News from the Middle
September 7, 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:
Happy Friday, CMS Families! We officially made it through week three, and what a week it’s been! Thank you for your flexibility and support as we navigated our unexpected heat day—we truly appreciate how wonderful our community is when plans have to shift on a dime. With a well-deserved long weekend ahead, we hope everyone gets a chance to relax, stay cool, and recharge. Enjoy the extra time with your families, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on Tuesday!
Mrs. Sherwood & Mr. Forfia
IMPORTANT DATES!
Please note the following important dates:
September 8th: Math MAP (rescheduled from last week)
September 9th: PTO Meeting/LGIR 4:30PM
4TH GRADE PARENTS WHO HAVE NOT COMPLETED THE DISMISSAL FORM
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.
JOIN STUDENT COUNCIL
BUILDERS CLUB
PBIS
This year our building PBIS team has been hard at work on revamping the system we use to track and reward positive student behavior. Please see details HERE, and reach out with any questions. We will be working closely with PTO to let our students know how much we appreciate the contributions they make to our positive school culture! The PBIS themes will also be aligned with our Sources of Strength lessons and campaigns, which you can see on this THIS TABLE.
FROM THE COUNSELORS
Parent/Guardian Consent Form Re: HB8
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.
START WITH HELLO - UPCOMING SPIRIT WEEK DETAILS:
KICK IT TO CANCER EVENT
Join Us for Chardon Soccer’s "Kick It To Cancer" Event!
Chardon High School’s Boys and Girls Soccer teams are hosting their Kick It To Cancer double-header against Madison on Saturday, September 26, at Chardon Memorial Stadium (Boys at 2:00 PM, Girls at 4:00 PM).
Come out to support our teams and raise funds for local families who have battled cancer! The event features T-shirt sales, basket raffles, a scoreboard tribute, and special pre-game honors.
Nominate a Community Member: We want to honor members of our Chardon community who have battled cancer. If you would like to nominate a loved one or community member to be recognized, please fill out the Nomination Form.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
HB 96 requires that we track student attendance, regardless of absence reason, and once a student reaches the 5% thresh hold, the school must begin interventions.
FROM THE PTO
SPIRIT WEAR SALE!
Deadline alert! Our Chardon Back-to-School Sale ends on September 7th! Make sure to purchase before the deadline approaches! Help rep our school with great gear as we earn fundraising dollars! Click here to buy: https://1stplace.sale/72469
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)
Parent Teacher Conference Meals Sign Up
Annual Mum Sale!
PASSWORD CMS2026
BOGG BAGS!
FROM THE NURSE
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.