Looking back at the thousands of words that have been recorded this semester in this weekly blog- it is easy to see the volume of greatness that has walked the halls, fields, and arenas this semester. Coming into this school year, we had so many opportunities for growth. The students and staff have responded with dignity, and perseverance throughout a semester filled with high achievement. This is a perfect time of year for everyone at CHS to recharge and refocus on the simple things in life.  As we transition into 2018, remind yourself of how precious time is and the people that are in your inner circle. Take time for you...and spend time with your families.

As I have shared before, Robert Frost has played a significant role in authoring the numerous decisions that I have made in my life. His writings, along with other writers- Fictional, Philosophical, and Sacred have inspired me to find my purpose. As we close a new year, consider the hills and valleys that you have faced along with your decisions along the way.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day! 
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

As I have shared with every student, staff, and parent that I have talked to over the years---we all have a story. It is through this story that we find ourselves and live with a defined purpose. Finding our call in life has no timeline or playbook.  The more we open our eyes to the beauty in us, around us, and beyond us- the more we define who we are.

Parents:

Cherish these moments that you have with your children. The days have come and passed so quickly as you have watched your children grow. These four years of high school are pivotal in the maturation of your children. Often, you may wonder, do they hear me? Do they know that I care? The answer is complicated and simple...yes. Your children hear you, need you, and love you...even when they make decisions that ask the question if they ever have heard a word that you have shared. Remember, you were in their shoes. The lines of communication are always open- and when you dial them with your love--they will hear.

Students:

The last four months have gone by so quickly. It doesn't matter what grade level that you are in---you have faced a lot of choices. What I love about high school is the diversity of experiences that you face through your four years. Whether you are a freshman walking the halls for the first time, or you just were accepted into college--these four years draw into deep memories. Cherish today, for tomorrow is never granted. Live for the simple moments in life. Unplug from data and plug into real communication with your friends and family. A text will always be there waiting; never bypass a simple embrace, hello, or opportunity to give of yourself.

Staff:

One of the most overlook careers in the world is the one that creates careers. Being a teacher is a sacrifice, a gift, and often a thankless job. We appreciate the gifts that our teachers provide each day at Chardon High School.  We have tremendous educators that not only live their content--they teach about living. Thank you for all that you do to train the future leaders--today.

As we transition into a new year, my wish for you is that of continued, hope, joy, and happiness. Enjoy this time with family and friends. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a joyous New Year!
​
​Douglas Murray, Principal

The Week in Reflection will return on January 5, 2018

The finish line for the semester is quickly approaching. It is quite amazing to reflect on how fast the second quarter came to closure. This Wednesday marks the midpoint of the year...how have you used the time that you were given? We had such a strong start to the year across each grade level! Take the proper time that you need to talk with your children about where they are at socially, emotionally, and academically. This time of year is experienced differently by all students and families. As much as academic achievement is important--so is the well-being of all of our children. Our students know that they have excellent educators that care for their every need, but the extension of school is secondary to the root of the needs that children need at home. As much as we ask our children to be present at school while at school...it is just as important for each of us as parents to be present while our children are present. The one variable that we cannot change is time. Take the time this weekend to be present to all of the variables of your children. ​

On Monday, the spirit of the season filled the hearts of our Chardon community at the  Mentor Fine Arts Center. What a transformative evening for our students. Special thanks to teachers Fritz Streiff and Melissa Lichtler for conducting such a beautiful night. ​We have such talented students!

Thank you for all who helped support Jeremy's kids. This was another successful year. Students, staff, and families were able to raise over $4,500! Thank you, Mr. Mizen, for leading another successful example of our core values in action!The results are in for the Jeremy's Kids fundraiser.  The winning classroom which will receive Donuts for a week is Mrs. Rohrs room 103 with a winning total of $428.18  Congratulations and Thank you for your generosity.

Rounding out the field is:  a close second place, Seniora Tekavec with $416.50
Third Place Room 304 Mrs. Ricci's Room with $260
4th place room 101 Mr. Mizen with $177.27
5th place The Shaw Shack with $175

Thank you to all that donated.

Please note that midterm/final exams are scheduled the week for December 19 and December 20.

December 18: Regular Schedule to prepare for the final exams
December 19: BLACK Day: Midterm/Finals for Periods 1, 3, 5, 7
December 20: RED Day: Late Start Schedule; MidTerm/Finals for Periods 2, 4, 6



By giving the exams before Christmas vacation and by creating an exam schedule that aligns to our normal bell schedule, and evenly distributing the course that have midterms/finals versus courses that have Project Based Learning Assessments, our teachers have created a learning environment designed to optimize our students’ academic achievement.
  
Students are required to report to school for all exam days.  Vacations, college visits, and doctor appointments should not be scheduled during exam times. 
​

Perhaps you have missed the news ... the winter weather is upon us and there is a new Downhill Ski/Snowboard Club at CHS for students to join! The club program will run for five consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning January 9th. We will be skiing at Brandywine Ski Resort with bus transportation provided. No experience is necessary to join; both rentals and lessons are included in the club price. Your son/daughter can learn and improve during the five weeks of this club as each evening students have an hour long small group lesson that is based on ability. There is plenty of appropriate terrain for students who are learning this sport.

Is this something your son/daughter wants to join? Many students are excited about this new opportunity …. registration packets have been picked up by more than 60 students over the past month! However, the final registration deadline is quickly approaching and many students have not yet completed the online registration. If we do not get at least 8 more students to register by next Monday, December 19, we will have to cancel the club. So if your child is planning on joining, please register as soon as possible. If you were not aware of this opportunity and your child did not pick up a registration packet, it is not too late ... please see the documents/forms attached to this email for more details.
​
What do you need to know to help your child become part of this great club ... to register online click this link to go to the BMBW website. Steps for online registration are as follows:

• Go to the "Club Member Registration" link 
• Club Name is "chsski" 
• Password is "member"
• To finish your registration, have your son/daughter bring the $70 bus fee & signed emergency medical forms in to me (room 307 or drop off at the main office). For the $70 bus fee please make the check payable to Chardon Board of Education.

It is also OKAY for your child to join if he/she has a season's pass.  You do NOT need to register online ... your child simply has to turn in his/her $70 bus fee and emergency medical forms to me and I will take care of notifying Brandywine that your son/daughter is part of our club program.

With Christmas right around the corner, this could make a great Christmas gift for your son/daughter! Club Program Cards (and $10 Value Passes) are also good at Alpine Valley. If you would like to find out more details on all of the benefits of the club program or have any questions/concerns please email the adviser, Alison Fisher, at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or contact her at the high school 285-4057 x1718.

Think snow! Hope to see your son/daughter on the slopes!

Solon Comet Classic Results: Jake Hamulak 3rd at 113 pounds, Sam Eldridge 7th at 182 pounds, Mike Lobosky 5th at 195 pounds, Andrew McNaughton 7th at 220 pounds.

North Coast Classic Results: Jake Hamulak 3rd at 113 pounds, Mason Danison 8th at 120 pounds, Ethan Ducca 6th at 152 pounds, Sam Eldridge 2nd at 182 pounds, Mike Lobosky 2nd at 195 pounds.

Jake Hamulak, Sam Eldridge and Mike Lobosky have had impressive starts placing in two difficult tournaments in a row.  

Chardon High Swim has started off to a great start. With 38 swimmers, CHS has the started strong with the highest numbers ever recorded for the swim team.

The first weekend Dec 2 : Solon Relays-- CHS represented very well amongst some very strong opponenets in Northeast Ohio.
Dec 3rd was the Hilltopper Invitational: Our CHS girls won by 550 points, and our boys were tied for 3rd... their highest showing ever.
Dec 8: Madison/Geneva: the girls swept, and the boys split with a victory over Geneva.
Dec 9: Viking Invitational: the girls placed all three relays in the top 10, we had two individual top 10 placers (Katherine Jerry 50 free, Sarah Bennett 100 back) with top 20 finishes from Jayne Sopenski, Natalie Dumm, and Katarina Valentic.

We are so excited for the rest of the season. Lauren Phillips will be added back into the bar lineup soon, and Kayla Benjamin and Emily Phillips did not compete at their highest level yet either. So we are expecting our team score to increase as the season goes on.

At our first meet, individuals placed on:
Vault: Margaret Hamulak- 5th and Chloe Budd-8th
Bars: Chloe Budd-4th
Beam: Margaret Hamulak-1st and Lauren Phillips-6th
Floor: Margaret Hamulak-1st, Chloe Budd-5th, Emma Drake-8th
All Around: Margaret Hamulak-6th and Chloe Budd-3rd
Team: Out of 15 teams, Chardon placed 2nd with a score of 133.725
​
Our first home meet is on December 29th at Lake Erie Gymnastics School in Mentor, Ohio.

During the transition from fall to winter, we are often working tirelessly to prepare for celebrations.  It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving was weeks ago. Looking back, how did you truly celebrate in the moment? Often times, we spend so much time preparing the house, preparing decorations, preparing meals, and wanting each moment to be just right. When the moment arrives, guest come and we often spend so much time with things that we can often forget to truly celebrate the moment. 

As we prepare for this holiday season,  take the time to celebrate the simple things in life. It is very easy to get caught up with things to do, and tasks to accomplish; make the time to celebrate more than just things.  Look at ways to cherish traditions, simple moments, and your time in the presence of others. Here are some ways to reflect on a better you as we close out the year:

Relationships Matter. When you look at your life and the people that you surround yourself with--it is mission critical to live and love in the moment. Life is too short not to say words of encouragement...a simple thank you or love you will make the biggest difference in your day.

Think positively. Where your attention goes, so goes your emotional energy. When you think of negative things, your energy and productivity drop. Maintaining a positive attitude is one of the most essential ingredients to your productivity.

Focus on what you can control. Don’t waste time worrying or thinking about things you can’t control. The negative energy and time spent is a huge time waster. Instead, focus your time on the things you can control that lead you on the path to achieving your goals.

Structure your time according to your goals. Your time should always be spent doing things that help you achieve your goals and bring fulfillment to your life. Plan your days and determine how you will use your time most productively to accomplish your goals.

Take time to recharge. A constant state of stress and overwork slows you down. Make sure you schedule time to refresh and recharge your batteries. This includes making the time each week so that you can rest and do what you enjoy with the people who are most important to you.

With the time constraints of my job, it so important that I practice what I preach. The students and staff know that they are an extension of my family...but my faith, family, and friends are mission critical to the daily energy and tasks asked of me as one of the building leaders.  Be the best version of yourself to those that matter most.

​This month's issue of the Lav Report is an important one reporting on the use of mobile electronic devices and their effect on teens. Recent studies show overuse of smart phones is affecting teens' self-esteem and mental health. Included in this issue are some tips on limiting the screen time of our students. Take a moment to read over the valuable information on this “great technology experiment”.
 
In the attached issue of the Lav Report is an article on resources at INFOhio students can use to help with research projects. INFOhio offers many valuable tools students can use to aid them when using online sources. 21st century tools that show students where to begin, how to find scholarly information, and how to present their findings. 

Please note that midterm/final exams are scheduled the week for December 19 and December 20.

December 18: Regular Schedule to prepare for the final exams
December 19: BLACK Day: Midterm/Finals for Periods 1, 3, 5, 7
December 20: RED Day: Late Start Schedule; MidTerm/Finals for Periods 2, 4, 6

By giving the exams before Christmas vacation and by creating an exam schedule that aligns to our normal bell schedule, and evenly distributing the course that have midterms/finals versus courses that have Project Based Learning Assessments, our teachers have created a learning environment designed to optimize our students’ academic achievement.
  
Students are required to report to school for all exam days.  Vacations, college visits, and doctor appointments should not be scheduled during exam times. 

More information will be sent out next week about test taking/assessment strategies.

Fox 8 News shared the word that we are used to in Chardon...

In the case that we have the white stuff fly as we move into next week, it is important to recall our procedures.

​The decision to call off school due to inclement weather begins at approximately 3:30 AM and includes analysis of the following information:

• Weather and radar reports
• Personal observation of road conditions
• Input from local law enforcement and road crews
• Input from district maintenance and snow removal personnel
• When necessary, school personnel drive the roads to determine the conditions
• Input and discussions with superintendents from neighboring districts

When all of this information is gathered, the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs, and Transportation Supervisor jointly make the decision to close the schools or keep them open for students. Our objective is to make this decision no later than 5:45 AM as school buses are beginning to depart for their morning runs at that time. However, it may become necessary, in isolated cases, to make the decision after that time.  Weather conditions can change abruptly, for better or for worse, but our intent is to determine that it is safe for students and staff to attend school as early as possible.

The district uses a delayed start rather than canceling school should weather conditions allow for this option. In order to ensure greater safety during a delayed start, the opening of schools will be delayed two hours. The following is information concerning how the delayed opening will be implemented and a school-specific schedule:

• Once the decision has been made to close schools or delay the opening, the Superintendent will activate our Blackboard Communication System and update via Twitter @chardonsupt and @chardonschools, our district website and local television stations. It is strongly suggested that parents subscribe to the text/email notification systems now offered by the major Cleveland television stations in order to receive school closing information as soon as it becomes available.
• All parents will receive an automated phone call indicating that school has either been cancelled or will open using a delayed start of two hours.  If school is closed and you did not receive a call it is necessary for you to confirm your telephone contact information with your child’s school as we use the most recent telephone numbers on file for sending automated messages.
• Under a delayed start, all buses will arrive at their morning stop locations exactly two hours later than normal schedule within the constraints of weather and road conditions. Students (including non-public school students that receive transportation through Chardon Schools) should plan to arrive at their assigned stops approximately 10 minutes prior to that time.
• Under a delayed start, all schools will open for operations exactly two hours later than their normal schedule. Students that walk to school, drive, or receive rides to school should plan on arriving two hours later unless directed otherwise for special programs.
• Under a delayed start, all schools will offer a lunch program with options that meet school nutrition standards.
• Under a delayed start, all schools will dismiss at the usual time.
• Under a delayed start, there will be no transportation to/from Auburn Career Center for AM classes. These students should plan to arrive at CHS for their afternoon classes following the modified schedule for that day. The bus for PM Auburn Career Center Classes will depart CHS at 11:00 AM.
• Under a delayed start, Lake Academy/LEADS will be picked up exactly two hours later than their normal time.
• Under a delayed start, there will be no morning preschool class. Afternoon class will report at noon.
• Under a delayed start, morning Latchkey programs at all schools will be cancelled for that day.
• Under a delayed start, all private, parochial and special education schools that receive transportation services from Chardon Schools will be picked up exactly two hours later.

​
Again, safety is our highest priority and we strive to make the best possible decision with the information available at the time.  Parents can always choose to keep their children home if they truly feel there is a weather-related safety risk.  These absences will be recorded as excused, with make-up work provided to the student if the Superintendent designates the day as a Severe Weather Day in the school district.
Please do not hesitate to contact the district if you require additional information in this regard.

Stay warm this weekend with family and friends,

Douglas Murray
Principal