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12/17/2019 Week in Reflection- Holiday Edition 12/20 Looking back at the myriads of words that have been recorded this semester in this weekly blog- it is easy to see the volume of amazing students that have 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 2020, 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 throughout your four years. Whether you are an 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    See you back on January 6, 2020! 12/9/2019 The Week in Reflection: 12/13Finish what you start The finish line for the semester is quickly approaching. It is quite amazing to reflect on how fast the second quarter came to closure. Next Friday 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 to your children about where they are 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. Holiday Concert On Thursday, 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! Chardon High School Holiday Concert ~ December 12, 2019 Fritz Streiff, Choral Director; Melissa Lichtler, Band Director; Cassie Tarbet, Accompanist PRE-CONCERT MUSIC ~ PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES ~ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen & Frosty the Snowman - Symphonic Band Percussion Here Drums Santa Claus & All Jingled Up - Wind Ensemble Percussion FREE HARMONY Sleigh Ride ~ Hayes Merry Christmas ~ O'Connell Santa Claus Boogie ~ Shaw Christmas Mem'ries ~ Huff Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me) ~ O'Connell We Need a Little Christmas ~ Sterling WOMEN’S CHOIR Patapan Fantasia ~ Snyder In Winter (Still, Still, Still) ~ Johnson SYMPHONIC BAND Rejoice the Season ~ Rob Romeyn Scenes from “The Nutcracker” ~ Tchaikovsky/Story Russian Christmas Music ~ Reed/Curnow Christmas Eve/Sarajevo/12/24 ~ O’Neil/Horton CHORALE Midwinter Song ~ LaBarr God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ James WIND ENSEMBLE Christmas Variants ~ Elliot del Borgo In the Bleak Midwinter ~ Robert W. Smith Minor Alterations ~ David Lovrien CHAMBER The Winter's Night ~ Myers Veni, Veni Emmanuel ~ Trotta MASSED CHOIRS & WIND ENSEMBLE Sleigh Ride ~ Leroy Anderson Carol of the Bells ~ Wilhousky It’s a Wonderful Christmas - Hayes O Holy Night ~ Clausen *Hallelujah Chorus ~ Handel Art of Visual Storytelling--Piece of the Week!Mr. Hauber's-Art of Visual Storytelling class created nearly 500 hand drawn frames in 3 weeks preparation for a 40-second animation! I was able to witness this idea start from the initial thought to the final process. Check out the amazing final product! Schedule for Next Week Chardon High School Schedule : December 16-20, 2019 Monday: December 16, 2019 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. December 16 Assembly Music: Jazz Band Angels We Have Rocked the House Holiday Joy Jazz Orchestra Comfort and Joy Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Free Harmony Sleigh Ride Merry Christmas Santa Claus Boogie Christmas Mem'ries Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me) We Need a Little Christmas Monday Assembly Schedule December 17th-20th, 2019 Enclosed Schedule (Please see the attached link 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 a study hall. Students do not need to sit in the 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 Education department to allocate accommodation rooms for the week. Important Notes:
Tuesday: December 17, 2019 8:00-10:00 AM (1st Period) 10:10-12:10 PM (5th Period) Dismissal A la carte lunch available Auburn Juniors return 12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-5th Period) Room 1 12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 1, 5) Room 1 12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams Wednesday: December 18, 2019 8:00-10:00 AM (2nd Period) 10:10-12:10 PM (6th Period) Dismissal A la carte lunch available Auburn Juniors return 12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-6th Period) Room 1 12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 2, 6) Room 1 12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams Thursday: December 19, 2019 8:00-10:00 AM (3rd Period) 10:10-12:10 PM (7th Period) Dismissal A la carte lunch available Auburn Juniors return 12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-7th Period) Room 1 12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 3, 7) Room 1 12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams Friday: December 20, 2019 8:00-10:00 AM (4th Period) 10:10-12:10 PM (Make-ups with Teacher) Dismissal A la carte lunch available Auburn Juniors return 12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students: Make-ups) Room 1 12:45-2:40 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> Chardon Schools is Named to AP® Honor Roll Chardon Schools is excited to announce that it is being honored by The College Board with placement on the 10th Annual AP® District Honor Roll. The District is one of only nine districts within the state of Ohio to receive this honor and one of only 250 school districts throughout the U.S. and Canada. “Over the last four years, we’ve expanded our course offerings in AP (Advanced Placement) specifically and in foundational classes and have found great success with our students as they attempt these rigorous courses for college and career readiness,” said Ed Klein, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Chardon Schools. To be included on the 10th Annual AP® Honor Roll, Chardon Schools had to, since 2017, increase the number of students participating in AP courses while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that this District is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP. “Being included on the AP® District Honor Roll is a testament to the work that the teachers and leaders in our District do,” said Tim Hurlbut, AP Coordinator for Chardon Schools. Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors. “Continued growth in both AP enrollment and outcomes is something that is never achieved in a single year,” said Hurlbut. “Every teacher in our District, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, has played a role in preparing students for success in these college-level, AP courses. Without the support of our District leadership, the Chardon United Methodist Church, parents, students, and the community, Chardon Schools would not be in a position to be one of only nine districts within Ohio being recognized with this honor. As the AP Coordinator here at Chardon, I am proud to be a part of this District and program.” Klein noted that grant funding has been used by Chardon Schools in order to provide professional development for its AP teachers on an ongoing basis. “With more students participating and succeeding in AP in this District, more students are getting a head start on college by earning college credit during high school,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and Instruction at the College Board. “We are pleased to honor the teachers and administrators who have worked to clear a path for more students of all backgrounds to advance through AP.” The complete 10th Annual AP® District Honor Roll can be found HERE.  M. Jane Christyson Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Talent ShowLast Friday, countless Toppers headed to the stage at Park Elementary to demonstrate to the school and local community their talents.
Thank you, to Mrs. Monaco for sharing some of these videos. Thank you, to Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner for sharing this video Swimming Update Hilltopper (700 swimmers, 35 teams) Women: 1st overall winners: 200 medley relay (Sarah Bennett, Gracie Duchon, Stella Parrish, Morgan Debevec), Gracie Duchon 100 fly, 100 IM, Sarah Bennett 50 Back, 200 Free Relay ( Morgan Debevec, Marissa Scerbo, Stella Parrish, Campbell Tierney) Men overall 3rd (best ever before was 7th) @ South 12/11-12 First ever diving experience Women 109-59. Winners: Medley Relay (Reese Schneider, Charlotte Bennett, Leoni Nickel, Megan Marting), 200 free: Katie Snyder, 200 IM Sarah Bennett, 50 Free Stella Parrish, 100 Fly Sarah Bennett, 100 Free Stella Parrish, 500 Free Katie Snyder, 200 free Relay Parrish, Bennett, Jena Goodwin, Megan Martin, 100 back Reese Schneider, 400 free Relay (Parrish, Bennett, Snyder, Nickel) Men 102-62 (won every event) 200 medley (Levi Rogers, Jackson Perry, Austin Dumm, Mason Kooyman), 200 free Austin Dumm, 200 IM Nate Bender, 50 Free Mason Kooyman, Diving Max Klueder, 100 Fly Levi Rogers, 100 Free Mason Kooyman, 500 Free Nate Bender, 200 free relay (Dumm, Jacob Schneider, Levi Rogers, Nate Bender), 100 Back Levi Rogers, 100 Breast Jackson Perry, 400 Free Relay (Mason Kooyman, Austin Dumm, Aj Rogers, Nate Bender)  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. Does your child already have a season’s pass to Alpine/Brandywine? No worries - we can accommodate that too! The Ski/Snowboard Club is open to all students grades 8 through grade 12 who are academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. We will be skiing every Tuesday evening in January. The FINAL DAY for the ONLINE SKI CLUB REGISTRATION is on December 20th. 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 his/her registration.If your son/daughter already has a season pass, 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). 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! Twitter Updates 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 The last publication of the Week in Reflection for 2019 will be sent on Friday, December 20th. The newsletter publication will return for the New Year. Thank you for sharing your children with us! Stay Warm! Douglas Murray, Principal  12/2/2019 The Week in Reflection: 12/6Battle at the Barn Watch the match by clicking on the photo Chardon and Riverside high schools take it to the mat for the Battle in the Barn The spotlights were drawn to the center of the mat for the first ever “Battle in the Barn” series of wrestling matches held between the high schools of Chardon and the Riverside District. The two schools met in the Chardon High School gymnasium on Dec. 5 in hopes of starting an ongoing tradition. The inter-school showdown was in good spirit, aimed at drawing further attention toward the Jeremy’s Kids fundraiser. Chardon High School teacher Rob Mizen lost his young son Jeremy to a motor vehicle accident in 1999, and the charity was first created as a means to celebrate his life. This is the 20th year that Jeremy’s Kids has worked towards raising money for children in need throughout Geauga County. The fundraiser has grown in years with redoubled community support through organizations like local Rotary Clubs, Chardon Methodist Church, and the County’s Jobs and Family Services agency. The Chardon High School gymnasium moments before the student athletes take to the mats for the Battle in the barn, Dec. 5 A Chardon Schools news release explained why they selected wrestling for the exhibition sport of choice. “Wrestling was chosen since it’s a sport that fewer are familiar with; one of the most competitive, character-building interscholastic sports offered at Chardon High School. The wrestlers are honored to help be a part of the larger event of raising funds for Jeremy’s Kids,” the news release stated. The Battle in the Barn had a “big fight feel” with the wrestlers coming out to entrance music and spotlighting to heighten the drama. The student athletes were well supported by packed bleachers of enthused students that treated the event with the cheering fervor usually reserved for Homecoming rallies. Donations going towards Jeremy’s Kids will be collected until Dec. 13. At that point, proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas presents for children of poverty-limited families. Amount fundraised just at the match: $1,250 Want to learn more? Read below to consider supporting this meaningful cause.  CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL 2019-2020 This year AC4P, NHS, Interact, and the Actively Caring Leadership class will raise funds for the 20th annual Jeremy's Kids Christmas fundraiser. This fundraiser is in memory of Jeremy Mizen, the 6-year-old son of teacher Rob Mizen, who died in a car crash on Christmas Eve in 1999. Instead of dwelling on their horrible loss and having this tragic event destroy their lives, Mr. Mizen and his wife decided that they would instead celebrate Jeremy’s life focusing on the positive aspects of his life. AC4P, NHS, Interact, and the Actively Caring Leadership class will use the raised funds to support less fortunate families in the Chardon Community. Many local families are struggling financially with giving their children gifts on Christmas. Every year the students of Chardon High School have joined together with the community to make sure relief was available to these families. Thank you for your generosity. Please make checks payable to Chardon Local Schools. (memo: Jeremy's Kids)+ Rob Mizen Chardon High School 151 Chardon Ave. Chardon Ohio, 44024 Details:
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 in this room will graduate finding his/her 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. Furthermore, being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students being recognized today have maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Looking throughout the gym today, we are seeing 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 your leadership and look forward to the many ways that you will serve our school in the present and the future. National Merit Commended Students National Merit Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2018 PSAT/National Merit Qualifying Test. These young men and women are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. While these students will not continue in the National Merit Scholarship Competition, they have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success. Both of Chardon High School’s students who are recognized this year demonstrate academic and service leadership. They are being commended, not only for National Recognition, but for embracing the Core Values of our school with consistent integrity. Please join me in recognizing: Natalie Dumm Karlie Pirnat  National Merit Semi-Finalists Over 1.5 million students in some 21,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®) The 16,000 Semifinalists represent less than one percent of US High school seniors and includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. From here, semi-finalists have the opportunity to advance to the Finalist level. Finalists will be notified in February of this designation. Please join me in congratulating our National Merit Semi-Finalist. Lauren Dvorak Natalie Fullerman Kelly Holl (Not Pictured) Ashley Tice  RPI Scholarship The Rensselaer Medal was first presented in 1916 with the purpose of recognizing the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and to motivate students towards careers in science, engineering, and technology. As a Rensselaer Medal Recipient, this individual is eligible to receive a $25,000 annual merit scholarship, valued at $100,000 to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Please join me in recognizing our 2019 recipient Sarah Bennett. New this year, Chardon will be nominating a high school Junior as the 2020 recipient. The 2020 Nomination for the Rensselaer Medal Award for Outstanding Math and Science goes to Peter Robie.  Harvard Award The Harvard book award is presented each year by Harvard Alumni Association to an outstanding student who displays excellence in scholarship and high character combined with achievement in other fields. The winners of this award, through their intelligence and variety of achievement, exemplify Harvard’s commitment to excellence. This recipient is no exception; please join me in recognizing: Clare Myeroff  Presentation of Awards 10th Grade Certificates 11th Grade Academic Letters 12th Grade Academic Letters/Pins    Core Values Award: Principal’s Awards 12th grade Gwendolyn Avery Natalie Fullerman Hannah Holbert Kaylie Malloy Madeline McDonald Blue Veon Keaton Ziegenfuss 11th grade Andrew Fetchik Emma Gittins Jacob Stephans Campbell Tierney 10th grade Elizabeth Daugherty Austin Snow Claire Suszynski 9th grade Sam Francis Alexis Jahnke Maysen Jahnke Faith Kilfoyle Sydney Murray Eric Sivula  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. The staff at CHS have rallied this year around one single focus: Live Your Purpose. This simple statement has created a culture of caring, and a focus on high achievement. 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. I am grateful for the support, encouragement, and assistance that our parents have provided not only me, but to our teachers, coaches, and community. You continue to model servant leadership to each of us! Fall AIR TestOn Wednesday, December 11, students in US Government along with several students who were contacted by Guidance will be taking the Fall AIR tests. We will be running an adjusted schedule in order to accommodate this test. Please note the start of classes on December 11th, and December 12th. All School transportation will be running at the regular times. *Important: If you are not in US Government, or have not been directly talked to by your counselor regarding make-ups--classes begin at 10:18 AM. Regular school transportation will follow the typical morning routes.   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 a study hall. Students do not need to sit in the study hall. We will provide supervision in the cafeteria for a silent study hall as needed, but attendance is not mandatory. 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 12:10 PM Tuesday - Friday. --Lunch during the week (Tuesday - Friday) 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). Read this document online. The Learning CommonsAttached is the December issue of The Learning Center Newsletter. In this issue, you will find information on Chromebook repair, and general technology pointers that pertain to the technology used here at Chardon High. Please take a moment to read over the articles, which contain a lot of useful information. Piece of the Week"Ukelele" by Jackson Perry, Grade 11  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. Does your child already have a season’s pass to Alpine/Brandywine? No worries - we can accommodate that too! The Ski/Snowboard Club is open to all students grades 8 through grade 12 who are academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. We will be skiing every Tuesday evening in January. The FINAL DAY for the ONLINE SKI CLUB REGISTRATION is on December 20th. 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 his/her registration.If your son/daughter already has a season pass, 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). 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! Chardon Goes to the MusicalsTickets make great presents! Consider ordering Jersey Boys, Anastasia, or Frozen, for the holidays. Tickets will be distributed prior to Winter Break. Also, if you are interested in seeing Hamilton when it returns to Cleveland next fall, please contact Elizabeth Fullerman at 216-299-5141 or efullerman@hotmail.com, as Chardon Goes to the Musicals is expected to have group seats after the first of the year. As a reminder, this is not a fundraiser, just an opportunity to enjoy Playhouse Square, the second largest theater district outside of Broadway.   Chardon Supports Willoughby South Literally one month ago, many experiences and opportunities were canceled due to a failed levy in the Willoughby Eastlake School District. Politics aside, supporting students in their passion and joy is pivotal during their adolescence. We work hard to model our core values at Chardon not only within the building but extend deep into our community, conference, state, and world. I am sharing with you an opportunity to support students in our conference that worked tirelessly over the last month to organize a production company, raise money, and connect with local partnerships to put on their fall show. Chardon supports all of the arts and particularly support our friends at Willoughby South. The image above will link you to learn more about their show. Talent Show A Time to Reflect It is hard to believe that we celebrated Thanksgiving last week. 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. 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. Make today great! Douglas Murray, Principal  |