Gurney Elementary School is hosting an open house for invite prospective kindergarten families to learn how the school inspires all to grow and thrive through engaging instruction, strong community connections and meaningful learning experiences...
Gurney Open House
Gurney Elementary School is hosting an open house for invite prospective kindergarten families to learn how the school inspires all to grow and thrive through engaging instruction, strong community connections and meaningful learning experiences.
Families with children entering kindergarten in fall 2026 are invited to attend an open house on either Nov. 22 or Feb. 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Tour Gurney Elementary and discover how the school creates, connects and challenges every student.
8th-Graders Visit to Washington, D.C
Chagrin Falls Middle School eighth-graders enjoyed their visit to Washington, D.C. Some of the group met a Capitol architect outside the Capitol Building, who offered students an impromptu private tour inside. They also explored the People’s House Museum, where they got a hands-on look at the magic of the White House and wrapped up their day at the National Cathedral. They also visited the Washington Monument and Mount Vernon.
Gurney Service Learning Club Visits Hamlet Village
The Gurney Service Learning Club visited Hamlet Village and connected generations through service and gratitude. Students heard from Chagrin Falls Air Force veteran Esther McElhinney, who shared her experiences and answered student questions. Residents then joined in to share their own stories of service. Together, they kicked off Wreaths Across America by coloring wreaths and writing heartfelt messages of thanks to local veterans. These will be delivered to the Stokes Veterans Hospital.
Club Connect Jr. Learns Lessons In Teamwork
Members of Chagrin Falls Intermediate School’s Club Connect Jr. recently visited In Step with Horses, a Chesterland-based nonprofit that helps individuals build self-awareness, communication and resilience through connections with horses and nature. The organization’s team includes licensed mental-health professionals, certified equine specialists and therapy horses who work together to provide experiential learning programs for all ages.
“These animals were incredible, and each horse has a different personality—just like all of us,” said Annie Schleup, Club Connect Jr. advisor. “I loved seeing our students spend time with them in such a calm, supportive environment.”
During the visit, students brushed and walked horses while learning how the animals communicate through body language and energy. The session also included a teamwork challenge featuring a horse named Delilah, encouraging students to practice patience, problem-solving and collaboration.
“I really liked brushing the horses and working together as a team,” said Emma Bennett, a sixth-grader and three year club member. “We learned that the horses, like us, get frustrated and sometimes need their space, too.”
Club Connect Jr. helps students strengthen social and emotional skills through activities that promote leadership, connection and teamwork both inside and outside of school.
“Our students gained confidence from this experience,” said Hannah DeWolf, Club Connect Jr. advisor. “They learned that communication isn’t always verbal, and we talked about the importance of cooperation, patience and problem-solving during our visit.”
In Step With Horses generously hosted the event at no charge, offering students a unique opportunity to explore teamwork and communication in a new setting. The district extends its appreciation for their partnership and commitment to student growth beyond the classroom.
Rotary Student of the Month
Chagrin Falls High School senior Eveleen Malley has been named the Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month for November, recognized for her exceptional leadership, academic achievement and extensive community service.
Described by staff as driven, compassionate and studious, Malley has distinguished herself both in the classroom and throughout the community, embodying the mission of Chagrin Falls Schools.
Malley has challenged herself with an impressive array of rigorous coursework throughout high school, including AP World History, AP US History, AP Seminar, AP US Government, AP Physics 1 and 2, AP Calculus AB and BC, AP Chemistry, AP Research, AP Spanish Literature and Culture, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, CCP College Composition 1 and 2,and CCP Intro to Shakespeare.
Her academic achievements have earned her numerous honors, including Outstanding Achievement in Composition for her CCP courses, Science Student of the Month for AP Physics 2, the AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction and the Governor’s Merit Scholarship.
Malley credits her involvement in Engineering Club with helping her discover her passion for engineering. Through challenging courses including AP Physics, AP Calculus and AP Chemistry, she developed what she calls “a new way of thinking – a deeper understanding of why things work the way they do.”
“I love doing things with my hands, experimenting and problem solving,” Malley said. “I am drawn to the discipline of engineering because of the deep thinking, collaborative nature and ability to help others.”
Her academic journey hasn’t been without challenges. Reflecting on her progress, she noted that her “first semester junior year self, struggling through kinematics” would be proud to see her now excelling in AP Physics 2 and AP Chemistry.
Malley particularly values how her STEM courses complement one another. “I find it very interesting how each of the classes, although seemingly very different, are fluid between each other and whenever I am confused in one, I can refer to another for an explanation,” she said.
Beyond STEM courses, Malley found inspiration in College Credit Plus composition courses and AP Research, where she pursued her passion for music by analyzing songs and creating ethical frameworks.
Malley’s dedication to community service is extensive. As philanthropy chair of the Student Board of the Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation all four years, she organized the school’s largest fundraiser, a pancake breakfast that raised nearly $5,000 for educational grants. These funds have supported initiatives ranging from professional development for teachers to foreign exchange opportunities for students.
One of her most meaningful experiences has been volunteering at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, where she provides after-school tutoring.
“The sense of belonging at the center is the strongest I have felt anywhere,” Malley said. “The kids at the park immediately included me in their circle of trust, and although I was tutoring them, we became friends and they helped me too.”
Through Student Council, Malley has helped organize annual blood drives that have saved over 200 lives in the past three years and designed Springfest, a celebration marking the senior class’s last day of school. As a member of Interact Club, she coordinates volunteer opportunities and leads the Sponsor-a-Family Program for the Geauga County Jobs and Family Service Center.
Malley credits her family’s Catholic values and her mother’s Jesuit education for instilling the principle of being “a person for others.” Her mother teaches first grade at Gurney Elementary, while her father has taught her to “always look out for others and the qualities of a good leader.”
“I have formed so many connections with people in my community I never would have if I didn’t reach out and get involved,” Malley said. “My experiences learning from others and growing together has been so much fun, and I want to help other people find their joy in helping others too.”
After graduation, Malley plans to major in engineering and continue her research pursuits. She also hopes to play club hockey and remain involved in service on her college campus.
“My goal is to combine sophisticated engineering knowledge with a human touch to find a way to enrich the world,” she said.
