Chagrin Falls Middle School Student Council has many amazing and fun activities in the works this year, including community involvement and service projects...
CFMS Student Council
By Lilly Catney, CFMS Student Council secretary
Chagrin Falls Middle School Student Council has many amazing and fun activities in the works this year, including community involvement and service projects. The entire council meets every two weeks, and in between, each of the committees is hard at work. The officers develop the agenda and run the meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order. This allows the meetings to flow smoothly, with everyone having the chance to contribute. They also take turns making breakfast for the entire group of 35 students, which makes the 7a.m. meetings even better.
This year’s zookeeper committee planned a fun tailgate event before the eighth-grade football game under the lights on Sept. 21. The first-ever event, that was only for middle school students allowed the entire school to come together and have fun.
A fall dance is scheduled on Nov. 18 and the committee currently is developing a carnival theme. The council’s fall charity and spirit/fun committees also have lots of work going on.
CFHS Students Connect with Other Cultures
Chagrin Falls High School International Club works to expose students to other cultures, which prompted the club’s vice president, Charlie Reardon, to spend his summer immersed in the Netherland’s culture while interning in Amsterdam. Charlie created a presentation about his experiences, the region itself and the cultural differences he observed and then shared it with his fellow students at a recent International Club meeting.
The International Club was started several years ago with the purpose of connecting Chagrin Falls High School students with other cultures. To accomplish this goal, the club invites speakers from the student body and local community to speak about their international experiences. Students also try food, games, dance and crafts from around the world.
This school year, the club is hoping to use social media to connect with students from other countries and cultures. There is also the possibility of virtual field trips to different countries via Google Cardboard. Besides learning about other cultures, the club also works to boost awareness about global issues by raising funds for charitable causes.
#CFEVS Parent Ambassadors
A new chapter in family-school partnership will begin this year throughout the Chagrin Falls community. The school district is actively recruiting #CFEVS Parent Ambassadors that will participate in an ongoing social media conversation about our schools under the hashtag #ChagrinTalks.
Each month, the district will post a topic of interest for community conversation. Social Media Parent Ambassadors will be asked to share the topic on social media and contribute to the digital conversation. One district administrator will take the lead monthly, sharing resources and any necessary background information on the topic. The goal of #ChagrinTalks is to create an organized forum for productive dialogue regarding district initiatives and educational trends.
Additionally, the district will host one monthly digital chat with the district superintendent. Conversation will include reflections on the monthly dialogue and also be an avenue for general conversation and questions regarding the district. Parent Ambassadors will assist by sharing the time and date of these chats as well as commit to participating in at least two chat sessions.
If interested in serving as a #CVEVS Parent Ambassador, please go to www.bit.ly/CFEVS_Parent_Ambassador to receive additional information and be invited to a Parent Summit on Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Sands Community Room.
2016 Teacher and Staff Employee of the Year
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools congratulates its 2016 Teacher and Staff Employee of the Year. This year’s outstanding teacher is Bobbie Serensky. The outstanding staff member is Jeff McLean. A committee of district and community leaders, including the Parent Teacher Organization, reviewed the nominations and selected the honorees.
Bobbie Serensky is an English teacher at Chagrin Falls High School who teaches AP English Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition and the Write Place Interns. She is the senior class advisor overseeing and coordinating a number of events including homecoming, senior banquet, baccalaureate and commencement. She has been with the district for 14 years.
“Bobbie received 51 nominations from students, alumni, parents and colleagues,” said Chagrin Falls High School Principal Steve Ast. “It is an honor to work with such an incredible professional that inspires all of us to be better educators and people.”
Words used to describe Serensky include dedicated, brilliant, inspiring, passionate, funny, caring and motivating.
One student wrote, “This teacher has created a classroom environment where creativity, opinionated and unique ideas and real-life discussions are welcomed and encouraged.” Another student said, “Thanks to Mrs. Serensky, I will journey out into the world with a sharp mind and a confidence that my ideas have worth.”
Jeff McLean, 7-12 campus head custodian, has been working in the Chagrin Falls Schools for 20 years.
“Jeff sees his job as a calling. He sees the work that he is doing as noble; larger and more enduring than taking care of a building. Beyond being a steward of the building, Jeff never misses an opportunity to pass along a kind word to others,” said Christopher Woofter, director of operations and strategic initiatives.
McLean’s role can be demanding; handling multiple responsibilities, overseeing many colleagues and supporting teachers, administrators and community members. However, McLean is always prepared to help, making sure the job is done right, on time and with professionalism.
Serensky was recognized on Sept. 30 in front of all her colleagues during the teacher’s professional development day. McLean was recognized on Aug. 18 at the staff convocation meeting. Both of their families were there to celebrate this recognition with them.
Submitted Chagrin Falls Middle School Student Council is hard at work planning this year’s activities.
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Jeff McLean, 7-12 campus head custodian, is the Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools Staff Employee of the Year. He is pictured with his family.
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Chagrin Falls High School English teacher Bobbie Serensky is the 2016 Teacher of the Year.
