News from the Middle
August 10, 2026
Asst. Principal: Anthony Forfia EMAIL
Secretary: Diana Norris EMAIL
Nurse: Jen Trittschuh, RN EMAIL
MAIN OFFICE/ATTENDANCE: 440-285-4062
Website: www.chardonschools.org
Address: 424 North St.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hilltopper Families:
We are so excited to start another school year and can't wait for the first day of school! You can expect these newsletters emailed to you every Friday. They will contain information to help maintain a smooth year. There have been some changes--please help me in welcoming Mr. Anthony Forfia as CMS's new assistant principal. He's already jumping in and playing an instrumental role in building operations.
Please also note the change in drop off time (for car riders), which will now be 7:20AM. Traffic can get thick, so we encourage you to try having your kids ride the bus (which will not unload until 7:25AM); their pick up times will also be adjusted due to the later drop off. School will still start at 7:35AM. We thank you for your understanding and support.
Please let us know if there is anything you or your family needs; we are here to help in any way we can.
Enjoy the last bit of summer.
Mrs. Sherwood & Mr. Forfia
IMPORTANT DATES!
Please note the following important dates:
August 13th: New Student Orientation 4:00-5:00PM
4th grade Parent Information Session 5:00-6:00PM
Q&A/Walk schedule 6:00-6:30PM
August 17th: Building open to walk schedule/drop off labeled supplies in classrooms 3:00-5:00PM
August 18th: Building open to walk schedule/drop off labeled supplies in classrooms 3:00-5:00PM
August 19th: First day of school for students!
August 25th: School Picture Day ALL STUDENTS
August 25th: Open House 5:30-6:45PM
August 28th: PTO Back 2 School Bash (during the school day)
September 1st: Reading MAP
September 2nd: Math MAP
September 4th: No School/Students
NEW DROP OFF TIME FOR 2026-2027
With the start of the 26-27 school year, students will not be permitted in the building prior to 7:20AM. Buses will not be releasing students until 7:25AM. Traffic is an issue prior to and during drop off; if your schedule is tight, please consider having your child ride the bus. For kids being dropped off by high school siblings, high school classes begin at 7:45.
NOTEABLES
- Please remember there will no longer be microwaves available for student use in the cafeteria.
- Returning Students: School-issued locks and chrome book bags should be brought with students the first day of school
- 7th grade will not have recess; however, their lunch has been extended
- Please welcome 3 new teachers to CMS! Mrs. Osenar (7th grade ELA), Mrs. London (6th grade ELA), and Ms. Dondorfer (5th grade social studies/science)
- If you know your child is going to be absent the next school day, you can call and leave a message on the office voicemail; you do not need to speak to someone directly
- Please complete the Annual Update prior to the first day of school through Infinite Campus
INCOMING 4TH GRADE PARENTS
4TH GRADE PARENTS ONLY
To ensure our youngest Toppers get where they need to go at dismissal, please complete this google form to inform your child's homeroom teacher what each day's plans are. If you have complicated plans, please call the office.
Forget Something?
Occasionally your child will forget something at home. They are welcome to call home from either the classroom phone or the office phone (NO CELL PHONE). If you are able to bring it we ask that you leave it in the vestibule with a note with the child’s FIRST and LAST NAME (We provide pen/paper). We will make our best effort to get it to your student as soon as possible.
If you are dropping off your child’s lunch please note their lunch times below. Lunch time is very hectic which makes it difficult to locate them, please try to drop off at least an hour before scheduled lunch times.
If your child calls you or is expecting it, it is their responsibility to come to the office to pick it up.
LUNCH TIMES:
10:20-10:45 6A
10:45-11:10 6B
11:12-11:35 5th
11:37-12:00 4th
12:08-12:38 7th
FROM THE PTO
FROM THE NURSE
Welcome to the 26-27 school year.
Please keep your children well hydrated with water. Please note we have no illness policy, but we do have guidelines. Please familiarize yourself with them.
Since our clinic here is so busy (over 12,000 visits last year ) I will try my best to call you if your child comes in. I typically call for fever, vomiting, injuries, and cardiac/ breathing issues. There is not a lot of time to call for small abrasions and such. I will do my best.
As far as the measles being in Geauga county, I do have a list of children who are not vaccinated. I will watch and contact trace if needed. Please note if your child is not fully vaccinated and they are exposed your child will have to sit out for 21 days.
Any medication (over the counter or prescribed) has a form to be filled out before I can give it at school. We no longer keep a stock of over the counter meds. So we have no Neosporin, cough drops, Motrin or Tylenol. If your child will need those at school, you will need to fill out an OTC form and bring the medication to me (the child is not allowed to transport). I will place the medication in a bag for your child to use when they come to me.
For any medicine distribution (ADHD med, antibiotic, anxiety med, or even inhaler), a prescribed medication form is required and available on the District's website.
Vision testing will be starting soon.
All new to school kids, 5th and 7th grade will be tested unless you do not want your child tested; please call me or email me (440-286-0457) .
If you ever have a concern or question please feel free to call me
Jennifer Trittschuh RN BSN LSN
IMPORTANT ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
Attendance Line 440-285-4062 (before 9:00 am):
Sick/Not Feeling well
Dentist/Doctor Appointment
Early Dismissal (please give us at least 2 hours notice)
Other
Report absences:
Please leave a message on the attendance line (before 9:00) or speak to one of the secretaries.
Notes - student should bring to the office
Please do not leave a message on a secretary's personal voicemail (she may be absent).
If you inform the teacher please also contact the school office.
Change in Dismissal:
- If you need to change how your child is getting home, please call the office as soon as you know so we can get the message to your child.
Tardy - students must be in their classroom by 7:35 am or they will be considered tardy.
When a student receives 3 tardies, they will be issued an after school detention.
After school detentions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:30.
CLSD PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK
Please click the banner below to review the updated and recently Board of Education-approved Chardon Middle School Addendum to the CLSD Parent-Student Handbook. This handbook is published annually to help ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students, staff, parents, and visitors. It outlines students' rights, responsibilities, and the consequences for misbehavior. Included in the district handbook is an addendum specific to Chardon High School. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the school administration.
CELL PHONES/SMART WATCHES/GIZMOS/PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Cell Phones/Smart Watches/Gizmos/Personal Communication Devices
A reminder that students will be prohibited from using cell phones or other devices during the instructional day. This policy prohibits the use of these devices by students during any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance. This applies to formal instruction time as well as other supervised activities such as recess, meal periods, field trips and the transition between classes.
Students may not have their phones on them at any point in the school day.
This policy is in alignment with state law and Ohio Department of Workforce and Education guidelines prohibiting the use of such devices by students during the instructional day.