The Week in Reflection: 12/13

Finish what you start

The finish line for the semester is quickly approaching. It is quite amazing to reflect on how fast the second quarter came to closure. Next Friday marks the midpoint of the year...how have you used the time that you were given? We had such a strong start to the year across each grade level! Take the proper time that you need to talk to your children about where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. This time of year is experienced differently by all students and families. As much as academic achievement is important--so is the well-being of all of our children. Our students know that they have excellent educators that care for their every need, but the extension of school is secondary to the root of the needs that children need at home. As much as we ask our children to be present at school while at school...it is just as important for each of us as parents to be present while our children are present. The one variable that we cannot change is time. Take the time this weekend to be present to all of the variables of your children and remind them how much you support and love them.  In this Week in Reflection, you will read about the many important schedules and events that lead up to our break.​

Holiday Concert

On Thursday, the spirit of the season filled the hearts of our Chardon community at the  Mentor Fine Arts Center. This concert was such a transformative evening for our students. Special thanks to our teachers: Fritz Streiff and Melissa Lichtler for conducting such a beautiful night. ​We have such talented students!

Chardon High School Holiday Concert ~ December 12, 2019
Fritz Streiff, Choral Director; Melissa Lichtler, Band Director; Cassie Tarbet, Accompanist

PRE-CONCERT MUSIC ~ PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES ~
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen & Frosty the Snowman - Symphonic Band Percussion
Here Drums Santa Claus & All Jingled Up - Wind Ensemble Percussion

FREE HARMONY
Sleigh Ride ~ Hayes
Merry Christmas ~ O'Connell
Santa Claus Boogie ~ Shaw
Christmas Mem'ries ~ Huff
Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me) ~ O'Connell
We Need a Little Christmas ~ Sterling

WOMEN’S CHOIR
Patapan Fantasia ~ Snyder
In Winter (Still, Still, Still) ~ Johnson

SYMPHONIC BAND
Rejoice the Season ~ Rob Romeyn
Scenes from “The Nutcracker” ~ Tchaikovsky/Story
Russian Christmas Music ~ Reed/Curnow
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo/12/24 ~ O’Neil/Horton

CHORALE
Midwinter Song ~ LaBarr
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen ~ James

WIND ENSEMBLE
Christmas Variants ~ Elliot del Borgo
In the Bleak Midwinter ~ Robert W. Smith
Minor Alterations ~ David Lovrien

CHAMBER
The Winter's Night ~ Myers
Veni, Veni Emmanuel ~ Trotta

MASSED CHOIRS & WIND ENSEMBLE
Sleigh Ride ~ Leroy Anderson
Carol of the Bells ~ Wilhousky
It’s a Wonderful Christmas - Hayes
O Holy Night ~ Clausen
*Hallelujah Chorus ~ Handel

​

​Art of Visual Storytelling--Piece of the Week!

Mr. Hauber's-Art of Visual Storytelling class created nearly 500 hand drawn frames in 3 weeks preparation for a 40-second animation!   I was able to witness this idea start from the initial thought to the final process. Check out the amazing final product! 

Schedule for Next Week

Chardon High School Schedule : December 16-20, 2019

Monday: December 16, 2019

Mr. Strieff and Ms. Lichtler are excited to bring back the Holiday Concert for all students during a split school assembly. The concert will be performed during two assemblies: one for grades 9-12, and one for grade 8. This will provide the opportunity for all grades to see our students perform and help curtail distractions. 

December 16 Assembly Music:
 
Jazz Band
Angels We Have Rocked the House
Holiday Joy
 
Jazz Orchestra
Comfort and Joy
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
 
Free Harmony
Sleigh Ride
Merry Christmas
Santa Claus Boogie
Christmas Mem'ries
Santa, Bring My Baby Back (To Me)
We Need a Little Christmas

Monday Assembly Schedule

December 17th-20th, 2019

Enclosed Schedule  (Please see the attached link for further clarity)

Midterm Week: The purpose of this week is to meet the educational needs of our students as they prepare for midterms, finals, and project presentations. ALL classes will meet during midterm week. If a class does not have a midterm or a final, they will commence a class period. The only non-mandatory period is a study hall. Students do not need to sit in the study hall. We will provide supervision in the cafeteria for a silent study hall as needed, but attendance is not mandatory. Parents, please see this form.  Will will work with the Special Education department to allocate accommodation rooms for the week.

Important Notes:

• Transportation will run at the regular time in the morning and afternoon.
• All academic classes will meet during the scheduled time. Dismissal will occur at 12:10 PM each day.
• Lunch during the week will be À la carte. 
• Auburn students will have scheduled exams that do not impede upon their schedule.
• CHS Teachers will be in teacher-based teams each day after exams.
• In the case that we have a calamity day during an exam schedule, we will follow the scheduled exam day and adjust the afternoon exam time slots by adding the missed exam(s).

Tuesday: December 17, 2019

8:00-10:00 AM (1st Period)
10:10-12:10 PM (5th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-5th Period) Room 1
12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 1, 5) Room 1

12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Wednesday: December 18, 2019

8:00-10:00 AM (2nd Period)
10:10-12:10 PM (6th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-6th Period) Room 1
12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 2, 6) Room 1

12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Thursday: December 19, 2019

8:00-10:00 AM (3rd Period)
10:10-12:10 PM (7th Period)

Dismissal

A la carte lunch available

Auburn Juniors return
12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students-7th Period) Room 1
12:15-2:15 PM Make-up Tests (Periods 3, 7) Room 1

12:45-2:40 PM Teacher Based Teams

Friday: December 20, 2019

8:00-10:00 AM (4th Period)
10:10-12:10 PM (Make-ups with Teacher)

Dismissal
A la carte lunch available
Auburn Juniors return
12:15-2:15 PM (ACC Students: Make-ups) Room 1
12:45-2:40 PM Faculty Meeting- Cafeteria
​
Parental Acknowledgement Form

The following article was curated from Educationcorner.com to help our students prepare for midterm week.

​How to Study Infographic

Experiencing test anxiety is natural. In fact, most people – even those who have prepared extensively – experience some level of anxiety before and during tests. While a certain level of test anxiety is beneficial (as it motivates students to adequately prepare), too much can be detrimental if it prevents them from studying, preparing properly, or concentrating during a test.

These following strategies can help you control extreme test taking anxiety:

• Develop good study habits. One of the most effective ways to handle test taking anxiety is through proper preparation. Besides preparing you for the questions on a test, studying will also build your confidence. As your confidence increases, your test anxiety will decrease.


• Be prepared. If you're completely prepared for a test to the point of being familiar with any question that could be asked, anxiety will dramatically decrease. There is little reason to experience anxiety for a test you've prepared for. 


• Don't cram! Cramming for an exam the night before is a major cause of test anxiety. Students who take their time to regularly study for an exam throughout the term will experience less anxiety than those who decide to study a day or even hours prior to one. If you're studying a difficult subject (ie. chemistry, biology, math, etc.) it's imperative that you start studying early on in the semester, as you're likely to come across concepts, topics, and subjects that require outside help. Cramming can leave you not only pressed for time, but unable to get the help you in time.


• Get adequate exercise. Exercise relieves stress and increases mental function. It can also increase energy. If you take time to take care of your body, you'll experience far less anxiety all around.


• Get plenty of sleep. Not only is receiving adequate sleep necessary for good health, it's also an effective way to decrease anxiety. This is why it's recommended to get plenty of sleep the night prior to a test. It is recommended that you get plenty of sleep the entire week before a test. If you do not get enough sleep prior to a test, you will be fatigued, less able to concentrate, unable to remember everything, and more anxious.


• Get plenty to eat. Never take a test on a hungry stomach. Not only do you need the nutrients necessary for proper brain function and physical energy, taking a test on an empty, grumbling, stomach will make it more difficult for you to concentrate on the test. Some students neglect to eat prior to a test because they don't want to take time away from last minute studying. You don't have to eat a four course meal before every test, but at least grab an apple or some other healthy snack.


• Stay positive. Do not allow yourself to get overly pessimistic. Remain positive and concentrate on doing well on the test. If you dwell on negative thoughts, it will increase your anxiety and make it more difficult to perform. If you think you're going to perform poorly on a test, chances are you will. If you're confident in your ability, you're much likely to be less anxious and perform better.


• Stay relaxed. Take a few minutes to relax before taking a test. If you're struggling to relax, take deep breaths. Take a moment and clear your head. Focus on something completely unrelated to the test, or even school. Think about something fun you're planning later during the week, or maybe a fun trip you'll be taking. Once you're calm, go in and do your best!


• Focus on the learning experience. Do not be too hard on yourself if you do not perform up to your expectations on a test. Instead, learn from the experience, so you can make the necessary changes for the future. Nothing is accomplished by getting all stressed out over something that has already past.

N.a. "Coping with Test Anxiety | Study Skills Guide." Educationcorner.com. n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2018. <https://www.educationcorner.com/test-anxiety.html>
​

Chardon Schools is Named to AP® Honor Roll

Chardon Schools is excited to announce that it is being honored by The College Board with placement on the 10th Annual AP® District Honor Roll. The District is one of only nine districts within the state of Ohio to receive this honor and one of only 250 school districts throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“Over the last four years, we’ve expanded our course offerings in AP (Advanced Placement) specifically and in foundational classes and have found great success with our students as they attempt these rigorous courses for college and career readiness,” said Ed Klein, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent of Chardon Schools.

To be included on the 10th Annual AP® Honor Roll, Chardon Schools had to, since 2017, increase the number of students participating in AP courses while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of 3 or higher. Reaching these goals shows that this District is successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are ready for AP.

“Being included on the AP® District Honor Roll is a testament to the work that the teachers and leaders in our District do,” said Tim Hurlbut, AP Coordinator for Chardon Schools.

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators to college professors.

“Continued growth in both AP enrollment and outcomes is something that is never achieved in a single year,” said Hurlbut. “Every teacher in our District, from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, has played a role in preparing students for success in these college-level, AP courses. Without the support of our District leadership, the Chardon United Methodist Church, parents, students, and the community, Chardon Schools would not be in a position to be one of only nine districts within Ohio being recognized with this honor. As the AP Coordinator here at Chardon, I am proud to be a part of this District and program.”

Klein noted that grant funding has been used by Chardon Schools in order to provide professional development for its AP teachers on an ongoing basis.

“With more students participating and succeeding in AP in this District, more students are getting a head start on college by earning college credit during high school,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and Instruction at the College Board. “We are pleased to honor the teachers and administrators who have worked to clear a path for more students of all backgrounds to advance through AP.”    

The complete 10th Annual AP® District Honor Roll can be found HERE.

M. Jane Christyson
Chief Executive Officer, 
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Talent Show

Last Friday, countless Toppers headed to the stage at Park Elementary to demonstrate to the school and local community their talents. 

Thank you, to Mrs. Monaco for sharing some of these videos.

Thank you, to Mr. and Mrs. Gerstner for sharing this video

Swimming Update

​Hilltopper (700 swimmers, 35 teams)
Women: 1st overall
winners: 200 medley relay (Sarah Bennett, Gracie Duchon, Stella Parrish, Morgan Debevec), Gracie Duchon 100 fly, 100 IM, Sarah Bennett 50 Back, 200 Free Relay ( Morgan Debevec, Marissa Scerbo, Stella Parrish, Campbell Tierney)
Men overall 3rd (best ever before was 7th)

@ South 12/11-12
First ever diving experience

Women 109-59. Winners: Medley Relay (Reese Schneider, Charlotte Bennett, Leoni Nickel, Megan Marting), 200 free: Katie Snyder, 200 IM Sarah Bennett, 50 Free Stella Parrish, 100 Fly Sarah Bennett, 100 Free Stella Parrish, 500 Free Katie Snyder, 200 free Relay Parrish, Bennett, Jena Goodwin, Megan Martin, 100 back Reese Schneider, 400 free Relay (Parrish, Bennett, Snyder, Nickel)

Men 102-62 (won every event)
200 medley (Levi Rogers, Jackson Perry, Austin Dumm, Mason Kooyman), 200 free Austin Dumm, 200 IM Nate Bender, 50 Free Mason Kooyman, Diving Max Klueder, 100 Fly Levi Rogers, 100 Free Mason Kooyman, 500 Free Nate Bender, 200 free relay (Dumm, Jacob Schneider, Levi Rogers, Nate Bender), 100 Back Levi Rogers, 100 Breast Jackson Perry, 400 Free Relay (Mason Kooyman, Austin Dumm, Aj Rogers, Nate Bender)

​Need a Christmas present for your son/daughter? Give the gift of snow before it’s too late and allow your son/daughter the opportunity to join the CHS Ski/Snowboard Club!  
 
Does your child already like to ski/board? Perfect - our club is a great chance for your child to improve his/her skills.
 
Your child doesn’t know how to ski/board yet? No worries - it’s a great chance to learn. Lessons and rentals are included for everyone at NO additional cost.
 
Does your child already have ​a season’s pass to Alpine/Brandywine? No worries - we can accommodate that too!
 
The Ski/Snowboard Club is open to all students grades 8 through grade 12 who are academically eligible to participate in extracurricular activities. We will be skiing every Tuesday evening in January. The FINAL DAY for the ONLINE SKI CLUB REGISTRATION is on December 20th. To register, go online to https://www.bmbw.com/club-program/. After submitting the online registration your child needs to turn in the emergency medical forms and the bus fee to complete his/her registration.If your son/daughter already has a season pass, SKIP the online registration and just turn in the emergency forms and the bus fee. Paperwork/bus fees can be turned into Miss Fisher in room 307 or to the main office (directed to her attention).

If you have any questions, please contact the adviser (Alison Fisher) at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or have your child see Miss Fisher during the school day in room 307. Hope your son/daughter considers joining us on the slopes in January! It will be so much fun!

Twitter Updates

Follow us on Twitter for the latest about Chardon High School:

Mr. Murray, Principal: @chs_dmurray and  @chardonhs
Mr. Bandiera, Assistant Principal: @Mr_Bandiera 
Mr. Higham, Assistant Principal: @CHS_AP_HIGHAM 
Mr. Snyder, Athletic Director: @toppernation

The last publication of the Week in Reflection for 2019 will be sent on Friday, December 20th. The newsletter publication will return for the New Year. Thank you for sharing your children with us! Stay Warm!

​Douglas Murray, Principal