February 8

Bell Schedule / Grade Level Course  Presentations (2nd*/3rd*/9th*) 

February 9
                  
Curriculum Night/College Credit Plus Presentation in the CHS Gym  6:30 PM

In order to better prepare you and your child to the academic offerings at Chardon High School, we will be hosting a Curriculum Evening on February 9, 2017 at 6:30 PM in the CHS Gymnasium "The Barn."  
 
At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the High School bell schedule, curricular offerings, and course delivery options (including College Credit Plus), and an overview of the scheduling process.  Several of our high school teachers and counselors will be on hand that evening to share information and answer questions regarding their curriculum and course offerings.  
 
Our Guidance Counselors will be presenting grade-level assemblies regarding scheduling and course offerings on February 8.
 
If, as you and your child proceed through the scheduling process, you have any questions, please feel free to contact the high school guidance department.

​February 15
8th Grade Parent Night in the LGIR at CMS  6:30 PM

For details, frequently asked questions, and screencast presentations- please check out the website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kathleen Kisabeth, Ryan Bandiera, or Douglas Murray

Starting this school year the state of Ohio is requiring that all districts provide students with an opportunity to take the ACT.  The test can be used for graduation points and will also be a usable score for college admissions. One way for students to demonstrate readiness for college is through scores on two college admissions tests – ACT and SAT. In Ohio, a remediation-free score on either test is one of three ways a student can meet requirements for a high school diploma. We, at Chardon High School, will be administering the ACT on March 21st.
 
Preparing for the ACT
ACT FAQ's

Contact Kathleen Kisabeth if you have any questions.

​Attached are the current issues of the Lav Report and Teacher Newsletter. 

In the Lav Report students can find information on two current contests for scholarship money. One is an essay on free speech sponsored by The City Club of Cleveland. The second opportunity for scholarship funds is from Discover and Toyota. TeenDrive365 is a video competition. Students submit a 30-60 second PSA highlighting safe teen driving. Links to more information are included in the Lav Report.

The Learning Center Newsletter contains information on current enhancements to INFOhio. Both students and teachers can benefit from the recent changes that have taken place.

An article explains changes to the process students use to sign in to the Learning Center when coming from study hall. It also explains that students are now refraining from moving chairs to accommodate groups, but rather moving themselves to a table that fits their needs.

A shout-out to the IT guys who worked tirelessly to update the computers in the LC lab. Thank you gentlemen for updating all the office and classroom computers as well.

Lastly, edX is a wonderful online learning destination for professional development. Many courses are free and offered by the world's best universities. Check out this valuable learning experience. 

The Ohio Department of Health has now mandated that all students entering the 12th grade be immunized against meningococcal disease.  Meningococcal disease can cause a serious bacterial infection of the bloodstream, cause meningitis or both. 
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The mandate states students must have two (2) doses prior to the entry of 12th grade. There needs to be at least 8 weeks between doses with the second dose being on or after the sixteenth (16) birthday. If the first dose was administered after the 16th birthday, a second dose would not be required.
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The student will need to provide written proof of vaccination prior to the start of the next school year.  If you are unsure whether your child has met this requirement or if you have any questions, please contact Jan Hoffmann RN at (440)286-0418 or Janice.hoffmann@chardonschools.org.

As a leader in international high school exchange for more than 65 years, AFS differs from many other exchange organizations. Among the most important distinctions is that AFS has a network of thousands of volunteers in the US, many of whom have hosted themselves or studied abroad with AFS. These local volunteers support families, students, and schools in gaining the most from the hosting experience.
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Hosting an international student means more than providing a bed and meals. As an AFS Host Family, you’ll welcome a new member into your home, share your everyday lives, and grow as you get to know one another. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself, your family and community by hosting a student from another culture. If you are interested in this life-giving opportunity please contact AFS coordinator, Carrie Korenke for details.

Chardon High School senior Joe Dinko has committed to continue his education and football career at Case Western Reserve University. 

A two-year letter winner at a Chardon High School, Dinko was WRC All-Conference and carries a 3.909 GPA. 

Chardon senior Joe Cyvas signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and football career at Walsh University. 

Cyvas, a three-year letter winner at Chardon, earned All-Ohio 1st Team honors for the 2016 season and ​was the Defensive MVP of the Western Reserve Conference.

Chardon senior Cassidy Baker has committed to Edinboro University to continue her education and soccer career. 

She was a four-year varsity letter winner at Chardon in soccer, team captain as a senior and carries a 3.805 GPA. 

The fun of After Prom is already underway, but we need your help! ALL CHS parents are encouraged to get involved with After Prom.  For those families new to CHS, After Prom is a large scale event hosted by parents to give our kids a safe place to extend the fun and memories of prom night. We transform CHS into a themed event with activities, games and prizes for all juniors and seniors.

At this point, many of us working on the After Prom committee will be “graduating”.  We need parents, especially freshman, sophomore, and junior parents, to join us this year to learn the ropes.  This event is so much fun, that we know you will want your kids to have the opportunity to attend this event.  Come join us for our next meeting on February 8th at 7:00 pm in CHS library. We will be discussing details of the event and planning for our decorating workshops which will begin on Wednesday March 1, 2017.   

Decorating workshops will meet every Wednesday night in March from 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm and most Monday and Wednesday nights in April and May.  We work in the upper gym and cafeteria at CHS. Come as often as you like, all help is appreciated!
 
Please feel free to email Amy Caldwell- speak2me_18@hotmail.com with any After Prom questions. 

February is a month of compassion, love, purpose, and examples of who we are in Chardon. Live in Love and Love to Live.

Have a great weekend, together.

​Douglas Murray, Principal

It has been several weeks since I have last communicated the details surrounding the 2017-2018 Bell Schedule.  In respect to the process that goes forward when implementing a significant adjustment-- we needed to collaborate further with the Chardon Educational Association to refine some details. 

We are now able to schedule time to clearly communicate to the students, parents, and other key stakeholders about this exciting and innovative schedule.

February 1:       4:30- 8:30 PM       Parent Teacher Conferences
                                  7:30-8:00 PM        Bell Schedule Presentation in the Media Center

February 8:        During School Hours: (CHS Students) Bell Schedule Presentations/ Grade Level Course  Presentations

February 9:       6:30 PM                     Curriculum Night/College Credit Plus Presentation in the CHS Gym

​February 15:    6:30 PM                     8th Grade Parent Night in the LGIR at CMS

For details, frequently asked questions, and screencast presentations- please check out the website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Kathleen Kisabeth, Ryan Bandiera, or Douglas Murray

Launched in 1981, Great Lakes Theater's in-school residency program is now one of the most successful artist-in-residence programs in the country. Each year over 16,000 students in over 100 schools experience the pleasure, power, and relevance of classic literature brought to life right in their own classrooms.
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Using an interactive, hands on approach, a team of specially trained actor-teachers visited CHS for five consecutive days bringing the curriculum into action. The actors brought scripts, props, and costumes to turn the students into an acting troupe, exploring classic literature from an actor's point of view. It was an unbelievable week of students breaking out of their shell to magically bring the words on paper into live action.

Academic Decathlon® provides the opportunity for students to attain life-long academic and interpersonal skills that will benefit them in their future endeavors in a manner unlike any other academic program. The 2016-2017 curricular theme is World War II. Students of varied academic grade point averages work together to study the theme through the lens of seven content areas: Art, Economics, Music, Literature, Mathematics, Science and Social Sciences. Students are then grouped by GPA and compete with other area schools via content tests. In addition, students write an essay, complete a college application style interview, and perform a speech. 

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, Chardon High School traveled north to Lake Catholic High School with Mr. Al Herner for the Regional Competition. Having completed the content tests and essay online, students interviewed and performed speeches scored by a team of volunteer judges made up of area professionals. The competition culminates with a Super Quiz™ , a game show style team event, speech showcase, and medals ceremony. CHS garnered a total of 19 medals at Regionals! What an absolutely outstanding accomplishment for a group of students and a single teacher who show up to school around 6:30 AM for Zero Period. The students in class have formed such a strong relationship and dynamic family atmosphere.

Individual medal winners were: Megan Schlag - Gold Mathematics, Molly Greene  - Gold Mathematics and Silver Speech, Kyle Gessel - Gold Team High Score Overall and Bronze Mathematics, Jackson Selent - Gold Team High and Bronze Mathematics, Chad Skerbec - Bronze Mathematics, Michael Lobosky - Bronze Music, Alan Hardesty- Bronze Literature and Bronze Social Sciences, Casey Mezerkor - Bronze Science and Silver Social Science, Douglas Mulford - Silver Science and Silver Mathematics, David Nedrow - Silver Science, Silver Mathematics and Silver Speech, Noah Bena - Silver Interview

 Now, I am extremely proud of all of the students...but there is one student that I would like to recognize individually. Alan Hardesty has truly grown throughout his four years at CHS.  Over the years, Alan has connected with many adults who have listened, guided, and taught him the value of hard work.  Alan has a huge heart, and passion for landscape horticulture. Mr. Herner was so happy for Alan at Regionals when he witnessed how a young man's hard work payed off earning two bronze medals. We are so proud of you, Alan!

Deadline for Chardon Athletic Boosters' Night at the Races is Friday, Jan. 28!
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NIGHT AT THE RACES DETAILS:
     WHEN:  Saturday, February 4, 6:30 pm
     WHERE:   St. Mary Church, Chardon
    WHY:  Booster Mission:  To support, encourage and advance the athletic programs of CSD, cultivate clean, wholesome school spirit, promote good sportsmanship and high ideals of character.​

Link to purchase tickets/horses:  http://chardonathletics.org/main/adnews/ID/42160904

​The CHS Wind Ensemble group experienced the "Ultimate Field Trip" at University Circle & Playhouse Square on Friday, January 20. Our students joined Mrs. Lichtler for tour of Cleveland's best! Not only did they use their senses to experience the day, they had the opportunity to participate in real life experiences!

​The day included:

*Workshop at Case Western Reserve University with Dr. Ryan Scherber
*Botanical Gardens
*Cleveland Museum of Art
*Natural History Museum
*Dinner at Zach Bruell's "Dynomite"
*Playhouse Square Broadway production of "Into the Woods"

Jarred Karikas, Nicholas Schragal, Stephen Blauch, and Connor Prusha enjoy a meal and friendship at Dynomite Restaurant.

Megan Kofol, Ella Brickman, Luke Shutty, and Emily Munoz at Dynamite Restaurant.

Morgan Piecuch, Natasha Paros-Gaser, and Ella Brickman at the Natural History Museum.

This past weekend CHS musicians participated in the annual District 7 - Solo & Ensemble Contest.  Students work hard to prepare solo works and ensemble pieces to be presented to judges for feedback.  The choir and band students that participated found much success throughout a busy day of performances.  Congratulations to this year's participants for taking initiative for personal growth and to conquer the challenge of individual performance.  Well done! Special thanks to Mr. Streiff for his leadership, vision, and planning!

Emma Greenwood, soprano solo
Samantha Hess, soprano solo
Whitney Beorn, soprano solo
Madie Houser, alto solo
Sean Parker, baritone solo
Jennifer Bender, alto solo
Clare Myeroff, Caleigh Dawson, Ashley Paterson, Maya Petersen, SSA ensemble
Maria Cappello, Gillian Murphy, Natasha Paros-Gaser, SSA ensemble
Shalom Decipeda, flute solo
Jacob Moses, clarinet solo
Jennifer Vandenberg, clarinet solo
McKenzie May, clarinet solo
Hailey DeGeorge, trumpet solo
James Baird, snare drum solo

We are excited to share the Intern Application information for 2017 along with the current Job Opportunity Listing through the Geauga Growth Partnership. This is a great opportunity for Juniors and Seniors to expand their knowledge, experiences, and networking opportunities. The Internship program is open to all Geauga County resident Junior and Senior high school students. The paid internships are awarded through a competitive application process and in-person interview experience.
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For more information, please visit www.geaugagrowth.com.
 
The Intern application deadline is Friday, February 24, 2017 at 5:00 PM. 

2017 Internship Application
2017 Job Opportunity Listing

Cleveland Clinic’s Civic Education Department Clinic-Based Programs application will be accessible and live on our web site as of 12:00 PM on Monday, January 23, 2017!
 
With 5 different programs to choose from, this summer internship experience gives Northeast Ohio middle and high school students the opportunity to learn and work alongside caregivers across the enterprise including Main Campus, Regional Hospitals and Family Health Centers, and the community. These programs promote learning in health and wellness, the arts, innovation, financial literacy, and more. Each program is formulated to inspire students to embrace a variety of disciplines as keys to success, and to foster skills that will help them become life-long learners.
 
Internship Programs range from two weeks for Healthcare+ Pathways®, four weeks for NEOREMA™, six weeks for Louis Stokes Workforce Readiness and nine weeks for Health Horizons and Science.  The Science Internship Program allows student to choose from 9 different career focus tracks. Through summer internship programs, students have the ability to gain knowledge in clinical areas such as Applied Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, Nursing Care and Public Health.  Students may also choose a non-clinic track and gain experience in law, administration, information technology, marketing, human resources, marketing and building operations.
 
Those interested in learning more about our internships can visit the Clinic-Based Programs’ homepage on the Civic Education website:  http://civiceducation.clevelandclinic.org/Clinic-Based-Programs/Clinic-Based-Programs.aspx
 
If you have questions about the Clinic-Based programs, please contact: Nedra Starling at starlin@ccf.org

"To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven..."

This song written by Pete Seeger in the late 1950s became an international hit in 1965 by The Byrds. Now that you are all singing the song...you might be asking---why  is this in the Week in Reflection?

Well, unfortunately it is the time and season of barrels. With the volume of rain, snow and sleet over the past several weeks--the age of the building is speaking to the residents inside of Chardon High School.

Our maintenance and custodial crews are doing a great job addressing the seasonal weather, but unlike the The Byrds song which can be digital preserved--it is getting harder to preserve the seams at CHS.  

With all of the beauty that we have shared this week, it is important to know that we are engaging in the work of our strategic plan, which resulted in key recommendations regarding our facilities.

• In July 2016 the Chardon Local School District began working with the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission to provide  enrollment projections and conduct an initial assessment of our facilities.
• The District organized a Facilities Advisory Committee, comprised of community members, parents, and staff, to review the work of the OSFC and develop a long-range Facilities Master Plan.
• The Board of Education hired TDA Architects (Willoughby, OH) to validate the OSFC report and assist the Facilities Advisory Committee in developing a conceptual master plan that is cost-effective and meets the long-term educational needs of the District.
• The Facilities Advisory Committee, with assistance from TDA, will provide its recommended Facilities Master Plan to the Board of Education in June 2017.

​The District will continue to communicate the work of the Facilities Advisory Committee. Details regarding this work can be found in the District website including a schedule of Informational Meetings to be held throughout the district in early 2017.

This has been a robust edition of the Week in Reflection. Thank you for taking the time to read, reflect, and learn about the happenings at CHS.

Have a great weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal.

One of the biggest mantras that Dr. Klein and I live by is living a life of purpose. Throughout the year, he and I would be reminded of the sheer volume of the various ways we connect purpose to life, academics, and our choices. You see, some people measure success by the wealth they’ve accumulated, the power they’ve attained, or the status they’ve achieved. Yet, even though they’ve reached success beyond their wildest dreams, they still have an empty feeling — something is missing from their life. In order to fill that void and be completely fulfilled in life, they may be searching for something more. Although everyone is different, there are common threads that bind a life with purpose.

Live by your beliefs and values

Anyone that knows me can share that I wear my emotions on my sleeves. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, there is complete transparency to my emotions.  People who live a life of purpose have core beliefs and values that influence their decisions, shape their day-to-day actions, and determine their short- and long-term priorities. They place significant value on being a person of high integrity and in earning the trust and respect of others. The result is that they live with a clear conscience and spend more time listening to their inner voice than being influenced by others.

Set priorities 

I learned the value of hard work from my parents, and definitely from my wife who is the ultimate multi-tasker. People who live a life of purpose identify those activities that matter most to them and spend the majority of their time and effort in those areas. Otherwise, it’s too easy to drift away in the currents of life. There is a clear connection to the statement: How we spend our days parallels to how we live our lives. They work hand in hand---reminding us the important marriage of choices and priorities. 

Follow your passion

My entire life I have found value in pursuing what my passions were. From working outdoors at Sand Ridge to Kirtland Country Club, to teaching, and coaching...I have always loved pursuing areas in my life that I enjoyed. People who live a life of purpose wake up each morning eager to face the new day. They pursue their dreams with fervor, put their heart into everything they do, and feel that they’re personally making a difference. 

Achieve balance 

Finding balance is essential and challenging. The key is reflecting weekly about those that you loved and if you have given as much to family as you have to your passion. People who live a life of purpose put their heart into their career and into building relationships with friends and family. They also reserve adequate time to satisfy their personal needs. Achieving balance means living up to one’s potential in all facets of life.

Feel content 

Happiness is being paid to do what you already do already. I have lived by this mantra my whole life. People who live a life of purpose have an inner peace. They’re satisfied with what they have and who they are. To them, the grass is greener on their own side of the fence. 

Make a difference 

Living a life of service has taught me so much about myself. It has humbled me, guided me, and grounded me in my values. People who live a life of purpose make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. They do things for others without expectation of personal gain, serve as exemplary role models, and gain as much satisfaction witnessing the success of others as witnessing their own. As the old proverb says, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.”

Live in the moment

Remember that scene in Dead Poet's Society where Robin William challenges the students to Carpe Diem- Seize the day and make their lives extraordinary? He was changing the students perspective and experiences to live beyond the status quo. People who live a life of purpose cherish every moment and seek to live life without regret. They take joy in the experiences that life gives and don’t worry about keeping score. Dr. Seuss may have said it best, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Live your purpose in the the moment and seize today!

Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich has proclaimed January 2017 School Board Recognition Month (SBRM) in the state. To view the governor's 2017 School Board Recognition Month proclamation, click here. OSBA's theme for the 2017 School Board Recognition Month is "School boards: Leading the way for education." 

We appreciate the commitment, passion, leadership, and service of our Chardon Board Members. Thank you for your support and efforts towards living our mission at Chardon. We appreciate you.

Mark YOUR calendar for a FUN Night at St. Mary's Banquet Hall Room with the Boosters!

Night At The Races is Back! Saturday, February 4th - 6:30PM

THIS EVENT SOLD OUT LAST YEAR! - DON'T BE SHUT OUT THIS YEAR!
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Order your tickets and sponsor your horses on this site - http://www.Chardonathletics.org!

Last week, I shared the remarkable accomplishment of Taylor Purchase. Taylor held a  fundraiser on December 16, with the lighting display at her home.  The event was well attended and the end result was a donation of $1000.00 to the Chardon Post 6519, VFW.  On January 5, she presented the check at the Men's meeting to be used for veterans at the post and in the area. Yesterday, Chardon VFW Post 6519 came to CHS to recognize Taylor. What a powerful moment we witnessed! 

Strategy refers to a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. It is distinct from tactics, which is concerned with the conduct of an engagement, while strategy is concerned with how different engagements are linked. Last Wednesday, in Mr. Fronk's Military History, I had the opportunity to strategize using the principles of Chess. The development and implementation of strategy is a creative process. Be it real war, sport match, or chess battle, a framework is required to shape the strategist’s thought process. The principles of Chess and the lessons taught in Military History express:
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1. Selection and maintenance of aim
2. Maintenance of morale
3. Offensive action
4. Security
5. Surprise
6. Concentration of force
7. Economy of effort
8. Flexibility
9. Cooperation
10. Sustainability

Once understood, the principles of Chess and Military strategy may be used as a decision making aid during formulation, planning, and execution of strategy. What a great lesson! In case you are wondering--I won my face of battle.

Art Teachers--Deb Steytler and Erik Hauber are absolute magicians of creativity at CHS. They are proud to present to Lakeland several dynamic pieces of art that cover a variety of mediums.  If you have the time, head out to Lakeland to see the phenomenal work of our kids.

The C Division team (representing grades 9-12) took a seventh place trophy.

Awards in individual events are as follows:

Division B (6-9th grade):

5th Place - 
Rocks and Minerals - Sara Conway and Reagan Halford

6th Place - 
Fast Facts - Owen Vokoun and Brady Williams
Optics -  Jason Watson and Jack Dvorak (not pictured)

7th Place - 
Rocks and MInerals - Ethan Fuerst and Owen Vokoun

8th Place - 
Invasive Species - Josh Campbell and Brady Williams

Division C (9-12 grade)

2nd Place - 
Disease Detectives - Heather Humbert and Richie Wainio
Materials Science - Nick Schragal and Richie Wainio

3rd Place - 
Invasive Species - Emily Munoz and NIck Schragal
Rocks and Minerals - Christen Niedzielski and Asher Vokoun
Towers - Richie Wainio and Megan McCartney

4th Place - 
Game On - Tyler Mothersbaugh and Drew Williams
Hydrogeology - Emily Munoz and Drew Williams
Remote Sensing - Nick Schragal and Richie Wainio

5th Place - 
Astronomy - Heather Humbert and Nick Schragal
Helicopters - Richie Wainio and Drew Williams
Robot Arm - Connor Fuerst and Alex Schragal

6th Place - 
Dynamic Planet - Colby and Drew Williams
Write It Do It - Halle Crtalic and Drew Williams

7th Place - 
Ecology - Megan McCartney and Emily Munoz
Microbe Mission - Tyler Mothersbaugh and Richie Wainio 
Wind Power - Halle Crtalic and Emily Munoz

8th Place - 
Anatomy - Arman Bayat and Rachel Yates
Invasive Species - Asher Vokoun

Regardless of the short week at CHS--there is always something extraordinary happening each day. We have amazing kids who are mentored by transformative educators. Thank you for your continued support.  

Have a great weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

The Chardon community would like to congratulate Taylor Purchase on her senior project, Hilltoppers for Veterans.  Taylor held a  fundraiser on December 16, with the lighting display at her home.  The event was well attended and the end result was a donation of $1000.00 to the Chardon Post 6519, VFW.  On January 5, she presented the check at the Men's meeting to be used for veterans at the post and in the area. Nancy Purchase,  president of the Women's Auxilliary,  was in attendance and was honored to have Taylor represent Chardon High School.  Her commitment over the last couple months to this project and the involvement with the Veterans Day Program at Maple Elementary shows a deep respect to our veterans.

The Chardon Post 6519 VFW members, Taylor's parents, and everyone at CHS are very thankful and proud of Taylor's efforts. Above is a photo of Taylor with Commander, Bill Richardson.

Science Olympiad is a nation-wide non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education.  These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, field trips and the intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments.

The Chardon Science Olympiad is a program of extra-curricular study designed to challenge and enrich our most scientifically motivated students. Chardon has teams at the Middle School and High School. Students choose from about 24 different science-themed events.  These events range from all sorts of biology, ecology, and chemistry, to physics, writing, and problem solving. There is a balance between events requiring knowledge of scientific facts, concepts, processes, skills and application. Although Science Olympiad is competitive, most events require teamwork, group planning and cooperation. The emphasis is on learning, participation, having fun and developing team spirit.
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​Photos from the Science Olympiad Invitional at Westlake High School, held on 1/7/2017: The team took place a seventh place trophy.

Awards in individual events are as follows:

3rd Place
Ecology - Emoly Munoz and Nick Schragal
Remote Sensing - Nick Schragal and Colby Willams

4th Place
Disease Detectives - Arman Bayat and Richie Wainio

5th Place
Invasive Species - Emily Munoz and Asher Vokoun
Rocks and Minerals - Asher Vokoun
Towers - Richie Wainio and Colby Williams

6th Place
Game ON - Colby and Drew Williams

7th Place 
Experimental Design - Alex Schragal, Richie Wainio and Drew Williams
Forensics - Liam Kerry and Emily Stern
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http://chardonscienceolympiad.org

I had the awesome opportunity to sit down with freshman, Thomas Jahnke, this week at CHS regarding his up and coming business that he has created. Poised and almost stoic by design, Thomas came to my office during his free period to share the background of his T-shirt company, Poppa Tee's. Back in July, Thomas was having a conversation with his dad about making money, learning the value of hard work, and saving money for his future. Thomas had an epiphany with his dad that day. His idea, in collaboration with his family, created his small business. Thomas shared that he has always loved art through the passion of his mom who is an art teacher in a neighboring district. Thomas always would complain to his dad that there aren't enough places to buy local shirts in Chardon. During August, Thomas and his dad started designing a website, learning more about heat presses, and began the first design. What began as a way to make money for a specific purpose--turned into more designs, word of mouth sales, and marketing to create poppatees.com

I asked Thomas about the name, Poppa Tees. His response was priceless. Apparently the nickname, Poppa, was something that his parents always called Thomas. Growing up, Thomas would wear baggy and trends from previous decades and his parents would call him Poppa. He definitely is an "old" soul.

Thomas "Poppa" Jahnke is a young entrepreneur learning the value of hard work, dedication, and philanthropy. He is now working collaboratively with the Chardon Boosters and is looking forward to where this collaborative idea is going in the future. Check out his website enclosed to learn more.

Do you know an outstanding student or teacher in the Northeast Ohio area? Nominate them for the Cavs All-Star Kids or Head of the Class program!

All-Star Kids recognizes students who are setting a positive example for their peers. The Cavaliers will select one student each month of the regular season (November - April) as the All-Star Kids winner. Cavaliers’ mascots and "Hype Man" Ahmaad Crump will make a surprise visit to each winning student's school to present him/her with a super-sized ticket to a Cavaliers game and a catered party for their entire class to be scheduled at a later date! In addition to receiving four (4) tickets to a game, the winning student will also receive four (4) complimentary passes to the VIP Club and will be recognized on court pregame.

ALL-STAR KIDS INFO & TO NOMINATE

Have an outstanding weekend with family and friends! Live out your dream!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Enclosed in this publication are the Lav Report and Learning Center Newsletter for January. In the Lav Report students can learn how to avoid copyright infringement. Information on copyright, fair use, public domain and creative commons is included in this month's issue.

The LC Newsletter contains information on Genius Hour and how this concept, used in Google and other corporations, can be used effectively in the classroom to increase student interest and creativity. Additionally, there is information on Random Acts of Kindness week, which takes place in February. Links are provided to websites that offer teachers information on both Genius Hour and Random Acts of Kindness week.

The Family and Consumer Sciences Teaching Assistants (TA’s) were busy before winter break with our annual Giving Tree project.  The TA’s spread enthusiasm for the project through colorful displays and morning announcements, and they worked diligently organizing and coordinating the school-wide effort. The TA’s worked with Geauga County Job and Family Services to ensure all gifts were delivered successfully.

This year, our school provided gifts, food and household items for six local families in need. Thank you to our students and staff for their incredibly generous donations. 

During the return the school I was attacked by the FLU...and did it hit me. I haven't taken a sick day in over a decade so I knew that this was big. I wanted to include some proactive measures to help your family with this seasonal bug.

It is especially important this school season to be proactive against the flu. Taking preventative measures is your best defense against the ‘seasonal’ flu.
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The seasonal flu outbreak usually occurs between mid-fall thru early spring. Each year a vaccine is developed to target the type of virus that is anticipated. The seasonal flu spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. You can also become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it such as a door knob, computer keypad, gym weights, classroom desk, and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

Everyday Steps to Protect Your Health

Common sense to avoiding germs is the best approach, such as not sharing sport bottles or drinking from friend’s glass or pop can.  The Center for Disease Control [CDC] recommends the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Stay away from an ill and contagious person until 24 hours after their fever has broken.  Their fever should be completely gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine [i.e. Advil, Tylenol, Excedrin, etc.]
  
  
•  Wash your hands OFTEN!  Use lots of soap and scrub by counting to 15 slowly before rinsing with water.  If you do not have access to water, alcohol-based hand cleaners and disposable wipes [antibacterial] are effective—rub hands vigorously until hands are dry. 
  
  
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth—this is how the germs are spread.
  
  
•  Practice good health habits to keep your immune system strong—get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage  stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy nutritious foods.

Stay Warm, and have a great weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal