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Author: Jay Airhart

Makers Class Crafts Custom Wooden Funko Pop Figures 🪵🛠️

Published: 13 October 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Building creativity from scratch.

Students in Mr. Lepley’s Makers class at Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School used woodworking tools and techniques to design and build oversized wooden Funko Pops.

Hands-on design and engineering took center stage in the shop as students in Mr. Lepley’s Makers class completed a dynamic woodworking project. Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School creators transformed raw lumber into impressive, large-scale wooden Funko Pops.

The multi-step process required students to safely operate band saws to shape a body from a 4×4 block of wood. Working with additional wooden blocks, students crafted custom shoes, hands, arms, and legs. They also learned to select and use various drill bits to fit dowel rods that provided the essential movement for each figure.

Projects like this give students practical experience with tools while building critical problem-solving skills. By taking a design from basic blocks to a fully functioning piece, young makers gain real confidence in their craftsmanship and technical abilities.

The workshop was filled with focused energy as students added unique custom features to personalize their finished figures. Seeing the creativity and attention to detail brought to every single build reflects the hard work and pride of our Chipps!

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National Honor Society Welcomes New Members at Sunday Ceremony 🎓✨

Published: 5 October 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Celebrating Excellence and Leadership.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School welcomed its newest inductees into the National Honor Society during a special ceremony this past Sunday evening.

The atmosphere inside the auditorium was filled with pride and celebration on Sunday evening as Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School held its annual National Honor Society induction ceremony. Led and organized by NHS advisor Mrs. Kati Kager, the event recognized exceptional students who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of academic and personal achievement.

This milestone moment highlights the tireless dedication of our student-athletes and scholars who go above and beyond in their daily lives. Both the newly inducted members and returning members embody the four core pillars of the NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character.

Recognizing these outstanding individuals reflects the strong values of our entire school district and community. When young leaders commit themselves to helping others and pursuing excellence, they inspire everyone around them and set a powerful example for future generations of Chipps.

Families, staff, and friends cheered enthusiastically as each student was called forward to take their place in this honored tradition. The pride in the room reflected the bright future ahead for these student leaders as they continue to make a positive impact.

Keep following our school updates to see how our NHS leaders serve our local community throughout the school year. Congratulations to all of our newly inducted National Honor Society members and their families!

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12th Graders Tour Mansfield Reformatory for Shawshank Study 📚🎬

Published: 29 September 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

From Page to Screen.

Mrs. Kager and Mr. Stewart led Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School 12th grade ELA students on a field trip to the historic Mansfield Reformatory to study media translation.

Seniors in our English Language Arts classes recently experienced literature coming to life beyond the traditional classroom walls. Mrs. Kager and Mr. Stewart took the 12th grade students on an educational journey to the historic Mansfield Reformatory, the iconic location where the film adaptation of “The Shawshank Redemption” was filmed.

The visit served as a central hands-on element of a comprehensive unit exploring how stories transition across different forms of media. Prior to the trip, students analyzed the original written text, preparing them to evaluate how settings, themes, and characters shift when adapted for the big screen.

During their time at the reformatory, students participated in a guided tour that provided valuable historical background and context about the facility. Walking through the cell blocks gave everyone a tangible sense of scale and atmosphere that simply cannot be replicated in a textbook.

This immersive experience allowed our Chipps to draw deeper analytical connections when they ultimately viewed the film adaptation. By comparing the text, physical filming site, and movie, students sharpened their critical thinking and media literacy skills in an unforgettable way.

Opportunities like these highlight the value of experiential learning as our seniors prepare for college and future careers. We love seeing our educators create engaging lessons that spark curiosity and deepen comprehension!

Stay tuned for more creative high school curriculum highlights throughout the semester.

Ask your senior student about their favorite discovery from the tour of the reformatory

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Chippewa Marching Band Shines at Wayne County Fair 🎷🥁

Published: 21 September 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Music, Pride, and Community.

The Chippewa Marching Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Wayne County Fair on September 14, supported by an enthusiastic crowd of Chipp fans.

Fairgoers gathered in full force on September 14 as Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School sent its legendary marching band to the stage. Under the guidance of Band Director Nick Hann, our student musicians showcased their exceptional talent, discipline, and dedication to musical excellence.

The crowd in the stands was nothing short of incredible, packing the venue to show unwavering support for the band. From powerful brass hits to precise drum cadences, every song demonstrated the relentless practice and effort our students invest into their craft.

Events like the Wayne County Fair offer a wonderful opportunity to bring the larger community together in celebration of youth achievement. Seeing our local families, alumni, and fans rally behind the music reminds everyone of the strong bonds that define the Chippewa district.

The immense pride felt throughout the grandstands was contagious as the band closed out another memorable showcase. Our marching program continues to set a standard of excellence that inspires the entire community and brings honor to our school!

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10th Graders Master the Bill of Rights Through Movement 📜✋

Published: 9 September 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Hands on learning history.

Mr. Liptak’s 10th grade American History students at Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School are using creative hand motions to master the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.

History came to life in the social studies hallway as Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School 10th graders tackled foundational American history. Mr. Liptak introduced a unique, kinetic learning approach to help students retain the complex principles within the Bill of Rights.

Instead of relying solely on traditional memorization, students connected each of the first 10 Amendments to specific hand motions. Linking physical movement to abstract legal rights helps solidify key concepts, making memory recall faster and more intuitive during lessons.

This dynamic teaching strategy reflects our commitment to engaging every type of learner in the classroom. By transforming historical documents into active experiences, students build a deeper comprehension of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

The enthusiasm in the classroom was high as students practiced the movement sequences and cheered each other on. Seeing young Chipps take ownership of foundational civic knowledge with such energy brings genuine pride to our school community.

-Keep following our classroom updates to see innovative learning in action throughout the school year.

-Ask your 10th grader to demonstrate the hand motions for the Bill of Rights at home.

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Chippewa 8th Graders Test the Science of Bubbles 🧪🫧

Published: 1 September 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Exploring Scientific Variables in Action.

Students in Ms. DeMeio’s 8th grade science class completed a hands-on laboratory experiment to explore the key principles of scientific variables

The science hallway was filled with excitement as Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School 8th graders dove into their latest hands-on laboratory investigation. Under the guidance of Ms. DeMeio, students put scientific concepts into practice by testing how different conditions impact real-world outcomes.

To master the concepts of independent, dependent, and controlled variables, students put three unique bubble solutions to the test. Groups carefully measured and compared the size of the bubbles produced by each mixture to determine which formulation yielded the largest results.

Experiments like this highlight the value of experiential learning, allowing students to step into the role of active researchers. By making observations, recording data, and analyzing findings, young scientists build essential critical-thinking skills that stretch far beyond the classroom.

The enthusiasm in the room was contagious as lab groups cheered on each successful attempt and discussed the reasoning behind their results. It was a fantastic demonstration of teamwork, curiosity, and Chipps pride in action.

Encourage your student to share what they learned about variables during their lab testing.

Stay tuned for more hands-on science updates throughout the school year.

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Chippewa Volleyball Secures Big Victory Over Norwayne 🏐🔥

Published: 26 August 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: Jr./Sr. HS

The Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School volleyball team earned a hard-fought victory against Norwayne in a thrilling matchup.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School is proud to celebrate our girls varsity volleyball team following their decisive victory against rival Norwayne.

The energy inside the gymnasium was electric as Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School took the court for a high-stakes league showdown against Norwayne. From the very first serve, the Chipps set the tempo with aggressive attacks and sharp defensive play.

Our student-athletes delivered a spectacular performance, demonstrating relentless communication and power at the net. Dynamic spikes, consistent serving, and clutch digs allowed the Chipps to take control of the momentum early and maintain their lead through every set.

Victories like this showcase the incredible dedication of our players and coaching staff who invest countless hours into practice and preparation. Beyond the score, moments like these build lasting character, sportsmanship, and pride across our entire district.

The roar of the home crowd provided an unforgettable backdrop, reminding everyone why the Chippewa community is second to none. Student sections, parents, and local supporters packed the stands to give our athletes the ultimate home-court advantage.

Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on the team and show what Chipps spirit is all about. Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming schedule as our volleyball squad looks to keep this winning momentum!

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Chippewa Students Shine at Wayne County Spelling Bee 👍

Published: 21 January 2026
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: CES, CIS, District, Jr./Sr. HS

Kayli and Liahna Represent Proudly

Chippewa students represent the district at the Wayne County Spelling Bee.

Two Chippewa Local Schools students represented the district with pride and professionalism at the Wayne County Spelling Bee held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Orrville High School.

Eighth grader Kayli Skuza and sixth grader Liahna Caraballo proudly competed against top spellers from across the county, demonstrating strong preparation, confidence, and academic excellence. Both students showed poise under pressure as they took the stage and represented Chippewa with distinction.

Participation in the Wayne County Spelling Bee is a significant achievement, and Kayli and Liahna exemplified the dedication and hard work that characterize Chippewa students. Their efforts reflect positively on their families, teachers, and the entire school community.

Congratulations to Kayli Skuza and Liahna Caraballo on a job well done and for being outstanding representatives of Chippewa Local Schools.

Senior Andrew Yost Named Chief of the Chipps ✨👌

Published: 21 November 2025
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Leadership in Action.

Senior Andrew Yost has been selected as this month’s Chief of the Chipps for his positivity, talent, and outstanding contributions to band and the performing arts.


Chippewa is proud to recognize senior Andrew Yost as this month’s Chief of the Chipps, an honor reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and school spirit. Andrew stands out not only for his academic excellence, but also for his involvement in band and the performing arts, where he brings energy, talent, and dedication to every performance.

Known for his friendly nature and bright personality, Andrew is the kind of student who makes the school community stronger simply by being part of it. His kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to contribute set a powerful example for students of all grades.

Celebrating students like Andrew highlights what makes Chippewa special—students who lead with heart, support their peers, and share their passions with the community.

Congratulations, Andrew! We’re proud to have you representing the Chipps!

Sweet Science: 8th Graders Explore Plate Boundaries 🍫🌋

Published: 2 October 2025
Written by Jay Airhart
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Categories: District, Jr./Sr. HS

Tasty Earth Science

Ms. DeMeio’s 8th grade science students used graham crackers, Rice Krispie treats, chocolate chips, and Cool Whip to model plate boundaries in a deliciously hands-on lesson.


Learning about Earth’s shifting plates got a sweet upgrade in Ms. DeMeio’s 8th grade science class. Students modeled plate boundaries using everyday snacks—graham crackers and Rice Krispie treats for tectonic plates, Cool Whip for the mantle, and chocolate chips to represent volcanic activity.

Through this interactive activity, students discovered how plates move, collide, and separate, gaining a deeper understanding of the forces that shape our planet. The edible models not only made abstract concepts tangible, but also added an extra layer of fun (and flavor!) to the lesson.

The classroom buzzed with excitement as students pushed, pulled, and shifted their tasty “tectonic plates,” watching earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain ranges come to life before their eyes.

Hands-on projects like this show the power of creative teaching—bringing science to life in ways students will remember long after the last chocolate chip has been eaten!