​How to Study Infographic

Experiencing test anxiety is natural. In fact, most people – even those who have prepared extensively – experience some level of anxiety before and during tests. While a certain level of test anxiety is beneficial (as it motivates students to adequately prepare), too much can be detrimental if it prevents them from studying, preparing properly, or concentrating during a test.

These following strategies can help you control extreme test taking anxiety:

• Develop good study habits. One of the most effective ways to handle test taking anxiety is through proper preparation. Besides preparing you for the questions on a test, studying will also build your confidence. As your confidence increases, your test anxiety will decrease.


• Be prepared. If you're completely prepared for a test to the point of being familiar with any question that could be asked, anxiety will dramatically decrease. There is little reason to experience anxiety for a test you've prepared for. 


• Don't cram! Cramming for an exam the night before is a major cause of test anxiety. Students who take their time to regularly study for an exam throughout the term will experience less anxiety than those who decide to study a day or even hours prior to one. If you're studying a difficult subject (ie. chemistry, biology, math, etc.) it's imperative that you start studying early on in the semester, as you're likely to come across concepts, topics, and subjects that require outside help. Cramming can leave you not only pressed for time, but unable to get the help you in time.


• Get adequate exercise. Exercise relieves stress and increases mental function. It can also increase energy. If you take time to take care of your body, you'll experience far less anxiety all around.


• Get plenty of sleep. Not only is receiving adequate sleep necessary for good health, it's also an effective way to decrease anxiety. This is why it's recommended to get plenty of sleep the night prior to a test. It is recommended that you get plenty of sleep the entire week before a test. If you do not get enough sleep prior to a test, you will be fatigued, less able to concentrate, unable to remember everything, and more anxious.


• Get plenty to eat. Never take a test on a hungry stomach. Not only do you need the nutrients necessary for proper brain function and physical energy, taking a test on an empty, grumbling, stomach will make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the test. Some students neglect to eat prior to a test because they don't want to take time away from last minute studying. You don't have to eat a four course meal before every test, but at least grab an apple or some other healthy snack.


• Stay positive. Do not allow yourself to get overly pessimistic. Remain positive and concentrate on doing well on the test. If you dwell on negative thoughts, it will increase your anxiety and make it more difficult to perform. If you think you're going to perform poorly on a test, chances are you will. If you're confident in your ability, you're much likely to be less anxious and perform better.


• Stay relaxed. Take a few minutes to relax before taking a test. If you're struggling to relax, take deep breaths. Take a moment and clear your head. Focus on something completely unrelated to the test, or even school. Think about something fun you're planning later during the week, or maybe a fun trip you'll be taking. Once you're calm, go in and do your best!


• Focus on the learning experience. Do not be too hard on yourself if you do not perform up to your expectations on a test. Instead, learn from the experience, so you can make the necessary changes for the future. Nothing is accomplished by getting all stressed out over something that has already past.

Thank you for all who helped support Jeremy's kids. This was another successful year. Students, staff, and families were able to raise over $8,000! Thank you, Mr. Mizen, for leading another successful example of our core values in action! This is the most amount of money we have collected in over 10 years.  Thanks to the 8th grade teacher for really stepping up.  Your effort really helped to push our totals to the top.  The students will shop for over 30 families on Monday and wrap the present on Tuesday afternoon.

1st Place     Room 408 Mitch Hewitt's class with $1659.13
2nd Place    Room 300 Mrs. Ricci's class with $995
3rd Place     Room 110 Mrs. Kaiser's Class with $547

​Thank you for being such an inspiration to our children!

​Need a Christmas present for your son/daughter? Give the gift of snow before it’s too late and allow your son/daughter the opportunity to join the CHS Ski/Snowboard Club!  
 
Does your child already like to ski/board? Perfect - our club is a great chance for your child to improve his/her skills.
 
Your child doesn’t know how to ski/board yet? No worries - it’s a great chance to learn. Lessons and rentals are included for everyone at no additional cost.
 
Your child already has a season’s pass to Alpine/Brandywine? No worries - we can accommodate that too!
 
To register, go online to https://www.bmbw.com/club-program/. After submitting the online registration your child needs to turn in the emergency medical forms and the bus fee to complete registration.If your son/daughter already has a season pass to Alpine Valley SKIP the online registration and just turn in the emergency forms and the bus fee. Paperwork/bus fees can be turned into Miss Fisher in room 307 or to the main office (directed to her attention).
 
Remember the FINAL DAY for the ONLINE SKI CLUB REGISTRATION is at midnight on Wednesday, December 19. This deadline is set by BMBW and is not something that can be changed, so please be mindful of the deadline if your child plans to join the club. The club is open to all students grades 8 through grade 12. We will be skiing on Tuesday evenings in January, leaving CHS around 4:10.

If you have any questions, please contact the adviser (Alison Fisher) at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or have your child see Miss Fisher during the school day in room 307. Hope your son/daughter considers joining us on the slopes in January! It will be so much fun!  

​There is still time to join us this summer to Spain, southern France, and Italy!  If you are interested, please contact Senora Tekavec at stacy.tekavec@chardonschools.org or Casey Ptasznik at casey.ptasznik@chardonschools.org
​
This is an unforgettable experience for your son/daughter!  

The high school has a new way to process students as they enter after the day begins. Checkmate plus is an attendance tracking system that uses a barcode that is applied to every student ID. Now, as students enter the building (late) they will walk into the main office or student services and scan their ID and receive a ticket that allows them to enter class--while entering their attendance automatically. 

Likewise, students who return back from open campus will no longer have to sign in on a clipboard. They will enter the main office and use their ID to "check-in" from open campus. Students returning from open campus will then report to the cafeteria (periods 1-4, 6-7) and the gym for period 5.

Guest who enter the building will have their license barcode scanned, and take a picture which will print on a badge for our staff to easily identify who is in the building.

Students are receiving their ID's on Friday. The system will fully be integrated on January 3, 2019. In the meantime, we will continue to practice this system during midterm week. Enclosed are a few highlights of the system.

Obtain a pre-application for minor work permit in the school office.

1. Student/Applicant Information:  this is to filled out by the student and signed by parent or guardian.
2. Pledge of Employer:  this is to be filled out by the employer.  We must have the Employer’s Tax ID Number (9 digits).  The number of days per week, hours per day, starting time and quitting time can NOT say varies.  Employer needs to sign and date.
3. Physician’s Certificate for Minor Work Permit:  this is to be filled out by the physician.
4. All sections of the form need to be filled out before processing.
5. You must present one of the following valid forms of ID when you bring the form in for processing:  Birth certificate, Driver’s license, Passport. A copy will be made to keep with the work permit.
6. Mrs. Sprinzl or Mrs. Thompson can process the application.  Work permits are then processed through the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Please allow 24 hours turn around on permits.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest about Chardon High School:

Mr. Murray, Principal: @chs_dmurray and  @chardonhs
Mr. Bandiera, Assistant Principal: @Mr_Bandiera 
Mr. Higham, Assistant Principal: @CHS_AP_HIGHAM 
Mr. Snyder, Athletic Director: @toppernation

Next week's publication of the Week in Reflection will be sent on Thursday, December 20th due to winter break.  Thank you for sharing your children with us! Stay Warm!

​Douglas Murray, Principal

It is hard to believe that we celebrated Thanksgiving a few weeks ago. Preparing for the holiday season can deploy so many emotions: excitement, beauty, new beginnings, and stress. Our response to the season often can act as an amalgamation of all of these feelings all at one time. So, how can you take time this December to prepare for the season?

Excitement: Recall the emotions that you had as a child. You were filled with wonder and awe. Life was very simple in your eyes and everything was pure. These feelings remind us that this time of year is about spending time in the comfort of family and friends while celebrating traditions. Recreate these traditions with your family and celebrate each other. Your time together is so precious. As a child, we cherished these moments. Our children need traditions and memories to pass on these celebrations with their families someday.  Stop for a moment to reflect on how quickly your time has come and gone with your children. These moments can never be replicated. We all need to pause and be reminded that certain things at work can wait in order for us to celebrate our children. 

Beauty: This season is filled with beauty in Ohio.  Yes, not all of us love snow. Yet, we cannot ignore its glory around us throughout this season. We know that our lives do not surround the obvious plot twists on the Hallmark channel, but we can pause to see the beauty in the simple things of life. I preach all of the time that we all have a story and together our stories make our community. Take time this month to create new habits for yourself, or even break some tough ones. One of the hardest tasks that dwell deep inside of humanity is being at peace with yourself. As hard as it can be---reduce the noise around you to see the beauty in you. Your life is a gift to be shared and nourished. Take time for yourself to breathe, slow down, and live in the moment.

New Beginnings: Celebrate your relationships. This is nothing new to your vocabulary. Many people are uncomfortable this time of year because of failed relationships, mourning, and hardships. I have learned through my father that life is a gift.  A year ago, my father was very sick and almost lost his battle with a bone infection and diabetes. Instead of living in fear, he removed the fear---literally. First in his mind, and second in removing the infection in his lower leg permanently. He now is moving and shaking in some new hardware and living life just as he always did. Many of us have a hard time letting go of the past, of feelings, and tough memories. How will you ever grow? Will you run from it or learn becomes of it? Seize every positive moment as an opportunity to expand your humility and every difficult moment as an opportunity to expand your territory and influence. Life is too short to hold on to the past as an ornament. Rather, seize the moment and polish your choices from it. 

Stress: Without a doubt, this time of year can cause stress. A simple example is to look at our mothers and spouses this time of year. They are stressed because they want everything to be perfect. That's all fine, but if you want your mother or spouse to experience fully the above stated---HELP THEM. This time of year is not to be burdened on the shoulders of one. It is an opportunity to show our love to those that care for us. Besides the stress that our families have during this season, we have our own personal stress. Students have the stress of exams, finals, and projects on top of their job and athletics. Of course, our children love to schedule (without telling us) social gatherings with their friends.  Students, take time to check your phone in at the door and converse with your family. The latest post on Snapchat is certainly not as important as talking to a human face-to-face. Likewise, this time of year is a stressful time for staff as they attempt to do all of the above: preserve the excitement with their families, seeing the beauty in themselves, creating new beginnings, and grading all of their exams and projects. I am grateful to each of them as they work together to create new routines in new places while serving our mission.

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 and live today with a focus on tomorrow.

Chardon High School Schedule: December 14; 17-20

Friday: December 14, 2018

Mr. Strieff and Ms. Lichtler are excited to bring back the Holiday Concert for all students during a split school assembly. The concert will be performed during two assemblies: one for grades 9-12, and one for grade 8. This will provide the opportunity for all grades to see our students perform and help curtail distractions.

Jazz Orchestra (approx. 20  min)
Big Band Holiday
Mary, Did You Know?
Jingle Bell Boogie
Let It Snow!
Trans Siberian Orchestra

Free Harmony (approx. 20 min)
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
There is a Santa Claus
Rockin' Holidays
Five Favorite Holiday Songs
Don't Save It All for Christmas Day

Friday Assembly Schedule

Chardon High School Schedule
December 17th-20th

Enclosed Schedule  (Please see the attached schedule for further clarity)

Midterm Week: The purpose of this week is to meet the educational needs of our students as they prepare for midterms, finals, and project presentations. ALL classes will meet during midterm week. If a class does not have a midterm or a final, they will commence a class period. The only non-mandatory period is study hall. Students do not need to sit in study hall. We will provide supervision in the cafeteria for a silent study hall as needed, but attendance is not mandatory. Parents, please see this form.  Will will work with the Special Ed department to allocate accommodation rooms for the week.


Important Notes:

• Transportation will run at the regular time in the morning and afternoon.
• All academic classes will meet during the scheduled time. Dismissal will occur at 11:30 AM each day.
• Lunch during the week will be À la carte.
• Auburn students will have scheduled exams that do not impede upon their schedule.
• CHS Teachers will be in teacher-based teams each day after exams.
• In the case that we have a calamity day during an exam schedule, we will follow the scheduled exam day and adjust the afternoon exam time slots by adding the missed exam(s).

Monday: December 17, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (1st Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (5th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-5th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 1, 5) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Tuesday: December 18, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (2nd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (6th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-6th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 2, 6) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Wednesday: December 19. 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (3rd Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (7th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students-7th Period) Room 1
12:00-2:00 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 3, 7) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Thursday: December 20, 2018

7:20-9:20 AM (4th Period)
9:30-11:30 AM (Make-ups with Teacher)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:00-2:00 PM (ACC Students: Make-ups) Room 1

12:30-2:40 PM Faculty Meeting- Cafeteria

Parental Acknowledgement Form

​I had the wonderful opportunity to watch our 8th and 9th graders in the production: Suesspeare- Hamlet Hears a Who. It was the production that was created by synthesizing the Drama Club for 8th/9th graders after reconfiguration. The cast absolutely nailed this production. The cast and Mrs. Douglas have met once a week for approximately ten weeks--yet, the outcome was fascinating. Imagine Dr. Suess writing Shakespeare. Everything rhymes and is sequenced between whimsical humor and dramatic characters.

This is definitely something that connects with our current ELA themes. I highly recommend seeing the performance. The play is at the Geauga Lyric Theatre and runs for approximately an hour straight. The cost is $5 and helps support future programs. The final show is this Saturday at 3:00 PM.

December 5-6, 2018: Lorain-Winter Conference at Lorain County Community College – High School

OPENING DAY OF THE CONFERENCE
8:00-8:30 Registration
8:30-8:45 Opening Ceremony
8:45-11:00 Committee Session I
11:00-11:30 Lunch Break (students should bring lunches)
11:30-1:15 Committee Session II
​
CLOSING DAY OF THE CONFERENCE
8:30-10:30 Committee Session III
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Committee Session IV
12:15-12:45 Lunch Break (students should bring lunch for some conferences-check specific conference for details)
12:45-1:15 Closing Ceremony

Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and/or academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

Participants in Model UN conferences, known as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries, or occasionally other organizations or political figures, where they represent members of that body. They are presented with their assignments in advance, along with a topic or topics that their committee will discuss. Delegates conduct research before conferences and formulate positions that they will then debate with their fellow delegates in the committee, staying true to the actual position of the member they represent. At the end of a conference, the best-performing delegates in each committee, as well as delegations, are sometimes recognized with awards.

Chardon High School has grown over the last several years under the direction of Mr. Mosnik and the leadership and vision of  CHS Senior, Grace Kilfoyle. We are so proud of the work and passion that Grace has put into sustaining Model UN for generations of Hilltoppers.

Continuous Improvement: Lean Training Reflection by Justin Bloyd

​Hi, I am Justin Bloyd, President of RB Sigma and together with my business partner John Gaul we have designed a Lean Six Sigma; Continuous Improvement training program for High School Students.  Over the last two weeks, we have had the privilege of training over 30 Chardon Hilltoppers in the Continuous Improvement Methodology known as ‘Lean”.  Lean is widely used in all industries and is a set of tools that the students will take with them for the rest of their lives.  Once your ‘Lean Eyes’ are opened, you cannot help but see ‘waste’ everywhere you go and want to eliminate it.

Hilltoppers are the first students to go through this training in the State of Ohio and a number of area companies have supported their effort.  PCC Airfoils in Mentor, OH has developed a Co-Op program specifically for Hilltoppers and has committed to hiring 2-3 students who have gone through the training with a starting wage of $21/hr.  Kurt Struab, Procurement Officer from NASA Glen Research Center spoke with the students about how NASA uses Lean and met with Dr. Klein on how NGRC could be more involved with the Chardon students. 

As a training company that has focused on adult & industry training, we were uncertain how training today’s youth would go.  However, by the end of Day 1, we realized that this group of students was going to be unlike any adult group we have trained.  To understand how Lean is applied in manufacturing and transactional industries the training model is a hybrid of lecture and case studies, with the primary focus being on the “Captain Zach” simulation.  A hybrid factory that makes sailboats for the Navy out of bristle blocks.  As students learn lean topics such as: 5S, 8 Types of Waste, Pull, Value Stream Mapping, Spaghetti Diagrams, and how to run a Kaizen event amongst other tools.  They take these problem-solving tools and apply them to the non-value-added process steps required to manufacture a sailboat.  Their goal is to manufacture a sailboat at a cost of less than $20 per unit.  Roles and responsibilities are assigned to the group and as a team. The students need to work together to decide how to create a more efficient manufacturing process.  In a training of adult students half the group thinks they need to be the leader, others want their opinion heard, and a few arguments break out about the best approach to building sailboats.  After all, building sailboats is serious business.
 
Students from both sessions did not argue about the approach once.  They broke into groups, methodically went through the tools they learned in lecture and were determined to apply them to the next round of the simulation.  They were determined to beat the record set by their district administrators in October, of $13.70/unit.  I am proud to say that they did just that.  The current record of $8.79/unit is now held by Hilltoppers!  This is a significant record, as hundreds of adult students from a number of industries have gone through this same training, but without the same results.  I believe the reason for this, is that as adults, we try to solve problems at a blazingly fast speed.  Without slowing down to think about all the steps and personalities that should be considered along the way.

​John and I told students in both sessions, that we would be honored to give each student a recommendation for employment, military, college, or help them strategize on how to become a young entrepreneur.  Which there were already a few of.  Mr. Murray encourages the students every day to know your ‘purpose’ and consider which of the ‘4E’s’ is best for you.  Going into this training I was not a Hilltopper, but certainly feel like I am one now!

Students taking an EOC AIR test must report to the media center promptly at 7:20 am. All of these have been notified by their school counselors.  Testing will commence approximately at 7:30 am at Maple Elementary in rooms that we have set-up as testing locations and will conclude approximately at 10:30 am.  Our building bell schedule WILL NOT be altered on these dates. Students will take these test(s) with their proctors and report to their regularly scheduled classes upon completely the test.

​Attached is the December issue of the Learning Center Newsletter. 

This issue contains information on the teaching license renewal process. Many teachers have licenses that expire in June of 2019. Please see the article for information on this important, yet infrequent task. 

There is a second article that restates some of the services provided by the staff at the Learning Center. Please take a look to see the many ways staff and students can be helped when visiting the library.

​There is still time to join us this summer to Spain, southern France, and Italy!  If you are interested, please contact Senora Tekavec at stacy.tekavec@chardonschools.org or Casey Ptasznik at casey.ptasznik@chardonschools.org
​
This is an unforgettable experience for your son/daughter!  

Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!

​Douglas Murray, Principal