News from the Middle

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.

Hilltopper Families:

We are so grateful to our wonderful PTO for a great ending to our week with our annual Back 2 School Bash! The kids had so much fun (and I know the adults did, too). As we settled into the routine of school, it was nice to see the kids bouncing back into our "caring, mindful, and solution-focused" mindset. Together, we try to embody these core values every chance we get because modeling these values is the best way for our students to learn. Something else we are talking about daily is "this is how we do it here," which is how we reinforce the positive behavior expectations from all of our kids. As always, your continued support at home is so appreciated.

Have a great weekend.

Mrs. Sherwood & Mr. Forfia

Please note the following important dates:

September 1st: Reading MAP

September 2nd: Math MAP

September 4th: No School/Students

September 7th: No School/Labor Day

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.

We have many students whose dismissal plans have not been shared with the homeroom teachers. Please take a few minutes to complete this quick Google form.

The CMS office requires a signed letter from your child's advisor verifying their participation in the Geauga County Fair.

Please note that the only day excused is Thursday, September 3.

Thank you for your assistance.

We have had a lot of lunch boxes, hoodies, and water bottles left behind already 😞and most of them have no markings to help us identify their owners. Please write your student's name on lunch boxes and water bottles (and clothing that may not make it through the day if the weather changes). Thanks for your help!

Please take a moment to complete THIS form regarding your student's access to individual school counseling and mental health supports at CMS. If the form is not completed, consent to access district supports if/when needed is assumed.

During September we will focus on being CARING members of our school and community. Here are some talking points if you’d like to ask your student about it after they participate in the monthly lesson:

🍂 September | Theme: Caring | Strength: Generosity

• At School: We are kicking off the school year by focusing on what it means to build a caring school community through acts of kindness, inclusion, and generosity.

• At Home: Talk with your child about small ways to show they care—like including someone new at the lunch table or helping out around the house without being asked.

• 💬 Conversation Starter: "What is one kind thing someone did for you today, or one way you showed care to a classmate?"

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! CMS Hilltoppers PTO

Book fair volunteers needed! The fall book fair is scheduled for October 6th, 7th (parent teacher conferences), and 8th. Anyone interested in volunteering for this should contact Amanda Moore at 440-321-5692. (Text preferred)

PASSWORD CMS2026

Students in grades 4-7 will participate in the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Growth assessment two to three times this year, with the fall administration approaching during the window of August 1st and 2nd. MAP Growth provides educators with valuable data to understand instructional needs and tailor learning to student strengths.

MAP Growth also serves as a whole-grade screening tool for gifted identification in Reading and Mathematics for students in grades 2–10. Students who score at or above the 95th percentile nationally in Reading or Math qualify for gifted identification under Ohio Department of Education and Workforce guidelines. Parents of students who meet the criteria for gifted identification will receive written notification via email within 30 days of the district receiving test results.

If you ever have a concern or question please feel free to call me

Jennifer Trittschuh RN BSN LSN

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.

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.

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.