Super News October 2017

Chagrin Falls Schools

October 2017

SUPER NEWS GROWING A FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE LEARNING INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL FAREWELL & GROUNDBREAKING STORY

READ MORE ON PAGES 28-30

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Message from Our Superintendent The beautiful leaves and increasingly earlier sunset indicate that fall has arrived in Chagrin. Today marks the end of the first quarter at the secondary campus.

This provides an excellent opportunity for all of us to discuss personal and academic progress with our children while focusing on goals for the remainder of the school year. Successful education is a partnership between the home and school. Please feel free to reach out to us if there are any concerns as a result of these conversations.

The district continues to move forward with the construction process at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School. On October 14, the district partnered with the Chagrin Falls Historical Society and PTO to appropriately provide a send off to the current Philomethian building while breaking ground for the future school. This month, the Board of Education approved the schematic design and initial preliminary budget for the project. Very soon the board will be reviewing abatement and demolition packages and construction will be underway. Updated drawings and status updates can be monitored by following our construction web site: www.chagrinschools.org/ construction.aspx.

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The district continues to move forward with the fourth year of our strategic plan. District and building work is ongoing to better personalize the learning for every student. Our teaching staff is working to integrate a new assessment tool called Measure of Academic Progress, MAP in grades 3-8. This is an adaptive test which helps teachers, parents and administrators improve learning for students by making informed decisions on instructional practices and programs.

The results are aligned with personal pathways for students to extend learning and work on gaps. Any change takes a level of commitment and work from staff. We appreciate the hard work of our teachers as they continue to work diligently to provide the best possible educational experience for every student.

Thank you for your unwavering support of our school district.

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

A Review of the October Board of Education Meetings

This month, much of the board work has been the oversight of district finances with the goal of maximizing student achievement while being good stewards of our residents’ tax investment in our schools.

The passage of the spring levy enabled the district to move forward with the goal of achieving a levy cycle of at least three years that maintains current levels of programming and increases the annual budget allocation for facility maintenance projects throughout the district. At the October regular meeting, the board approved an updated five-year forecast that reflects these goals.

President: Mary Kay O’Toole (440) 338-8636

Vice President: Sharon Broz (440) 715-0326

At the October special meeting, the board approved the schematic design for the Intermediate School construction project and officially transitioned into the construction phase. The schematic design is a highlevel design that accounts for space and programming needs. Architectural and building planning will continue to evolve before we break ground at the end of the year and we are happy to report that we are currently on schedule and within budget. We welcome parent, student and community input throughout all stages of this project.

Sharon Broz Vice President, Board of Education Chagrin Falls Board of Education

Michael Hogan (440) 543-5280

Kathryn Garvey (216) 401-7735

Rob Weber (440) 665-4104

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Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools “Treasurer’s Corner”

Table 1 compares actual monthly receipts to the monthly estimates and to prior fiscal year actual receipts. General fund revenues spike in the 1st and 3rd quarter as a result of real estate tax collections.

Table 2 compares actual monthly expenditures to monthly estimates and to prior fiscal year actual expenditures. Expenses are typically fairly consistent throughout the fiscal year.

Table 3 compares estimated and actual monthly ending cash balances demonstrating compliance with Board of Education cash balance policies.

Table 4 is a cash flow summary comparing revenues to expenditures each month.

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Chagrin Falls Community Education Students to Perform "The Sound of Music" The Chagrin Falls Community Education Fall Drama Club will be presenting “Getting to Know…The Sound of Music” on Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 11 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center on the Chagrin Falls 7-12 campus. Under the direction of Pat Keller Haynish and Lucy Lavery Brown, students from the drama club at the Middle and Intermediate Schools will perform this well-known musical.

The Sound of Music began as a Broadway musical in 1959 and later was adapted as a 1965 movie starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews. It is based on the true story of Maria von Trapp, a nun in Austria only months before the beginning of World War II. The convent sends Maria to be a governess for a

widowed retired naval officer and his seven children.

She soon ends up falling in love with the children and their father. When the Nazis commission the captain to fight amongst their soldiers, he refuses, forcing Maria and the children to flee Austria with him in hopes of finding a safe place and a new life.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. They may be pre-purchased until November 9 by filling out a ticket order form and turning it into a cast member or the offices of Chagrin Falls Middle School, Intermediate Learning Village, or Gurney Elementary. Tickets will also be available at the door for each performance.

Back row, Left to Right Avery Polcar(Liesl), Benjamin Broz (Fredrich), Ashley Mattson (Brigitta), Brenna Sincaglia (Maria), and Claire Stinson (Louisa).

Front row, Left to Right Lilla O'Brien (Gretl), Isabelle Coy (Marta), Eric Feucht ( Capt. von Trapp), and Ryan Hill (Kurt) Super News | 5

Chagrin Falls High School Announces Semifinalists and Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program In early September, about 16,000 students, or approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers, are notified that they have qualified as Semifinalists in the National Merit速 Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Program. To ensure that academically talented young people from all parts of the United States are included in this talent pool, Semifinalists are designated on a state-representational basis. They are the highest scoring entrants in each state. NMSC provides scholarship application materials to Semifinalists through their high schools. To be considered for a National Merit速 Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the information provided to each Semifinalist. Chagrin Falls High School students who have been identified as Semifinalists are Mason Barlett, Sam Gaizutis, Lucy Ranieri, Trevor Stevenson, and Erik Wilson.

In late September, more than two-thirds (about 34,000) of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT速 receive Letters of Commendation in recognition of their outstanding academic promise.

Commended Students are named on the basis of a nationally applied Selection Index score that may vary from year to year and is typically below the level required for participants to be named Semifinalists in their respective states. Although Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit速 Scholarships, some of these students do become candidates for special scholarships sponsored by corporations and businesses. Chagrin Falls High School students who have been identified as Commended Scholars are Michael Donley, Reagan Dowling, Colin Garvey, Margaret Sobota, and Matthew Witalec.

COMMENDED STUDENTS

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SEMIFINALISTS

Chagrin Falls High School Students Excel on AP Exams This year, 144 Chagrin Falls High School students have earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards.

These awards recognize high school students who have shown exceptional college-level achievement on AP exams. Many of these Chagrin Falls high schoolers also qualified for the AP Capstone Diploma. Students receive this award by earning a score of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four other AP Exams of their choice.

The AP Scholar Award is granted to students who achieve grades of 3.0 or higher on at least three fullyear AP Exams. Students who received this honor are: John Agan, Alexander Amata, Matthew Batos, Claudia Bunker, Samuel Deutsch, Bennett Eagle, Spencer Fleming, Kyle Foley, Pierce Fricke, Samuel Gottsegen, Mitchell Johnson, Grace Livingston, Sean Lordan, Hailey Lowe, Thomas Mallak, Emily Mason, David McCuaig, Ellen Meil, Michelle Menkoff, Gabriel Norton, Jack O’Brien, Emily Owen, Kevin Schlaker, Rem Weber, Michael Weimann, Kate Weston, Matthew Wynveen, Cassandra Sturman, Duncan Taber, Isabelle Beg, Daniel Bellini, Benjamin Cervelloni, Nicholas DiFiore, Thomas DiGiampietro, Hannah Ducas, Charles Ellis, Rachel Hoy, Margaret Hughes, Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Connor Lewis, Cameron Lucas, Emily Mattson, Jillian Morrison, William Nafziger, Reed Sampsel, Kate Sincaglia, and Madeline Stapulionis.

The AP Scholar with Distinction award is for students who achieve grades of 3.0 or higher on at least five full-year AP Exams, and whose average AP Exam grade is at least 3.5. The students in this category include: William Bartlett*, Alyson Bergomi*, Daniel Berlin*, James Brant, Daniel Brown, Sarah Bullen*, Molly Carroll*, Danielle Currey*, Garrett Curtiss, Anabella DeBernardo*, Mia DiSanto, Patrick Emery, Reed Flynt, Leah Gillespie*, Jane Goble, Pearson Gottschalk*, Trevor Gravely*, Owen Gruss, Grant Harrison, Grace Hass-Hill, Mackenzie Holtz*, Michael Kampman, Benjamin Karyo*, Karl Koenig*, Niels Kristensen, Anna Kruzenski, Andrew Kwasny, Jacob Levine, Mia Magersupp, Katherine Malik, Halle McClintock, Charles Moyse*, Peter Nachtwey, Samira Reddy*, Sarah Relyea, Carter Riegel, Mia Rizzo, Ellen

Szymkowicz, Morgan Walker, Caleb Weinberger, William Westbrook*, Georgia Westcott*, Jacey Workum*, Julia Workum, Edward Armstrong, Mason Bartlett, Vincent Bello, Paul Cantlay, Andrew Collins, Chrostopher Currey*, Jack Deignan, Nicholas DeVito, Maxwell DiLalla, Michael Donley*, Reagan Dowling, Madeline Ferguson, Samuel Gaizutis, Colin Garvey, Mikala Izzo, Riley Kirkpatrick, Elise Kosmides, Lars Kristensen, David Marquette, Melissa McDonnell, Laura Ranieri, Timothy Reboul, Margaret Sobota, Trevor Stevenson, Eneh Turoczi*, Derrick Vehar, Marley Vidmar, Anthony Wahl, Erik Wilson, Matthew Witalec, Matthew Young, Jillian Zaffro, and Elizabeth Zimmer.

Students with asterisks next to their names also received the National AP Scholar award, meaning they received grades of 3.0 or higher on at least eight of their full-year AP Exams and whose average AP Exam grade is at least 4.0.

The AP Scholar with Honors award is given to students who achieve grades of 3.0 or higher on at least four full-year AP Exams and whose average AP Exam Grade is at least 3.25. The students with this honor are: Abigail Cloonan, John Gardner, Aidan Haskett, Joseph Francesca, John Kukla, Georgia Markey, Anna Sherman, Nicholas Streicher, William Tinsley, Kayla Hepler, Samuel Jansen, Charles Reardon, and Yumeno Young, A small group of students earned other AP awards for their efforts. Melissa McDonnell, Laura Ranieri, Margaret Sobota, and Mikala Izzo all received the AP Capstone Diploma. Benjamin Cervelloni, Emily Mattson, Madeline Ferguson, and Marley Vidmar all earned the AP Seminar and Research certificate.

Finally, Georgia Westcott was the only Chagrin Falls High school student to be awarded with the AP International Diploma.

Students received a yard sign for them to proudly display in their yards.

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Chagrin Falls School Children’s Author Visits with a Message of Courage, Acceptance and Exploring the Unknown Jim Hawley (aka Jimothy Newton) is an author from California that released a children’s book on October 5 and currently is traveling by car 10,000 miles, driving across the country visiting 30 states in two months.

The book, “Baldilocks and the Three Dares,” was inspired by a girl, Kira, who is battling Neuroblastoma, as well as the many kids this author has met volunteering for an organization called Dreamflight.

He spent the day with Chagrin Falls Schools’ fourth, fifth and seventh-grade students on October 3.

Hawley was entertaining and had a powerful message of dealing with challenges, courage and resilience, acceptance, exploring the unknown, taking risks, and friendship. Proceeds from the sale of “Baldilocks and the Three Dares,” are going to the following children’s charities—Dreamflight (dreamflight.org), MDA (mda. org), SNAP (snapkids.org), and Solving Kids Cancer (solvingkidscancer.org).

“The goal of this campaign is to inspire the rest of us to be a little more like these brave and generous kids while raising funds for the organizations that help change their lives,” said Hawley. “For the past 15 years I have had the honor and joy of working, playing, and generally goofing off with a group of incredible kids, all battling serious, chronic and lifethreatening health issues. ‘Baldilocks and the Three Dares’ is a labor of love, meant to honor the courage, compassion and endless sense of humor they display every day. Ideally, it will inspire the rest of us to be just a little more like them.”

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The characters, including Kee, the feisty heroine of “Baldilocks and the Three Dares,” embark on a journey somewhat similar to Kira's—exploring foreign worlds, befriending strangers, and testing the limits of her resolve. Readers can follow along as Kee and her gang of misfits—Kyle, Pinky and Noodles— are thrust into the dangerous world of Baldi, Rumblers, Lucky, and the rumored Dare formula. “Jim read chapter 7 of the book to the children and they were captivated by the story, wanting him to continue,” said Principal Sarah Read, Chagrin Falls Intermediate School. “Each child received a personally autographed book and we look forward to talking about the book in our classes and even having the author Skype with our entire school during our Writer’s Forum in November. We hope this is the start of an on-going partnership.”

“Baldilocks and the Three Dares” is available on Amazon, www.barnesandnoble.com and at the Fireside Book Shop in Chagrin Falls.

Special thanks to the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Indigo Cleveland-Beachwood for their partnership as well.

I found “Baldilocks and the Three Dares� to be an inspirational tale of courage and the strong bonds of friendship. As a teacher, I fully appreciated the technical and biographical background added at the back of the book. I love when authors mix fiction with science. What a fun read. We thank Mr. Newton for sharing his craft and his charitable nature with us here at Chagrin Middle School.

- Larry Richmond, History Teacher Chagrin Falls Middle School Super News | 9

Chagrin Falls Middle School Orchestra to Perform in Columbus, Ohio The Chagrin Falls Middle School orchestra was chosen to perform at the annual Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference.

This conference allows specifically chosen ensembles from across Ohio to perform for other talented musicians to see. There are also several exhibitors from universities and music-based businesses to interact with attendees.

In order to be chosen, the orchestra auditioned in front of a jury who judged their performance. Chagrin

Falls is one of only four orchestras from the state of Ohio to perform. They are also the only middle school orchestra that was selected to perform.

The conference takes place in Columbus, Ohio on Friday, February 9, 2018. The Chagrin Falls orchestra will perform at the Hyatt Hotel ballroom at 3:30 p.m.

“This is an exciting and prestigious honor for our ensemble,” said Director of Orchestras Kendra Karriker, Chagrin Falls Schools.

Chagrin Falls Schools Bands Start the Year with Several Performances The Chagrin Falls Schools’ bands have had a busy start to the year with more to come this fall. After 96 high school students attended band camp in July at Ashland College, they were prepared for the first football game. On September 22, First Responders Night, the Chagrin Falls High School band joined with the Orange Band and the Chagrin Falls Middle School grade 8 band to play a "Salute to the Armed Forces" and the "National Anthem." It was a total of 270 band students in grades eight through 12. The Chagrin Falls eighth graders also joined the high school band at halftime to play the fight song and "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

On September 23, the high school band went to the Brush Band festival where they performed a preparade show, as well as a drum line performance.

The high school students then travelled to Gurney to showcase the band to the students on September 29.

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The high school band and choir performed at the Chagrin Falls Intermediate School groundbreaking ceremony on October 14. On October 31, the eighth grade band will travel to Hamlet nursing home to play a Halloween concert for the residents while in costume.

One more performance will take place in November for two talented high school band members.

Trombonist Dinah Walter is a Junior at Chagrin Falls High School and earned the honor of being selected as one of 25 musicians to participate in the honors group, "The Northeastern Regional Orchestra." Sara Hartle, a sophomore at Chagrin Falls High School also earned a spot in the honors group and she will play the french horn. They will perform on Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at Cleveland State, admission is free.

Chagrin Falls High School Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma recipient, Smith College Book Award recipient, and Best in Show Silver Award recipient for the Chagrin Falls Art Show.

Additionally, Ranieri remains active in the school community as a member of the varsity track and field team. She participates in shotput and discus and has been a CVC and district meet qualifier. She also is a member of the varsity basketball cheerleading squad.

Her extracurricular activities include Link Leader for Link Crew and a delegate at Buckeye Girls State 2017.

Ranieri is also the president of Art Club.

Chagrin Falls High School senior Lucy Ranieri is the October Chagrin Valley Rotary Club Student of the Month. Ranieri was selected based on service and leadership qualities she displayed in her school community.

Ranieri has been the recipient of several awards during her high school career. These include being a National Merit Semi Finalist, AP Scholar with

Outside of school, she is a member of the Youth Leadership team of her church youth group and served on a mission trip in Russia this past summer.

Her accelerated classes include AP US History, AP Seminar, AP US Government, AP Research, AP Physics 1, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Psychology, AP Chinese, and AP English Language.

After high school, Ranieri plans to attend college where she will major in economics and minor in political science.

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Chagrin Falls Schools Homecoming Highlights - October 13, 2017

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Chagrin Falls Schools Sloppy Bowls - 10/13/17 On October 13 prior to the homecoming game, school families enjoyed the PTO's Middle School Annual Fundraiser/Ice Cream Social in the Chagrin Falls Middle School cafeteria. There was pizza, ice cream, music, a photo booth, a visit from Mortimer, face and hair painting, and a healthy dose of team spirit.

Thank you to all who attended.

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Gurney Elementary Students Draw in the Style of American Artist Students at Gurney Elementary experienced what it was like to be a street artist during their art unit on American artist Keith Haring. Haring was an artist and social activist who responded to the social topics that affected people all over the world. His work has become widely recognized as an important contribution to twentieth century art.

Mrs. Joann Mynchenberg, kindergarten through third grade art teacher at Gurney Elementary, taught her students about Haring's graffiti and cartooning style as well as how he used basic shapes, solid colors and textures, and lines to show movement and sound.

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In order to help the students learn what it was like to be in Haring's shoes, Mynchenberg posted black paper in the hallways to imitate the boards of a New York subway. She then gave the students white chalk, which was Haring's first drawing tool, and told them to go into the "subway" and draw a character in the style of Haring. The student drew for five minutes before Mynchenberg acted as the police by coming down the hallway making a siren sound. Three students were caught and then released for good art!

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Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Students Take Part in a Movement for World Peace Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at Chagrin Falls Intermediate Schools participated in a movement for peace as a part of their Peace Studies Enrichment course. The course is taught by Dr. Chris Fishman, Language Arts, social studies, and science teacher at the Chagrin Falls Intermediate Schools.

The movement consisted of pinwheels displayed on the school grounds in hopes of drawing attention to a United Nations Initiative called, “The International Day of Peace.” This was established by resolution in the United Nations in 1981. For the first time in 2002, there was enough agreement among warring countries to have a truce. Humanitarian efforts were finally able to take place because of this cease fire.

The day did not become popular until filmmaker Jeremy Gilley lobbied for a permanent date for the day of Sept. 21. The thought behind the movement is that through education and practice of peacebuilding strategies the world will become a more peaceful place.

At the beginning of every school year, building administrators ask teachers to collaborate in setting

priorities and goals. Principal Sarah Read asked teachers what they thought was the most important thing for the students to learn this year. Fishman said she knew right away that the world needs understanding, tolerance, and peace.

“We need our future leaders to recognize, respond to, and redress inequity wherever it exists. When I meet with my Enrichment groups, I realize again that children are our best hope for a future that summons the best in each of us, and for all of us together,” said Fishman.

Chagrin Falls High School Junior Makes it to Finals of Solo-Singing Competition Junior at Chagrin Falls High School, Adriana Holst, is a top ten finalist of the Inaugural Shining Star Competition. This is a solo-singing competition that allows high school students from Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Medina and Summit counties to compete for college scholarships and a chance to perform at the Ohio Theater at Playhouse Square.

In order to be a finalist, Holst had to upload a video of herself singing to the Shining Star Audition website.

Then a group of judges screened all entries and chose 300 students to perform at live auditions with professional musicians. Following the live auditions,

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Holst competed in the semifinals where ten singers were chosen to go on to the Finals Performance at Playhouse Square.

As a finalist, Holst will be in the running for one of four college scholarships and will have a chance to perform with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra. The first place winner of the competition will earn $2,500 for the music program at their home school. All awards and scholarships were voted on at the Finals Performance on October 22 at Playhouse Square.

Chagrin Falls Middle School September Students of the Month The mission of the Chagrin Falls Middle School Student of the Month is to acknowledge and reward students for exemplary performance. The students depict Tiger Techniques - Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility.

Each month the seventh and eighth grade teams collaborate and choose a male and female "Tiger of the Month" and the students receive bakery from the PTO. Congratulations to the September Students of the Month: Olivia Wirbel is kind and helpful to her peers, responsible and a hard worker. She is always prepared for class and has a positive attitude. Olivia notices

new math patterns quickly and does a great job describing her observations to classmates.

Tyler Cooke participates positively in class, sets a great example for his peers, and has a positive attitude. He always is prepared for class and works well in groups with other students. Tyler is a leader in is his math group, too.

Harriet Sherman is a model student and a leader in the cello section of the middle school orchestra. She is always prepared for rehearsal and has a positive attitude. She is a kind and respectful student who takes charge of her education. She asks questions and participates daily in class.

Isaac Bourne always has a smile and always greets his teachers. He is on task and is awesome with his participation. His work ethic is unparalleled.

He continuously seeks out extra help. He adds to discussions and is willing to take risks in answering questions. He truly is conscientious and studious.

Isaac is always ready and willing to learn.

Chagrin Falls Schools Save the Date - Chagrin Cares Family First Night Chagrin Falls Schools believes in the importance of family, as it is the single most important influence in a child's life. Children thrive when parents are able to actively promote their positive growth and development. Family involvement in schools shouldn’t be limited to such activities as volunteering, fundraising, and helping with homework. Therefore, it is important that we nurture and enhance the Family-School relationship.

On November 1, the entire school district will take part in a Family First Night. “This means that there will be no homework assigned, no tests to study for, no athletic practices or games held, and no club meetings or activities hosted,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Chagrin Falls Schools. “Students and staff will leave school at the dismissal bell and only focus on connecting with their families. We know that families are stretched in many different directions with many commitments and responsibilities in one day alone. Our hope is to provide

a scheduled time that removes district expectations to allow for focused family time.”

Thank you Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce for reaching out to local businesses to offer special discounts for families on that evening.

Cowboy - one meal per adult purchase of $8 or more (redeemed meal cannot exceed $8).

Step In - $5 off a purchase of $25.00 or more

- $10.00 on a purchase of $50.00 or more Fireside Books - 20% off any book or puzzle (adult or children).

Fred Astaire - TWO thirty-minute private lessons and TWO group classes for $49.

Popcorn Shop - $1 off medium or large bags of popcorn. $1 off kids ice cream with purchase of medium size ice cream.

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Chagrin Falls High School Write Place Open for Business

By Georgia Markey, Senior, Chagrin Falls High School The Chagrin Falls High School Write Place opened at the beginning of September, and has had an overwhelming response. The Write Place is a studentrun writing center that focuses on helping students better their writing skills. The interns are all upperclassmen who have been recommended by their English teachers, and distinguished as excellent writers. Thus, each intern is more than capable of helping anyone. Their motto, “We help the students, not the paper,� perfectly describes how the process works; students can either come in during lunch periods (4th, 5th, and 6th), or submit to the Online Writing Lab (O.W.L).

Prior to the opening of the center, the students underwent three weeks of training. They practiced hypothetical encounters with students, journalled about their own writing experience, and familiarized themselves with possible concerns of students coming in for help.

Write Place Founder, and co-director, Dr. Shannon Beach, stresses the point that the students are completely in charge of running the facility; each student has an area that they are responsible for.

For example, students are in charge of the Twitter account, and managing the O.W.L.

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Even after a few weeks of being open, the numbers explain the tremendous resource this program truly provides. Not only has the flow of students been constant each period, but some interns even work with multiple students at a time. The goal of the Write Place is to ensure that as many students as possible feel comfortable seeking help, thus reinforcing the idea that every paper can be improved; the more a student visits, the more they would realize that positive adjustments can always be made.

Gurney Elementary Third Graders Receive a Visit from Historical Society The third graders at Gurney Elementary learned a little more about the history of their city after a visit from the Chagrin Falls Historical Society this past month. Kim Kanzinger and former Chagrin Falls teacher Harriet Bakalar visited every third grade classroom to introduce the Chagrin Falls history unit to students. They shared some artifacts from their collection and spoke about the town, the river, and mills that were in Chagrin Falls.

This is the second year they have been coming to speak at the school as part of a program created by the education director at the Historical Society, Gretchen Hamann. Kanzinger and Bakalar returned a week later to talk about what it was like to be a child in Chagrin.

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Chagrin Falls High School Students Get a Front Row Seat Meet Director/Producer of One of Chagrin Documentary Film Festival Movie Premieres

By Mackenzie Shanklin, Senior, Chagrin Falls High School October kicked off the start of the annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival (CDFF) which ran from October 4-8. This is the seventh year for the film festival and this year it featured more than 79 different films all throughout places in Chagrin Falls.

The goal of the CDFF is to inspire talented filmmakers to give insight into their stories while educating and influencing audiences of all ages.

Edwins, which is fully staffed by men and women trying to find their footing in the world after being released from prison. The film features three specific trainees and the founder of the restaurant, Brandon E. Chrostowski, who all have a criminal past. These men and women all have something to prove and struggle to launch new lives, an endeavor as pressured and perilous as the ambitious restaurant launch of which they are a part. On October 5, the entire school participated in a Socratic Seminar to discuss the film and then meet with Lennon.

This year, Chagrin Falls High School students had the opportunity to view Knife Skills, a movie about second chances for prisoners. Knife Skills, by Director/ Producer Thomas Lennon, made its debut during the CDFF this year. The focus of the film was on the creation of a new restaurant in Cleveland called

Lennon’s work in documentary film has earned him an Academy Award and three Oscar nominations. He is also the recipient of two duPont-Columbia Awards, two national Emmys, and two Peabodys, and has had two films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

We are so thankful for the work of Mary Ann Ponce and the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival in providing CFHS students this opportunity.

The experience of learning about the power of exploration and asking questions from an Academy Award winning filmmaker is one we won't soon forget.

- Monica Asher, Principal Chagrin Falls High School

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Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation Student Board Assists in the Planning of the FilmFest 5K

The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation (CFEF) and the Student Board hosted The 5th Annual Chagrin Film Fest 5K on October 1 at the Chagrin Falls High School football stadium. The 5K kicked off the FilmFest while raising money for the Educational Foundation. “We had 22 more runners than last year and more sponsors which means we raised additional money,” said Student Board Chair Courtney Curtiss, a junior at Chagrin Falls High School. “We are waiting for final numbers from the race company, but estimate that we raised at least $4,000 which will be granted back to the schools.”

The Student Board designed the race tshirts, organized a Kids Fun Run for those not ready to run a 5K, and provided most of the volunteers. There were 27 student board members who volunteered at the event.

Gurney Elementary Master Jason Speaks to Buddy Classes on Taking Care of Yourself Gurney Elementary School hosted Master Jason from the Kuk Sul Do Academy in Chagrin Falls to give a short class for the students. Jason Zakrasjek is a fifth-degree master of Kuk Sul Do and is the owner and head instructor of the Academy in Chagrin Falls. He started the Academy in 1996 and has over 20 years of experience as a martial artist, competitor, trainer, instructor and coach.

Kuk Sul Do is translated as “the way of Korea’s national techniques.” It is a study of martial art history and techniques such as joint locking, pressure point control, kicking, and hand strikes. It is a style that emphasizes speed and fluidity. Not only is this form a way to subdue opponents with minimal effort, it also promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and reduces stress. The character building benefits include humility, courtesy, discipline, honor, and healthy living.

In a 30-minute class, Master Jason spoke about the importance of sticking up for yourself and if necessary, how to get away from a situation quickly. He also mentioned the importance of nutrition as he visits restaurants in Cleveland and writes a food blog on Facebook.

Gurney has had Master Jason come to speak for close to ten years. He spoke to the Buddy classes, which are classes who connect with each other through weekly activities that the teachers plan. The kindergarteners meet with the third graders, the first graders meet with the third graders, and the second graders meet with the pre-schoolers.

The CFEF Student Board is a non-profit student-run high school organization designed to educate students about the importance of philanthropy through volunteering, fundraising and grant making.

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Chagrin Falls High School Environmental Science Class Explores Preserves and Treatment Plants The AP Environmental Science class at Chagrin Falls High School went on their annual field trip to Whitesburg Preserve and the Chagrin Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant. The class visited these areas to learn through hands-on experience for their units on water resources and water pollution.

Students learned about the history of Whitesburg and performed a series of tests to check the water quality of the Chagrin River and other bodies of water in the preserve. Students were looking for nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus as well as measuring bacteria levels in the water. They also caught

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macroinvertebrates to determine the quality of the water.

Later in the day, students toured the local treatment plant to see the process of treating water. They then asked employees specific questions about the process. Brittany Anderson, science teacher at Chagrin Falls High School accompanied the students and Chagrin Falls alumnus, Brian Kaas assisted in coordinating the tour of the treatment plant.

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Chagrin Falls Schools Participates in Walk to School - Walk to Town Day On Thursday, October 12, more than 500 students from the Chagrin Falls Schools participated in this ninth annual Walk to School–Walk to Town Day in the Village of Chagrin Falls, organized by Safe Routes Chagrin. Chagrin goes above and beyond the traditional Walk to School Day celebrated all over the nation by adding an afternoon component called “Walk to Town” which celebrates what makes Chagrin Falls special: a walkable, accessible community where students, parents, teachers, retirees and community members all appreciate and enjoy being able to walk to the schools, shops, parks and businesses that Chagrin Falls offers.

Chagrin Falls Middle School students started their day by walking with their teachers to Harris Stadium to enjoy Einstein’s bagels and lemonade. Student Council awarded prizes to teams that best represent this year’s theme “Super Heroes and Villains.” In the afternoon, teams walked to town to the Chagrin Falls

Masonic Temple to participate in a scavenger hunt to sites throughout town where Historical Society volunteers taught them about Chagrin Falls’ history.

At Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, over 400 students enjoyed a walk to school either from home or the Philomethian Street parking lot meeting location to enjoy Einstein’s bagels and lemonade.

That afternoon, at about 3:30pm, students paraded to town with the chicken to participate in a Fun Fitness Fair in Riverside Park. There, they enjoyed healthy food, prizes, and many movement related activities and games provided by local merchants, including yoga, boxing, bike drills and the Dads’ Club tug-owar. Prizes include gift cards to local stores so that students can return to town to shop locally and enjoy the downtown area.

Safe Routes Chagrin wishes to thank the following event sponsors: The Chagrin Falls Dads’ Club and First Federal Lakewood. We also wish to thank these food and t-shirt sponsors: Michelle McQuade Howard Hanna, Dentistry of Chagrin, Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Einstein Bros Bagels, Yours Truly and the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop. Safe Routes Chagrin is a cooperative endeavor between the Village of Chagrin Falls, Chagrin Falls Schools, the police department and the community.

This fun event energizes students who might not normally walk to school or to town to give it a try and find out first-hand how fun it can be to enjoy being active while walking with friends. Walk to School events help to emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment and building connections between families, schools and the broader community.

– Deborah Wilkinson, President Safe Routes Chagrin.

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Chagrin Falls Community Says Farewell and Breaks Ground on Intermediate School project consists of demolition of the three-story classroom building originally built in 1940; renovation of the 1914 classroom building, gymnasium, and auditorium; and construction of a new three-story classroom wing. The building design will restore the most historical elements of the original facility while creating modernized classrooms for students and staff.

On Saturday, October 14, Chagrin Falls Schools hosted a farewell to the historic Intermediate School and broke ground on the new classroom wings.

The district kicked off the event with remarks from Mary Kay O’Toole, president of the Chagrin Falls Board of Education, followed by John Bourisseau from the Chagrin Falls Historical Society, Erinn Grube from the One Vote Chagrin levy committee, Marlene Anielski, member of the Ohio House of Representatives (Sixth District), and Robert Hunt, superintendent of Chagrin Falls Schools. Residents shared their favorite memories of the school and those will now be documented in a book that will be placed in a time capsule in the newly renovated Intermediate School.

The project site is situated within the historic village of Chagrin Falls and is adjacent to the Historical Society, historic homes, and an active business community. The project team at Gilbane Building Company has implemented several outreach activities to introduce the project team to the local community and educate residents on the project.

Gilbane will serve as the construction manager for the 89,000 square foot renovation and expansion project.

Stantec Architecture will serve as the architect. The 28 | September 2017

“After attending the groundbreaking ceremony, you can really feel the excitement and support from the students, staff, and community of Chagrin Falls.

This new school will provide an updated learning environment for students, faculty, staff and future generations to come. Gilbane is proud to partner with Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools on this exciting project,” said Project Manager Keri Ash, Gilbane Building Company.

"Saturday's groundbreaking represents an important point in the continuum of a highly collaborative design process involving the Stantec team with the school board, administration, construction manager, teachers, students and a highly involved community," said Principal Mike Carter, Stantec Architecture. "This process embodies Stantec's mantra of 'Design with Community in Mind' and represents the kind of design process that we strive for. We look forward to the completion of this challenging and exciting project for Chagrin Falls Schools."

“This project is the result of four years of study and planning. For much of this time, our partners at Gilbane and Stantec Architecture were by our side as we evaluated many options prior to bringing one forward to the community. The 66% passage rate indicates that the community is excited and will embrace this new building as a center for education, as well as a gathering place for our community,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Chagrin Falls Schools.

Follow the construction project at: www.chagrinschools.org/construction.aspx

Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District

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Chagrin Falls Community Says Farewell and Breaks Ground on New Intermediate School

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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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