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,

Our first five-day school week has come to a close, and I am so impressed with our students' on-time arrivals and smooth transitions in the hallways. The extra ten minutes in the morning seems to be making a big difference, and our tardies are down. Let's keep this positive momentum going all year.

Next week is a four-day week for students, with a staff PD day on Friday.

Please be aware that the District Student Handbook, along with the Chardon High School-specific addendum, has been provided for your review. This document has also been shared with students via their school email and their grade-level Google Classrooms.

PARKING PASSES

Beginning next week, we will have a Parking Attendant cite students who do not follow the parking guidelines or are parking in the student lot without a pass. Cars continue to park in the lot without a pass displayed.

If you need a parking pass, please see Mrs. Koehler in the main office to get yours.

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.

Enjoy your weekend!

Mr. Tomco

U.S. News provided its annual report on the performance of Chardon High School this past week. We would like to recognize our staff and students for their exceptional work across multiple academic performances to have their highest ranking according to this report. We have GREAT kids and DEVOTED teachers who support the mission of Chardon Schools of, "high achievement for all students."

High School Rankings

• National: Chardon High School is ranked #1,359 out of 17,901 high schools in the National Rankings.

• State: The school is ranked #53 among all Ohio high schools, out of 715 schools ranked in the state.

• Greater Cleveland Area: Chardon High School is ranked #17 in the Cleveland, OH Metro Area.

Academics & College Readiness:

• Advanced Placement (AP): The AP participation rate is 58%, and 37% of students passed at least one AP exam. 77% of our AP tests were a 3 or higher.

• Proficiency: Students demonstrate strong proficiency in core subjects, with 80% in Mathematics, 82% in Reading, and 88% in Science.

• Graduation Rate: The school has a graduation rate of greater than 95.0%.

Open House is on Tuesday, starting promptly at 6:00 PM. This is an opportunity for parents to meet their student(s) teachers, walk their schedule and learn about various club and organizations students can join at CHS. Teachers will provide a brief overview of their classroom expectations, academic resources and a general introduction about themselves. Please refrain from asking individual questions about your child(ren). Those conversations are reserved for conferences or a phone call/email. Please have a screenshot or copy of your student schedule upon arrival. During lunch or study hall you DO NOT need to report to their lunches or study hall. We hope to see you at Open House on Tuesday.

Period 1 6:00 PM - 6:08 PM

Period 2 6:10 PM - 6:18 PM

Period 3 6:20 PM - 6:28 PM

Period 4 6:30 PM - 6:38 PM

Period 5 6:40 PM - 6:48 PM

Period 6 6:50 PM - 6:57 PM

Period 7 6:59 PM - 7:06 PM

Period 8 7:08 PM - 7:15 PM

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.)

As you know, we previously communicated that students would be allowed to use their cell phones during the lunch period in the cafeteria.

However, recent guidance, has clarified that an "instructional period" is any period of time in which a student is expected to be in attendance and includes not only formal instruction time but also supervised activities, such as transitioning between classes, recess, meal periods, and field trips.

Effective immediately, cell phones must be powered OFF and remain out of sight for the entire school day, from 7:45 AM to 2:40 PM.

We understand this is a change from our initial communication, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we align with the new guidance.

I have been incredibly impressed with our students' positive response and compliance with this new policy thus far.

• 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.

The Chardon Athletic Boosters are looking for some sports loving volunteers to help staff the Topper Shop. Money made at the topper shop goes right back to supporting both CHS and CMS athletic teams. For more information about the boosters reach out to chardonboosters@gmail.com.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4AA4AC2EA2F8C61-57850468-fall#/

The Boosters are excited to share that we are having a brand new all-sport fundraiser this year. On October 4th, we will be All in for Athletics! Tickets are on sale now at https://omella.com/uygyy . Please join us for a night promising fun, school spirit and camaraderie with other Hilltopper Sports Fans.

The boosters raise anywhere between $30,000-50,000 in any given year mainly through events like this, sponsorships, and spirit wear sales. That money goes directly back to your athletes in uniforms, technology, the athletics website, senior banners, and more. Last year the boosters were able to provide new uniforms for CMS Girls and Boys Basketball and CHS Football, Boys Lacrosse, and Girls Basketball. This year we have already purchased new uniforms for CHS Girls Tennis, Boys Basketball and will be soon buying for the Gymnastics Team. These uniforms cost anywhere from $2000 for a small team upwards of $10,000 for our larger teams.

All seniors are invited to the annual Senior Sunrise event this Tuesday, August 26.

This tradition is meant to symbolize the start of your final year, just as the Senior Sunset at the end of the year will celebrate the culmination of your high school journey.

We hope to see every member of the Class of 2026 on the turf field by 6:20 AM (The sun is expected to rise by 6:45 AM) to watch the sun rise together as a class. Mr. Tomco will be opening the stadium at 6:00 AM.

CHS After Prom & PTO raises money through fall & winter concessions to fund our annual Jr/Sr After Prom event, Staff Appreciation Week, student scholarships, donations to the school, and more. There are many ways for parents to get involved:

(1) Work the concession stand at football, soccer & basketball games. Here's the football concessions sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0544ABA728A0F49-57856041-football#/

(2) Take on a leadership/chair position: We are very much in need of parent volunteers to take on leadership/chair positions and learn the ropes for next year when most chair positions will be vacant. We are currently looking for the following:

• CHS After Prom & PTO Vice President
• CHS After Prom & PTO Treasurer
• Fall Concession Co-Chair(s)
• JV Football Concession Chair

Visit our website to learn more: https://sites.google.com/view/chardonafterprom/open-2025-26-positions

(3) Help plan and/or work at the May After Prom event: Many volunteers are needed to make this a success each year. Planning begins in Oct/Nov with considering a new theme for 2026. There will be many planning committee chair slots to fill. Sign-ups to help out the weekend of the event will be posted in April. Stay tuned for more info.

We'd love for you to join us at our kick-off meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7pm at CHS (tentative location: CHS Media Center). Monthly meetings will be at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month Sept thru March, with no meeting in December. After Prom event planning workshops will begin in April.

Email us at chardonafterprom@gmail.com with questions or to get added to our email distribution to stay on top of the latest updates and volunteer needs. Feel free to contact Michelle Fisher at 216-401-8943 for more info. Looking forward to a great school year for CHS staff, students, and families!

GRADE LEVEL COUNSELORS THIS YEAR

12th Grade: Mr. Hurlbut

11th Grade: Mrs. Patterson

10th Grade: Mrs. Hillman

8th/9th Grade: Mrs. Tupaz

CLASS REMIND

We ask that all students and parents join their (their student's) graduation cohort's Remind class for helpful announcements from the school counselors.

How to join:

1. Text (see grade level code below) to 81010 (ex. @chs-26)

2. Download the free Remind app and enter the assigned code below (ex. @chs-28)

12th grade - @chs-26

11th grade - @chs-27

10th grade - @chs-28

9th grade - @chs-29

8th grade - @chs-30

SENIOR PRESENTATION NIGHT - AUGUST 26 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM

There will be a Senior Parent Information Session on Tuesday, August 26th from 5:15-6:00 pm in the CHS cafeteria to go over the most essential components of college applications. This will be a similar version of the information that will be provided to the students during the Senior Presentations in English classes. Students do not need to attend this session if they received the information during class.

CLASS SENIOR PRESENTATIONS

Senior presentations will begin on Tuesday, 8/26 during Senior English classes at CHS. If you/your child is not taking an English class at Chardon, arrangements need to be made to attend one of these presentations.

We will be discussing college application timelines, how to request your transcripts to be sent, how to request letters of recommendation, ACT scores, college rep visits, scholarships, and other topics.

If you are planning on attending college, this presentation is required (for students).

Tuesday, 8/26

2nd: Monaco (Rm. 204, 8:38-9:28)

3rd: Monaco (Rm. 204, 9:30-10:20)

8th: Monaco (Rm. 204, 1:50-2:40)

Wednesday, 8/27

1st: Massucci (Rm 3, 7:45-8:35)

2nd: Massucci (Rm 3, 8:40-9:30

7th: Mihalek (Rm. 401, 12:55-1:45)

Thursday, 8/28

1st: Weaver (Rm. 205, 7:45-8:35)

Activity Fair - August 26th (Lunch Periods and Open House)

Students - During your lunch period, stop by the Activity Fair (in the cafeteria) to see what clubs and athletics are available for you to join this year. There's something for everyone!

Parents - The Activity Fair will run during Open House in the Cafeteria. During your student's study hall/lunch periods, stop by our Activity Fair to see ways for your child to get involved in clubs and athletics this school year.

Order your 2025-2026 Yearbook now! All grades 8-12 will be included as well as school sports, bands, choirs, drama, clubs, graduation, and other activities!

http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A06316400

Senior Photo Submission Deadline for the 2025-26 yearbook is Friday, April 10, 2026. Requirements for your senior picture:

• Pictures may be taken by a professional photographer of your choice.

• Your picture must be a head-and-shoulder shot. If your picture does not meet this requirement, we reserve the right to crop your picture accordingly.

• It is recommended/preferred that the picture has a simple background. The picture can be taken indoors or outdoors.

• If submitted in color, your picture will be printed in color.

• There should be no props in the picture. We will not accept pictures with hands touching the face or head. No hats allowed.

Options for submitting your senior picture:

• Email your picture to melissa.erwin@chardonschools.org (please do not reduce the quality of photos you send - send at least 300 dpi).

• Send your picture to the high school on a CD as a .jpeg file.

• Last resort option: Submit a wallet-sized hard copy photo to the high school office.

Note: Digital submissions are strongly preferred and recommended in order to preserve the quality of your photo.

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.

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 26: Open House, 6:00-7:15 PM, Senior Meeting 5:15-6:00 PM

August 29: No School, Staff PD Day

August 31: CHS Marching Band Performance at Geauga County Fair

September 01: Labor Day

September 27: Homecoming Dance

May 09: Junior/Senior Prom