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,

By this time next week, our halls and classrooms will be filled with students! As we prepare for a smooth and successful start to the 2025-26 school year, here are a few important reminders and updates:

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - AUGUST 13

As with the first few weeks of every school year, learning new systems and schedules takes time and patience. Our top priority is safety. To help with the transition, students will not be marked tardy the first week of school.

All drivers on campus should practice extreme caution when entering the front drive or the student parking lot. We anticipate the new changes will have a positive impact on morning traffic patterns if the procedures are followed.

All students in grades 9–12 will receive a printed schedule in their first period class. To ensure a smooth start, please have your student check their schedule in Infinite Campus in advance so they know exactly where to report first thing in the morning.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

On Friday, August 8, the CHS Student Council will host a Back to School Bash for all incoming 8th graders at CHS from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for students to get familiar with the building, meet their classmates, and get excited for the new school year.

The event will include a building tour, several fun activities, a pizza lunch and Chromebook distribution.

PARKING PASSES

Please click the button below for detailed information if you are needing to purchase a parking pass for student drivers. Passes for the upcoming school year will go on sale starting Monday, August 4th. Sales will be staggered by grade level, similar to last year's process.

Here's the breakdown:

• Monday, August 4th: Senior Mentors

• Tuesday, August 5th: Seniors

• Wednesday, August 6th: Juniors

• Thursday, August 7th: Sophomores

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.

BUILDING SCHEDULE CHANGES

As we prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, I want to update you on a few important changes to our daily schedule:

• High school doors will now open at 7:20 AM with bus drop-off.
• Students will gather in the cafeteria and gymnasium bleachers until 7:40 AM.
• School will officially start at 7:45 AM and end at 2:40 PM. These changes WILL NOT impact the instructional day at Chardon Middle School.
• We're transitioning back to a traditional 8-period school day. Students will have seven, 50 minutes content classes and one 50 minute lunch period.

Mr. Tomco

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.)

• We will start the year permitting cell phone use during lunch in the cafeteria only.
• 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.

Students can pick up their Chromebook before the first day of school at Chardon High School Monday and Tuesday, August 11 & 12 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Media Center.

Incoming 8th Graders:
Will receive their Chromebook and printed schedule during the Back to School Bash on Friday, August 8 from 2:00–4:00 PM.

Any students that do not pick-up their Chromebook during these times will be called to the Media Center sometime on August 13 to get theirs.

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.

GRADE LEVEL COUNSELORS THIS YEAR

12th Grade: Mr. Hurlbut

11th Grade: Mrs. Patterson

10th Grade: Mrs. Hillman

8th/9th Grade: Mrs. Tupaz

SCHEDULES

Student schedules will be available in Infinite Campus starting at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, August 6. Links for Campus Student and Campus Parent can be found HERE. If you have trouble accessing Infinite Campus or have general questions, please contact any of our building secretaries for assistance.

• Study hall locations are still being finalized. If your student has a study hall listed, it may appear as "empty" or unassigned for now. These will be updated before the first day of school.

• All students (grades 9–12) should check Infinite Campus before the first day to know where to report for first period.

Students enrolled in an upper level science course will see their class listed as two periods. This is intentional and NOT in error.

We understand that you may have preferences, but changes will only be considered if a verifiable mistake was made in your course assignments. Otherwise, students are expected to follow their assigned schedule as posted. This policy ensures a smooth start to the school year and optimal class sizes.

If your student has a scheduling concern (such as a missing class, a course that needs to be added, or a verifiable error in their schedule), counselors will be available in person from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the following days:

• Thursday, August 7

• Friday, August 8

Chardon High School (grades 8-12) traditionally does not issue school supply lists before the start of the school year. Some 8-12 classes will not have a specific list of required items. For those classes that do, students will receive teacher-specific supply lists during class time during the first week of school. All CHS students are asked to come prepared for the first day of school with basic items e.g. writing utensils, notebooks, etc.

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.

We acknowledge that this new system will take time for everyone to adjust. Your patience and cooperation during the first few weeks of school are greatly appreciated as the school community adapts to these minor change in 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 5: New Student Meeting @ 9:30 AM

August 8: Back to School Bash, 8th Grade Only

August 10: Meet the Toppers @ 6:00 PM

August 13: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

August 20: School Picture Day

August 26: Open House, 6:00-7:15 PM

August 31: CHS Marching Band Performance at Geauga County Fair

September 26: Homecoming Dance

May 09: Junior/Senior Prom