Chardon Schools welcomed the arrival of 102 units of Promethean interactive displays in August...
Promethean Displays Debut
Chardon Schools welcomed the arrival of 102 units of Promethean interactive displays in August. The new flat panel displays, which were purchased through the district’s general fund to replace the schools’ long-standing projectors and interactive whiteboards, offer advanced capabilities for the classroom to enhance both the learning and teaching experience.
A representation of educators, approximately 50 teachers in all, from each of the five schools attended a live, virtual training at Chardon Middle School on Aug. 10. The representatives will cross-train educators in their respective buildings.
This first arrival of displays is earmarked for CMS, Chardon High School and Chardon Early Learning Center, while an additional order of displays will debut in Munson Elementary and Park Elementary classrooms in the 2024-25 school year.
Science Classrooms Poised for Success
Chardon High School’s 100s hallway is fully operational for the new school year following summertime renovations to two rooms that serve as classrooms and laboratories. Students attended class and conducted science experiments in the classrooms as early as the first day of school, Aug. 16.
With a robust science curriculum, including chemistry, the school is now positioned to even better meet the academic needs of science students and educators.
Severe damage had occurred to rooms 103 and 104 last December as a result of a flooding event affecting multiple classrooms at the school. The flood was caused by two interior pipes bursting due to freezing outdoor temperatures.
Renovations have restored functionality of the classrooms while also providing industry-standard safety protocols for chemistry labs, storage and experiential learning.
In addition to new flooring, lighting and paintwork, the classrooms have new cabinetry, plumbing and fixtures for chemistry labs, emergency wash stations, dedicated chemistry storage and demonstration tables and interactive flat panel displays for direct instruction.
Child Find Notice
As required by federal and state regulations, the Chardon Local School District engages in ongoing Child Find services to locate, identify and provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for all children between the ages of 3 and 21 who have a disability and reside in the Chardon Local School District.
Child Find activities are conducted to create public awareness of special education programs, to advise the public of the rights of students, and to alert community residents of the need for identifying and serving children with disabilities.
If one knows of a child with a disability, or has a child suspected of having a disability, who is not currently receiving appropriate educational or related services, contact Linda Elegante, director of student services, at 440-286-0525.
Exploratory World Language
Chardon Local Schools District is introducing Exploratory World Language instruction for kindergarten through grade three students beginning with programming in French and Spanish.
Exploratory World Language courses will develop elementary students’ abilities, skills and knowledge related to communication and critical thinking — two of the 6 “C’s” recognized in the district’s Portrait of a Hilltopper. The program creates a foundation for the world languages offered at Chardon Middle School and Chardon High School.
Superintendent Michael Hanlon stated: “We are proud of our prudent fiscal management of the community’s resources. With the board’s approval of an early retirement incentive in June, and our continued attention to student enrollment in all grade levels, we are expanding our district’s academic programming. The opportunity to offer Exploratory World Languages places Chardon among the top school districts in the state.”
The E program will: grow proficiency in language structures and support development and maintenance of English language skills; develop an understanding of linguistic heritages and relatedness; develop communication skills for study, work and leisure in a range of contexts; develop skills for critical thinking related to reading and listening comprehension; develop skills for constructing of linguistic meaning; and foster curiosity, inquiry and lifelong learning.
Laura Taucher, a 21-year veteran teacher for Chardon Schools and trilingual (English, French, Spanish), volunteered for the assignment. Additionally, Karen Fisher will be returning to Chardon Middle School to teach Introductory World Languages and Spanish.
Mrs. Taucher stated: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students. As a parent and as a teacher, I see great opportunities for all of our children with this class. I’m excited to introduce and develop their language skills and support the great work happening in their other classes – especially reading.
The Exploratory World Language curriculum is currently being prepared for board and community review and will be aligned to the Ohio Standards for World Language. The Chardon Schools community will have the opportunity to review the course-of-study prior to board action later this fall.
Exploratory World Language will be offered as part of elementary specials, which include art, music, physical education and technology/library.
