Beaming with enthusiasm, students from The Write Place at Chagrin Falls High School paid a special visit to Chagrin Falls Intermediate School on Dec. 15...
Students Spread Cheer with Writing Contest Prizes
Beaming with enthusiasm, students from The Write Place at Chagrin Falls High School paid a special visit to Chagrin Falls Intermediate School on Dec. 15. They arrived bearing exciting prizes for the talented winners of this month’s writing contest.
Current interns include seniors Erin Burchard, Lily Deuberry, Bianca Fant, Hollie Markham, Kelly Meador, Chloe Moorman, Maggie Oliver, Maggie Pease, Brady Thompson and Casey Verderber; and juniors Lily Adelman, Sophia Martens, Cam Mateyo, Lauren Vasko and Greta Westropp. Bobbie Serensky is the director of The Write Place.
“It was so cool getting to reward the younger kids for their awesome writing,” said high school student Lauren Vasko. “I remember looking up to the older kids when I was their age too. It feels good to give back to my community and support young writers.”
Intermediate school Principal Curtis Howell beamed at the scene of the students intermingling. “This is why I love our district so much,” he said. “Students supporting students – across ages, grade levels, and schools. It’s amazing seeing our #cftogether theme in action.”
The CFIS winners include fourth-grader Gabby Radomsky; fifth-grader Wesley Wyler; and sixth-grader Maeve Nalepka. November’s theme was “Together We Honor.” The students submitted writing that included the following prompt: “If you could spend the day with someone you honor most in life, who would it be and what would you do?”
The younger students especially liked Hoobert, the owl who helped distribute the prizes. The interns all pitched in to buy the costume to use in their celebratory events. Students take turns wearing it.
“This is what community is all about…coming together, supporting each other and thriving,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski. “We’re so proud of all our students for their hard work and dedication. Here’s to many more moments of learning, growth and joy.”
One thing is clear – with this level of support and mentoring amongst students, the future of writing in Chagrin Falls looks undoubtedly bright.
Buddy Class Program in Full Swing
An exciting energy has been buzzing in district buildings lately thanks to a program pairing classes across grade levels to align with the year’s theme, “CF Together.” Known as “buddy classes,” younger students have been collaborating with older peers on engaging projects all semester long.
The connections were on full display recently as Kathleen Aranavage’s eighth-graders teamed up in person with Brad Jones’ third-graders for a morning of bonding. The pairs laughed through scavenger hunts, played bonding games, and learned together via a customized Blooket game.
In another buddy class, Grace McDevitt and Melinda Sawicki’s fourth-graders shared the realistic fiction stories they authored with 12th-graders in Melanie Hoffmann’s senior class. Getting feedback from near graduates was hugely inspiring for the young authors’ skills and confidence. Additionally, writing interns from The Write Place volunteered extra feedback support.
The interactions have provided meaningful opportunities for guidance both ways though. When Marissa Ausperk brought her eighth-graders to enjoy Tiger Perk snacks with Stefanie Ashkettle’s 10th-graders, wisdom and advice flowed in both directions.
Mallory Mazzola and Nicole Kennedy even had their kindergarteners make paper hand turkeys and share gratitude with Brooke Campbell’s seventh-graders. Smiles abounded as the small students taught their older buddies.
The new buddy class initiative has been forging priceless inter-age student bonds District-wide. If the first semester is any indication, this program looks to have a bright future helping our school community thrive.
