Super News August 2017

Chagrin Falls Schools

August 2017

SUPER NEWS

STAFF MEMBER & TEACHER OF THE YEAR

RECOGNIZED

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Message from Our Superintendent On behalf of the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District's Board of Education and our 275 district employees, I would like to welcome back our students, parents, and community for the 2017-18 school year.

This will be an exciting year as we implement the fourth year of our strategic plan that is focused on personalizing the educational experience for every student within the district. Last spring, the district conducted a comprehensive survey to evaluate progress on this plan. The district leadership team evaluated the data and modified the plan accordingly.

There were several changes made to our framework and action plans based on this feedback which we look forward to sharing with you at upcoming curriculum nights throughout the district.

Last spring, the Chagrin Falls community overwhelmingly supported a combined operating and bond issue. We have worked diligently throughout the summer to prepare the Chagrin Falls Learning Village for students in grades 4-6 on the 7-12 campus. Although not visible from the exterior of the building, the district has started the construction process on the renovation and rebuild of Chagrin Falls Intermediate School. We have created a construction

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website for the community to follow the progress of the project. It can be found at http://www. chagrinschools.org/construction.aspx.

In September, the district will release its fourth Quality Profile report, a comprehensive, community-oriented companion to the State’s School District Report Card. The report includes additional accountability measures that better define a high-quality education and are not included in the State’s report card. Areas of focus include a commitment to improvement, academics, digital learning, arts/music, fiscal stewardship, student leadership/activities, parent/ community involvement and awards/accolades. In addition, our 2016-17 Annual Report will be mailed to your household in the next few weeks. Both of these communication pieces allow our community to better understand and engage in a conversation about how we define quality at Chagrin Falls.

We look forward to working together to continue to provide a personalized educational experience for every student. Welcome back, Chagrin!

Robert W. Hunt Superintendent Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools Bob.hunt@chagrinschools.org 440-247-4363 @Hunt_Edleader

A Review of the July/August Board of Education Meetings “Board Briefs” The start of a new school year is an exciting time for everyone, and it doesn’t happen without a lot of thoughtful preparation and planning during the summer months.

Planning included some additional heavy lifting this summer by our Administrative team and Intermediate school staff as they worked tirelessly to prepare the temporary “Learning Village” for our Intermediate school students. A tremendous amount of time and attention was given to making the space feel like home…with improvements like air conditioning and fully functioning restrooms. The Board of Education would like to formally recognize and thank all the teachers, staff members, and administrators for their investment of time over the last few months to prepare for an amazing 2017-18 school year.

With the successful passage of the Spring Levy, the Board of Education has also been hard at work moving the Intermediate school building project forward. This summer the district successfully brought to market $31.5 million dollars in municipal

bonds to pay for the new building. A lot of excellent work has been done through collaboration among the board, administration, staff, members of the facilities committee, the project architect team at Stantec and the project construction management team at Gilbane to further define space design and timelines.

The Board has also been busy reviewing programming changes and enhancements to support the district mission to personalize learning. Our students will benefit from exciting curriculum and instruction work that has been done to grow and improve upon the classroom experience in all 4 buildings in the district.

This is a very exciting time for our district. Thank you to all, parents and students included, who contribute to the work of maintaining a strong tradition of excellence for the Chagrin Falls Schools. We hope the 2017-18 school year provides many opportunities for our students to realize their potential!

Sharon Broz Vice-President, Board of Education

Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools

Board of Education

President: Mary Kay O’Toole (440) 338-8636 Vice President: Sharon Broz (440) 715-0326 Members: Michael Hogan (440) 543-5280 Kathryn Garvey (216) 401-7735 Rob Weber (440) 665-4104 Super News | 3

Chagrin Falls Schools Technology Director Presents at National Conference

Mike Daugherty, Director of Technology and Information Systems, Chagrin Falls Schools, presented at the national International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference and Expo, held from June 25-28. ISTE is a nonprofit membership association for educators focused on educational technology. This year it took place in San Antonio, Texas. Approximately 21,000 educators from 70 different countries attended this year's conference.

Daugherty presented on how the Chagrin Falls Schools became the first district in the country to have a 100 percent Google Certified staff. His first presentation detailed the process that the schools went through to become certified. They began by using netbooks and iPads and progressed to using Google Drive and Chromebooks. Teachers were trained along with administrators to ensure they had the skills to survive in the technologically changing world and were able to teach what Daugherty described as “techspectations.” These “techspectations” examined what skills educators

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wanted students to have upon leaving school.

Included in this skillset were communication, critical thinking, adaptation, research, presentation and collaboration.

His second presentation analyzed the impact of the G Suite and Chromebooks across the district.

Chagrin Schools have a total of 2,050 students and 138 teachers who now have full adaptation of Google classrooms. Students have used the technology to create movie trailers, collaborate with other students and teachers on projects, communicate globally, analyze data and create portfolio sites. Daugherty discussed how to maintain this technology, it must be sustainable and repaired when necessary.

Activity on devices is monitored to ensure student safety. Teachers must ensure that the technology is integrated into the curriculum in a way that benefits the students. Finally, educators must measure the effectiveness of the technology.

Innovation is infiltrating every aspect of our district. It is changing people, process, and perspective.

– Mike Daugherty, Director of Technology and Information Systems

Chagrin Falls Schools Mike Morgan Joins District as Transportation Supervisor Mike Morgan is the new Transportation Supervisor for Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools. Morgan will focus on partnering with parents, teachers, administrators, drivers, and mechanics to ensure students have safe access to educational and athletic activities that help students maximize their learning experience.

With more than 25 years experience in the service industry, Morgan enjoys problem-solving, customer interaction, and remaining flexible in high-pressure situations while maintaining a calming presence. He thrives on cultivating organizational success through teamwork, attention to detail, and ability to be cost conscious while having an unwavering approach to safety.

Mike has earned numerous state and national industry certifications and promotes the value of lifelong learning.

He has served as a Judges Technical Advisor for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test and helped coordinate the certification of dozens of landscape professionals in Ohio. Mike also has performed in house driver certification for new Commercial Driver’s License holders.

Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Associate’s degree in Horticulture from Kent State University.

Athletic Director Recognized as Certified Athletic Administrator The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is pleased to announce that Charlie Barch, Athletic Director at Chagrin Falls High School, has been recognized by this association as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Barch has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration.

The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination. Charlie is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 10,000 individual members. It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.

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MEET THE TEAMS NIGHT On Sunday, August 20, the Chagrin Falls Booster Club held a “Meet the Teams” night at Harris Stadium. The evening began with a welcome from Athletic Director Charlie Barch, as well as Principal Monica Asher, Superintendent Robert Hunt and Chagrin Falls Middle School Principal Laila Discenza. There also was a welcome by Chagrin Falls Booster Club President Mark Munday.

Next, Band Director Kathy Shoenfelt introduced the Chagrin Falls High School Marching Band who shared a sneak preview of the songs they will be performing this football season.

After the band performance, the coaches and following teams were introduced: cheerleaders; boys and girls golf; boys and girls soccer; girls tennis; boys and girls cross country; volleyball, and football.

Keep track of all the district’s athletic teams throughout the year at www. chagrinathletics.org. The site contains updated schedules and results, coaches information, online athletic form instructions, email alerts, news and notes, and helpful links.

Questions can be directed to the athletic department direct line at (440) 2472890.

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Thank you Chagrin Falls High School photojournalism students Mackenzie Shanklin and Sarah Crane for their outstanding photography skills.

Welcome TO THE TEAM!

Administration Monica Asher

Monica is the new principal at the high school.

She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Bowling Green State University. Monica's experience includes serving as a writing teacher at Clark County School District, as a Language Arts teacher for Huron City School District, as the High School Assistant Principal/ Secondary Curriculum Director for Avon Lake City School District, and most recently the Assistant Principal at Rocky River High School.

Michael Morgan

Mike began serving as the Transportation Supervisor in July 2017 with a focus on partnering with parents, teachers, administrators, drivers and mechanics to ensure students have safe access to educational and athletic activities that help students maximize their learning experience.

Mike received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an Associate's degree in Horticulture from Kent State University.

High School Michael DiGeronimo

Michael will be teaching mathematics at the high school. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University where he graduated from the Honors Program Summa Cum Laude.

Michael previously taught at Benedictine High School (where he graduated) and served as an advisor and coach.

David Jacobs

David will be teaching science at the high school.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University and his Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University. Before joining Chagrin Falls Schools, David taught physics at BrecksvilleBroadview Heights High School.

Jean Kanzinger

Jean will be teaching English classes at the high school. She earned her Master's Degree from Kent State University and her Bachelor's Degree from Cleveland State University. Jean taught at St. Peter Chanel High School, R. B. Chamberlin High School and Bedford High School.

Corinne Powers

Corinne Powers will be teaching social studies halftime. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Corrine recently taught at Maplewood Career Center as a high school social studies teacher.

Welc Beth Sanfrey, EMIS/Admin

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High School James Heller - 4-12 Custodian Patrick Kohn - Custodian Thomas Pyle - Custodian Michelle Gabram - Educational Aide Kristy Miller - Educational Aide Beth Sonnhalter - Educational Aide Chris Rooney - Educational Aide Jennifer Nash - Educational Aide Maria Hoenigman - Educational Aide Alison Nygaard - Educational Aide

Middle School Marissa Covelli Ausperk

Marissa will be teaching eighth grade English/ Language Arts at the middle school. She received her Bachelor of Science of Education from Kent State University and a Masters in Administration from Ashland University. She started her teaching career at Avon Middle School then moved out of state. In 2014 she won the Bonnie Chambers OCTELA award, which is designed to support Ohio's best and brightest new Language Arts teachers who promote the use of quality literature in their classrooms.

Brooke Campbell

Brooke will be a Spanish teacher at the middle school. She is from Galena, Ohio and recently graduated from Ohio University where she received many academic recognitions and varied educational experiences.

Robert Sobnosky

Robert will be the new band teacher at Chagrin Falls Middle School. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Akron where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Robert has worked as a band camp trombone instructor for Brookside High School, as well as for Chagrin Falls High School.

come!

Intermediate School Marianne Anderson

Marianne will be a tutor at the Intermediate Schools. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Cleveland State University. Last year, she worked for Chagrin Falls Schools as a substitute teacher.

Carolyn Slocombe

Carolyn will be a tutor at the Intermediate School.

She has Bachelor of Business Administration from Lake Erie College and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Ursuline College.

Gurney Elementary Kathleen Sorace

Katie will be a reading interventionist at Gurney Elementary. She earned her Bachelor's Degree In Early Childhood Education and her K-3 Reading Endorsement from The University of Akron in 2004.

During the past two years, Katie has worked for the Streetsboro School District. She held a third grade, long-term substitute position in an inclusion classroom and for the 2016-17 school year, and she served as the Title 1 Reading Tutor at Streetsboro Elementary School.

Central Office

Middle School Wendy Wilson - Educational Aide Amy Conway - Educational Aide Hannah Grazia - Educational Aide Carlos Flores - Educational Aide Intermediate School Elizabeth Nelson - Educational Aide Monique Reider - Educational Aide Linda Suffron - Educational Aide

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Chagrin Falls Schools Convocation Day Highlights - August 18, 2017 On August 18, the staff of Chagrin Falls Schools convened for the start of the 2017-18 school year. After a delicious breakfast was served by the Food Services Department in the Middle School cafeteria, the morning continued in the Performing Arts Center with the recognition of staff who have been with the district for 20 years. The Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service award was presented to Ellen McKelvey, Joanne Nidy-Patrizi, Courtney Polcar, Michael Salyers, and Dawn Serazin. Janelle Ranieri, president of the PTO, gave a warm welcome to the staff as well.

The Teacher of the Year and Staff Employee of the Year were also announced. Congratulations to Tracie Guggenheim and Laura Berg. (See story on the following pages).

Another highlight of the morning was nationally-known speaker, Jack Berckemeyer, who spoke to the staff about improving student success through practical ideas and humor.

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PASSION . . .

CARING . . .

RELATIONSHIPS . . .

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Teacher/Staff Member of the Year Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools announced its Teacher and Staff Employee of the Year at its opening staff meeting on August 18. This year’s outstanding teacher is Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Speech Language Pathologist Tracie Guggenheim. The outstanding staff member is Chagrin Falls Middle School Educational Aide and District Bus Driver Laura Berg.

Staff Employee of the Year Laura Berg was described by Chagrin Falls Middle School Principal Laila Discenza with one word: relationships.

Discenza explained that Berg makes connections on a daily basis with a smile, greeting, sympathetic ear and a helpful hand. Data has found that relationships must exist to improve student achievement and Berg fosters relationships through respect of the students.

Research also shows that having one or more caring adults in a child’s life increases the chance that they become productive adults themselves.

“The presence of a caring adult is pivotal, especially around adolescent middle schoolers who are just beginning to learn who they are and how they fit in this world. Because of this staff member, every child at CFMS has an advocate,” said Discenza.

Nominations for Berg stated that, “This person is happy and ready to start the day,” and “This person makes school fun.”

Certified and classified workers alike enjoy working with Berg due to her passion for Chagrin Falls and commitment to completing tasks that are beneficial for all. Discenza said, “Congratulations to the ever-so-deserving champion for students, Mrs. Laura Berg.”

Teacher of the Year Tracie Guggenheim has been an educator for 20 years and 16 of them

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were spent in the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District. She has taught students ranging from preschool to high-school age and has been recognized as an expert in her field on both state and national levels. Principal of Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Sarah Read said she is a teacher who is not afraid to speak her mind.

“But what’s special about her is that she does so thoughtfully and with the utmost respect for the thoughts and feelings of others,” said Read.

One parent shared his appreciation for Guggenheim’s approach to working with his child.

“She identifies all of his needs when developing programming; considers strategies that will provide both short and long term benefit; and draws upon her professional experience to put him and all of her students in the best position to be successful.

As a parent, this means everything to me and I can confidently say that my child is better off because of her,” he said.

Another parent expressed their gratitude for Guggenheim by writing, “While our special needs son has been at CFIS, she has been our ‘go to’ person for questions and concerns. Whenever our son was distressed or needed help, she was there, every single time. She has been our family’s anchor in turbulent seas for three years and we don’t know what we’re going to do without her!”

Read emphasized that Guggenheim is an advocate for students. One student’s nomination supported that notion. It read, “She has stood up for me so many times I can’t even count. She is an amazing teacher!”

Both Berg and Guggenheim were surprised by the announcement, especially when their families walked on staff to congratulate them.

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CHAGRIN BOOSTERS TAILGATE 8/25/17

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GO TIGERS!

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FIRST VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME!

8/25/17

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PUBLIC REVEAL OF THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL LEARNING VILLAGE

8/25/17

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CHAGRIN FALLS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Learning Village A transition to the future

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Chagrin Falls Schools First Day of School Highlights

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Follow Us on Social Media and On-Line Facebook • Twitter • Website • Constant Contact The Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools intends to use a variety of avenues to communicate to the district stakeholders. The list below outlines the various methods to connect with the district through social media.

District Website Facebook www.chagrinschools.org www.facebook.com/CFEVS Twitter Join the conversation on Twitter. Use #CFEVS. You can also follow the school district administrators: #CFCONSTRUCT - To follow our construction project updates and photos Robert Hunt Superintendent @Hunt_EdLeader

Monica Asher High School Principal @MonicaJAsherED

Dr. Rachel Jones Gurney Elementary Principal @DrJ_cfprincipal

Christopher Woofter Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives @ChrisWoofter

Amanda Rassi High School Asst. Principal @cf_rassi

Charlie Barch District Athletic Director @ChagrinAD

Mike Daugherty Director of Technology @MoreThanATech Becky Quinn Director of Curriculum @becky_quinn1

CFHS Counselors @cfcounselors Laila Discenza Middle School Principal @CFMSdiscenzaPal Sarah Read Intermediate School Principal @read_chagrin District All Calls Our district uses an automated calling system to send out important messages such as school closings, school delays, or other valuable information when necessary. This service is only for the parents of district students. Parents will be eligible to receive these calls when they enroll their students. If you are a parent in the district and you are not receiving the automated calls, or if you need to change the number that these calls go to, please contact Pupil Services at (440) 247-4564.

Stay Connected Would you like to be notified via email of what’s happening in the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District?

Register to receive emails through Constant Contact. Go to the homepage, www.chagrinschool.org. In the upper right hand corner, click the “Stay Connected” icon to sign up.

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