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Middle school students touted SEL and leadership at Chagrin Falls showcase
Summary
Chagrin Falls Middle School teachers and two students presented the school’s SOAR and PBIS programs, describing advisory-led SEL instruction, a SOAR card reward system and recognition of two students selected for statewide character awards.
Chagrin Falls Middle School staff told the school board on March 26 that the district’s advisory and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports program is central to teaching social-emotional and employability skills.
At the board’s middle-school student showcase, a CFMS staff member said the school uses teacher advocates, learner profiles and advisory time to guide student personal development and to embed social-emotional learning alongside academic rigor. "At CFMS, we work to empower our students, facilitating environments in which students take responsibility for their own learning," the speaker said.
Seventh-grade teacher Mr. Johnson described SOAR, an in-school system of organization, attitude, responsibility and perseverance. He said students carry SOAR cards that teachers sign when students demonstrate targeted skills; accumulating 10 signatures earns a spot on a monthly reward day. "If they're able to get 10 signatures, they're able to participate in our monthly reward days," Johnson said, noting reward days include activities such as basketball, crafts and small-group support.
Eighth-grade team leader Mrs. Aronovich said reward days support belonging, leadership and peer connection and sometimes include service projects. She introduced two student nominees recognized by the Ohio Middle Level Association for character: Dominic Giordano, commended for his photography and sportsmanship, and Audrey Bricker, highlighted for videography and attention to detail.
Board members and attendees praised the program and asked the students about their future plans. A board member said the presentation connected workforce-readiness skills to hiring needs outside education: "These are what they're looking for when we're hiring," the commenter said, urging that character and collaboration matter alongside technical skills.
The district thanked the students and staff; the board invited those interested to stay for the remainder of the meeting.
The board will continue regular business at its next meeting on April 23, 2025.
