The Week in Reflection 2/17

2/13/2023 0 Comments

The Week in Reflection 2/17

Opening: Brick By Brick

Building a strong foundation is the most important step in framing anything in life. Brick by brick the laborious tasks seem daunting, never-ending, and sometimes unappreciated by people passing by. Way too often we walk by homes, programs, and even people and see the outside finishes...however, people in Chardon are built for any season. We see the seasons in life, people, and structures. We value the foundation and the years of construction that it took to define our community.

At Chardon High School, each student and staff member are one of many parts to the foundation that stands together. When one member of the family hurts--we all feel for that person. When one person celebrates--we all celebrate. Why is that? Well, it the binding foundation that was forged before us and we are the caretakers. We are one of the ones that are asked to leave it better than we found it.

Many of you know that I often write in riddles and deep symbolism. I am writing today not about bricks and mortar (as important as they are), today I am writing about humanity.

The foundation of humanity is built on relationships and trust. Those two foundations built brick by brick enables each of us to grow into the person we are called to be in society. Communication and Collaboration become the mortar that binds our foundation.

It is the nature of humanity to question, mistrust, and become misguided by one or more of those elements that bind us together. We start to weather new storms and question if the foundation is strong to withstand time to the elements. There is no better example of this than this year and all that we have faced with the pandemic.

It is our humanity and deep understanding of our foundation that allows each of us to withstand any pressure from within or outside. It is our commitment to know that each brick was placed with intentionality and purpose to help us through these times.

Why am I saying this today? Well, because this month is challenging. Our community feels it, our staff feels it, and our students can sometimes see it. Countless hours have been spent over years to wipe our lens and see the foundation that makes us strong, but the reality is that we are one family-- when one member hurts, we all feel it.

We appreciate your continued kindness, support, and commitment to stand strong through this month and know that one further element binds us even stronger: LOVE.

Together with strong relationships, trust, communication, collaboration, and LOVE--we carry ourselves throughout this month and realize that the sun will come out, the fog will dissipate and we will forever define ourselves as the community that perseveres throughout history with the beacon of faith in each other, hope and love.

Quick Reference: Program of Study

4E Exploration Day 2023

#27BeTheChange

The 27 Days of Be the Change will begin February 1 and well beyond February 27.

It is the continued hope of the established core values at CHS that these actions will inspire and change lives. By actively caring for others each day, a habit of kindness can develop and continue well past this month.

Weekly Themes

February 13-19: COMMUNITY- Find yourself in the service of others

Shop locally and support a small business
Donate to a good cause
Volunteer throughout the community
Write a thank you note to someone who serves you
Make a care package for a friend, neighbor, or family member.
Donate to a food bank
Help out your neighbors (shovel your neighbor's driveway)

February 20-28: LIVE THE CHANGE- 21 Days create new habits. Model this leadership each day

Do things before being asked
Demonstrate a new skill for someone else.
Think before you speak
Be a model of respect, and show dignity even when it’s hard.
Show optimism in school and at home
Stay active in your community

Opportunities for Outreach

Gearity Food Bank Volunteer Opportunity
Executive Student Council/ NHS staff breakfast: Reach out to NHS to assist
PBIS team- Cards and Thank you notes.
Gratitude Stations: Fill your heart and others up
Promoting Senior Capstone Projects throughout the month- Service/Outreach
Promoting Acts of Kindness
Teacher Staff Luncheon: Hosted by CHS Administration
Grade Level Competition: March 3, 2023

#27BetheChange (Pink Shirt Day)- A project organized by Drago Vujaklija and Andrew Bruce

Pink Shirt Day is an annual event observed in February to raise awareness about bullying and to promote kindness and inclusiveness. The event was first started in 2007 in Nova Scotia, Canada. Participants in Pink Shirt Day wear pink shirts to show their support for anti-bullying efforts and to stand up against bullying in all forms. The event has since gained international recognition and is now observed in many countries around the world. This year, the event is being organized by Drago Vujaklija and Andrew Bruce who are following in the footsteps of Drago's brother, Zoran. Great work, guys!

#27BetheChange Polar Plunge for The Special Olympics of Ohio

The Cleveland Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ohio is an annual event that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics Ohio, a nonprofit organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Participants in the Polar Plunge take a dip in the chilly waters of Lake Erie, braving the cold to support a great cause. The event typically draws a large turnout, with both individuals and teams taking part. The Cleveland Polar Plunge is just one of many similar events held across the state each year, helping to provide support for Special Olympics Ohio and its mission. This plunge is no match for CHS 8th graders- Rylen Foley, Danek Szczepanski, and Tristan Fleckenstein. They are taking on the challenge to plunge for a cause. Consider joining them in their goals to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics of Ohio. Help them surpass their goal!

2023 Common Application For Local Scholarships

This information was sent out to all seniors in their Google Classroom this week.

The CHS Common Scholarship Application is ready! This is a one stop shop! Complete the application to apply to several local scholarships, such as CHS Boosters, VFW, After Prom and more. You can complete the application from that attached PDF or pick one up in Guidance near the Scholarship Wall, where you can also find the necessary supplements. If you have any questions, please stop into Guidance.
All applications are due February 24, 2023. They must be in on Mrs. Giddings desk by 3pm.

Schedule for Next Week

Monday, February 20: NO SCHOOL President's Day
Tuesday, February 21, White Day Schedule
Wednesday, February 22, Red Day Schedule
Thursday, February 23, Black Day Schedule
Friday, February 24: White Day Schedule

All-Star Choir

On Wednesday, February 15th, nine CHS Choir Students attended the All-Star Choir event at the University of Akron School of Music. This was a great event to inspire leadership and excellence in top singers from NE Ohio. The CHS students combined efforts with students from 9 other high schools and some University of Akron singers, for a total of 130 students for this ensemble. The students were selected for their advanced musical skills and leadership in our program. Our students were outstanding as they prepared with focus, attention to detail, and integrity. Much of the day was spent rehearsal two advanced pieces of music, "I Will Lift Mine Eyes" by Jake Runestad and "Make Our Garden Grow" by Leonard Bernstein. The students spent much time working with faculty and guest clinicians to prepare the music to be performed.

The culminating event happened at 3:30 at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron. This concert featured the University of Akron Chamber Choir, two local high school select choirs, and finishing with the All-Star Choir. The University of Akron Chamber Ensemble was selected to perform at next week's National American Choral Directors Association National Conference converging in Cincinnati, OH from February 23-26th. It is of great prestige that the University of Akron Chamber Ensemble was selected. It was a joy to hear them sing. Chardon was well represented by our choir members. A great day of music-making was had!

Drama T-Shirt Sale: The Addams Family

It's officially February and that means the Drama department is busy preparing for their spring musical. This year's performance will be The Addams Family and will run from Thursday, March 16h - Sunday, March 19th. More details regarding tickets will follow later in February.

For students in the Cast and Crew, parents, or other CHS community members (staff or students) who would like to order a t-shirt to show their support, please follow the link below. Sales will run from 7:00 a.m. February 3rd - 11:59 p.m. February 22nd.
*Also, please be sure to enter your name in the guest details (or your student's name) so that we know who to deliver the t-shirts to.

See Mrs. Patterson with any questions.

T-shirt Sales Link

CHS SKI CLUB - ONE MORE TRIP LEFT!

After three successful trips, the CHS Ski/Snowboard Club has one trip remaining. The Holiday Valley trip is on Saturday, March 4th. It is not too late to sign up! The Deadline is Friday, February 24. This trip is open to all students at the high school (grades 8-12). If your son/daughter is interested, please turn in registration forms to Miss Fisher as soon as possible to reserve a spot! The trip is filling up quickly! If you have any questions, please email Alison Fisher at alison.fisher@chardonschools.org or contact her at 285-4057 (x 1718). Sign up for the trip today - you won't regret it! There is one trip left! Sign up today.

Auburn Career Center

Auburn Adult Workforce is offering FREE Sprint classes for high school students 16+. These classes are 22 hours, after school, and offer industry recognized credentials (1-12 points). These classes are first come, first serve.

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.

Topper Bistro Lunch Menu

Hilltoppers in the News

Click on the logo for the Article

SPEECH STATE QUALIFIER: Charlotte Jons
CREW MASTERING SKILL BOSS
STUDENTS NAMED SKILLSUSA OHIO REGIONAL OFFICERS- Cameron Musgrave and Brycen Perez

Click on the Logo for the article

Chardon’s Philip Colucci hasn’t let cerebral palsy stop him from athletic career in wrestling, football

Resources for Families

Come and Join the Parent After Prom Organization!
We are a parent group that supports Chardon High School students with various grade level events.

Currently we are planning a junior event and a senior after prom event. Looking to the future we need people to lead the organization and head various committees. You can do this with a friend!

Come and see what the Parent After Prom Organization is all about at our next meeting! We meet the second Wednesday of every month at 7pm in the High School media center (Next meetings: February 8th and March 8th).

Contact us to join or if you have questions or need more information: chardonafterprom@gmail.com
Follow After Prom on Facebook, Twitter @CAfterprom and
Instagram (ChardonAfterProm)

Community Flyers

Stress Relievers: Tips to tame stress

Is stress making you frustrated and irritable? Stress relievers can help restore calm and serenity to your chaotic life. You don't have to invest a lot of time or thought into stress relievers. If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.

Get active

Virtually any form of physical activity can act as a stress reliever. Even if you're not an athlete or you're out of shape, exercise can still be a good stress reliever. Physical activity can pump up your feel-good endorphins and other natural neural chemicals that enhance your sense of well-being. Exercise can also refocus your mind on your body's movements, which can improve your mood and help the day's irritations fade away. Consider walking, jogging, gardening, housecleaning, biking, swimming, weightlifting or anything else that gets you active.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet is an important part of taking care of yourself. Aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid unhealthy habits

Some people may deal with stress by drinking too much caffeine or alcohol, smoking, eating too much, or using illicit substances. These can affect your health in unhealthy ways.

Meditate or Pray

During this mindfulness , you focus your attention and quiet the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. Meditation can instill a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.

Laugh more

A good sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but it can help you feel better, even if you have to force a fake laugh through your grumpiness. When you laugh, it not only lightens your mental load but also causes positive physical changes in your body. Laughter fires up and then cools down your stress response. So read some jokes, tell some jokes, watch a comedy or hang out with your funny friends.

Connect with others

When you're stressed and irritable, your instinct may be to wrap yourself in a cocoon. Instead, reach out to family and friends and make social connections. Social contact is a good stress reliever because it can offer distraction, provide support and help you tolerate life's up and downs. So take a coffee break with a friend, email a relative or visit your place of worship.

Got more time? Considering volunteering for a charitable group and help yourself while helping others.

Assert yourself

You might want to do it all, but you can't, at least not without paying a price. Learning to say no or being willing to delegate can help you manage your to-do list and your stress. Saying yes may seem like an easy way to keep the peace, prevent conflicts and get the job done right. But it may actually cause you internal conflict because your needs and those of your family come second, which can lead to stress, anger, resentment and even the desire to exact revenge. And that's not a very calm and peaceful reaction.

Try yoga

With its series of postures and controlled-breathing exercises, yoga is a popular stress reliever. Yoga brings together physical and mental disciplines which may help you achieve peacefulness of body and mind. Yoga can help you relax and manage stress and anxiety. Try yoga on your own or find a class — you can find classes in most communities.

Get enough sleep

Stress can cause you to have trouble falling asleep. When you have too much to do — and too much to think about — your sleep can suffer. But sleep is the time when your brain and body recharge. The quality and amount of sleep you get can affect your mood, energy level, concentration and overall functioning. If you have sleep troubles, make sure that you have a quiet, relaxing bedtime routine, listen to soothing music, put clocks away, and stick to a consistent schedule.

Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a good release for otherwise pent-up emotions. Don't think about what to write — just let it happen. Write whatever comes to mind. No one else needs to read it, so don't strive for perfection in grammar or spelling. Just let your thoughts flow on paper — or computer screen.

Music

Listening to or playing music is a good stress reliever because it can provide a mental distraction, reduce muscle tension and decrease stress hormones. Crank up the volume and let your mind be absorbed by the music. If music isn't one of your interests, turn your attention to another hobby you enjoy, such as gardening, sewing, sketching — anything that requires you to focus on what you're doing rather than what you think you should be doing.

Seek counseling

If new stressors are challenging your ability to cope or if self-care measures just aren't relieving your stress, you may need to look for reinforcements in the form of therapy or counseling. Therapy also may be a good idea if you feel overwhelmed or trapped, if you worry excessively, or if you have trouble carrying out daily routines or meeting responsibilities at work, home or school. Professional counselors or therapists can help you identify sources of your stress and learn new coping tools.

Mayo Clinic. "12 tips to tame stress." Mayo Clinic. n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2019. <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257>

Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!

Douglas Murray, Principal

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