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:

It was great to see so many parents at the school for parent-teacher conferences on Wednesday. A collaborative partnership means so much to the kids, knowing that we support each other as needed. We have two more evenings scheduled: next Thursday, October 15, and Thursday, November 5th. If you have not been able to schedule a time yet, please do so. The link can be found in this newsletter.

We hope everyone enjoys their extended weekend!

Mrs. Sherwood & Mr. Forfia

Please note the following important dates:

October 12th: No School for Students

October 13th: Power of the Pen meeting/LGIR/2:45-3:45

October 14th: Chess Club/2:45-3:45 PM/Room 108

5th grade beginner arcade makecode/2:40-4:00 PM/Room 200

7th grade AHLI meeting/2:45-4:15 PM

Jazz Band rehearsals/2:40-3:40

October 15th: 6th grade AHLI meeting/2:45-4:15 PM

Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30 PM

October 16th: 7th grade AHLI field trip

6th grade GGP field trip

October 19th: 4th grade robotics makecode/2:45-4:00PM/Room 200

6th/7th grade robotics/2:45-3:40PM/Room 222

October 20th: 6th grade AHLI field trip

Power of the Pen/2:45-3:45PM/LGIR

October 21st: School picture retake day (ALL SCHOOL)

Chess Club/2:45-3:45/Room 108

Care Crew Meeting/2:45-3:40/Media Center

5th grade beginner arcade makecode/2:45-4:00PM/Room 200

Jazz Band Rehearsals/2:40-3:40PM

October 22nd: Student Council meeting/2:45-3:45 PM/LGIR

Picture retake day for the whole school is Wednesday, October 21st!

Please use the link to sign up for parent teacher conferences October 15th or November 5th.

Hey 5th, 6th, and 7th graders! Do you want to learn how to play chess? Already know how and want to challenge your friends? Or maybe you just want to have fun and meet new people? Then Chess Club is the place for you!

📅

WHEN?

Oct 14 & Oct 21

(Wednesdays)

How to Join

You don’t need to be a chess expert—everyone is welcome, and we’ll help each other learn and improve! Spots are limited to 20 students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Have your grown-up fill out the Google Form in the September 25 Parent Update to sign up.

Additional Details

Chess Club will consist of two meetings per month until winter break. Please plan for a prompt pick-up at 3:45 PM directly following each meeting.

👉 Click Here to Fill Out the Google Form

We can’t wait to see you there and get our game on! 🧠♟️

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.

Attention 4th and 5th grade families-

Is your child a math whiz, curious about the subject, or think math can’t be fun! The Math is Fun club is the perfect place to dive into challenges, puzzles, and games that make math both enjoyable and rewarding. Math is more than just numbers—it's a way to think creatively and solve real-world problems. Whether they're looking to sharpen their skills or make new friends, there’s a place for them here. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Mele or Mrs. Reinhard. Please see the sign-up link below. Hurry, space is limited to the first 40 who sign up. Meetings will take place from 2:45- 3:45 on the following dates: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 12, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 10.

Math is Fun Club Sign-up Form

Objective

To educate youth in the art of beekeeping and to promote a better understanding of the value of honey bees to our environment and to the food chain.

To provide an opportunity for youth to experience responsibility and enjoyment through beekeeping.

To provide an avenue for youth to engage in an avocation and gain the potential to pursue beekeeping as a sideline or full time vocation

Eligibility

The Applicant must be a resident of Geauga County

The applicant must be at least 12 years old, and not older than 16, on January 1, 2027.

The applicant must be currently enrolled in public, private or homeschool.

The applicant must have permission and agreement from parent or guardian.

Application can be made online via a link on the homepage of: http://www.geaugacountybeekeepers.org

Application window closes on October 31, 2026

Thank you

Dave Schade

Scholarships and Technical Contact

Geauga County Beekeepers Association

www.geaugacountybeekeepers.org

The Kindness Club: Kind Kids-Group 1 is full! No longer accepting registration.

We are still accepting registration for the Kindness club: Care Crew-Group 2 until the group is full (14 total).

Group 2-Care Crew Registration link: click here for the google form

October 21, 2026

November 11, 2026

December 16, 2026

January 20, 2027

February 17, 2027

March 17, 2027

Final meeting:

April 28, 2027

Digital World Parent Information

Elementary program

Dear Parent,

Your child is invited to participate in a one-day classroom program called Digital World.

With today’s students, constant connectivity is a way of life. The challenge is how we prepare them for living safely in a digital world as students gain access to the Internet at increasingly younger ages.

This program, the first in an elementary-middle school series will do this by addressing the following objectives:

● Begin to develop an understanding of the issues related to the safe, healthy and positive use of devices, technology, and social media.

● Increase understanding of how technology/social media impacts us as individuals as well as our classroom community.

● Begin to identify how your body reacts and how you are feeling when using online spaces.

● Develop skills to identify appropriate and inappropriate experiences online and who to go to for help.

● Understanding accurate/trusted resources when looking for information.

This series is meant to empower youth to make good and informed decisions in the digital world. It is not solely an ‘internet safety’ program, and does not implore scare tactics. Rather, it uses developmentally appropriate language, situations and discussion based on student questions, responses, and media use to build a foundation for healthy, safe and positive use of both the internet and social media.

If you prefer your child not participate in this program, please contact your school principal or guidance department.

This October, we are learning how we can act with intention and be mindful of our school community by connecting PBIS expectations with the Sources of Strength wheel. Our focus is Spirituality/Purpose—helping students discover what gives them meaning, hope, and a sense of belonging. In alignment with National Bullying Prevention Month, we are learning that an intentional community starts with noticing, valuing, and celebrating our differences. When we act with purpose and practice mindful actions, we choose kindness, foster inclusion, and ensure every student feels safe, seen, and supported.

🍁 October | Theme: Intentional & Mindful | Strength: Spirituality / Purpose

• At School: We are focusing on what gives us meaning, hope, and a sense of purpose. In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, students will practice being intentional and mindful by noticing, valuing, and celebrating the unique differences that make our school community strong, safe, and inclusive.

• At Home: Encourage your child to reflect on what brings them joy and purpose, and talk about how being mindful of others' feelings helps prevent bullying and builds a welcoming environment for everyone.

• 💬 Conversation Starter: "What is something that makes you feel connected or purposeful at school, and how can we show appreciation for classmates who are different from us?"

.

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

Your quick link to all things Chardon Spirit!

Hello Parents

Viral season is upon us: kids need about 8 hours of sleep , hydrate well, eat a balanced diet and get some physical activity daily.

If your child comes in with congestion I will teach them about sinuses, best practice ways to blow their noses, cough etiquette, and handwashing.

I will call you on the first visit if the reason falls under any of Chardon's school health guidelines. Otherwise I will call with a 2nd visit for the same reason on a given day. I will make 1 call to the person who is priority 1 on their school summary page. If I am calling due to a fever, injury, vomiting, etc. I will work down the list.

I do keep track of all communicable illnesses. When calling your child off please tell the office if your child has strep, lice, slap face, hand foot and mouth, flu, covid, chicken pox, pertussis etc. If we reach certain numbers, I would need to call the health department for guidance/direction.

We are still seeing small numbers of strep, no new cases of hand, foot, and mouth and 1 case of slap face/ fifths disease.

If you ever have any health concerns 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.

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.