News from the Middle
October 16, 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:
It's been another full week of learning here at CMS. We hope you get to hear from your students all the great things they're learning about at school! The weather is definitely changing, so we ask that students come in clothing that is weather-appropriate and that anything they plan on taking off has their name in it somewhere. Please let us know if you or your child need anything; we are here to help.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Sherwood & Mr. Forfia
IMPORTANT DATES!
Please note the following important dates:
October 19th: 4th grade robotics makecode/2:45-4:00PM/Room 200
6th/7th grade robotics/2:45-3:40PM/Room 222
October 20th: 4th grade (3 person team) to Holden Arboretum
6th grade AHLI field trip
Power of the Pen/2:45-3:45PM/LGIR
October 21st: School picture retake day (ALL SCHOOL)
4th grade (2 person teams) to Holden Arboretum
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
October 26th: 4th grade robotics makecode/2:45-4:00PM/Room 200
6th/7th grade robotics/2:45-3:40PM/Room 222
October 27th: Power of the Pen/2:45-3:45PM/LGIR
October 28th: 5th grade beginner arcade makecode/2:45-4:00PM/Room 200
Jazz Band Rehearsals/2:40-3:40PM
October 29th: 6th grade AHLI meeting/2:45-4:15PM
Nov. 2-6: 4th grade CogAT testing
HALLOWEEN COSTUME DRIVE
4TH GRADE PARENTS ONLY
Dear 4th Grade Families,
In accordance with State of Ohio requirements, all 4th-grade students will participate in whole-grade gifted screening during the week of November 2–6, 2026. Students will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which measures reasoning and problem-solving skills across verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal areas.
Once testing is complete across the entire grade level, individual CogAT results will be sent home with your child, with an accompanying letter to help you understand the results. If your child earns a qualifying score for gifted identification, you will receive a formal identification letter via email.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this assessment, please visit the Gifted Education Services page for more information or reach out directly.
Thank you,
Megan O'Hara
Gifted Coordinator, Chardon Schools
Picture retake day for the whole school is Wednesday, October 21st!
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SIGN UP
Please use the link to sign up for parent teacher conferences November 5th.
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.
MATH IS FUN CLUB!
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.
GEAUGA COUNTY BEEKEEPERS OPPORTUNITY
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
KINDNESS CLUB!
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
FROM THE COUNSELORS
Sources of Strength Peer Leader Training
Late last month our Sources of Strength Peer Leaders and Adult Advisors were able to take part in a training day coordinated through our partnership with the ESCNEO. They played games, identified their strengths, learned about teamwork and leadership, and even started brainstorming ideas for how they will make a positive impact here at CMS. It was thrilling to take part in such a positive and exciting day with our incredible CMS students - we are so proud of them and can't wait to see what they have in store for us this year!
FROM THE PTO
PTO Calendar
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Don't forget to follow us on Facebook! CMS Hilltoppers PTO
Spirit Wear Sale
Your quick link to all things Chardon Spirit!
FROM THE NURSE
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.
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.