We Give Thanks
The last three months have gone by like a whirlwind. The older we get the faster time seems to go by. One of the great things at school is watching kids grow and mature. It is a joy to watch our kids grow up even when we all want the time to slow down.
Time is inevitable. Time can feel like an endless hand moving over each second and time can go before us in an instant. Time is really about how we use it. I can reflect upon the whirlwind of emotions we all have felt during the time we have spent over the last three months. However, today's edition of the Week in Reflection is an opportunity for my team to reflect on our gratitude to our entire Chardon community. There are so many extraordinary athletic and academic accolades that our students have accomplished over the short time that we have been together since August. I am so grateful for the collective efforts our students and staff have embarked upon at this moment in time. Allow this short time away to express gratitude to all those that you love. As principal, I am grateful and love you for who you are, where you are, and where you are going. Keep striving for greatness in all that you do! Ms. Pavicic, Assistant Principal
One of my favorite parts of living in Northeast Ohio are our four seasons. The visible progression of fall, as the leaves change and fall, as nature transitions into winter, seems to pass so quickly, and as much as we would love to cling on to each beautiful fall moment, we have to accept that these moments are temporal and fleeting, with each passing season signifying the beauty of change and its pertinence for balance, growth, and renewal in our lives. Although there is no pause and time is constantly passing us by, we can do our best to enjoy each moment with gratitude knowing that we can hold onto the memories of those moments, and that there is always a beautiful new season to look forward to.
I particularly love this time of year, with Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday, and am grateful to have a day dedicated to spending time with my family and to reflecting on the many gifts in my life. School in particular has been such a gift, as a student, athlete, educator, coach, and now as an educational leader, filled with influential people and lessons learned that I still carry with me to this day. I am grateful to now serve in a role to that allows me to witness the many learning experiences of our students, in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage, and their persistence, diligence, and optimism as they encounter all the joys and challenges those experiences bring, alongside the hard work, dedication, and commitment from our staff and families as they support our students through their journeys. It truly takes a village, nothing is ever achieved alone, and I am so grateful to a part of the Chardon village! I wish all a wonderful, restful, and feastful Thanksgiving! Enjoy the moment! ~Ms. Pavicic Mr. Higham , Assistant Principal
When the smell of the turkey and all the fixings first wafts through the kitchen, your senses perk up with excitement. These simple scents cause a surge of nostalgia. A strong rush of memories of past years fill the room.
At times, these memories make our hearts swell, and they may even produce a feeling of sorrow. Good or bad, this is a driving force of what holidays are about– Thanksgiving specifically. It is universally considered a time of reflection, where we often focus on our blessings and determine how we can support others. As any educator knows, finding the perfect words can be a challenge, especially for a former mathematics teacher. But with the help of the internet , I was able to find this meaningful Thanksgiving quote from Lionel Hampton.. "Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind." Quotes such as this, remind everyone at this time of year that there’s so much more to the holiday than football, turkey, and all the fixins’. However, that last sentence is not completely true because it is that time of year when our mighty Buckeyes beat TTUN! Happy Thanksgiving! ~Mr. Higham Mr. Murray, Principal
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the simple things of life. It is important to take the time to reflect on all of the beauty of the semester. Every single day provides for us an opportunity to give, to learn, and to serve. I am forever grateful to the friends that I have as I walk down each hallway. It is easy to call the staff at CHS my friends. The teachers and staff members energize me with their passion for learning and love of our students. I love my staff, and I am forever grateful for their gifts that they provide our students.
One of the best parts of my day is interacting with students. It is hard to believe that we are almost at the halfway point of the school year. We have such wonderful students! I truly love their kindness, energy, creativity, and leadership. I am so grateful for the beauty they give to the Chardon community. I am a better man just by working beside each of them. From sitting with our eighth graders to meeting with our seniors-- I love spending my time with each of them--even with a little more space between us. I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and assistance that our parents have provided not only me, but to our teachers, coaches, and community. This year has aged all of us, but is through your energy that gives me fuel to get through the events we experience every new day. You continue to model servant leadership to each of us! Most importantly, I am grateful to my beautiful family that sacrifice so much to be with me. They haven't seen me a ton, but they know how much I love them. My wife is truly my best friend. She is beside me at many events, and she knows how to keep me balanced in all that I do in/out of school. I am blessed to have a Chardon graduate, and another daughter at Chardon, and I look forward to sharing many memories with them as they grow and continue to bless our family. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give thanks to the simple things in life: family, friends and familiar fellowship. Let this day be a reminder of how the simple things in life are the strongest reminders of why we work, why we give, and why we serve. Have a beautiful week with your family! -Mr. Murray Topper Club Awards
Our core values recognize Achievement as an essential benchmark of the learning that transpires every day at Chardon High School. We have extraordinary educators that prepare our students for college, career, and life readiness. Our students refine their learning in the classroom and demonstrate their abilities in so many skill sets in extra-curriculars, service, and clubs.
It is our goal that every single person at Chardon High School will graduate finding their purpose. The programs and experiences that you experience at Chardon from grades 8-12 expose you to opportunities to achieve this purpose. More importantly, the relationships that you develop are paramount in your development. Every student matters to us. Taking the time to celebrate achievement collectively provides us the motivation and encouragement to push and strive for success ---so that every student will find their outcome after walking across the stage to further education, immediate employment, enlistment into our armed forces, and even delving into becoming a young entrepreneur. Today, we will celebrate many moments of achievement. Being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students being recognized this morning have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Each day, we are educating the future leaders of our ever-changing world. Together, we are witnessing the development of engineers, doctors, lawyers, educators, chemists, advanced manufacturers, cosmetologists, medics, leaders, and philanthropists who see the good in others and respond to the needs of others. We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to the many ways that they will serve our school in the present and the future. The following slideshow presents all of the students who are being recognized for their academic achievement. We recognized nearly 225 students and 2 staff members during this 45 minute award ceremony! Core Value Awards
The Principal's Award is one of the highest honors for a student to achieve. Being recognized as a student who embodies the core values is an honor that has no classroom or state assessment connected to it. A committee nominated students throughout the year for modeling our values. This year, we are recognizing the following students who model the character and commitment to serve others and use their gifts to embrace Community, Humility, Achievement, Respect, Dignity, Optimism, and Nurture as they live these values in and out of school.
The following students have earned the Principal's Award this year:
12th grade: Rebecca Fullerman Brooke Misch Charles Brock Aidan Murphy 11th grade Iker Amaro Avalos Vince Valletto Sadie Kuhnle Hayleigh McCummins 10th grade Drayton Allgood Austin Clute Makenna Hagan Rachel Suszynski 9th grade Jack Weaver Tyler Richard Elaine Lin Grace Lesiak 8th Grade Olivia Mosher Zachary Rosipko Historical Core Value RecipientsSpecial Award Recognition Awards
It is hard to describe in words this moment. Watch the video to see two recognitions and one special surprise! Special thanks to Mr. Dan Heintz who recorded this for us!
These awesome photos are from Rebecca Fullerman
Schedule for Next WeekState Final 4TicketsLast Week's HighlightsCan't Make it this week? Watch it OnlineMAP of Complex
Resources and News
NHS is organizing a raffle event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We will have 10-15 baskets varying in themes! You can start buying tickets the week of November 27 during lunch period, as well as at the first and second Chardon Boys Basketball game (12/5 and 12/9). Raffle winners will be announced at those two games!
$1= 1 ticket or 1 canned good= 1 ticket! Please no expired food. Basket themes include charcuterie, baking, spa, candy, winter, coffee, and more! Anyone can purchase a ticket.
Instead of re-writing and re-posting events from what I wrote on Friday, November 17th, please take to look at the Week in Reflection from last week to review all of the details that are upcoming.
The Week in Reflection in will return on December 1, 2023
Have a restful and safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal
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11/17/2023 0 Comments The Week in Reflection: 11/17
Over the past three weeks, I have been connected to our students in providing communications, counseling, and service to our mission. Mr. Higham, Ms. Pavicic, and I have taken time to meet with numerous students to discuss academics, relationships, messages, and behaviors.
Many of the tasks that the administration works on are unnoticed by many, but they are done out of a commitment to you, our students, and our school. We do this while balancing our own family life. While we work behind the scenes, our CHS staff are the extraordinary men and women who are serving students between the lines. They have been assisting me, our assistant principals, and teachers while we manage and lead through teaching and covering classes, lending a hand with supervision, and assisting students with their needs. At our core, community driven values and relationships carry the beacon that drives our success. The phrase that breathes energy in our building is Chardon Strong. This mantra is best understood in the following ways: We are Chardon. To live our values means that we are defined by our response to any outcome. We have modeled this for generations of students and parents towards how we respond to difficulty. We are a community in good and bad times who will live with integrity. We have been consistently humbled in our response to moments of success, doubt, and difficulty. We are a district that demonstrates achievement in our outcomes to the state, and outreach to our community and nation. We model respect in our success and failures and how we respond to each other. We recognize the value of seeing the dignity and honor of all of the students and staff members that we encounter. Most importantly, we are optimistic for tomorrow by living our purpose today as we nurture each other. More than ever, we need to nurture each other.
We are Chardon...you cannot be built much tougher-but, it doesn't make us superheroes that are invincible to emotion. We all feel, we are hurt, and we all share the same passion for our kids. This week, our friends at Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools are in mourning after the tragic bus accident that occurred on Tuesday. That evening, I sent the principal a message on behalf of our staff sharing that we would keep his community in our intentions. No words can express how sad this is for their district.
As we transition into a short two day week next week, take the time to give thanks to someone who has made a difference in your life this school year. Hug them, thank them, encourage them, and embrace moments when you can make another person feel better because of your presence. The Schedule for Next Week
Topper Club Awards (School Day) Assembly
Re-established post pandemic, the Topper Club Awards (certificate/letter/pin for a 3.75 cumulative GPA and higher, in addition to recognizing the National Merit students, etc) will occur at Chardon High School during the day in an effort to properly recognize these students while demonstrating to all students what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to their academics. With that said, we will have the assembly to recognize these students for the whole student body on the morning of Tuesday, November 21st.
Topper Club Assembly Schedule Planning Ahead: Schedules in December
Fall End of Course Exam: US Government/ Targeted Make-up tests
On December 13th, Chardon High School will be administering the end-of-course exam for the US Government(Regular/Honors), along with testing targeted students who need to complete previous tests. To deploy all of the important tasks that need to be completed--we are going to implement the following schedule on Wednesday, December 13 and Thursday, December 14.
December 13, 2023: Late Start For Grades: 8, 9, 10, AP Gov, 12
-End-of-Course Exam (Reg/ Hon Gov+ Make-ups)
December 14, 2023: Late Start for all grades
Midterm Schedule 2023: December 18--December 210
Over the days of Dec.18-Dec. 20, Chardon High School will be administering a midterm schedule to close out the semester. All students report to their classes for each period except for scheduled study halls. Those periods do not have midterms. However, all study hall periods will be ran and supervised for students who would like to use them to prepare for a test. All Guided Study periods will meet to prepare students for upcoming assessments. If a student has 7th Guided Study--they will not need to report since it is the last period on the last day of the midterm schedule.
Important to note:
Download Schedule Read this section online. CHS Craft Fair---TOMORROW
Chardon High School is pleased to extend a warm invitation to the local community for our upcoming holiday craft fair, scheduled for November 18th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will take place at Chardon High School, conveniently located at 151 Chardon Avenue. This festive occasion is rooted in the vision of Faith Kilfoyle '23 and Sydney Murray '23, and it has now evolved into a senior capstone project taken over by Savannah Murray '25. This initiative embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and service leadership demonstrated by our dedicated student leaders.
At the fair, you can explore a wide array of locally crafted items, including baked goods, artisan crafts, clothing, jewelry, artwork, and stationery. Additionally, we will have an assortment of Hilltopper apparel available for purchase. While there is no fixed admission fee for shoppers, we kindly ask for goodwill donations upon entry. All proceeds from this event will be directed to Jeremy's Kids, an organization with a mission to provide holiday gifts to families in need within Geauga County. Every year, CHS students dedicate their time to assist with shopping for these deserving families at local stores. We look forward to your participation in this wonderful event, where community, creativity, and generosity converge. Football Playoffs: Week 4
TicketsOHSAA TVLast Week's HighlightsPhotos from the Game
On October 3rd, a group of Freshmen and some of their Senior Mentors participated in a training to become Peer Leaders for our pilot of the Sources of Strength program. Together, along with several of their teachers, they played games, shared positive personal stories, and began planning how they will spread messages of Hope, Help, and Strength to the whole school throughout the year. Fast forward one month, and this newly branded FMP group are working on their first campaign to share ways that students can connect with trusted adults in their life. I was able to see this awesome group in action on Monday and Tuesday of this week. I was very impressed with their collaboration and ideas for our school! You are living the portrait of a Hilltopper and truly #TopperingUp at the same time!
#TopperTicket Recipients of the Week
Art Pieces of the Week
Digital 'Synectic Design' works by Caleb Hewitt (11), Jacob Housholder (11), Sadie Kuhnle (11).
From sketchbook to digital 'Character Design' by Sadie Kuhnle (11). Lab of the Week: AP Physics C
Dr. Schneider's AP Physics C course had a Centripetal Force Lab which connected the factors influencing centripetal force. Students conduct hands-on experiments outside exploring elements impacting centripetal force, including mass, velocity, and radius. The lab facilitated a practical grasp of the intricate relationships among these variables, fostering critical thinking. It was an absolutely beautiful day to have a lab outdoors during our block days!
Soccer: Post Season AccoladesCongratulations to the Boys and Girls Soccer Team for being honored at the GCSSCA soccer banquet that was held on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Honorable Mention Awards: Skylar Duval-Lewis, Haidyn Bunker, Kayla Schneider, Nathan Suszynski, Luke Vucetic, Colson Christie and Adam Zielinski. And a Special Congratulations to Senior and Caption William Vucetic who received an award for Second Team and to Senior and Caption Teagan Sprague who received an award for First Team. Teagan will be playing in the GCSSCA ALL-STAR GAME on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Avon Lake High School at 12:00. We are so proud of our student athletes! CHS France and Spain Trip: Spots Still Available
¡Hola and Bonjour! CHS is heading back to Europe in June of 2025! We are so excited by the high level of interest in the 2025 France & Spain Adventure. Thank you so much to all of the students and parent participants who have already enrolled in the trip. We have had such an incredible response, we are currently on a waitlist.
BUT GOOD NEWS! Spots are still available so ENROLL TODAY! This opportunity is open to ALL CHS Students. I have been informed that we have a secured a second bus for this trip!. This is an incredible opportunity to manage our own personalized tour. For more information, please see the 2025 France & Spain Informational Presentation, or reach out to Señora Niedzwiecki or Madame Dalton. You can also use the registration link inside the presentation to sign up for the trip. Topper Bistro Lunch Menu
Jostens: Seniors, Order Cap and Gown Today
It is time to order your Cap & Gown, Announcements, Class Ring and other senior items.
Place your order online at www.jostens.com or call 800-567-8367 no later than the deadline to receive the class group discounted prices. DEADLINE – NOVEMBER 27th, 2023 Chardon HS Class of 2024 Official Graduation Announcements
Resources
Property Valuation & Reappraisal Impact
To support community understanding of how changes in property values impact property taxes and school district revenue, please review the Chardon Schools Facts Sheet, which includes FAQs, a Screencast and Slideshow. Follow-up questions can be directed to Treasurer/CFO Deb Armbruster at 440.285.4052.
Chardon Goes to the Musicals
Tickets make great gifts! Order now and your tickets will be here before the holidays. Chardon Goes to the Musicals is excited to announce ticket sales for Mrs. Doubtfire and Funny Girl. Money is due to Crescendo Club via Elizabeth Fullerman by Tuesday, November 28. Cleveland's own Playhouse Square is the second-largest theater district outside of Broadway. Over the years, Chardon Goes to the Musicals has sold hundreds of tickets. A reminder this is not a fundraiser, but simply a way for community members to obtain tickets at discounted prices.
Hambden Time Capsule ‘98 Display
With much thanks to the Hambden Elementary Time Capsule '98 post-discovery efforts of Dorrie Keough and Jamie Porter and the Chardon Schools Maintenance Team's recovery of the capsule this fall, there are some salvageable items from the capsule. Including student notes and drawings from Mrs. Williams' 1997-98 1st-grade class! Display Location / Dates / Times
Chardon Night with the Cavs -- Fri. January 5th.
CHS Chorale will be singing the National Anthem for the Friday, January 5th CAVS vs. Wizards basketball game. Come join us as we cheer on the CAVS and our CHS Hilltopper Singers. Tickets are available directly through the CAVS link provided https://cavaliers.group/ChardonHS After Prom: Attention Class of 2024 Parents We need to get the ball rolling on Senior After Prom planning. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help make this event a memorable one for our graduating seniors. If you would like to be included in upcoming After Prom planning sessions and/or want to stay in the loop on ways to be involved, email us at chardonafterprom@gmail.com. Yearbook Information K-12 Monthly Pledge Contest Student Leadership Opportunity! Would your K-12 student like to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at a Board of Education meeting? Student leaders gain practice at public speaking; meet the Superintendent and Board President; and earn a Portrait of a Hilltopper certificate. Enter our monthly contest today for a chance to win! Link to: https://bit.ly/leadthepledge23 PublicSchoolWORKS Chardon Local Schools partners with PublicSchoolWORKS to offer the Stay Safe. Speak UP! student safety and bullying prevention program. This 24/7, confidential reporting tool is available to students, parents, staff and the community. Visit the link to learn about 3 easy ways to report and bookmark access to the tool. Link to: https://bit.ly/chardonnewssssu Work Permit Ohio Law requires that students under 18 years of age possess a work permit for NON-SEASONAL (school year) employment. Forms are also available in the Student Services Office or Main Office. After the parent/guardian, employer, and physician complete and sign the permit, the completed permit should be forwarded by the student to the CHS Main Office along with a Proof of Age document. The CHS Main Office processes the work permit via the State Of Ohio website.
Design for Student Success
Students, the next three weeks are go to move very quickly. The second quarter ends on December 20th. In order to navigate the last three weeks of the quarter successfully, it's crucial to implement a student-centered organizational plan that prioritizes effective time management.
Here is Murray's Simple 7 ---I guarantee that it will create habits to dominate the quarter:
By adhering to this student-centered approach, you'll be well-prepared for the culmination of the semester and can approach finals with confidence and ease. Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends! Douglas Murray, Principal 11/10/2023 The Week in Reflection: 11/10/23Duty and Honor
At the end of World War 1, the armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, became the official day to celebrate all our nation’s veterans. Originally called Armistice Day, it became Veteran’s Day after World War II.
In his speech before assembled West Point cadets, General MacArthur, who reminisced of his 30 plus years of military service, said, " Duty, Honor, Country...those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn." As the general further states in his speech about those three words, "these are some of the things they do. They build your basic character. They mold you for your future roles as the custodians of the nation's defense. They make you strong enough to know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid. They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and gentle in success; not to substitute words for actions, not to seek the path of comfort, but to face the stress and spur of difficulty and challenge." These words resonate today more than ever. Building character, being brave, being humble, and serving others are pillars of humanity. Veterans Day is more than a recognition by athletic teams, going to parades, or services. Veteran's Day is an opportunity to show gratitude and model respect, show honor, and dignity to not only veterans but to each other. Language Arts LIVE
About Language Arts Live!
Language Arts Live! is a speaker and resource program which provides students with examples of how the knowledge they acquire in the classroom translates to the professional world and life beyond high school. The objectives are for students to better understand the various reading, writing, and communication skills, as well as 21st century skills such as the 4Cs (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity) they are currently learning and to then be able to apply these skills meaningfully to their lives.
Photos compliments of Rebecca Fullerman
Story by Rebecca Fullerman, CHS ’24
Content Development Specialist CHS English Language Arts teachers Mrs. Monaco and Mr. Goff welcomed volunteer guest speakers to their senior AP Literature and Focus on College Writing classes on Nov. 6 for this year's installment of Language Arts Live! Speakers Amplify Future Readiness Language Arts Live! is an annual speaker and resource program that provides students with examples of how the knowledge they acquire in the classroom translates to the professional world and life beyond high school. Mrs. Monaco stated, “I love this event each year for many reasons – one being the diversity of careers represented. Another is how the seniors have the opportunity to ask questions about preparing for their futures – whether it be resume writing, interview preparation, or communication styles.” 2023 Lineup Brianne Norcini Ms. Norcini is the Marketing and Brand Manager at Solon Manufacturing Company. She has 20+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry. Jay Roessner Mr. Roessner negotiates contracts and oversees other union business for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #71 in Columbus. His previous job experience includes work as a telecommunications lineman. Pam Roessner Ms. Roessner is the City of Cleveland Heights Prosecutor/Assistant Law Director. She also works in sales part time at Swarovski at Beachwood Place. Guy Wilson, Ph.D. Dr. Wilson is the Associate Director of Research and Development Services for Sherwin-Williams Company. His expertise as a former visiting Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech also aided his presentation at Language Arts Live! CHS Drama Presents: Radium Girls
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