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12/2/2022 The Week in Reflection: 12/2The Season: Calibration with Purpose
It is hard to believe that we celebrated Thanksgiving last week. Preparing for the holiday season can deploy so many emotions: excitement, beauty, new beginnings, and stress. Our response to the season often can act as an amalgamation of all of these feelings all at one time. So, how can you take time this December to prepare and calibrate for the season?
Excitement: Recall the emotions that you had as a child. You were filled with wonder and awe. Life was very simple in your eyes and everything was pure. These feelings remind us that this time of year is about spending time in the comfort of family and friends while celebrating traditions. Recreate these traditions with your family and celebrate each other. Your time together is so precious. As a child, we cherished these moments. Our children need traditions and memories to pass on these celebrations with their families someday. Stop for a moment to reflect on how quickly your time has come and gone with your children. These moments can never be replicated. We all need to pause and be reminded that certain things at work can wait in order for us to celebrate our children. Beauty: This season is filled with beauty in Ohio. Yes, not all of us love snow. Yet, we cannot ignore its glory around us throughout this season. We know that our lives do not surround the obvious plot twists on the Hallmark channel, but we can pause to see the beauty in the simple things of life. I preach all of the time that we all have a story and together our stories make our community. Take time this month to create new habits for yourself, or even break some tough ones. One of the hardest tasks that dwell deep inside of humanity is being at peace with yourself. As hard as it can be---reduce the noise around you to see the beauty in you. Your life is a gift to be shared and nourished. Take time for yourself to breathe, slow down, and live in the moment. New Beginnings: Celebrate your relationships. This is nothing new to your vocabulary. Many people are uncomfortable this time of year because of failed relationships, mourning, and hardships. Many of us have a hard time letting go of the past, feelings, and tough memories. How will you ever grow? Will you run from it or learn becomes of it? Seize every positive moment as an opportunity to expand your humility and every difficult moment as an opportunity to expand your territory and influence. Life is too short to hold on to the past as an ornament. Rather, seize the moment and polish your choices from it. Stress: Without a doubt, this time of year can cause stress. A simple example is to look at our mothers and spouses this time of year. They are stressed because they want everything to be perfect. That's all fine, but if you want your mother or spouse to experience fully the above stated---HELP THEM. This time of year is not to be burdened on the shoulders of one. It is an opportunity to show our love to those that care for us. Besides the stress that our families have during this season, we have our own personal stress. Students have the stress of exams, finals, and projects on top of their job and athletics. Of course, our children love to schedule (without telling us) social gatherings with their friends. Students, take time to check your phone in at the door and converse with your family. The latest post on Snapchat or Tik Tok is certainly not as important as talking to a human face-to-face. Likewise, this time of year is a stressful time for staff as they attempt to do all of the above: preserving the excitement with their families, seeing the beauty in themselves, creating new beginnings, and grading all of their exams and projects. I am grateful to each of them as they work together to create new routines in new places while serving our mission. With the time constraints of my job, it is so important that I practice what I preach. The students and staff know that they are an extension of my family...but my faith, family, and friends are mission-critical to the daily energy and tasks asked of me as one of the building leaders. Be the best version of yourself to those that matter most and live today with a focus on tomorrow. Screen Time: Recalibrating with Intention
I am not an ophthalmologist, but I know that too much screen time can impact my eyes. For over 8 years, we have lived in a (CE) Chromebook Era. It is academically hard to think of the (BCE) Before Chromebook Era. These devices have revolutionized every corner of education. Students and staff can literally do everything to deliver teaching and learning with them. These devices are extraordinary tools and help assist in the learning process. Since we utilize Google Classroom, Docs, and Sheets--so much of school is synchronous to instant feedback. There are so many positives to being a 1:1 school, and there is a huge responsibility to teach digital citizenship and how to buffer appropriate screen time. Monitoring screen time is important, and this week, I was immersed in 5 full observations--four of them were during block days. The best part of the lessons was that Chromebooks and cell phones were not anywhere near the students during the lessons. I observed highly engaging lessons that surrounded discussion, participation, conversation, and problem-solving. I literally was the only one on a device. This got me really thinking. I know that our kids are actively using their devices for learning, and as I write this WIR- we have 91 students currently online using their Chromebooks. The top 5 sites that are used this week are Google Classroom, Google Drive, Google Docs, MyHMHEducation, and ALEKS. This is the data that I see.
However, a lesson that impressed me to write this portion of the Week in Reflection was something observed in AP Spanish. [I must add that I had to translate what the heck was going on as they actively engaged in dialogue preparing for the AP Test.] The Spanish dialogue and conjugation of language surrounded a discussion between peers on the topic of screen time. In this room, it was interesting to see that this sample size of students averaged a range of 2hrs-17hrs of active screen time on their cellular device! The was mind-blowing. After researching, I learned that the "average" screen time calculated in professional journals is that high school-age students average around 7.5 hours of calculated cell phone screen time throughout a single day. This is a crazy number to think about. Literally, a third of the day staring at a little screen. The joke in that class was that I was going to put this in the Week in Reflection. After the dare (which I will hear about from them), I took it on. I told the class that I was going to share resources for parents to learn how to monitor and set limits to screen time. Many parents are actively involved in this process already, but there are many of us out there that don't know how to. The link above is quite clear to moderate cell phone users. For others, the old adage, "Give me your phone" may suffice. Regardless of where you are on the list, it is a good reminder for us and a great reminder for our children to slow down, decompress from screen time, and let their eyes relax. Schedule for Next Week: Regular
Fall End of Course Exam: US Government/ Targeted Make-up tests
On December 14th, Chardon High School will be administering the end-of-course exam for the US Government(Regular/Honors), along with testing targeted students who need to complete previous tests. To deploy all of the important tasks that need to be completed--we are going to implement the following schedule on Wednesday, December 14 and Thursday, December 15.
Midterm Schedule 2022: December 19--December 21
Download File
Over the days of Dec.19-Dec. 21, Chardon High School will be administering a midterm schedule to close out the semester. All students report to their classes for each period except for scheduled study halls. Those periods do not have midterms. However, all study hall periods will be ran and supervised for students who would like to use them to prepare for a test. All Academic Learning Labs/ Guided Study will meet to prepare students for upcoming assessments. If a student has 7th period Academic Learning Labs/Guided Study--they will not need to report since it is the last period on the last day of the midterm schedule. Important to note:
Attention Seniors and Parents: Graduation Cap and Gown Info
It is time to start preparing for Graduation! Attached is all of the information you need to order your Cap & Gown, Graduation Announcements, Class Ring and other senior items. Please be sure to order by the deadline, so your items are delivered in plenty of time before graduation. This is now passed due. Seniors, take care of this task this weekend.
Jeremy's Kids 2022
This year AC4P, and Interact are raising funds for the annual Jeremy's Kids Christmas fundraiser. This fundraiser is in memory of Jeremy Mizen, the 6-year-old son of teacher Rob Mizen, who died in a car crash on Christmas Eve in 1999. Instead of dwelling on their horrible loss and having this tragic event destroy their lives, Mr. Mizen and his wife decided that they would instead celebrate Jeremy’s life focusing on the positive aspects of his life.
AC4P, NHS, Interact, and the Actively Caring Leadership class will use the raised funds to support less fortunate families in the Chardon Community. Many local families are struggling financially with giving their children gifts on Christmas. Every year the students of Chardon High School have joined together with the community to make sure relief was available to these families. As a follow up the the event that Sydney Murray and Faith Kilfoyle organized--The 2022 Holiday Craft Show was a huge success! Sydney and Faith were able to raise nearly $1,200 in donations from the show and the vendors were very successful! Thank you for all those who participated and came to the day. We will make this an annual event at Chardon High School! Thank you for your generosity. Topper Bistro Lunch Menu
ICYMI: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 will graduate finding their purpose. The programs and experiences that you experience at Chardon from grades 8-12 expose you to opportunities to achieve this purpose. More importantly, the relationships that you develop are paramount in your 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. Being a part of the Topper Club is an extraordinary accomplishment. Our students being recognized this morning have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Each day, we are educating the future leaders of our ever-changing world. 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 their leadership and look forward to the many ways that they will serve our school in the present and the future. The following slideshow presents all of the students who are being recognized for their academic achievement. Core Value Awards
The Principal's Award is one of the highest honors for a student to achieve. Being recognized as a student who embodies the core values is an honor that has no classroom or state assessment connected to it. A committee nominated students throughout the year for modeling our values. This year, we are recognizing the following students who model the character and commitment to serve others and use their gifts to embrace Community, Humility, Achievement, Respect, Dignity, Optimism, and Nurture as they live these values in and out of school.
Historical Core Value Recipients
The following students have earned the Principal's Award since we started this in-person ceremony on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving in 2017. The last time our students experienced this award presentation---our seniors were in the 9th grade!
New York City Trip
2023 New York City Latino Experience Tour
April 20-22, 2023 ¡Hola! Join our 2023 Latino-themed Spanish Trip to New York City this Spring! The Trip is open to ALL 9-12th CHS Grade Spanish Students! This is an amazing opportunity to experience all of the cultural highlights and landmarks that make the ¨Big Apple¨ so exciting. Check out the Tour Website for more information.
Contact Mrs. (Señora) Kristen Niedzwiecki w/ Questions Art Piece of the Week
"Riveted Brass and Copper Ring" Seth Johnston Grade 10 Metals
Chardon Goes to the Musicals
Chardon Goes to the Musicals is excited to announce ticket sales for Hadestown and Beetlejuice. Money is due to Crescendo Club by Friday, December 9.
Thank you in advance for continuing to help promote the arts at Cleveland's own Playhouse Square, the second largest theater district outside of Broadway. Over the years, Chardon Goes to the Musicals has sold hundreds of tickets. A reminder this is not a fundraiser, but simply a way for community members to obtain tickets at discounted prices.
INTERESTED IN BEING A TOPPERETTE NEXT SEASON?
Students in grades 8-11 who may be interested in being a Topperette in the future should consider attending the free training sessions in the fundamentals of Topperettes offered by our Topperette coaches. All are welcome. The clinics start this coming Monday, December 5 at Maple Early Learning Center from 6-7 PM. Please wear loose comfortable clothing and tennis shoes or dance shoes. See Ms Lichtler in the band room if you have any questions or email dstapel@yahoo.com. Hope to see you there!
The Topper Shop Sales: December 2CHS Spirit Emblem
As a continuation of the Fundraiser for Jeremy's Kids, Julianne Sweet and members of NHS are working on another sale that continues to model the core values at Chardon High School.
Resources for Families
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