1/22/2020 The Week in Reflection: 1/24
I want to begin my Week in Reflection with something to ponder: Action Changes Things.
I designed this logo years ago --spending countless hours working with students and staff to refocus the lens of our culture. Back then, many students and staff were forging their path while the atmosphere was foggy. The atmosphere was foggy not by choice but due to a shared experience that began our journey to rediscover who we were as a school community and a town. We have grown tremendously as a school since we re-established our why...our focus...our vision. There was no turning back. Through collaborative planning and design we transcended ourselves into the school we always were: high achieving, service oriented, and a culture of caring. It is almost impossible to document all of the intentional acts of kindness, outreach programs, and academic achievements since this design--but, it is important to go back to our core and sharpen the lens from time to time. Recently, our administrative team and school resource officer have spent a week working with students to remind them that our choices and our actions changes things wherever we are. When we were all kids we played the game of phone. The game was simple and always had a humorous ending. We would tell our first friend one thing and then the next friend would try to tell the next person the same thing without missing a word. By the end of the game, the first statement would be morphed and changed down the chain into something that made no sense. In a controlled situation, this game can be fun for any student to learn the importance of clear communication and active listening. In the real world, this can cause drama, rumors, and stress for many students and adults depending on the context of the story. There is no game of phone tag here. This week, we brought in the Geauga County Sheriff's Office (K-9 Unit) to Chardon High School to check lockers, randomly selected classrooms (bags), bathrooms, athletic areas, and our student parking lot. The dogs are certified in narcotics detection, suspect apprehension, handler protection, article search, suspect search and tracking. During this scheduled session, the dogs were specifically looking for any sign of narcotics. During the drill, Chardon High School implemented a "lock-in" drill that places the school in a specific safety sequence where no one is allowed to leave the building, and in this case--classrooms-- to allow the dogs to do their jobs. This was an opportunity for us to further educate our students about student safety and making good choices. More importantly, we were able to model our shared vision of controlling what we control at Chardon High School. We can control our culture, our message, our shared commitment to keep students and staff safe from harmful substances inside of our building. In a similar tone, we can, if necessary, have heart-to-heart conversations with students and parents to help our children along their journey through life. It is also important to share that the district invested in Halo IOT Smart Sensors that were installed in all of our bathrooms. HALO has a host of sensors to perform multiple detections. 12 sensors to be exact. The hundreds of combinations it detects expands its capabilities to be able to differentiate between substances as well. For instance, HALO can distinguish between a person vaping and a person vaping with a substance laced with THC. These detectors, which were paid for by a Wellness Grant, are able to detect the air quality in numerous ways--while sending building administrators an immediate text and email detailing the location and indication of the deterrent recognized. This has literally created a lean process for building administrators to address the problem while the act is being conducted. In reality, the students might say that they feel comfortable going to the bathroom--knowing that they are being protected by these sensors. Some of the things HALO can detect are:
I am sharing this information not to scare you, but to educate you that Chardon High School students and staff have taken a stand to control the educational and social experiences inside of our building. While we all live in a world that is oftentimes uncontrollable in the decisions that people make...at CHS, we are choosing how we respond to the changes in the world by educating and protecting the students and staff that we serve. If you are interested in learning more, please contact me, or any building administrator. February 25: ACT/ Core Value Day
In the spirit of ACTion changing things, enclosed is some very important information to help all our students in grades 8-12 prepare for our ACT/Core Value Day on February 25.
ACT and Blended Learning Day What you need to know: What: ACT Test ... Tuesday, February 25th, all Juniors will be taking the ACT at Chardon High School. Why: The fourth year of the state requirement to administer the ACT or SAT to Juniors as a pathway to graduation. Questions about ACT/SAT Requirement
Blended Learning Day The following expectations will be required for each grade level: ELA Specific: Students in the following classes need to arrive no later than 8:45 AM for their field trip. Departure is at 9:00 AM. Students will return at 2:15 PM ELA classes scheduled to attend a field trip on Feb 25, 2020 (130 students) Mrs. Deshetler 8 Honors (ENG IH) Ms.Tersigni and Mrs. Downs ICP Ms.Tersigni and Mr. Lichtinger IICP Senior Auburn Career Center Students: Report to CHS at 10:25 AM for Bus Departure CEVEC will be in session for our students who attend. All students listed above do NOT need to fill out the Google Form Eighth Grade, Freshman, Sophomores, and Seniors must complete a Google Form to show attendance for the day, along with demonstrating what activities, services, and achievements took place during the blended day. Seniors:
Eighth Graders, Freshman, and Sophomores:
Need some ideas? Check out these examples Why creating a culture surrounding the principles of servant leadership matters today. The Google Form will be sent out on 2/24. A downloadable document is available below. Save the date: PT Conferences/Curriculum Night
CHS Parents can begin signing up for the final Parent Teacher Conferences of the year. Conferences are February 4, 2020. Likewise, on the same night, the school counselors and department chairs will be presenting the District CCP Information session along with the CHS Curriculum Night. This will be held at 6:30 pm in the CMS LGIR. The purpose of moving this event to the LGIR is due to the lack of available space at the high school due to the basketball game that will be in the gym.
In order to better prepare you and your child to the academic offerings at Chardon High School, we will be hosting a Curriculum Evening on February 4, 2020, at 6:30 PM in the LGIR. This evening also coincides with our Parent Teacher Conferences.
At this meeting, we will provide an overview of the curricular offerings, and course delivery options (including College Credit Plus), and an overview of the scheduling process. 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. Our School Counselors will be presenting to students about scheduling and course offerings later in February. This evening is for all grades entering 8-12. We will schedule a separate evening to go through the high school experiences for new 8th graders at a later date. Enclosed is the link for parent teacher conferences Parent Teacher Conferences are for all parents grades 8-12. This is NOT an invitation only opportunity https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Chardon_High_School DC Trip: Second payment February 7th ($100)
Dear Eighth Graders and Eighth Grade Parents,
We are so excited about our trip to Washington, D.C.! There is so much to look forward to, and spring is a beautiful time of year to be in our nation’s capital. School-sponsored tours are essential elements of our academic programs at Chardon High School. Our eighth-graders will have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. on a curriculum-based overnight field trip from May 4-6, 2020. The following are the guidelines for this trip. The cost of the trip is $445. This includes all meals (except lunch Monday), lodging, and guided experiences. Payment plan: first payment November 15th ($245), second payment February 7th ($100), and third payment March 13th ($100) or full payment on November 15th. Payments can be made on Infinite Campus or a check (made out to Chardon Board of Education) through the CHS business office. All school fees (including athletic fees) must be paid prior to the second trip payment date February 7, 2020. While every effort will be made to honor room requests, CHS reserves the right to assign hotel rooms and bus assignments. Violation of our core values may eliminate eligibility for the trip. If a student’s eligibility is removed, any payments made to the tour company will not be refunded. Students and parents understand that all school rules and Chardon Local School District Board of Education Policies and Procedures are in effect. If there are any disciplinary issues on the trip, the administration reserves the right to require your child to be picked up at the parents’ or guardians’ expense. Please direct all questions to douglas.higham@chardonschools.org Trip Presentation from November is enclosed. Images of the Week
DNA replication build in Honors Biology
AHLI field trip to The Cleveland Art Museum
Art Piece of the Week
2019-2020 yearbook cover art by Jackson Perry, Tori Lowe, with contributing drawings by our Drawing students and finally edited and composed digitally by Emily Spangler!
It's Flu Season: Take Precaution
A message from Jan Hoffman:
We are in the midst of the flu season. It traditionally begins to increase in October and can last as late as May. Cases typically peak between December and February. The CDC states that a vaccine effectiveness in the range of 40% to 60% has been observed. This means that people who get vaccinated may still get sick, but they are about half as likely to get sick as someone who was not vaccinated. Another important thing to remember is that vaccination may make illness less severe in people who get vaccinated and still get sick. Dr. Roy Buchinsky, Dir. of Wellness for University Hospitals said “Vaccines are not perfect, but they are powerful in preventing the flu illness. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine if you have not yet received one this season.” Grades 8-10 MAP Testing
The district administration expanded MAP testing in November to include students in grades 8-10 in English and Math. The MAP Winter testing session has occurred at Chardon High School. During this period your child will take the MAP® Growth™ test in English and Math in grades 8-10.
We give students MAP Growth tests to determine their instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in Reading, Math, and Language. MAP Growth tests are unique in that they adapt to your child’s level of learning. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This results in a detailed picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above, or below their grade level. Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly. Teachers can also see how your child is progressing in his/her learning goals. FACTS ABOUT MAP:
For more information about the MAP Growth test, visit: https://www.nwea.org/Parent-Toolkit/ Ski/Snowboard Club
The Ski/Snowboard Club is excited to announce a day trip to Holiday Valley Ski Resort in New York. The trip is planned for Saturday, March 7 and is open to all students at the high school (grades 8-12). Students do NOT have to currently be part of the ski club to participate in this opportunity. If your son/daughter is interested please see the attached flyer for more details, including 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
Topper Bistro
Work Permit
Obtain an application for minor work permit in the school office.
Indoor Rankings
Have an awesome weekend with your family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal Comments are closed.
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