Open House![]() Monday was quite a meaningful night at Chardon High School. Throughout the course of the evening, parents followed their son(s) and daughter(s) schedules to meet the teachers. This was a change in format this year from the typical Open House "meet and greet". Teachers and parents were able to spend nine minutes in each classroom. Each teacher had the time to pace their conversation with each group to cover curricular content, course autonomy, and targeted outcomes for the year. We had great feedback from staff and parents and plan to continue the format in the future. Moving forward, I love the idea of starting the evening at 5:30 (in the gym as a group) to meet the Admin, go over the schedule, school nuances, routines, and procedures prior to heading off to the classrooms to meet the teachers. Thank you for sharing the evening with us, and we look forward to seeing you at the many events that we have scheduled this year! Topper Time![]() This week we started the inaugural Topper Time at Chardon High School. I cannot express in simple words how grateful I am to the students and staff for creating such a seamless transition to this purposeful time. All ninth graders reported to Freshman Mentoring with their advisors, and throughout the building students were engaging in numerous opportunities with the teachers and their peers without the stress of a grade attached. It was awesome to see all the grade levels collaborating during enrichment activities, exploring new opportunities in learning, walking the track with teachers, and digging into complex problem solving with their content teachers. One of the greatest moments was hearing how one of our seniors is interested in creating a Topper Time to start a student centered Ted Talk Room...where students present new ideas to their peers are share topics that most interest them in a presentation style forum. I am so proud of our kids! We have such influential teachers that draw the best out of our students. Soon and very soon, we may see you as a guest speaker at one of our Topper Times! Block DaysBlock Days are a combination of the creative design of Jackson Pollack meeting the sounds of Simon and Garfunkel. It is a beautiful sound of silence. What do I mean by this? Well, the bells are limited and inside of each classroom, teachers are engaging students deeper into content. It is a breath of fresh air to see quietness within the framework of the day, but what is even greater is to see how the time is being used in the classroom. Walking the halls, you won't be able to see much--yet, inside of the classrooms--students are collaborating, facilitating learning, and teachers are digging deeper into the standards of their curriculum. The seniors are working on their college application essays--drafting, work-shopping, revising--in their English classes. Guidance is visiting senior English classes to discuss the college application process/Naviance. As part of their preparation for the future, seniors English students also create personal websites. The picture (above) is from Government (Financial Literacy). Students are using the 7 Principles of Economic Decision Making to make a significant decision, such as what college to attend or what car to buy. Late Start WednesdayIt is very important to thank Dr. Kelly Moran, her staff and parents for their assistance in creating a smooth traffic flow every Wednesday morning. The Chardon High School Administration has worked with Chief Niehus, Transportation, and Dr. Hanlon in order to improve transportation and morning procedures each day. Tardies have been minimal at the high school. Students know that they should plan and prepare for their departure each morning and use the appropriate roads and documented speed limits. In order to streamline parent drop off on Wednesday, we are asking parents to follow the enclosed drop-off procedures. CHS Procedures for Wednesday Morning (ONLY) 1. All students who arrive after 8:45 AM should use Canfield to enter the student lot. 2. All parents dropping off their children should enter the main drive and pull forward. After your son(s)/daughter(s) are dropped off---please depart down the Alcan beyond the stadium adjacent to the Middle School. Parents will enter North St via the middle school driveway. CMS is in session during our start time. Mr. Bandiera will stand their to assist parents. What we are noticing are cars driving back into the traffic on Chardon Avenue inadvertently causing some delays for cars turning onto Maple Avenue. 3. Mr. Higham will continue to assist students crossing the student lot. Likewise, Mr. Murray will continue to direct traffic into the main driveway. Thank you for helping us with this adjustment to the morning commute. CHS School ProfileEuropean TourWe are pleased to announce a 2018 European Adventure to Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Paris next summer, JUNE of 2018! This 13 day tour includes Munich and Bavaria, Lucerne and the Alps, Venice through northern Italy, and the amazing city of Paris and Versailles. This trip is open to ALL CHS students. An Information meeting will be after the MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT on MONDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2017 in the CHS Learning Center (Library) at 7:35pm. Please email Kristen Niedzwiecki, Tour Leader & CHS Spanish Teacher for more information and click on the links below for details. Mrs. Niedzwiecki´s Web Site TOUR INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION Sport UpdateBoys Cross Country finished 2nd, 15 points behind (59 vs 74) last years DII State Champions at the McDonald Billy Goat Challenge. Nate Kawalec took the individual title, winning by over 30 seconds. Brian Horton (Jr) was our Athlete of the Week finishing 10th overall in the meet. Conservation Scholarship Applications should include: •A letter expressing interest in being considered for the scholarship including your contact information (address, phone, e-mail). •An essay of 500 – 1000 words that describes how your project or activities demonstrate the importance of conservation to you. •Letter of recommendation from a teacher, student advisor, volunteer coordinator, employer or parent. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Sunday September 17, 2017 Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Sunday October 15th 2017. Public announcement of the scholarship will take place at the 2017 Protect Geauga Parks Conservation Heroes Reception on November 12, 2017. Those awarded scholarships will be invited to attend the Reception to accept the award. Submit your application via e-mail to: pgpscholarship@gmail.com. Or submit hard copy to: Protect Geauga Parks, PO Box 1064, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Questions? Contact: pgpscholarship@gmail.com before September 15, 2017 A Message from Jan Hoffman: School Nurse Senior Parents: Ohio revised code requires all students entering the 12th grade have two doses of the meningococcal vaccine with the second dose being administered on or after their 16th birthday. A student receiving their first dose after their 16th birthday are not required to receive a second dose. Vaccinations can be obtained by private physician, minute clinic or urgent care center, or the Geauga Health District. They have a vaccination clinic on August 10 and September 14 from 3-6 p.m. You can call them at (440) 279-1950 for more information Proof of vaccination must be provided by September 15, 2017 or the student risks being excluded from school. HB410: Truancy, Attendance, and Hours In December 2016, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 410 to encourage and support a preventative approach to excessive absences and truancy. After careful review, our district is implementing guidelines contained in House Bill 410 in order to help support academic success of our students and partner with families to identify and reduce barriers to regular school attendance. Beginning with our 2017-18 school year the following changes will be taking place.
*Notifications to the family will be sent prior to the triggering absences above through Infinite Campus communications. If a student is “habitually truant” our district will follow these guidelines to work with the student and their families.
These changes are taking place because we know that it is important for every student in Ohio to attend school every day. Missing too much school has long-term, negative effects on students, such as lower achievement and graduation rates. We also know that there are many reasons students miss school and want to make sure we are identifying and supporting students who may need extra support and services. We are sure these changes will help increase attendance rates to help students’ progress in mastering knowledge and skills necessary to graduate from high school prepared for higher education and the workforce. Other changes that are implemented due to House Bill 410 related to student discipline include:
Core Values in ActionChardon understands the importance of solidarity. Over the last several years, our community has benefitted from the charitable acts of kindness from people near and afar. Throughout our most difficult moments, we persevered with dignity, respect, and hope. What transpired from these moments were the pillars of our core values: Community, Humility, Achievement, Respect, Optimism, and Nurture. As a community, we have responded internally, locally, nationally, and globally to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Over the past week, countless students and staff have thought of innovative and impactful ways to respond to our brothers and sisters throughout Houston, Texas and the surrounding communities. What has transpired are many extraordinary ideas that will continue our outreach: Senior Projects, Blood Drives, and potentially adopting a school. One of the greatest ways that we can make the most impact is a league wide focus. WRC Challenge Several CHS coaches have been contacted by coaches in Texas requesting support to help their school programs replace equipment through financial, or tangible outcomes. We are all well aware that this is going to be a long recovery, and will take months to sort through--just like Hurricane Katrina. We also know that Houston is in a State of Massive Emergency and many people are creating ways to support them. In the meantime, we know that creating a sense of normalcy is essential for their recovery. After reflecting, we thought---Let's come together as a league and challenge each other to meet the needs of these programs in Houston and surrounding areas. Remember the impact that CHS received during the Madison v Chardon game when both teams stood in solidarity. That moment helped our students be a kid again, together. Likewise, that moment was just as meaningful for Madison. Coming together, the WRC could adopt schools and help kids be kids again and unite their communities. We are in the preliminary planning with this initiative. There are a lot of details that need to be sorted out. In the meantime, consider ways that you might want to join us in supporting our neighbors. Two Seniors are working on ways to define their Senior Project around organizing this initiative. Please take the time to read the information that was sent out by FEMA this week: HOW TO HELP DISASTER SURVIVORS IN TEXAS August 29, 2017 The compassion and generosity of the American people is never more evident than during and after a disaster. It is individuals, non-profits, faith- and community-based organizations, private sector partners, and governmental agencies working together that will most effectively and efficiently help survivors cope with the impacts of Tropical Storm Harvey. Please follow a few important guidelines below to ensure your support can be the most helpful for Tropical Storm Harvey disaster survivors. TO DONATE TO RELIEF EFFORTS The most effective way to support disaster survivors in their recovery is to donate money and time to trusted, reputable, voluntary or charitable organizations. Cash donations offer voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations the most flexibility to address urgently developing needs. With cash in hand, these organizations can obtain needed resources nearer to the disaster location. This inflow of cash also pumps money back into the local economy and helps local businesses recover faster. Please do not donate unsolicited goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, medicine, or perishable foodstuffs at this time. When used personal items are donated, the helping agencies must redirect their staff away from providing direct services to survivors in order to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors. Donate through a trusted organization. At the national level, many voluntary-, faith- and community-based organizations are active in disasters, and are trusted ways to donate to disaster survivors. Individuals, corporations, and volunteers, can learn more about how to help on the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website. In addition to the national members, The Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD) has a list of vetted disaster relief organizations providing services to survivors. Texas VOAD represents more than three dozen faith-based, community, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. TO PERSONALLY VOLUNTEER IN THE DISASTER AREAS The State of Texas is asking volunteers to not self-deploy, as unexpectedly showing up to any of the communities that have been impacted by Hurricane Harvey will create an additional burden for first responders. The National VOAD has also noted the situation may not be conducive to volunteers entering the impacted zone and individuals may find themselves turned away by law enforcement. To ensure volunteer safety, as well as the safety of disaster survivors, volunteers should only go into affected areas with a specific volunteer assignment, proper safety gear, and valid identification. At this time, potential volunteers are asked to register with a voluntary or charitable organization of their choice, many of which are already in Texas and supporting survivors on the ground. The National and Texas VOAD websites are offering links to those who wish to register to volunteer with community- and faith-based organizations working in the field. Most importantly, please be patient. Although the need is great, and desire to help strong, it is important to avoid donating material goods or self-deploying to help until communities are safe and public officials and disaster relief organizations have had an opportunity to assess the damage and identify what the specific unmet needs are. Volunteer generosity helps impacted communities heal from the tragic consequences of disasters, but recovery lasts much longer than today. There will be volunteer needs for many months, and years, after the disaster, so sign up now. Tropical Storm Harvey is still dangerous, with the potential to impact additional areas of Texas and Louisiana. As the situation changes, needs may also change in these areas. Continue monitoring traditional and social media channels to learn more. In other News...Congratulations to CHS 2017 Homecoming Court: Kelley Bolden & Dylan Hemly Clara Kalis & Jimmy Cicero Ally Malloy & Grant Goodge Kirsten Henry & Connor Prusha Kayla Benjamin & Neil Patel Homecoming Weekend is September 15 (Game) , and 16 (Dance) More details to come... ...continueCongratulations to the new CHS French Club officers: President: Emma Jackson Vice President: Kaitlyn King Treasurer: Antonio Tolo If your children take French, ask them about their opportunity to travel to Quebec in June, 2018, or contact Shannon Dalton for more information: shannon.dalton@chardonschools.org Congratulations! Freshman Class Officers Louisa Piotrkowski Annie Sweet Catherine Condon Cade McDevitt The Week AheadMonday, September 4: Labor Day (NO SCHOOL) Tuesday, September 5: White Day- Periods 1-3, Topper Time, 4-7 Wednesday, September 6: Red Day (Late Start) Periods 2, 4, 6 Thursday, September 7: Black Day - Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 Friday, September 8: White Day- Periods 1-3, Topper Time, 4-7 Have a wonderful weekend with your families and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal 8/24/2017 The @chs_dmurray: Week in ReflectionThe week in an imageIt is really hard to express (in simple words) what a phenomenal week that we all experienced at CHS. We had a solar eclipse, class meetings, scheduling Topper Time, our first late start, Teacher Professional Learning Communities, our first block schedule experience, Leadership Camp, our first home games, Freshman Mentoring, a motivational speaker, and Topper Dogs...oh yeah, and extraordinary depths of learning in the new time that we have at CHS. This week, I choose to make a video to highlight the week. A Video Week in ReflectionTopper TimeOpen House: Meet the TeachersOpen House: Meet the Teachers/Mini-Class Night The purpose of this evening is for meaningful interactions with our parents. Parents will follow their student's schedule. Parent's, please follow your student's schedule by logging into Infinite Campus and clicking on the schedule tab. We are encouraging students to write down their schedules or having their parents print a copy. Adults, and students will assist parents navigate the building. Teachers will have (9) minute classes to go through expectations, curricular goals, and answer questions within a controlled environment. The bell will ring with a (4) minute passing time. Parents will follow their son(s) and/or daughter(s) schedule. Throughout the evening, parents many head to the cafeteria to enjoy refreshments, and learn more about clubs and activities. 6:00-6:03 (In 1st Period) PA Announcements 1st: 6:03-6:12 2nd: 6:16-6:25 3rd: 6:29- 6:38 4th: 6:42-6:51 5th: 6:55- 7:04 6th: 7:08- 7:17 7th: 7:21-7:30 Cafeteria Open during all OFF periods. See you, Monday. European TourWe are pleased to announce a 2018 European Adventure to Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Paris next summer, JUNE of 2018! This 13 day tour includes Munich and Bavaria, Lucerne and the Alps, Venice through northern Italy, and the amazing city of Paris and Versailles. This trip is open to ALL CHS students. An Information meeting will be after the MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT on MONDAY, AUGUST 28th, 2017 in the CHS Learning Center (Library) at 7:35pm. Please email Kristen Niedzwiecki, Tour Leader & CHS Spanish Teacher for more information and click on the links below for details. Mrs. Niedzwiecki´s Web Site TOUR INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION Conservation ScholarshipHow to apply for a scholarship Applications should include: •A letter expressing interest in being considered for the scholarship including your contact information (address, phone, e-mail). •An essay of 500 – 1000 words that describes how your project or activities demonstrate the importance of conservation to you. •Letter of recommendation from a teacher, student advisor, volunteer coordinator, employer or parent. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Sunday September 17, 2017 Applicants will be notified of the status of their application by Sunday October 15th 2017. Public announcement of the scholarship will take place at the 2017 Protect Geauga Parks Conservation Heroes Reception on November 12, 2017. Those awarded scholarships will be invited to attend the Reception to accept the award. Submit your application via e-mail to: pgpscholarship@gmail.com. Or submit hard copy to: Protect Geauga Parks, PO Box 1064, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Questions? Contact: pgpscholarship@gmail.com before September 15, 2017 A Message from Jan Hoffman: School NurseSenior Parents! Ohio revised code requires all students entering the 12th grade have two doses of the meningococcal vaccine with thesecond dose being administered on or after their 16th birthday. A student receiving their first dose after their 16th birthday are not required to receive a second dose. Vaccinations can be obtained by private physician, minute clinic or urgent care center, or the Geauga Health District. They have a vaccination clinic on August 10 and September 14 from 3-6 p.m. You can call them at (440) 279-1950 for more information Proof of vaccination must be provided by September 15, 2017 or the student risks being excluded from school. HB410: Truancy, Attendance, and HoursIn December 2016, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 410 to encourage and support a preventative approach to excessive absences and truancy. After careful review, our district is implementing guidelines contained in House Bill 410 in order to help support academic success of our students and partner with families to identify and reduce barriers to regular school attendance. Beginning with our 2017-18 school year the following changes will be taking place.
*Notifications to the family will be sent prior to the triggering absences above through Infinite Campus communications. If a student is “habitually truant” our district will follow these guidelines to work with the student and their families.
These changes are taking place because we know that it is important for every student in Ohio to attend school every day. Missing too much school has long-term, negative effects on students, such as lower achievement and graduation rates. We also know that there are many reasons students miss school and want to make sure we are identifying and supporting students who may need extra support and services. We are sure these changes will help increase attendance rates to help students’ progress in mastering knowledge and skills necessary to graduate from high school prepared for higher education and the workforce. Other changes that are implemented due to House Bill 410 related to student discipline include:
Change is Hard; Our Response shouldn't beIf it is not broken, why fix it? We have heard this line over and over again growing up. Outsiders looking in may ask this question when seeing the structural changes that we have made with our new bell schedule at Chardon High School. You may say, or even talk amongst your circles about this very topic. You may even be a multi-generational graduate of the school wondering the same thing. Change can be hard at any time, or at any place. Working the "trenches" everyday provides educators constant realities. Over several decades we have graduated thousands of students who have become successful. The real underlying question remains: How have we met the needs of all of our students, all of their skills, and all of our teachers targeted outcomes for students? This is not a trick question. We are good, but we strive for greatness. Over sixteen months of evidence based research, field studies, and preserving Chardon's most autonomous attributes became the vision of our hybrid bell schedule. The work of our task force is now in full action research mode. Gauging students and staff becomes the lens that impacts the events, behaviors, and outcomes that we define at Chardon. Our values are strong and our commitment to provide high achievement for all students--where learning is our most important work-- becomes the verb that defines the behaviors that we choose. Recently, many administrators had the opportunity to listen and engage with Tim Kight. Tim Kight is the Chief Executive Officer of Focus 3, which focuses on helping organizations align the power of leaders culture and behavior to achieve results. He has worked closely with leaders like Urban Meyer of Ohio State University to maximize their results. Tim's energy, insight, and clarity provided a lot of insight to what we are currently establishing with the Leadership---Behaviors----Culture---and outcomes at Chardon High School. He talked about change and how to choose our response to the events that we are faced in life and the outcomes that we long to receive from them. The equation is simple: E+R= O. An event + our response (positive/ or negative)= our outcomes. This simple equation is not new. Yet, when we really reflect on any event in our life...any positive or negative moment...and really choose to be proactive with our responses...the outcomes are extraordinary. As we transition into the first full week of the year...pause...reflect...and respond. Choose your response and the outcomes are endless towards making meaningful memories or creating reactive responses. Be the best version of yourself today, and make someone's day brighter.
Douglas Murray Principal 8/23/2017 Wednesday UpdateHybrid ScheduleFriends and Families: The opening to our first late arrival was very successful. Our students and staff are becoming very acclimated to the new schedule. I know that I have sent many communications, been on the announcements, posted on Twitter, and have talked to students, staff, and parents face to face about the hybrid schedule. Today is the first time in school history that we experienced a regularly scheduled class day with ninety minutes of learning/period. Our teachers are engaging students in project based learning, labs, hands-on lessons, and deeper discovery of the content. Morning CommuteWe had all hands on deck this morning to proactively move traffic between car riders and Maple Elementary. It really was a smooth and seamless transition. All students were at their designated schools by 9 AM. As a gentle reminder, please use discretion on the roads and use proper planning. Canfield Drive is OPEN for business. Please use this route for all drivers that are coming from north end of the school, and for any high school student arriving after 8:50 AM. This will help keep Maple and Chardon Avenue open for Maple Elementary. It is mission critical that students arrive on time for school. Students have more than enough time to plan for proper arrival times while our teachers are collaborating in their Professional Learning Communities. Wednesday's ScheduleThursday's ScheduleFriday's ScheduleFriday is going to be an awesome day. We have 70 students heading off to Leadership Camp for most of the day. The students are going have the opportunity to collaborate, plan, and be motivated for the new year. We have a special guest (Todd Waites) coming to speak to the attendees...who will return to CHS to speak to the entire student body to close the day. Get Ready for Friday! Home against West G
Chardon is my home. Chardon is my community...a community of hope, strength, and faith. As we enter into a new year, we have so many things to be grateful for. I am grateful for the beginning of school. The beginning of the summer was certainly very difficult for our Hilltopper family. We learned more about how rich our values hold us together as a fabric of hope. I am grateful for my extraordinary staff who worked tirelessly to adjust their plans to a new schedule in new and innovative ways. I am grateful for our students who energize me by their generosity, and commitment to each other. In the same breathe, I am grateful for you. Your support for Chardon Schools and continued kindness nurtures our sustainable vision. Welcome to the Week in Reflection. Each week, I will take time to reflect on the activities of the week and help prepare students, staff, and families with the latest news of Chardon High School. This volume of the Week in Reflection (although two days worth of class) will give you a glimpse of who we are, and where we will go along the journey. Welcome Back Week: All School AssemblyOn Thursday, every single student came into what we call "The Barn" aka "The Gym" for the Opening Convocation. I cannot even explain how powerful this moment was for me. Like most children, I am sure when you asked them about their day they probably said, "Ehhh, it was OK" but, I am telling you that you could hear a pin drop at times, to simultaneous times of a "one clap" for thirty minutes as we went through every little detail to best prepare students for a great year. The meeting went from informational to motivational multiple times. The theme was mindset and choosing our response to everything that we face in school and in life. Be sure to ask about it this weekend! Just a reminder: Meet the 'Toppers Sunday, Aug 20 at 6:00 pm. Welcome Back Week: Topper TimeTopper Time is a purposefully built brain break where students and staff will interact in what I like to call a "High School Recess". No, kids are not running outside...rather, they will be selecting an academic intervention or enrichment that will help students develop skills without a grade. This evidence based activity has shown significant advancements to the structure of bell schedules (locally and nationally) and increase student and staff efficacy that impact school life. The structure of this program has a direct correlation to the work that the Schedule Task Force and District Strategic Plan put forth over the last two years. Your children will be in a Topper Time three times a week all year. Topper Time will change quarterly. Students will select their top three Topper Times during the LIVE presentations. All Freshmen will be in FMP (Mentoring) during the 1st and 2nd quarter. Guidance will do their best to schedule each student in one of their top selections but this may not always be the case. Also, if a student needs an intervention, they could be scheduled into an Intervention based Topper Time based on parent, teacher, guidance, or administration recommendation. Below is sneak peak....students will be able to sign-up LIVE during their scheduled time. ARE YOU READY FOR THE SOLAR ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA?In the words of Jimmy Buffett, "Come Monday...It will be alright..." On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of the United States will have a solar eclipse. The moon will cover at least part of the sun for 2 to 3 hours. Halfway through, anyone within a narrow path from Oregon to South Carolina will experience a brief total eclipse. The moon will completely block the sun's bright face for up to 2 minutes 40 seconds. Day will turn into night, and (weather permitting) one of nature's most awesome sights will become visible: the sun's shimmering outer atmosphere, or corona. In Northeast Ohio, the solar eclipse (which will be at nearly 80% locally) will occur beginning at 1:07 PM and end at 3:51 PM. Chardon High Science teachers are purposefully connecting their lessons to educate the students about this astronomical opportunity for learning. One unfortunate reality to the timing of the day is that the eclipse will be still going through the partial eclipse during dismissal. As a parent, educating yourself about the solar eclipse is the first response. I am sharing with you some very practical tips to help you educate yourself and your family. It is very important to remind ALL STUDENTS and DRIVERS NOT to look directly into the sun as the last bell rings at 2:33 PM-- when students head out to the parking lot and to their busses. The staff will communicate this, I will communicate this, the driver's will communicate this...but we need you to communicate this important safety precaution. Most importantly, please share with building administration or your son(s) or daughter(s) teachers if you do not want them participating in safe observations of the solar eclipse. We will have staff in their typical posts outside during dismissal reminding ALL of this important direction. Below are great tips that I have found written by optometrists and NASA Here are four ways to safely view a solar eclipse:
A reproducible infographic can be downloaded by clicking here. For more detailed information about the eclipse, its path, and timing, visit eclipse.aas.org, or eclipse2017.nasa.gov. Time Article: 'It's Not Worth Taking a Chance.' Man Who Experienced Eye Damage During 1962 Solar Eclipse Warns Others The Lav ReportIn the Lav Report, students will find valuable information on marketing their cause and/or event. In order to advertise important occasions that take place in Chardon High, students sometimes display flyers with key information to explain what is happening. Often times, the message is lost in a poorly designed flyer. The Lav Report will help students understand some basic design principles needed to increase the readability of their message. In this month's edition of the Teacher Newsletter, educators will find important information on the teaching license renewal process. This newsletter is attached twice: once in black and white for printing and again with a red background for online use. Both copies have hyperlinks to help teachers find the resources necessary for license renewal. As always, the LPDC members are available to help answer any questions teachers may have in what can be a confusing process. Next WeekAugust 21, 2017: Schedule for the Day We are running another White Day Schedule with an adjusted Topper Time period so that the Juniors can begin scheduling for this time. Freshman will head to their second day of Mentoring; 10th and 12th grade will remain in 3rd period for 30 minutes to go through the handbook, organize their lockers, and get acclimated with the schedules. (1st) 7:30-8:17 (47) (2nd) 8:20-9:07 (47) (3rd) 9:10-9:57 (47) (Grade 11 Meeting) 10:00-10:30 (30) (FMP Day 2) 10:00-10:30 (30) (Grades 10/12: Extended 3*) 10:00-10:30 (30) (4th) 10:33-11:20 (47) (5th) Lunch A (30) 11:23-11:53 Class (56) 11:57-12:53 w/ Announcements Class (27) 11:23-11:50 w/ Announcements Lunch B (30) 11:53- 12:23 Class (27) 12:26- 12:53 Class (56) 11:23- 12:19 w/ Announcements Lunch C (30) 12:23-12:53 (6th) 12:56-1:43 (47) (7th) 1:46-2:33 (47) August 22, 2017 Schedule for the Day/ Picture Day We are running another White Day Schedule with an adjusted Topper Time period so that the Sophomores can begin scheduling for this time. Freshman will head to their third day of Mentoring; 11th and 12th grade will remain in 3rd period for 30 minutes to go through the handbook, organize their lockers, and get acclimated with the schedules. Furthermore, Seniors will be called down for school photos. (1st) 7:30-8:17 (47) (2nd) 8:20-9:07 (47) (3rd) 9:10-9:57 (47) (Grade 10 Meeting) 10:00-10:30 (30) (FMP Day 3) 10:00-10:30 (30) (Grades 11/12: Extended 3*) 10:00-10:30 (30) (4th) 10:33-11:20 (47) (5th) Lunch A (30) 11:23-11:53 Class (56) 11:57-12:53 w/ Announcements Class (27) 11:23-11:50 w/ Announcements Lunch B (30) 11:53- 12:23 Class (27) 12:26- 12:53 Class (56) 11:23- 12:19 w/ Announcements Lunch C (30) 12:23-12:53 (6th) 12:56-1:43 (47) (7th) 1:46-2:33 (47) August 23, 2017: Red Day Schedule This will be our first late-start of the year. School Transportation runs at the regular time. The cafeteria and gym areas will be monitored by staff. We have worked with transportation to expedite a holding pattern for Maple Elementary as two school stagger start times. Student drivers will use the north entrance (pool side) for entering the student lot. Parents, please pull all the way up the main drive to drop of car riders. Students may be dropped off throughout the entire length of the sidewalk. This will expedite the morning flow. 7:15-9:00 Teacher Meetings 7:15-9:00 Test Make-up (2nd) 9:10-10:40 (90) (4th) Lunch A (35) 10:45-11:20 Class (90) 11:25-12:55 w/ Announcements Class (45) 10:45-11:30 w/ Announcements Lunch B (35) 11:34-12:09 Class (42) 12:13- 12:55 Class (90) 10: 45-12:15 w/ Announcements Lunch C (35) 12:20-12:55 (6th) 1:00-2:31 (90) August 24, 2017: Black Day Schedule (1st) 7:30-9:05 (90) (3rd) 9:10-10:40 (90) (5th) Lunch A (35) 10:45-11:20 Class (90) 11:25-12:55 w/ Announcements Class (45) 10:45-11:30 w/ Announcements Lunch B (35) 11:34- 12:09 Class (42) 12:13- 12:55 Class (90) 10:45-12:15 w/ Announcements Lunch C (35) 12:20-12:55 (7th) 1:00-2:31 (90) TrafficWith the opening of school, CLSD school transportation are running their routes at full capacity and parents are dropping off their children to begin their day. Over the last two days, Mr. Higham, Officer Shaw and myself have staged ourselves at key locations to alleviate the construction that is ongoing on Canfield Dr. What we have noticed this year is an increase in car riders heading off to school. Chardon High School and Chardon Middle School start at the same time and when we get bogged down, our elementary schools may get delayed. As we transition into next week, please continue to use proper planning when departing for school, and carpool if you can. We will continue to move traffic as safely as we can and hope that one of our main arteries (Canfield) opens up soon. I will send communications as we continue to assess our morning and afternoon dismissals. Reminder: School Transportation remains in the CHS drive and Alcan until 2:45PM. Car riders need to use the teacher lot as a means for picking up their children. The main drive is closed for car riders until 2:45PM. We have adult supervision in the building if you choose to pick up your child at 2:45PM in the main drive. The current configuration of our school with driveways, and parking lots are hard to change. Please be patient as we continue to assess ways to create proper dismissals. Got the right...Mindset?As much as I shared this with my staff prior to opening day...it applies to each of us as parents. A mindset shift requires us to break away from old behaviors and habits that may no longer be serving us effectively in our area of leadership. It demands that we escape our comfort zone and accept that complacency is doing us more harm than good. Adopting a new mindset is the first step in reinventing yourself as an educational leader, teacher, and student; ultimately regaining your competitive advantage, impact, and influence. Changing your mindset requires you to look at the manner in which you engage people, approach situations, make decisions and evaluate opportunities. It’s about changing unproductive behaviors and changing our responses to events and outcomes. As we continue our journey this school year, resolve to embrace a new mindset by taking ways that we can grow together. 1. A Positive Mental Attitude Fuels Endurance and Performance I think I can...I think I can… I knew I could. 21st-century educators see opportunities everywhere, every day, and they make the most of those that cross their path. Many times they are opportunities that others don't see. A positive mental attitude allows you to drown out the noise, and see opportunity where others see chaos and uncertainty. . To adopt a new leadership mindset, we should embrace others for who they are and begin to see people through a lens of opportunity. Everyone has something to offer and when given the opportunity to reach their full potential, people tend to deliver more than what is expected from them. 2. Mental Toughness Makes You Stronger Mental toughness defines how we choose our response to outcomes. We need wide-angle vision to continuously navigate the terrain that awaits us and to make the big decisions that support our vision. Mental toughness is acquired over time through trials and tribulations. To be mentally tough means that you have grown accustomed to anticipating crisis and managing change – a by-product of experiencing failure and knowing how to renew and reinvent yourself. As I have learned from my own experiences, mental toughness begins when you can separate your emotions and remain focused on what matters most. Mental toughness is a mindset; embrace it. 3. Risk Must Be Your Best Friend As an educator, we explore new ways of energizing our students. Embrace risk taking this year with your instructional strategies. Try something new. Embrace your classroom with a focus on students at the center. Engage in their voice, their choice, and their energy to drive your innovation. 4. Authenticity Leads to Discovery Rediscover the simplicity of authentic discovery and the encounter of all students within their story. Students love you for who you are; love them for their story and rekindle the personalized learning of the person engaged in front of you. Students will melt in your hand if they know that you care about them, their story, and their place in the world. From there, endless opportunities of achievement will unfold in your arena of learning. 5. What You Read Shapes How You Lead It’s easy to spot an educational leader with an identity crisis because they rely on the reuse of other people’s content, rather than looking inside themselves to discover their own creativity of thought and originality of purpose. The content you read shapes how you lead and influence others. Likewise, find out what your students are reading that could connect to your content. Continuous improvement is a mindset that demands a commitment to education. Stay ahead of the latest educational evidence to assure your leadership never loses its impact and influence. Educate yourself the right way and be mindful of the content you read and how it shapes the way you think and lead. 6. Seek first to understand, then be understood – Actively Listen Umm, are you hearing me? Or...ahhh, you just skimmin’ this? We are all accomplished at selectively listening to our spouses and loved ones. Yet, when we actively engage in listening to our families we begin to see them for who they are, and how their autonomy is shaping them. Likewise, as a school, especially recently, we often hear what we want to hear. Strong leaders seek first to understand and leave the drama aside. They seek to the truth and engage in meaningful collaboration for resolutions and buy-in. They choose their response with thoughtfulness. Listening is a mindset. Be a responsible listener and put it to good use. 7. Influence is Greater than Success Alone Every single day we embrace someone’s child. They come into our classroom with a clean slate and open mind. Sometimes, these students come in with a full slate and closed mind. Often times, we wonder if they are listening and if we have made an impact. In a world that looks at targeted outcomes and numbers, know that your influence is the seed that can turn into that mustard tree. It is our job to cultivate. Now that you have made it this far, take this reflection further. If you are able to watch this video prior to the first day--great. If not, no worries. There will be a time when you will stumble on this and watch it when you most need it. As we come together this week and next please take a moment to reflect on the simple things that make us so strong. Thank you for sharing your children with us!
Douglas Murray, Principal |
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August 2023
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