Chagrin Falls Intermediate School had so many students interested in Art Club this year that visual arts teacher Kristy Boss had to create a club for each half of the school year.
CFIS Art Club
Chagrin Falls Intermediate School had so many students interested in Art Club this year that visual arts teacher Kristy Boss had to create a club for each half of the school year. The first group is made up of 24 fourth-graders while the second half is made up of 24 fifth- and sixth-graders.
“I didn’t have it in my heart to turn anyone away from the club. It feels great giving these kids the opportunity to be creative outside of the typical classroom,” said Boss.
The fourth-grade group began the year by creating art club T-shirts. The goal of this project was for students to have a shirt to wear to club meetings on Wednesdays. Wearing these shirts with pride was also a great way to promote the art program.
Boss said the club is focusing on bringing the Chagrin Fall Schools community together and creating a positive impact on the high school and middle school. In honor of this initiative, the students created a mural inspired by artist Kelsey Montague’s #WhatLiftsYou street art. Montague began in New York City by drawing wings for people to stand in front of and tweet the picture with a caption about what inspires them. Her artistic movement is now a worldwide project. Each Chagrin Falls student created color gradated wings and drew images and text of what “lifts them up.”
The next project in store for the club is to hit the hallways with art. This will include fun images, paint drips and happy moments from the Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Art Club.
CFMS Students of the Month
The Student of the Month award at Chagrin Falls Middle School acknowledges students for their outstanding performance and rewards them for their efforts. The students were chosen by seventh- and eighth-grade teams to be a “Tiger of the Month.” These students exemplify the Tiger Techniques of: Think, Integrity, Grit, Effort, and Responsibility.
October’s Tigers of the Month were Anna Baker, Drew Blair, Hannah DiGiampetro and Logan Holmes
Seventh-grader Anna Baker always acted as a leader on the cross country team. She went above and beyond putting in extra time when the team didn’t have to practice. The coaches are looking forward to seeing her continued progression on the eighth-grade team. In the classroom, Anna is an asset to the Socratic Classroom as she is organized and meticulous. She has a consistently positive attitude and is eager to learn. No matter the partner or project, Anna is reliable and gives 100 percent. Her answers are thoughtful and her notes are precise.
Drew Blair is a seventh-grader whose smile brightens the classroom. He challenges himself every day to solve new problems and does a great job communicating his thoughts to his classmates. He has a positive attitude and learns quickly from his mistakes to better himself. In the classroom, he is prepared, participates and works well with others acting as a strong team player. In language arts class, Drew shows respect, shares his ideas and answers and keeps the conversation going in his book group. He gives his full effort to every assignment.
Eighth-grader Hannah DiGiampetro is always smiling and puts forth her best and intense effort in class. She actively participates and is able to express her opinions well. Hannah is always honest and is kind to her teachers and peers. Her participation in activities outside of class helps make the school a better place.
Logan Holmes is an eighth-grader with a contagious smile. He has a positive outlook on life and is a great teammate. He consistently works hard and goes above and beyond to help others in and out of the classroom.
Students received personalized tiger water bottles from the PTO.
Use of Technology in the Classroom Disucssion
On Nov. 8, Chagrin Falls Schools hosted its fall meeting of the district’s Senior Council. More than 20 senior citizens attended the luncheon and learned about how students and teachers are using technology in the classroom. Chagrin Falls High School seniors and interns with the district’s office of technology and information systems, Tori Hallwachs and Nicholas DiSanto, discussed the use of Google and Chromebook in their academic lives. They talked about collaborating with peers, teachers and students in lower grades through the writing center. They also touched on the ease of use and access to their documents from anywhere at any time.
“We also took the group on a Google Expedition to Angel Falls in Venezuela,” said Director of Technology and Information Systems Mike Daugherty.
“The senior council took a virtual field trip to learn about how we use this technology in the classroom. We discussed the various ways that our teachers use virtual field trips as a way to supplement their curriculum and engage students in new ways.”
The District’s Google Expedition kit includes 26 devices and access to more than 950 expeditions. The kit is used an average of five to eight times per week in only its second year in the district.
Two Students to Perform in A Christmas Story
Two students from Chagrin Falls Schools will be performing in the Cleveland Play House production of “A Christmas Story.” Cleveland Play House is a professional regional theatre company that has produced plays and provided theatre education programs in Northeast Ohio since its founding in 1915.
Chagrin Falls Intermediate School fifth-grader Ella Stec will be playing the roles of Helen and Esther Jane in “A Christmas Story.” Her previous acting credits include: “Cinder-Ella” at Beck Center, “Aunt Leaf” at Cleveland Play House’s Theatre Academy, “Gypsy” at Beck Center, “Annie” at Aurora Community Theatre, “To Kill a Mocking Bird” at Weathervane Playhouse and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at Weathervane Playhouse. In addition to acting, she is also a member of Ohio’s All-State Children’s Chorus.
Chagrin Falls Middle School eighth-grader Nathan Hill will be playing Scut Farkus in “A Christmas Story.” This is his Cleveland Play House debut. Hill has been acting since the third grade, beginning with “The Wizard of Oz” at the Fairmount Center for the Arts. His recent credits include “Oliver! “At Medina County Show Biz Theatre, “Beauty and the Beast” at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, “A Whole New World” at Mercury Theatre Company, “Peter Pan” at the Fairmount Center of the Arts, and “High School Musical2” at Chagrin Falls Community Ed Theatre. Outside of acting, Hill is a member of student council, debate team, and plays trombone in the band.
“A Christmas Story” runs from Nov. 23 through Dec. 23 at the Allen Theater on 1407 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland. For showtimes and ticket prices, visit https://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/shows/2018/a-christmas-story.
