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​The Week in Reflection

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3/7/2018

The @chs_dmurray Week in Reflection: 3/9

The #Finishline: Where Did The Time GO!

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“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” We’re all familiar with those plaintive cries from the kids in the backseat. The end of the school year is a lot like those long car trips...but, wait...we are only starting the fourth quarter! We are stopping at a rest area...or are we?

With the calamity day last week and relentless pockets of lake effect, some students feel that it is time to sit in the back seat and wait until they have idled through the finish line. Regardless of what grade that your son/daughter is in, the fourth quarter is the moment to finish...the moment to refine….and the moment to define who they are.

Two decades of teaching and coaching have cemented in my mind the sheer purpose of preparing for beyond the finish line. Many students and athletes look at the endpoint of a year or season as the goal. The reality is that goals are defined well before the year, and season. I wouldn’t prepare for a state title without establishing the backward design model of off-season/pre-season/in-season preparedness. Likewise, school provides us with many finish lines to pause and reflect which culminates towards the ultimate finish line at commencement.

Wherever you are plotted on the sixteen ‘quarter-markers’ along the high school experience, every stopping point is an opportunity to refine your purpose along the path.

Think of it as ending the year WISEly.

“W” stands for Willpower: At the end of any long project or school year, there’s a natural tendency to become idle. At such times, it takes willpower to see things through to the end. Our students don't necessarily know that yet. To help your son/daughter understand their emotions and develop the willpower they need, you can:
  • Listen respectfully to their feelings about the end of the school year. Have open and honest conversations about putting a plan into action.
  • Explain that the “idleness” is a normal problem and willpower takes initiative and the desire to break the habits.
  • Celebrate past accomplishments that demonstrate your student’s willpower (e.g., persisting with a difficult assignment/game/experience).

“I” stands for Initiative: When students are struggling with end-of-year motivation, it’s actually a great time to inspire them to reach within themselves and take the Initiative to manage their own learning processes and emotions.

Encourage your son/daughter to:
  • Visualize his or her own end-of-year goals and identify any issues obstructing those goals—in this case, the issues contributing to the slump.
  • Brainstorm ideas and create a personal action plan for addressing the idleness.

“S” stands for Stamina: The grit it takes to stay focused and persevere-- day in, day out … and to work really hard to make the goal a reality takes stamina. This type of grit and stamina is a more reliable predictor of academic and professional success than IQ or talent. So, the end of the school year is actually a great opportunity to help your student strengthen this critical quality.
  • Help your son/daughter put any perceived “failures” into the right perspective with examples of some of your own experiences.
  • Encourage your son/daughter to understand that education is a marathon, not a sprint.
  • Encourage your son/daughter and help them with their organizational effectiveness as they near the finish line.

“E” stands for Enthusiasm: The ability to maintain enthusiasm over the long haul is an acquired skill. Teachers model creative ways of regenerating enthusiasm right up until the last day of class. The equation for student success is four main ingredients: Student Engagement, Parent/Guardian Encouragement, Teacher Strategies, and Clear Communication. When all of these “ingredients” are present--the outcomes are endless.

The Motivated Student

By helping your son/daughter finish the school year WISEly, you can ensure he or she develops the qualities needed to succeed not only for school, but in life. I will take complete ownership of the outcomes of this quarter, and work tirelessly to motivate every student and staff member to finish what they start. 
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Ski Trip to New York

This past weekend a group of 14 students headed to Holiday Valley in New York on a ski trip. Holiday Valley got 16 inches of fresh snow the day before the trip which made for some really awesome conditions on the slopes and a really fun experience for the students. Miss Fisher, the adviser, would like to thank all the students that went on the trip for making the experience great. These students truly represented Chardon well!

Free Harmony

Free Harmony headed to the Mentor Show Choir Festival on Saturday, March 3rd

Math Department News: American Mathematics Competition (AMC) Results

Results from the AMC problem solving competition are now in! Congratulations to Jessica Krebs for the highest score on the AMC 12. Congratulations to Natalie Dumm and Natalie Fullerman who tied for the highest score on the AMC 10. Other students in the top three included Joey Jeckering (AMC 12), Tyler Mothserbaugh (AMC 12) and Chris Carter (AMC 10). Great work!  

Thank you to all students who participated in this challenge. To find out your score please see your math teacher or stop by Miss Fisher's classroom (Room 307). Also, just a reminder that Math Club meets every Tuesday morning in room 307 from 6:45 to 7:30.  Any student who enjoys math and would like to improve their problem solving skills is welcome to come join the fun.

The Learning Center

​The Lav Report contains information on GO! Ask Act Achieve, which is a tool from INFOhio that students can use when working on a research assignment. This resource takes students through the research process. It begins with asking questions to find a topic, covers how to evaluate sources, and ends with a self-evaluation and presentation ideas. Check it out today!

This month's Teacher Newsletter includes the latest digital enhancements to INFOhio content. Ancestry.com, Read Aloud, and Science Online have all undergone recent improvements. In addition, there is an article featuring current resources available from EBSCO. EBSCO provides several research databases to students and teachers through INFOhio, but there is so much more they offer. Links contained in the article lead to a science article, a literature lesson plan, and finally to a webinar summary that deals with "Asking Questions in the Age of Google". Something for everyone!

Musical: Evita

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Evita is based on the historical story of María Eva Duarte de Perón, a poor Argentinian girl who grows up to be the wife of the president of Argentina, worshipped by her people. As a young woman who longs for an acting career, fame, and fortune, Eva quickly learns that her feminine wiles hold power among a culture, and a political system, run by men. Once she makes it to Buenos Aires, Evita finds fame and power in her powers of seduction, eventually seducing the rising political figure, Juan Perón, who becomes the President of Argentina. As First Lady of Argentina, she aligns herself with the poor, winning herself, and Perón, popularity among Argentinians. Evita becomes a hero to the poor and the working class­—and an enemy to the rich. A young and unknown revolutionary, Ché, narrates the rise and fall of the beloved matriarch of the Argentinian people. This blockbuster musical, made even more famous as a 1996 Hollywood film, shows both the righteous determination, and the ruthless power, of Argentina’s 20th century matriarch.

ACT: Blended Learning Day

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Chardon High School, in accordance with the Ohio Department of Education, will administer the ACT to all juniors (including students taking classes at Auburn Career Center, and students enrolled in CCP courses), on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.  Auburn classes for Juniors are cancelled for this day. Students who attend a CCP course in conflict with the ACT administration must make arrangements with their professor. Seniors who attend Auburn or CEVEC should attend their respective program. 

In accordance with the ODE, this is a one-time administration of the ACT, offered at no cost to the student/family.  The ACT, a nationally-normed, college readiness exam, provides students and families college and career information.  

All juniors must report to the high school by 7:30 am on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. 
ALL other students (grades 9, 10, & 12) will have a blended learning day and should not report to Chardon High School this day (See below for details). 

All Juniors taking the ACT will be assigned testing locations at Chardon High School prior to testing.  

The testing protocols for administering the ACT are strictly enforced by the ACT.
  • If students are not at the high school by 7:35 am, they may not be tested.  
  • Students are encouraged to keep their cell phones secured in their locker/car, for the duration of the test.  If a student accesses their cell phone/ electronic device during the test, they will be removed from testing and their ACT invalidated.
  • Students should eat breakfast, either at home or school, before testing.  

Those students not completing the ACT (Freshman, Sophomores, and Seniors), must complete the following assignments outside of school to be counted as in attendance on this day.  Failure to complete the assignment will result in an Unexcused Absence.
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 The link sent to Infinite Campus and Gmail accounts will become active the week of  3/19/2018
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Download the PDF

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Murray, Mr. Bandiera, or Mr. Higham at Chardon High School (440) 285-4057.

Delay/ School Closing

Delayed Start: If we implement a delayed start (see schedule). We will move the end of the quarter to meet the educational needs of our students until Monday, March 12.

School Closing: At this point, we have met our ceiling of days. If/When we enter into day (6) or even (7), the teachers need to create "blizzard bags" (Content/Curricular Relevance) for each class that you teach using either Google Classroom or Infinite Campus by 10:00 AM on the calamity day.  We will move the end of the quarter to meet the educational needs of our students until Monday, March 12.

Misc Details:
  • Once the decision has been made to close schools or delay the opening, the Superintendent will activate our Blackboard Communication System and update via Twitter @chardonsupt and @chardonschools, our district website and local television stations. It is strongly suggested that parents subscribe to the text/email notification systems now offered by the major Cleveland television stations in order to receive school closing information as soon as it becomes available.
  • All parents will receive an automated phone call indicating that school has either been canceled or will open using a delayed start of two hours.  If school is closed and you did not receive a call it is necessary for you to confirm your telephone contact information with your child’s school as we use the most recent telephone numbers on file for sending automated messages.
  • Under a delayed start, all buses will arrive at their morning stop locations exactly two hours later than normal schedule within the constraints of weather and road conditions. Students (including non-public school students that receive transportation through Chardon Schools) should plan to arrive at their assigned stops approximately 10 minutes prior to that time.
  • Under a delayed start, all schools will open for operations exactly two hours later than their normal schedule. Students that walk to school, drive, or receive rides to school should plan on arriving two hours later unless directed otherwise for special programs.
  • Under a delayed start, all schools will offer a lunch program with options that meet school nutrition standards.
  • Under a delayed start, all schools will dismiss at the usual time.
  • Under a delayed start, there will be no transportation to/from Auburn Career Center for AM classes. These students should plan to arrive at CHS for their afternoon classes following the modified schedule for that day. The bus for PM Auburn Career Center Classes will depart CHS at 11:00 AM.
  • Under a delayed start, Lake Academy/LEADS will be picked up exactly two hours later than their normal time.
  • Under a delayed start, there will be no morning preschool class. Afternoon class will report at noon.
  • Under a delayed start, morning Latchkey programs at all schools will be canceled for that day.
  • Under a delayed start, all private, parochial and special education schools that receive transportation services from Chardon Schools will be picked up exactly two hours later

AP Exams

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​Just a reminder that the AP (Advanced Placement) Exam registration period will open on March 12. The College Board has set the AP Exam fee at $94/test this year. Your child will receive registration information during the week of 3/5. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that all students enrolled in an AP class register for the AP Exam. 

​Please plan for this upcoming expense. If you feel your child qualifies for a fee reduction through College Board, please reach out to Tim Hurlbut at timothy.hurlbut@chardonschools.org in the Counseling Dept.

Yearbook

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Attention seniors and parents of seniors.

If you have not submitted your senior picture for this year, be sure to get it into Mr. Hauber ASAP!
Requirements for your senior picture:
  • Pictures can be taken with the professional photographer of your choice. 
  • Your picture must be a head and shoulder shot.  If your picture does not meet this requirement,   we reserve the right to crop your picture accordingly. 
  • It is recommended/preferred for the picture to have a simple background.  The picture can be taken indoors or outdoors.
  • If submitted in color, your picture will be printed in color.
Submitting your senior picture:  
  • Email your picture to erik.hauber@chardonschools.org (please do NOT reduce quality of photos when sent - at least 300 dpi)
  • Send your picture to the high school on a CD as a “.jpeg” file.
  • Last resort option, submit a wallet size hard copy photo to the high school office.  
Note:  Digital submissions are much preferred and strongly recommended in order to preserve the quality of the photos.

Reconfiguration: CHS

A resounding message from parents, staff, and community members throughout our analysis of reconfiguration has been that we need to unify as a district: in our message, in our purpose, and in our programming. We must unify as one district, because we are all Hilltoppers! Moving forward, we will be unifying under the Chardon Hilltopper brand. 

As part of this effort, we are calling attention to the core values firmly established in the culture and climate of Chardon High School: ​
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Transition Activities

We understand that providing for a smooth transition to new schools will be important to our students. Building administrators are already working together to plan for spring and summer activities that will help students become comfortable with new schools. 

We recognize that change can be difficult and it often brings new challenges. This reconfiguration effort also provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our purpose and align our school district for greater efficiency and effectiveness. There is still much work to be done: we must arrange for student schedules,  further transportation planning, staffing assignments, and logistics of transitioning. I am confident we are prepared to meet these challenges moving into the future. Over the next several weeks, further communications will entail regarding details of staff meetings, parent meeting, and student communications.

Recap: 7th Grade Presentation

Topper Bistro

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Sap's-a-Risin'!

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Sundays, March 4, 11 & 18 • Noon to 4 PM Swine Creek ReservationTapping trees and celebrating the cooking-down of real maple syrup is a tradition with firm roots in Geauga County. But what about celebrating the Nature that creates the sap to make the syrup? For 32 years, Geauga Park District has provided this perspective with a variety of FREE activities hosted in its 32-acre sugarbush:
  • On-the-hour naturalist-led visits to the sugarbush, where you can collect buckets from the trees and spill the sweet stuff into a horse-drawn sap sled for cooking
  • Tours of the sugar house and boiling process, with samples of the fresh syrup recently cooked
  • Interactive stations about maple sugaring through history with costumed interpreters
  • Free maple treats, a large crackling fireplace and live music at the lodge (Oak Island Skunk Jumpers on March 4, The Mr. Haney String Band on March 11, The Real Deal String Band on March 18)
Swine Creek is also a featured stop on two drive-it-yourself tours on March 4 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour maps with complete lists of participating sugar houses are available from the Ohio Maple Producers’ Northeast Ohio Maple Madness Tour and the Maple Producers of Northeast Ohio’s Maple Tour of Northeast Ohio.

School Transportation remains in the CHS drive and Alcan until 2:45 PM. Car riders need to use the teacher lot as a means for picking up their children. The main drive is closed for car riders until 2:45 PM. We have adult supervision in the building if you choose to pick up your child at 2:45 PM in the main drive. The current configuration of  our school with driveways, and parking lots are hard to change. Please be patient as we continue to assess ways to create proper dismissals. 

S.T.A.R.S-Supporting Tears, Anger, Remembrance and Sadness 

Beginning Tuesday, March 20th, Hospice of Western Reserve will be facilitating a group for students who have experienced a loss and would be interested in participating in a small group experience during the school day. Grief is a normal reaction to loss and the STARS group provides a caring and accepting space to assist students in the healing process. 

If you would like your student to participate or want more information  please email  joan.blackburn@chardonschools.org or contact guidance.  
Have a great weekend with family and friends,

Douglas Murray
​Principal

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