​Hello, my name is Madeline McDonald, I’m a senior at Chardon and I am currently working on my Gold Award for Girl Scouts. The Gold Award for Girl Scouts is the equivalent to the Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts. For my Gold Award I am installing a handrail at Chardon Memorial Field at the East side entrance of the stadium. At the East side entrance of the stadium there is currently a steep hill that can be hard for handicapped, injured or elderly people to walk up or down. 

My project adviser, Kim Vujaklija, first introduced this idea to me last fall telling me that it would be very beneficial for my mom and her dad. For those of you who don’t know my mom, Amy, has Huntington’s Disease, which is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington’s Disease is said to be a mix of Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and ALS. Since my brother, Alex, plays football we are at the football stadium very often and it can be difficult to walk my mom up or down the hill by myself. 

I am currently working with Chardon Welding to fabricate the handrail. A group of volunteers and I will be installing the handrail at the stadium once it is complete. If you would like to assist with the expenses of the handrail, please make checks payable to G.S.N.E.O. Troop 70563 and on the memo line write Madeline McDonald - Gold Award. Please send checks to P.O. Box 982, Chardon, OH 44024. Thank you all so much for your support!

​As the school year begins and the Labor Day weekend approaches, so does The Great Geauga County Fair! 

Many Chardon students participate in the fair as they show their Achievements in raising animals, cooking, crafting, and agriculture.  It is a phenomenal time to see the talents of our great Chardon students!

Did you know another Chardon Group makes an annual trip to fair?  For the past few years, Mrs. Amanda Bunker has taken advantage of The Great Fair to teach her students valuable life skills.  Skills such as following a schedule, reading a map, managing money,  and communication with public officials.   These life skills are practiced in the most fun way as the students get to enjoy French fries, fair shows, and those delicious milkshakes!

Thank you to Mrs. Bunker, Mrs. Beran, Mrs. Carney, Mrs. Ischay, and the awesome Chardon Transportation department for making this life skills learning trip possible for our students!  

Ryan Bandiera, Assistant Principal (A-L)
@Mr_Bandiera

On behalf of my family and myself, I hope that you have enjoyed a restful and relaxing summer!   As I embark on my third year at Chardon High School and twenty-fifth in education, I am particularly grateful for all of my blessings in my life, and am eager to see where we will go together, as a school community this school year.  Let us begin this school year the same way we begin every day with our students, grounded in the core values of Chardon High School. With that being stated, I am committed to providing academically challenging programs and activities in which all students can achieve their potential; providing students an educational foundation that fosters intellectual, academic, and vocational growth; creating a safe and respectful learning environment in which student diversity is recognized and appreciated; maintaining communication with parents, students, staff and community; and being a positive role model for our students.   
 
Through strong leadership, Chardon High School has an established tradition of excellence.  Chardon High School is proud of our heritage and it is essential to carry on the traditions and represent CHS in a first-class manner.  As a student at CHS, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact in our community!  
 
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me for any assistance. 
 
Douglas Higham, Assistant Principal (M-Z)
@CHS_AP_HIGHAM

​

​This amazing adventure to Athens and a Greek Islands cruise is open to ALL CHS students and their families.  If you would like more information, please contact Mrs. Kristen Niedzwiecki at kristen.niedzwiecki@chardonschools.org See the attached presentation with details from the informational meeting. Enroll today to reserve your spot & lock in your price as it does go up as it gets closer to the departure date.

Students in Dr. Schneider's AP Environmental Science course surveying the streams adjacent to the tennis courts.

Financial Aid Night
Senior Parents:
​
This is an exciting year for you and your son/daughter but along with that comes many questions and decisions.  We are here to help guide you through this process.  The guidance office is hosting two upcoming events to assist with this process and answer questions about the process.  

• Financial Aid Night will be held September 16th at 6:30 pm in Room 1 of the media center.  Stephanie Kubec will be explaining the FAFSA process and will breakdown the various types of financial aid available
• The school counselors will be offering a college presentation on October 2nd at 6:30 pm (this is a parent/teacher conference night) also in Room 1  of the media center.  We will explain the process for requesting transcripts and review the timeline of activities for senior year.  We will also demonstrate Naviance and the transcript release process.  We will also review resources available to aid in the search process especially if your son/daughter is undecided.  

​
We have been into all senior English classes to review procedures for seniors and provided them with guidance as well.  If your son/daughter does not have English at the high school he/she will need to attend a make-up session.  Please contact the Guidance office.
 
LEAF will be starting Friday 9/9 and will be here every Friday.  Stephanie Kubec is our representative this year and she will meet with every senior.  She is also available to meet with parents as well.  You can schedule a meeting with Stephanie by calling the guidance office at 440-285-4060.  
 

Important reminders from Guidance: 

1.  Any seniors who have not attended a meeting about Naviance need to contact their guidance counselor immediately. 

2.  Parents please remind seniors to log in to their senior classroom often as announcements are posted on a regular basis.  

3.  The schedule of college reps visiting here is also in Naviance when students log in.  

4.  Upcoming college fairs: Lakeland - 9/29
​
Thank you, 
 
CHS School Counselors

One of our most treasured traditions at Chardon High School is the seasonal Meet the Toppers evening. Last Monday, we celebrated the  students and coaches who are just beginning their season. What a beautiful night and perfect way to celebrate our community!

On Tuesday, Officer Derek Carlson presented to Chardon High School students regarding the dangers of sexting, how to handle peer pressure, and the importance of self respect.  Throughout the presentation, Chardon Police Chief, Scott Niehus, motivated the students about making good choices. Other presenters included Natalie Harper, and Jim Flaiz of the prosecutors office along with representatives from NAMI who spoke to the students about mental health and the importance of talking to a trusted adult. The presentation was powerful and well received by both the students and staff. Enclosed is the presentation.

Open House: Meet the Teachers
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The purpose of this evening is for meaningful interactions with our parents. Parents will follow their student's schedule.

Parents: 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 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 may 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 (Only classes: No Topper Time/or Circuit)
6th: 7:08- 7:17
7th: 7:21-7:30

The Cafeteria will be open during all OFF periods. 

The Agenda includes:

7:30 am                Students arrive 
7:30-7:45             Light Breakfast
7:45-8:05            Ice Breaker:  Ball Pit (Deck of Cards)  Spades, numerical: Activity (Led by Holly Mihalek)

The Theme for the Round table presentations will be “What made you the Leader that you are today?

Part 1
8:05-8:25    Presenter 1:  Doug Murray
8:25-8:45    Presenter 2   Dan Robertson
8:45-9:05    Presenter 3   Megan Wessels

Ice Breakers

Part 2
9:35-9:55    Presenter 4   Frank Hall
9:55-10:15    Presenter 5    Kimm Leininger
10:15-10:35      Presenter 6  Melanie Scanlon
10:35-10:50    Questions and Answers for Panel

Ice Breaker  
10:55-11:10    Trust Walk  

11:15-      Keynote Speaker:  Elizabeth Newman  '96 
11:45        Food Delivered
12:15-12:45    Lunch   
​
Activities and Reflection

12:45-1:05   
1:05-1:25     

Common Planning
​
1:30-2:30    Club meeting and planning

CHS World Languages teacher Mrs. Kristen Niedzwiecki is hosting a parent informational meeting for a student adventure travel opportunity that she is leading in June 2020. The Greece Adventure is open to ALL CHS students. The upcoming informational meeting will cover:

• Where and when (Athens, Greece & the Greek Islands - trip dates: June 4-13)
• What the students will see and do
• Travel logistics
• How your child can earn academic credit
• Flexible payment options that keep the tour affordable

Please ONLINE RSVP HERE to attend the parent meeting that will be conveniently held:

• Day: Monday August 26
• Time: 7:30PM-8:00PM (right after "Meet the Teacher" night)
• Location: CHS Rm 210

If you are unable to attend the parent informational meeting, please contact Mrs. Niedzwiecki directly at kristen.niedzwiecki@chardonschools.org and she will be glad to share 2020 Greece Adventure information directly with you.

Congratulations to the Top 10 Finalists and two Alternates-- including Chardon's own Maddie Houser!
​ 
Be sure to Save the Date, September 22, 2019, for our Finals Performance & Competition at the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square. Buy your tickets here. 
​
Stay tuned as the excitement of Shining Star CLE 2019 continues to unfold! 

Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

Welcome Back!

The transition back to school was a great success. So many people need to be recognized for their time and talents. Our maintenance staff, custodians, secretaries, and building leadership team worked meticulously to get our school ready for the beginning of school.  Our teachers and support staff prepared and planned this summer for the new programs, materials, and technological updates.  We have a refined team of employees that truly love what they do each day and celebrate this energy with our students and families. Of course, we have to celebrate the smiling students who were on time and were hugging each other like they haven't seen each other in four years. There is nothing that compares to the community feeling of Chardon. Moments like this remind us why our focus on community stands on top of the core values.

Over the last week, our staff collaborated in teams to define the targeted learning outcomes for students.  As a building, we met and celebrated many accomplishments from this summer and participated in a poverty simulation to best equip each of our teachers with real-life responses to real-life experiences.  The experience was meaningful, transformative, and put life in perspective.

The plan to transition eighth grade on Wednesday allowed our students to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for Thursday's schedule. The student leaders who facilitated many tours shared that our eighth graders were very grateful for the time that they shared with our newest high school students.

Thursday was an impressive day. First, our parking lot attendant was so meticulous and helpful to our young drivers as they entered the student lot. School Transportation was on point with drop off, and car riders were following the flow properly.  The duration of the day transitioned seamlessly. I was extremely impressed with the hallway flow between periods and the meaningful conversations that were occurring in class. 

We are running a unique schedule this week into next Tuesday. This schedule provides for class assemblies and time for our counselors to build Topper Time into the schedule. This time also provides our students the opportunity to go through the handbook, secure and set their lockers, and ask questions to their teachers.

Although this newsletter only reflects the last two days, there are many things that we are sharing that will help you feel comfortable with the transition to school.

​Previous Parent/Student Opening Letter

 Chardon High School
​
For students at Chardon High School (grades 8-12) being dropped off and/or picked up, the procedures remain the same as last year.  Parents dropping-off/picking-up at Chardon High School enter the school campus via Maple Avenue, drive in front of the high school, and exit the campus via Memorial Drive onto Chardon Avenue.

Students at Chardon High School (grades 8-12) riding the school bus will enter the school building via the 200 hallway entrance (via the transportation compound).  School buses will be staged for students in the afternoon in front of the high school and on Memorial Drive; exiting the campus both via North Street and Memorial Drive.

All Parents/Guardians
Please be mindful of the following:

• Students (grades 8-12) at Chardon High School will be dismissing at 2:26 PM.  Parents picking up high school students must wait behind the buses between 2:30-2:40PM. When the buses leave at 2:40 PM, traffic flow will proceed through the main drive. Parents may veer into the recessed drive adjacent to Maple while waiting to enter the main driveway. Our best advice is to arrive at 2:35 PM. Student drivers will use the east exit (4 doors) through the staff lot to the student lot.  Parents will not use this drive for afternoon pickup for student safety. 
• Student drivers will use the north gate and exit towards Canfield after school. The South gate will be closed for students who are walking across the crosswalk.
• Parents picking up middle school students should plan on arriving after 2:45 PM. 
• Parents picking up students at Chardon Middle School should be aware of students walking to/from the track and stadium in the Alcan.
• Traffic on Memorial Drive (which is a city street) is one-way (exiting onto Chardon Avenue).
• Parents dropping off/picking up students at Chardon Middle School should not use the North Street parking lot unless entering the building.
• On Wednesday mornings, students at the high school (grades 8-12) have a later start (9:02 AM).  Please be mindful that there may be increased car and student traffic during morning drop-off on Wednesdays.​

​Enclosed are several diagrams for your reference.

Please read the criteria here.

August 16th:             Friday: ALL Students 8-12  (White Day- Periods 1-7)

We will be running our WHITE Day schedule. During Topper Time- grades 10 and 11  will have an assembly with the Administration to kick off the year. 8th grade will have lunch during their scheduled period (Topper Time) and grades 9 and 12  will have an extended 4th period to receive the handbook, locker location, and study hall throughout the duration of Topper Time.

August 18th            Sunday: Meet the ‘Toppers (7:00 PM) Chardon Memorial Field


August 19th:             Monday: ALL Students 8-12  (White Day- Periods 1-7)

We will be running our WHITE Day schedule. During Topper Time- grade 12 will have an assembly with the Administration to kick off the year. 8th grade will have lunch during their scheduled period (Topper Time) and grades 9, 10, and 11 will have an extended 4th period to receive the handbook, locker location, and study hall throughout the duration of Topper Time.


August 20th:            Tuesday: ALL Students 8-12  (White Day- Periods 1-7)
                
We will be running a special assembly schedule during this day. This presentation will cover topics such as digital citizenship, sexting, and vape education. Representatives and speakers from outside agencies will be present.
             
August 21st:            Wednesday (Late Start) 1st Red Day Schedule: Periods 2/4/6

How does it work?

• Late-start is on Wednesday’s.  The purpose of Late-Start is for our teachers to meet in teams to discuss essential questions within their Professional Learning Communities (Teacher Based Teams). This time assigned for the teachers is best practice and has become a staple for teacher collaboration for the past two decades at CHS.​ ​
• Buses will run at the same time. Available staff, Admin, Counselors, and the School Resource Officer will monitor the cafeteria and gym. This is where students will report and be monitored during this time. Test Make-Ups will run from 7:15-8:55 AM on every Wednesday. Classes begin at 9:02. 
• Students will follow periods 2, 4, and 6 on Wednesday's.
• Students will report to school at the regular time on Thursday's Block Day for periods 1, 3, 5, 7.

​Why is a hybrid schedule better?

• Flexibility. This schedule allows the teachers a traditional model of a schedule, while incorporating a longer period for project based learning, differentiated education, and the flexibility to do things in the classroom that you would not be able to do within a 47 minute period.

How does this impact learning?

• By including the block period days, all teachers in all subject areas have longer periods of instruction time with students.  This time can be utilized to support project-based learning, student presentation, and in class intervention/enrichment time. 

How many times does my child meet in classes?

• Each class will end up meeting four times/week.  Those meetings will consist of three, 47 minute periods and one-- 98 minute period.

How does lunch work?

• All lunches run during 4th period on Wednesday.  There are NO Topper Times, or Circuits meeting on Block Days. (A) Students will eat in Lunch A, (B) Students will eat in Lunch B, (C) Students will eat in Lunch C,(D) Students will eat in Lunch D---based on their schedule.
• All lunches run during 5th period on Thursday. There are NO Topper Times, or Circuits meeting on Block Days. (A) Students will eat in Lunch A, (B) Students will eat in Lunch B, (C) Students will eat in Lunch C,(D) Students will eat in Lunch D---based on their schedule.​

August 22nd:           Thursday: 1st Black Day Schedule: Periods 1/3/5/7
                                                                  All School Picture Day
                                                                  9th and 11th Hearing/Vision Screening

August 23rd:            First Day of the Freshman Mentoring Program (White Day Schedule)

COMING SOON

August 26, 2019: 6:00-7:30 PM

OPEN HOUSE: Meet the Teachers/Mini-Class Night

The purpose of this evening is for structure and meaningful interaction with parents. Parents will follow their student's schedule. 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 (3) minute passing time. Parents will follow their son(s)/daughter(s) schedule. The cafeteria will have refreshments, spirit wear, club info. Staff will be available to assist with school online Infinite Campus updates.
​

Topper Time was established during the 2017/2018 School Year as an Intervention and Enrichment Period for students in grades 9-12. During the first semester, Topper Time runs in conjunction with Freshman Mentoring so sign up will be limited to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Topper Time occurs on White Days (Monday, Tuesday (Tutor Focused), and Friday) and runs for 26 minutes.
​
Student Directions:  To sign up for a Topper Time, please click on the link under Topper Time Selections.   You will be directed to the EventBrite Website for that Topper Time. If this is the selection you would like to sign up for, click the Green Register Button.  Enter your First Name, Last Name, and Email Address to register. Please only register for 1 Topper Time per Quarter. 

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

Topper Time Q1
Teacher

Chardon High School Google Calendar
​Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar
​Chardon Athletics Website
​Video Announcements: Link for the Morning Announcements
​Chardon High School: Program of Study
Chardon High School Bell Schedule
​Google Document of our bell schedule
​Chardon High School Student Handbook
Teacher Resources for CHS Students ( LIVE by the 1st quarter)
Student Acceptable Use Policy

9-12 Grade Counselors

​A-G: Mr. Hurlbut
H-O: Mrs. Hetrick
P-Z: Mrs. Jacobs

8th Grade Counselor
Mr. Kovach

The Week in Reflection is the weekly newsletter that goes out every Friday. It contains informative news about the week-to-week events at Chardon High School. I write this newsletter on Thursday night and post it on Friday morning.  Parents and students may choose to enroll in Remind101 for quick information that we share from time to time. Likewise, you can follow me on Twitter.

​Follow me on Twitter: @chs_dmurray
Follow Chardon High School on Twitter: @chardonhs

​
Have a great weekend with family and friends.

​Douglas Murray, Principal