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2/19/2021 The Week in Reflection: 2/19Brick 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 weather. 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. Program of Studies: Quick Reference
ACT DAY: March 16, 2021
On March 16, 2021, all 11th graders will report to Chardon High School to take the ACT Test.
On Match 16, 2021, all students in grades 8, 9, 10, and 12 will attend school virtually following the white day schedule. 
On March 16th, our juniors will be taking the ACT. There are a number of resources to help them prepare, including the opportunity to take a practice test, and use free personalized resources with ACT® Academy™.
ACT Academy - Free Personalized Practice Senior Common Application for Local Scholarships
Principal's Podcast: State Championship Rings
Schedule for Next Week
Topper Bistro
School Fees
School fees are due to Chardon Local Schools. Payable at your student's individual school.
Please look at your student's Infinite Campus account under “Fees” to see what is owed for each child. When you are looking at the fees, if something does not look right or your student has dropped a class and it is still showing, please call so that it can be corrected. Important Reminder: ALL SENIOR FEES ARE DUE IN FULL PRIOR TO GRADUATION. Direct all of your calls to Mrs. Koehler 440-285-4057 x. 1441 Image of the Week: AP Physics C
AP Physics C: Any moving object has momentum, but how much momentum it has depends on its mass and velocity. In this lesson, Dr. Schneider had students identify linear momentum, as well as see examples of how an object's momentum is affected by mass and velocity.
Gratitude Month
28 Days of Gratitude
February Challenge: Gratitude. It is said that gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others. During this month, use your influence to impact others. Demonstrate, Love, Provide, Model, and GIVE Gratitude. One word, deed, or action can change a moment February 1, 2021: Day 1- Faith: If you walk into my office you will see a chalkboard above my desk that marks my mission statement. Several words stand out. The first is Faith. Today, I am grateful for faith. The ability to have it, feel it, and live it. February 2, 2021: Day 2- Families: Today, I am grateful for the gift of families. The core of our lives looks different for all of us, but the roots grow strong and we always remember who we are and what we stand for. February 3, 2021: Day 3-Grandparents/Parents/Guardians: Our first teachers, guides, nurses, and first love--grandparents, parents, and guardians. They come in all unique styles and energy. Today, I am grateful for the unconditional love, kindness, and creativity of all of those who first protected us. February 4, 2021: Day 4- Children: It has been stated that Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. Children are beautiful, gems in our eyes, gifts, and quite complicated passionate little loves. They are an endless book of wonder. Today, I give thanks for the joy and hope of our children. February 5, 2021: Day 5- Friends and Community: Today I am grateful for friends and our community. Friends are an extension of our family providing us with humor, support, and love through good and bad times. Likewise, our community is the support system that lifts us up, encourages us, and is our core and our home. Together, they make us and shape us. February 6, 2021: Day 6- Educators: Today, I am grateful for all educators. Your job is endless, and your commitment to service is relentless. Teaching is an instinctual art, filled with the wonder and awe of endless possibilities. Educators are conduits to our family and leave a legacy of hope. February 7, 2021: Day 7-Health Care Workers: Today, I am grateful for health care workers across the world. Your love, compassion, service, knowledge, and gentle care has guided people for generations. You are heroes and miracle workers. February 8, 2021: Day 8-First Responders: Today, I am grateful for all of the men and women who work around the clock protecting and serving the public. I value our relationship in Chardon. Your commitment to excellence, selfless service, and commitment to education nurtures generations of families in our community. February 9, 2021: Day 9-Military Services: Today, I am grateful for our military services that serve with duty, honor, and service of others while protecting and leading. You are the first to get up and the last to rest. We appreciate you. February 10, 2021: Day 10-All Workers: Today, I am grateful for all workers, and the rights of workers. The dignity of work, and the values learned from work builds the foundation of our commitment to serve, build, create, and develop skills. Some people dream of success, while others wake up and work hard at it. February 11, 2021: Day 11-Water: Today, I am grateful for clean water. Our county is rich in the abundance of water. The simplest combination of elements nourishes us and energizes us. My heart reaches out to those who do not have access to clean water; together, we can do our part to conserve, and be innovative in our efforts to reach those in the greatest need. February 12, 2021: Day 12-Food: Today, I am grateful for the nourishment that fuels each of us. One of our first instinctive responses in life is hunger. I am grateful for the food that we harvest, celebrate, and create into culinary beauty. February 13, 2021: Day 13-Fresh Air: Today, I am grateful for the air that we breathe. Every breath is a gift by itself. The more we take in--the better we feel. Learn to settle yourself with some simple breathing exercises to slow yourself down. February 14, 2021: Day 14-Love: Today, I am grateful for the many forms of love. The best is the love of human connection. Faith. family, friendships, and relationships can fill our hearts with love. Tell someone in your life what they mean to you. It can change the direction of the day. February 15, 2021: Day 15-Leadership: Today, I am grateful for leaders of past, present and future. Every walk of life needs men and women to lead with a purpose and guide with a strong compass. February 16, 2021: Day 16-Seasons: Today, I am grateful for living where we do to see and experience all of the seasons of the year. Often lopsided in appearance, we at least can experience the joy and sometimes sorrow of May snow, and spring lillies at once. February 17, 2021: Day 17-Outdoor Beauty: Today, I am grateful for leaves, trees, sunshine, and bees. Majestic mountains, transparent ocean, white sands, and orange clay. I am grateful for the endless beauty of nature. February 18, 2021: Day 18-Sports: Today, I am grateful for all levels of sports. Every game established or even created in the backyard. I loved competing up to the collegiate level in baseball, and loved coaching baseball and now love fastpitch softball. I just love to teach and watch others grow. February 19, 2021: Day 19-Music: Today, I am grateful for all genres of music: from classical to today’s hits. How many times a day do you sing a song, or quote lyrics of a song in a conversation? Don’t go chasing waterfalls. 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> Resources
During the school year, we see a number of students who may be struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, self-harming behaviors, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. The Chardon community is fortunate to have a number of local mental health agencies available to serve youth and families who may be experiencing any difficulties. Please, if your child is experiencing any difficulties reach out to Administration, Guidance or one of the agencies listed below:
Catholic Charities - ccdocle.org/county-served/geauga 440-285-3537 Family Pride - familyprideonline.org 440-286-1553 N.A.M.I - namigeauga.org 440-286-6264 Ravenwood Health Centers - ravenwoodhealth.org 440-285-3568 Ubuntu Wellness - Ubuntuwellnessohio.com 440-214-9062 Ravenwood Health has an emergency, walk-in clinic open weekdays till 8 p.m, Friday till 5 p.m. For after hour emergencies or if you need to talk with someone the hotlines below are available 24/7: 24/7 Copeline - 1-888-285-5665 Crisis Text Line - Text 4hope to 741741 Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Shining Star CLE 2021: Hey, we know him!
Have a beautiful weekend with family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal Comments are closed.
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