The Gurney Service Learning Club, made up of enthusiastic third-graders, recently brought joy and laughter to the residents of Hamlet during a heartwarming visit filled with games, music and shared stories...
Service Learning Club Spreads Cheer
The Gurney Service Learning Club, made up of enthusiastic third-graders, recently brought joy and laughter to the residents of Hamlet during a heartwarming visit filled with games, music and shared stories. Led by school counselor DaleTschappat and teacher Courtney Mooney, the club makes monthly visits to their senior friends at Hamlet, fostering meaningful connections across generations.
During their latest visit, the students and residents gathered for a lively game of Crazy 8s, where friendly competition and camaraderie took center stage. As they played, the group enjoyed the sounds of traditional Irish music, adding a festive touch to the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Decked out in shades of green, both students and residents exchanged smiles, stories and fond memories of their favorite card games.
Adding a unique twist to the visit, one student even brought along the class “pet” skunk – part of Gurney Elementary’s One School, One Book program. The school is reading “A Boy Called BAT,” a story that features a skunk as a central character. Each classroom has its own stuffed skunk and a journal, where students document their experiences when they take the pet home. They add journal entries with photos and written descriptions of their adventures before sharing them with the class.
Through their monthly visits, the Gurney Service Learning Club continues to brighten the days of Hamlet residents while learning valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the joy of building friendships across generations. Small moments – like a shared game of cards or a friendly conversation – can leave a lasting impact, and this visit was a perfect reminder of that.
National Merit Finalist
Chagrin Falls High School senior Grace Mossad is a finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.
This achievement places Mossad among the nation’s top high school scholars. Finalists are eligible for National Merit Scholarships, awarded to approximately half of those who reach this distinguished level. Scholarship winners are selected based on their abilities, accomplishments, and overall qualifications.
To earn finalist status, students must meet rigorous criteria, including an outstanding academic record, strong SAT or ACT scores that confirm PSAT/NMSQT performance and a recommendation from their high school principal. They must also submit a detailed application featuring coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer efforts and a personal essay.
All National Merit Finalists receive a Certificate of Merit and gain recognition for their exceptional achievements. Winners of National Merit Scholarships will be announced this month.
ADHD Workshop
Following a productive professional development day with Michael McLeod, ADHD/executive function specialist, Chagrin Falls educators are now better equipped to support students with executive functioning challenges.
Teachers and staff participated in an intensive workshop where McLeod shared current research, debunked outdated misconceptions about ADHD, and presented practical strategies that can be implemented in classrooms to better serve affected students.
“This engaging session helped deepen their expertise and inspire all to grow and thrive,” said Director of Pupil Services Jennifer Bencko.
The professional development opportunity was made possible through funding from the Chagrin Falls PTO, highlighting the organization’s commitment to enhancing educational support for all students.
Parents interested in learning the same valuable information had the opportunity to attend a public session the evening of Feb. 26 in the intermediate school auditorium. The evening presentation covered misconceptions about ADHD, the latest research on executive functioning, and practical exercises and strategies that can be implemented at home.
The Chagrin Falls PTO Speaker Series event continues the district’s efforts to create a supportive community that understands and addresses the needs of students with various learning profiles. A classically trained pianist who performs in the Chagrin Falls Jazz Band, Joyce represents the epitome of a well-rounded student. While her college plans are currently undecided, she intends to pursue studies bridging business and science.
Angles in Action
Mathematics took an exciting turn outside the classroom as Chagrin Falls High School students applied geometric principles to the popular pastime of mini golf.
In an innovative approach to teaching angular concepts, mathematics students designed their own mini golf courses, using principles such as the angle of incidence and angle of reflection to create strategic paths toward a hole-in-one.
Students were able to see mathematical concepts be applied in real-world situations and that they could use geometry to master mini golf.
Students incorporated obstacles and bounce walls into their designs, carefully marking reflection points and using protractors to measure angles for optimal shot trajectories. The project culminated in field trips to Sweeny Land Putt-Putt and HassHill’s Magic Mini-Golf, where students tested their calculations on actual courses.
The learning experience extended beyond design, featuring interactive activities including precise angle measurements, a competitive Gimkit game and the creation of pixel art based on geometric principles.
The hands-on approach demonstrated that mathematics extends beyond abstract numbers to include strategy, creativity and enjoyment – a lesson that resonated strongly with participants as they engaged in friendly competition while reinforcing their understanding of angular relationships.
Rotary Student of the Month
Delaney Joyce, a senior at Chagrin Falls High School, has been named the Chagrin Valley Rotary Club’s Student of the Month for March, recognizing her exceptional academic achievements, leadership and community involvement.
Joyce is a well-rounded student who has excelled both inside and outside the classroom. An accomplished student-athlete, she has served as a two-year captain of the varsity tennis team and competed in lacrosse for three years. Her academic prowess is evident in her extensive advanced placement course load, which includes challenging subjects like AP US History, AP Computer Science A, AP English Language, AP Physics 1, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Biology, AP Spanish, AP Music Theory and AP English Literature.
Beyond her academic and athletic pursuits, Joyce has demonstrated significant leadership skills. As senior class president and co-president of the Chagrin Falls Education Foundation Student Board, she has shown a commitment to serving her school and community. Her involvement extends to the Principal Advisory Council and the Engineering Club, where she holds an officer position.
Her passion for language and cultural exchange is highlighted by her Ohio Spanish Language Seal of Biliteracy and a transformative study abroad experience in Sevilla, Spain, during the summer of 2023. Joyce has also dedicated considerable time to volunteering, tutoring children at the Chagrin Falls Park Community Center and working at the Cleveland Book Bank.
A classically trained pianist who performs in the Chagrin Falls Jazz Band, Joyce represents the epitome of a well-rounded student. While her college plans are currently undecided, she intends to pursue studies bridging business and science.
“Delaney’s future is bright, and I have no doubt that wherever life takes her, she will continue to lead with purpose, passion, and a spirit of excellence,” said Principal Amanda Rassi. “On behalf of Chagrin Falls High School, we congratulate Delaney and thank her for her incredible contributions to our school and community.”
The Rotary Club’s Student of the Month program aims to recognize high school students who exemplify service and leadership, providing them an opportunity to interact with local business and professional leaders.
