The @chs_dmurray: Week in Reflection

The New Swift Tower: A Reflection by Jason Tysl

I am opening this edition of the Week in Reflection with a student entry. As you may recall, earlier this year our ceramic chimney tower was removed due to its poor condition. The tower was replaced with a steel pipe that provided proper ventilation and clean air. This necessary replacement impacted the chimney swifts that called CHS home during their migration.  Jason Tysl  had a solution...an innovative design that defines what project based learning is...and I was all for it. He planned and prepared a presentation to Dr. Hanlon and the Board of Education and so the story begins...

I decided I wanted to build the chimney swift tower during an Envirothon meeting when Judy Semroc of the Natural History Museum in Cleveland brought up concerns about taking down the masonry smokestack on the side of the school. It was home to many chimney swifts, but the interesting thing is, only one mating pair nests in a tower, no matter the size, though hundreds more may roost there. I really liked this project because it was something I actually cared about, and was something different. I spoke to some people from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for funding, but they referred me to the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). The NWTF and the Home Depot fully funded my project, so I didn’t need anything from the Chardon VFW (who support my Boy Scout Troop) or the school/Envirothon team.

An Eagle Scout Project is defined as, “While a Life Scout, plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.” There is no minimum time requirement for an Eagle Scout Project, but a total of roughly 115 hours were spent on this tower. One of the main requirements is that it must “demonstrate leadership,” and I believe that the hardest parts of that are planning and communication. Planning around my own conflicts such as the school musical and tennis, and around uncontrollable conflicts such as the weather impeding painting, proved difficult. We painted inside Celebration Lutheran Church to get out of the cold April rain, and kept postponing the installation date until the weather cleared up. The musical prevented me from building some of the stuff, but as soon as it ended I got right back to it. The project and paperwork doesn’t have to be completed until the scout’s 18th birthday, which isn’t until February, but I had to get the tower up before the birds came back from migration, and with an early spring this year, I was under quite a bit of pressure.

I am glad to finally be done, and beyond grateful to all the people who helped me: Mrs. Judy Semroc for starting the idea, support from Mr. Dan Best with the Geauga Park District and Mrs. Jamey Emmert with the ODNR for information about chimney swifts, Mrs. Marilyn Rohr for providing the book with directions on how to build the tower and encouraging me along the way, Mr. Adam Hollobaugh for representing the NWTF, Mrs. Carrie Burke and Mr. Frank Willis from Home Depot for helping me cut the large plywood sheets, Mr. Chris May and his son for helping me screw the plate to the building, Sarah Eisenhart, Jamie Fowle, Connor Prusha, and Drew Cressman for helping me paint the pieces, Nick Schragal, Alex Schragal, and Kyle Gessel for helping me install the tower, and of course, my parents, for believing in me and especially my dad for lending so much time and his knowledge about building stuff.

Jason Tysl   jktysl@gmail.com
Photos of the process

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Art Show

The Chardon High School Art Department is hosting its Annual Spring Student Art Show at the Heinen's Cafe.  The show is now OPEN!

The show is an exhibit of work from students in Art II, III and IV, Drawing/Painting and Pottery/Sculpture. We are SO talented at CHS!

Math Competition: Purple Comet International Math Meet

​This week on Wednesday morning during AIR testing, a group of fifteen motivated students participated in the Purple Comet International Math Meet. During this 90 minute online competition these CHS students worked collaboratively in three small teams of 4-6 people. With 30 questions covering a wide range of mathematical topics, the contest truly put their problem solving skills to the test and forced them to think outside the box! Students who participated included Asher Vokoun, Colby Williams, Drew Williams, Liam Kerry, Tyler Mothersbaugh, Neil Patel, Hailey DeGeorge, Dante Perrico, Isabelle LeMaster, Emma Drake, James Gross, Ethan WIlliams, Josh Nelson, Tyler Palesh, and Will Kidd. Great work to all. Results will be posted at the beginning of May.  This was the final contest Math Club will be hosting this school year. 

We are grateful for all of the planning and preparation that Ms. Alison Fisher put into these math contests this year. If you are interested in participating next year, please contact Ms. Fisher

After Prom

The fun of After Prom is already underway, but we need your help! ALL CHS parents are encouraged to get involved with After Prom.  For those families new to CHS, After Prom is a large scale event hosted by parents to give our kids a safe place to extend the fun and memories of prom night. We transform CHS into a themed event with activities, games and prizes for all juniors and seniors.  
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At this point, many of us working on the After Prom committee will be “graduating”.  We need parents, especially freshman, sophomore, and junior parents, to join us this year to learn the ropes.  This event is so much fun, that we know you will want your kids to have the opportunity to attend this event in the future. 
Come join us for our decorating workshops  from 7:00- 9:00pm on  Monday and Wednesday nights.  We work in the upper gym and cafeteria at CHS. Come as often as you like, all help is appreciated!  

Please feel free to email Amy Caldwell- speak2me_18@hotmail.com or Becky Schlag chardonafterprom@gmail.com  with any After Prom questions.  

Below you will have the opportunity to sign up to help set up, and to work at various locations throughout the building on the night of the Event.  If you are signing up to work the Monte Carlo room, please add a comment if there is a particular table you desire (poker, blackjack, hi-lo, etc.).  We are also counting on our workers to help with clean-up as soon as the Event ends.  The more of us that help, the quicker it gets done.  We also understand that some of you may only be able to work clean up, so we've included a slot just for clean-up - believe me we'd love some fresh legs & energy come 3:00am!  Recruit a friend to sign up with, you'll be making great memories of your own, too!

Want to learn more? Please visit this page to sign up. Thanks!

Safe Driving Week

Solo driving and smart choices should go hand in hand – don’t jeopardize safety now that you’re driving on your own. After hours of practice driving, you can see how a person wouldn’t be able to text and drive safely at the same time. Distracted drivers cause crashes, and people can get hurt or killed. That’s why responsible teen drivers don’t text and drive, and they don’t let other distractions – like talking on the phone – pull their attention from the road.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than half of teen drivers used a cell phone while driving, and more than 1 in 4 reported typing or sending a text message while driving in the previous 30 days. When you’re behind the wheel of a car, always put safety first – don’t be a distracted driver.

This week, representatives from the BMV had information to give out, including driver testing, and safety. Furthermore, ODOT had their driving simulator here for students to understand the dangers and difficulty driving while distracted. After watching many simulations it was very clear to all witnesses....DON'T TEXT and DRIVE.

Your Life, Your Choice

"Your Life, Your Choice," an awareness program for local students with the intent of educating them regarding the dangers of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, was presented in dramatic fashion using real-life scenarios and testimonies of people whose lives have been forever changed by crashes caused by drunken drivers.

On Tuesday, April 25, students at Chardon High School attended Your Life, Your Choice and Parkside Church in Bainbridge. This program was first initiated in 2006 by Chagrin Falls Police Officer, Dick Goldsmith. Officer Goldsmith lost his daughter, Emily, in a tragic accident caused by a repeated drunken driving offender.  

The quiet, somber atmosphere permeated a gathering of more than 1,100 Geauga County high school seniors. Students came back to school moved by this presentation. We are grateful to the Geauga County Sheriff's office who sponsored this moving presentation. 

Awards and Celebrations

Chardon Schools has many individuals who provide exemplary educational opportunities for our students, and we have numerous students who strive for and achieve excellence.

Sometimes we are given the opportunity to recognize a few individuals for their service and performance.

10th grade student Maria Evelin Hernandez and high school Educational Assistant Margie Kreft were recognized on Wednesday, April 26th for the Walter and Horn Awards for Lake and Geauga County.

The Walter and Horn awards are for special education students and staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement. Margie and Evelin are wonderful examples of the great things happening in our district.

The ceremony was held at Auburn Career Center on April 26th.

Thespian Induction

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school theatre students. It is a division of the Educational Theatre Association. A few famous ITS alumni include Tom Hanks, Val Kilmer, James Marsters, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Stephen Schwartz. Membership currently stands at approximately 100,000 student members across 3,900 schools. The one millionth thespian was inducted in 1976 and the two millionth thespian was inducted in 2009. Last night, students were inducted into the Thespian Society.

Band Concert

Last Thursday, the Chardon High School musicians along with their fifth grade buddies surrounded our building with beautiful music.  We are grateful for the hard work, and dedication of our students and their music teacher(s). Enclosed are some of the pieces that they performed.

Symphonic Band: Majestia by James Swearingen, Midway March by John Williams, and music from How to Train Your Dragon.

Wind Ensemble: Highlights from Beauty and the Beast, Cry of the Last Unicorn by Rossano Galante, and Star Wars - The Marches conducted by senior Nick Schragal.

Drum line : Inspired  the audience and played a piece called "Lids" on trash cans and traffic barrels.

5th Grade Band performed so they and their parents could see the potential for future years!

The kids all gave fantastic performances, but this is one of Melissa Lichtler's favorite concerts because everyone can see and hear how much the kids progress from the beginning of their music career.

​Senior Class Picnic 2017 (link)

Reminder: A Guide to Senior Events

Crescendo Club

TAG Day To Benefit Chardon Schools Music Program

Saturday, May 13 from 9 am – noon is TAG (Thank a Giver) Day in Chardon to support the music program of all Chardon students in grades K-12. Students in grades 8-12 will be going door to door to ask for donations to Crescendo Club. Cash and checks payable to Crescendo Club are accepted. Crescendo Club uses the funds for sheet music, instrument repairs, uniforms, scholarships and other general support of the music program. Crescendo Club thanks Sunrise Springs for their generous donation. If you would like to mail a contribution please send it to: Chardon Schools  Attention: Crescendo Club, 151 Chardon Avenue  Chardon, OH 44024. 
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For questions please contact Bridget Mullaly at 440-226-9112.

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Congratulations! Streiff Family

Just wanted to share the news!  Luke Wesley Streiff arrived into this world at 8:25 PM on Tuesday, April 25th.  7 pounds 9 ounces.  20 1/4 inches.  Luke and mom are both doing really well. ​

​The Importance of Being On Time

Have you noticed that tardiness is on the rise? Recently, the rise of tardiness and the subsequent excuses are permeating the main office from 7:32-7:40 AM. Certainly, we can talk about the development of the adolescent mind and imperative rest patterns, but this can even occur on late-start days.  Within the eight and ninth week of the quarter--referrals begin to rise with tardies. Currently, students get not (1) but (2) warnings about punctuality. It is a life lesson that prepares students for college, career, and life readiness. When the (3rd) and (4th) tardy occur, an afterschool detention follows. The progressive discipline moves to Saturday Schools, and even (5) morning detentions. Yet, with reminders and conversations with the Assistant Principals, punctuality is one of the key ways that we can positively brand ourselves.

Why Be on Time?

Being on time for school, work, athletics, or even with friends:

• Demonstrates that you are diligent and dependable.
• Indicates that you honor your commitments and you can be trusted.
• Shows that you have respect for other people and that you care as much about their time as your own.
• Sets a good example for your peers and others who look up to you.
• Builds self-confidence and success.

One of the common attributes of all successful people is that they view their time as a precious resource. When you are late for scheduled activities with people who value their time, you will have wasted one of their most valuable assets and there is a good chance they will view you as rude, irresponsible and disrespectful. Is this how you want to brand yourself?

Not only should you make every effort to be on time for school, but you should also do your utmost to be on time for personal commitments. Valuing your friend’s time and earning their respect is an important part of your individual reputation.

Keeping Appointments

Not only should you strive to be on time for an appointment, but also I recommend that you set a goal to arrive at least five minutes early.

Four Reasons You Should Arrive Early:

1.  To give yourself a buffer in case something delays you. Planning to show up at the exact time of your appointment leaves no room for error.

2.  To be relaxed for the appointment. Running through the door stressed out because you were rushing, never reflects well on you.

3.  To make sure you are prepared for the appointment.

4. Always arrive early so you will have a few minutes to relax, think about your agenda, and get organized.

One essential key for us to live the mission of high achievement for all students--where learning is our most important work is to value the time that we have been granted to be successful. With the time left, let's all make strides to finish what we start all the way through the finish line!

Douglas Murray, Principal