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12/17/2021 The Week in Reflection: 12/17The Sounds of the Season
The sounds of the season resonated throughout our district this week. The amazing talents of Melissa Lichtler and Fritz Streiff energized hundreds of students who performed at the Mentor Fine Arts Center. An audience filled with family and friends celebrated our students who performed many holiday classics, along with several holiday montages. We have so many talented students at Chardon High School. This group of students are the backbone of the energy and entertainment for sixteen consecutive football games, and learned all of these songs throughout marching in the band. They are so talented. Embedded into this blog are some images taken by Mrs. Laurie Heintz along with several videos that I posted that night.
Photos courtesy of Laurie Heintz
Midterm Schedule
This is a short week at Chardon High School. We are implementing a Red Day/ Black Day Schedule to accommodate any exams scheduled.
On Monday, December 20, we are using a Regular Red Day Schedule for anyone implementing a midterm. keep in mind that this schedule has our traditional late-start. On Tuesday, December 21, we are using a Regular Black Day Schedule to counterbalance anyone implementing a midterm. This schedule is a regular school day. Students are to report to class like they do on traditional block days. Jeremy's Kids
ASVAB
Still figuring out your future? Can’t decide on a college major? Don’t know what career to pursue? Then the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is for you! CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today!
Explore your interests. Identify your strengths. Start opening doors to your future. Participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today! Whether you are planning on college, a technical school, the military, or you are just not sure yet, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program can put you on the right path towards a satisfying career. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today! The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can help you take steps now toward finding a career that’s right for you. You can benefit from the ASVAB CEP regardless of your plans for after high school. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance to take advantage of this exclusive career exploration today! Topper Bistro
State Championship Parade
Community is at the top of our core values. It was lived last Sunday in our community. Hundreds of people came together to celebrate our city and school. It was moving to see and experience. Thank you, GTV for all of the coverage!
Watch Video online
GTV Photos
Image from Cleveland
Courtesy of Matt Wilkinson and Jeremy Guy
National Letters of Intent: Alex McDonald, Christian Hall, Nathanael Sulka, and Ryleigh Robinson
Congratulations to Alex McDonald, Christian Hall, and Nathanael Sulka who signed their National Letter of Intent to play in college. Alex and Nathanael are playing football at Youngstown State University. Christian Hall is heading to Alcorn State University to play Baseball. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Ryleigh Robinson on signing a National Letter of Intent to continue her education and soccer career at Mount Vernon Nazarene University!
CHS Principal Podcast: Season 3, Episode 18: Semester ReflectionClosing Reflection
Looking back at the myriad 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 unique learning environments this semester. Coming into this school year, we had so many opportunities to nurture ourselves back to some normalcy. The students and staff have responded with dignity, and perseverance throughout a semester filled with extraordinary accomplishments. 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 2022, 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 come and passed so quickly as you have watched your children grow. These 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 years. Whether you are an eighth grader walking the halls for the first time, or you just were accepted into college--these 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! The Week in Reflection returns after the New Year. ~Douglas Murray, Principal Resources for Families
General Quarantine Letter
Weather Related Information Mr. Murray’s YouTube Page The Hilltop Echo (School Newspaper) Video Announcements: Link for the Morning Announcements Week in Reflection: This is the Weekly Publication for Parents/Students/Staff Chardon High School: Program of Study Chardon High School Bell Schedule; Google Document of our bell schedule Chardon High School Student Handbook Teacher Resources for CHS Students Student Acceptable Use Policy (All Students Must Sign) Chardon High School Google Calendar Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar Remind101 Text Message: https://www.remind.com/join/chs21-22 Twitter- Follow @chs_dmurray @chardonhs @toppernation @chs_AP_Higham @mrs_bondi 
12/10/2021 The Week in Reflection: 12/10BACK TO BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS!
Congratulations to the Chardon High School varsity football team on its phenomenal, history-making 16-0 season - an OHSAA first - that culminated with a thrilling 21-14 Division III State Championship win over Hamilton Badin on Friday evening at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. This marks the 28th consecutive victory for the Hilltoppers!
I must stress this clearly...we are living inside of history. It is absolutely extraordinary just to make it to the state championship....winning it is another level....then going through the grind of literally an NFL season.....heading back to the game and winning it...THAT'S HISTORICAL. On top of the grind our players went through and succeeded at, Coach Mitch Hewitt joins an elite group of Ohio high school football coaches who have achieved back-to-back (or more) State Championships. We also want to acknowledge that the success of a team takes a village. We applaud the team’s student athletes, Coach Hewitt and the assistant coaches, we also want to thank the Gridiron Club, the Chardon Athletic Boosters, G-TV, Pastor Photography, community sponsors, and the many families and additional adult volunteers who help in a myriad of ways throughout the pre-season and season to support the team. In the meantime, cherish this moment, enjoy the logos that I created, the highlight video, and photos. I have added an awesome production from GTV
Mr. Murray's Highlight Video
Mr. Murray's Pictures
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GTV Highlights
Click to watch GTV Highlights
The BEST in the BUSINESS: Pastor Photography!
Click to see all of Pastor's Photos!
State Championship Parade
Join our community on Sunday, December 12th, in honor of the members of the 2020 and 2021 Chardon Hilltopper Football State Champion teams! Participants include football players, coaches, marching band (drumline), cheerleaders, representatives of the "Crazies", dignitaries, Chardon Fire Department apparatus, and members of our community.
Parade lineup will be on Memorial Drive in front of the high school starting at 11:30am. Parade will start shortly after 12pm Planned Route is as follows: From the high school, travel west on Alcan Dr. to North St. Head up North St. to the Square. Travel around the Square three quarters and end in front of the Library near Park Elementary. Everyone will gather around the gazebo for presentations by various dignitaries, Coach Hewitt and our team captains. The Gridiron Club will be selling State Championship merchandise. Maggie's is donating donuts and Sage's is donating apple cider. Please join us in celebrating these outstanding student athletes and coaches! G-TV will live stream the Chardon Hilltoppers’ Parade on Chardon Square this Sunday. It is scheduled to broadcast 12/12/21 11:15am - 1:30pm. Here’s the link to the live stream, if you want to watch. https://boxcast.tv/view/chardon-hilltoppers-state-championship-parade-124968 CHS Principal's Podcast: Season 3, Episode 17- State Championship 2.0Schedule for Next Week
Monday, December 13: White Day
Tuesday, December 14: White Day Wednesday, December 15: Red Day Thursday, December 16: Black Day Friday, December 17: White Day Midterm Schedule
On Monday, December 20, we are using a Regular Red Day Schedule for anyone implementing a midterm.
On Tuesday, December 21, we are using a Regular Black Day Schedule to counterbalance anyone implementing a midterm. Jeremy's Kids
Kelly Morris: Winner of Congressional Art Award
Congratulations to Kelly Morris on winning the congressional district’s Congressional Art Competition! It is an amazing honor for her artwork to hang in the U.S. Capitol, and the committee was amazed at her artistic talents.
Art Piece of the Week
“Rodrick” Isabelle Medvec Grade 8 Pottery
ASVAB
Still figuring out your future? Can’t decide on a college major? Don’t know what career to pursue? Then the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is for you! CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today!
Explore your interests. Identify your strengths. Start opening doors to your future. Participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today! Whether you are planning on college, a technical school, the military, or you are just not sure yet, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program can put you on the right path towards a satisfying career. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance today! The ASVAB Career Exploration Program can help you take steps now toward finding a career that’s right for you. You can benefit from the ASVAB CEP regardless of your plans for after high school. CHS will be offering the ASVAB on Wednesday, Jan 26th at 8:00am for students in grades 10-12. Sign up in Guidance to take advantage of this exclusive career exploration today! Topper Bistro
Images of the Week: Band Concert
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Service of the Week: Gearity Food Bank
Chardon's Interact club and Actively Caring for people club braved the cold weather to help out at the Gearity Elementary food bank in Cleveland Heights. They prepared over 2 tons of fresh produce.
Alumni News
Chardon HS Alumni Matt Gittins '16 is performing in a great family-friendly holiday musical called "Light It Up" with the Cleveland Playhouse. The production is being performed at the Allen Theater at Playhouse Square. Matt was a powerful performer while at CHS and was the lead in our productions of "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "Pippin", and "Catch Me If You Can". Matt plays violin, French horn, drums, piano, and has a powerful singing voice. He attended Otterbein University majoring in Musical Theater. Matt composed a full-length musical as his senior project and has been performing in several productions including leads at the Porthouse Theater. Matt has established himself as a professional actor with membership in the Actors Equity Union. Matt had been in NYC prior to COVID and has been in Chardon for the last year. Matt has lot's to be proud of as he pursues a career in this competitive field.
Light It Up! Closing Reflection
When you look in the mirror--what do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear?
A reflection is a mirror image of what we see on the exterior. When we look at ourselves we often see ourselves as other people describe us. Mirrors can be tricky in reflecting the mirage of another person's words. The world can be a cold place when we look in the mirror. But, does it have to be? Should it be? A mirror should reflect the beauty of our creation, our words, and our feelings. Everyone is beautiful. Everyone has value, and everyone has worth. It is up to each of us to reflect this into our own mind's eye in order to change our world, our perspective, and our outcomes--and in doing so, we change another person's world. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. That kindness lives in each of us. This time of year can be difficult for many of our students and families. Take a moment to look in the mirror to see the beauty of YOU, the beauty of your smile, the beauty of your presence, and the beauty of your impact on so many. BeYOUtiful! Resources for Families
General Quarantine Letter
Weather Related Information Mr. Murray’s YouTube Page The Hilltop Echo (School Newspaper) Video Announcements: Link for the Morning Announcements Week in Reflection: This is the Weekly Publication for Parents/Students/Staff Chardon High School: Program of Study Chardon High School Bell Schedule; Google Document of our bell schedule Chardon High School Student Handbook Teacher Resources for CHS Students Student Acceptable Use Policy (All Students Must Sign) Chardon High School Google Calendar Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar Remind101 Text Message: https://www.remind.com/join/chs21-22 Twitter- Follow @chs_dmurray @chardonhs @toppernation @chs_AP_Higham @mrs_bondi
Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal 12/3/2021 The Week in Reflection: 12/3Humble, Excited, Prepared
The 50th Annual Ohio High School Athletic Association football state championships kick off Thursday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. In August, 709 schools began the season with the goal of playing for a state championship. Now 14 schools have reached that opportunity this weekend. Chardon High School is heading back for a historical run!
State Championship Tickets: Single-game, single-day and all-session tickets are on sale at www.OHSAA.org/tickets. Spectrum News 1 will televise all seven state championship games live on channel and on the Spectrum News app. Streaming is available at http://ohsaa.tv Championship Game Previews, Live Stats, Radio: https://www.ohsaa.org/Sports-Tournaments/Football/Football-2021/2021-OHSAA-Football-Playoffs-Coverage Playoff History Database: https://ohsaaweb.blob.core.windows.net/files/Sports/Football/history/FootballParticipants.pdf More About Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium: https://www.profootballhof.com/village/stadium/ OHSAA Football State Championship Pairings All games at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton Home team listed first. Pairings included with overall record and Associated Press state rank. Division II State Championship – Thursday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. Cincinnati Winton Woods (12-3) vs. No. 8 Akron Archbishop Hoban (11-3) Division IV State Championship – Friday, Dec. 3, 10:30 a.m. No. 4 Clarksville Clinton-Massie (13-1) vs. Youngstown Ursuline (11-3) Division III State Championship – Friday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m. No. 2 Hamilton Badin (14-0) vs. No. 1 Chardon (15-0) Division I State Championship – Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. No. 5 Springfield (13-1) vs. No. 3 Lakewood St. Edward (13-1) Division VII State Championship – Saturday, Dec. 4, 10:30 a.m. No. 3 Newark Catholic (14-1) vs. No. 1 Maria Stein Marion Local (15-0) Division VI State Championship – Saturday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. No. 6 Coldwater (13-2) vs. No. 8 Carey (14-1) Division V State Championship – Saturday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. No. 8 Versailles (14-1) vs. No. 1 Kirtland (14-0) School Schedule for December 3, 2021
We are so excited and grateful for another opportunity to play in a state championship! The Ohio High School Athletic Association has determined that the Division III State Championship game will be played on December 3, 2021, at 3:00 PM, inside of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Canton.
In preparation for this special day, the high school administration met with the district leadership team last Wednesday to determine a creative solution to the high school day on Friday, December 3. The high school will be using the 2-hr delay schedule and redeploying this time to the end of the day to create an early dismissal. In order to minimize the impact on families, our school transportation will run at the regular hours in the morning and afternoon. Adjusting the school day provides for a purposeful day of school along with the flexibility to create safe travel dismissals for our families to Canton. December 3 Football Itinerary Football Team Dismissal from class at the end of 3rd period at 9:16 AM Team Meeting and Walk Through- GYM at 10:15 AM Charter Departure at 11:20 AM (Front of CHS) (2) Arrival in Canton 12:50 PM Band/ Cheer Dismissal from class at 10:36 AM Band/Cheer/ Majorette/Topperette Send off- 11:20 AM Band/Cheer/Majorette/Topperette- Lunch in Cafeteria- 11:30-11:56 AM Band/Cheer/Majorette/Topperette- Charter Bus Departure at 12:15 PM (Bus Depot) (3) Equipment Trailer Departure at 12:15 PM Arrival in Canton 1:45 PM Spirit Bus departure at 12:45 PM Arrival in Canton 2:15 PM We are grateful, humble, and ready to support our Chardon Hilltoppers as they finish what they started! Go Hilltoppers! CHS Principal Podcast: Season 3, Episode 16: Generations of CHS Quarterbacks- Scott Neill, Brett Weidig, Drew Fetchik, Zoran Vujaklija, and Alex HenryMr. Murray's Highlight Video: West Holmes v ChardonMr. Murray's Photos from Friday Night Football
Click to see more!
In Case You Missed It: Topper Club Awards
Our core values recognize Achievement as an essential benchmark of the learning that transpires every day at Chardon High School. We have extraordinary educators that prepare our students for college, career, and life readiness. Our students refine their learning in the classroom and demonstrate their abilities in so many skill sets in extra-curriculars, service, and clubs.
It is our goal that every single person at Chardon will graduate finding his/her purpose. The programs and experiences that students experience at Chardon from grades 8-12 expose them to opportunities to achieve this purpose. More importantly, the relationships that they develop are paramount in their 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, although done via video, we will celebrate many moments of achievement. Being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students being recognized in this presentation have maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Looking throughout the slideshow 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 their leadership and look forward to the many ways that they will serve our school in the present and the future. Congratulations! Students may pick up their award in the office any time today or next week. School UpdatesFall End of Course Exam: US Government/ Make-up tests
On December 8 and December 9, Chardon High School will be administering the end-of-course exam for the US Government(Regular/Honors), along with testing students who need to complete previous tests. It is also a scheduled faculty meeting. However, to deploy all of the important tasks that need to be completed--we are going to implement the following schedule:
December 8, 2021: Late Start For Grades: 8, 9, 10, AP Gov, 12 -End-of-Course Exam (Reg/ Hon Gov+ Make-ups)
December 9, 2021: Late Start for all grades
Midterms 2021
On Monday, December 20, we are using a Regular Red Day Schedule for anyone implementing a midterm.
On Tuesday, December 21, we are using a Regular Black Day Schedule to counterbalance anyone implementing a midterm. Jeremy's Kids
The Chardon Service classes, Interact, Actively Caring for People and the National Honor Society will have a virtual fundraiser for Jeremy's Kids. Last year's Chardon Service Learning class developed an amazing website on Weebly and a GoFundME link. Last year we raised almost $10,000.00. We helped 13 families totaling 77 people. The need in Geauga County this year is even higher and we have been handcuffed as to the way we can get donations. Please consider donating to this excellent cause and help make a child have an amazing Christmas.
https://jeremyskids.weebly.com/ https://gofund.me/60063aff Art Piece of the Week
Maddie Tasler
Colored pencil zine Topper Bistro
Fundraiser
The Chardon High School Basketball team will be selling Moe's dinner kits for $36.99 each . The team gets $9.25 back per kit !
The dinner pick up is Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 5:30-6:15 pm in front of the school main entrance . The kits serves 4-6 people and includes 2 proteins , queso , tortillas , lettuce , beans , cheese and sour cream . Portions of the meal can even be frozen for another time . So let’s all get the boys off to a great start to the season with supporting this delicious meal kit from Moe's . Please click on this link. https://form.jotform.com/213134792439156 Please share the email with your family & friends so they don’t miss out . 
Resources for Families
Resources for Families
General Quarantine Letter
Weather Related Information Mr. Murray’s YouTube Page The Hilltop Echo (School Newspaper) Video Announcements: Link for the Morning Announcements Week in Reflection: This is the Weekly Publication for Parents/Students/Staff Chardon High School: Program of Study Chardon High School Bell Schedule; Google Document of our bell schedule Chardon High School Student Handbook Teacher Resources for CHS Students Student Acceptable Use Policy (All Students Must Sign) Chardon High School Google Calendar Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar Remind101 Text Message: https://www.remind.com/join/chs21-22 Twitter- Follow @chs_dmurray @chardonhs @toppernation @chs_AP_Higham @mrs_bondi 
Have a phenomenal weekend!
Douglas Murray, Principal |
