The Week in Reflection: 1/13

1/9/2023 0 Comments

The Week in Reflection: 1/13

Opening Message: We are Chardon. We are Resilient

A New Year.
New Opportunities..
Optimism is a cornerstone to one of our values...and we are a model for being resilient.

2023 started off with literally a cleansing of the building. In the aftermath, countless plans and communications have driven our safe return to in-person learning at CHS. The best part of the hundreds of hours placed into the plan was two-fold: Returning to a school that was safe to learn in, and seeing the energy of smiling faces eager to see familiar friends. Communications have littered your inbox. We understand. However, it was important to be transparent and provide up-to- date information. If this is the first time you are reading about the events that took place on December 26, please update yourself to message sent on January 6, 2023. Likewise, you can read the message that was sent on January 9, 2023 and the message that was sent on January 10, 2023.

Typically, at the beginning of any new year, we have the opportunity to reflect on moments from the past semester and make meaningful resolutions for the upcoming year. It should be obvious what I am longing for to achieve this year. However, in order for any resolution to come to fruition, we need to make changes to our routines or habits. Research states that it takes 21 days to create new habits. Creating new habits, or breaking old ones is challenging but the outcomes can be transformative to the person making meaningful changes.

Oftentimes, we make resolutions for our health and by the time that spring break rolls around, we are back to our old habits. This year, after once again all of the things that we have faced, I challenge everyone to look at one way that you can make an impact on your life. For students, it could relate to organizational effectiveness--study habits, homework, test prep, etc. It could also connect to putting down technology each night at a certain time. For parents, it could relate to wellness, or it could relate to scheduled dinners, or even putting your work away at a certain time to be with your children. For staff, it could relate to trying something new within instructional practices each unit, or finding extra patience in the classroom or with technology.

Reflecting on the first semester, I am so proud of our students and our teachers' efforts to focus on the core value of achievement. Throughout the school year, students could generally experience our energy and focus on our core values during class meetings, our focus on high achievement, hanging out at school events, and/ or all of the community experiences.

Being optimistic is the one thing that we can all long for in our lives. Last semester gave us the opportunity to reflect on ourselves. Mindfulness of self and others became an important barometer of 2022, and it should be a sense that we continue to apply into this new year. We need to be mindful of our pulse--personally, mentally, and socially. Likewise, we need to be active listeners and mindful of the needs of others and use our resources to assist others.

The compass, road map, and GPS to all that we do is our mission statement which is enhanced through the magnifying lens of our core values. All of the outcomes in which we gauge learners filter through the creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and community connections that all of our educators emphasize in the day to day interactions with students. Through this daily encounter of learning, our students become exposed to programs, supports, and pathways that help guide them to find their individual purpose.

This new year is up to us. Live it to the fullest. Every single day is an opportunity to seize the day to the fullest. Make today great! Here are some key areas to focus on towards establishing new goals this semester.

Purposeful Life

Anyone that knows me can share that I wear my emotions on my sleeves. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, there is complete transparency to my emotions. People who live a life of purpose have core beliefs and values that influence their decisions, shape their day-to-day actions, and determine their short and long-term priorities. They place significant value on being a person of high integrity and in earning the trust and respect of others. The result is that they live with a clear conscience and spend more time listening to their inner voice than being influenced negatively by others.

Make the Right Stuff, the Right Stuff

I learned the value of hard work from my parents, and definitely from my wife who is the ultimate multi-tasker. People who live a life of purpose identify those activities that matter most to them and spend the majority of their time and effort in those areas. Otherwise, it’s too easy to drift away in the currents of life. There is a clear connection to the statement: How we spend our days parallels how we live our lives. They work hand in hand---reminding us of the important marriage of choices and priorities.

Passion

My entire life I have found value in pursuing what my passions were. From working outdoors at Sand Ridge to Kirtland Country Club, to teaching, and coaching...I have always loved pursuing areas in my life that I enjoyed. People who live a life of purpose wake up each morning eager to face the new day. They pursue their dreams with fervor, put their hearts into everything they do, and feel that they’re personally making a difference.

Balance

Finding a balance is essential and challenging. The key is reflecting often and demonstrating your care and commitment to those that you love along with balancing your passion(s). People who live a life of purpose put their heart into their career and into building relationships with friends and family. They also reserve adequate time to satisfy their personal needs. Achieving balance means living up to one’s potential in all facets of life.

Happiness

Happiness is a choice – not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you. – --Ralph Marston

I have lived by this mantra my whole life. People who live a life of purpose have inner peace. They’re satisfied with what they have and who they are. To them, the grass is greener on their own side of the fence because of the time spent nurturing and cultivating their purpose.

Serving

Living a life of service has taught me so much about myself. It has humbled me, guided me, and grounded me in my values. People who live a life of purpose make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. They do things for others without expectation of personal gain, serve as exemplary role models, and gain as much satisfaction witnessing the success of others as witnessing their own. As the old proverb says, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Caring your candle and go light your world in the service of others.

Seizing Moments

Many years ago, there was a movie titled, Dead Poet's Society. In the film there is a scene where Robin William challenges the students to Carpe Diem- Seize the day--and make their lives extraordinary! He was changing the students' perspective and experiences to live beyond the status quo. People who live a life of purpose cherish every moment and seek to live life without regret. They take joy in the experiences that life gives and don’t worry about keeping score.

Choosing our response to the event that we are facing in a proactive way is the only choice that we have. We can all live this quarter in despair and sulk in the sorrows of things we cannot control, or we can put our boots on the ground and live our mission regardless of the barriers that we face. This senior class is the most resilient group that has ever walked the halls. They all deserve to be encapsulated into the hall of fame as a grade. They have faced the first adventure of being in the high school as 8th graders, Covid-19 learning in 9th grade with cancelled events in the spring season, hybrid learning in 10th, loss of friends, adjustments to the schedule, and a flood. How did they respond? They have the highest recorded GPA for an entire class, been a part of 3 State Championships and several league titles, and have the most recorded service hours, and will blow the doors off with graduation seals. They bought into the system. We have so much to be grateful for as we embark on a new year. We will overcome this barrier, and will be better as a school because we know how to respond.

CHS Principal Podcast: S4 E11 Q/A Regarding the State of the Building Restoration

The CHS team invited Dr. Hanlon and Mr. Kofol to our podcast to answer questions regarding the state of the restoration. The document enclosed is referenced in the podcast.

CHS Asbestos Abatement Plan Overview

The Schedule for Next Week

Monday, January 16- No School (MLK Day)
Tuesday, January 17- White Day Schedule
Wednesday, January 18- Red Day Schedule
Thursday, January 19- Black Day Schedule
Friday, January 20- White Day Schedule

Ski /Snowboard Club 2023

The CHS Ski/Snowboard Club is heading to some cool slopes this winter! Does your son/daughter want to join the fun? Are you looking for a last minute Christmas present for your son or daughter? There are four separate day trips planned - three Saturdays at Peek ’n Peak Ski Resort in New York and one Saturday at Holiday Valley Ski Resort. Each trip is open to all students at the high school (grades 8-12). Students can select to participate in just one trip, two ski trips, or all four ski trips… whatever is right for the student. And students do NOT have to already know how to ski/snowboard to participate. There are options for students to get lessons during every trip, so this could be a great opportunity for students to learn the sport! If your son/daughter is interested please see the attached flier for more details, including dates, pricing options, and an overview of the itinerary for the day. Space for this opportunity is limited to just one bus, so please make sure your son/daughter turns in his/her registration to Miss Fisher as soon as possible! If you have any questions, please email Alison Fisher at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or contact her at 285-4057 (x 1718).

Thespian Announcement

Art Pieces of the Week: The Art of Suminagashi Style

Chardon High School and Community Resources

As the third quarter begins we want to make sure families and students know who is available to answer questions or respond to concerns you may have.

Chardon High School Administration, School Counselors, Social Worker, SRO, and School Nurse are available to respond to any concerns you may have. As always, feel free to contact your teacher for your academic needs. For more information regarding ways that we can support you and your family consider the following resource.

Work Permit Directions

Go to the main office to pick up a work permit.
Top section of the application is to filled out by the student and signed by parent or guardian.
Bottom section of the application is to be filled out by the employer.
Back section is to be filled out by physician.
All sections of the form need to be filled out before processing.

You must have one of the following valid forms of ID when you bring form back:

Birth certificate
Driver’s license
Passport

Student will return completed form with one of the valid forms of ID. Ms. Paul (Principal's Secretary) will process the application. It is important to note that we just don't "sign" this form, we have to enter it into a state database.

Please allow 24 hours turn around on permits.
Please refer to the document for more information.

Work Permit for Minors

Work Permit Application / Physician Certificate Form

Senior Pictures/Senior Tributes

SUBMISSION DEADLINE for senior pictures are Friday, JANUARY 27, 2023

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.
There should not be props in the picture. We will not accept pictures with hands touching the face or head. No hats allowed.

Submitting your senior picture:

Email your picture to daniel.chenoweth@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 quality of the photos.

Senior Tribute Information

Topper Bistro Lunch Menu

Martin Luther King, Jr

There is so much we can all learn from Martin Luther King, Jr, and not just on the day off we get once a year to commemorate his life! The enclosed is a simple read from Peter Jones of the Job Network.

Here are 5 powerful lessons from Dr. King that could help you live better, do better, and go further.

1. Ask why.

And more importantly, ask “why not?” If someone tells you something is impossible, ask this very important question to figure out why they are so convinced, and whether you might be able to offer a solution no one else had seen. When looking for answers to some of the biggest questions of a generation, Dr. King turned to other sources for inspiration. This teaches us the answers to our problems will often come from unexpected corners, and how important it is to learn from other people and other cultures as much as we can.

2. You can’t change change.

Change is constant. Dr. King was initially hesitant to join in the 1963 March on Washington, but he adapted to the evolving movement and ended up leading one of the most moving and effective platforms for social change. Be adaptable. Realize that change is inevitable. All you can control is what you do in the face of it.

3. Find where you can give, not just receive.

Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” In stressful times, it becomes very difficult to focus on anyone but ourselves. But this is a moral requirement, and increasingly more so in our interconnected, fast-paced world. When you’re in a rut, focus on helping people—you’ll be surprised at what a difference that can make.

4. Tune out the critics.

As long as you’ve chosen a path that’s good and a cause that you are passionate about, and as long as you’re pursuing both with integrity, honesty, and concern for others, then you’ll need to tune out the haters now and then. People will always be critical. Rejection will always happen, particularly in the course of a career. But if you know you’re doing the right thing, you should keep doing it.

5. Leave a legacy.

Think about what sort of mark you want to leave on the world. Is the work you’re doing going to make a difference to the next generation? Even if you can’t make an impact on the same scale as Dr. King, you can figure out ways to leave your workplace, industry, etc., a little better off for your having been there.
Jones, Peter. "5 Life Lessons You Can Learn from Martin Luther King, Jr.." TheJobNetwork. 16 Jan. 2017. Web. 15 Jan. 2020. <https://www.thejobnetwork.com/5-life-lessons-you-can-learn-from-martin-luther-king-jr-012017/>

Resources for Families

Chardon Goes to the Musicals

The candle has been burning on both sides for weeks. Our exhaustion is pretty high. We appreciate your support as we run school, and projects at the same time. We are going to need you more than ever to patient with us. We wish you a warm, quiet, and restful weekend.

Douglas Murray, Principal

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