Running is not something that I enjoy. Don't get me wrong, I love staying active but running and I haven't been close friends for a long time. Over the last 6 months, we all have been running.

As children, we loved running around all day playing in the neighborhood with our friends. We never truly felt that this activity was exercise. We had fun staying active doing what we loved.

As we got older, we learned more about conditioning and preparing for our beloved activities through intentional movements that made us refine what we loved.

We may have peaked at some point and needed a coach to help us minimize movements to maximize on outcomes.

Let's say that the last six months have been a race. 

We all received the shared rules and had limited time to get ourselves in the best shape to make it across an unknown finish line. Throughout the race, we found out that the length of the race was longer than we expected. We learned that the course would now include hurdles to jump over. However, we were already running and didn't have time to train. We just had to jump or run into the hurdle. The choice was ours and we had to respond. Jump after jump we started to gain more confidence. Fall after fall, we got up learning new ways to jump over the hurdles. 

Just as we made it across our last hurdle, we noticed that the terrain changed. Now, we were running on rocks, dirt, mud, and this time we were told that the race was going to get easier shortly. We persevered. We passed a marker along the way that stated, "the finish line is just the beginning of a whole new race". Tired, and exhausted we put one foot in front of the other. This time the sky became dusk and the terrain was hard to see. However, we never stopped. 

Mile after mile indicated markers that pointed in many directions. We felt confused, lost, and helpless. We chose north than east followed by west and south. We noticed familiar boundaries along the way and asked ourselves if we were moving forward or backward. 

Feeling lost, we stopped. We asked for guidance and parameters to follow from those who set the course and received more riddles. Every runner in the race began to run together. A unique bond was formed. Runners joined teams and started refining the map that was given to find new outcomes. Throughout rain, scorching heat, and limited water, runners began finding their way guiding others to the dawn of a new day.

The metaphors and analogies paint a picture of our world as educators over the last six months. The times we are facing have challenged us to create new systems to refine what we do best: educate today's leaders to guide them to their purpose throughout any obstacle. Our kids are resilient and amazing. So are you. We are not running on a mouse wheel, we are paving a new course and path that parallels our core values and mission at Chardon.

The world has redefined superheroes in the last year and we are a part of that team. We are ready and the time is now to lace up and get on the path. We are prepared and know that each day will provide us the opportunity to see the beauty in the little things: people, relationships, and being social- regardless of the barriers in front of us. We are educators, we know how to adapt.
 
I write to you today with an open mind and heart that we will transcend the darkness overshadowing this year. Never did I think that I would be contacting health commissioners for decisions about practice, or for allowing people in the building, or writing paragraphs about social distancing and mask protection.
 
We have been taxed mentally and physically coming up with plans for school. Every single time that one is built, something changes...causing us to start over. It has been extremely vexing and draining work. The sheer focus that remains is building a system that educates students in a safe and responsible way. The mission critical focus must be on deploying new measures of safety for staff and students. ​

All students in person were assigned to an A / B family group as utilized during the first week of school.  Since Blue Model students attend virtually, they are not assigned to a group and attend classes based on their daily schedule. Any families who are not sure of their family group assignment should first check Infinite Campus prior to contacting the CHS main office.  

Students enrolled (in-person) at Chardon High School will attend school in the building based on the assigned family group on the following days; transportation will run at the regular times. 

Please note that an adjustment has been made for the week of February 1-5, 2021. Students will follow the A/B rotation schedule on Monday through Thursday. On Friday, February 5th, a group of teachers are scheduled by the local health department for the first round of the COVID-19 vaccine. In order to accommodate the district scheduling plan, CHS has moved the virtual day to help facilitate the volume of staff members receiving the vaccine.

While in-person, students will follow their class schedule and receive typical daily instruction as they have since the start of the year. 

During the A/B rotation, students at home may participate in synchronous (LIVE) or asynchronous (posted) learning activities. Students at home should follow their typical class schedule working on assignments in each of their classes that must be completed by the date and time that the assignment is posted.  Please see each teacher’s Google Classroom for specific instructions. Some teachers may choose to stream coursework throughout the duration of this schedule.

Accurately tracking students’ attendance is required by the State of Ohio.  While in the hybrid model, students have an increased responsibility in this process. Please contact the school at 440-285-4057 (press 1) to notify the school of any absence or appointments during the school day. ​

In order for a student to be marked as “present” during any given class period in a remote setting, students need to check in to Google Classroom to determine if class is synchronous, along with completing assigned work and submitting work by the date and time that it is assigned by each teacher.

If students do not meet BOTH of these expectations, they will be marked absent for the school day, or absent from a specific class from which the work was not completed.  These absence hours will calculate towards truancy calculations as required by House Bill 410.  Parents are encouraged to activate attendance notifications through the Infinite Campus parent portal to be sure your son or daughter checks-in daily. ​

While learning from home if the district is in a hybrid model, students should, on average, anticipate approximately 3-4 hours of required work each day.  Please remember that this is a full day of school.  

All work will be assigned through Google Classroom for each class.  The work will be posted prior to each course and will be due by the date and time that the assignment is assigned. 

Students will be required to complete activities mostly independently and will be from programs, routines, and procedures of which they are familiar with using while in-person.  

Chardon High School plans for a return to our 100% regular schedule on Monday, February 8, 2021. Please note, we are planning for this transition and will send a direct communication next week to confirm the delivery model. This is the schedule that we last ran during the first week of November. IF we are able to run this schedule, there will be no A/B groups used and our Blue Model students will begin following this traditional bell schedule. We will continue to follow the recommendations provided by the health department regarding safety and need to re-communicate this information to all students. 

Resources
​
Teacher Directory

Principal                                 Mr. Douglas Murray               douglas.murray@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal           Mr. Ryan Bandiera                  ryan.bandiera@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal           Mr. Douglas Higham             douglas.higham@chardonschools.org
Social Worker                     Mrs. Joan Blackburn            joan.blackburn@chardonschools.org
Resource Office                 Officer Carlson                       chs.sro@chardonschools.org
Nurse                                       Mrs. Jan Hoffman                  Janice.Hoffmann@chardonschools.org 

Guidance:
A-G                                            Mr. Hurlbut                               timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org
H-O                                           Mrs. Hetrick                            nicolle.hetrick@chardonschools.org
P-Z                                             Mr. Kovach                               kyle.kovach@chardonschools.org
Counselor                             Mrs. Tupaz                               dawn.tupaz@chardonschools.org

Just a few quick reminders:
For Juniors: As you schedule your annual physicals for 2021 please be aware you will need a meningitis vaccine prior to the start of the 21-22 school year.. Ohio Revised Code states:

• One (1) dose of meningococcal vaccine is required prior to entry into the 7th grade.

 

• A second (2nd) dose of meningococcal vaccine is required prior to entry into the 12th grade. The second (2nd) dose must be administered on or after the 16th birthday with at least eight (8) weeks between the first (1st) and second (2nd) dose.  If the first (1st) dose of meningococcal vaccine was administered after the 16th birthday, a second (2nd) dose is not required. 

The meningococcal vaccine protects against meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection that can lead to bacterial meningitis. Meningococcal disease can cause an infection of the bloodstream or meningitis, or both, and can be life threatening if not promptly treated. The meningococcal vaccine is very effective at protecting against four strains of the meningococcal bacteria.
A copy of the immunization must be provided to the school nurse. 

For All:
Please continue to be diligent about handwashing, mask wearing, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting.  We must continue these mitigating behaviors to control COVID-19 while we wait for the population to be vaccinated.  We continue to ask that any student not feeling stay home and if you have any questions to contact your family physician or the school nurse.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Any questions, please contact me.
​
Mrs. Jan Hoffman                  Janice.Hoffmann@chardonschools.org 

Mr. Herner shared some outstanding news this week with us! Mr. Herner is an active member of the BGSU Faculty Ambassador program. He shared that Owen Vucetic has received one of the December BGSU Faculty Ambassador Award Scholarships in the amount of $1,000!  Congratulations, Owen! Thank you, Mr. Herner for your role in securing this award for Owen. 

Given that schools are in various modes of teaching, the presentation of the October and November awards was challenging.  For this reason, the Schmidthorst College of Business will directly contact Owen  via email about the award and follow-up with a mailed package to Owen ‘s home.  

With the help of our families and community, we sold over 300 tickets from last week! This is absolutely phenomenal and a perfect reflection of how our amazing city demonstrates community support! We are so close to $30,000! Doug Snyder and I want to THANK YOU for all of your support!

Student Fees

Athletic Eligibility

Chardon High School Specific:                             

• In addition to the eligibility requirements established by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, to be eligible for any interscholastic extra-curricular activity, a student must have maintained at least a 2.0 grade-point average and must not have received a failing grade in any course for the grading period previous to the one in which s/he wishes to participate. 

Chardon Middle School Specific:

• Middle school athletes must have received passing grades in at least four classes (OHSSA), during the immediately preceding grading period, maintained at least a 2.0 grade-point average (Chardon BOE policy), and must not have received a failing grade (Chardon BOE policy) in any course for the grading period previous to the one in which s/he wishes to participate.

An exception may be made by the Principal if the student has been participating in an intervention program and has shown satisfactory progress toward achieving the minimum grade-point average.

​Please see the quick reference guide  pertaining to OHSAA eligibility along with CLSD policy below.

CHS Parents can begin signing up for the final Parent Teacher Conferences of the year.  Conferences are February 11, 2021.  Likewise, on the same night, at 7:00 PM,  the school counselors and administration will be presenting the District CCP Information session along with the CHS Curriculum Night.  This will be a LIVE and recorded session.  See details below

• 2/5/2021 (pm): Program of Studies, Google Slides, and Video are sent via ConnectED to all Stakeholders-including parochial administrators.
• 2/5-2/11/2021: Students and parents are provided time to review the documents
• 2/11/2021: Parent-Teacher Night/ Curriculum Night
• 2/11/2021: Since Curriculum Night will be a recorded session, Admin/Guidance will have a 7 pm LIVE (Virtual) Q/A for parents.
• 2/15-2/19/ 2021: Guidance will send a recorded grade level presentation. This will be sent via email/ ConnectED/ and we are determining using Topper Time/Circuit to stream to those students present. Likewise, teacher recommendations in IC will open.
• Approximately 2/16-2/19/2021: The IC window to select classes will open for students.​

This communication was shared with seniors and their families this week to explain the date of graduation.

In order to do so, I need to explain some of the backstories.

If you have been reviewing minutes from the board meetings you would have seen several presentations and discussions surrounding the state of the field turf. Each year, the district puts aside money for any repair or renovations in an account earmarked for the stadium. This field turf has lived years after its life expectancy and is showing significant needs in repair. It is time to replace. When you reflect upon it, that space is the most used academic and all-purpose space in the district. Kids are on it all day--even in this weather. It is used for classes, recess, athletics, middle school, rec programs, and rented out...just to name the obvious. Our maintenance and community teams have done a remarkable job keeping the conditions in functional shape. 

All of the procedural meetings, bids, and preliminary plans have been submitted. On June 1, 2021, Field Turf will begin the turf replacement process. This will not create a disruption in our academic day at CHS or CMS, but it will disrupt the activities scheduled. Mr. Snyder will begin communicating to all coaches and summer groups that use the field. The timeline generally takes 6-8 weeks IF the weather cooperates. We need to at least plan that this space will be unavailable until the middle of August. 

This is where graduation comes in.


A key date was penciled in back in August for June 5, 2021: Graduation. 

With this new knowledge, we are moving the CHS Commencement scheduled at Chardon Memorial Field from June 5, 2021, to one-week earlier on Friday, May 28 @ 7:30 pm (Under the lIghts) with a rain date of Saturday, May 29 @ 1:00 pm.  The intention of moving commencement to a Friday is to create a unique experience while giving back-up days in the case that it rains. This is also Memorial Day weekend. 

For those wondering, Mentor Fine Arts canceled indoor commencements and other venues have extreme limitations with guests. We already know the 15% capacity set forth by the health department. However, we must be actively aware of the state of COVID-19 at that time. We will work with our board office and local health department to keep you posted on the plans. In the interim, please save the date: May 28, 2021.

We are beginning to work backward to design everything else regarding senior events. Please be patient as we work on this plan.

It was productive and very busy week for all of us, celebrate the joys of your family this weekend,

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Welcome to the third quarter.  When you stop and reflect about where we are  at this place in time, you begin to realize that we have crossed the midpoint of the school year while almost crossing through the ten month mark of this documented pandemic. 

It has been challenging, especially over the last two months within the hybrid model. We all know that the best way to engage learning is in-person, interactive, and hands on. Our teachers and students are extraordinary. The countless hours of adjusting lessons towards (A) and (B) students is exhausting.  We are extremely grateful for our staff, students, and families for staying focused on the goal.

Many have asked the question regarding when CHS will be able to be back at the 100% model. That's an honest and important question to ask. Many of you have walked our halls, and learning spaces. The high school houses five grades, nearly a hundred employees, and has forty-one classrooms. Within the recommendations of local health guidelines, and the current quarantine and positive cases--our health commissioner, and superintendent recommend that our school remain in the hybrid model. This evaluation of the Geauga County and school current COVID-19 data is discussed at length each week. The good news is that models are trending in the right direction in Geauga County. It is our goal for a return to 100% as soon as possible.

It is extremely important to all of us that we bring students back fully. It is also very important to us that we bring back students responsibly.  

As we transition into next week, we will maintain the current hybrid model. The week of January 25-29 is a five day school week. Please note that we will follow the A/B rotation with Wednesday being a late-start VIRTUAL white day schedule. 

While in-person, students will follow their class schedule and receive typical daily instruction as they have since the start of the year. 

During the A/B rotation, students at home may participate in synchronous (LIVE) or asynchronous (posted) learning activities. Students at home should follow their typical class schedule working on assignments in each of their classes that must be completed by the date and time that the assignment is posted.  Please see each teacher’s Google Classroom for specific instructions. Some teachers may choose to stream coursework throughout the duration of this schedule.

Accurately tracking students’ attendance is required by the State of Ohio.  While in the hybrid model, students have an increased responsibility in this process. Please contact the school at 440-285-4057 (press 1) to notify the school of any absence or appointments during the school day. ​

As we discussed with students and staff this week, the high school needed to disable the Infinite Campus Check-In procedures this week due to technical glitches that were overriding teacher/secretary changes at the end of each day. Attendance for virtual students are still be accounted for by the LIVE Meets, and submitting classwork posted. During the interim, in order for a student to be marked as “present” during any given class period in a remote setting, students need to check in to Google Classroom to determine if class is synchronous---and join, along with completing assigned work and submitting work by the date and time that it is assigned by each teacher.

If students do not meet BOTH of these expectations, they will be marked absent for the school day, or absent from a specific class from which the work was not completed.  These absence hours will calculate towards truancy calculations as required by House Bill 410.  Parents are encouraged to activate attendance notifications through the Infinite Campus parent portal to be notified of student attendance.

While learning from home if the district is in a hybrid model, students should, on average, anticipate approximately 3-4 hours of required work each day.  Please remember that this is a full day of school.  

All work will be assigned through Google Classroom for each class.  The work will be posted prior to each course and will be due by the date and time that the assignment is assigned. 

Students will be required to complete activities mostly independently and will be from programs, routines, and procedures of which they are familiar with using while in-person. 

Resources
Teacher Resources for CHS Students    (Links to teacher resources)
Quarantine in Home Letter                          (This reference is for those students who become Quarantined in                                                                                           the home due to contact tracing.)
Teacher Directory

Principal                              Mr. Douglas Murray            douglas.murray@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Ryan Bandiera                ryan.bandiera@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Douglas Higham            douglas.higham@chardonschools.org
Social Worker                  Mrs. Joan Blackburn            joan.blackburn@chardonschools.org
Resource Office              Officer Carlson                       chs.sro@chardonschools.org
Nurse                                    Mrs. Jan Hoffman                  Janice.Hoffmann@chardonschools.org 
Guidance:
A-G                                         Mr. Hurlbut                                timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org
H-O                                        Mrs. Hetrick                               nicolle.hetrick@chardonschools.org
P-Z                                          Mr. Kovach                                  kyle.kovach@chardonschools.org
Counselor                           Mrs. Tupaz                                  dawn.tupaz@chardonschools.org

Over 820 Tickets sold!
​155 away from our goal! Great job!

The following letter was sent home to families that have outstanding fees from this past fall. This letter is an important reminder for all to review.

CHS Parents can begin signing up for the final Parent Teacher Conferences of the year.  Conferences are February 11, 2021.  Likewise, on the same night, at 7:00 PM,  the school counselors and administration will be presenting the District CCP Information session along with the CHS Curriculum Night.  This will be a LIVE and recorded session. More details upcoming as we plan this event.
​

Obtain an application for minor work permit in school office.

1. Top section of the application is to filled out by the student and signed by parent or guardian.
2. Bottom section of the application is to be filled out by the employer.
3. Back section is to be filled out by physician.
4. All sections of the form need to be filled out before processing.
5. You must have one of the following valid forms of ID when you bring form back:

​
Birth certificate
Driver’s license
Passport

Student will return completed form with one of the valid forms of ID.  Mrs. Sprinzl will process the application.

Please allow 24 hours turn around on permits.

The C.R.E.W. would like to thank Rae Greaves, owner of Polished Salon and Boutique, as well as her amazing patrons who were giving enough during the holiday season to collect donations for Chardon High School’s Boutique. 

​We are so humbled by and grateful to Rae, along with each and every one of the community members who made sure that the boutique had warm winter gear and so many personal hygiene items to share with the students at Chardon High School.  ​

Friday Night:  Chardon at Perry (Boys Hoops)
Saturday Afternoon: Chardon at Madison (Girls Hoops)
Saturday Afternoon: Chardon at Mayfield (Swimming)

Have a wonderful weekend with your family!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

This time of year can create a sense of passiveness or lethargy in energy, creativity, and health. Living in Northeast Ohio and walking outside to cloudiness and unpredictable weather only adds to the feeling of waiting and wishing for a change. No human is immune to these feelings...especially after the last several months.  Taking care of yourself will best equip you for emotions that can arise this time of year.  

Weathering the storm

When a storm is predicted you prepare the best that you can as a homeowner, motorist, or tourist. Your experiences, along with trusting others who have been in similar conditions, best equip you with the knowledge that you need to get through these situations. Likewise, in your life, there are many people that you encounter that have experienced the trials of good and bad times. Listening to the wisdom of family members and trusted adults can provide insight into the best ways to get through difficult times. Knowing that there are others who are experiencing these feelings, or passiveness is an important reality to remember. You are not in this alone. In order to equip yourself fully, it is important to talk to others and share how you are feeling instead of letting the "storm" grow inside of your life.  The third quarter of a school year can be compared to the 7th inning stretch in baseball: the time of year where students can become very restless and lethargic. Every student can fall into this restless period- it is important that parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators work collaboratively to guide students through this seasonal experience.

Creating new habits

The best way to get out of the third quarter blues is to create new habits and routines. This is easier said than done. Students need to choose this response to create the new outcomes that they desire. Light energizes each of us. During the winter, the days seem shorter due to the change in season and the tilt of the earth. Our bodies adjust to this change and we need to create new routines to increase our energy. In the same way, the third quarter can create a "tilt" in our energy to stay on top of our work, exercise, and past routines.  Many students may fall into this trap of the third quarter and wonder what happened when the quarter ends in early March. Instead of wondering where the time went---reestablish the routines that you set forth in the first and second quarters and plowshare the noise of the third quarter.  

Preparing for tomorrow by living today

In his book, Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Program, Urban Meyer discusses the success formula that can catapult our responses to any event in our lives.  This formula is simple: E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) We don’t control the events in life and we don’t directly control the outcomes. However,  we always have control over how we choose to respond. His approach to athletes can align perfectly with our response to events in our life. The key indicator is leadership. This leadership is not only what I can control as a principal. It is what WE can lead as parents, teachers, and coaches to our children--along with how we can support each other in the process. We all need to ask the question--exactly what is it that I am after each day? Having this clarity of purpose will allow us to keep our responses "above the line" of being intentional, purposeful, and skillful whereas living "below the line" of being impulsive, and on autopilot.

Six R Factor Disciplines that Urban Meyer teaches:
(Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Program)

1. Press Pause – gives you time to think, gets you off autopilot, avoid doing something foolish or harmful, focus on acting with purpose
2. Get Your Mind Right – What you focus on, how you talk to yourself, productive vs negative mindset, Irritated Mindset or Survival Mindset (both below the line) vs. Purpose mindset (above the line)
3. Step Up – Understand the situation, understand what is required of you and respond above the line
4. Adjust & Adapt – Consider the current path of your R Factor habits. Where are they taking you? Where do you want to go? Adjust.
5. Make a Difference – take complete ownership of the experience you give others and your contribution to the team’s culture
6. Build Skill – Elite performers build skill above their talents. Talent is a gift, greatness is a choice.

Under pressure, we do not rise to the occasion. We rise or fall to the level of our training. Therefore, train far beyond the finish line of the third quarter and the outcomes will catapult the goals that you set for yourself. ​

Students should refresh their schedules inside Infinite Campus to determine any new semester courses and locations.

• Monday, January 18, 2021: No School- Martin Luther King, Jr Day
• Tuesday, January 19, 2021: 3rd quarter begins---white day schedule (A- Students in Person)/ (B- Students Virtual at Home)
• Wednesday, January 20, 2021: white day schedule (B- Students in Person)/ (A- Students at Home)
• Thursday, January 21, 2021: white day schedule (A- Students in Person)/ (B- Students Virtual at Home)
• Friday, January 22, 2021: white day schedule (B- Students in Person)/ (A- Students at Home)

Accurately tracking students’ attendance is required by the State of Ohio.  While in the hybrid model, students have an increased responsibility in this process. Please contact the school at 440-285-4057 (press 1) to notify the school of any absence or appointments during the school day. ​

As we discussed with students and staff this week, the high school needed to disable the Infinite Campus Check-In procedures this week due to technical glitches that were overriding teacher/secretary changes at the end of each day. Attendance for virtual students are still be accounted for by the LIVE Meets, and submitting classwork posted. During the interim, in order for a student to be marked as “present” during any given class period in a remote setting, students need to check in to Google Classroom to determine if class is synchronous---and join, along with completing assigned work and submitting work by the date and time that it is assigned by each teacher.

If students do not meet BOTH of these expectations, they will be marked absent for the school day, or absent from a specific class from which the work was not completed.  These absence hours will calculate towards truancy calculations as required by House Bill 410.  Parents are encouraged to activate attendance notifications through the Infinite Campus parent portal to be notified of student attendance.

While learning from home if the district is in a hybrid model, students should, on average, anticipate approximately 3-4 hours of required work each day.  Please remember that this is a full day of school.  

All work will be assigned through Google Classroom for each class.  The work will be posted prior to each course and will be due by the date and time that the assignment is assigned. 

Students will be required to complete activities mostly independently and will be from programs, routines, and procedures of which they are familiar with using while in-person. 

Resources
Teacher Resources for CHS Students    (Links to teacher resources)
Quarantine in Home Letter                          (This reference is for those students who become Quarantined in                                                                                           the home due to contact tracing.)
Teacher Directory

Principal                              Mr. Douglas Murray            douglas.murray@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Ryan Bandiera                ryan.bandiera@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Douglas Higham            douglas.higham@chardonschools.org
Social Worker                  Mrs. Joan Blackburn            joan.blackburn@chardonschools.org
Resource Office              Officer Carlson                       chs.sro@chardonschools.org
Nurse                                    Mrs. Jan Hoffman                  Janice.Hoffmann@chardonschools.org 
Guidance:
A-G                                         Mr. Hurlbut                                timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org
H-O                                        Mrs. Hetrick                               nicolle.hetrick@chardonschools.org
P-Z                                          Mr. Kovach                                  kyle.kovach@chardonschools.org
Counselor                           Mrs. Tupaz                                  dawn.tupaz@chardonschools.org

Logan Coles
Grade 12
"Viking Knit Earrings"

Chardon High School uses BoxCast to stream all home games this winter. Families may choose to watch the games on their mobile device or use their smart TV to cast the games from their phone to their TV. Families who have a Roku device or Roku TV or Apple streaming device or Apple TV may download the App to their list of channels to watch the games directly on their TV.

Friday, January 15: Boys Basketball at Strongsville: YouTube 

Saturday, January 16: Wrestling (8th Grade)

Sunday, January 17: Swimming

T​here is so much we can all learn from Martin Luther King, Jr, and not just on the day off we get once a year to commemorate his life! The enclosed is a simple read from Peter Jones of the Job Network.
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Here are 5 powerful lessons from Dr. King that could help you live better, do better, and go further.

1. Ask why.

And more importantly, ask “why not?” If someone tells you something is impossible, ask this very important question to figure out why they are so convinced, and whether you might be able to offer a solution no one else had seen. When looking for answers to some of the biggest questions of a generation, Dr. King turned to other sources for inspiration. This teaches us the answers to our problems will often come from unexpected corners, and how important it is to learn from other people and other cultures as much as we can.

2. You can’t change change.

Change is constant. Dr. King was initially hesitant to join in the 1963 March on Washington, but he adapted to the evolving movement and ended up leading one of the most moving and effective platforms for social change. Be adaptable. Realize that change is inevitable. All you can control is what you do in the face of it.

3. Find where you can give, not just receive.

Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In stressful times, it becomes very difficult to focus on anyone but ourselves. But this is a moral requirement, and increasingly more so in our interconnected, fast-paced world. When you’re in a rut, focus on helping people—you’ll be surprised at what a difference that can make.

4. Tune out the critics.

As long as you’ve chosen a path that’s good and a cause that you are passionate about, and as long as you’re pursuing both with integrity, honesty, and concern for others, then you’ll need to tune out the haters now and then. People will always be critical. Rejection will always happen, particularly in the course of a career. But if you know you’re doing the right thing, you should keep doing it.

5. Leave a legacy.

Think about what sort of mark you want to leave on the world. Is the work you’re doing going to make a difference to the next generation? Even if you can’t make an impact on the same scale as Dr. King, you can figure out ways to leave your workplace, industry, etc., a little better off for your having been there.
Jones, Peter. "5 Life Lessons You Can Learn from Martin Luther King, Jr.." TheJobNetwork. 16 Jan. 2017. Web. 15 Jan. 2020. <https://www.thejobnetwork.com/5-life-lessons-you-can-learn-from-martin-luther-king-jr-012017/>

As we approach the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday I wanted to share out from the Cleveland area  some programs/activities that are available virtually this year. 
 
*Tri-C
44th Annual Celebration of the Life and Work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Sunday January 17, 2021 @2:30pm
To register go to www.tri-c.edu
 
*A Karamu House Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Begins January 18, 2021
Visit at karamuhouse.org
 
*The Cleveland Museum of Art
MLK Day Program:  Becoming A Beloved Community
January 18, 2021@6pm
Visit/register at www.clevelandart.org
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CHS Parents can begin signing up for the final Parent Teacher Conferences of the year.  Conferences are February 11, 2021.  Likewise, on the same night, at 7:00 PM,  the school counselors and administration will be presenting the District CCP Information session along with the CHS Curriculum Night.  This will be a LIVE and recorded session. More details upcoming as we plan this event.

Have a beautiful weekend with your family!

Douglas Murray, Principal

​A New Year.
New Opportunities. 

At the beginning of anything new, we have the opportunity to reflect on moments from the past year and make meaningful resolutions for the upcoming year. In order for any resolution to come to fruition, we need to make changes to our routines or habits. Research states that it takes 21 days to create new habits. Creating new habits, or breaking old ones is challenging but the outcomes can be transformative to the person making meaningful changes. 

Often times, we make resolutions for our health and by the time that spring break rolls around, we are back to our old habits. This year, after all of the things that we have faced, I challenge everyone to look at one way that you can make an impact on your life. For students, it could relate to organizational effectiveness--study habits, homework, test prep, etc. It could also connect to putting down technology each night at a certain time.  For parents, it could relate to wellness, or it could relate to scheduled dinners, or even putting your work away at a certain time to be with your children. For staff, it could relate to trying something new within instructional practices each unit, or finding extra patience in the classroom or with technology.

Reflecting on the first semester, I am so proud of our students and our teachers' efforts to focus on the eminent core value of optimism.  Throughout the school year, students could generally experience our energy and focus on our core values during assemblies, rallies, and community experiences. This year, we really had to be creative in our presentations, podcasts, communications, and connections with students within new parameters. It has not been easy, and each of us play a role in either reading, watching, listening, or experiencing our best practices of the past in new ways. Being optimistic is the one thing that we can all long for in our lives. This semester also gave us the opportunity to reflect on ourselves. Mindfulness of self and others became an important barometer of 2020 , and it should be a sense that we continue to apply into this new year. We need to be mindful of our pulse--personally, mentally, and socially. Likewise, we need to be active listeners and mindful to needs of others and use our resources to assist others . Our country needs to model this more than ever right now, and it can start with us.

The compass, road map, and GPS to all that we do is our mission statement which is enhanced through the magnifying lens of our core values. All of the outcomes in which we gauge learners filters through the creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and community connections that all of our educators emphasize in the day to day interactions with students. Through this daily encounter of learning, our students become exposed to programs, supports, and pathways that help guide them to find their individual purpose.

This new year is up to us. Live it to the fullest. Every single day is an opportunity to seize the day to the fullest. Make today great! Here are some key areas to focus on towards establishing new goals this semester.
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Purposeful Life

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 negatively by others.

Make the Right Stuff, the Right Stuff

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 of the important marriage of choices and priorities. 

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 hearts into everything they do, and feel that they’re personally making a difference. 

Balance

Finding a balance is essential and challenging. The key is reflecting often and demonstrating your care and commitment to those that you love along with balancing your passion(s). 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.

Happiness 

Happiness is a choice – not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you. – --Ralph Marston 

I have lived by this mantra my whole life. People who live a life of purpose have 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 because of the time spent nurturing and cultivating their purpose. 

Serving

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.” Caring your candle and go light your world in the service of others.

Seizing Moments

Many years ago, there was a movie titled, Dead Poet's Society. In the film there is a scene 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. ​

Make the most out of the moments in front of you and seize every single day as a new opportunity to achieve greatness!

In this episode, the administration, school counselors, and athletic director discuss the end of the quarter/semester and share insight on ways to finish strong.

Please note that a change to the hybrid model WILL impact the 100% virtual (blue) instructional model. These students will follow the schedule posted in this document. The purpose of adjusting the previously deployed 50/50 schedule is to increase the continuity of class interaction with the teachers. Should the district move to a different instructional model, additional details that impact all high school students would be shared.  ​

All students in person were assigned to an A / B family group as utilized during the first week of school.  Since Blue Model students attend virtually, they are not assigned to a group and attend classes based on their daily schedule. Any families who are not sure of their family group assignment should first check Infinite Campus prior to contacting the CHS main office.  

Students enrolled (in-person) at Chardon High School will attend school in the building based on the assigned family group on the following days; transportation will run at the regular times. This schedule indicates a two week window of the 50/50 model due to the 4 -day school week.

While in-person, students will follow their class schedule and receive typical daily instruction as they have since the start of the year. 

During the A/B rotation, students at home may participate in synchronous (LIVE) or asynchronous (posted) learning activities. Students at home should follow their typical class schedule working on assignments in each of their classes that must be completed by the date and time that the assignment is posted.  Please see each teacher’s Google Classroom for specific instructions. Some teachers may choose to stream coursework throughout the duration of this A/B rotation white schedule.

During a 5- Day Week, Students would follow the following rotation

Wednesday’s would be virtual during a 5-Day week

Accurately tracking students’ attendance is required by the State of Ohio.  While in the hybrid model, students have an increased responsibility in this process. Please contact the school at 440-285-4057 (press 1) to notify the school of any absence or appointments during the school day. ​

In order for a student to be marked as “present” during any given class period in a remote setting, students need to check in to Google Classroom to determine if class is synchronous, along with completing assigned work and submitting work by the date and time that it is assigned by each teacher.

If students do not meet BOTH of these expectations, they will be marked absent for the school day, or absent from a specific class from which the work was not completed.  These absence hours will calculate towards truancy calculations as required by House Bill 410.  Parents are encouraged to activate attendance notifications through the Infinite Campus parent portal to be sure your son or daughter checks-in daily.  

While learning from home if the district is in a hybrid model, students should, on average, anticipate approximately 3-4 hours of required work each day.  Please remember that this is a full day of school.  

All work will be assigned through Google Classroom for each class.  The work will be posted prior to each course and will be due by the date and time that the assignment is assigned. 

Students will be required to complete activities mostly independently and will be from programs, routines, and procedures of which they are familiar with using while in-person. 

Resources
Teacher Resources for CHS Students    (Links to teacher resources)
Quarantine in Home Letter                          (This reference is for those students who become Quarantined in                                                                                           the home due to contact tracing.)
Teacher Directory

Principal                              Mr. Douglas Murray            douglas.murray@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Ryan Bandiera                ryan.bandiera@chardonschools.org
Assistant Principal        Mr. Douglas Higham            douglas.higham@chardonschools.org
Social Worker                  Mrs. Joan Blackburn            joan.blackburn@chardonschools.org
Resource Office              Officer Carlson                       chs.sro@chardonschools.org
Nurse                                    Mrs. Jan Hoffman                  Janice.Hoffmann@chardonschools.org 
Guidance:
A-G                                         Mr. Hurlbut                                timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org
H-O                                        Mrs. Hetrick                               nicolle.hetrick@chardonschools.org
P-Z                                          Mr. Kovach                                  kyle.kovach@chardonschools.org
Counselor                           Mrs. Tupaz                                  dawn.tupaz@chardonschools.org

8th GRADE GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS
 
8th Grade tryouts: January 11th & 12th 7:30-8:30 pm
 
Open Gyms: 
8th Grade Saturday 1/9 @ 10:30 am  
 
Signup on this link
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Questions?
8th grade coach, Megan Wessels, megan.wessels.@chardonschools.org

Chardon High School uses BoxCast to stream all home games this winter. Families may choose to watch the games on their mobile device or use their smart TV to cast the games from their phone to their TV. Families who have a Roku device or Roku TV or Apple streaming device or Apple TV may download the App to their list of channels to watch the games directly on their TV. This weekend, Chardon Boys Basketball takes on NDCL at home on Saturday- whereas the Girls Basketball team head to Akron Hoban on Friday night.

Chardon at Hoban Livestream Links

Varsity: https://www.hoban.org/athletics/live-stream

JV: https://www.youtube.com/user/archbishophoban
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Have a beautiful weekend with your family!
Douglas Murray, Principal