Class of 2017: Parting Wisdom From Your Principal
During the last year or so, after your parents first realized that the rest of your life had inexplicably sped past, they tried not to be obvious. But maybe you noticed. In spite of all that you were going through in school, sports, and even at work, your family tried to slow the calendar, stop the clock. They were trying, of course, to hang on to you.
The very thing that they committed to year’s ago- rearing, raising, training you for independence- your parents now began to fear. I’m sure some may have been emotional; they may have been firm, or even built walls between you. Every sign that indicated you had learned and matured and were ready to face the world only reminded them how young you seemed. But your parents couldn’t run from the truth. You were leaving and the day was coming soon. Some of your parents may have been so desperate to hang on that they couldn’t even exult in your growth and progress. Why, you ask, a lot of it was due to your maddening independence, that I-can-do-it-myself attitude that reminded both of them so much of their own adolescence, or even that look that asked, “Why do you have to know everything?” or “What does it matter to you?” may have cemented in their aching heart the truth: You had become your own person. It’s what they had wanted. But, your time together this year went by too quickly. There may have been days when they didn’t want it at all. Yet, throughout all the fights over applications, and deadlines, your parents knew that this was for the best. It’s time. And maybe from their perspective, there will never be a good time. Your parents have realized that the longer they hang on to you, the more they protect you from the real world. If you don’t jump in, you’ll never find yourself. And so they must nudge you from the nest. Seeing you leave for college or your career may remind them of the first time they let you go in the water. Only this time they are not going to be at arm’s length, ready to grab as you panic. They will not stand by with reassuring words that say, “I’m just seeing if you can float alone.” For this is the real thing. Your parents will let you go; you will be on your own, and they will back away. The other metaphor that may come to mind is your first time on two wheels. Mom or dad ran along beside, reaching, adjusting, holding the seat, helping you gain momentum and speed. Soon you were on your wobbly way, unable to turn, riding through puddles, over curbs, slowing to painful, tumbling stops before leaping up to try again. Now they will give your two-wheeler a last shove and watch. No more running alongside. You had enough of that. You won’t admit it, but there will be times, when you whirl around expecting your parents to be there. They wont be, and you will think twice about calling, about asking to be bailed out of a jam. There will be bumps and bruises and as much as they would like to protect you from them, your parents will walk away to see you grow. You may be swindled, maybe even endangered because of your own innocence. Your parents could intervene, could warn you, or could slow you on a headlong path to believing someone because “he seemed like a great guy, or she seemed like a great girl.” They could urge you to let time be the test of relationships, to think twice, even three times, before investing in anything. But you must learn from your own mistakes. Your parents and teachers know because they have been there. We all have gone against our own better judgment, so why shouldn’t you? Even I knew better, or should have. I have been told enough times from my own parents. But some things you must learn on your own. You may fail, and you will kick yourself and wonder why you forged ahead. But some day you will know that your life was shaped by the lessons you could learn only from your own mistakes. Graduates of 2017, I am at an age, where I finally can realize the wisdom, encouragement and love that a parent gives to a child. As a parent to two beautiful daughters--the love shared between parents to their children is never a superficial root that may drive you away from their love, but a permanent foundation that grants you the opportunity to blossom into an adult. You must realize that as you transition into a new chapter of your life, your parents, brothers, sisters, and even your friends are going through the same transition. I know that your parents are so proud of you. Even through the good and bad times of this year you have grown in such a way that radiates the beauty of every one of you. Graduates, look around. You are so gifted and talented. Your class emulates success. Academically, Athletically, Socially, and within the community, Your parents, and teachers have watched you grow daily and we are so proud to honor you today in your accomplishments. Many people state that you are the future. You are more than that. You Are The Strength Of Today. Forever in my heart, Mr. Murray Senior Events
Graduation Rehearsal
Because commencement exercises are conducted in a formal, ceremonial fashion, it is mandatory that all seniors be in attendance for rehearsal. *Seniors who do not attend rehearsal will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Rehearsal is scheduled on Friday, May 26, 2017, at CHS beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m. in the gym. After practicing in the gym, the seniors will board busses to Mentor Fine Arts Auditorium. Transportation to practice is by school bus only. NO student will be permitted to drive to Mentor. Because there is so much organizing to be done to make the ceremony a positive experience, we need to have the cooperation of all students involved. All seniors will be transported by school bus. NOTE: Seniors are reminded that it is necessary to pass the last nine weeks and/or the final exam plus have a passing average in a course to receive credit. Failure to meet these requirements in courses required for graduation will result in being ineligible for a diploma in May. Students will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Further clarification is found on page six of the Student Handbook. Graduation Exercises Graduation exercises will be held at Mentor Fine Arts on Route 615 in Mentor on Saturday, May 27, at 2:00 p.m. This should eliminate weather concerns while providing an atmosphere conducive to the dignity commencement should have. Each senior will receive four tickets to be issued at commencement practice on Friday, May 26, 2017. We will have a very limited number of extra tickets. Extra tickets will be limited to four per student. To reserve extra tickets, please call Mrs. Sprinzl at 285-4057 ext. 1262 or email at jen.sprinzl@chardonschools.org. Tickets are first come, first serve. Delinquent Obligations Because all students are expected to meet their responsibilities and obligations as members of our school, seniors are reminded that all deficiencies and/or delinquent obligations (i.e. required credits, class work, fees, library fines, activity fees, textbooks, detentions, suspensions, etc.) are to be taken care of prior to the commencement practice. Students will not be permitted to participate in commencement unless all obligations have been met. Transcripts/Scholarships All seniors will fill out a Final Transcript Request form via Naviance. The Audience In order for any graduation program to be completely successful, the audience too must play a particular role in the proceedings Dignity and decorum are the order of the day. Disruptive or any other such loud behavior is considered inappropriate at a commencement ceremony. Please do your part to set a good example for our children. As a courtesy to our graduates, parents, and guests, we ask parents of young children to make some arrangements for leaving these little ones at home. Kids will be Kids But...it is important for seniors to remember that, although they are finished with the course work at Chardon High School, they are still members of the student body and, as such, must comply with all school rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action, which would require suspension from the formal graduation exercises. It is important to remember that commencement ceremonies are not only for the honored graduates, but also for mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others who attend and regard this ceremony as a serious and dignified occasion. Caps thrown into the air, unnecessary clapping, whistling, or any disruptive behavior only take away from the dignity they expect. Guidelines for Proper Attire Because, in a formal ceremony, all participants are dressed in some type of specific regalia or uniform, proper attire is to be worn by all potential graduates during any of the graduation exercises. To be dressed properly, please note the following: · Caps are always worn flat on top of the head, with the point of the cap centered in the middle of the forehead. Caps are never worn at the back of the head. · Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap until such time as commencement honors are bestowed upon the graduates. · Gowns should be approximately 10” from the floor (please hem if necessary). · Gowns should be pressed before being worn to any of the graduation exercises. · NHS Members who end the school year in good standing may wear Honor Chords displayed appropriately over their gowns. After graduation ceremonies, caps and gowns are yours to keep as a memento of the occasion. Any student not participating in graduation ceremonies will receive a refund of cap and gown payment. That attire shall be as follows: · Girls: Red cap and gown with one tassel. Appropriate dress, suit, or skirt and blouse underneath. Appropriate dress shoes. (No tennis shoes or flip flops) · Boys: Black cap and gown with one tassel. Appropriate dress shirt with tie. Appropriate dress slacks (No jeans of any type). Appropriate dress shoes. (No tennis shoes or flip flops). Students not dressed in proper attire will not be permitted to participate in the formal graduation ceremony on commencement day. NOTE: Students will be permitted to wear only one tassel with their cap and gown during the formal ceremony. No flowers, signs, jewelry or other additions are permitted on cap and gown. Baccalaureate Baccalaureate services are by definition religious in nature. Designed by graduates, this ceremony is a non-denominational religious service at a local Chardon church. This voluntary activity will be held Friday, May 26, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North Street, Chardon, Ohio. Prom: Arabian Nights
Prom is May 20, 6-11, at the Croatian Hall in Eastlake. The theme is Arabian Nights and the junior class prom committee have been working hard the past five months planning every intricate detail!
In order to promote a healthy, safe, enjoyable evening for all students, the following procedures will be in place for the school dance. We encourage families to discuss these rules together. EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR
In my four years with these procedures in place--we have not had a single problem. Prom VideosThis Week's Schedule/ Chromebook Collection
As we prepare for the many celebrations at the end of a school year, we wanted to share with you a quick reference guide to help assist you with the countless calendars that you manage. It is hard to believe that we are days away from exams, commencement, and the beginning of summer break.
The second semester ends on May 26th this year. In order to meet the curricular needs of the students, we had to be creative with the exam schedules. Many departments shared that maximizing the exam schedule for senior projects, exams, and presentations would minimize the disruptions to their target outcomes in their curriculum. When you look at the enclosed calendar, you will notice a hybrid block schedule rotation for senior exams, and a more traditional exam schedule for underclassmen exams. The underclassmen finals will follow a traditional open campus exam schedule where students report during their academic period. In the same tone, Chromebooks for ALL underclassmen will be collected from 8:30am-12:00pm on May 23-25. As stated before, to streamline this process, remind your son/daughter to charge their Chromebook and collect their charger. Any damage to their Chromebook might include fees that will be assessed and rendered to your account balance. Exam Schedule May 23 7:30-9:00: 10th 9:10-10:40: 3rd 10:50-12:20 - 7/8th 12:20-2:31: Make-Ups & conferences May 24 7:30-9:00: 2nd 9:10-10:40: 9th 10:50-12:20: 4th 12:20-2:31: Make- ups & conferences May 25 7:30-9:00: 1st 9:10-10:40: 5/6th 10:50-2:31: Make-ups & conferences We have experienced a memorable year filled with many accolades both in and out of the classroom. We are proud of the development of your son(s) and daughter(s). With many memories still to come, cherish the little things of their high school days. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at one of the many events coming soon. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call any staff member at the high school to assist you with your needs. Staff Directory Chromebook Collection 2017 During the days of May 17-19; 23-25, students will need to turn-in their Chromebooks & Chargers in the Learning Center. School Fees may be accessed according to the condition of your device or failure to return a charger. Any parent interested in assisting us in this important task may contact kathleen.kisabeth@chardonschools.org . We would appreciate any parent assistance just like last Spring and this past Fall. The following times will be allotted: May 23-25, 2017 (8:30AM- 12:00PM) Underclassmen Collection The task includes: 1. Report to the Learning Center when your time is called (per Last Name) to return the Chromebooks. 2. Having the students clean, dry, power on/off the devices with wipes provided. 3. Staff will access the Chromebooks for damage, etc. and document any device in need of repair. 4. Placing devices in two receptacles: needs repaired or acceptable. What Do Students Need To Know?
Senior Award Night Photos
Active Substance Abuse PreventionSpring Sports
Chardon Competition Cheerleading: GRAND CHAMPIONS!
This is the last regular edition of the Week in Reflection. If you choose to print the entire year, you will notice over 200 pages of my passion, love, and commitment to the students and staff at Chardon High School. I am glad that I started this tradition this year. It takes a ton of time (in between the day to day leadership) but is totally worth it. There will be a day where I write a book, but in the meantime-- I hope that you enjoyed my reflections.
Enjoy the summer. Enjoy the simple things in life. Laugh a little, Live in the moment, and Be YOU. I will put together a Graduation Edition after Memorial Day. Stay tuned for details coming from my office this Summer. Leadership doesn't take a day off. Blessings to you and yours. Douglas Murray, Principal 
1 Comment
Aimee Zbiegien
5/20/2017 09:50:20 am
You are such an inspiration to our kids......we are so blessed to have you leading them Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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