2/24/2023 0 Comments The Week in Reflection: 2/24Opening: You are Loved
Reflecting is vital in life. We learn from reflecting, we can choose to grow from looking inward, and we can remind ourselves of our value. This edition of the Week in Reflection may seem quite reflective. Every week, I take time after school to organize the events and details of the week and start organizing the big ideas for this newsletter. We are entering a week that can create emotions that are hard to understand outside of our Chardon community. We are grateful for all of the support, and ask that you keep our staff, graduates, and community in your thoughts as we enter into Monday. At the end of this Week in Reflection, I will close with an uplifting reminder of our purpose, our vision, and our why as Hilltoppers. The students and staff know me well. They know my heart. I love our students and staff for who they are and their shared commitment to live our core values. We have a beautiful community that we are grateful for and we will continue to work together to raise a generations of Hilltoppers to live with a purpose, model integrity, and express kindness. We are #ChardonStrong and will forever beat as #OneHeartbeat
The 27 Days of Be the Change provided renewed energy and a focus for our students, and staff this month. We are so moved by the countless acts of kindness, undocumented moments of integrity, and the nurturing culture that has been embraced since we began this month. This week's theme is the transition from doing to living. The new habits created will carry us throughout this month and into the new season of spring.
February 5: SELF-Be the Best Version of Yourself; Be Positive and Kind to YOU February 6-12: OTHERS- Demonstrate Kindness to yourself, along with others- family, friends, staff February 13-19: COMMUNITY- Find yourself in the service of others February 20-28: LIVE THE CHANGE- 21 Days create new habits. Model this leadership each day
CHS Building Update: 300's Open for Business on March 1st
I spoke to Lewis Construction regarding the timeline of the 300's. They had a very productive week.
Big Ideas:
Schedule for Next Week
Monday, February 27: White Day Schedule
Tuesday, February 28: White Day Schedule Wednesday, March 1: Red Day Schedule Thursday, March 2: Black Day Schedule Friday, March 3: White Day (Special) Schedule Friday's Schedule: Culminating Celebration of #27BeThe Change- Class CompetitionQuick Reference: The Board Approved Program of Study7th Grade Presentation: Boxcast Presentation4E Exploration Day 2023
2023 Common Application For Local Scholarships: DUE TODAY
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. CHS Topp-notch A cappella to Nordonia Festival
On Friday, February 17th & Saturday, February 18th the newly formed CHS A Cappella vocal ensemble attended for the first time at the Nordonia A Cappella Festival. This nine-member ensemble was immersed in the world of high school a cappella. Think Pitch-Perfect or the Sing-Off. Our time at the festival provided much inspiration and food for thought.
Throughout the festival, we experienced many performances by high school groups and professionals alike. Friday and Saturday nights we experienced professional performances from groups from Las Vegas and Orlando. The students also attended many workshops from barbershops, vocal percussion strategies, ideas for a future in the music industry, and DIY recording resources. Much was gained from these masterclasses. The students participated in a workshop specifically catered to our ensemble. The students sang arrangements of Billy Joel's "She's Got A Way" and Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain". The coach commented on our students' musicianship as a strength. They blend beautifully and stay in coordinated tempo and tuning. There were many takeaways to consider going forward. It was great to have this time with a professional a cappella singer out of Orlando, FL. This group started in the fall of 2022, and has been called the CHS A Cappella. Over the weekend, with brainstorming time together, the group has decided to adopt the name Chardon Topp-notch A Cappella. Our ensemble currently consists of 3 sopranos, 2 alto, 2 tenors, and 2 basses. We look forward to adding a vocal percussionist to the ensemble to up the energy and cohesion. This type of ensemble is attractive because it is a smaller group without limitations of acoustical spaces. The pop music of this genre also is fun to listen to and popular with the general public. We thank the Chardon Crescendo Club for underwriting this impactful learning experience. The group looks forward to continued growth and exposure in our school and community. Way to go Topp-Notch A Cappella! Collage Concert
(photos by Jonathan Williams, Julie Stupi, Lynn Baioni, and Michelle Dill)
The CHS Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, 8th Grade Band, and Jazz Orchestra presented a Collage Concert on Wednesday, February 22 at the Mentor Fine Arts Center. All band students performed in small ensembles as well as a massed band for the concert finale. Some highlights included Wind Ensemble performing an original work from junior Sean Collins entitled "Beginnings," Jazz Orchestra playing Caravan, Work Song, and Come Fly Away; all 30 percussionists performing a selection on plastic and metal pails entitled Funky Buckets; and a grand finale with combined bands performing Sousa's Washington Post, How to Train Your Dragon soundtrack, and Randall Standridge's Choose Joy; CHS Band Director Melissa Lichtler was assisted by Michelle Watson and Phoenix Dellaria.
Art Pieces of the WeekCharlotte Jons is Going Places!
Charlotte Jons competed at the NSDA North Coast District Tournament last weekend. She finished in first place and earned qualification to the NSDA National Speech and Debate Tournament in Phoenix, AZ in June! She’s in excellent company with the other qualifiers from the North Coast District, representing schools like Solon, Chagrin Falls, Kenston, Brecksville, Hawken, University School, St Ignatius and Laurel School.
Up next for her is the OSDA State Tournament in two weeks. Hopefully she has a great run there too! CHS Principal Podcast: S4:E14: Charlotte JonsCHS Principal Podcast: S4:E15: Swimming to StateCHS SKI CLUB - ONE MORE TRIP LEFT! |
Show Dates:
March 16th - 18th at 7:00 pm March 19th at 2:00 pm |
Online ticket sales start Monday, March 6th
In-person ticket sales : Monday March 6th- Wednesday March 8th at Park from 4:30- 6:00 pm Monday March 13th - Wednesday March 15th from 4:30-6:00 pm *On show dates, in-person sales will start two hours before the show. |
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
District Success Plan
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)
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
Mr. Murray’s YouTube Page
Week in Reflection: This is the Weekly Publication for Parents/Students/Staff
Chardon High School: Program of Study
Chardon High School Bell Schedule; Google Document of our bell schedule
Chardon High School Student Handbook
Teacher Resources for CHS Students
Chardon High School Google Calendar
Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar
Mr. Murray’s YouTube Page
Week in Reflection: This is the Weekly Publication for Parents/Students/Staff
Chardon High School: Program of Study
Chardon High School Bell Schedule; Google Document of our bell schedule
Chardon High School Student Handbook
Teacher Resources for CHS Students
Chardon High School Google Calendar
Chardon Athletics Sports Calendar
Softball/ Baseball/ Girl's LAX Spring Schedules
It is crazy to think that it is time for spring sports, enclosed are schedules for baseball and softball. As soon as we have the rest of the graphics for lacrosse and track--I will share them with you.
Forever #OneHeartbeat
One
Shawnee Kellie
One word can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream;
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald Spring.
One smile can bring a friendship,
One handclasp can lift a soul;
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One cheer can obtain a goal.
One vote can change a Nation,
One sunbeam can lift a room;
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One look can change two lives;
One kiss can make love bloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer;
One hope can raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true;
One life can make a difference,
One life is me and you...
Shawnee Kellie
One word can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream;
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald Spring.
One smile can bring a friendship,
One handclasp can lift a soul;
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One cheer can obtain a goal.
One vote can change a Nation,
One sunbeam can lift a room;
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One look can change two lives;
One kiss can make love bloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer;
One hope can raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true;
One life can make a difference,
One life is me and you...
Eleven years ago, our school community was impacted by violence. The foundation of over 149 years of graduates was cracked by one act that lasted less than one minute. Our staff and community were heartbroken, and numb; leaving us unsettled in our spirit. Countless heroes stood grounded and poised that day that gave us strength.
In the midst of our confusion, we knew what we needed to do. We needed to be a community...we needed to see our humility...we needed to recognize our treasured stories of achievements...we needed to refocus our lens on respect, and the dignity of every person… we need to stand in optimism and nurture each other. We needed to be reminded of our values.
For eleven years, we have kept our eyes on our purpose and our community. For the past ten years, I have kept my eyes fixed on this quote to help us through our healing.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
ambition inspired, and success achieved.
--Helen Keller
Our school culture and personal character weren't developed in ease and quiet.
Character defines the very essence of who we are, where we are, and demonstrates the pureness of our choices. At Chardon High School, we recognize the beauty of every student and every staff member's story along with seeing the value of the human spirit. Our staff emulates compassion and love to the children that they encounter each day. People often ask me, "what makes Chardon unique", and I immediately tell them that our school community epitomizes excellence in every deed, word, and lesson. Our staff teaches students to understand the value of developing meaningful relationships and ways to pay their lives forward. These lessons transcend the curriculum to develop young men and women not only for college, and careers---but for life.
Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree." Our teachers express that character is much more than just reputation...it is who we are even when nobody's watching. Having a good character means doing the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. This is the fabric that creates our outreach programs in our annual capstone projects, Great Pal's, AC4P, FMP, NHS Tutoring, CBI, Service Learning. The Circuit of Success, Interact and other acts of servant leadership.
Every family has its own story. As you reflect upon this, you may think about individuals inside of your circles that hurt or may be suffering from emotional or physical ailments. Just as your own capacity for handling situations vary---the person next to you is experiencing HIS/HER own story. It is so important to recognize those who might need your patience and understanding with their situation.
For the last eleven years, our district, like many others, has faced many challenges from adjusting to all of the new mandates from the ever-changing face of leadership in our state and national government towards educational reform. Throughout these changes, our mission never changed. Our continued focus on high achievement for all students with a strong emphasis on learning, relationships, and a shared lens of our commitment to our community’s values stood strong through these storms.
At Chardon High School, our commitment towards educating the whole student and providing opportunities to reach each students’ purpose continues to energize our staff. Throughout the established curriculum, Circuit of Success Program, our existing Freshman Mentoring Program, Topper Time period, and our focus on the 4E's: Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship--developing students for life and career readiness hallmarks our vision. Our teachers worked intentionally within our curriculum to maintain our culture, climate, and educational outcomes.
Just as every family has their own story, so do we at CHS as a larger family. Together, we define the paths set forth before us. We are Hilltoppers. As Hilltoppers, we climb higher than others, and model with humility our values as a beacon of hope for those that look up to us. The paths that we have faced have not been easy. There have been moments of difficulty, moments of sorrow, along with defining moments of integrity.
We are not defined by a calendar date in February. We are Chardon, born and raised. Defined by consistency in action and the determination to succeed by living the truth and leading the way with dignity.
Kindness resonates into every fiber of who we are. It changes us to strive towards being better, it helps us to slow down and really pay attention to who we are and what our purpose in life actually is.
Life is a journey up the side of a mountain, but we are 'Toppers. We love to live, and live to love.
Everyone has their own response to this week that we value.
If you need, ask.
If you have, give.
If you embrace, receive- knowing that no word is needed.
Expressing gratitude, love, and continued support this week and always,
Douglas Murray, Principal
In the midst of our confusion, we knew what we needed to do. We needed to be a community...we needed to see our humility...we needed to recognize our treasured stories of achievements...we needed to refocus our lens on respect, and the dignity of every person… we need to stand in optimism and nurture each other. We needed to be reminded of our values.
For eleven years, we have kept our eyes on our purpose and our community. For the past ten years, I have kept my eyes fixed on this quote to help us through our healing.
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
ambition inspired, and success achieved.
--Helen Keller
Our school culture and personal character weren't developed in ease and quiet.
Character defines the very essence of who we are, where we are, and demonstrates the pureness of our choices. At Chardon High School, we recognize the beauty of every student and every staff member's story along with seeing the value of the human spirit. Our staff emulates compassion and love to the children that they encounter each day. People often ask me, "what makes Chardon unique", and I immediately tell them that our school community epitomizes excellence in every deed, word, and lesson. Our staff teaches students to understand the value of developing meaningful relationships and ways to pay their lives forward. These lessons transcend the curriculum to develop young men and women not only for college, and careers---but for life.
Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is the shadow. Character is the tree." Our teachers express that character is much more than just reputation...it is who we are even when nobody's watching. Having a good character means doing the right thing just because it's the right thing to do. This is the fabric that creates our outreach programs in our annual capstone projects, Great Pal's, AC4P, FMP, NHS Tutoring, CBI, Service Learning. The Circuit of Success, Interact and other acts of servant leadership.
Every family has its own story. As you reflect upon this, you may think about individuals inside of your circles that hurt or may be suffering from emotional or physical ailments. Just as your own capacity for handling situations vary---the person next to you is experiencing HIS/HER own story. It is so important to recognize those who might need your patience and understanding with their situation.
For the last eleven years, our district, like many others, has faced many challenges from adjusting to all of the new mandates from the ever-changing face of leadership in our state and national government towards educational reform. Throughout these changes, our mission never changed. Our continued focus on high achievement for all students with a strong emphasis on learning, relationships, and a shared lens of our commitment to our community’s values stood strong through these storms.
At Chardon High School, our commitment towards educating the whole student and providing opportunities to reach each students’ purpose continues to energize our staff. Throughout the established curriculum, Circuit of Success Program, our existing Freshman Mentoring Program, Topper Time period, and our focus on the 4E's: Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship--developing students for life and career readiness hallmarks our vision. Our teachers worked intentionally within our curriculum to maintain our culture, climate, and educational outcomes.
Just as every family has their own story, so do we at CHS as a larger family. Together, we define the paths set forth before us. We are Hilltoppers. As Hilltoppers, we climb higher than others, and model with humility our values as a beacon of hope for those that look up to us. The paths that we have faced have not been easy. There have been moments of difficulty, moments of sorrow, along with defining moments of integrity.
We are not defined by a calendar date in February. We are Chardon, born and raised. Defined by consistency in action and the determination to succeed by living the truth and leading the way with dignity.
Kindness resonates into every fiber of who we are. It changes us to strive towards being better, it helps us to slow down and really pay attention to who we are and what our purpose in life actually is.
Life is a journey up the side of a mountain, but we are 'Toppers. We love to live, and live to love.
Everyone has their own response to this week that we value.
If you need, ask.
If you have, give.
If you embrace, receive- knowing that no word is needed.
Expressing gratitude, love, and continued support this week and always,
Douglas Murray, Principal
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