9/28/2020 The Week in Reflection: 10/2 “The deepest principle of human nature is craving to be appreciated.” This quote from William James provides a lens for all of us to look through. If we are honest with ourselves, we all want and need to feel valued for who we are and recognized for our contributions and accomplishments. It’s important for us to know that we have made a difference in someone’s life. I appreciate all of you for who you are and what you have accomplished this quarter. We have so many things to be grateful for each day. When you stop and think about the simple things in life, you reflect on all those areas of your life that transcend us to who we are. Live Simply In the complex world in which we live, the noise can often surround us from all sides. Living simply can allow us to disconnect from the noise. Organizational effectiveness and proper planning is never simple. This work gives us the purpose to expand our territory in order to handle all of our responsibilities. However, inside of the planning, it is important to be mindful of how you are doing and to take the time to breathe, reflect, and rejuvenate your energy. This reminder of living simply can benefit not only students but any adult running through a tight schedule. Dream Big Living in the moment is a phrase that we rehearse and apply from the direction of our parents and adult mentors. This phrase is often used to ground us from daydreaming. For example, I would often share that I wanted to be a professional baseball player and make all of this money living in my big dream. Our dreams certainly can become a reality. What draws out of our creative energies is not only an appreciation of likes, talents, and desires---but, and expansion of our thoughts--hopes-- and work ethics. Dreaming big is not a lost art, it is the fabric that allows us to critically think, innovate and solve new problems in the world. Be Grateful If a person takes the time to express their heartfelt appreciation for something we have done, it boosts our spirit, passion, and purpose. It builds our self-confidence, self-esteem and our entire self-image. It gives us energy and motivation to work harder and do more. Find moments to share your gratitude for others and watch how contagious it can become. Be the reason that someone smiles today. Give Love Take the time to thank those that love you. Write them a note, call them, send a text. Likewise, as hard as it is, be mindful of those that might not be as kind to you and model kindness. When you look in the mirror, remind yourself of your own beauty. Life is so short. When we pause in the present moment, we take the time to appreciate all of the little things around us. Never take for granted your time with others. Laugh Lots The best medicine for a rough day is laughter! Celebrate the simple things and laugh! Humor can go a long way to refresh your energy and celebrate each other. What we value becomes a reflection of our thoughts, deeds, and actions. So, practice kindness, appreciation, and make another person feel better by your presence. That becomes the gift that energizes others to live their purpose. Make today great! CHS Principal's Podcast: Special Guest: Nathan TagerPSATOn Saturday, October 17th, Chardon will be offering the PSAT/NMSQT to interested 10th and 11th grade students. Please see the attached registration form for more information. Questions/Concerns: Please reach out to Mr. Hurlbut or Mrs. Tupaz at (440) 285-4060 or Timothy.Hurlbut@chardonschools.org Dawn.Tupaz@chardonschools.org Financial Aid Presentation: RecordedBelow is the information for Chardon seniors and their parents regarding the Financial Aid Night virtual presentation which took place on Monday, September 28th. The presentation focused on all aspects of the financial aid process. Topics that are covered include the FAFSA form, CSS Profile, scholarships, grants, loans and other items related to college access. Click on the image to watch the video. Schedule for the Week of October 5-October 10Monday, October 5: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Tuesday, October 6: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Wednesday, October 7: Periods 2, 4, 6 (red schedule) ALL STUDENTS Thursday, October 8 : Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 (black schedule) ALL STUDENTS Friday, October 9: NEOEA DAY (No School) Every year Chardon High School screens 9th and 11th grade students for distance vision and hearing as mandated by the state of Ohio. This year additional requirements were added to the screening process making it impossible to do the mass screenings we have done in the past. If you feel your child needs to have these screenings done, please email Jan Hoffmann, the High School Nurse, and she will set up an appointment to have your child screened. If you do not feel it is necessary to have your child screened this year, please complete the waiver form and return it to the office by October 20, 2020. If you decide later in the year that you would like your child to be screened you can contact the nurse and she will make arrangements to have the screening done. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Hoffmann at (440) 286-0418 or email janice.hoffmann@chardonschools.org. Senior PicturesSUBMISSION DEADLINE for senior pictures are Friday, JANUARY 15, 2021 Requirements for your senior picture:
Submitting your senior picture:
Note: Digital submissions are much preferred and strongly recommended in order to preserve quality of the photos. Senior TributesWork Permits Work Permit Instructions Obtain an application for a minor work permit in the school office.
Birth certificate Driver’s license Passport Student will return the completed form with one of the valid forms of ID. Mrs. Sprinzl will process the application. Please allow 24 hours turn around on work permits. Topper Bistro
Chardon Local Schools wins CARES Act GrantA $3,000 grant, the largest amount possible, was awarded to Chardon Local Schools from the federal appropriation made to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funds received will be split between all the Media Specialists in the district. Chardon High plans on spending their portion of the proceeds by starting a collection of online eBooks. With more students taking classes virtually, the need to offer electronic books is greater than ever. The teachers in the English department have been asked to compile a list of titles they think will be the most beneficial to students. Information on how to access the eBooks will be communicated once the titles are available to borrow. The C.R.E.W. A new opportunity is being offered to students in grades 9-12. The C.R.E.W. (Creating Reliable Educated Workers) is an industry driven, work based model that prepares students for the 4 E’s that they will encounter after graduation; Employability, Education, Enlistment and/or Entrepreneurship. Students are learning about career options that would enhance their interest and skills, industry credentials required for specific jobs, skills for their future endeavors, soft skills for the workplace, financial literacy, post secondary education and/or licensure required for a career of their choice as well as many other skills related to independent living and career development. The C.R.E.W. also offers opportunities to participate in service learning activities that give back to the community at local and national levels. Some of our current activities are: Ryan’s Case for Smiles, blankets for the Military Honor Flights, serving breakfast at Maple, packing lunches for CLSD food services, Jeremy’s Kids and many others throughout the school year. If you, or someone you know, is interested in assisting the students with a project, we welcome any ideas. The C.R.E.W. is currently looking for community sponsorships for our following upcoming projects:
One of the fundamental goals of the C.R.E.W. is to prepare students for the workforce by providing them with hands-on experiences. If you know of a local company in need of hard workers, please have them contact Tracey Britt at tracey.britt@chardonschools.org or Kim Butala at kim.butala@chardonschools.org. Chardon Boutique As we begin our 4th season of sharing, we want to introduce the Chardon Boutique at Chardon High School. The boutique started as a thought that grew into a conversation about how to recycle clothes. The idea then expanded into an all school clothing swap where students could donate their “old” clothes or add “new” clothing items to their closet for free. The clothing items have been made available through generous donations from the community over the past 3 years. The boutique offers students everything from t-shirts and sweatpants to homecoming/prom dresses as well as suits/ties. Accessories are not excluded nor are the comforts of home (i.e. socks, pajamas, blankets). The boutique also offers personal hygiene items that have been donated by individuals as well as Fairmount Minerals/ Best Sand of Chardon. We can’t begin to thank all who have so generously donated to our boutique over the past 3 years, but we can share that hundreds of students have benefited from their kindness. If you would like to donate to the boutique, or have any other questions, please contact tracey.britt@chardonschools.org or kim.butala@chardonschools.org. Images of the WeekStudents in Chardon Service Learning have spent countless hour building the first stages of a Community Garden at CHS down by the Tennis Courts! Piece of the WeekFriday Night HighlightsLast Friday, Chardon faced Mayfield at Chardon Memorial Field. Below is the highlight reel that I made for our families. Finish What you StartIt is hard to believe that we crossed over the mid point of the first quarter. With the adjustment to the school calendar, the end of the first quarter is October 22, 2020. We learned a lot about ourselves during this pandemic--the one that stands out right now is how we value time and being present in the moment. Time constantly moves. Time is inevitable. How we use it is our choice. When life is broken down into small parts, it really is measured in how we use our time to accomplish what we want to accomplish. Many people ask how I can manage the many things that I am involved in and still accomplish things. It boils down to time management and prioritizing people and moments, over things. We have three weeks to refine ourselves this quarter- academically. Maximize on prioritizing on the little things and big things will happen by the nature of how we use our time. Being present is mission-critical to how we use our time. Sure, I can accomplish all of these things in a day but if my wife and I miss out on our kids activities or experiences, we would place things over people. In the world that we live in, it it through people that we feel connected and part of something bigger. Be present in the little things and great things will happen in your relationships. In this COVID-19 year, nothing is guaranteed so seize every moment in front of you and be the person that you are called to be: BE YOU Have a wonderful weekend!
Douglas Murray, Principal 9/21/2020 The Week in Reflection: 9/25Principal's Podcast: Season 2, Episode 3OASSA: Ryan Bandiera, Assistant Principal of the YearJust a little over two weeks ago, I nominated Ryan Bandiera as a candidate for the OASSA Assistant Principal of the Year. My job was easy--nominate and write a letter of recommendation. Mr. Bandiera had to fill out the application, write an essay, provide some data, and get letters of recommendation. Well, on September 23rd, Ryan received the phone call from OASSA naming him the OASSA Assistant Principal of the year. One of the hardest things was keeping quiet all day about the news that was shared with me earlier in the day. For those that don't know, Ryan's road to Chardon High School was not simple. Initially, Ryan wasn't selected as an assistant principal. However, after I was named principal of Chardon High School--one month after he applied---I knew who I wanted to replace the position that I left vacant. I wanted Ryan. He just had all of the qualities that we needed at Chardon High School. Ryan was an Intervention Specialist and one of our biggest needs was someone well versed in special education to support all of our students and teachers. From that moment on, Ryan grew and developed--expanding his knowledge and experiences. We are blessed with great leaders at Chardon High School and I am so grateful to both Mr. Bandiera and Mr. Higham for EVERYTHING that they do to support students and staff. Please see the press release from OASSA below. ![]() Congratulations are in order for Mr. Ryan Bandiera on being named the OASSA Assistant Principal of the year. Ryan has been the assistant principal at Chardon High School since 2016. Prior to his time at Chardon, he was a teacher in the Twinsburg City School District. A passionate leader, Mr. Bandiera has sought to always look for ways to improve himself, the school building he is working in, and those with which he comes in contact. Mr. Douglas Murray, the principal at Chardon High School, describes him as the “first to step in when someone needs help” and one who meets the social emotional needs of his students. “He truly believes in all students.” Staff members describe him as someone who “…will look beyond what’s best for himself, but rather what’s best for each individual person.” His focus is on serving those he comes in contact with each and every day. Mr. Bandiera’s most notable accomplishment might be the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) journey that Chardon has undertaken. With a team of teachers, Mr. Bandiera helped lead the professional development needed to move a large high school to a successful adoption of UDL. Under his leadership, UDL tenants are found throughout the building and students are being given opportunities to show their knowledge beyond traditional assessments. OASSA is proud to have Mr. Bandiera represent Ohio as the Assistant Principal of the Year. The Beauty of FallThe Autumnal Equinox fell on September 22. Fall is a time that generates so much beauty in Northeast Ohio. Lately, we could feel the brisk reminder of summer waiving goodbye. Each year, I find myself transitioning from summer music to more autumnal sounds. The Beatles classic song, Obladi-Oblada...is quite catchy and either loved or hated by those who listen. Some say it has meaning, while others struggle to find it...yet for all, life goes on. This week we entered the Autumnal season. Just as the meteorological season has quite a story...so do we. Life is full of opportunities. These moments come and go and we have to ask ourselves --do we ever seize the opportunities? More than ever, we have to take the time to seize opportunities before they are taken away. Autumn is an opportunity to pause and reflect on all of our blessings that surround us. It an opportunity to give thanks, and it an opportunity to prepare for the "Long and Winding Road." How has the first three weeks been for you? Are you still on track for your goals? Have you built the capacity for success? Questions like this are meant to make you pause. Whether you are a parent, student, or teacher reading this---you might have to reflect on your purpose and your place in the story. Without a doubt, the last three weeks have been an adjustment for all of us with the new routines. In school, we have bells to create start and end times--but the fluidity of life constantly flows for parents, teachers, and students. I have lived inside of bells my whole life- but, what matters most to my story is how I spend my time between the bells; more importantly, how I spend my time with the priorities that I have established. Time is inevitable- how we use it matters so much in every quarter--especially the first quarter. Students, many of you are on point. You have adapted and created new habits along the way. Take this Autumn to refine, re-fuel and re-set timelines and priorities toward those areas in your life that are not only strengths but also your weaknesses. Make the time to refine one area of your life that you want to be more successful in...the quarter ends next month. Look in the mirror and see your beauty and share your gifts in and out of the classroom. Live your Purpose! Parents, you sacrifice so much for your children. As they grow older, many of them develop both a natural and unnatural independence. Take this Autumn to remind your children of their self-worth, and your unconditional love for them. They need you more than ever in this everchanging world. Teachers, you are the extensions of the family. You spend so much time with students helping them along their journey. Take this Autumn to build your self-efficacy. Many times more than not, you are the catalyst that can change a child's world. Keep up your great work and take time for yourself! WE APPRECIATE YOU! ...more importantly, this year is an opportunity to create memories regardless of the barriers in front of us-so, if you want some fun --sing ob la di bla da National Merit Commended StudentsProgram Recognition Of the 1.6 million entrants, some 50,000 with the highest PSAT/NMSQT® Selection Index scores (calculated by doubling the sum of the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores) qualify for recognition in the National Merit® Scholarship Program. In September, these high scorers are notified through their schools that they have qualified as either a Commended Student or Semifinalist. Commended Students In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise. Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit® Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for Special Scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. Congratulations to Jacob Stephans, Zoe Shive, and Noah Munoz for being recognized as commended students! Jacob Stephans and Zoe Shive. Noah Munoz (not pictured above) is a full-time CCP student Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences: October 1- 5:00-8:00 PMOn Thursday, October 1, Chardon High School will conduct our first parent teacher conference session. This evening will take place from 5:00-8:00 PM. As we continue to mitigate the risk of COVID-19, and to secure our custodial staff's ability to disinfect and sanitize the building each night, this session will be 100% virtual. Office secretaries, Jen Sprinzl and Diana Norris are working on the system for parents/guardians to sign up for time-slots. The times for the evening will be in ten minute intervals with a buffer time built between for our teachers to transition from family to family. The system should be LIVE by this weekend. Once we are able activate the site, we will send a separate email. We will use Google Meet as the platform to meet teachers...similar to the Open House night. Once a parent/guardian signs up for a time and submits the form, an email will be sent back directly to the email address that signed up for conferences with further directions, times, and links to the Google Meet. Thank you for patience as we rebuild each system throughout this school year. PSATOn Saturday, October 17th, Chardon will be offering the PSAT/NMSQT to interested 10th and 11th grade students. Please see the attached registration form for more information. Questions/Concerns: Please reach out to Mr. Hurlbut or Mrs. Tupaz at (440) 285-4060 or Timothy.Hurlbut@chardonschools.org Dawn.Tupaz@chardonschools.org Financial Aid Night: Monday, September 28th 7:00 pm Below is information for Chardon seniors and their parents regarding the upcoming Financial Aid Night virtual presentation which will take place on Monday, September 28th 7:00 pm. LEAF will be presenting a virtual Financial Aid Night presentation to Chardon School seniors and their parents on Monday, September 28th at 6:30 pm. The presentation will focus on all aspects of the financial aid process. Topics to be covered will be the FAFSA form, CSS Profile, scholarships, grants, loans and other items related to college access. Please join LEAF for this virtual presentation by visiting meet.google.com/zox-cymq-jfa or Join by phone (US) +1 920-461-1934 PIN: 102 565 505# This presentation will be recorded. Blue Model Students: 100% OnlineDear [Online] Students and Parents, I am Mrs. Tupaz, one of the counselors helping online students this year. Myself, along with counselors Timothy Hurlbut (A-G), Nicolle Hetrick (H-O), and Kyle Kovach (P-Z) are here to help you in any way we can! Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns...like internet connection issues, class struggles and expectations, scheduling or graduation considerations, personal issues, or just to say hello! Additionally, please use this code nfpskig to join my google classroom, Virtual Guidance 2020-2021. This is a newly constructed and evolving google classroom to connect students with our guidance department. DON'T WORRY - there is no extra work!! This is simply a way to connect with a counselor and access information that will help you along the way. Periodically, I will be posting helpful tips, etc. There is also a google form to fill out if you have any concerns and would like to meet virtually with myself or another counselor. Please do not hesitate to use your resources, including reaching out to your teachers if you are struggling. Good luck as you continue your virtual learning. I look forward to connecting with you! Sincerely, Dawn Tupaz Schedule for the Week of September 28-October 2 Our students in all models have done an extraordinary job adjusting back to school. It is important to note (after replying to several emails) that all students -whether in the building, hybrid, or in the blue model, follow the regular (yellow) bell schedule. In one of my first videos, I share that three systems needs to work like gears aligning and moving together. With that in mind, whatever schedule we are running in the building is the schedule that students at home need to follow. We do not have teachers earmarked solely for online learning; therefore, all students need to follow the schedule that we are running in the building. Please continue to stay tuned in to district communications pertaining to any adjustments to the schedule based on county levels. Monday, September 28: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Tuesday, September 29: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Wednesday, September 30: Periods 2, 4, 6 (red schedule) ALL STUDENTS Thursday, October 1: Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 (black schedule) ALL STUDENTS Friday, October 2: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL AND ATTENDANCE - Regular attendance and promptness to class are necessary for the continuity of learning and the development of good habits. The following are considered legitimate absences from school: personal illness, illness in the family, quarantine of the home, religious holiday, legal obligation, medical appointment, death of a relative, or emergency circumstances which, in the judgment of school authorities, constitute sufficient cause for absence. Doctor’s notes may be requested by school authorities if a student accumulates excessive absences. Parents must call the school when children are absent. State law requires that the parent be contacted at home or work if the school is not called. An unexcused absence will be treated as a truancy offense and dealt with accordingly. Please call the high school at 440.285.4057 (press #1) prior to 8:00 a.m. to report absences. This is available 24 hours a day. Important Message: School Nurse - Jan Hoffmann BSN, RN, LSNEvery year Chardon High School screens 9th and 11th grade students for distance vision and hearing as mandated by the state of Ohio. This year additional requirements were added to the screening process making it impossible to do the mass screenings we have done in the past. If you feel your child needs to have these screenings done, please email Jan Hoffmann, the High School Nurse, and she will set up an appointment to have your child screened. If you do not feel it is necessary to have your child screened this year, please complete the waiver form and return it to the office by October 20, 2020. If you decide later in the year that you would like your child to be screened you can contact the nurse and she will make arrangements to have the screening done. If you have any questions, please contact Jan Hoffmann at (440) 286-0418 or email janice.hoffmann@chardonschools.org. Work PermitsWork Permit Instructions Obtain an application for a minor work permit in the school office.
Birth certificate Driver’s license Passport Student will return the completed form with one of the valid forms of ID. Mrs. Sprinzl will process the application. Please allow 24 hours turn around on work permits. After Prom Continues to Create!Since After Prom is not running concessions this fall they decided to offer Tailgate Specials during this football season. After Prom receives 10% of the total of each item ordered. Topper Bistro
Images of the WeekFriday Night HighlightsLast Friday, Chardon faced a very opponent in Riverside. Below is the highlight reel that I made for our families. JostensClick on the image below to see all of the great things from Jostens--including buying yearbooks. Have a beautiful weekend!
Douglas Murray, Principal 9/14/2020 The Week in Reflection: 9/18High Achievement![]() For the past eight years, I have served on the administrative team. I love every second of what I do at Chardon High School and I am deeply humbled at the direction we are moving. Every day is a new experience for us with 1,200 students and 100 staff members in the building and a day to get better and be better. The focus on our mission is the heart of our daily decisions through a lens of our core values. The flexibility and adjustments that our team organized and prepared for to return to learn simply was outstanding. I am proud of every student, staff, counselor and administrator for their flexibility to these new times. We have accomplished so many extraordinary tasks that build upon and refine the treasured traditions and outcomes of being a graduate of Chardon High School. Yet, the best experiences are the ones that take me back into the classroom. This week, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in classrooms. Seeing students and staff collaborate, problem solve, and create-- energizes me each day. Our students enjoy when we see them demonstrate their learning in the classroom. Over our time at Chardon High School- Mr. Bandiera, Mr. Higham, and I can walk into a room and the students and staff treat us like a class member--not an observer. The mission of our school lives within the lessons that we share each day. We also had the opportunity to meet our teachers in a virtual open house. Although our numbers were lower than in previous (in-person) years, the opening videos were very helpful for our parents and even our staff members to hear about the curriculum. If you missed the videos, you may watch them here. Working each day with a compass and a purpose drives the standards that we teach and the climate that we create at Chardon. We have something special here...and it didn't happen by chance. We are a family, and a community of learners. Leadership is organic. Leadership is intentional, shared, and reciprocal. The teachers work so well together and the students share in the construction of their learning. It is hard work that truly prepares students for the 4E's that we preach: Employment, Enrollment, Enlistment, and Entrepreneurship. Teaching is my passion. My purpose is to serve and inspire others to find theirs in any capacity that I can encounter students and staff. Wow, do I love what I do --and completely love the shared vision that our educators present in their arenas of learning. Teachers encapsulate so many roles each day. They are not only licensed educators--they are counselors, caretakers, facilitators, leaders, guides, planners, collaborators, statisticians, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters; a vessel of knowledge and experiences who serve and are often underappreciated. Learning is so important to effective leadership. Last year, I have headed back to school. I have joined some of my principal friends in a superintendent cohort program at Ursuline College. Somehow, I am in my last class and need to complete sixteen projects to earn my superintendent's license. Between the day to day work hours, activities, coaching, teaching, COVID school planning, and a student...organization is critical. I look forward to use the lessons that I am learning to continue the work of leading our students and staff at Chardon High School. As I shared in previous years, one of the ways that we record our mission driven outcomes is through our school profile. Each year, our counselors collect information and document data points that work as a companion to the state report card. Although, data from the report card is not being fully completed this year due to emergency remote learning---our school profile was updated. Take some time to see the great information enclosed. CHS Principal's Podcast: 9/17...and the winner of Shining Star CLE is...Ethan Peterson!Ethan Peterson represented Chardon High School last Sunday night as a part of the Shining Star CLE. This singing competition/ scholarship opportunity was aired on YouTube and over 8,000 people viewed the competition. Ethan went from being in the top 10 singers in Northeast Ohio, to the top 4 on the show....leaving it up to the voters to choose the winner. Ethan's performance and extraordinary fan base drove him to the top! Ethan will receive up to a $10,000 scholarship and brought home an additional $2,500 for the CHS Music department. I had the opportunity to call Ethan on Sunday and it was my joy to hear his enthusiasm and love for his family, school, and community! National Merit Semifinalists! In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a National Merit® Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the information provided to each Semifinalist. Congratulations to Jeffery Fletcher, and Brendan Sarbach for being recognized for this extraordinary accomplishment! Jeffery is interested in Chemistry and the medical field. He is still considering his college options but has narrowed his search to Duke, Stanford, Ohio State University, and the University of North Carolina. Brendan is interested in studying English. He is still considering his college options but has narrowed his search to Harvard, the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University. This is just the beginning of many accomplishments from these exceptional young men! We are so proud of you! Schedule for the Week of September 21-25Our students in all models have done an extraordinary job adjusting back to school. It is important to note (after replying to several emails) that all students -whether in the building, hybrid, or in the blue model, follow the regular (yellow) bell schedule. In one of my first videos, I share that three systems needs to work like gears aligning and moving together. With that in mind, whatever schedule we are running in the building is the schedule that students at home need to follow. We do not have teachers earmarked solely for online learning; therefore, all students need to follow the schedule that we are running in the building. Please continue to stay tuned in to district communications pertaining to any adjustments to the schedule based on county levels. Monday, September 21: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Tuesday, September 22: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Wednesday, September 23: Periods 2, 4, 6 (red schedule) ALL STUDENTS Thursday, September 24: Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 (black schedule) ALL STUDENTS Friday, September 25: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL AND ATTENDANCE - Regular attendance and promptness to class are necessary for the continuity of learning and the development of good habits. The following are considered legitimate absences from school: personal illness, illness in the family, quarantine of the home, religious holiday, legal obligation, medical appointment, death of a relative, or emergency circumstances which, in the judgment of school authorities, constitute sufficient cause for absence. Doctor’s notes may be requested by school authorities if a student accumulates excessive absences. Parents must call the school when children are absent. State law requires that the parent be contacted at home or work if the school is not called. An unexcused absence will be treated as a truancy offense and dealt with accordingly. Please call the high school at 440.285.4057 (press #1) prior to 8:00 a.m. to report absences. This is available 24 hours a day. Financial Aid Night: Monday, September 28th 7:00 pmBelow is information for Chardon seniors and their parents regarding the upcoming Financial Aid Night virtual presentation which will take place on Monday, September 28th 7:00 pm. LEAF will be presenting a virtual Financial Aid Night presentation to Chardon School seniors and their parents on Monday, September 28th at 7:00pm. The presentation will focus on all aspects of the financial aid process. Topics to be covered will be the FAFSA form, CSS Profile, scholarships, grants, loans and other items related to college access. Please join LEAF for this virtual presentation by visiting meet.google.com/zox-cymq-jfa or Join by phone (US) +1 920-461-1934 PIN: 102 565 505# Topper Bistro: Message and Lunch MenuThe following list of FAQs is designed to help answer parent/guardian questions we have received regarding the FREE (through *December 31, 2020) USDA-approved breakfast/lunch program, which is being offered to all Chardon Schools students as part of an emergency relief plan. Information about this exciting free breakfast/lunch program was emailed to all families via the September 12, 2020 Blackboard Email. Please click this link to review the email in full if you have not yet had the opportunity to do so. (*Note: Chardon Schools expects the free meals to all district schools program to extend through *December 31, 2020 unless funding becomes no longer available from Congress prior to that date - in which case the free program would end sooner.) For 100% Virtual students, when is the deadline for parents/guardians to register for 5 days' worth of meals in order to receive meals on the first meal distribution day (Wednesday, September 23)? The deadline for registering for Wednesday, September 23, pickup is by 12:00PM (noon) on Thursday, September 17. Please complete the following Sept 23 100% Virtual Student Free Meals Registration Google Form prior to this Thursday's deadline in order to reserve your spot for September 23. After 12:00PM Thursday, September 17, the Form will be closed to responses for the September 23 distribution date. For 100% Virtual students, how do parents/guardians register their students for 5 days' worth of meals in order to receive meals on the second meal distribution day (Wednesday, September 30)? The Google Form (same url) will be re-posted to the Food Service page of your school's website every Thursday evening with the following Thursday's 12PM deadline and Wednesday distribution date. We will send out an email reminder each week as the new deadline approaches. For 100% Virtual students, is 12:00PM on Thursdays the set deadline for meal pickup on the following Wednesday? Yes. At this time, we have set in place a 12:00PM Thursday deadline - each week - for the following Wednesday's food pickup. If at any time, there are changes made to that deadline, families will receive advanced notice via email. Are there qualifying criteria that a family of a 100% Virtual student(s) or In-Person student(s) must meet in order for their student(s) to receive a free breakfast and/or lunch through the USDA program that ends *December 31, 2020? No. There is no criteria to be met, and that includes no analysis of financial status, in order for Chardon Schools students to participate in this open-to-all free meal program that became effective September 14, 2020 and is expected to end *December 31, 2020. Really? Free food? Yes! In sum, for a limited time (runs through *December 31, 2020), there really is such a thing as a "Free Lunch" (and Breakfast!) for all interested students at Chardon Schools. For 100% Virtual students and In-Person students, are families required to complete a Free and Reduced application in order to qualify for the current program of free meals for students? No. This is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended (see additional information below on benefits) if you think you may qualify. Where can I find a hard copy or online version of the Free and Reduced application? Please visit the Food Service Department page of our district website or go to the Food Service tab of your school's web page to locate the links to the applications. If I think I may qualify for the Free/Reduced program when the Free Meals program ends in December, what are the benefits of completing a Free/Reduced application for my children at this time?
Questions? Please contact josephine.culliton@chardonschools.org.
Students, be sure to have your student ID at all times. It is your lunch card, open campus check-in, and hall pass Morning Drop Off/ Pickup ProceduresWe are still noticing some ways that we can refine the system for transportation in the morning and afternoon pertaining to parent drop-off. Please review this document to best understand the morning and afternoon system. Please note that we are communicating daily with Chardon Middle School and Maple Elementary to best expedite a clean system. Maple Elementary parents and Chardon Middle School parents may not enter our lots prior to our dismissal times. 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, on Memorial Drive, and in the Alcan; and will exit the campus both via North Street and Memorial Drive. All Parents/Guardians Please be mindful of the following:
Chardon Service LeadershipLast Thursday, the Chardon Service Learning Class volunteered at Gearity Elementary's monthly food bank. They repackaged and helped distribute 4000 lbs of fresh produce donated by the Cleveland Food Bank. Social distancing, mask, gloves, hand sanitizer were all utilized in this outdoor volunteer project. Friday Night HighlightsLast Friday was the first week that I could make a highlight video from the football game. Enclosed is Chardon v. Kenston Chardon v. Riverside (Online): Friday, September 18Images of the Week National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month ![]() September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We are using this month to raise awareness and break the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention. Knowing how to reach out and get help for oneself or a friend can make a major difference for someone. Below are two short videos from the seizetheawkward.org campaign talking about how to start the conversation with someone you care about. ResourcesFamily Reference Guide Chardon High School Student Handbook Teacher Resources for CHS Students (Updated Soon) Student Acceptable Use Policy Chardon Athletics Twitter- Follow @chs_dmurray and @chardonhs Remind 101- Text @chardonhs- to the following number 81010 Chardon High School Google Calendar Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar Please see the district site for COVID-19 updates Have a wonderful weekend!
Douglas Murray, Principal 9/8/2020 The Week in Reflection: 9/11Simple Things in Life
Work is one of the greatest ways that we can give back to our community, state, country, and the world. What we do can be looked through various lenses. Regardless of our perspective, our work matters. This past Monday we took time to pause our 'work' as a simple reminder of the value of our contributions. More importantly, Labor Day was an opportunity to spend quality time with our family.
The work that everyone put forth to prepare our re-acclimation to school took countless hours and adjustments. This monumental task parallels your countless patience while you worked. This year, our students are working differently. Our classrooms look different, our cafe looks different, and system of learning looks different. Regardless of all of these needed changes, our commitment to serve and lead our students and community have not changed. Soon we will see the change of scenery and be reminded how short summer is in Northeast Ohio. Yet, for most people in Chardon, we become acclimated to the upcoming season and shortened days. We remember that this is nature's way of nurturing itself after a long year. After this year, we could all appreciate a change in scenery. This is a perfect time for each of us to remember the simple things in life: Faith, Family, and Friends. For many people in Chardon, these reminders come in all shapes and sizes. They emulate stories, memories, and a reminder of how short our time can be with people. Faith can remind us of our own humanity, or even trusting another person. Having faith gives us a sense of hope and optimism in demonstrating our dignity to all people. The new season can provide us the opportunity to rekindle our belief and hope in humanity by the actions and responses that we demonstrate to others. Family is the root of our own autonomy. Growing up, we depend so much on our own parents and relatives to nurture and guide us through good and bad times. As we get older, we begin to develop independence from our family and we begin to gain--and sometimes-- lose their trust. CHS students aren't immune to these changes. We value that every student has their own story, values, and routines ---but what is essential is that our children take the time to recognize the importance of how family time allows for their independence to guide their choices and behaviors. Friends are essential to our development regardless of our age. We value the beauty of authentic communication that allows us to grow in our abilities in and out of school. Technology is a wonderful tool that allows us to communicate. It can become a double-edged sword in our ability to develop meaningful and long lasting relationships. Sending a quick message may suffice for a moment, but what interconnects us as humans is our ability to talk, share, and think in meaningful discussions. Transitioning to school life: Faith, Family, and Friends can connect us to a bigger story; a community. I am proud to see how our community has grown and transformed our values into something bigger than words on paper. As we quickly move into this new season, seize the opportunities to spend more time with the simple things in life...because we all are experiencing how life goes in the fast-lane. Academic Schedule: September 14-18
Our students in all models have done an extraordinary job adjusting back to school. It is important to note (after replying to several emails) that all students -whether in the building, hybrid, or in the blue model, follow the regular (yellow) bell schedule. In one of my first videos, I share that three systems needs to work like gears aligning and moving together. With that in mind, whatever schedule we are running in the building is the schedule that students at home need to follow. We do not have teachers earmarked solely for online learning; therefore, all students need to follow the schedule that we are running in the building. Please continue to stay tuned in to district communications pertaining to any adjustments to the schedule based on county levels.
Monday, September 14: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Tuesday, September 15: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Wednesday, September 16: Periods 2, 4, 6 (red schedule) ALL STUDENTS Thursday, September 17: Periods 1, 3, 5, 7 (black schedule) ALL STUDENTS Friday, September 18: Periods 1-7 (white schedule) ALL STUDENTS Virtual Open House: Monday, September 14 6:00-7:10 PM
On Monday, September 14, (6:00-7:10 PM ) Chardon High School is providing a VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE for all families. Initially, we attempted to run this evening over multiple days- splitting groups. It was recommended to us that we transition this evening to a virtual event in order for our second shift custodians appropriate time to disinfect and sanitize the building. Teachers will be available between 6-7:10 pm to answer questions regarding class. We have a general schedule that the teacher will use to answer questions pertaining to each class within a 10 minute period. However, the link is open for you to pop in when you are free. We understand that many of you are trying to navigate several student schedules and would like to at least meet the teacher.
1st Period 6:00 2nd Period 6:10 3rd Period 6:20 4th Period 6:30 5th Period 6:40 6th Period 6:50 7th Period 7:00 Parents may go to the FlipGrid site and select their son(s)/daughter(s) teachers. Our teachers are creating a brief introduction along with providing a link to teacher's Google Meet. See below for an example. Mr. Bandiera is working on a quick reference Google Sheet that will go out on Monday to help you expedite the process. Morning Drop Off/ Pickup Procedures
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, on Memorial Drive, and in the Alcan; and will exit the campus both via North Street and Memorial Drive. All Parents/Guardians Please be mindful of the following:
Homecoming Dance is Postponed
One of the events that our students long for each year is our school dances. With all of the orders placed before us, along with one regular season home game left this fall for high school football, the 2020 Homecoming Dance has been postponed. This does NOT mean that it has gone away. It means that we have been asked to move this date to mitigate risks of COVID-19. The administration along with our student council moderators are looking at creative ways to celebrate our homecoming in the safest manner possible at a later date.
A Message From the Director of Nutritional Services
September 11, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians, The USDA released a statement earlier this week regarding free meals for students. On Saturday, they clarified further what that means for districts. This extension will allow the Chardon Local School District to provide FREE breakfast and lunch to each student during school days. The meals are free regardless of financial status. To view the monthly lunch menu for your school and/or breakfast service information for your school, please visit your school website and click on the Food Service tab to access menus and more. Effective Monday, September 14, all interested students, whether remote or in-person, at all buildings, will have breakfast and lunch provided to them at no cost through December 31, 2020. This ruling could change at any time, based on funding from Congress. Currently the program is scheduled to end on December 31, 2020, or when funding is no longer available. At that time, meal statuses will then return to their Regular Free, Reduced, or Paid rates. For families with meal funds currently in their children’s MySchoolAccount, this money will be held in the account for use after December 31, 2020 or when the FREE meal lunch program ends. Rates are determined based on information provided on the Free and Reduced Meal Applications that are sent home at the beginning of the year. If you have not yet returned your online Free/Reduced application OR hard copy Free/Reduced application for the 2020-2021 school year, please do so as soon as possible to avoid any gap in benefits. This will also make for a more seamless transition in January. We encourage all families to fill out an application as any approved family will have their child(ren)’s instructional fees waived (this excludes athletics, extracurriculars, etc.). We will be distributing meals to remote learners on Wednesdays from 8:00am – 8:30 am at Chardon High School - 151 Chardon Avenue. A reservation is necessary to ensure your remote students will get their meals on distribution day. The Google form is located on the food service page of your school website (under the Food Service tab), and it needs to be submitted each week by Thursday at 12:00 p.m. for Wednesday pick-up. If you show up without filling out the form, they will not have meals prepared for your students. The Food Service Department appreciates your patience while we work through policy and government changes. Our primary goal remains providing your students with healthy, satisfying meals. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact my office at 440-286-0425 or josephine.culliton@chardonschools.org. Sincerely, Josephine Culliton Director of Food Service Chardon Local Schools Topper Bistro: Lunch Menu
Vision
The mighty eagle is quite striking to see soaring. Their presence, eyes, and awareness makes them an indelible part of our country.
Today is a day where we pause and reflect on patriotism. Today is Patriot's Day. The last several months have been very trying for all of us. Through good and difficult times we must look to the sky and see the eagle soaring and be reminded of it's vision, courage, and perseverance. It is hard to even fathom that over a generation of learners have crossed the halls across our nation never fully experiencing our response as a country to the events of September 11, 2001. During the PA and morning announcements, our school will take the time to personally reflect on our call as citizens to stand for each other as a greater community. Many of you might have visited the 9/11 Memorial. I am sharing a powerful example of our response to nurture, heal, and stand strong against the winds of change. 9/11 Memorial: A Callery pear tree became known as the "Survivor Tree" after enduring the September 11, 2001 terror attacks at the World Trade Center. In October 2001, the tree was discovered at Ground Zero severely damaged, with snapped roots and burned and broken branches. The tree was removed from the rubble and placed in the care of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. After its recovery and rehabilitation, the tree was returned to the Memorial in 2010. New, smooth limbs extended from the gnarled stumps, creating a visible demarcation between the tree’s past and present. Today, the tree stands as a living reminder of resilience, survival and rebirth. Shining Star CLE: Ethan Peterson
Ethan Peterson will be representing CHS this coming Sunday night at 7:00 PM as a part of the Shining Star CLE. This is a singing competition/ scholarship opportunity. Ethan has made it into the top 10 singers in Northeast Ohio. The event is being held virtually this year. Similar to sports voting opportunities. This is a great opportunity for our community to support Ethan. He can receive up to $10,000 scholarship and bring home $2,500 to CHS Music department. Any way that you could get the word out would be greatly appreciated! Voting will take place live (via texting) during the event. Ethan will be singing an amazing song from the musical "Dear Evan Hanson".
Sunday, September 13, 2020 at 7 p.m.
LIVE-STREAMED & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 3 easy ways to watch the performance: 1. Open the YouTube app on your smart TV, computer, tablet or phone. On your search icon, type in Shining Star CLE. The top result might still be "Behind the Scenes..."--- but at least 24 hours before the show, you will see "Shining Star CLE 2020 Performance". Note: You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel in advance of the show. On your internet browser, type: shiningstarcle.org/youtube in the search bar and when the page comes up, click "subscribe". On the day of the show, open YouTube on your TV, sign in with your email and password, and go to subscriptions - Shining Star CLE will pop up there. 2. Watch on your laptop, tablet or phone on the Shining Star CLE website. 3. Follow Shining Star CLE on Facebook to watch on Facebook Live. Performance will start promptly at 7p.m., so please tune in early! Images of the WeekResources
Family Reference Guide
Chardon High School Student Handbook Teacher Resources for CHS Students (Updated Soon) Student Acceptable Use Policy Chardon Athletics Twitter- Follow @chs_dmurray and @chardonhs Remind 101- Text @chardonhs- to the following number 81010 Chardon High School Google Calendar Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar Please see the district site for COVID-19 updates
Have a beautiful weekend!
Douglas Murray, Principal 9/4/2020 The Week in Reflection: 9/6
Schedule for the week of September 7-11, 2020
Monday, September 7, 2020: Labor Day (No School) Tuesday, September 8, 2020: white schedule (All Periods) Wednesday, September 9, 2020: red schedule (2, 4, 6) Thursday, September 10, 2020: black schedule (1, 3, 5, 7) Friday, September 11, 2020: white schedule (All Periods)
Monday, September 7: Labor Day (NO School) Enjoy the extended weekend.
Tuesday, September 8: K-12 in-person students shift to the 100/100 (also known as Yellow) response model. Please follow the usual start and end times for Chardon High School. September 8-9 All School Picture Day
CHS Order Form: https://www.pastorphoto.com/school-photo-order-form Code :99745 What is the 100/100 (yellow) response model? In the 100/100 yellow response model, K-12 in-person-enrolled students do not follow a Group A and Group B Hybrid schedule like we did last week. Instead, both Group A and Group B students attend school in the building together on the same days for a full day of school, each day of the week. We call it 100/100 because it is 100% of the in-person-enrolled students in the school buildings 100% of the school days of the week. Face masks are still required as are social distancing and additional precautions. Social distancing will be somewhat reduced with more students in the building - but our multi-layered precautionary approach (face masks, desktop barriers, frequent handwashing, and frequent cleaning and sanitation in the buildings) continues. Does the shift to 100/100 impact where 100% Virtual (Blue Model) students attend school? No. K-12 100% Virtual Blue Model students continue on with their 100% virtual classes each day and continue to not attend school in the school buildings. Students can expect to continue to be assigned to a combination of synchronous (real-time - e.g. live instruction) and asynchronous (independent) activities. How does the shift to 100/100 impact Chardon High School students who take a combination of Virtual and In-Person courses? Chardon High School students who have chosen a hybrid schedule will continue to attend their virtual courses virtually or offline (combination of live instruction and independent assignments). In contrast to last week, they will now attend their in-person courses in the building 100% of the time (not according to an alternating Group A/Group B schedule in-school / at-home rotation). If you have questions, please reach out to your guidance counselor at Chardon High School. FAQ: Chromebook Repair / Tech Support
Essential Return to Learning Resource: We invite all families to review the Return to Learning - District Communications page at any time as you will find resources to assist you any time you need a refresher on the 2020-21 school year's response models. Furthermore, please continue to refer to the CHS Family Reference Guide for school news. Please refer to the video that we created in our earlier guide to help you best understand our schedules. |
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