The fourth-grade students of Chagrin Falls Intermediate School embarked on an educational adventure at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in April...
Fourth-Grade Field Trip to Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The fourth-grade students of Chagrin Falls Intermediate School embarked on an educational adventure at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in April. This field trip provided a hands-on learning experience that perfectly complemented their science lessons on Native American life, fossils and the evolution of our world.
Upon arrival, an instructor led the eager students to a classroom where they delved into the fascinating world of Ohio’s indigenous people before the arrival of European settlers in 1650. Through an engaging program, the students had the opportunity to inspect real museum artifacts and replicas from four main eras, witnessing firsthand the remarkable changes that took place over time.
With a sense of awe and amazement, the students marveled at the stark contrasts between each era and the modern world they know today. Highlights included holding the soft pelts of skunks and rabbits, learning about ancient hunting techniques and discovering how clothing was crafted from natural resources.
After this immersive historical experience, the students ventured into the museum’s exhibits, where they explored a variety of captivating displays. Although some exhibits were under construction, many students enjoyed the 3D movies featuring butterflies and prehistoric ice age giants, transporting them to different realms of nature and time.
However, the true highlight of the day was the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden, an immersive walkway and bridge system that allowed the students to observe Ohio’s native wildlife up close. Coyotes, foxes, bobcats and owls captured the imaginations of the young explorers, who couldn’t help but linger at the otter exhibit and marvel at the majestic bald eagles.
Melinda Sawicki, a teacher at CFIS, expressed her enthusiasm for the field trip, stating, “This experience pairs perfectly with our science lessons on Native American life, fossils, and the changes our world has undergone through the ages. Seeing our students engage with history and nature in such an interactive way was truly rewarding.”
The day concluded with the students enjoying a well-deserved meal together in the beautifully renovated lunchroom at the museum, sharing their excitement and newfound knowledge with their fellow classmates.
Through this educational adventure, the fourth graders of CFIS not only gained a deeper understanding of Ohio’s rich heritage and natural wonders but also created lasting memories that will inspire their curiosity and love for learning.
Students Journey to Spain
This spring break, a group of adventurous students from Chagrin Falls High School embarked on an extraordinary cultural immersion journey to Sevilla, España. Led by teachers Lisa Fetterman and Laurie Walsh, the young explorers experienced the richness of Spanish life through a homestay program offered by Centro Mundolengua.
The trip began with a taste of modern art at the renowned Museo de la Reina Sofía in Madrid, before the students hopped on a high-speed train to meet their host families in the captivating city of Sevilla. There, they were fully immersed in the local culture, attending language classes, participating in a ceramics workshop, and even mastering the art of paella-making in a traditional Spanish cooking class.
Beyond the culinary delights, the students were treated to a mesmerizing Flamenco show and witnessed the powerful processions of the Spanish Holy Week celebrations. Their adventurous spirits took them on day trips to the charming town of Tavira in Portugal, and the picturesque Rock of Gibraltar, where they marveled at the breathtaking views and playful monkeys.
In Basilippo, the group learned the intricacies of olive oil manufacturing, exploring the ancient olive groves and indulging in delectable snacks infused with the region’s award-winning oils. The trip culminated with a visit to the stunning Real Alcázar palace and a climb to the top of the iconic Giralda bell tower, offering panoramic views of the majestic cathedral in Sevilla.
Mia Beavers, Claire Hoelzel, Audrey Holmes, Molly Macioch, Eveleen Malley, Renner Matta, Jack Medhurst, Grace Mossad, Luke Mitchell, Andrew Strawn, Mackenzie Verderber, Margaux Verdier, Alexis Weber, and Natalie Zalud were among the fortunate students who experienced this unforgettable journey, returning home with a deeper appreciation for Spanish culture and lifelong memories.
Chinese Program Students Take Home Top Awards
Students from the 7-12 Chinese program offered within Chagrin Falls Middle School and Chagrin Falls High School earned top awards from the ninth Ohio K-12 Chinese Essay Contest, sponsored by the Ohio Association of Teachers of Chinese.
The Ohio K-12 Chinese Essay Contest is an annual competition for elementary, middle, and high school students from Ohio. During the March 2024 competition, students competed by composing an essay written in Chinese characters on a selected topic. The essays were then judged by experienced Chinese language teachers.
Eleven total students from the middle and high schools placed in this year’s competition:
Gold award winners are eighth-grader Dominick Pantuso (second year in a row), sophomore Jennah Hamdan and junior Nathaniel Bruce.
Silver award winners are eighth-graders Sean Bencsath, Nolan Fowler and Zoe Nesbitt.
Honorable mention winners are seventh-graders Melanie Brosnan and Madison Livingston, eighth-graders Gavin Chan, Henry Mitchell and Jack Shein.
Facility Upgrades for Enhanced Student Learning Experience
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools is undertaking a series of facility improvement projects this summer, strategically designed to enhance the learning environment and enrich the overall educational experience for students across all grade levels.
The district’s top priority is creating functional, safe, and inspiring spaces that foster academic growth and success. To achieve this, several key initiatives are underway.
Improving Air Quality and Comfort: Recognizing the direct impact of indoor air quality on student performance, new HVAC systems are being installed at the high school and middle school. This marks the final phase of a five-year project to modernize HVAC specifications across campuses. The upgrades will replace aging equipment and provide programmable temperature control and enhanced ventilation, ensuring comfortable classroom environments conducive to learning.
Enhancing Learning Spaces: At Gurney Elementary, outdated lighting in classrooms and hallways will be replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting. This initiative will not only create brighter, more inviting learning spaces but also result in significant cost savings for the district through reduced energy consumption. Teachers will have the ability to adjust lighting levels remotely, adapting to different instructional needs.
Prioritizing Safety and Security: Student safety remains a top concern for the district. Five brand-new buses will be added to the fleet, maintaining an impressive average bus age of 4.2 years. Proactive preventive maintenance and the installation of new bus radios, cameras and safety stop arm cameras further enhance transportation safety. Additionally, grant-funded security enhancements totaling $516,442 will address vulnerabilities identified through assessments, fortifying the district’s commitment to the well-being of students and staff.
Enriching Student Life: Thanks to a matching grant from the Ohio EPA, Harris Stadium will receive a state-of-the-art running track featuring an eco-friendly surface made from recycled tires. The upgrade will provide a safe, high-performance training and competition venue for student-athletes.
Furthermore, a dedicated varsity softball field is under construction on the south side of the 7-12 campus. The new facility will not only improve efficiency for the softball team, but also foster a stronger sense of community and team spirit.
As part of an ongoing plan to keep classrooms updated, select classrooms across the district will receive refreshments, including new flooring and window treatments, creating more productive atmospheres for learning.
“We are excited to invest in these facility improvements,” said Director of Operations Christopher Woofter. “Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning environment that inspires growth and allows all students to thrive academically, athletically, and personally.”
The Chagrin Falls community is encouraged to visit the district’s website for a comprehensive list of past and ongoing facility projects, reflecting the district’s unwavering commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for its students.s
