Sixth-Grade Retreat”All the rivers run, dancing in the sun, cradled…

February 7, 2013

Sixth-Grade Retreat
“All the rivers run, dancing in the sun, cradled in their watershed, all the rivers run.” This was the theme for the Chagrin Falls Intermediate School’s sixth-grade retreat held at the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula.
The overnight retreat focused on the Cuyahoga River watershed and man’s impact on the environment. The concepts of environmental responsibility and sustainability were emphasized in hands on lessons and culminated in the design and construction of a model of an eco-friendly structure.
The students then presented their design to their classmates at an Eco-Fair. More than 50 parents volunteered to serve as chaperones on the three day, two-night retreat that was organized by the sixth-grade teachers. The event was a real success for learning, but also for developing leadership and a strong sense of “team” with the students.
CFHS Cupcake Wars
The Chagrin Falls High School family and consumer science students recently participated in “Cupcake Wars,” which is Chagrin’s take on the popular show currently running on Food Network. Students were divided into teams who then chose the country they wanted to represent. The participants competed to create the best international cupcake.
Each team presented six cupcakes for judging. Prior to baking, the students researched theme ideas and recipes for the cupcakes they wanted to prepare. The students then planned out how they could create their cupcakes.
Cupcakes made included Italian Spumoni, Greek Baklava, Canadian Maple, English Red Velvet and German Chocolate. The champions were the team of Carly DenBraber, Genna Hughes and Ashley McCutchen with their Italian Spumoni cupcake.
Dance Classes Underway
Many Chagrin Falls sixth-grade students are attending the annual dance classes held in the middle school cafeteria under the direction of Mr. Dick Blake. Students not only learn to dance, but are also exposed to etiquette and social manners.
The girls attend the classes in dresses or skirts and white gloves and the boys wear coats and ties. Two sessions of classes are held each week over a seven-week period with a culminating grand finale dance to which parents are invited to attend.
Dick Blake has been well known in the Cleveland area for more than 50 years as first a professional dancer and then as a choreographer and ballroom dance instructor. His hour of instruction with the students covers much more than dance steps.
He instructs his students on a variety of every day necessities, such as how to shake hands and to look people straight in the eye when talking to them. He stresses to his young men and women the hard work it takes to be a lady or a gentleman.