A wave of positivity and community swept Chagrin Falls Intermediate School during their annual Kindness Week celebration Feb. 12-15...
CFIS Students Champion Kindness Week Celebration
A wave of positivity and community swept Chagrin Falls Intermediate School during their annual Kindness Week celebration Feb. 12-15. At the Feb. 21 board of education meeting, CFIS Student Council representatives shared highlights from the uplifting festivities.
“During Kindness Week we had a school-wide Spirit Week encouraging everyone’s participation,” said sixth-grader Dylan Nelson. “Every morning, Principal Mr. Curtis Howell would award the Tiger Pride Spirit Stick to the class showing the most spirit.”
One activity had students anonymously writing encouraging notes that were placed in teachers’ mailboxes.
“It was fun to brighten their day with nice messages!” said fifth-grader Avery Ellis.
Students also played Kindness Bingo at lunch, marking acts of kindness.
“We marked the kind things we did for others that week,” explained Ellis.
Classes decorated hallway doors with inspiring messages like “We Stick Together” with customized marshmallows.
“Each door had participation from every student,” said fourth-grader Ellie Sheridan. “The marshmallow door was the winner!”
In guidance class, students wrote inspirational notes with artwork to uplift peers.
“Every CFIS student found a personalized note on their locker,” said sixth-grader Payton Felder.
Outside school, students tracked good deeds using Kindness Logs.
”I argued less with my brother – that was on my log!” shared fourth-grader Dean Kosteas.
From dances to decorated doors, CFIS students embraced the chance to spread more compassion throughout their community and enjoyed sharing their successful Kindness Week with the board members, administrators and community members.
“Having true, real-life learning experiences for students is something we work hard to provide at CFIS,” said Principal Curtis Howell. “Watching students take ownership of something like Kindness Week shows that it’s a topic they value. These are the types of small events that can lead to positive, systemic change!”
Rotary Student of the Month
Chagrin Falls High School (CFHS) senior Atlas Nielsen has been selected as the February 2024 Chagrin Valley Rotary Student of the Month. Nielsen was chosen based on leadership and service qualities displayed in the community.
Nielsen has earned several awards at CFHS including Band Student of the Month, Junior Rising Star and Tiger of the Semester. Nielsen is an active member of Drama Club (four years) and Speech and Debate (two years).
Nielsen enjoys being involved in theater with Excel Tecc/Performing Arts, Solon Center for the Arts and Chagrin Falls High School performances. Nielsen also enjoys being in the marching band, concert band and select choir, as well as the American Music Abroad Program.
In addition to playing music, writing stories and songs, journaling and reading, Nielsen likes spending time with family and their dogs, researching Greek mythology, Dungeons and Dragons and traveling. Nielsen has more than 100 community service hours, volunteering with both Humble Designs and Chagrin Falls Community Theatre.
In school, Nielsen has taken several accelerated classes including AP Seminar, AP Calculus AB, CCP English 1 and 2, AP U.S. History, and AP Psychology. Nielsen plans on attending Ohio University as a theater major and possibly studying criminology/sociology.
In Principal Amanda Rassi’s speech at the Rotary Club meeting, she stated, “Atlas, I am beyond proud to know you and to have served as your principal. You are wise beyond your years and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. When you make it big, feel free to give me a shoutout in your Oscar acceptance speech!”
Educators Share AI Innovation at Statewide Conference
A team of forward-thinking educators from Chagrin Falls Schools took center stage at the Ohio Educational Technology Conference in Columbus on Feb. 15. Director of Technology and Innovation Mike Daugherty, Director of Student Advancement Jarrod Mulheman, Technology Integration Coach Molly Klodor and Library Media Specialist Angie Jameson captivated a large audience with their pioneering integration of generative AI into the classroom.
While artificial intelligence is still an emerging technology in education, Chagrin Falls Schools is at the forefront of harnessing its transformative potential. The district has strategically rolled out various AI tools to enhance learning experiences, streamline administrative tasks, and push the boundaries of personalized instruction.
During their engaging conference session, the Chagrin Falls team shared insights from the district’s AI implementation journey. From critical staff training initiatives to the development of robust guidelines and protocols, the educators illuminated their comprehensive approach to responsibly integrating this cutting-edge technology.
Captivating attendees with compelling examples, the presenters explored AI’s profound impact on the modern classroom. They highlighted how the strategic adoption of these tools has catalyzed more interactive, personalized, and innovative learning opportunities for both teachers and students.
Looking ahead, the Chagrin Falls team outlined their ambitious vision for continued AI integration, including planned expansions that will further unlock its potential in the years to come. Attendees left energized by the possibilities AI opens for transforming education in student-centered and future-focused ways.
By sharing Chagrin Falls Schools’ pioneering work at the statewide conference, this dynamic team positioned both themselves and their district as true thought leaders in the realm of education technology and AI implementation. Their presentation stood as a powerful testament to Chagrin Falls Schools’ dedication to providing cutting-edge learning experiences that empower students to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Teacher Matt Volk and Molly Klodor presented earlier in the week at the conference. During Matt Volk’s presentation, “Make Your Space Engaging,” attendees were introduced to the story of the Chagrin Falls Creation Lab. Highlights included the introduction of machine and skill certifications, seasonal projects, and library collaborative fests. These initiatives showcased the excitement and engagement of Chagrin Falls’ students. His discussion also highlighted the evolution of classroom curriculum projects, showcasing both past achievements and future initiatives. Molly Klodor’s presentation, “Teaching with a Bit of AI Magic,” covered strategies and lesson ideas for students using generative AI tools.
Mock Trial Team Competes in Regional Competition
Chagrin Falls High School’s first-ever Mock Trial Team competed in the 2024 Ohio High School Regional Competition on Feb. 16 at the Lake County Courthouse in Lake County. Attorney Missy Wright, who lives in Chagrin Falls and had twins who graduated from CFHS in 2019, volunteers as the team’s coach. Abe Adams, with the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy, is the staff advisor.
Will Wagner and Layla Hauserman received the Outstanding Witness awards and Zach Flaiz and Fraya Brattebo received the Outstanding Attorney awards.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of everyone. Missy Wright has done an amazing job coaching and guiding this young team to the Regional qualifiers in their first year of competition. Everyone’s dedication and focus leads me to believe Chagrin Falls will continue to be a major competitor in the Lake County district for years to come,” said staff advisor Abe Adams.
