they have for their children.  "Roots" refers to the grounding, nurturing, and support necessary to grow into strong independent individuals.  The "Wings" refers to the hopes and aspirations for the future that we have for our student's lives.  The opportunity to make the world their own and fly free in pursuit of a fulfilling life.  The concert featured Women's Choir, Chorale, Chamber, and Mass Ensemble.  The concert was under the direction of Mr. Fritz Streiff, with accompaniment by Mrs. Cassie Tarbet, and Mr. Brandon Lichtinger on the guitar. 

The choirs sang beautifully and with much connection to the themes.  They share their story and hopes through the music they sang.  Songs presented messages of unity, compassion, peace, living life in a way that reflects who we want to be, paying it forward, and finding inspiration and grit in the face of adversity.  The program opened with all of the CHS choir women in a Wailin Jennys piece titled "One Voice", as they united their voices as they sang from throughout the audience.  Special vocal solos were shared by Madie Houser and Katy Lessick.  The Mass Ensemble closed with a powerful spiritual titled "My Soul's Been Anchored in the Lord".  This massive closing piece, brought the audience to their feet with applause and a sharing of joy.  Very proud of the work of all of the CHS Choir members. 

​The CHS Holiday Program will be held at Mentor Performing Arts Center on Monday, December 10th at 7:00 PM.  It will feature the CHS Choirs and Bands.

When thinking about this for Chardon, it is not just about the curriculum, and not just about focusing on the students, teachers or administration. School systems are complex systems, much of which have commonalities with traditional businesses. There are many opportunities to look at process improvements and money saving efforts so they can continue to support a well-rounded curriculum of programs.

For example, schools can optimize processes and save money by streamlining the purchase requisition and form management processes. There is a significant potential to remove inefficiencies in these areas that can lead to savings and increasing time.

Schools can also reduce costs and waste with proactive and process driven facilities management. This includes not only preventative maintenance but also energy management, technology integration, green and sustainable building projects.
​
Applying Lean to the cafeteria can ensure that staff orders right quantities of food and prepared in order to eliminate food waste...something that Mrs. Cullington does really well already.

These are just a couple of examples to highlight the potential. All of these improvements require an understanding of who the internal customer is as well as their requirements. The next step is mapping these requirements to the current situation, identifying the root causes for the process or performance gap and then finding solutions which will improve the current situation.

​Once the situation is improved, they can establish measurements to monitor and maintain the changes, including using a balanced scorecard. This is exactly what Lean Six Sigma can help with. It provides a foundation for not just problem resolution, but also elimination of waste and improved efficiency.

The Lean system will be implemented curricularly to parts of our Circuit of Success, CCP Business courses and training will be added to approximately 40 students who will learn and implement their first Kaizen-change for the good.

Later this year, we will have a career fair at CHS! More to come on that!

Winter Sports Start Dates


All athletes must have OHSAA Physical pages 3-4 on file in CHS Athletic Office and all other athletic forms completed in Final Forms prior to Day 1 of winter sport.     (https://chardon-oh.finalforms.com)  Final Forms information attached.

BOYS BASKETBALL
            High School, 9-12
                        V/JV:    Friday, November 2, 4:00 pm
                        Freshman: Friday, November 2, 2:45-4:00
                        Head Coach Chad Murawski
                        chad.murawski@chardonschools.org
           
             Middle School
                        8th grade:         Monday, Oct. 22, 7:15 pm, CMS Gym
                                                        Coach Bill Gray
                                                        wtgbask@yahoo.com
                        7th grade:        Monday, Oct. 22, 5:30 pm, CMS Gym
                                                       Coach Dan Dinko
                                                        daniel.dinko@chardonschools.org

GIRLS BASKETBALL

             High School, 9-12
                          V/JV:    Friday, 10/26, 4:00 pm
                          Freshmen:  Saturday, 10/27, 1:00 pm
                          Head Coach Cullen Harris
                          ladytopperbball@gmail.com

            Middle School: TBA. Tryouts will be in December; season runs Jan-Mar.


WRESTLING

              High School, 9-12
                           Friday, 11/9, 3:00 pm
                           Head Coach Nick Salatino
                           nick.salatino@chardonschools.org


            Middle School, 7-8
                        Friday, 11/9, 3:30 pm, CMS
                        Head Coach Nik Wheatley
                        coachwheatleycms@gmail.com

SWIMMING (9-12 High School Only)

                        Monday, Nov. 5, 4:00 pm, Spire Institute
                        Head Coach Matt Parrish
                         greatwaves@aol.com
           
GYMNASTICS (9-12 High School Only)
                        Sunday, Nov. 4, Lake Erie Gymnastics School 4:00 pm
                        Head Coach Kasey Eichele
                        kaseyeichele@yahoo.com

Chardon High School is pleased to announce the 2020 Global Adventure to Greece!  This amazing 10-day journey will explore Athens, one of the most historical and ancient cities in the world and cruise the Greek Islands in the blue Aegean Sea. Tour dates are June 4-13th, 2020 (next summer).  Come to the Informational Meeting on October 25th, 2018, Thursday, at 7:00 pm in the CHS Media Center. Please RSVP HERE

Contact Mrs. Niedzwiecki with any questions.  The earlier you enroll the cheaper the cost!
kristen.niedzwiecki@chardonschools.org

Check out the Promotional Video:

United Way’s Youth Fund Distribution Committee (YFDC) is seeking High School Students to join a unique program with the goal of engaging and empowering students. Students help solve community problems affecting youth and collaborate with other young leaders. This committee provides a challenging opportunity to instill volunteerism in future adult leaders and identifies critical issues important to students through hands-on experiences. Students will learn about the needs of the community, particularly the needs of our youth, and the agencies addressing those issues, generate fundraising to help support agencies and programs, and research, interview and make funding decisions to distribute dollars to non-profit partners that serve youth in Geauga County.
 
Student applications should be submitted by November 1, 2018 and be approved by the student’s parents and High School Advisor.  Meetings will be held once a month on Monday evenings plus two days during the week in Spring 2019.  More information and the application can be found attached to this email or on our web site www.uwsgc.org/yfdc.

​I have spent the past nineteen years as an educator. This year just might be the most invigorating and challenging at the same time.

Why is it so invigorating? Maybe it is because we spent so much time preparing for this year and now we are able to see everything come to fruition. Maybe it is related to all of the activities that we have designed for students. What strikes me the most is the number of students that we are able to assist on the journey. 

I really love working with students and helping them find their purpose in life. Every single one of you will eventually graduate and I hope that through the courses and experiences at CHS-- your journey will help you find your purpose in life. 

I believe in each of you and I know that everyone has a story along the way. We are closing out the first quarter...this is a time to assess your goals and outcomes. 

I will be the first to tell you that grades are not the "tell-all" to school. Learning is what matters the most. Yet, our country places so much emphasis on the mark in a grade book.  Certainly, having a positive mark in the grade book helps out in many ways. It helps your motivation, relationships, and may even keep you from being grounded. Grades can get you places...but learning takes you places where grades can't take you.

For me, I was barely a 3.0 Chardon High Student...but, I was involved in so many activities in school. I also had a story. Life wasn't perfect for me. I have faced many situations in my life that were difficult. Yet, I dug deep to focus on finding my purpose. 

I didn't have a principal that wrote me emails. I have felt just about every emotion that you have. Look at me now--several college degrees later and numerous experiences brought me back as principal of CHS. Anything is possible if you put the time in.

We all find ourselves at various plots on the graph of life. 

The purpose of this email is to remind you that I care deeply for your success and I hope that you have taken the time to see the goodness in you; in others. 

We are at the first stage of a four-part race. If you are satisfied with the outcome of the first quarter--keep striving for greatness. If you have experienced some victories and losses this quarter--keep striving. If you have more losses than victories--keep striving. 

You got this and I will always be one of your biggest fans!

If you ever need me- email, send me a Remind101 message (code @TopperUp to 81010), use twitter...anything. I will continue to take time to support you!

I will be out of the building during the next three days for Training, but Mr. Bandiera and Mr. Higham are in to guide you in our shared mission and vision for each of you! Your teachers will always be there for you--take the time to continue building your relationships with them. They care so deeply for you!

Stay warm!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

This week was another opportunity to grow at Chardon High School. It is hard to believe that we are rounding third and heading home at the end of a quarter. As Principal, one of the most essential responsibilities is to be an instructional leader. Managing my time is essential. Everyday, I have a list of mission-driven tasks and goals to accomplish. There is always the plan, and then there is the reality of the undocumented needs that arrive in my office any given day. We all know that this is all apart of the master plan of leadership. Finding the time to multi/multi-task becomes an essential task in the life of a building administrator. A few years ago, I was teaching students and trying to make a difference in the lives of students through learning, service, and athletics. Today, I am blessed to serve 1230  students, and 112 adults in living our mission.  I  have always been a progressive thinker in education. I am a reflective learner that strives to refine my practice all the time.  Everything I do surrounds my personal mission statement, and individual purpose which connects to the vision of Chardon Local Schools.
​
Our choices are one thing that we can control. Our actions emulate our choices, and our character defines our lives. This mantra helps define our purpose. I am a big advocate of empowering students, and adults all of the time.  

One of the biggest questions that our children asked at an early age was "why!?" Why does this happen, Why does this do that, or Why are we going here...to a simple-- why does why, why!

Asking probing questions enhances our curiosity throughout life. Many years ago, you chose Chardon as a place to live. You valued the beauty,  community, safety, opportunity, and education. There are many other factors that played a role in your decision to choose Chardon Schools, and you entrust us in preparing your children for college, career, and life readiness. We have a shared responsibility in this rearing and raising.

Colleges across the country are recognizing students from Chardon High School for their on-campus success. Click any achievement to discover alumni from Chardon High School, view their personalized Merit pages, and learn about what they are accomplishing.

Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors,

Attached you will find the link to sign up for Topper Time for Quarter 2.  Please be sure to sign up for 1 option before the end of the week.  While you may sign up for something, please understand that you may be placed into a specific Topper Time based on teacher, counselor, or principal recommendation.  Please see Mr. Bandiera or your school counselor if you have any questions. 

Once all Topper Times are selected, your schedule in Infinite Campus will be updated to show which Topper Time you are in and the location of that Topper Time.  Senior Mentors do not need to sign up for a Topper Time this quarter as you will resume your duties as a mentor.  Those students with Open Campus during Topper Time will not need to sign up unless you are no longer meeting the requirements for open campus.   All Open Campus passes will be reviewed at the end of the quarter and those students who are not meeting the requirements may have their passes revoked. 

Student Directions:  

To sign up for a Topper Time, please click on the link under Topper Time Selections.   You will be directed to the EventBrite Website for that Topper Time. If this is the selection you would like to sign up for, click the Green Register Button.  Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Email Address to register. Please only register for 1 Topper Time.

Selections are first come, first serve. Selections will fill up quickly.

Science ACT Prep
Schneider

Fun Foreign Films
Niedzwiecki

Chemistry Help
Rohr

Board Games
Armelli and Bunker

English Language Arts Help
Downs

Leadership and Decision Making Through Chess
Fronk

Girls who Code
Eby

Math Homework Help
DiCato

Band Special Projects
Lichtler

AIR Prep for US History
Grantham

Physical Science, Physics, and Chem Help
McGovern

Spanish Help
Korenke

2D Art Studio
Blaschke

Vocal Solo and Ensemble
Streiff

Land Ethics
Goss

Algebra II and Stats Help
Shafer

Physical Science Remediation
Carpenter

Core Values
Blackburn, Clark, Herner, Laseak

French Lab
Dalton

Chardon Chic Boutique
Britt

CHS Film Society
Lichtinger

Discussion Topics for Seniors
Monaco

Silent Reading
DeShetler

Examining end times literature from a western culture perspective
Cole

Jigsaw Puzzles
Heintz, Fisher, Bonvissuto

Geometry Help
Britt

The Universe
Mr. Robertson

English Lab
Tersigni

Intramural
Long

Visual Art Portfolio/Laser Cut Assistance
Hauber

20th Century US History Through Film
Mosnik

Persuasive Writing Help
Biernacki

Stress and Relaxation Through Coloring
Mrs. Robertson

Rest and Relaxation
Leikala

Algebra II Help
Steinmetz

Pre Calc Help
Mr. Ricci

Little Heads, Big Hearts (Crochet)
Mrs. Ricci

College Algebra Help
Chenoweth

​This fall, the 4th Annual Cleveland Medical Hackathon will once again deliver an innovative jolt to the healthcare industry. Students, developers, designers, investors, engineers, researchers, community members, will gather at the HIMSS Innovation Center at the Global Center for Health Innovation October 20 through 21 for a high-energy, all-night, problem-solving session to imagine and develop Health IT solutions that directly respond to a variety of specific healthcare challenges. 

The Hackathon is organized by Cleveland Clinic, Metro Health, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, BioEnterprise, HIMSS, and FlashStarts, with support from our Presenting Sponsor, Ashland University. It will be held again in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Innovation Summit. Students and professionals in IT, healthcare, patient advocacy, startup business, government and more are encouraged to register for this exciting event.

If your student qualified for free & reduced breakfast or lunch last year, the carryover from last year will end on September 28, unless an updated application is approved.  As per USDA regulations, if your child qualifies for lesser level meal benefits (from free status to reduced-price status to reduced-price/free status to paid status), these changes will take effect 10 days from the date of application approval. If your child qualifies for higher level meal benefits (from paid/reduced-price status to free status or paid status to reduced-price status), these changes will take effect immediately upon application approval.  The new form can be found HERE.  For questions, please contact josephine.culliton@chardonschools.org.

Whether you are planning on college, a technical school, the military, or you are just not sure yet, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program can put you on the right path towards a satisfying career.

The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can help you take steps now toward finding a career that’s right for you. You can benefit from the ASVAB CEP regardless of your plans for after high school.

CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, October 24th at 7:30 am. Sign up in Guidance to take advantage of this exclusive career exploration today!
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Promotional Video
https://www.asvabprogram.com/videos/asvab_cep_overview.m4v

www.asvabprogram.com

SUBMISSION DEADLINE for senior pictures are Thursday, JANUARY 11, 2019
 
Requirements for your senior picture:

• Pictures can be taken with the professional photographer of your choice.
• Your picture must be a head and shoulder shot.  If your picture does not meet this requirement,   we reserve the right to crop your picture accordingly.
• It is recommended/preferred for the picture to have a simple background.  The picture can be taken indoors or outdoors.
• If submitted in color, your picture will be printed in color.

There should be props in the picture. We will not accept pictures with hands touching the face or head.  No hats allowed. 

Submitting your senior picture: 

• Email your picture to daniel.chenoweth@chardonschools.org (please do NOT reduce the quality of photos when sent - at least 300 dpi)
• Send your picture to the high school on a CD as a “.jpeg” file.
• Last resort option, submit a wallet size hard copy photo to the high school office. 

 
Note:  Digital submissions are much preferred and strongly recommended in order to preserve the quality of the photos.

Several students have asked me about Halloween. I felt that it was important to share this communication with you now as you prepare for lessons and student experiences. 
Wednesday, October 31 is Halloween. However, with all of the excitement leading into the week- the Chardon Crazies and the CHS Administration are moving the traditional costume day to Friday, October 26 to align with the theme for the night. 
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This is has been the plan for the last several years.

Our students have traditionally dressed in appropriate costumes at school for the day. All Students will be permitted to dress this year, as long as the outfit properly follows the guidelines below.
 
Staff and administration will be extremely diligent to ensure that all costumes are school appropriate and not a distraction to other students in their classes.  Some things to consider when creating your costume:
 

• No weapons may be used with the costume.
• Do not cover your face or head with any type of mask.
• Fake cosmetic blood or wounds should be kept to a minimum.
• There will be no bare midriffs or risqué costumes.
• Halloween Make-up should be used sparingly.  We must be able to identify our students for safety reasons.
• If the administration believes a costume is not school appropriate or is creating a distraction, they will request that a child change clothes, or remove make-up before they may return to class.

On Wednesday, October 31, students will dress in regular attire and NOT in costume. Students may certainly dress in Halloween shirts, sweatshirts, etc on this day.

So far there has been a huge demand for tickets through Chardon Goes to the Musicals.  So much positive feedback!  Thank you for continuing to share the information with the community.  As a reminder, this is not a fundraiser, just an avenue to allow Chardon residents access to the second largest theater district outside of Broadway.

Please find the attached flyer for Chicago. Money is due to the Munson PTO by Thursday 10/25/18. Tickets are sold on a first come first serve basis, so I will be in touch if I sell out soon (which I might, as Mezzanine A is already gone).

“The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.” This quote from William James provides a lens for all of us to look through. If we are honest with ourselves, we all want and need to feel valued for who we are and recognized for our contributions and accomplishments. It’s important for us to know that we have made a difference in someone’s life.

If a person takes the time to express their heart-felt appreciation for something we have done, it boosts our spirit, passion, and purpose.  It builds our self-confidence, self-esteem and our entire self-image. It gives us energy and motivation to work harder and do more.

I appreciate all of you for who you are and what you have accomplished this quarter. We have so many things to be grateful for each day. Mr. Armelli reminds us that each day is beautiful. When you stop and think about the simple things in life, you reflect on all those areas of your life that transcend us to who we are. Take the time to thank those that love you. Write them a note, call them, send a text. Likewise, as hard as it is, be mindful to those that might not be as kind to you and model kindness. When you look in the mirror, remind yourself of your own beauty. Life is so short. We were reminded this week when a young coach from Mentor passed away. Never take for granted your time with others. 

What we value becomes that some of our thoughts, deeds, and actions. So, practice kindness, appreciation, and make another person feel better by your presence. That becomes the gift that energizes others to live their purpose.

“Three billion people on the face of the earth go to bed hungry every night, but four billion people go to bed every night hungry for a simple word of encouragement and recognition.

Have a great weekend with family and friends!

​Douglas Murray, Principal