What a season! Congratulations to the amazing tasks accomplished and to all of the teams still competing in the  state tournament! See the great highlights from the coaches below.

Girls season recap from Coach Harris:

The season started out with a lot of ups and downs - with a 2-6 record through the first 8 games. The girls kept working hard and went 12-5 in their next 17 games to finish with a 14-11 record - 6 of those loses coming by 5 or fewer points. The girls never quit and kept working hard for one another. Playing our best basketball at the end of the season - we were able to win our second sectional in the last four years - defeating Mentor by a score of 62-58. 

Our team was blessed with the leadership and experience of seniors Grace Bradley, Faith DiLillo, Clara Lundblad, and Paige Steffen. Their 4 years of dedication to our program helped us grow and get better every day. I am thankful for their hard work and am excited for what the future holds for those young ladies. 

Boys update from Coach Murawski:

​I have really enjoyed this season. We have great senior leadership who have lead our team to success this year. Alex, Mike, Joe, Jake, and Robbie have done an excellent job producing a competitive environment every day in practice... We won our first home playoff game since 1999. We are excited to travel to Edgewood this Friday for the District Sectional Final! Alex Sulka is the area's leading scorer averaging 28 points per game. Mike Laudato is leading the area in made 3 point field goals.

​

Words from Coach Eichele:

​​This season has been incredible. The girls have worked extremely hard, and it has shown. Some highlights of our season include our WRC Team Championship, a team high score of 145.5 and earning our ticket to the State Meet as a TEAM and 2 individual qualifiers Senior Kayla Benjamin & Freshman Margaret Hamulak. Being able to compete in the State Meet is an honor, and we are very excited to represent Chardon.  Our team has grown to be really close and supportive. The girls know how to shake off a bad routine, be there for one another, and motivation each other to get better. We all give 110% effort day in and day out of the gym. This team is full of potential and excellence. Every day is a chance to get better, and we are excited to showcase our hard work and talent this weekend at the 2018 Gymnastics State Meet!

From Coach Kriwinsky:

Our kids have poured blood, sweat, and tears into this season. They have been working extremely hard all year, and all the hard work is starting to finally come to fruition. Everything these young men did throughout this season and the offseason was to help prep them for the postseason. At this point, they have to believe in themselves and just wrestle. They have to trust everything they have done this year on and off the mat has put them in the best position to succeed. They set goals at the beginning of this year, now its time to achieve those goals, or in some cases surpass the goals they set. All six of our wrestlers wouldn't be in the position they are without all of their teammates, teachers, and family. 

Congratulations to Sam Eldridge and Jake Hamulak for placing first,  Nick Becker for placing third and Charlie Brosch, Noah Carlozzi, and Ethan Ducca for placing fourth place. These six wrestlers are advancing to districts this Saturday. 

Congratulations to Chardon Science Olympiad! Both the High School and Middle School teams have now qualified for the State Finals to be held at The Ohio State University in late April  2018.

The Northeastern Ohio Regionals Competition was held at Mentor High School on February 24, 2018. Chardon Middle School qualified for State finals with a Second Place Trophy and Chardon High School qualified for State finals with a Fourth Place Plaque.

​Individual Winners for the C Division (grades 9-12) are:

1st Place    Remote Sensing - Drew Williams and Heather Humbert
2nd Place   Disease Detectives - Heather Humbert and Asher Vokoun
2nd Place   Rocks and Minerals - Asher Vokoun and Christen Niedzielski
3rd Place    Materials Science - Asher Vokoun and John Meleski
4th Place    Chemistry Lab - Asher Vokoun and Connor Fuerst
4th Place    Helicopters - Alex Schragal and Emily Muñoz
4th Place    Mission Possible - Alex Schragal and John Ellington
4th Place    Mousetrap Vehicle - Alex Schragal and Evan Baker
4th Place    Thermodynamics - Drew Williams and Connor Fuerst
4th Place    Towers - Heather Humbert and John Ellington
5th Place    Anatomy and Physiology – Serena Gromack and Rachel Yates
5th Place    Astronomy - Evan Baker and Connor Fuerst
5th Place    Dynamic Planet - John Meleski and Drew Williams
5th Place    Game On - Drew Williams and Christen Niedzielski
6th Place    Optics - Alex Schragal and Drew Williams
 
Individual winners from the B Division (grades 6-9) are:
1st Place    Wright Stuff - Jason Watson and Elise Cousens             
2nd Place   Battery Buggy - Ethan Fuerst and Ian Quinn
2nd Place    Ecology - Jason Watson and Paige Nells
2nd Place   Optics - Daniel Brill and Zane Kuhnle
2nd Place   Rocks and Minerals - Owen Vokoun and Ethan Fuerst
2nd Place   Solar System - Daniel Brill and Sebastian Marker
2nd Place   Thermodynamics - Daniel Brill and Zane Kuhnle
2nd Place   Towers - Jason Watson and Daniel Brill
3rd Place   Crime Busters - Evan Germ and Joseph Joaquin
3rd Place   Herpetology - Brady Williams and Nathan Eads
3rd Place  Mystery Architecture - Evan Germ and Jack Dvorak
3rd Place   Wright Stuff - Michael Oh and Joseph Joaquin
4th Place   Anatomy and Physiology - Paige Yamamoto and Jillian Morrison
4th Place   Hovercraft - Ethan Fuerst and Sebastian Marker           
4th Place   Meteorology - Brady Williams and Noah Muñoz            
4th Place   Mystery Architecture - Jason Watson and Zane Kuhnle             
5th Place   Crime Busters - Zane Kuhnle and Paige Yamamoto      
5th Place   Experimental Design - Paige Nells, Noah Muñoz and Brady Williams
5th Place   Fast Facts - Grace Fullum and Callie Wainio      
6th Place    Fast Facts - Elise Cousens and Noah Muñoz    
6th Place   Herpetology - Thomas Tomasch and Aidan Murphy     
6th Place   Hovercraft - Tim Meleski and Graham Husek
6th Place   Potions and Poisons - Zane Kuhnle and Paige Yamamoto
6th Place   Road Scholar - Brady Williams and Ian Quinn
 
The Chardon Science Olympiad teams thank you for your support and encouragement.

Here is a link to pictures from this season. Science Olympiad Photos 2018 

Chardon High School Bands Winter Concert
​
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 ~ Lakeland Community College, 7:00 PM
Melissa Lichtler, Director; Michelle Watson, Percussion Director
*Ian Oddo, Student Teacher, Case Western Reserve University
Sherry Niederkorn, Phil Kish, Melissa Lichtler, Darcy Maas ~ Accompanists

PRE-CONCERT MUSIC 6:30 PM
Mackenzie Brown, Trumpet; Anna Gerstner, Trumpet;
Mitchell Ewaska, Tuba; Jacob Moses, Clarinet; Jennifer Vandenberg, Clarinet

JAZZ ORCHESTRA
You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To………………….…………..Cole Porter/Baker
Jacob Moses, alto saxophone
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square……......Maschwitz/Sherwin/Holmes
Heather Humbert, trombone
*Tweet Fatigue…………………………………….……………………….Gordon Goodwin
Connor Prusha, drum set
*Brazil…………………………………………………….……………….Ary Barroso/Stitzel

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES
   South of the Border…………………………...…………………………...Edward Freytag
Six Slick Stix Click Licks…………………...….…………………………..Paul Goldstaub
Katie’s Bossa……………………………………….………………………...Chris Crockarell

SYMPHONIC BAND
Marauder’s March…………………………….……………………….……..Darren Allen
Follow the River………………………………..………………..…….James Swearingen
Conducted by Connor Prusha, Class of 2018
As If On Wings………………………….…………….………….………...Tracy Behrman
Olivia Means, alto saxophone; Anna Gerstner, trumpet
Pixar Movie Magic…………….…………..….………..Arranged by Michael Brown
Hallie Mezerkor, flute; Jesse Decipeda, trumpet

WIND ENSEMBLE
*Inglesina…………………………………...……….……………...…...Davide Delle Cese
Perthshire Majesty……………………...…….……………………...…….Samuel Hazo
Jacob Moses, clarinet
Powerhouse……………………….……………..……………Raymond Scott/Murtha
Drew Cressman, tenor saxophone
Arabesque………………………………………...……………….…………...Samuel Hazo
Shalom Decipeda, flute

The CHS Bands would like to dedicate “Follow the River” and “Perthshire Majesty”
to all of those affected by school tragedies.
IMPORTANT DATES!!!

March 1 - Scholarship (from Crescendo Club) Deadline for Seniors

March 15-18 - CHS Spring Musical at Park Auditorium

March 16, Friday - Jazz Orchestra to Lakeland Jazz Festival - 9:00 AM - 2:15 PM

Disney Rehearsals to be selected from:
Tuesday, March 20 and/or Wednesday, March 21 and/or Thursday, March 22 and/or
Friday, March 23 ~ 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM

March 25-30 - Hilltopper Marching Band to Florida!

April 20, Friday - CHS & CMS Jazz Festival at Auburn Career Center - 7PM

April 28, Saturday - Hilltopper Marching Band in Maple Festival Parade - 3PM

May 4, Friday - Jazz Orchestra & Free Harmony Dinner Show at Quail Hollow

May 5, Saturday - Spring Band Extravaganza at Mentor Performing Arts Center!
Evening concert. All CMS & CHS Bands.
Each band will have an hour and a half time window sometime after 5:30 PM

May 12, Saturday - Tag Day - Required for All Members - 9AM - Noon

May 26, Saturday - Wind Ensemble at CHS Graduation - Mentor Performing Arts Center
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

May 28, Monday - Hilltopper Marching Band Memorial Day Parade - 10AM - 12:15 PM

Band Camp 2018! July 23-27, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM


CRESCENDO CLUB MEETINGS
March 6, Tuesday - Crescendo Club Meeting, 7:15 PM, CHS Library
April 3, Tuesday - Crescendo Club Meeting, 7:15 PM, CHS Library
May 1, Tuesday - Crescendo Club Meeting, 7:15 PM, CHS Library


MR. IAN ODDO, STUDENT TEACHER
We are happy to have Ian Oddo from Case Western Reserve University in our Band Department. Mr. Oddo is an accomplished clarinetist and currently is performing with the Lakeland Civic Band. Mr. Oddo’s responsibilities at Chardon are: Fifth Grade Band, Sixth Grade Band, Seventh Grade Music Theory, CHS Wind Ensemble, CHS Jazz Orchestra, and CHS Pit Band. He is a 2014 graduate of Mentor High School.

​

Evita is based on the historical story of María Eva Duarte de Perón, a poor Argentinian girl who grows up to be the wife of the president of Argentina, worshipped by her people. As a young woman who longs for an acting career, fame, and fortune, Eva quickly learns that her feminine wiles hold power among a culture, and a political system, run by men. Once she makes it to Buenos Aires, Evita finds fame and power in her powers of seduction, eventually seducing the rising political figure, Juan Perón, who becomes the President of Argentina. As First Lady of Argentina, she aligns herself with the poor, winning herself, and Perón, popularity among Argentinians. Evita becomes a hero to the poor and the working class­—and an enemy to the rich. A young and unknown revolutionary, Ché, narrates the rise and fall of the beloved matriarch of the Argentinian people. This blockbuster musical, made even more famous as a 1996 Hollywood film, shows both the righteous determination, and the ruthless power, of Argentina’s 20th century matriarch.

The link sent to Infinite Campus and Gmail accounts will become active the week of  3/19/2018
​
Download the PDF

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Murray, Mr. Bandiera, or Mr. Higham at Chardon High School (440)285-4057.

​Mr. Herner's- CCP Intro to Entrepreneurship class had a round table discussion with Author and Entrepreneur Kip Marlow, and Mario Jurcic who developed his business while a student at Lakeland Community College. Both of them volunteer for the non profit LakeStart, providing support for those seeking to start a business. 

Just a reminder that the AP (Advanced Placement) Exam registration period will open on March 12. The College Board has set the AP Exam fee at $94/test this year. Your child will receive registration information during the week of 3/5. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that all students enrolled in an AP class register for the AP Exam.

​Please plan for this upcoming expense. If you feel your child qualifies for a fee reduction through College Board, please reach out to Tim Hurlbut at timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org in the Counseling Dept.

Attention seniors and parents of seniors.

If you have not submitted your senior picture for this year, be sure to get it into Mr. Hauber ASAP!
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.

Submitting your senior picture:  

• Email your picture to erik.hauber@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 the quality of the photos.

The final payment of $239 is due March 14th.  
Parent Meeting will be held on Monday, March 19th at 7:00 pm in the CHS Cafeteria.

​Payments may be:
Sent to R & E Tours, 7620 Buchanan Court, Mentor, OH  44060
Paid online:  www.randetours.com - password: nyc18
or brought in to Señora Niedzwiecki in Room 210

A resounding message from parents, staff, and community members throughout our analysis of reconfiguration has been that we need to unify as a district: in our message, in our purpose, and in our programming. We must unify as one district, because we are all Hilltoppers! Moving forward, we will be unifying under the Chardon Hilltopper brand.

As part of this effort, we are calling attention to the core values firmly established in the culture and climate of Chardon High School:

The nationally known dancing SRO has made he news again!

It was a beautiful week at CHS! Thank you for sharing your children with us! Have a great weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. --Helen Keller

Character defines the very essence of who we are, where we are, and demonstrates the pureness of our choices. At Chardon High School, we recognize the beauty of every student and every staff members' story along with seeing the value of the human spirit. Our staff emulates compassion and love to the children that they encounter each day. People often ask me, "what makes Chardon unique", and I immediately tell them that our school community epitomizes excellence in every deed, word, and lesson. Our staff teaches students to understand the value of developing meaningful relationships and ways to pay their lives forward. These lessons transcend the curriculum to develop young men and women not only for college, and careers---but for life. 

Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree. “ Our teachers express that character is much more than just reputation...it is who we are even when nobody's watching. Having a good character means doing the right thing just because it is right to do. This is the fabric that creates our outreach programs within ASAP, Core Value Team, Great Pal's, AC4P, FMP, NHS,  Interact, Student Council and other acts of servant leadership.

Every family has their own story. As you reflect upon this- you may think about those inside of your circles that hurt or may be suffering from emotional or physical ailments. Just as your own capacity for handling situations vary---the person next to you is experiencing their own story. It is so important to recognize those who might need your patience and understanding with their situation.

Just as every family has their own story, so do we at CHS as a larger family. Together, we define the paths set forth before us. We are Hilltoppers. As Hilltoppers, we climb higher than others, and model with humility our values as a beacon of hope for those that look up to us. The paths that we have faced have not been easy. There have been moments of difficulty, moments of sorrow, along with defining moments of integrity. 

We are not defined by a calendar. We are Chardon, born and raised. Defined by consistency in action and the determination to succeed by living the truth and leading the way with dignity.

Kindness resonates into every fiber of who we are. It changes us to strive towards being better, it helps us to slow down and really pay attention to who we are and what our purpose in life actually is.

Life is a journey up the side of a mountain, but we are 'Toppers. We love to live, and live to love. As Principal, it is important for me to tell you how much that you are loved.

Mr. Tim Armelli,  along with many Chardon High School students were able to visit Broadmoor School in Mentor on Friday, February 16. Broadmoor School is a school for special needs students from all of Lake County.  CHS students participated in a basketball game vs the Broadmoor Bobcats and were defeated by 3 points. All of the students from both schools had such a memorable day.  After the game, CHS students enjoyed lunch with the Broadmoor students which was followed with a tour of the facility. The students were able to observe the services provided to the students at Broadmoor. Lastly, our CHS students finished the day by assisting the teachers in the gym with physical activities for several classes. 

​We are so proud of the compassion, humility, and servant leadership that our students displayed during their visit.  Students and staff came away with a better understanding of our their uniqueness and a greater appreciation for living life to the fullest. Enclosed is a video that a Broadmoor graduate recorded during the first quarter!

Grace Kilfoyle earned the Highly Commended Delegate Award (like a silver medal) for her work in the Economic and Social Committee at the Cleveland International Model UN Conference this past weekend.  The conference was hosted by St. Edwards High School, partnered with Cleveland Council of World Affairs, and held at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.  Over 61 delegations attended with some students traveling all the way from Chile and New Zealand.  

Grace's committee focused on four issues:
(1) the question of fostering global economic partnerships
(2) integrating refugees into European society
(3) reducing religious tensions in Europe and North America
(4) the economic and social impact of currency manipulation

Grace submitted a resolution on European refugee integration that was debated and passed in committee.  Grace continues to grow and demonstrate an outstanding penchant for taking a bold approach to her Model UN experience.  Of course, she continues to be rewarded for her hard work.

Sixty members of the Chardon Science Olympiad team competed at the Mentor High School Science Olympiad Invitational on February 17, 2018. Over one thousand students representing 52 High School teams and 52 Middle School teams enjoyed a day of friendly competition.

Here is a link to pictures from this season. Science Olympiad Photos 2018 
​
Congratulations to the B Division (grades 6-9) for their overall Seventh Place trophy. Individual winners competing in the B Division are:

2ndPlace Meteorology - Brady Williams and Noah Muñoz
3rd Place Experimental Design – Brady Williams, Paige Nells and Noah Muñoz
3rd Place Potions and Poisons – Evan Germ and Paige Yamamoto
4th Place Herpetology – Brady Williams and Nathan Eads
5th Place Microbe Mission – Lailah Pugh and Callie Wainio
5th Place Solar System – Daniel Brill and Sebastian Marker
6th Place Crime Busters – Evan Germ and Paige Yamamoto
6th Place Potions and Poisons – Joseph Joaquin and Noah Badovich
6th Place Road Scholar - Brady Williams and Ian Quinn
7th Place Rocks and Minerals – Owen Vokoun and Ethan Fuerst
7th Place Wright Stuff – Michael Oh and Quintin Marker
8th Place Crime Busters - Joseph Joaquin and Noah Badovick
8th Place Towers – Graham Husek and Grace Fullum
 
Individual winners from the C Division (grades 9-12) are:
3rd Place Towers – Emily Fuerst and John Ellington
3rd Place Write It Do It – John Ellington and Megan McCartney
4th Place Rocks and Minerals – Asher Vokoun and Christen Niedzielski
5th Place Helicopters – Alex Schragal and Emily Muñoz
5th Place Mousetrap Vehicle – Alex Schragal and Josh Campbell
6th Place Mission Possible - Alex Schragal and Josh Campbell
7th Place Forensics – Asher Vokoun and Emily Muñoz
8th Place Dynamic Planet – Drew Williams and Will Kurtz
8th Place Remote Sensing – Drew Williams and Will Kurtz
  
The Chardon Science Olympiad teams thank you for your continuing support and encouragement.

By Chris Lillstrung, The News-Herald

It’s not that the effort wasn’t there before, but it wasn’t that long ago Chardon was an afterthought in swimming.

Treading lightly, classifying the Hilltoppers as a blip on the radar in comparison to other area schools in the sport might have been kind.

Forget being a blip — on the girls side, Chardon is now a major part of the discussion, seeing the fruits of building a foundation in what is a bright present and what appears to be a bright future.

The Hilltoppers may draw a few stares this weekend in Canton at the Division I state meet as a debutant with whom familiarity is starting to increase.

They will send program staples Katherine Jerry (50- and 100-yard freestyle) and Sarah Bennett (100 backstroke) and their 200 medley and 200 free relays to state, a major breakthrough given where it all began.

>> 2017-18 swimming and diving area state preview

“It’s amazing,” Jerry said. “I am so proud of (Chardon coach Matt Parrish) for building it up. Our younger kids that are coming up are doing outstanding in YMCA swimming and USA Swimming. And it’s just exciting to see such a popular sport in our community, because it wasn’t before.”

As the statistics indicate, she’s not kidding.

From 2005 to 2015, the Hilltoppers scored just two points in Cleveland State District competition, a 15th place finish in 100 butterfly in 2014 by Charlotte Sopenski, older sister of Chardon senior Jayne Sopenski, who will swim on both of the Hilltoppers’ state-qualifying relays this weekend.

In the first three years of the Premier Athletic Conference meet from 2011 to 2013, Chardon won one event (Amanda Casamatta, 500 free in 2013).

The development curve has ascended rapidly, though, under Parrish.

“Coach Matt has a summer swim league, a YMCA league,” Jerry said. “And with the Y league, you can choose to do USA Swimming as well. So a lot of those younger kids are on the Y team and on the summer league. A lot of the older kids will go to their meets and just try to encourage them. Yeah, they are doing outstanding.”

As are the current edition of Hilltoppers, whose stats on the girls side are a lot better now than the aforementioned ones.

In the last three seasons, Chardon had scored 227 points at district, including 115 at CSU on Feb. 17 to take a solid seventh.

The Hilltoppers had never had a top-five district placer on the girls side since 1999 until this past weekend, when Bennett took third in 100 back and the 200 free relay was fifth.

One of the best parts is the present is set for a little while, with Jerry a junior and Bennett a sophomore.

“That’s all I really want is to carry on what we’ve been doing and prepare it for all the little kids coming up,” Bennett said. “I have been lucky enough to coach over the summer and a little bit in the winter, and working with all these kids, it’s such as amazing process.

“And I am so proud of Matt for sticking with this team and this area, because it is difficult when you work from nothing up. It’s just such an amazing turnaround and turnover and everything. I can’t wait to see where this goes.”

There is still work to do — all of the Chardon qualifiers will have to drop some time to entertain thoughts of ‘B’ final swims on Day 2 in Canton at the state meet this year.

But it’s a start — and a glowing example of laying a foundation the right way.

“I started swimming when I was 6 years old with the Mentor Marlins,” Jerry said. “And I just had so much fun with the sport, I fell in love with it. I just went from there. I’ve never stopped since.”

Added Bennett: “It’s amazing what they are doing right now. I work with some of the little kids, and I see them at practices and stuff at times because ours overlap slightly. And just talking to them and teaching them what we already know, seeing how well they are doing is so encouraging.

“A lot of them are coming up my senior year, and it’s kind of scary that they’re already as fast as they are. I know that’s how Jayne felt about me the way I feel about them, so many young children coming up. It’s so exciting to see what we’re passing on and how they’re going to keep carrying it on and making it better and better.”

Live Swimming Results

By: Officer Mike Shaw
​
A couple of months ago, the dance team asked me to be a part of their halftime entertainment.  Since then, I joined the team for after school practices, worked with them on song choices and dance moves, and helped them get their 80's outfits together for the show.  I got to know some students that I have never met before and they, in turn, got to know the 'man behind the badge'.  The moment I walked onto the gym floor with the team this past Friday evening, I could feel the energy from the crowd begin to build.  As the team and I performed, the audience was a visual blur... everyone, that is, except our student section.  I could clearly see the excitement, happiness, laughter, and surprise on each and every one of their faces as I attempted to complete my dance moves.  It was at that very moment that I knew my reason for taking part had worked - our students had been thoroughly entertained!  The fact that the video has gone mildly viral is just a bonus.  I know the dance team is very thankful to be in the spotlight for a little while - bringing attention to the hard work they put into design routines, perform at our basketball games, and take part in national and regional competitions.  I hope you all enjoyed my moment of silliness... while I can't promise it to be the last thing I do like this, I can promise you won't have to suffer through watching me try to dance anytime soon!

The last several months have provided the district the opportunity to discuss ways to maintain and grow programs while being fiscally responsible. Chardon High School has worked extensively to provide our students, staff, and community members information about ways that our school will meet the needs of all students next year. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to run our day-to-day tasks while communicating with our new students and families. Please read the enclosed document from Dr. Hanlon.

​

7th Grade Parent Night
 
7th grade parent night will take place on March 6. The informational session will be held in the high school gymnasium and will begin at 6:30 pm. The high school counselors will address the transition to the high school building as well as any scheduling questions you may have. ​

Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi spent his life working to fight discrimination and poverty against Indians, both at his home in India and for 20 years in South Africa. He was a leader in the Indian independence movement from Britain and a pioneer in non-violent protests. He chose nonviolence as a method of resistance because he never believed violence was the answer to what’s best.

Gandhi had these 10 Words of Wisdom:

1. Be the Change

“Be the change you wish to see in the world,” said Gandhi. He communicates with great simplicity the potential we all have to make change. If we want to see more kindness, then our acts of kindness will inspire others to do the same. If we want to see that no one goes hungry, then we can find a way to provide food to those in need. With any change we’d like to see, no matter how small or big, we can take the first step – create a website, start a group, or write to our Congressman. It may seem small at first but taking a stand for something and enrolling others in the cause, can lead to a movement and make real change in the world.

2. What You Think You Become

“A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes,” Gandhi said. Learning to recognize and stop thoughts that don’t serve us can be life-changing. Our often habitual, self-sabotaging thoughts that come from certain beliefs that we have about ourselves create fear and resistance. Mastering our thoughts helps guide us to where we want to go. Learning to control the nature of our negative thoughts and then turning them around to more positive ones will help attract what we want.

3. Where There is Love There is Life

When life becomes chaotic, stressful and hard in general, focusing less on the fear of the situation and more on the love around us helps ease the pain. Love is there for us in many forms, a romantic relationship, a parent and child, a friendship, a kind gesture from a stranger, or an unexpected smile. Love makes us feel alive and is the most enduring and constant in all that changes in life. We are all united through love’s power, and its energy compels us to reach out to one another, transcending hatred, fear and suffering with peace, joy and harmony.

4. Learn As If You’ll Live Forever

When Dr. Suess said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” he understood, as Gandhi did, that to learn is to grow. Each day brings an opportunity to expand ourselves by reading, taking classes, asking questions, and listening to others. We can view learning as a great adventure and soak up all the knowledge and wisdom that surrounds us. The gift to learn is always there and to be taught and to teach enriches life.

5. Your Health is Your Real Wealth

We have all experienced sickness and some of us even a chronic disease or devastating illness. All we can think about is getting better. To wake up in the morning and feel good, with no pain, rested and ready for the day, is a great day. Once we do not feel ourselves or can’t get around, is when we long to be healthy again, and no matter how wealthy we are, we would give away all our riches, to be well again. Feeling good and energetic means that we can go to work, pursue our goals, be happy and have relationships. No amount of money can replace our true wealth, our health.

6. Have a Sense of Humor

A sense of humor is a great thing to have and needed in so many situations where we may be “sweating the small stuff”. When we are around people who make us laugh, it’s so refreshing. Life can become all about the chores and responsibilities and not about having fun and being happy. Laughter is a relief for so many situations and makes us feel alive. When was the last time you had a really good laugh? Perhaps a good sitcom or funny movie with family and friends is in order for a change in perspective.

7. Your Life is Your Message

What beautiful words, “your life is your message!” How we choose to live life is a model for the young and old. But we don’t always see it this way, do we? But maybe it’s good to ask yourself how people see you? Do they respect you? Admire you? Want to be around you? Seek your advice? How people respond to you can be so telling in how you are being in the world. It is interesting to stop and think about how we are being in the world instead of always thinking about what we are doing in the world. This knowledge can be quite revealing.

8. Action Expresses Priorities

Gandhi’s words above go right along with Johann von Goethe’s words, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” What we do with our days tells us what we are committed to, good or bad. For example, if someone has a dream of writing a book and it’s something that is of great importance to them, then writing everyday would be the appropriate action. But so many times, we get caught up in other things, sidetracked on the way to fulfilling our deepest desires. So the book becomes at the mercy of taking care of everything else in life and 20 years may go by and something so important was lost. Thinking about what we are making a priority in life is a great exercise.

9. Our Greatness is Being Able to Remake Ourselves

At any time, we can reinvent ourselves. If one day we choose to give-up the career we have had for over 25 years for something entirely new, we have that power. We may have to work to get there, either prepare ourselves financially or pursue additional schooling, but we can turn our lives in another direction, a better direction for ourselves. This is what makes us great! Anything is possible in our life, and we are limitless to what we can do.

10. Find Yourself in the Service of Others
​
Gandhi’s life was surely a life of service. He chose to take a stand against discrimination and poverty for his people, and he succeeded. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “…Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.” We have the ability to help others and what a gratifying feeling it is to know what a difference we are making in someone’s life. The virtue of service takes us out of ourselves which can be the perfect healing for what ails us. Being of service can help others and change lives, even our own.

Interested in traveling and earning credit at the same time?  If so, join us as we travel to Spain, southern France, and Italy in June 2019.  We are having an informational meeting Thursday, March 8 at 7p.m. in media center.  Come see what it's all about!  Any questions, please see Senora Tekavec in room 204 and Mrs. Ptasznik in room 400.

Just a reminder that the ski trip planned to Holiday Valley Ski Resort in New York is fast approaching. The day trip is planned for Saturday, March 3 and is open to all students at the high school. Students do NOT have to be part of ski club to participate in this opportunity.  Now I know what you might be thinking as you look out to your backyard... the weather has not been particularly favorable for skiing. But conditions on the slopes are far better than you would expect. And students attending the trip will have 9 hours to enjoy the trails at Holiday Valley.

If your son/daughter is interested please see the attached file for more details, including an overview of the itinerary for the day. Please notify Alison Fisher by the end of the day on Friday, February 23 if your son/daughter plans to attend the trip and/or have your child turn in her registration form. If there are not 20 students planning to attend the trip by Friday afternoon the trip will be canceled. For any questions, please contact alison.fisher@chardonschools.org

Course Lists

Last week, the School Counselors and Administration collaborated in presenting our course offerings to each grade level during Topper Time.  I am enclosing the course selection sheets that were provided to your child(ren). These documents will create great talking points as the scheduling process begins.

I am so grateful to our School Counselors- Nikki Hetrick, Lacey Jacobs, and Tim Hurlbut for their efforts in refining the presentations. 

chs_18-19_course_lists_-_freshman__1_.pdf
Download File

chs_18-19_course_lists_-_juniors.pdf
Download File

chs_18-19_course_lists_-_sophomores.pdf
Download File

chs_18-19_course_lists_-_seniors.pdf
Download File
​
Ignite Your Career!

Today’s students are facing very difficult choices as they graduate from high school.  Most people believe that without a college education, students will not be able to get the jobs they want and need in order to support themselves.   Yet, the amount of debt that these students face is staggering – and sometimes students are still not able to find good jobs that are satisfying and supporting of a reasonable lifestyle.  AND - there are many good jobs available that need a different kind of training.   These jobs can appeal to students who are not interested in college - at least right now - they can offer good pay and benefits and good opportunities for growth.  

Geauga Growth Partnership and the Geauga County business community is working on this issue and there are some exciting possibilities right here in our county.  We believe this can be a help to you in meeting State-mandated career education opportunities. We’re offering food, some great speakers, and an opportunity to meet individually with local business leaders to discuss options that will benefit your students.  We’re hoping you will continue to help us get the word out to as many people as possible so that they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Ignite Your Career! is more than a symposium, more than a job fair, and it can give students and their parents some crucial information as they consider options in this increasingly complicated world of work.

University of Akron

The University of Akron’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Section is planning a high school shadow day on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 8 am to 2pm.
 
Shadow Day is a great way for female students interested in engineering to tour a college campus and attend actual engineering courses. The day would start at 8 am and would include a welcome breakfast where the high schoolers will meet the engineering student that they will be shadowing, at least one college/engineering class, campus-dorm-classroom tour, and end the day with lunch –mingling with more female engineering students and faculty. 

Members of SWE will be hosting the event and the students during the day. SWE was founded in 1960 to help promote diversity in engineering. This is a national organization that advocates women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and as leaders. Our section at The University of Akron provides a variety of events including social, outreach, community service and professional development. We provide a community that supports women engineers 110%. 

If you have any future women engineers who are interested in coming to the University of Akron to shadow a college student for a day, please have them fill out the survey using the link below:

 High School Shadow Day Survey

High school students will need to provide their own transportation to and from The University of Akron.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have.  My email is hyg1@zips.uakron.edu.

 Final Forms

FinalForms allows you to complete and sign athletic participation forms for your student-athlete(s). The most exciting news is that FinalForms saves data from season-to-season and year-to-year, meaning that you will never need to enter the same information twice! FinalForms also pre-populates information wherever possible, for each of your students, saving you time and eliminating the need to enter information twice.

You will need to review your information once per school year to verify information is current and sign the forms.

Click on the Parent Playbook (ATTACHED) to get started in FinalForms. If you require any support during the process, scroll to the page bottom and click “Use Support”.


We are asking that ALL parents of athletes use FinalForms. 
​Please register at https://chardon-oh.finalforms.com  now and electronically complete ALL forms!


If your son/daughter has a current physical on file, it is still valid for one calendar year, as always.  Please do complete all medical information on Finalforms, and it will repopulate to future seasons and school years.


Thank you in advance for your assistance in streamlining our paperwork processes for CHS Athletics.

Shining Star CLE

Great news! Due to the overwhelming popularity of the competition, we have added three new Northeast Ohio counties, in addition to Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Medina & Summit, students from Ashtabula, Lorain & Portage may now participate as well. 

Free to Enter and All Genres of Music are Welcome! 

It's easy! All your students have to do to start their Shining Star CLE journey is upload their 
video auditions to shiningstarcle.org 
between April 1 and July 1, 2018.
 
For any questions, or to learn about  Shining Star CLE 2018, please visit our websiteshiningstarcle.org or call 216-910-2652. Please help spread the word and forward this email to staff/students/parents from your school!

This was a very robust Week in Reflection.

Thank you for sharing your children with us. They are a gift. Remember that, and have a beautiful weekend!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Today’s students are facing very difficult choices as they graduate from high school.  Most people believe that without a college education, students will not be able to get the jobs they want and need in order to support themselves.   Yet, the amount of debt that these students face is staggering – and sometimes students are still not able to find good jobs that are satisfying and supporting of a reasonable life style.  AND - there are many good jobs available that need a different kind of training.   These jobs can appeal to students who are not interested in college - at least right now - they can offer good pay and benefits and good opportunities for growth.  

Geauga Growth Partnership and the Geauga County business community is working on this issue and there are some exciting possibilities right here in our county.  We believe this can be a help to you in meeting State-mandated career education opportunities. We’re offering food, some great speakers, and an opportunity to meet individually with local business leaders to discuss options that will benefit your students.  We’re hoping you will continue to help us get the word out to as many people as possible so that they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Ignite Your Career! is more than a symposium, more than a job fair, and it can give students and their parents some crucial information as they consider options in this increasingly complicated world of work.

The University of Akron’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Section is planning a high school shadow day on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 from 8 am to 2pm.
 
Shadow Day is great way for female students interested in engineering to tour a college campus and attend actual engineering courses. The day would start at 8 am and would include a welcome breakfast where the high schoolers will meet the engineering student that they will be shadowing, at least one college/engineering class, campus-dorm-classroom tour, and end the day with lunch –mingling with more female engineering students and faculty. 

Members of SWE will be hosting the event and the students during the day. SWE was founded in 1960 to help promote diversity in engineering. This is a national organization that advocates women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and as leaders. Our section at The University of Akron provides a variety of events including social, outreach, community service and professional development. We provide a community that supports women engineers 110%. 

If you have any future women engineers who are interested in coming to the University of Akron to shadow a college student for a day, please have them fill out the survey using the link below:

 High School Shadow Day Survey

High school students will need to provide their own transportation to and from The University of Akron.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have.  My email is hyg1@zips.uakron.edu.

Is stress making you frustrated and irritable? Stress relievers can help restore calm and serenity to your chaotic life. You don't have to invest a lot of time or thought into stress relievers. If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.

Get active

Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you're not an athlete or you're out of shape, exercise can still be a good stress reliever. Physical activity can pump up your feel-good endorphins and other natural neural chemicals that enhance your sense of well-being. Exercise can also refocus your mind on your body's movements, which can improve your mood and help the day's irritations fade away. Consider walking, jogging, gardening, housecleaning, biking, swimming, weightlifting or anything else that gets you active.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself. Aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Some people may deal with stress by drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, eating too much, or using illicit substances. These can affect your health in unhealthy ways.

Meditate or Pray

During this mindfulness , you focus your attention and quiet the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Meditation can instill a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

Laugh more

A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but it can help you feel better, even if you have to force a fake laugh through your grumpiness. When you laugh, it not only lightens your mental load but also causes positive physical changes in your body. Laughter fires up and then cools down your stress response. So read some jokes, tell some jokes, watch a comedy or hang out with your funny friends.

Connect with others

When you're stressed and irritable, your instinct may be to wrap yourself in a cocoon. Instead, reach out to family and friends and make social connections. Social contact is a good stress reliever because it can offer distraction, provide support and help you tolerate life's up and downs. So take a coffee break with a friend, email a relative or visit your place of worship.

Got more time? Considering volunteering for a charitable group and help yourself while helping others.

Assert yourself

​You might want to do it all, but you can't, at least not without paying a price. Learning to say no or being willing to delegate can help you manage your to-do list and your stress. Saying yes may seem like an easy way to keep the peace, prevent conflicts and get the job done right. But it may actually cause you internal conflict because your needs and those of your family come second, which can lead to stress, anger, resentment and even the desire to exact revenge. And that's not a very calm and peaceful reaction.

Try yoga

​With its series of postures and controlled-breathing exercises, yoga is a popular stress reliever. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines which may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. Yoga can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Try yoga on your own or find a class — you can find classes in most communities. 

Get enough sleep

Stress can cause you to have trouble falling asleep. When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep can suffer. But sleep is the time when your brain and body recharge. The quality and amount of sleep you get can affect your mood, energy level, concentration and overall functioning. If you have sleep troubles, make sure that you have a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine, listen to soothing music, put clocks away, and stick to a consistent schedule.

Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a good release for otherwise pent-up emotions. Don't think about what to write — just let it happen. Write whatever comes to mind. No one else needs to read it, so don't strive for perfection in grammar or spelling. Just let your thoughts flow on paper — or computer screen. 

Music

​Listening to or playing music is a good stress reliever because it can provide a mental distraction, reduce muscle tension and decrease stress hormones. Crank up the volume and let your mind be absorbed by the music. If music isn't one of your interests, turn your attention to another hobby you enjoy, such as gardening, sewing, sketching — anything that requires you to focus on what you're doing rather than what you think you should be doing.

Seek counseling

If new stressors are challenging your ability to cope or if self-care measures just aren't relieving your stress, you may need to look for reinforcements in the form of therapy or counseling. Therapy also may be a good idea if you feel overwhelmed or trapped, if you worry excessively, or if you have trouble carrying out daily routines or meeting responsibilities at work, home or school. Professional counselors or therapists can help you identify sources of your stress and learn new coping tools.

This week and into next, the School Counselors are presenting to the students in grades 9, 10, and 11th pertaining to the scheduling process.

The presentations will be as follows: 

Current freshmen - Friday 2/9
Current sophomores - Monday 2/12
Current juniors - Tuesday 2/13 ​

I am so grateful to our School Counselors- Nikki Hetrick, Lacey Jacobs, and Tim Hurlbut for their efforts in refining the presentations. 

The Chardon Science Olympiad teams participated in the Solon Science Olympiad Invitational on February 3, 2018. Solon welcomed 66 High School teams and 46 Middle School teams to their campus for a full day of competition.

​Congratulations to the B Division (grades 6-9) for their overall Fourth Place trophy. Individual winners competing in the B Division are:

1st Place Meteorology - Brady Williams and Noah Muñoz
1st Place Thermodynamics - Daniel Brill and Zane Kuhnle
4th Place Rocks and Minerals - Owen Vokoun and Ethan Fuerst
6th Place Experimental Design – Brady Williams, Paige Nells and Noah Muñoz
7th Place Anatomy – Paige Yamamoto and Jillian Morrison
7th Place Ecology – Paige Nells and Jason Watson
7th Place Mystery Architecture – Daniel Brill and Paige Nells
7th Place Write It, Do It – Paige Yamamoto and Elise Cousens
8th Place Herpetology – Brady Williams and Thomas Tomasch
8th Place Solar System – Daniel Brill and Sebastian Marker


Individual winners from the C Division (grades 9-12) are:
2nd Place Remote Sensing – Drew Williams and Heather Humbert
3rd Place Rocks and Minerals – Asher Vokoun and Christen Niedzielski
7th Place Helicopters – Alex Schragal and Emily Muñoz
8th Place Experimental Design – Serena Gromack, Drew Williams and Heather Humbert


The Chardon Science Olympiad teams thank you for your support and encouragement.
​
Here is a link to the photographs from this season Science Olympiad Photos 2018

Attention Parents, Teens!
 
Geauga Growth Partnership is hosting an exciting, high-energy Event, designed to connect Geauga students with Geauga businesses.


Register NOW for this FREE Event
 
GGP Presents the 2nd Annual
Ignite Your Career! Pathways to Success for Students
Monday, March 5th - 6:00-8:30 PM
Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center, 13000 Auburn Road, Chardon.
 
Registration is required.
Parents & Students, register at this link for this Free event.
More than a symposium | More than a job fair
 

Students: This evening is designed for You ...
to light your path to opportunities that will guide your education plans, career plans and more. Graduating Seniors: Bring your resumes for an opportunity to meet with employers.
- Learn and explore the many pathways to building a fulfilling career.
- Explore career options across multiple industries
- Learn about education & training options, and tuition reimbursement programs
- Talk one-on-one with a broad selection of Geauga County companies
- Learn how to make a career decision
​
Parents: Discover multiple ways for funding your child's education and guiding them toward their greatest potential.
 

Featuring guest speaker Mr. Jesse Srpan, owner and president of Raw Iron Choppers, who has made a career and built a business around what he loves.
 

Not yet 30 years old, this Geauga native has a thriving business building custom motorcycles, while working as a welding instructor for Lakeland Community College. He knew by the time he was 13 that he loved welding and building bikes, and with his father's encouragement and support, built his skills sets around these passions. He developed his own shop Newbury Township. Jesse was the 2014 winner of Discovery Channel's #Bikerlive (Rust belt episode-ohio).
​

Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal