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1/7/2020 Week in Reflection: 1/10Creating Your Own Destiny
A New Year. New Opportunities. At the beginning of anything new, we have the opportunity to reflect on moments from the past year and make meaningful resolutions for the upcoming year. In order for any resolution to come to fruition, we need to make changes to our routines or habits. Research states that it takes 21 days to create new habits. Creating new habits, or breaking old ones is challenging but the outcomes can be transformative to the person making meaningful changes.
Often times, we make resolutions for our health and by the time that Spring Break rolls around, we are back to our old habits. This year, I challenge everyone to look at one way that you can make an impact on your life. For students, it could relate to organizational effectiveness--study habits, homework, test prep, etc. It could also connect to putting down technology each night at a certain time. For parents, it could relate to wellness, or it could relate to scheduled dinners, or even putting your work away at a certain time to be with your children. For staff, it could relate to trying something new within instructional practices each unit, or finding extra patience in the classroom. Reflecting on the first semester, I am so proud of our students and our teachers' efforts to focus on the eminent core value of achievement. Together, we will continue to refine what we do by analyzing how we can continue to move from good to great! Avg GPA for Q1= 3.20 Avg GPA for Q2= 3.14 Second Quarter GPA Avg Seniors Avg =3.21 Juniors Avg= 3.20 Sophomores Avg= 3.09 Freshman Avg= 3.09 Eighth Grade Avg= 3.14 We are proud to share the results from the current completed quarter (2nd quarter). The outcomes demonstrate great achievements at first glance. When you dig deeper into the data, we are able to see trends to help us gauge where we as educators need to celebrate, and where we can show even greater growth. We have to pause and celebrate the work of our teachers and our students. Together, they have much to celebrate. The work of our mission is never complete, and the work to align standards, strategies, and assessments is an ever-evolving task to help students master learning outcomes to be successful for future-readiness in the 4 E's: Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship. The compass, road map, and GPS to all that we do is our mission statement which is enhanced through the magnifying lens of our core values. All of the outcomes in which we gauge learners filters through the creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and community connections that all of our educators emphasize in the day to day interactions with students. Through this daily encounter of learning, our students become exposed to programs, supports, and pathways that help guide them to find their individual purpose. This new year is up to us. Live it to the fullest. Every single day is an opportunity to seize the day to the fullest. Make today great! Here are some key areas to focus on towards establishing new goals this semester.
Purposeful Life
Anyone that knows me can share that I wear my emotions on my sleeves. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, there is complete transparency to my emotions. People who live a life of purpose have core beliefs and values that influence their decisions, shape their day-to-day actions, and determine their short and long-term priorities. They place significant value on being a person of high integrity and in earning the trust and respect of others. The result is that they live with a clear conscience and spend more time listening to their inner voice than being influenced negatively by others. Make the Right Stuff, the Right Stuff I learned the value of hard work from my parents, and definitely from my wife who is the ultimate multi-tasker. People who live a life of purpose identify those activities that matter most to them and spend the majority of their time and effort in those areas. Otherwise, it’s too easy to drift away in the currents of life. There is a clear connection to the statement: How we spend our days parallels to how we live our lives. They work hand in hand---reminding us of the important marriage of choices and priorities. Passion My entire life I have found value in pursuing what my passions were. From working outdoors at Sand Ridge to Kirtland Country Club, to teaching, and coaching...I have always loved pursuing areas in my life that I enjoyed. People who live a life of purpose wake up each morning eager to face the new day. They pursue their dreams with fervor, put their hearts into everything they do, and feel that they’re personally making a difference. Balance Finding a balance is essential and challenging. The key is reflecting weekly about those that you love and if you have given as much to family as you have to your passion. People who live a life of purpose put their heart into their career and into building relationships with friends and family. They also reserve adequate time to satisfy their personal needs. Achieving balance means living up to one’s potential in all facets of life. Happiness Happiness is a choice – not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you. – --Ralph Marston I have lived by this mantra my whole life. People who live a life of purpose have inner peace. They’re satisfied with what they have and who they are. To them, the grass is greener on their own side of the fence because of the time spent nurturing and cultivating their purpose. Serving Living a life of service has taught me so much about myself. It has humbled me, guided me, and grounded me in my values. People who live a life of purpose make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life. They do things for others without expectation of personal gain, serve as exemplary role models, and gain as much satisfaction witnessing the success of others as witnessing their own. As the old proverb says, “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” Seizing Moments Remember that scene in Dead Poet's Society where Robin William challenges the students to Carpe Diem- Seize the day and make their lives extraordinary? He was changing the students perspective and experiences to live beyond the status quo. People who live a life of purpose cherish every moment and seek to live life without regret. They take joy in the experiences that life gives and don’t worry about keeping score. Make the most out of the moments in front of you and seize every single day as a new opportunity to achieve greatness! Junior Model United Nations
On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, three CHS 8th grade delegates participated in the Winter Junior Model United Nations Conference at John Carroll University. A Junior Model United Nations delegate is a student who assumes the role of an ambassador to the United Nations and represented a country and debates international topics & come to global solutions. Lauren Lester represented Ireland in the United Nations International Children´s Emergency Fund committee, Megan Robie & Julia Ellington represented Japan for the UN Commission on Human Rights. These young women made Chardon proud! Lauren Lester won the top honor in her committee, the Gavel Award! Our next high school conference is the Cleveland International Model UN in February at the Cleveland Bar Association, where 27 CHS delegates will work on resolving international crises. Grade job students and thanks for all of the planning Mrs. Niedzwiecki!
Creative Writing Club
Creative Writing Club is an open club where students can try many different writing exercises with an inclusive music-filled environment. It has a very loose structure and is open to any student who wishes to grow their creative writing skills. As a club, we would like to invite all Chardon High School Students to a meeting Wednesday, January 22nd at 8:00 AM in room 214. Come to learn what creative writing club is about and see if you would like to join!
Kaylie Malloy (km.22314@chardon.us) Hannah Means (hm.5084@chardon.us) Mrs. Weaver (dawn.weaver@chardonschools.org) Piece(s) of the Week
Congratulations to Anne Ciszak and Halle Parrish!
Anne's photo titled 'Newsboy' and Halle's ink drawing titled 'Envy' were awarded medals in this year's Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. They will be professionally displayed at Cleveland Institute of Art with a great shot at moving up to being presented in a gallery at the national-level award show in New York City.
Videos of the Week: Gymnastics
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to watch our high flying athletes at Lake Erie Gymnastics School (LEGS). Chardon faced Hudson, Mentor, Riverside, and Kirtland. The Chardon team was able to take second with many girls placing in the top 6. Look out for this team!
WRC Champs
Last week at the WRC meet, Chardon did something historic for the swim program. Both men and women claimed the title.
The women en route to the highest point total ever at the meet 521 (either men or women). Individual winners included: Gracie Duchon 200 medley and Sarah Bennett 50/100 free. The 200 free relay of Campbell Tierney, Sarah Bennett, Stella Parrish, and Gracie Duchon we’re champions. As well as the 400 free relay of Sarah Bennett, Morgan Debevec, Campbell Tierney and Stella Parrish. The following had 2nd place podium finishes: Campbell Tierney 200/500 free. Gracie Duchon 100 fly. 3rd place podium finishes : Stella Parrish 200/500 free, Morgan Debevec 50 free, Reese Schneider 100 back. On the men’s side. Their first ever WRC title. With 427 and second place with 266 total points. Chardon men had never won an event. This year we swept the relays : Medley: Levi Rogers, Jackson Perry, Connor Rozic, Mason Kooyman 200 Free relay: Mason Kooyman, Jackson Perry, Nate Bender, Lachlan Koenen 400 Free Relay: Austin Dumm, Nate Bender, Levi Rogers, Lachlan Koenen Individual Champions: Nate Bender 200/500 free. Lachlan Koenen : 200 I’m. Levi Rogers 100 Back 2nd place podium finishes: Levi Rogers 100 free, Lachlan Koenen 500 free 3rd place podium finishes: Mason Kooyman 50 free. Jackson Perry 100 breast. CONGRATULATIONS!
Chardon Goes to the Musicals
Thanks to the work of Mrs. Fullerman, Chardon Schools has another opportunity to go see musicals at Playhouse Square. Please find the attached flyer for Jesus Christ Superstar. (Money due no later than Wednesday, January 29). As a reminder, this is not a fundraiser, just an opportunity to enjoy Playhouse Square, the second largest theater district outside of Broadway.
The Learning Center Newsletter
Attached is the latest issue of The Learning Center Newsletter. Fraudulent activity, and cybercrime will continue to be with us going into the new decade. In this issue, you will find some tips to protect yourself and your accounts in the new year.
Drama Club: Grades 7-10
Hippie Flower Power: A Musical Tribute to the '60's
The students of Valley Dale High School want to stage a battle of the bands between the girls’ band, Flower Power, and the boys’ band, Peter, Paul, and Harry. When their request is denied, they try to get a permit at the city park by claiming it’s a fundraiser for their Hug-a-Tree foundation. When they are shut down again, Ole MacDonald’s farm comes to their rescue if they agree to produce the Cornstalk Music Festival. Throngs of people begin to arrive, including Big Mama’s Bikers, who try to destroy everything. When The Kooks, a top British rock group, arrive on the scene, everything goes wild! Your cast and crew will have tons of fun recreating all the colorful fun of the sixties with groovy clothing, psychedelic backdrops, and six original songs that sound straight out of the era. Sock Drive: Senior Project
For her senior project, Karlie Pirnat will be holding a sock drive during school from Monday, January 13th to Thursday, January 16th. Bins will be located outside of the cafeteria, near the main entrance. There will also be collection bins at the JV and Varsity boys basketball games on Friday, January 17th. Any donations are appreciated. New and used socks will be accepted, as long as they are clean and don’t have any holes. The socks will be used to make toys for the puppies and kittens at Rescue Village. Thank you!
Winter is Here
With winter here and a very wide open lake, we want to remind you of our procedures for school closing or delayed start in the event of dangerous conditions.
The decision to call off school due to inclement weather begins at approximately 3:30 AM and includes analysis of the following information:
When all of this information is gathered, the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent of Business Affairs, and Transportation Supervisor jointly make the decision to close the schools or keep them open for students. Our objective is to make this decision no later than 5:45 AM as school buses are beginning to depart for their morning runs at that time. However, it may become necessary, in isolated cases, to make the decision after that time. Weather conditions can change abruptly, for better or for worse, but our intent is to determine that it is safe for students and staff to attend school as early as possible. The district uses a delayed start rather than canceling school should weather conditions allow for this option. In order to ensure greater safety during a delayed start, the opening of schools will be delayed two hours. The following is information concerning how the delayed opening will be implemented and a school-specific schedule:
Again, safety is our highest priority and we strive to make the best possible decision with the information available at the time. Parents can always choose to keep their children home if they truly feel there is a weather-related safety risk. These absences will be recorded as excused, with make-up work provided to the student if the Superintendent designates the day as a Severe Weather Day in the school district. Please do not hesitate to contact the district if you require additional information in this regard. Topper Bistro
CELEBRATE SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH IN JANUARY
January is a great time to celebrate the hard-working school board members and educate our community about the important role that a school board plays in our communities and schools. We appreciate the commitment, passion, leadership, and service of our Chardon Board Members. Thank you for your support and efforts towards living our mission at Chardon. We appreciate you.
2020 proclamation Gov. Mike DeWine has recognized January 2020 as School Board Recognition Month.
Enjoy the weekend with family and friends!
Douglas Murray, Principal Upcoming Events
January 17: Professional Day-- No School
January 20: Martin Luther King Day- No School February 4: PT Conferences/Curriculum Night February 25: State Mandated ACT (grade 11) Core Values Service Day (8-10;12)
Swim Parent
1/10/2020 09:09:18 am
The whole Chardon High School swim team and Coach Parrish deserve a big shout out and congratulations for their WRC Campionship WIN last Saturday. Girls and boys took first place!
Dive Parent
1/10/2020 09:30:50 am
Would be great to see the Girls/Boys Dive meets included in the sports schedule!
Michelle Secic
1/17/2020 07:11:16 am
Although all newsletters and 'Week in Reflections' are always terrific and informative, this one was particularly impactful! Thank you! Comments are closed.
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