The latest issue of Chagrin Falls Schools' digital magazine, "Super News," can be viewed at bit.ly/SuperNewsAugust2019 or by going to the district's website at www.chagrinschools.org.
August Super News Now Online
The latest issue of Chagrin Falls Schools’ digital magazine, “Super News,” can be viewed at bit.ly/SuperNewsAugust2019 or by going to the district’s website at www.chagrinschools.org.
This issue features a message from the superintendent and Board of Education, as well as photos of the intermediate school ribbon cutting/dedication, first day of school, teacher and staff member of the year and much more.
For archived issues of all communications from Chagrin Falls Schools, go to www.chagrinschools.org/Communications.aspx.
CFMS Book Club Celebrates Literacy
The Chagrin Falls Middle School Book Club held a summer session for students to have hands-on learning and discussions about the books they read. The club advisors are Chagrin Falls Schools’ teachers Angie Jameson and Kyle Patterson. With their help and the assistance of Overdrive Education and Lake Geauga Computer Association’s unlimited access to numerous e-books, students chose a book for summer reading.
The Chagrin Falls Public Library also provided copies of two selected titles for students who preferred a physical book. Students came together on July 31 in the Innovation Center for a celebration of literacy.
The day of programming included a visit from Nicole Latosky, humane education coordinator from Rescue Village. She and her crew of volunteers and therapy dogs discussed shelter life and volunteer opportunities. This part of the program was inspired by one of the book choices, Heidi Lang’s “Rules of the Ruff.”The story follows a young lady who teams up with a professional dog walker.
During lunchtime, students used cue cards to discuss the books they read over the summer. After the discussions, advisors Jameson and Patterson demonstrated how to code with miniature robots called, Ozobots. Students then competed to race the robots on posters that replicated scenes from their selected books.
The students also had the chance to connect over Skype with Zoologist Heather Davidson. The connection took place in the Innovation Center and students learned about isolated islands, as the other book choice, Peter Brown’s “The Wild Robot,” tells the story of a robot coming to life on an island and adapting to life with the animals. Students also learned about what it takes to become a zoologist and the impact zoos have worldwide.
“Students enjoyed the literacy celebration with programming focused on humane and STEM education,” said Chagrin Falls High School teacher Angie Jameson.
Teacher and Staff Member of the Year
Chagrin Falls Schools announced the Teacher and Staff Member of the Year at the convocation meeting for all staff on Aug. 19. Teacher of the Year is Janet Adamoski, Chagrin Falls Middle School special education teacher. This year’s Staff Member of the Year is high school secretary Ruth Steelman.
Teacher of the Year
Janet Adamoski was named as this year’s Teacher of the Year. Chagrin Falls Middle School Principal Laila Discenza said, “To many, this teacher is everything that’s right about education; a positive attitude that’s student-centered and growth-focused. To other educators, this teacher is a team player with creative ideas and best practices. To students, this teacher is fun, caring and interesting.”
She is described by her fellow staff members as being a quiet, get-it-done person who rarely takes time to step into the spotlight. Adamoski is skilled in reaching out to students who are struggling in reading and writing. Her lessons are well planned and executed, and she has a clear purpose when engaging her students in fun activities. She can be found after hours completing her lesson plans and adjusting them to reach a diverse array of learners.
One nominator said that Adamoski works tirelessly to ensure her students are successful and she is an invaluable addition to her co-taught classes. Discenza said that Adamoski’s conviction for teaching, advocating, communicating and collaborating are steadfast. Discenza said that Adamoski “does everything in the spirit of fun and is not afraid to speak up for what is right. Her experience and education have taught her to know what road each individual student needs to be on to show growth from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” A nominator went on to say that the school is lucky to have her on the team and as an educator at Chagrin Falls Middle School.
Staff Member of the Year
Ruth Steelman is described as consistently kind-hearted, professional and on top of everything in the building. She goes above and beyond to help people around her and makes things simple for the teachers in the building so they can focus their efforts on teaching. Steelman works hard to make sure that Chagrin Falls High School runs smoothly on a daily basis. She ensures classes are covered, provides substitutes with all the information they need to be successful, and provides information to the staff with perfect grammar and punctuation.
A nominator said that she greets visitors with a smile and has a positive word for everyone she meets. Ruth is sincerely committed to the well-being of Chagrin Falls High School in whatever way is needed. The nominator went on to say that the high school runs so smoothly in large part due to her efforts.
“Ruth Steelman deserves recognition for her work and devotion to the Chagrin Schools,” they said.
High School Principal Monica Asher stated that, “Ruth constantly makes the people around her feel better. She is so incredibly kind and shows compassion to every person she meets. Not only is her work ethic unparalleled, she greets each day and each task with a warm and authentic smile and a great attitude. In two years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her have a bad day. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work next to her every day.”
Ray Markuszka Service Award
On Aug. 19, during the Chagrin Fall Schools’ convocation meeting to welcome back staff, Director of Operations Chris Woofter presented the Ray Markuszka 20-Year Service Award to the following employees: Stefanie Ashkettle, Carole Dennison, Christine Fishman, Sue Luther, Brian McKenna, Mark Slusher, Mike Sweeney, Andrea Vicchio and Shelly Zdolshek.
Online Store Launched
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village School District has a new theme and focus this year, “HOME.” This was introduced at the opening convocation ceremony on Aug. 19 at the new Chagrin Falls Intermediate School. Superintendent Robert Hunt introduced the theme to the staff with a dramatic presentation summarizing the theme. The event closed as more than 40 teachers, in a flash mob style, joined together in singing the popular pop song, “HOME,” by Phillips Phillips.
To celebrate the Chagrin Falls Schools’ new theme of “HOME” this year, the district has opened an online store with clothing and merchandise for residents to purchase. The store can be found on the website https://cfhomeapparel.itemorder.com/sale.
The first round of orders will be closed on Sept. 1. The community can pick up their orders on Sept. 13 between 5:30-7 p.m. at the varsity football game tailgate at Harris Stadium. Orders not picked up may be picked up at KMK Promotional Sales, 300 Industrial Parkway, Ste. E, Chagrin Falls, beginning Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents also may choose the direct ship option and items will be shipped to an address of their choice.
Proceeds from sales will be utilized to support student enrichment programs and activities in all Chagrin Falls Schools’ buildings.
“The amount of time we have with young people and knowing what characteristics we should instill in children led to our theme of HOME,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt. “The district continuously strives to create a safe environment providing a culture of acceptance, responsibility and growth. We want students to feel connected and valued every time they interact with our staff and we strive to be partners with parents in the development of their child. In other words, what develops quality individuals at home are the same things we aspire to develop at school. We want our school buildings, sports fields, and stages to become an extension of HOME for our students.”
Residents are encouraged to follow the events and news from the 2019-20 school year by following the district on its Facebook (@CFEVS) and Twitter (@Chagrin_Schools) accounts as well as using the hashtag #cfevsHOME.
