12/19/2018 Holiday Edition of the Week in ReflectionLooking back at the thousands of words that have been recorded this semester in this weekly blog- it is easy to see the volume of amazing students 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 2019, 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 eighth grader 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 snapchat message 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 12/11/2018 The @chs_dmurray Week in Reflection: 12/14The finish line for the semester is quickly approaching. It is quite amazing to reflect on how fast the second quarter came to closure. Next Thursday 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 and remind them how much you support and love them. In this Week in Reflection, you will read about the many important schedules and events that lead up to our break. Midterm ScheduleChardon 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:
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 The following article was curated from Educationcorner.com to help our students prepare for midterm week. 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:
N.a. "Coping with Test Anxiety | Study Skills Guide." Educationcorner.com. n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2018. <https://www.educationcorner.com/test-anxiety.html> Holiday ConcertOn Monday, the spirit of the season filled the hearts of our Chardon community at the Mentor Fine Arts Center. This concert was such a transformative evening for our students. Special thanks to our teachers: Fritz Streiff and Melissa Lichtler for conducting such a beautiful night. We have such talented students! Jeremy's Kids UpdateThank 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! Fall: AIR ScheduleStudents 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. Last Call: Ski ClubNeed 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! Spain, France, ItalyThere 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! Visit From CHS Theater Arts Class Third graders got a special visit from Chardon High School students. Students taking Mrs. Mihalek’s Theater Arts class found the perfect audience to enjoy their performance. The high schoolers created different plays using familiar childhood books. The performances are the “final exam” for these high schoolers. Third graders enjoyed seeing some of their favorite stories come to life with costumes, props, and sound. A few of the plays performed were, Miles McHale Tattletale, Shh! We Have a Plan, The Gingerbread Pirates, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and A Charlie Brown Christmas. Our third graders were able to volunteer for parts in each performance. The high schoolers instructed the third graders of what needed to be done to perform their role. Please enjoy these photos of our great memories from the high school third grade visit. Special thanks to Cindy Nells for sharing this article with all of us! The Circuit of Success
Checkmate PlusThe 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.
Math Counts: 8th Grade CompetitionWork Permit InstructionsObtain a pre-application for minor work permit in the school office.
Twitter UpdatesFollow 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 Preparing for the Season
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. Midterm Schedule
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:
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 Suesspeare: Hamlet Hears A Who
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. Model UN
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. Lean Training gets really LEAN
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! AIR Re-Take Schedule
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.
The Learning Center
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. Topper BistroSpain, France, Italy
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 |
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