Buoyancy, balance and a bit of Chagrin innovation made a splash in Brooke Anderson’s ninth-grade physical science class in October...
Floating into Science
Buoyancy, balance and a bit of Chagrin innovation made a splash in Brooke Anderson’s ninth-grade physical science class in October.
Students were challenged to achieve neutral buoyancy using custom, 3D-printed scuba divers — each one uniquely designed and printed by Matt Volk, Creation Lab curriculum and maker space coach, in the Innovation Center. Because every diver had a different weight distribution, no two experiments were the same. Using hot glue and creative materials like beads, hardware, popsicle sticks and balloons, students adjusted their designs to find that perfect point where the diver neither sank nor floated. David Kimbell, Creation Lab implementer of technology, was instrumental in helping the students use all the machinery.
To kick off the lesson, Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski, a certified scuba diver with more than 500 dives, shared real-world insights about buoyancy and equilibrium. “How do you float above a reef without touching it?” she asked — sparking curiosity and scientific thinking before the hands-on exploration began.
The engaging activity showcased how thoughtful teaching and curious minds come together to make learning meaningful, authentic and fun.
Anne Of Green Gables
The world of Avonlea comes alive on the Chagrin Falls High School stage in November as students present “Anne of Green Gables,” adapted by Joseph Robinette from the beloved novel by L.M. Montgomery and directed by Dan Hendrock. The show is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Ill.
Performances will take place in the Black Box Theater Nov. 6–8 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now; Visit chagrinschools.org for tickets.
The classic story follows Anne Shirley, a spirited, imaginative orphan mistakenly sent to live with the reserved Marilla and gentle Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. What begins as a mix-up quickly unfolds into a story of belonging, friendship, and self-discovery as Anne’s boundless curiosity and determination win over everyone around her.
For the students bringing Avonlea to life, the production is more than just a performance, it’s a chance to tell a timeless story about kindness, courage, and finding one’s place in the world. From set design and lighting to character work and choreography, every element reflects the dedication and creativity of the Chagrin Falls theater program.
Philanthropy Day
The hallways of Chagrin Falls High School were noticeably quieter on Oct. 16 as the entire Class of 2026 traded their textbooks for work gloves, embarking on the school’s annual Philanthropy Day.
The senior class dispersed across Northeast Ohio, dedicating their day to service at seven different community partners. From nurturing young minds to tending gardens and supporting vulnerable populations, the Tigers demonstrated that being #CFtogether extends far beyond the school’s walls.
At Gurney Elementary School and Chagrin Falls Intermediate School, seniors worked alongside younger students, assisting teachers in classrooms and mentoring the next generation of learners. Meanwhile, others got their hands dirty at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and Holden Arboretum, preparing outdoor spaces for the changing seasons and helping maintain the natural beauty that makes these venues community treasures.
Seniors volunteering with Meals on Wheels connected with local seniors, delivering not just nutritious meals but also friendly conversation and companionship. At InStep with Horses and Party at the Barn, students worked with therapy animals and helped care for facilities that provide therapeutic and recreational opportunities for people of all abilities.
Philanthropy Day has become a hallmark of the Chagrin Falls High School senior experience, reinforcing the school’s commitment to developing not just academic excellence, but community-minded citizens. The initiative allows students to step outside their comfort zones, discover new interests, and recognize the profound impact that even a single day of service can have.
Wonder Media Partnership
On Oct. 23 and 24, Terry Thoren, founder of Wonder Media and former CEO of Klasky Csupo – the studio behind “Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys” – spent two days at Chagrin Falls Schools to help launch a new partnership built around Wonder Media’s Story Maker tool. The visit focused on planning with educators and district leaders and offered a close look at how animation will connect literacy, creativity and collaboration across grade levels.
In September, the district announced the Story Maker partnership, a nationally recognized program that invites students to create animated films as part of their learning. The approach aligns with Chagrin Falls’ mission to inspire all to grow and thrive through authentic, high-quality learning that is both rigorous and personal. By combining storytelling and technology, Story Maker strengthens the district’s commitment to Connect, Create and Challenge – helping students communicate ideas, work as teams, and express individuality through meaningful creative work.
The visit began at the district’s central office, where Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski welcomed Thoren and outlined the district’s vision for integrating Story Maker into classrooms. The conversation centered on how animation can support STEAM learning while giving students authentic ways to practice storytelling, empathy and collaboration.
“In every animated scene, dozens of artists, writers, and musicians contribute their craft to build one seamless story,” said Dr. Penczarski. “Education is much the same. Across preschool through twelfth grade, our teachers, specialists, and support staff each play a role in shaping a child’s learning journey. When all those pieces work in harmony, the result is a beautiful and complete picture of growth.”
From there, Thoren met with teachers at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School to plan the sixth-grade rollout, focusing on brainstorming prompts, character development and story structure. He then joined teachers for deeper planning on pacing and cross-curricular connections, reinforcing the district’s commitment to support educators as they bring this innovative program to life.
Thoren also visited Jill Eisert’s animation class to offer insights on technique and the creative process and then met with middle school students engaged in a community education project alongside Gurney Elementary Principal Patrick Carpenter. The conversation explored how middle school students could serve as mentors and creative leaders, linking learning from elementary through high school in the production process. On Friday, Thoren visited Nate Bachofsky’s songwriting class to discuss the power of music in storytelling, then concluded the visit at Gurney, where he met with teachers about using Wonder Kids within the elementary framework, including brain breaks and positive-behavior programs. Throughout the visit, he explored how the program might grow – including ways high-school students could contribute original artwork and music to support younger learners.
Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Penczarski emphasized how Wonder Media’s philosophy mirrors the district’s focus on belonging, creativity and growth.
“This partnership brings to life what we mean by high-quality, personalized learning,” she said. “It connects students across grade levels, challenges them to think critically and imaginatively, and creates opportunities for them to see how their unique voices contribute to something larger than themselves.”
As the 2025–26 school year unfolds, students in grades one through six will build storytelling and animation skills through developmentally appropriate activities. By sixth-grade, students will script, design and produce short films – supported by high-school artists and musicians. A new enrichment club for grades four and five will connect creativity with leadership, while high-school students will gain real-world experience by contributing to a collaborative creative pipeline.
Story Maker gives teachers and students a flexible tool that turns ideas into animated stories, strengthens literacy, and invites creativity into daily learning. The launch visit marked the first frame in a story that continues to unfold – one where imagination, collaboration and purpose come together to help every student grow and thrive.
