January 17, 2025
From the Desk of Superintendent Young
Dear CHS Community,
With January in full swing, we find ourselves navigating typical winter conditions - snowy roads, cold temperatures, and salt-covered vehicles. I want to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank-you to our village service departments for their outstanding work in keeping our streets safe and navigable during these harsh conditions. Your dedication ensures that schools remain open and our community stays connected. We truly appreciate your hard work and commitment. Thank you!
Looking ahead, we're monitoring the forecast closely as an Arctic Blast is predicted to bring the season's coldest temperatures to Northeast Ohio next Monday and Tuesday. I will be in close communication with area superintendents regarding any potential impact on school operations and will keep our families informed of any changes.
As a reminder, school will be closed this Monday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This federal holiday coincides with THE Ohio State Buckeyes competing in the college football national championship - a proud moment for our state regardless of team allegiance.
Our students continue to excel both in and out of the classroom. Our Mock Trial team has entered district competition with hopes of advancing to the state level, and our winter athletic teams have passed the midway point of their seasons. I encourage everyone to check the district calendar and support our student-athletes at their remaining home competitions.
As always, thank you for your continued support of our schools. Your commitment to education allows our students to grow every day as they strive to reach their individual HEIGHTS.
Stay warm and safe,
Matt Young
Superintendent
CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Embracing a Growth Mindset in Learning
A growth mindset - believing that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work - is crucial for learning success. This mindset helps students embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and view mistakes as opportunities. Here are some tips to foster a growth mindset:
Preschool-5th Grade:
Use "yet" language ("I can't do this yet")
Celebrate effort and progress, not just results
Share stories about learning from mistakes
Practice positive self-talk during challenges
6th-8th Grade:
View challenges as opportunities to grow
Set learning goals rather than performance goals
Embrace new strategies when current ones aren't working
Recognize that struggle is part of learning
9th-12th Grade:
Take academic risks and try new approaches
Learn from setbacks rather than avoiding them
Seek feedback for improvement
Challenge negative self-talk with evidence
For All Students:
Replace "I can't" with "I'll try"
Value the process of learning, not just outcomes
Learn from others' experiences and strategies
Celebrate persistence and effort
Remember, intelligence and ability aren't fixed - they grow with effort and practice!
Featuring...
Brad Dipert
This is my ninth year at Cuyahoga Heights. I currently teach AP Language & Composition, Non-Fiction Perspectives, and Sci-Fi & Superheroes. Before teaching at Heights, I taught in Berea and Parma. When I'm not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing board games, and bouldering.
Megan Neville
I have been teaching English for over two decades, and still look forward to coming to school every day. I love my schedule of teaching mostly seniors, but it is also thrilling to work with sophomores one period per day -- in fact, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching at Cuyahoga Heights is that I get to have some of my 10th-grade students again in 12th-grade. I have always been in awe of how they grow and change over time! I live in the Gordon Square neighborhood of Cleveland with my fiance (Rudy), two bonus kids (Elle and Griffin), two cats (Carlos and Violet), and way too many houseplants (but they are so cool!). In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, yoga, sewing, walking to the end of my street to see Lake Erie and wave to Canada, and stand-up paddleboarding (but only in the summer!).
Sheila Ogden
I have been teaching at CHS for 4 years, but I have been a teacher for 9 years. I coach volleyball and have coached at all different levels. I love to travel to visit my family who live in Erie, Pennsylvania and my sister who lives in Columbus. I live with my 13 year old cat, Neville (named after the Harry Potter character not the fellow English teacher đ).
I graduated from Penn State Behrend in Erie, PA and was a four year starter on their volleyball team. I was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Penn State Behrend in 2020. A few years after graduating from Behrend, I completed a Master's Degree in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University. Currently, I am taking courses through Ashland University to become certified to teach College Credit Plus English. I have formed so many great friendships here at Heights, and I am very blessed to have such kind and supportive coworkers in the English Department and beyond!
Desiree Siley
This is my 16th year at CHHS. I received my Bachelor's degree in English and Communication and my Master's degree in Education from The University of Akron and am currently working on a Computer Science Endorsement with the university which I will complete in May 2025. I absolutely love teaching and learning! I honestly can't believe it's been 16 years already. I feel so fortunate that I am able to do what I love every day.
I currently live in Peninsula with my 3 children and 2 puppies. I have two sons, Tyler and Mason, and a daughter, Parker. My oldest son Tyler, is currently attending The University of Akron as a Senior and is studying Business IT. My middle son, Mason, is an 8th grader this year and runs cross country and track. And my daughter, Parker, is currently in the 4th grade and plays soccer year round. My puppies are a labradoodle, Nala, and a goldendoodle, Hope.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends playing board games, attending concerts, going to fairs and festivals, having family dinners/BBQ's, etc. I also enjoy reading, watching movies and TV shows, taking walks with my kids and dogs, and completing DIY projects around my home.
DISTRICT NEWS
Cuyahoga Heights is hosting a 2025 France Trip fundraiser at Cozumel, Independence's beloved local restaurant that never disappoints. Here's what to do :
1. Stop by Cozumel on Monday, January 20th, between 11 AM-9 PM
2. Bing the attached flyer with you
3. Present the flyer when paying your bill
It's that simple! Cozumel will generously donate 15% of your bill directly to our France trip fund. This fundraiser helps make our dream of exploring France a reality, giving us the chance to immerse ourselves in French culture, language, and history.
Spread the word and invite your friends and family to join the fun.
Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at Cozumel!
The Cuyahoga Heights PTO is excited to announce that tickets are on sale for the Winter Wonderland Adults-Only Fundraiser
Event Details
⢠When: Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at 7:00 PM
⢠Where: Wild Eagle, Broadview Heights
Tickets:
Individual Admission: $55
Couples Admission: $100
Tickets include two drink tickets per person and a delicious spread of heavy appetizers.
Payment Options: You can purchase your tickets on PTBoard by clicking the link below, or reach out to chsptopresident216@gmail.com for cash or Venmo payment options.
Link for Tickets:
https://chspto.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5029&form=12
This PTO event is open to friends and family outside of the district, so please invite your friends and family to support the school
What to Expect
⢠Raffles baskets and a silent auction with some amazing items
⢠Giant Jenga, cornhole, and more
⢠An unforgettable night of food, fun, and community
Tickets are limited, so donât waitâgrab yours today and join us for an incredible evening!
Have Questions or Interested in Donating to the Event?
If you have any questions, or your business would like to contribute, please reach out to chsptopresident216@gmail.com for more information.
Check Out These Exclusive Auction & Raffle Prizes
Ride in a Firetruck
Does your kid dream of being a firefighter? Bid on this amazing experience where your child can ride along in a Valley View Firetruck during the Memorial Day Parade, courtesy of the Valley View Fire Department.
Principal for a Day
Does your student think they could run the school better than Mr. Melvin or Mr. DeTray? Let them sit in the big chair, make decisions like extra recess vs. extra homework (just kidding⌠or are we??), and see what itâs like when everyone wants your attention! Who knows? Maybe theyâll leave with an appreciation for how hard it is to keep a school runningâor just a newfound love for calling the shots!
Dean for a Day
Does your student think Mrs. Scotton has it easy keeping the peace? Let them step into the role of Dean for a Day, where they can help manage the chaos of the students (and maybe the teachers, too!)
VIP Pick-Up Spot
Tired of lining up for pick-up hours ahead of time just to get to that 4 pm appointment? Bid on a Reserved Parking Spot for the rest of the school year and finally pull in like the VIP you know you are. This spot is prime real estate.
Autographed Steven Kwan Baseball
Baseball fansâthis is your chance to take home a signed baseball from Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan! A must-have for any collector!
Browns Swag Bag with Surprise Autographed Mini Helmet
Cleveland Browns fansâget ready! Score a swag bag packed with Browns gear and a mystery autographed mini helmet for the ultimate fan experience.
Crate & Barrel Wine & Cheese Basket
Treat yourself or someone special to this elegant wine and cheese basket from Crate & Barrel. Complete with luxury wine glasses, a decanter, a cheese board, and more. Itâs perfect for hosting or relaxing at home.
Retro Redskins Basket
Show your school spirit with a Retro Redskins Basket, donated by the Athletic Boostersâfilled with classic gear to represent CHS in style!
Tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center
Fuel your familyâs curiosity with a day of hands-on learning at the Great Lakes Science Centerâperfect for curious minds and fun for all ages.
More Amazing Prizes Include:
⢠A Family 4-Pack for all home CHS sporting events next year
⢠Concert Tickets & Swag
⢠Luxury Gift Baskets, Spa Services, Personal Training Packages & More
Please join us and support an inaugural District-Wide Family Friendly Book Fair. We will have a wide selection of books and literacy tools from Kindergarten through Young Adult.
Volunteers are desperately needed to make this event a success. All volunteers will receive a $5 off $20 coupon towards any purchase. High school students are welcome to sign up for after-school volunteer shifts. Volunteer signups are open to all ES-HS parents, staff, and community members.
Winter Book Fair Volunteer Link: PTBoard.com
Visit the Book Fair Homepage for additional details or to set up an e-Wallet account for MS/HS students: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/CHS
Calling all Cuyahoga Heights Schools students (K-12), staff, alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, etc - the CHS Music Boosters are looking for more acts for CHS got Talent on Saturday, January 25. Come show off your talent no matter what it is - singing, dancing, gymnastics, fortune telling, juggling, joke yelling, drum solo, musical performance, theatrical performance, soccer ball juggling, lip syncing - ANYTHING GOES.
CHS got Talent is going to be a fun talent showcase fundraiser supporting Cuyahoga Heights Music Department. There will be entertainment, basket raffles, side boards, a 50/50 and more! Admission is $5, but performers and volunteers are FREE.
Sign up to perform or volunteer by Monday, January 20.
Pre-purchase admission or 50/50 tickets (need not be present to win)
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
Congratulations goes out to Donny Raymond who threw an incredible 726 three-game series against St. Ed's this past Saturday!!! Donny rolled an amazing 288, 245, and a 193, setting a new school record with his 288 in match play. Way to go, Donny! Keep reaching for new heights!
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!
đ Class of 1950: Celebrating 75 years of wisdom!
đ Class of 1975: Half a century of memories!
đ 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!
đ Fall Flashback: Share Your Back-to-School Memories! đ
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
CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
(PreK-12)
4820 East 71st Street
Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
(216) 429-5700
www.cuyhts.org
Serving the communities of:
Cuyahoga Heights ~ Brooklyn Heights ~ Valley View ~ Tuition Families
Empowering students to reach new HEIGHTS
In the event of a power failure and school phones become inoperable, you can reach the school by calling:
ďťż (216) 341-3737