The @chs_dmurray Week in Reflection

Put Me In Teacher! I ready to learn...today

Remember the John Fogarty song from the mid 80's? The instant classic about playing Centerfield is now enshrined in Cooperstown. For over a century, baseball has been hailed above all other sports as America's National Pastime. No other game during the regular one-hundred sixty-two game season has been as eagerly anticipated as Opening Day. Ask any fan what the "official" start of Spring is. Chances are their answer will be Opening Day. It is much more than just an event, it is an experience. After last year's extraordinary season for the Cleveland Indians, and the dynamic start---the season will be fun to celebrate--this time all the way to the finish line.

In a society that places so much emphasis on events, activities, programs, and sports...wouldn't it be exhilarating if we placed the same emphasis on academic achievements?  Being actively involved in high school is an essential part of growth and maturity. We cannot dilute the essential values learned from extracurriculars, but must place a mutual value on the essential fabric which holds us together as a society---literacy.

As we enter into the "crunch time" over the next eight weeks, working together towards the same goal should be our mantra.  As parents, we long for what is best for our children. We encourage our children to be kind even when it is hard, to work hard even when no one is noticing, and to never quit. 

But, beware...there is an epidemic that enters the vocabulary of 81.3% of seniors this month. 

For those of you who have yet to experience the devastating and immobilizing effects of this dangerous disease, senioritis is a common affliction that reduces a senior’s focus, ability to finish an assignment and drive to do anything but sleep and watch Netflix. Symptoms include: aversion to studying, reduction in academic performance, and ongoing procrastination. Second-semester seniors are the most frequently diagnosed, but even first-semester seniors can be susceptible.

Juniors: Beware! You even have a 12 % chance of premature infection.

Seniors – the poor, poor victims – are the students who most need to avoid such oppressive side effects. The list of to-dos is endless: visiting colleges, applying to scholarships, filling out online loans and grants, getting senior pictures taken, ordering graduation caps, gowns, and announcements, organizing a graduation party, homework, projects, and studying for finals and AP exams.

 Fortunately, there is hope for students.  If you, too, are struggling after contracting this awful disease from your closest friend, please read the following suggestions carefully:

1. Make a list: Write down all of the things you need to get done. Be sure to include the sub-steps for getting each thing done (e.g. under “grad party,” list all the things that entails such as photos, invitations, decorations, etc.). Getting all of your responsibilities down will help you stay organized and more easily break each task down into more manageable bites. 

2. Create a calendar: Either create or buy a calendar, and write down all due dates, tests, exams and events. This could include simple tasks, such as how many pages to read each evening to finish that book report on time, to more important events, such as, oh, I don’t know, graduation?!

3. Focus on the now: What task are you focusing on right now? Tackle that one, and only that one, first. Then, when you’re completely finished with it, move on. Dwelling on how much you have to do will only worsen your feelings of barely disguised panic, anxiety and overload. It also feels great to mark something off your list and know you won’t have to deal with it ever again.

4. Stay busy: This sounds like the opposite of what you want to do, I know. As a  survivor of senioritis, trust me. It’s better to stay busy than to be idle. Whenever you’re idle, you’re more prone to amplifying symptoms, such as compulsive tweeting and marathon watching of “The Office.” Also, the busier you stay, the faster you get your infinite responsibilities taken care of.

5. Brainstorm: Stuck on that scholarship essay or research paper? Get out a sheet of paper and brainstorm. Write down your main points, and then branch off from there. Not sure how best to tackle a big history project? Brainstorm the most efficient way of getting it over with while still maintaining the quality of your work. Brainstorming is a great way to stay focused while also giving yourself a needed change of pace.

6. Take a break: This is exactly what your senioritis is telling you to do. But honestly, there comes a point where you’re maxed out and the only thing left to do is take a break. It doesn’t have to be a long one to be effective; even 5 minutes will help. You can also use this break time to go out and breathe some of the fresh, spring air.

7. Remove temptation: Back. Away. From. The. Phone. Or the computer, or the TV. Everyone has a vice. Separate yourself from it when possible. Try tucking your phone away or going into another room where a TV connected to Netflix and the world of entertainment does not have the chance to entice you in your senioritis weakened state.

8. Create a Study Group: Gathering together with other victims can combine strengths and combat your weaknesses. Get a group together who all need to study for a test or get those pesky lab write-ups done, and lay down some ground rules: no phones, no gossiping, etc. Hopefully, the added pressure to focus and having others to help you with difficult concepts will help finish off some of your tasks.

9. Isolate yourself:  Get away from distractions---because even though you love them, they may be an enabler. Your friend might miss your company during the game, but you need to get stuff done! Move to your office to the kitchen table.  Focus. You can do this!

10. Treat yourself: You did it. You finished something. OK, so you finished a lab – and you have five more to go. But you still did it! Reward yourself with a small piece of candy or a short break. But be careful. Don’t reward yourself too much, and stay focused. The ultimate reward is getting everything done, so you’re in for the long haul.

For further information or advice, please contact your high school counselor immediately. If symptoms persist, seek immediate help from your teacher, mentor, or the comforting warmth of your bed. You have to get it done, seniors.

All humor aside, I do not believe that Senioritis is contagious. The epidemic of lethargy is something that can be controlled. Everything that we do in life is a choice: what we think, what we say, and how we behave. Likewise, our attitude, effort, and approach is something that we can control. 

It would be unacceptable for any of us to just stop working just because our co-worker was in April and May. School, especially at this time, refines us for the next phase of our life's journey--regardless of the grade level.

Our time is so short before we reach the finish line. Seize every opportunity to refine your purpose!

AIR Test: Next up-Biology

As we enter April, we have proactively continued our preparations at Chardon High School for the AIR tests.  Once again, students will take the end of course exams on the assigned date if they meet the criteria defined below.

• Freshmen or sophomore student enrolled in English Language Arts 1 or 2
• Sophomore students enrolled in Biology
• Sophomore students enrolled in U.S. History
• Seniors enrolled in 2nd Semester US Government
• Freshmen or sophomore student enrolled in Algebra 1 or Geometry

We previously communicated the testing dates to you via connect-ed message. On the designated days, students will report to their assigned testing classroom that will be clearly posted in the school building.  It is imperative that your student is at school on time on their assigned testing day.  Once again, the assigned testing dates are…

• April 5th - English Language Arts 1/English Language Arts 2:  COMPLETED
• April 12th - Biology
• April 19th - US History/Government
• April 26th - Algebra I/Geometry

The late start bell schedule for All Testing Dates will be exactly like this past week with regular classes beginning at 10:34 AM.  

Please note that testing will begin promptly at 7:30 AM.

Auburn Juniors
When you arrive back at Chardon you will report to the cafeteria for attendance and where you will stay until the end of 4th period.   You will then report to your 5/6th period class.

Auburn Seniors
You will be excused from your Chardon classes on these AIR testing dates.  If you are enrolled in 2nd semester US Government you must report for the AIR test on Wednesday, April 19th and then be able to leave after testing.

Please Note:  Transportation will run at normal times on testing days. If a student is not testing on a particular day and needs transportation to school, they will be picked up at the normal time and report to school.  We will supervise these students in the cafeteria until the regular school day begins.  

Student Example 1:   (A freshman student enrolled in algebra 1 and English 1).  This student will report to CHS at the normal time on April 5th and April 26th for English and math testing.  They are not required to report to school until 10:34 AM on April 12th and 19th since they will not be taking the Social Studies or Biology test.

Student Example 2:  (A senior student currently enrolled in 2nd semester US Govt. not 1st semester US Govt.)  This student will report to CHS at the normal time on April 19th for testing.  They are not required to report to school until 10:34 AM on  April 5th, 12th, and 26th since they are not testing on those dates.  

When students report to school for their assigned test they will be required to bring their chromebook fully charged as well as a pair of headphones.  We will provide extra sets of headphones if students are unable to procure them.  We will continue to pass along relevant information to you as the testing dates approach.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Chardon High School Guidance Department at (440) 285-4060.

Science Olympiad: 5th at State!

Congratulations to students participating in the Ohio State Finals Science Olympiad Competition on April 1st, 2017.

The C Division team (representing grades 9-12) placed 5th. The B Division Team, representing grades 6-9, placed 8th.
​
Chardon Science Olympiad thanks you for your support and encouragement!

State Finals Awards in Individual Events are as Follows:

Division B (grades 6-9)
3rd Place – Wright Stuff (airplanes) – Evan Baker and Owen Vokoun
5th Place – Hovercraft – Sebastian Marker and Ethan Fuerst
5th Place – Invasive Species – Josh Campbell and Brady Williams
5th Place – Rocks and Minerals – Ethan Fuerst and Owen Vokoun
6th Place – Bottle Rockets – Ethan Fuerst and Paige Yamamoto
6th Place – Microbe Mission –Sara Conway and Lailah Pugh
 
Division C (grades 9-12) - 5th place trophy
1st Place – Astronomy – Nick Schragal and Heather Humbert
2nd Place – Robot Arm – Drew Williams and Alex Schragal
3rd Place – Helicopters – Halle Crtalic and Richie Wainio
3rd Place – Materials Science – Nick Schragal and Richie Wainio
4th Place – Disease Detectives – Richie Wainio and Arman Bayat
4th Place – Rocks and Minerals – Asher Vokoun and Christen Niedzielski
5th Place – Electric Vehicle – Connor Fuerst and Alex Schragal
5th Place – Forensics – Emily Munoz and Emily Stern
5th Place – Hovercraft – Connor Fuerst and Halle Crtalic
5th Place Invasive Species – Asher Vokoun and Emily Munoz
5th Place Microbe Mission – Arman Bayat and Richie Wainio
6th Place – Game On – Colby and Drew Williams
6th Place Remote Sensing – Colby and Drew Williams

Top 6  - Wi Fi lab (trial event) - Connor Fuerst and John Meleski

Photos from State Competition 

Photos from 2016-2017 Season

Emma Jackson: Future Politician?

Emma had an opportunity to go to Columbus and shadow representative Sara LaTourette during her Spring Break. She was able to go into the sessions in the state house and they even gave her the opportunity to hit the gavel and close the session. Emma was able to meet the speaker of the house and was able to sit on several finance/budget meetings --including a luncheon. What an extraordinary day for her! Emma is determined on studying history and political science in college so this was an awesome opportunity for her. Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, for sharing this information with me!

The Learning Center

​This month in the LC Teacher Newsletter you will find a brief article meant to pique your interest for a new initiative coming in August. In cooperation with the English department teachers and the Geauga Public Librarians, every student in Chardon High School will receive a public library card. More on the exciting opportunities this provides for our students next month.

A second article is directly from INFOhio and deals with how to handle data. In teaching, as in practically every other field, data drives decisions. This article contains links and information regarding the best ways to keep track of and manipulate that data, specifically, using spreadsheets. 

In this month's Lav Report, students are schooled in the best way to communicate effectively with teachers, professors and employers. In the age of blizzard bags, online courses, college credit plus and learning management systems, students are communicating through email with adults more frequently. Learning to do so correctly will aid students in getting the results they desire, while making a good impression. 

Message from Jan Hoffmann: School Nurse

Attention Parents:
Special Vaccine Clinics limited to Tdap and Meningitis Immunizations Only.  The meningitis vaccination is required for any student who will be a senior next year!

Monday May 1, 2017
3:00 - 6:00PM
AT: Geauga County Health District
470 Center Street Building #8 Chardon, OH 44024
(440) 279-1950


Monday May 8, 2017
3:00 - 6:00PM
AT: Middlefield First United Methodist Church
14999 S State Ave. Middlefield, OH 44062

*Please bring immunization record and insurance card.*
Check the list below to verify whether your insurance can be billed.
Or self- pay with cash or check
(We can give you a receipt to submit to your insurance, if necessary.)
Tdap: $50.00 / Meningitis: $117.00

As always, vaccines will be available for those who are uninsured or have Medicaid.
Insurance List:
Aetna Great West Health- Cigna                                    CIGNA Golden Rule
All Savers Medical Mutual of Ohio                                GEHA Humana
Anthem BCBS UMR
BCBS Federal United Health Care

College Signing: Michael Courtney

Chardon High School senior Michael Courtney signs to continue his education and soccer career at Elmira College. 

Video auditions for Shining Star CLE are NOW OPEN!
Auditions will remain open through July 1, 2017.

Spread the word to ALL high school students who like to sing*...

*Must have a 2018-2021 graduation date to participate; must be from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Medina or Summit Counties; includes home-schooled students.
 
FREE to Enter and ALL Genres of Music are Welcome!

Encourage all high school students to show off their vocal talents at the inaugural Shining Star CLE solo-singing competition.  The online audition will be followed by two live audition rounds, and will culminate with finalists having the opportunity to perform on the stage of the renowned Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square in front of a live audience, be judged by professionals in the music & entertainment industry-and to win college scholarships.

1st Place Winner -
$10,000 college scholarship

AND the chance to perform with the

Cleveland Pops Orchestra at Severance Hall

2nd Place Winner -
$5,000 college scholarship

3rd Place Winner - 
$2,500 college scholarship

4th Place Winner -
$1,000 college scholarship
 
High school music department of the first place winner will receive $2,500!

It's easy! Just upload your video auditions to:  shiningstarcle.org.

Start spreading the News!

For the latest news about the CHS Choir trip to New York City, please follow Mr. Bandiera tweets about the experience! More details to come next week.

The first week back went by so quickly! Thank you for your continued support for your children and our outstanding staff. Stay warm!

Douglas Murray, Principal

Link to Senior Events  (previously sent to senior parents in a ConnectED)