The Week in Reflection: 12/18

Looking back at the myriad of words that have been recorded this semester in this weekly blog- it is easy to see the volume of amazing students that have walked the halls, fields, and unique learning environments this semester. Coming into this school year, we had so many barriers placed before us.  The students and staff have responded with dignity, and perseverance throughout a semester filled with uncertainty. This is a perfect time of year for everyone at CHS to recharge and refocus on the simple things in life.  As we transition into 2021, remind yourself of how precious time is and the people that are in your inner circle. Take time for you...and spend time with your families.

As I have shared before, Robert Frost has played a significant role in authoring the numerous decisions that I have made in my life. His writings, along with other writers- fictional, philosophical, and sacred have inspired me to find my purpose. As we close a new year, consider the hills and valleys that you have faced along with your decisions along the way.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth; 

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day! 
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

As I have shared with every student, staff, and parent that I have talked to over the years---we all have a story. It is through this story that we find ourselves and live with a defined purpose. Finding our call in life has no timeline or playbook.  The more we open our eyes to the beauty in us, around us, and beyond us- the more we define who we are.

Parents:

Cherish these moments that you have with your children. The days have come and passed so quickly as you have watched your children grow. These four years of high school are pivotal in the maturation of your children. Often, you may wonder, do they hear me? Do they know that I care? The answer is complicated and simple...yes. Your children hear you, need you, and love you...even when they make decisions that ask the question if they ever have heard a word that you have shared. Remember, you were in their shoes. The lines of communication are always open- and when you dial them with your love--they will hear.

Students:

The last four months have gone by so quickly. It doesn't matter what grade level that you are in---you have faced a lot of choices. What I love about high school is the diversity of experiences that you face throughout your four years. Whether you are an eighth grader walking the halls for the first time, or you just were accepted into college--these four years draw into deep memories. Cherish today, for tomorrow is never granted. Live for the simple moments in life. Unplug from data and plug into real communication with your friends and family. A snapchat message will always be there waiting; never bypass a simple embrace, hello, or opportunity to give of yourself.

Staff:

One of the most overlook careers in the world is the one that creates careers. Being a teacher is a sacrifice, a gift, and often a thankless job. We appreciate the gifts that our teachers provide each day at Chardon High School.  We have tremendous educators that not only live their content--they teach about living. Thank you for all that you do to train the future leaders--today.

As we transition into a new year, my wish for you is that of continued, hope, joy, and happiness. Enjoy this time with family and friends. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and have a joyous New Year!
​​
​~Douglas Murray, Principal

Principal's Podcast: Celebrating the Hilltoppers who are retiring

Topper Club Awards

Our core values recognize Achievement as an essential benchmark of the learning that transpires every day at Chardon High School. We have extraordinary educators that prepare our students for college, career, and life readiness. Our students refine their learning in the classroom and demonstrate their abilities in so many skill sets in extra-curriculars, service, and clubs. 

It is our goal that every single person at Chardon High School graduates finding his/her purpose. The programs and opportunities that students experience at Chardon from grades 8-12 expose them to opportunities to achieve this purpose. More importantly, the relationships that students develop are paramount in their development. Every student matters to us. Taking the time to celebrate achievement collectively provides us the motivation and encouragement to push and strive for success ---so that every student will find their outcome after walking across the stage to further education, immediate employment, enlistment into our armed forces, and even delving into becoming a young entrepreneur.

Today, we will celebrate many moments of achievement. Although we are unable to do so in person, the same commitment to care and recognition still matters to us.

Being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students noted in the Week in Reflection have maintained a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Together, we are witnessing the development of engineers, doctors, lawyers, educators, chemists, advanced manufacturers, cosmetologists, medics, leaders, and philanthropists who see the good in others and respond to the needs of others. We are grateful for our student leadership and look forward to the many ways that they will serve our school in the present and the future.  As we transition back to school in January, student may come into the main office to pick up their award. 

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Free Harmony Holiday Concert

It pains all of us that we are unable to watch our bands, and choirs perform this holiday season. Earlier in the month, Mr. Streiff and G-TV collaborated to record a safe holiday concert. We look forward to the day where we can listen to beauty of our students! Enjoy the video below.

Buy Tickets

OLAC Presentation: The Principal's Podcast

This week, the CHS administration had the opportunity to present (virtually) at a national conference discussing the topic of maximizing creativity during the pandemic.  We presented on the Principal's Podcast.

Weekly Reflections are a great way for high school students to take a look back at their week and reflect on what they learned, how they were successful, what challenges they faced, and what goals they would like to set, moving forward. Weekly Reflections allow students to take the wheel and show pride in their learning.

Every Friday morning, the Chardon community is blessed with dynamic words and pictures from the past week of events at Chardon High School. As 2020 began to evolve into a myriad of challenges, the administrators at Chardon High School enhanced this weekly model to meet the needs of the community. First out of necessity and now with intention, purpose, and meaning, the Week in Reflection Podcast brings the community even closer to the great work of our students, faculty, and school. Enclosed below is the video presentation.

Presentation Notes
Twitter
Principal Podcast

Happy Holidays! Take the time to celebrate your family this season. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Stay tuned during the break for new updates for the return to school plan on January 5, 2021.

With love,

Douglas Murray, Principal

PLEASE CONTINUE TO REPORT ANY COVID RELATED ILLNESSES OR EXPOSURES TO THE SCHOOL WHILE WE ARE ON REMOTE INSTRUCTION OR ON WINTER BREAK. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONTINUE TO MONITOR THESE HEALTH CONDITIONS AS IT RELATES TO OUR SCHOOLS. IN ADDITION, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE CONTACT THE NURSE. YOU CAN CALL THE CLINIC AT 286-0418 OR EMAIL JANICE.HOFFMANN@CHARDONSCHOOLS.ORG