January 10, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

The halls are once again filled with energy as our students and staff return from winter break, marking the beginning of both a new year and a new semester. While the holiday season provided a welcome pause for rest and reflection, there is something truly special about having our school family back together.

As we begin 2025, we find ourselves at a natural point to both look back on our accomplishments and look ahead to new opportunities. Every day, we witness the incredible potential in our students - in their curiosity, their determination, and their growth. It is truly a privilege to be part of their educational journey here at Cuyahoga Heights Schools, supporting them as they work toward their goals and shape their futures.

We enter this new year with optimism and excitement about what lies ahead for our students, our schools, and our community. Together, we will continue to create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Starting the New Year with Renewed Focus

The start of a new calendar year offers a natural opportunity to renew our focus on learning and personal growth. Coming back from break provides a fresh start and chance to build on first semester successes. Here are some tips to help students start strong:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Re-establish regular bedtime and morning routines

• Create a new organization system for schoolwork

• Set up a dedicated homework space at home

• Make learning fun with new supplies or tools

6th-8th Grade:

• Review and adjust study schedules as needed

• Clean and reorganize lockers and backpacks

• Update planners with new semester schedules

• Set specific goals for each subject area

9th-12th Grade:

• Evaluate first semester strategies and adjust accordingly

• Create a semester timeline for major projects

• Update academic and extracurricular calendars

• Plan regular check-ins with teachers and counselors

For All Students:

• Start each day with a positive attitude

• Review and recommit to academic goals

• Maintain consistent daily routines

• Share hopes and plans for the new year

Remember, success comes from small, consistent efforts each day. Let's make every day count in 2025!

Our CHampion Staff

Jen Deka
Jen Deka was appointed to the Cuyahoga Heights School Board in November 2022. She, along with her husband, Shawn (Class of 1993), and their children: Colin (Class of 2022), Erin (Class of 2025), and Addison (Class of 2028) are longtime residents of Valley View. Mrs. Deka earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science Degree in Geology with an emphasis in Hydrogeology from the University of Toledo. She is currently a project manager for a global company headquartered in Cleveland with experience leading environmental remediation projects.

Mrs. Deka loves attending her children’s athletic events and band concerts in her spare time, and she currently serves as the Music Booster Treasurer. She enjoys reading, watching Cleveland sports teams, hiking, and spending time at the beach. 

Mark Dobbins
Mark Dobbins was appointed to the Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education in 2016 and has been elected to two additional terms. His family has resided in Brooklyn Heights since the 1930's and includes many CHHS graduates. He has lived in Brooklyn Heights for most of his life and graduated from CHHS in 1975 following brothers, Jim and Jeff. Mr. Dobbins and his wife Pam have two children, Mike and Steve, who graduated from CHHS in 2006 and 2008, and a granddaughter who is a current CHES student.  He is a graduate of the Cleveland State University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is grateful to the district for the many opportunities that it has offered.  Mr. Dobbins enjoys walking, reading and family time in his free time. 

Maria Eder
Maria Scali Eder has been a member of the Cuyahoga Heights Board of Education since January 1, 2018.  She and her husband Michael have lived in Valley View for more than 28 years.  They are the proud parents of two children who attended Cuyahoga Heights Schools from Pre-K through 12th Grade.  Anthony graduated in 2011 and Victoria graduated in 2013.

Mrs. Eder currently is a Realtor with Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan.  She especially enjoys working with First-Time Home Buyers and helping people build wealth through real estate.

Before that, Mrs. Eder had a 35-year career as a Broadcast Journalist.  She retired from WJW Fox 8 News - Cleveland in 2016.  Her duties there included producing entire newscasts to being a Multi-Media Journalist /On-Air Reporter. 

Mrs. Eder is a graduate of Kent State University and Garfield Heights High School.  She is a huge Cleveland Guardians fan, enjoys The Arts, and sings in her church choir.

Mrs. Eder is grateful to the voters for electing her to the Cuyahoga Heights School Board.  She is committed to working with The Board to help make a difference in the lives of our Cuyahoga Heights students and the continued success of the School District.

Stephanie Prause
Stephanie Prause has been a proud member of this community since 2011. Mrs. Prause and her husband Michael are the proud parents of two children who attend Cuyahoga Heights Schools.

With a professional background in corporate communications and human resources, Mrs. Prause currently works for a global manufacturing company based in Solon. She holds a Master of Arts degree from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University (Ohio).

Beyond her professional and family life, Mrs. Prause is the Girl Scout troop leader to 10 energetic Brownies who share a love for camping and Taylor Swift in equal measure. She also enjoys attending her kids' dance shows and sporting events, reading, and traveling with her family. Serving on the school board has been a meaningful way for Mrs. Prause to give back to the community, and she is immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of the district’s teachers and staff who inspire and educate students every day.

Gary Suchocki
The Suchocki family has been part of Cuyahoga Heights Schools for many years dating back to the very beginning in 1938 when Geraldine Kreger of 4661 East 71st Street entered CHHS as a freshman. Four years after her 1942 graduation, Geraldine married Chester Suchocki and moved out of Cuyahoga Heights. When the family returned to East 71st Street in 1969, their two youngest children, Gregory and Marybeth entered Cuyahoga Heights Schools, graduating in 1971 and 1975 respectively.

In the meantime, Gary Suchocki, Geraldine’s oldest son, had married Kathleen in 1972, and moved to Brooklyn Heights in 1975. Their three children became the third generation of Suchocki students at CHS, and all three attended from Pre-school through graduation, starting in 1981. Karen Ishida graduated in 1995, Andrew graduated in 1997, and John Paul in 2004. Throughout high school, the children were active in soccer, track, orchestra and band. All three represented CHS as members of the Academic Challenge team.

Over the years, both Mr. Suchocki and his wife, Kathy were quite active in the schools. Mr. Suchocki served on multiple financial and levy committees from 1985 through 2011. He also participated in the community plays, assisted with student music recitals, and was a guest instructor for the enrichment program. Kathy (deceased) was active as a PTO parent volunteer in multiple programs, served on the principal’s Parent Advisory panel and on several special school board exploratory committees. In 1996 Kathy was instrumental in the formation of the CHS Music Booster parent organization. From 2003 until 2010 Kathy worked part-time as a library aide in the Bahner-Ray Media Center.

Mr. Suchocki has also been active in the Brooklyn Heights Service Clubs since 1993, leading the effort to establish the 501(c)(3) status and serving as the Men's Club president for six years and the Park Board treasurer for over fifteen years.

Mr. Suchocki has been a member of the Cuyahoga Heights School Board since January 2012 and is serving his fourth term. He is currently the Board President and is a member of the Superintendent's Technology and BEST Strategic Planning Committees. He also serves as the Board's Tax Abatement Review Liaison.

DISTRICT NEWS

Back in early December, all of Mr. Bertolone’s first through fifth-grade music classes entered a contest hosted by Quaver Music. Quaver music is an online music curriculum used by schools all over the world. The contest was called, “Quaver’s Holiday Rap Challenge”. Quaver wrote a holiday song with a rap section in the middle that he didn’t like. He challenged students to rewrite the rap, record it, and send it in. Quaver announced that there would be 4 winners: Random selection, Best Lyrics, Best Group Performance, and finally Quaver’s Personal Favorite.

On Monday, January 6, Mr. B received an email from Quaver letting him know that out of over 300 entries submitted, Mrs. Kasmarcak’s first grade music class won Quaver’s Personal Favorite! You can watch what Quaver said and hear the winning song by clicking on the YouTube video link below. (Our section starts at 5:41)

Let's Hear It For The Holidays: Recording Competition - Winners Announcement

Mrs. Kasmarcak’s class won a pizza party from Quaver and Mr. Bertolone received a $100 Amazon gift card. The students will be helping Mr. B decide what to buy for the music room in the coming weeks.

Awesome job Mrs. Kasmarcak’s class! As Quaver would say, “Boom Chicka Boom”

***HEIGHT & WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS***

Save the date. CHS got Talent will be a fun family friendly event to support the CHS Music Boosters. Tickets for the event go on sale soon. We are currently in need of basket raffle items, volunteers and acts, so if you or your kids want to sing, dance, play an instrument, juggle, do a gymnastics routine, volunteer, whatever - sign up today.

https://cuyhtsmusic.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=75b83403-ed25-464c-9fff-5d468547a435~s.9223370308278722173

If you're interested in joining Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, please note that our tuition registration is now open. Please follow this link to apply today. Registration will close on February 28, 2025.

Thank you for choosing Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools, where we strive to help every student reach new HEIGHTS!

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

As the Class of 2025 enters their final year at Cuyahoga Heights, we are also rolling out the red carpet for the Classes of 1950, 1975 and 2000! Whether you rocked poodle skirts, bell-bottoms, or cargo pants during your high school days, we want to hear from you!

🎓 Class of 1950: Celebrating 75 years of wisdom!

🎓 Class of 1975: Half a century of memories!

🎓 Class of 2000: A quarter-century of adulting!

We want to bring your high school memories back to life. Throughout the year, we'll be reaching out to you, our alumni, to share your stories as we relive the school year, one nostalgic moment at a time.

Are you (or someone you know) a proud graduate from these classes? We want to hear from you!

🍂 Fall Flashback: Share Your Back-to-School Memories! 🍂

As leaves start to turn and school bells ring again, we're diving into your first-quarter memories. Send us your stories and snapshots of:

• Pep rallies that got your school spirit soaring

• Fall sports triumphs and team bonding moments

• Homecoming festivities that still make you smile

• Typical school day shenanigans

• Fashion statements that defined your era

• Hairstyles that were totally "in" (no judgments, we promise!)

Whether it's a faded photograph, a vivid memory, or a hilarious anecdote, we want it all! Help us create a time capsule of Cuyahoga Heights Schools through the decades.

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Send your stories and photos using this link. 

#CHSAlumniLegacy #DecadesOfExcellence

STAY IN THE LOOP

We're excited to introduce a new addition to our Friday e-newsletter to help families stay in the loop. To make your life easier, we've created a dedicated section that serves as a one-stop shop for all the essential apps and tools you regularly need. Here, you'll find quick access to everything from reporting absences and tracking school buses to adding money to lunch accounts and more. We hope this centralized resource will save you time and make managing your child's school-related tasks more convenient.

Know someone who would enjoy receiving our weekly e-newsletter?
Share this link with them!

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS E-NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP