Chagrin Falls Middle School, in its commitment to serve others, planned a variety of Mo-Vember activities to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society...
CFMS Raises Money for LLS
Chagrin Falls Middle School, in its commitment to serve others, planned a variety of Mo-Vember activities to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Money was collected to see which female staff member would wear a wild wig all day on Nov. 23.
Male staff continued to “Gro a Mo” and on Nov. 23, got a pie in the face before shaving. Students sold mustache masks, headbands, squishies, stickers, earrings and bracelets in the Innovation Center to raise money as well. Students enjoyed the planned daily dollar contests like Pin the ‘Stache on the Turkey, Stubble Selfies, Name that Celebrity ‘Stache, Name that ‘Stache Style and Horseshoes.
Students continued to discuss the importance of gratitude, charity and service and donated funds raised to LLS on Giving Tuesday. CFMS students and staff created gratitude journals, reflected on them each week and completed cost and benefit appraisals.
“Actions have a new meaning when one determines how their life would be different if someone or something didn’t happen. It helps us all to value one another more” said Principal Laila Discenza. “Reinforcing philanthropic beliefs and tasks help students build empathy and positive relationships.”
In total, the No Shave November activities collected $820, which was donated to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, who tirelessly work to find cures and ensure patients can access the lifesaving treatments they need.
CFHS Students Get Real-World Experience
Chagrin Falls High School students in the upper-level computer graphics class had the opportunity to put their design skills to the test for a real client looking to advertise.
Dewey Forward, owner of the Popcorn Shop in Chagrin Falls, and his partner came to the class as clients, described their project, the history of their event and what they were looking for in a poster to publicize the evening. The event is the ninth annual popcorn ball drop on New Year’s Eve, and Forward was looking to bring some flair to the event after settling for a virtual ball drop in 2020.
Seven students created posters advertising the event, including the date, time, location and sponsors. They had one week to create their designs, which had to include the information while being legible and visually interesting. Forward then had a weekend to review the designs and provided feedback for each. After two days for revision, students received detailed feedback from art teacher Dawn Serazin followed by a final proof by Forward and his partner.
The posters were printed and are on display at the Popcorn Shop and Yours Truly restaurant for observation through mid-December. Voting can be done on smartphones or paper ballots from the Popcorn Shop. The winner will be chosen Dec. 15 and on Dec. 17, the poster will be distributed. In addition, the art will be used as the label for this year’s special flavor of popcorn created by the Popcorn Shop, just for the event.
The winner will also receive a $50 cash prize. All participating students will receive goodies from the shop. The computer graphics students are sophomore Dylan Babic, juniors Shelby Brett, Logan Holmes and Liam Ratcliffe and seniors Preston O’Connor, Sam Partain and Ryan Reid.
“Everyone found it to be a fun and valuable experience and they are super excited to have their work displayed in the community and viewed by many,” said Serazin.
CFMS Students of the Month
The mission of the Chagrin Falls Middle School Students 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 personalized tiger water bottles from the PTO.
November’s Students of the Month are seventh-graders Abigail Babic and Josh Vasko and eighth-graders Reagan Burnight and Harrison Horvath.
Abigail Babic is a leader in math class. She always works hard in class and is willing to step up and help her classmates. Abby is a willing participant and always asks great questions. Abby is a true asset to her class. She is always polite and kind in English class and brings so much joy and depth when talking about and engaging with literature and creative writing. In social studies, Abby is interested in the topics taught, she is quick with an answer and very kind to her classmates. She takes time to help others during class. Abby was a rock star in the first quarter of Project Lead the Way. She led every class in the discussions and showed incredible innovation and creativity.
Josh Vasko is a well-rounded student who brings dedication to all his work both in and out of class. In Book Club, students can count on him to do his part and take initiative. During Writing Workshop his enthusiasm is contagious and sets an engaging and motivated tone. Josh is a motivator, loves to work above and beyond the requirements that are expected. Josh is helpful and continues to focus and stay on topic in class. Josh leads with integrity in the classroom and is always participating and engaged. He encourages others to do their best and is a positive and caring student.
Reagan Burnight is a polite and kind young lady. She always gives her best in all she does. She works hard to understand new ideas. Reagan’s smile is contagious, even through her mask, and she has a great sense of humor. In English class, Reagan works hard on her assignments and cares about her grades. She is kind to everyone in every class and is a true leader in the eighth grade, especially in showing what an exemplary work ethic looks like.
Harrison Horvath is always on task and prepared for class. He is kind, polite and willing to ask questions and/or help others. Harrison excels at modifying and learning from mistakes in his practice work. He always has a smile on his face and will engage in conversations with his teachers. In English class, Harrison is always trying to better himself. He is kind, funny and polite. He goes above and beyond and uses each opportunity that he has to continue his learning. He has been engaged with his team and willing to think outside the box.
