The Week in Reflection: 1/20

1/16/2023 0 Comments

The Week in Reflection: 1/20

Opening: Weathering the Storms In Our Lives

This time of year can create a sense of passiveness or lethargy in energy, creativity, and health. Living in Northeast Ohio and walking outside to cloudiness and unpredictable weather only adds to the feeling of waiting and wishing for a change. No human is immune to these feelings...especially after the last several months. Taking care of yourself will best equip you for emotions that can arise this time of year. Over the last couple of weeks, we certainly had to weather some literal storms in and out of our building.

Weathering the storm

When a storm is predicted you prepare the best that you can as a homeowner, motorist, or tourist. Your experiences, along with trusting others who have been in similar conditions, best equip you with the knowledge that you need to get through these situations. Likewise, in your life, there are many people that you encounter that have experienced the trials of good and bad times. Listening to the wisdom of family members and trusted adults can provide insight into the best ways to get through difficult times. Knowing that there are others who are experiencing these feelings, or passiveness is an important reality to remember. You are not in this alone. In order to equip yourself fully, it is important to talk to others and share how you are feeling instead of letting the "storm" grow inside of your life. The third quarter of a school year can be compared to the 7th inning stretch in baseball: the time of year where students can become very restless and lethargic. Every student can fall into this restless period- it is important that parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators work collaboratively to guide students through this seasonal experience.

Creating new habits

The best way to get out of the third quarter blues is to create new habits and routines. This is easier said than done. Students need to choose this response to create the new outcomes that they desire. Light energizes each of us. During the winter, the days seem shorter due to the change in season and the tilt of the earth. Our bodies adjust to this change and we need to create new routines to increase our energy. In the same way, the third quarter can create a "tilt" in our energy to stay on top of our work, exercise, and past routines. Many students may fall into this trap of the third quarter and wonder what happened when the quarter ends in early March. Instead of wondering where the time went---reestablish the routines that you set forth in the first and second quarters and plowshare the noise of the third quarter.

Preparing for tomorrow by living today

In the book, Above the Line: Lessons in Leadership and Life from a Championship Program, the authors discuss the success formula that can catapult our responses to any event in our lives. This formula is simple: E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) We don’t control the events in life and we don’t directly control the outcomes. However, we always have control over how we choose to respond. The author's approach to athletes can align perfectly with our response to events in our life. The key indicator is leadership. This leadership is not only what I can control as a principal. It is what WE can lead as parents, teachers, and coaches to our children--along with how we can support each other in the process. We all need to ask the question--exactly what is it that I am after each day? Having this clarity of purpose will allow us to keep our responses "above the line" of being intentional, purposeful, and skillful whereas living "below the line" of being impulsive, and on autopilot.

Under pressure, we do not rise to the occasion. We rise or fall to the level of our training. Therefore, train far beyond the finish line of the third quarter and the outcomes will catapult the goals that you set for yourself.

CHS Building Update

On January 13, the certified professionals removed tiles in four classrooms. The mastic removal was nearly complete in Rm.306 by the end of the day. Air quality testing was completed on January 13, and came back safe and compliant. I was able to stay outside the containment barrier in an adjacent room throughout the day to gauge the noise in the undisturbed rooms.
On January 16, the rest of the tiles were removed in the 300's and the mastic removal process continued throughout the day along with continuous air quality testing throughout the building.
The tests have confirmed that we could safely put the rooms that were not impacted by water damage back in the cycle. Rooms 307, 308, and 309 are now back online. Throughout the work, an airtight chamber fastened to a semi-permanent wall allowed for a safe return to this area while they work--much like it looks in the CHS hallway. Students still enter these areas through the door by Rm.106. Also, the female bathroom in the 300's is now back online.
The daily reports from the professionals indicate that the work is on schedule and great progress is being made.

Again, we appreciate your flexibility.

The Schedule for Next Week

PT Conferences/ Curriculum Night/ Mandatory College Credit Plus Annual Presentation

In order to better prepare you and your child for the academic offerings at Chardon High School, we will be hosting a Curriculum Evening on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Chardon Middle School LGIR. This evening also coincides with our Parent Teacher Conferences.

At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the curricular offerings, course delivery options (including College Credit Plus), and an overview of the scheduling process. Any student planning on attending College Credit Plus should plan on attending with their parents/or guardians. Several key details along with the Intention Form will be filled out this evening. Several of our high school teachers and counselors will be on hand that evening to share information and answer questions regarding their curriculum and course offerings. Representatives from local colleges will also be present to answer questions about College Credit Plus. This evening is for all grades entering 8-12, and will be livestreamed and recorded.

Our School Counselors will be presenting to students about scheduling and course offerings later in February. We will schedule a separate evening to go through the high school experiences for new 8th graders next month.

Enclosed is the link for parent teacher conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are for all parents in grades 8-12. This is NOT an invitation only opportunity
https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Chardon_High_School

Please note the adjustments to some teacher locations due to the closure of several classrooms. We wanted to keep all parents and staff in the main building to alleviate confusion.

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).

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

Lake Erie College: Learning about Business

Learning About Business applications are here at CHS. LAB is a week-long program held at Lake Erie College June 11-16, 2023 in which students can explore business and gain leadership and decision-making skills. Students who participate will spend a week at Lake Erie College for a minimal cost, gain valuable hands-on business experience, and get to know other students and business leaders. All students participating will also have the opportunity to earn three semester hours of college credit through College Credit Plus. Applicants do not have to be planning to major in business as they will learn teamwork, self-discovery, communication skills, competition, and creativity. Any sophomore, junior, or senior can apply to participate in the program. Applications are in the guidance office or online at www.learningaboutbusiness.org and are due by April 29, 2023. If you have any questions or want more information please stop down to guidance anytime.

YOUR CART