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Kelly Misch
Communications Director
Chardon Local Schools
440.286.0409
(l to r) Chardon Schools faculty members Tammy Schreffler, Kate Collins, Erika Barnett and Nikki Diehm at the March 5-7 Summit in Columbus
Chardon Attends Sources of Strength Summit
A National Wellness Program Endorsed by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
March 14, 2024 (CHARDON, OH) — Four Chardon Schools staff members represented Chardon Schools at the Sources of Strength Ohio Summit March 5-7. The three-day professional development conference was hosted by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce at The Ohio State University Marriott in Columbus.
Sources of Strength, initially a pilot program at Chardon Middle School in 2022-23, launched in Chardon Schools this past fall following the Chardon Board of Education's approval in spring 2023 for district-wide implementation. This national wellness program, which the District had been researching since 2018, is endorsed by the ODEW and funded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services.
Chardon was among many schools from across Ohio gathered at the recent summit to collaborate and share their experiences implementing Sources of Strength lessons in their districts. Participants also heard from national and state Sources of Strength representatives. 
Chardon Schools participants included:
- Erika Barnett, K-3 School Counselor
- Nikki Diehm, Chardon Middle School Technology Teacher
- Tammy Schreffler, CMS 4th-Grade Math and Science Teacher
- Kate Collins, CMS Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Barnett stated, "We learned so much about empowering our students and helping them to build on the strengths they already possess. Sources of Strength is such a positive and powerful program and we are so excited to bring back the new ideas and skills we explored in Columbus."
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