Give Thanks

Mr. Higham

Every year at this time, I remind my family and friends how much I truly love Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving to me means family and friends, something near and dear to most everyone.  However mostly recently, this time of year also means The Ohio State Buckeyes will be playing the team up north on the gridiron.  So, what is better than family, friends, food, and football in Ohio?  

For many reasons, “thank you” isn’t said enough.  It is easy to get wrapped up in daily obstacles, work dynamics, or an overloaded email box.  As a result, many people find themselves obsessing over what they could have more of: more time off, more money, more time in a day.  Because of this, we often forget to be grateful for what we do have and to reach out to the people who we really are thankful for.

Thanksgiving always causes me to hit the pause button and remind myself and anyone who will listen that to be thankful for what we have is more fulfilling than recounting what we may want.   As our community continues to grow, we will have many opportunities to come together and work in a focused way to make certain that students have the best experiences possible.

Every moment of the day is a blessing, including moments working with you!  With that, THANK YOU for welcoming me to The Chardon High School.  
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Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. Bandiera

Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Chardon Community!  This Thanksgiving I am once again reminded of all the blessings that I have in my life and the ways that I can share those blessings with this great community. 

​When I came to Chardon last school year, I wondered how this small town would compare to my hometown community.  It was a step away from my comfort zone and I was left with many questions to answer.  Would I fail? Would I be supported? How would the students of Chardon treat me?   

From my first day, these questions were answered.  I could not fail because I am surrounded by the most caring and compassionate group of teachers and staff that constantly lift one another up.  I am supported by each and everyone of our students and families and they show their support through the kindness and generosity.  What about those Chardon students?  Chardon students live their lives believing in the core values.  They respect everyone they come in contact with.  They are optimistic about the future. They create the nurturing environment that makes me love to come to work each day.

As we approach this holiday season, I am thankful for the relationships I have developed with our students, staff, and community members.  It is a privilege for me to watch our students reach high levels of achievement in the classroom, in athletics, and on the stage as actors or musicians.  I am thankful for the opportunity to share in more of these moments and create more memories as the year progresses.
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This Thanksgiving, I look forward to the opportunity to spend time with my family.  While I spoke of the great support I have from my Chardon family; nothing can replace the support I receive from my wife, parents, siblings, and in-laws.   This year I look forward to the excitement of hosting Thanksgiving Dinner where my wife and I can open our home to our family.  We will use this time to rest and relax as we celebrate our last Thanksgiving as a family of two and prepare our home for our new addition coming this May!  

Thank You Chardon for allowing me to be part of your community!  Have a safe and joyful holiday season!

Mr. Murray

Wow. This semester is flying by.  Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the simple things of life. It is important to take the time to reflect on all of the beauty of the semester.  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!

Most importantly, I am grateful to my beautiful family that sacrifice so much to be with me. My wife is truly my best friend. She is beside me at many events, and often waits up for me for all the dances, and evening events. I am blessed to have our daughters at Chardon, and I look forward to sharing many memories with them through their years in our district.

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give thanks to the simple things in life: family, friends and familiar fellowship. Let this day be a reminder of how the simple things in life are strongest reminders of why we work, why we give, and why we serve.  Have a beautiful week with your family!