Chagrin Falls Middle School (CFMS) has recognized four exceptional students as January 2025's Students of the Month for their exemplary demonstration of the Tiger Techniques: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility...
CFMS January Students of the Month
Chagrin Falls Middle School (CFMS) has recognized four exceptional students as January 2025’s Students of the Month for their exemplary demonstration of the Tiger Techniques: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort and Responsibility. The seventh- and eighth-grade teaching teams selected two male and two female students who received tiger water bottles from the PTO in recognition of their achievements.
They are seventh-graders Jacqueline Clegg and Logan Geiger and eighth-graders Ameer Hamid and Birdie Jenkins.
Jacqueline Clegg earned recognition for her leadership both in the classroom and on the girls’ basketball team. Teachers praised her proactive approach to learning, noting that she consistently seeks help when needed and maintains a positive attitude. Her commitment to completing assignments with precision and timeliness has set a high standard for her peers.
Logan Geiger was acknowledged for his infectious positive attitude and keen observational skills. His teachers highlighted his courteous behavior toward classmates and consistent class participation. Logan’s ability to stay focused and produce excellent work while maintaining positive relationships with peers made him stand out as a worthy recipient.
Birdie Jenkins demonstrated exceptional academic dedication and leadership qualities, particularly in her Project Lead The Way (PLTW) classes. Her teachers noted her consistent smile and politeness, along with her determination to achieve high standards in both academics and extracurricular activities. Birdie’s proactive approach to seeking clarification and her problem-solving abilities were particularly praised.
Ameer Hamid was recognized for his quiet but impactful leadership style across multiple disciplines. As an accomplished cellist in the eighth-grade orchestra, he consistently helps fellow students while maintaining excellent preparation standards. His involvement in speech and debate, along with his growing skills in photojournalism, showcase his diverse talents. Teachers particularly noted his positivity, kindness and exemplary manners.
The Student of the Month program at CFMS continues to acknowledge students who go above and beyond in embodying the school’s values and demonstrating exceptional character and academic achievement.
STEM Learning Springs to Life
Gurney Elementary School’s third-grade STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) students explored the world of simple machines through an innovative hands-on project that culminated in a unique engineering challenge. The young scientists studied fundamental mechanical devices including levers, pulleys and wheels, learning how these tools reduce effort and modify force direction.
The highlight of their exploration came when students put their knowledge to the test by designing and constructing compound machines for an engaging rescue scenario involving a toy tiger. This practical application required them to combine multiple simple machines into more complex mechanisms.
This hands-on approach teaches the science concept of forces while fostering essential skills like creativity, problem-solving and collaboration,” said STEM teacher Sally Gallick. “The students gained valuable insights into how simple machines function, establishing a strong foundation for future engineering concepts.
The project demonstrated how elementary students can grasp complex mechanical principles through interactive learning experiences. These budding engineers discovered real-world applications of physics principles, setting the stage for more advanced scientific exploration in their academic careers.
Meanwhile, in Gallik’s second-grade STEM class, students have been learning about pollination and seed germination, starting with a hands-on simulation of bees pollinating flowers. Afterward, they got a closer look at plant life by dissecting seeds to explore their structure and learn how plants grow.
