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10/10/2017 The @chs_dmurray Week in Reflection: 10/13One Day At A Time This week was another opportunity to grow at Chardon High School. It is hard to believe that we are rounding third and heading home at the end of a quarter. As Principal, one of the most essential responsibilities is to be an instructional leader. Managing my time is essential. Everyday, I have a list of mission-driven tasks and goals to accomplish. There is always the plan, and then there is the reality of the undocumented needs that arrive in my office any given day. We all know that this is all apart of the master plan of leadership. Finding the time to multi/multi-task becomes an essential task in the life of a building administrator. A few years ago, I was teaching students and trying to make a difference in the lives of students through learning, service, and athletics. Today, I am blessed to serve nearly 1000 students, and 70 adults in living our mission. I have always been a progressive thinker in education. I am a reflective learner that strives to refine my practice all the time. I am certainly a player to a greater team, but I am never content with second. Oh...I accept the outcomes, but I work tirelessly to strive for more, be more, and live more. Everything surrounds my personal mission statement, and individual purpose which connects to the vision of Chardon Local Schools. Our choices are one thing that we can control. Our actions emulate our choices, and our character defines our lives. This mantra helps define our purpose. I am a big advocate of empowering students, and adults all of the time. One of the biggest questions that our children asked at an early age was "why!?" Why does this happen, Why does this do that, or Why are we going here...to a simple-- why does why, why! Asking probing questions enhances our curiosity throughout life. Many years ago, you chose Chardon as a place to live. You valued the beauty, community, safety, opportunity, and education. There are many other factors that played a role in your decision to choose Chardon Schools, and you entrust us in preparing your children for college, career, and life readiness. We have a shared responsibility in this rearing. In this Week in Reflection, I will share several ways that makes the Chardon Way, the Better Way. Dynamic TeachersOver the last three weeks, I have observed seven teachers formally and informally. As I scribe and document the countless activities that are going on in the lesson, I think to myself...we have phenomenal educators and students. Our teachers plan purposefully to align the academic standards in unique and creative ways. Our teachers have utilized their PLC Meetings to define the clarity of outcomes, refine common assessments, and prepare for high yield instructional strategies. The hard work that our educators are putting in are being modeled and facilitated by our students throughout the activities and assessments that they are learning. Content mastery is a key lens that has lead to many creative outlets for student achievement. Family and Consumer Science Students in the Family and Consumer Sciences class, Living on Your Own (LYO), are studying the use of credit. LYO students Jeni Bender and Katie Zmarzly invited Mrs. Sonya Kaser and Mrs. Cheryl Radvansky to our classroom to cover some important basics. Mrs. Kaser and Mrs. Radvansky, both from Key Bank, discussed the importance of understanding how credit works and knowing how to use credit wisely. They explained what credit scores are, how an individual's score is compiled, and the importance the score plays when applying for credit. They concluded their presentation with suggested steps a young adult might take to begin establishing good credit. Next week, LYO students will analyze and compare annual fees and interest rates of various credit cards offered by different companies. Students will do this analysis using authentic credit card applications donated by various local businesses. Students will also examine how each type of credit determines the finance charge. This unit on credit equips LYO students with important and valuable knowledge as they plan their transition into the real world after high school. ASAPThis week the CHS student-led Active Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP) group kicked off the second year of teaching Project Alert to the entire 8th grade student body at Chardon Middle School. In preparation for teaching, some of the ASAP students attended a field trip at Camp Asbury focusing on team building. Upon returning to CHS, students reflected on their takeaways from the day and identified a personal goal they would like to achieve through this experience. A freshman summarized his take away from the day as “I learned how all the small pieces contribute to make the big piece stronger and able to work better”. During Wednesday late start, 55 students walked to Chardon Middle School to begin teaching Project Alert. The lesson this week focused on getting to know one another through a variety of ice breakers. Future weeks will focus on lessons designed to motivate non-use among middle school youth, recognizing both internal and external pressures, and practicing resistance skills. A Hilltopper shoutout goes to senior Chelsea Brickman for her leadership in organizing the Project Alert teams and activities. Schedule Change For NEXT WEEK Most of the senior class and AP Language juniors will be on a field trip Oct 19. Unfortunately, the only performance day they could accommodate a group of our size was on a Thursday. Therefore, we agreed to switch Oct 17 to a Black Day and Oct 19 to a White Day. This way the kids aren't missing a block day to attend the play. This DOES NOT impact the start and end times of the school day. Class begins at 7:30 AM. Monday, October 16: White Tuesday, October 17 Black Wednesday, October 18 Red Thursday, October 19: White Friday, October 20: White (End of Q1) Emergency Medical Forms Chardon Schools uses an Online Forms platform that allows you to verify the directory information we have on file for your child(ren), make changes if necessary, and submit beginning of the year forms electronically (Emergency Medical Authorization (EMA) Internet usage, photo permission, athletics, etc…). This electronic submission takes the place of the paper forms. Your child’s directory information, along with the district and athletic forms are ready for your review. For families who already have an Online Forms:
For families new to the Online Forms:
School Pictures - Retake Day School pictures were delivered to those students who ordered them. Picture retake day will be held on Friday, October 20th. If you are having your picture retaken you need to return your pictures packet as well. If you missed the original school picture day now is your chance to get your picture taken. Picture order forms are available in the office. All students and staff need to have their picture taken for ID badges. Student Lot Closed This Weekend Beginning Thursday, October 12, the Chardon High School student parking lot will be closed at 3:00 PM for sidewalk and apron replacements. It will not re-open until Monday (October 16) morning for regular scheduled school hours. If you have any event that you need to attend at the Chardon High School during this time, please park at either the Chardon Middle School or Maple Elementary. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we thank you for your patience and cooperation. Steven Kofol Assistant Superintendent Business Affairs Next Week's Lunch Menu Monday Chicken /Mashed Potato Bowl Popcorn Chicken Whipped Potatoes/ Home-style Gravy Shredded Cheese Dinner Roll Steamed Corn Fresh Side Bar Choices, Turkey Cheddar Paninis, Sausage Pizza, Tuesday Asian Fusion Bar Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple or Orange Chicken Steamed Rice Asian Vegetables Fortune Cookie Fresh Side Bar Choices *Baked Fries in Deli Line, Turkey Cheddar Paninis, Buffalo Chicken Pizza Wednesday Chipotle Bar Fajita Chicken, Taco Meat, Mexican Rice, Flame Roasted Veggies, Black Beans or Refried Beans Salsa, Sour Cream, Lettuce Cheese Fresh Side Bar Choices *Baked Fries Bistro line, Turkey Cheddar Paninis, Thursday Italian time Chicken Parmesan W/ Side of Pasta Garlic Bread Seasoned Cauliflower Fresh Side Bar Choices, Turkey Cheddar Paninis, BBQ Chicken Pizza Friday Panera Style Bread Bowl with choice of Broccoli Cheddar soup, Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup,BBQ Shredded Pork Turkey Cheddar Paninis, Meat lovers pizza, Fresh Side Bar The Learning CenterIn the Lav Report, students will see 15 life hacks specifically for teens, but adults might find them useful as well. This month's Learning Center Newsletter contains information about ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education. ISTE writes the standards by which students, teachers, administrators and technology coaches should strive for when using technology in the classroom. In addition, the 3D printers recently received at CHS are pictured.  Student applications should be submitted by October 15, 2017 and be approved by the student’s parents and High School Advisor. Meetings will be held once a month on Monday evenings plus one day during the week in Spring 2017. More information and the application can be found on our web site www.uwsgc.org/yfdc. For questions contact Betsy Covington at 216-436-2046 or bcovington@uws.org.  ISSUE 26 FAQ’s - WEEK 2 Q4. I just received my property value reappraisal notice from the Geauga County Auditor and my property values went up. Doesn’t this mean the schools see more revenue? A4. NO. Public school districts in Ohio are on a fixed income. House Bill 920 was passed in 1976 to ensure that school district revenue from property taxes would not increase due to growth in property values. Consider this simple example: Suppose that a property tax levy was passed in the Chardon School District in 1987 that generated $10 in revenue to the school district. In 2017, that same tax levy would still generate only $10 for the school district even though property values have increased since that time. HB 920 adjusts the millage that is charged against property values so that the levy continues to generate $10 in property taxes for the school district - no more and no less. Analysis of HB 920's Impact on School District Revenue (click here to learn more) Here is another example. Suppose a school district only had four property taxpayers and only one tax levy that generates $3,500 for the school district. The graph below shows property taxes paid before and after reappraisal.
Why? Because HB 920 keeps school district on a fixed income. The taxpayers do not see an increase in their property taxes due to the increase in property value. But all property values don’t increase by the same amount. What happens in that case? Consider the chart below. Same school district with only four property taxpayers and only one tax levy that generates $3,500/year for the school district.
Q5. Why is the school district replacing fluorescent lights with new LED lighting if there is an operating levy on the ballot? A5. Work began last week on a district-wide LED lighting retrofit project that will affect every school in the district. Hambden ES was the first to see the installation of new LED fixtures in classrooms, offices, hallways and gymnasium spaces. The lighting replacement will see dramatic improvements in the quality of lighting, minimize light fixture maintenance, as well as dramatically-reduced electricity consumption. This project is NOT funded from our General Fund, but from our Permanent Improvement Fund designated for capital repairs. This is a separate fund source from our general operating monies and legally cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses. The payback period for the lighting upgrade is estimated at 2.8 years. This means that after 2.8 years, we will have saved enough money through reduced electricity/maintenance costs to cover the entire cost of the project. Every day after that 2.8 years, we are saving the district money. Work is beginning at CHS this week and will progress through all district facilities over the next 6-8 weeks. We are excited about the opportunity to improve the quality of lighting in our schools, as well as reducing our utility and maintenance costs. A few frequently-asked questions… We are considering new facilities. Why upgrade lighting now? Two considerations. First, it is the right thing to do. The LED lighting being installed will significantly improve the learning environment for students and staff. Second, the projected payback period is only 2.8 years. Even if we proceed with a construction project for new schools, the lighting project will have paid for itself before any new facilities could be completed and will actually be saving the district money. Learn More About the Benefits of LED Lighting (click here) Why are we doing this now rather than before? First Energy, our electricity supplier, offered double rebates for energy savings projects that began by the September 15, 2017 deadline. Chardon Schools qualified for these rebates and took advantage of the program. These rebates helped make the payback period much shorter for the district and will save our school district money on the costs of electricity, light bulb replacement and maintenance. Again, this project is funded through our Permanent Improvement Fund which has no connection to our day-to-day operating expenses of Issue 26. Q6. I missed the Week 1 FAQ’s. Where can I review this information? A6. Here is a link to last week’s FAQ’s. We will also begin posting these on the district website for quick reference. Q7. Where can I get more information on Issue 26? A7. Operating levies are often complex. I am committed to ensuring that parents and stakeholders have all of the information necessary concerning Issue 26. Below is a link to our YouTube Channel CLSD TV and a 30-minute video presenting a factual overview of Issue 26. Issue 26 Overview Video (click here to view video) Halloween Tuesday, October 31 is Halloween. However, with all of the excitement leading into week- the Chardon Crazies and the CHS Administration are moving the traditional costume day to Friday, October 27 to align to the theme for the night. Our students have traditionally dressed in appropriate costumes at school for the day. Students will be permitted to dress this year, as long as the outfit properly follows the guidelines below. Staff and administration will be extremely diligent to ensure that all costumes are school appropriate and not a distraction to other students in their classes. Some things to consider when creating your costume:
Take the time to work on all of the little things this weekend,
Douglas Murray Principal Comments are closed.
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