Topper Talk
News from Chardon Schools 10.23.19
NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL at NIGHT
by Grade 3 Munson Elementary Artists (l to r):
Lilah Potts, Chloe Dull, and Valeria Rodriguez Hernandez
Objectives: symmetry/asymmetry, visual balance, & details
Media: liquid water color (think food coloring) & black glue
Use of color is to mimic the Cathedral at night when it is lit with different colored lights.
"We discussed the April 2019 fire and viewed photos of before and after.
The kids were very interested in how the fire started
and if/when the damage will be repaired. We learned that much of the
sculptures on the roof and other artwork were spared from the fire
because France had already removed some items for the previously
planned 20-year-long renovation project that was underway.
The cause of the fire is thought to stem from
some of the renovation work."
~Mrs. Beth Stickley, Art Teacher
A WORD ON CHS FACILITY CHALLENGES...
YOU'RE INVITED...
HIGH SCHOOL FACILITY TOUR
Who: Open to the Public -- ALL Community Members are Welcome
What: Guided Tour of the CHS Facility with Opportunity for Q&A
Where: Arrive at Main Entrance of CHS
Why: Get an Up-Close View of the Facility Challenges Facing Chardon High School
Questions About the Upcoming Tour? Call the Board of Education office at 440-285-4052 or send an email to facilities@chardonschools.org.
Saturday, Oct 26, 2019, 01:00 PM
Chardon High School, 151 Chardon Avenue, Chardon, OH, USA
NOVEMBER 2019 ELECTION DAY FACTS
Election Day - November 5
Early Voting - October 8 - November 4
EARLY VOTING & ELECTION DAY VOTING HOURS: HERE
Change in Election Day Polling Location? Find out HERE
Questions about WHERE or WHEN to vote? Contact Geauga County Board of Elections at 440-279-2030 OR visit https://boelections.co.geauga.oh.us/
BOND ISSUE 21 FAQs
BOND ISSUE 21 FAQs: HERE
Questions? The District invites you to ask Facilities/Bond Issue 21 questions via email at facilities@chardonschools.org or call either Superintendent Michael Hanlon or Treasurer Deb Armbruster at 440-285-4052.
A DAY IN THE 2019-20 LIFE OF CHARDON SCHOOLS...
CHARDON MIDDLE SCHOOL
OHIO: Soil, Salt, Limestone, Sand, & Rocks!
Ms. Carly Madden's fourth grade class recently completed a geology project that was first implemented by Ms. Catie Montagna at Park Elementary. Following the District's reconfiguration in 2018-19, all Chardon Middle School Grade 4 classes now have the opportunity to participate in this activity, which complements the Grade 4 Ohio Natural Resources curricular unit. Students incorporate soil, salt, limestone, sand, and rocks to represent the different regions of Ohio.
The GRAND TOTAL raised by Chardon Middle School sixth graders for Water for South Sudan was $2092.16! In addition to raising funds, the annual project at CMS traditionally culminates with Water Day activities for the students. Activities include carrying water.
"Children in South Sudan -specifically girls- spend hours each day walking to get water and carry it back home. Our students carried a gallon of water (a fraction of the amount the girls in South Sudan carry) for about a half a mile to give them an idea of what the people of South Sudan go through." ~Ms. Barb Rosengard, Chardon Middle School English Language Arts Teacher
TINY TOPPERS INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL
WEEK OF OCTOBER 14
Theme of the Week: Fall
PBIS Skill of the Week : Whole Body Listening
Nursery Rhyme of the Week: Little Miss Muffet
As part of the week's Fall theme, Tiny Toppers explored nature and collected leaves for classroom activities. Students used the leaves to learn spatial concepts and to sort by attributes like color, size, and type. When indoors, Tiny Toppers enjoyed spending time in the pumpkin patch dramatic play areas in the classrooms!
PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
CENTURY VILLAGE MUSEUM FIELD TRIP - 2nd Grade Classes
"I learn something new from the past each time I go to Century Village. The students were shocked to hear kids had to drink creek water in the past. One student said: The olden days were hard. School six days a week!"
~Mrs. Donna Picone, Grade 2 Teacher
[photo contributors: Mr. Ed Mullaly, Mrs. Donna Picone, Ms. Jennifer Kreuz]
MUNSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
SLIME!
Principal Mr. Mathew Prezioso and Physical Education Teacher Mr. Jordan Hazen surely exemplified that the Fun Run can create a "good sport" in more ways than one! Students earned this reward by meeting a $ collection goal for the school's Fun Run.
CHARDON HIGH SCHOOL
On October 18, students in Mr. Allen Herner's CCP (College Credit Plus) Introduction to Business classes attended the Geauga Growth Partnership Entrepreneur Success Breakfast at Patterson Family Fruit Farm. While enjoying doughnuts and cider with area business owners and state and county leaders, students heard from fifth and sixth generation farm and business owners. The Pattersons shared their Human Resources practices, innovations over the years, and future plans for the business.
"This was a valuable "real world" experience for these business students...and the Honey Crisp apples they went home with were delicious!"
~Mr. Allen Herner, Chardon High School Business Teacher
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT from CHS:
Parents, Guardians, & Students,
The College Board made a significant change this year with the way that AP Exams are ordered and changed the timeline from Spring registration to Fall registration. In line with this, all AP Exam fees have been added to Student Fees on Infinite Campus at this time.
PAYMENT of AP EXAM FEES is DUE BY NOVEMBER 1ST. These exam fees must be paid BY NOVEMBER 1ST in order for an AP Exam to be ordered.
Thank you!
Questions? Contact Mr. Timothy Hurlbut, CHS Guidance Department
WHOOO DO YOU KNOW in CHARDON SCHOOLS?
STAFF STAR OF THE WEEK
Board Office Secretary of Business Affairs
Chardon Schools Career Overview
Gretchen is in her 25th year of service to the District and has served in the following capacities:
- Munson Elementary (clerical)
- Chardon Middle School (guidance & library secretary)
- Maple Elementary (secretary)
- Board Office (secretary)
A Day in the Life of Gretchen Wolfe in Chardon Schools
- phone calls
- purchase orders
- "working with our tremendous custodians, and transportation and maintenance departments"
- assisting the staff and community with the FS Direct system
Favorite Aspects of Working for Chardon Schools
- the people I work with
- working as a team to complete a job
- helping people, including students
Did You Know?
Gretchen has been an auxiliary member of the Great Geauga County Fair for 11 years and currently serves as the organization's Vice President!
"We help beautify the grounds, maintain the buildings, assist with 4-H needs, and work with Directors of the Fair. Our goal is to preserve the Fair for many generations to come."
Favorite Place
- the beach
Favorite Book
- "The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose" by Oprah Winfrey
Favorite Movie
- A Fish Called Wanda
Hobbies
- reading, baking, and music
Favorite Life Advice
- Never, ever give up!
- Always do the right thing - then you have nothing to worry about.
TOPPER TEACHER OF THE WEEK
MRS. BRENDA SOBODOSH
Grade 2 Teacher at Munson Elementary
Teaching Career Overview
- After graduating from Bowling Green State University, I was a substitute teacher for four years. My first teaching position was at Beachwood Middle School. I was employed as a building tutor, giving support to all levels of students. I began my career at Munson Elementary during the 1995-1996 school year as a tutor. The following year, I began a job sharing position in fifth grade. I have spent the last 24 years at Munson teaching all grade levels, except for Kindergarten. Throughout my tenure in Chardon I have been asked to change grade levels 13 times by my administrators. This is my 28th year of teaching.
When did you first know you wanted to be a teacher?
- I spent two years at BGSU studying nursing. During the Fall semester, a friend asked me to tutor her younger brother who was struggling in a class we were taking together. I was able to present the material in a way that he could understand, and he began improving. It was after that that I decided to change my major to education.
Favorite Aspect of Teaching
- My favorite thing about teaching is helping kids believe in themselves. It is exciting and rewarding when you see a student’s ah-ha moment when the light bulb go on. The student’s attitude begins to change from one of “I can’t” to “I’ll try” to “I’ve got this!”
Advice for New Teachers Just Starting Out
- Build relationships with staff, students, parents, and community members.
- Be open and willing to listen and learn.
- Everyone you meet will shape you into the person and professional you want to be.
Favorite Children’s Book
- "Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story" by Cynthia Rylant. I read this story to my students every year to remind them that you don’t necessarily get what you want at Christmas, but rather you get what you need. It is also important to appreciate what you do have and what you receive.
Hobbies
- I am an avid Cleveland/Ohio sports fan
- spending time with family and friends
- reading
- taking walks
PERFORMING ARTS: Choirs Sing in Support of Mental Health Awareness
"Our CHS choirs all did an amazing job pairing their singing talents and their concerns for mental health. "Bridge Over Troubled Water” brought both my husband and I to tears. I was extremely impressed with our students’ talents and their abilities to express their thoughts and feelings for those experiencing mental illness. Loved the entire concert!"
~Mrs. Betce Wainio, Chardon Schools parent
NOTES of GRATITUDE...
- "...to Ms. Kathleen Haeberle for organizing such a memorable Water Day for the Chardon Middle School sixth graders. Thanks also to CMS PTO for all the help!" ~Ms. Barb Rosengard, Chardon Middle School Teacher
- "...to the amazing and forward-thinking Chardon High School students we have. What a privilege it was having the opportunity to read some senior project proposals this morning. I'm inspired by the altruistic projects centered on the greater good of the community." ~October 17 - Dr. Kelly Moran, District Curriculum Supervisor
- "...to Chardon Schools Board of Education! Great trip to Century Village." ~Mrs. Donna Picone, Park Elementary Teacher
- "...to Janelle Stuart (CMS Guidance Department) for setting up the meeting to talk with the AMAZING Chardon Middle School faculty team to work out Haidyn's school work she will complete while training with USA Luge in Lake Placid this winter!" ~Mrs. Amanda Bunker, Chardon High School Teacher
- "...to Chardon High School student (& Girl Scout) Natalie Fullerman on completing her GS Gold Award project this weekend - the first reading hut in Munson Elementary's Outdoor Reading Village. And a huge thank you to all the volunteers! Our students are going to LOVE this!" ~Mrs. Leigh Ann Ferguson, Munson Elementary Teacher
- "...to the parent volunteers who joined Chardon Middle School on the morning of October 16 to prepare for Junior Achievement lessons in Grade 6 Social Studies!" ~CMS Principal Mr. Timothy Velotta
ATHLETICS Congratulations to...
- Chardon High School Senior Jaret Hall on signing a Letter of Intent to wrestle for the John Carroll University Blue Streaks!
- Boys Freshman Football Team on FINISHING the SEASON UNDEFEATED at 7-0 "Congrats freshman football for a hard-fought, well-earned 6-2 win over an excellent Glenville team!"
~Doug Snyder, CHS Athletics Director
- Boys CMS Cross Country Team on finishing SECOND (runner-ups) in Division 1 (large school) Middle School State Championships (Karl Dietz as State Runner-up, Makuto Gumpf placed 12th, Jacob Nieset was top 7th grader of the race in 17th place)
- Girls Varsity Cross Country Team on finishing THIRD in District to advance to regionals (Andi Mann, Brianna Nieset, and Morgan Fisher were all in the top 20)
- Girls CMS Cross Country Team on finishing SIXTH in D1 Middle School State championships (Giada D'Agostino finished 18th for a top 20 finish)
- Boys Varsity Cross Country Team on finishing EIGHTH in Districts (Luke Danison was 16th to earn a qualifying spot to Regionals this weekend)
- Boys Varsity Football Team on its shutout 42-0 win against Willoughby South
- "Girls Varsity Soccer Team on a great season and for playing your hearts out tonight.Thank you, seniors, for your leadership." ~Doug Snyder, CHS Athletics Director
(October 21)
UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES
OCT 26...Chardon High School Facility Tour (Saturday 1PM - 2:30PM)
NOV 5.....Election Day (all polls open 6:30AM - 7:30PM)
NOV 11...Veterans Day
NOV 18...Board of Education Regular Meeting
NOV 27...NO School for Students (Conference Comp Day)
NOV 28...NO School (Thanksgiving Break)
NOV 29...NO School (Thanksgiving Break)
Chardon Local Schools
Email: communications@chardonschools.org
Website: chardonschools.org
Location: 428 North Street, Chardon, OH, USA
Phone: (440) 285-4052
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChardonHilltoppers/
Twitter: @ChardonSchools