ON THE HILL

Principal - Mr. Adam Tomco (8th Grade/Seniors) EMAIL

Asst. Principal - Mrs. Heather Rundo(Fresh-Juniors M-Z) EMAIL

Asst. Principal - Mr. Edward Yeomans (Fresh-Juniors A-L) EMAIL

Athletic Director - Mr. Doug Higham EMAIL

Secretary - Mrs. Jenifer Goodwin EMAIL

ATTENDANCE LINE: 440.285.4052

Website: www.chardonschools.org

Address: 151 Chardon Avenue

Main Office Phone Number: 440.285.4057

CHS COMMUNITY,

I am pleased to report that we have had a fantastic start to the 2025-26 school year. I was incredibly impressed with our students' ability to adapt to all the changes we implemented, including the new start times, drop-off procedures, and scheduling transitions.

One of the biggest changes—the revised cell phone policy (details below)—has been a minor issue, and I am confident our students will continue to meet these new expectations throughout the year. My observations over the past three days have shown a remarkable difference in our hallways. Students are moving with a purpose, and instead of seeing the tops of their heads as they check their phones, I am greeted with "Good morning," "Hi, Mr. Tomco," and multiple fist bumps.

Please be aware that the District Student Handbook, along with the Chardon High School-specific addendum, has been provided for your review. This document has also been shared with students via their school email and their grade-level Google Classrooms.

PARKING PASSES

As we move into the second week, we will begin our daily checks for student parking passes.

Over the last few mornings, I've noticed a number of cars parked without a pass displayed. Please be aware that if your car is in the lot without a valid pass starting next week, you will be contacted via email and asked to purchase one, followed by an administrative conference.

If you need a parking pass, please see Mrs. Koehler in the main office to get yours.

BUSSING INFORMATION

Information regarding bus routes and schedules are available now through the BusRight app. For more information on how to access the BusRight app click HERE.

LATE START/EARLY RELEASE

This privilege offers eligible juniors and seniors greater flexibility in their schedules. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, expectations, and how to apply for this opportunity, please click the button below. No adjustments will be made to schedules to create late arrivals or early dismissals.

Mr. Tomco

Picture day is August 20th. Students were given a picture order form and their student ID the past week. You can also order pictures by clicking the link below or scanning the QR code.

Earlier this year, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 96, which updates the Ohio Revised Code to require that all public school districts adopt policies prohibiting student cell phone use during the instructional day, with limited exceptions. The law takes effect statewide January 1, 2026, and is intended to reduce distractions, increase student engagement, and support a safe and focused learning environment.

Chardon Local Schools fully supports these goals. To provide our students, families, and staff with a smoother transition, Chardon High School and Chardon Middle School will begin implementing these expectations at the start of the 2025–2026 school year, on August 13, 2025, rather than waiting until the January 2026 deadline.

What This Means for Students

Beginning August 13, 2025:

• Student cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices must be powered off and stored out of sight during the instructional day. No earbuds will be permitted unless the it meets one of the exceptions below and PCDs include all devices (smart watches, iPad, glasses, etc.)

As you know, we previously communicated that students would be allowed to use their cell phones during the lunch period in the cafeteria.

However, recent guidance, has clarified that an "instructional period" is any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction time but also supervised activities, such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips.

Effective immediately, cell phones must be powered OFF and remain out of sight for the entire school day, from 7:45 AM to 2:40 PM.

We understand this is a change from our initial communication, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we align with the new guidance.

I have been incredibly impressed with our students' positive response and compliance with this new policy thus far.

• Approved educational use authorized by a teacher or administrator.
• Needs outlined in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
• Documented medical needs requiring device use (with physician documentation).
• Emergency situations, as outlined in the school’s emergency management plan.

Why Start Early?

Launching this change at the start of the school year allows us to:

• Establish consistent routines from day one.

• Provide students, parents, and staff with clear expectations and training.

• Monitor and adjust procedures before the state’s mandatory deadline.

The Chardon Athletic Boosters are looking for some sports loving volunteers to help staff the Topper Shop. Money made at the topper shop goes right back to supporting both CHS and CMS athletic teams. For more information about the boosters reach out to chardonboosters@gmail.com.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AA4AC2EA2F8C61-57850468-fall#/

We are thrilled to announce that our 2026 commencement ceremony will once again be held at Parkside Church! We received overwhelmingly positive feedback about last year's event, and we're excited to offer our Topper graduates the same excellent setting with comfortable seating, impressive video boards, and a grand stage for their walk across.

Please note that we will have one graduation date only, with no rain date or backup date.

While we don't have the exact date confirmed just yet, we are aiming for the week of May 18. Parkside will begin accepting reservations in early September, and they are aware of our preferred dates. As soon as we finalize the specific date, we will send out another message to all seniors.

CHS After Prom & PTO raises money through fall & winter concessions to fund our annual Jr/Sr After Prom event, Staff Appreciation Week, student scholarships, donations to the school, and more. There are many ways for parents to get involved:

(1) Work the concession stand at football, soccer & basketball games. Here's the football concessions sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0544ABA728A0F49-57856041-football#/

(2) Take on a leadership/chair position: We are very much in need of parent volunteers to take on leadership/chair positions and learn the ropes for next year when most chair positions will be vacant. We are currently looking for the following:

• CHS After Prom & PTO Vice President
• CHS After Prom & PTO Treasurer
• Fall Concession Co-Chair(s)
• JV Football Concession Chair

Visit our website to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/chardonafterprom/open-2025-26-positions

(3) Help plan and/or work at the May After Prom event: Many volunteers are needed to make this a success each year. Planning begins in Oct/Nov with considering a new theme for 2026. There will be many planning committee chair slots to fill. Sign-ups to help out the weekend of the event will be posted in April. Stay tuned for more info.

We'd love for you to join us at our kick-off meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7pm at CHS (tentative location: CHS Media Center). Monthly meetings will be at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month Sept thru March, with no meeting in December. After Prom event planning workshops will begin in April.

Email us at chardonafterprom@gmail.com with questions or to get added to our email distribution to stay on top of the latest updates and volunteer needs. Feel free to contact Michelle Fisher at 216-401-8943 for more info. Looking forward to a great school year for CHS staff, students, and families!

GRADE LEVEL COUNSELORS THIS YEAR

12th Grade: Mr. Hurlbut

11th Grade: Mrs. Patterson

10th Grade: Mrs. Hillman

8th/9th Grade: Mrs. Tupaz

CLASS REMIND

We ask that all students and parents join their (their student's) graduation cohort's Remind class for helpful announcements from the school counselors.

How to join:

1. Text (see grade level code below) to 81010 (ex. @chs-26)

2. Download the free Remind app and enter the assigned code below (ex. @chs-28)

12th grade - @chs-26

11th grade - @chs-27

10th grade - @chs-28

9th grade - @chs-29

8th grade - @chs-30

School Counselor Request Form - Student Reminder

Just a friendly reminder for students to please use the School Counselor Request Form (now located at the top of each "Class of 20_ " Google Classroom) if they need to meet with their counselor.

Thank you to those who have already been using this form and for everyone's patience as we work through students' requests.

If your child submitted a request this week and has not been called down yet, we will be sure to see them next week as soon as possible.

ACT

Changes coming to the ACT test:

• 44 fewer questions overall.
• Shorter test with more time to answer each question.
• A choice to take the science section. (Science may be required based on state or district agreements.)

Timeline at a Glance:

• April 2025: Changes take effect for students taking the ACT online national Saturday test.

• Spring 2026: Enhancements roll out for state and district testing customers.

• For a detailed rollout schedule and more information, visit act.org/actenhancements.

Additional resources include:

• Full-length practice tests on the student’s MyACT account. Click Here
• QuizMe, a fun and engaging gaming experience with practice ACT test questions in a quiz format. Click Here
• Coming Soon: The updated 2025-26 Preparing for the ACT Test booklet. Check Back Here

Be sure to check out these practice test resources and share them with students.

Access Free Full-Length Practice Tests

We have had a fantastic, congestion-free start to the school year thanks to our new three-tier drop-off system for cars and buses at CHS. Your cooperation has significantly decreased traffic, and we are very grateful.

To maintain this positive flow, we want to highlight that student drivers and car riders do not need to arrive at school before 7:35-7:40 AM. This still allows plenty of time—5 to 10 minutes—grab a breakfast sandwich, and be ready for class.

We've noticed several students are still being dropped off around 7:15-7:20 AM and are waiting in the cafeteria or gym until the 7:40 AM bell. If your schedule allows, we highly recommend waiting another 10 minutes to arrive. Adjusting your drop-off time helps keep the morning traffic flow smooth for everyone.

The doors to Chardon High School will open at 7:20 AM this year. The first bell will ring at 7:40 AM, signaling students to proceed from the gym and cafeteria to their first-period class. Breakfast will be served starting at 7:20 AM, with the cafeteria reserved for students eating breakfast before class.

Bus Riders

• Bus riders will be released from the ALCAN parkway collectively at 7:20 AM.

• This new timing is implemented to help lessen traffic congestion on Chardon Avenue and Canfield.

Car Riders

• Car rider drop-off procedures remain the same as last year.

• It's recommended that you drop off your child after 7:25 AM. This allows sufficient time for bus riders to walk from the ALCAN parkway to the high school building, minimizing congestion.

Student Drivers

• Student drivers who do not eat breakfast at school should plan to leave their cars in the student lot around 7:35 AM.

• This timing provides students with 10 minutes to walk from the parking lot to their first-period class.

General Entry/Exit

• All student traffic, including bus riders, car riders, and student drivers, will enter and exit Chardon High School through the vestibule doors, consistent with last year's procedures.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we kindly remind you to complete the Infinite Campus annual update within the first few weeks of school. This update is crucial to ensure we have all our students' most recent information.

To complete the update, please click the link below for instructions. It only takes a few minutes and helps us maintain accurate records for your child's safety and well-being.

Annual Update: Infinite Campus

Please note that if this update is not completed, your child may be restricted from attending off-campus activities. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

This is just a reminder that all pupils entering the 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year are

required to be vaccinated against meningococcal disease. Also, any newly enrolled students at

CHS from outside of the school district are required to provide immunization records for your

student(s). If you provided records at registration, please disregard this reminder. All necessary

vaccine records are due no later than August 27, 2025.

August 20: School Picture Day

August 26: Open House, 6:00-7:15 PM, Senior Meeting 5:30-6:00 PM

August 29: No School, Staff PD Day

August 31: CHS Marching Band Performance at Geauga County Fair

September 01: Labor Day

September 27: Homecoming Dance

May 09: Junior/Senior Prom