Preparing for Success.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School will administer semester exams on December 18 and 19. Here is everything families need to know about schedules, expectations, and student options for exam days.

As the semester comes to a close, Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School is preparing for two days of meaningful, high-quality semester exams. These assessments are designed to reflect the depth of student learning while also ensuring students have the time and environment they need to perform at their best.

Our schedule supports both focus and well-being: structured exam blocks paired with study or decompression time before dismissal. This balance helps students stay energized, calm, and ready for each exam.

We also want to acknowledge the tremendous work our teachers put in every day leading up to this point—planning instruction, supporting routines, and showing up for students in ways big and small. Their consistency is a major reason our building feels steady, supportive, and student-centered.

About the Exams

• Every course will administer an exam or summative assessment appropriate to the nature of the class (traditional test, project, performance task, etc.).

• Each exam counts as 20% of the semester grade, ensuring consistent impact without overinflating or minimizing any single assessment.

Exam Dates

Thursday, December 18
Friday, December 19
Both days will follow Schedule M.

Exam Procedures & Expectations

Chippewa’s goal is for semester exams to demonstrate true understanding—not rushed or minimized, but meaningful reflections of student learning. While the work is rigorous, the schedule also includes time for students to reset or quietly prepare for the next day.

Buses will continue to run on the regular schedule, so students leaving early will need to arrange their own transportation home. 

Families can review the full exam plan below

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How do students get permission to leave early on exam day?

To leave early, a student must have parent/guardian permission. A parent/guardian must do 1 of the following by 7:27 AM on the day the student plans to leave early.

1. Signed paper: Bring it to the cafeteria table that morning
2. Email Mrs. Schafrath at Paige.Schafrath@chippewaschools.com (you may do this ahead of time)
3. Phone call to Mrs. Schafrath at 330-658-2011 x5050 (you may do this ahead of time)

7th and 8th Grade will contact Ms. DeMeio (8th Grade) or Mrs. Costanzo (7th Grade)

Any student who does not have parent-guardian permission will remain in the school for the entire day and attend the Post-Exam Study after the last exam period of the day. We will be on Bell Schedule M for exams.

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When do students leave if they have permission?

If the final exam of the day is:

• Period 1 or 2: leave at 8:30 AM

• Period 3 or 4: leave at 9:33 AM

• Period 7 or 8: leave at 10:36 AM

• Period 5 (Jr. High only): leave at 11:42 AM

• Period 6: leave at 12:48 PM

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When do students arrive on exam days?

• All students must arrive at the normal start time: 7:27 AM

• No late arrivals unless already approved for late arrival in their regular schedule

• Students report to their normal Period 1 or 2 classes even if they don’t have an exam during those periods

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What if a student has a space or gap between exams?

Students may not leave and return later in the day. There is no coming and going.

For example:

If a student has an exam in Period 1 and their next exam isn’t until Period 6, they may not:

• Leave after Period 1
• Go home
• Return for Period 6

They must:

• Attend their normally scheduled classes, study halls, Lunch/WIN, etc.
• Stay in their exam room until the bell, even if they finish early
• Leave only after their final exam of the day with proper parent/guardian permission

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Post-Exam Study Period

Students who stay at school after completing their final exam (and are not leaving early) will report to the cafeteria for a supervised study space until dismissal. This setting is designed to provide a calm environment for students to decompress or prepare for the next day.

We’re proud of the hard work our students have shown this semester, and we’re excited to see them take this final step with confidence. Thank you for your support and partnership as we close out the semester and look ahead to a strong start in the new year!

Plan Ahead for College.

Students interested in taking College Credit Plus (CCP) courses during the 2026–27 school year should take the ACT early to determine eligibility before scheduling classes.

Students planning to register for College Credit Plus (CCP) classes next year should complete the ACT before scheduling for the 2026–27 school year. Taking the ACT early helps determine college readiness and ensures that students meet eligibility requirements for our CCP partner colleges.

Upcoming ACT Deadlines:

• Register by November 7 for the December 13 test
• Register by January 9 for the February 14 test

Testing locations fill up early, so students are encouraged to register soon.

All Juniors will take one free ACT during the school year here at Chippewa. However, students who want to take CCP courses prior to Senior year should already have a college-ready ACT score before scheduling for the following year begins.

Our partner colleges may require specific Composite, Reading, Math, or English ACT scores, so taking the ACT early gives students time to meet those requirements and explore additional opportunities.

Adventure on the Mountain.

The Chippewa Ski Club is back for 2026! Students in grades 7–12 can join classmates for five weeks of skiing and snowboarding at Brandywine Ski Resort in Peninsula, Ohio.

Get ready to ski, snowboard, and make winter memories! The Chippewa Ski Club invites all students in grades 7–12 to join this year’s five-week session at Brandywine Ski Resort, just 35 minutes north in Peninsula, Ohio.

Club nights take place on Thursdays: January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5.

The bus departs from school at 2:55 p.m. and returns by 8:30 p.m.

The all-inclusive package ($350) covers transportation, lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. Additional pricing options are available for students who already have a season pass or their own gear:

• Lesson & Rental (with pass): $306
• Lessons Only: $166
• Rental Only: $140

Students with a season “Ohio Epic Pass” ($322 for ages 7–17) can still join the fun — just ride the bus and enjoy the slopes with your friends!

To sign up, click the link below! Be sure to sign up for the Remind app to receive updates and announcements. Registration is open now through December 15.

Questions? Reach out to Mr. Geiser for more details or rental form assistance.

Stories Worth Sharing.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School ELA teacher and author Steve Smith has been selected to appear at this year’s Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster—a celebration of Ohio’s writers, readers, and stories that inspire.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School’s own Steve Smith, ELA teacher and author of The Boys of Rubber City, will represent our school community at the 2025 Buckeye Book Fair on Saturday, November 1 in Wooster. The fair—one of Ohio’s premier literary events—features more than 100 authors each year and connects readers of all ages with the writers behind their favorite stories.

Selected from over 200 submissions, Smith’s inclusion in this year’s lineup is an exciting recognition of both his talent and his impact as an educator. His novel, The Boys of Rubber City, explores themes of friendship, resilience, and hometown pride—values that resonate deeply within the Chippewa community. Pick up your copy by clicking the link below.

The Buckeye Book Fair is also a perfect chance for readers to pick up something new for the colder months or find a meaningful holiday gift while supporting local authors.

Learn more about the event and featured writers here:

Buckeye Book Fair

The Boys of Rubber City

Honor Those Who Have Served.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School will proudly host its annual Veterans Day Lunch and Program on Tuesday, November 11, honoring those who have served our nation with courage and dedication.

Chippewa Jr./Sr. High School invites veterans, families, and community members to a heartfelt Veterans Day celebration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The day will begin as veterans gather at 11:40 a.m. at the American Legion to line up for the parade.

At 12:30 p.m., lunch will be served in the Jr./Sr. High School Café, followed by a special assembly at 1:15 p.m. in the Serpentini Fieldhouse, where students and staff will come together to express gratitude through music, recognition, and reflection.

Guests are asked to enter through the Serpentini Fieldhouse doors (#12) at 466 S. Portage Street, Doylestown.

Please RSVP by November 1 by calling 330-658-2011 ext. 5050.

The celebration continues in the evening with a Veterans Day Concert at 6:00 p.m. in the Jr./Sr. High Auditorium, featuring our talented band and student musicians performing in tribute to those who have served.

Events like this embody the Chippewa spirit—bringing our school and community together to honor sacrifice, service, and unity.