The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation (CFEF) Student Board is organizing its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, scheduled for March 2...
CFEF Pancake Breakfast
The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation (CFEF) Student Board is organizing its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, scheduled for March 2. The event will take place at the Chagrin Middle School cafeteria from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The all-you-can-eat breakfast features special pricing, with seniors, first responders and teachers paying $5, while adult and child admission is $10. The event promises more than just pancakes, offering entertainment including a magician, live music and raffles.
Located at 342 E Washington St. in Chagrin Falls, the fundraiser is supported by several local businesses. The breakfast serves as both a fundraising opportunity and a chance for community members to gather in support of local education.
Spanish Classes Bring Language To Life
Chagrin Falls Schools’ students experienced Spanish language instruction through creative, hands-on activities recently, as the district’s world language program continues to emphasize cultural immersion alongside traditional vocabulary and grammar.
Last week, professional dancers Myla and Justin from LeSalsa in Lakewood transformed the classroom into a dance studio, teaching students the fundamentals of salsa dancing. The activity, planned by Spanish teacher Jennifer Stone, gave students a chance to experience Hispanic cultural traditions firsthand while practicing their language skills in an authentic context. All CFHS Spanish classes participated in the event, including students all the way from Spanish 1 to AP Spanish.
In Kathleen Aranavage’s classroom, students became “secret agents” during an innovative review activity using Breakout EDU boxes—classroom-sized escape room challenges. Working in teams, students applied their knowledge of Spanish culture and vocabulary to decode clues related to Franco, Gaudí, Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Parque Güell and Las Ramblas.
“Using their Spanish vocabulary, students interpreted written and spoken clues to crack the codes and unlock the five Breakout EDU locks,” said Aranavage. The activity, inspired by the novel “Agentes secretos y el mural de Picasso,” helped students prepare for upcoming assessments while engaging them in collaborative problem-solving.
Professional Development Day
Chagrin Falls Schools transformed traditional professional development into a staff-led experience during February’s Professional Development Day, with more than 50 professionals sharing their expertise across dozens of specialized sessions – reinforcing the district’s commitment to Inspiring All to Grow and Thrive.
Throughout the day, 56 teachers, staff and administrators led 33 interactive sessions, each aligned with the district’s strategic priorities of high-quality learning experiences (personalized learning), student and staff well-being, or strategic resourcing. Sessions covered a range of topics, from student-driven inquiry strategies to fluency practices and data-driven instruction, equipping educators with innovative tools to enhance student engagement.
“At Chagrin Falls Schools, we are committed to fostering a culture where every educator feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow,” said Superintendent Jennifer Penczarski. “By recognizing our educators as experts and providing opportunities for them to lead, we reinforce our role as a forward-thinking institution – one where learning is continuous, collaboration is encouraged, and excellence is shared.”
Beyond instructional techniques, the sessions fostered meaningful connections among staff, encouraging collaboration and shared learning. By focusing on the district’s core pillars – Connect, Create and Challenge -the event provided opportunities for educators to strengthen relationships, develop new approaches, and refine best practices.
“Based on feedback from the past few years, we recognized the need to bring more staff voice and choice into professional development,” reflected assistant Superintendent Jarrod Mulheman. “Through the leadership of Molly Klodor and our team of instructional coaches, we created a space where every staff member – teachers, classified staff and administrators -had a role in shaping the day. This event was truly designed by and for our staff, ensuring sessions were relevant, meaningful and impactful. The success of the day is a testament to everyone who stepped up to lead sessions, share their expertise, and collaborate with their colleagues.”
As Chagrin Falls Schools continue to prioritize high-quality education and student success, this professional learning day exemplifies the district’s vision in action – ensuring that every educator is empowered to inspire, challenge and support students in an evolving educational landscape.
“The success of this professional development day was a direct result of our educators leading the way, and the feedback makes it clear—this is the model we want to build upon,” said Penczarski. “When we create an environment where professionals can share their expertise and learn from one another, we elevate not just individual growth, but the collective strength of our entire district.”
Grid Method Learning System
Three second-grade students from Gurney Elementary School demonstrated their classroom’s innovative “Grid Method” learning system at the Feb. 19 Chagrin Falls Board of Education meeting. Students Clifton Fulmer, Paige Sheridan and Eva Christie from Lisa Dugach and Sarah Ross’s class explained how this unique approach helps them master language arts skills at their own pace.
The Grid Method features four progressive levels of difficulty, allowing students to choose their learning path while ensuring mastery of essential skills. Each level includes activities focused on trick words, spelling, sounds and marking, with students tracking their progress using personalized avatars on the classroom’s Clever Touch display.
“I liked this Grid because we didn’t have to go across and do everything in each level. Everyone could pick what they wanted to work on,” Clifton shared during the presentation. His classmate Paige added that she appreciated how “you get to pick your own thing to work on,” while Eva highlighted her favorite activities, including “creating a game board, the word search and the Be A Teacher activity.”
The system incorporates creative elements such as student-designed board games, teacher role-playing activities and digital learning tools, demonstrating how modern educational methods can engage young learners while building fundamental language skills.
3rd-Graders Visit History Center
Gurney Elementary third-graders gained hands-on history lessons through a visit to the Chagrin History Center. The program, which aligns with Ohio’s social studies standards, lets students explore local heritage through interactive exhibits featuring historical tools, period clothing and vintage maps.
A highlight of each visit is exploring the center’s preserved fire truck, while volunteer docents guide students through activities designed to demonstrate how the Chagrin community has evolved over time. The program transforms traditional history lessons into engaging, experiential learning opportunities that bring the past to life.
