Happy New Year, Chagrin!

As we look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead for Chagrin Falls Schools, we also have the opportunity to reflect on the positive progress we have made toward our goals in 2022.  Just a year ago, we began the strategic planning process.  We started by investing the time to care and connect with our students, staff, parents, alumni, and community partners.  We made listening and communication our focus, encouraging a culture that embraces the courage to create and contribute while celebrating our history, struggles, and wins of Chagrin.  By intentionally focusing our attention on listening and communication, we reinforced our valuable connections and enduring bonds with all members of our school community.  Through this work, we established a process for strategic planning that allowed us to dream big, elevate our expectations, and incorporate the unique gifts and talents of each individual empowering all members of our school community.

The second stage of our strategic planning process in 2023 will allow us to take on new challenges.  Our Inquiry Teams will seek opportunities once again to engage with our school community through focus groups, allowing more opportunities to listen and propel us forward in this work.  Our teams will put first things first, focusing on the highest priorities for each strategic learning area, eliminating the distractions, and staying true to the work and our goals.  We will push ourselves outside of our comfort zone, and welcome the productive discomfort often necessary for the continuous improvement, growth and pursuit of excellence for our District.

In 2023, we will finish the Design stage and begin the final stages of our strategic process– Decide, Define and Do.  This work, coupled with the pursuit of our theme, "This is Chagrin. Write the Story," allows us to continue to openly receive ideas, thoughts, and feedback through various viewpoints.  Our Strategic Coordination Team and Inquiry Teams are committed to designing a plan with action steps that elevate the educational experiences we offer for our students now and in the future.  We truly appreciate the mutually supportive relationships with all members of our school community throughout this endeavor.  This is only the beginning.  Building on our connections, we are excited about the possibilities this will bring for the future.  These partnerships are the reason we are able to define and maximize the educational experiences for Chagrin.

"Behind the Screens: What Teens are Facing (And Adults are Missing)" Book Study

Tiger Perk Staff Treated to Appreciation Lunch

Chagrin Falls High School Speed Networking Event Creates Dozens of Connections for Students

Gurney Staff and Students Place Wreaths at Evergreen Cemetery

Gurney and Intermediate School Students Participate in Noetic Math Contest

District's Capital Planning and Facility Improvements

Chagrin Falls Band Monthly Newsletter - December 2022

Chagrin Falls Orchestra Newsletter - December 2022

District Hiring Bus Drivers - Watch our Video!

Chagrin Falls Schools - Live Feed

We are listening. Those are the words that best capture the work of the Board and administrative team in 2022.

The calendar year began with two new and one returning Board member taking the oath of office. With fresh perspectives, practical feedback, and the expertise of our new superintendent, we re-evaluated Board operations, implemented changes to the structure of our regular meetings and work sessions, and created District Advisory Committees. These changes have encouraged increased energy and participation and are bringing us closer to our shared goals. We are building an environment of trust, inviting all stakeholders to the table, and leveraging the expertise of our administrators and staff. All our work is grounded in our mission to engage the students, staff, administration, parents and the community in the CFEVS District to inspire shared ownership of our goals and achievements.

The strategic planning process also has incorporated this more inclusive and collaborative approach by utilizing virtual surveys, community round-tables, and Inquiry Teams. The plan, which will be completed and presented to the Board later this year, will leverage the expertise of students, staff, administration, parents, and the community, and be uniquely tailored to the needs and possibilities of our District. 

We kicked off the 2022-23 school year with an explicit invitation to everyone in our school community to participate in the narrative we are creating. The District theme “This is Chagrin. Write the Story,” celebrates the value of recognizing individual experiences and incorporating all voices.  As we turn the page on 2022, we are excited to begin the second half of the 2022-23 school year. There is an exciting momentum building in the Chagrin Falls Schools. Join us as we explore the possibilities of our story.

Sharon Broz

President

The District's 2022-23 school year theme is “This is Chagrin. Write the Story.”

The work we are doing this year centers around our school community sharing their stories and experiences to write a narrative for what we collectively believe and want for our students. This is a perfect statement that outlines what we hope to accomplish through the strategic planning process. Core values and beliefs are the foundation of strategic planning and establishing the culture of an organization. It is what makes school a special place to learn, work, and succeed, and a school community a special place to live. Are we ready to educate the next generation of students? How will the story we write this year impact their story in the future?

Throughout the school year, our students, staff, parents/guardians, and community will be encouraged to help “write the story of Chagrin Falls Schools” in numerous ways. From participating in the creation of the District’s strategic plan to actually being an author highlighting the commitment and dedication to academic excellence and preparation of our students for the world after graduation.

As a District, we look toward the future and ask all of you to engage with us as we help write Chagrin’s story for many years to come. 

For a number of years, the District has been making rather significant facility improvements to improve infrastructure and enhance the learning experience for students.  Over the next few issues of the Super News, we will be bringing you some brief highlights of those projects. This month our focus is on Gurney Elementary School.  

You can read about our District Capital Planning and Facility Improvements. Read about our past and current projects.  You also explore the Facilities Improvement Plan (FIP) where annually, the District utilizes the FIP to identify capital projects for the current fiscal year, as well as those included in the District’s five-year forecast. The FIP integrates the District’s strategic plan, Facilities Master Plan, and ongoing maintenance plan, and considers the competing needs and requirements of the District.

January 11 - Board of Education Regular Meeting, 7 p.m., Intermediate School Cafeteria

Showcase: Innovation Space Student Presentation

January 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School