Fourth-grade students at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School demonstrated their emerging journalistic skills through engaging student-produced newscasts before the holiday break...
Newscast Project
Fourth-grade students at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School demonstrated their emerging journalistic skills through engaging student-produced newscasts before the holiday break. The innovative project, developed by fourth-grade teachers, combined multiple learning objectives as students researched topics, wrote their own scripts and delivered news segments in front of the camera.
The lesson challenged students to develop essential communication skills while working collaboratively with their peers. Students embraced the opportunity to be creative, incorporating elements of humor into their broadcasts while maintaining professional presentation standards. The project served as a practical application of writing, research, and public speaking skills, allowing students to experience real-world communication challenges in an engaging classroom setting.
Students Blend Technology and Gratitude
Fourth- and sixth-graders at Chagrin Falls Intermediate School (CFIS) recently combined digital design skills with expressions of gratitude in an innovative collaborative project. Led by Abigail Packard and Annie Schluep, the “Building Your Dream Team” initiative merged a guidance curriculum with technology education to help students recognize and appreciate important people in their lives.
The project showcased different technological approaches across grade levels. Fourth-grade students utilized Canva to design custom stickers, which were then printed in the school’s Makerspace. Meanwhile, sixth graders advanced their technical skills by creating laser-cut cards using the Makerspace’s Glowforge machine.
The cross-disciplinary collaboration between Innovation and Guidance departments exemplified CFIS’s commitment to meaningful learning experiences that combine emotional intelligence with technical skills. Through this project, students not only developed their digital design capabilities, but also practiced gratitude by crafting personalized thank-you messages for significant individuals in their lives.
Great Lakes Theater Brings Literature to Life
Professional actors from Great Lakes Theater recently transformed literature lessons at both Chagrin Falls High School and Gurney Elementary School through interactive theatrical experiences.
At the high school level, students delved deep into Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” working directly with theater professionals to act out scenes while analyzing themes of fear, integrity and community. The hands-on approach allowed students to physically step into characters’ roles, creating meaningful connections between the historical drama and contemporary issues.
Meanwhile, Gurney Elementary third-graders enjoyed their own theatrical journey as they explored beloved stories, including “The Giving Tree.” Under the guidance of professional actors, young students took on character roles and participated in thoughtful discussions about themes of generosity and love.
The week-long residency program gave students at both schools the unique opportunity to experience literature beyond the page, bringing stories to life through performance and reflection.
The theater company’s dual presence across the district demonstrates Chagrin Falls Schools’ commitment to engaging students of all ages in dynamic, arts-integrated learning experiences.
