Dear CHS Community,

This week has been a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds that tie our school to our community. We've had several events that highlight the importance of these connections in providing a well-rounded education for our students.

Our elementary school hosted "Goodies with Grands," inviting grandparents to celebrate their vital role in our students' lives. It was heartwarming to see the joy on both the children's and grandparents' faces as they shared this special time together. Looking ahead, our PTO is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat event at the elementary school, which promises to be a fun-filled evening for our younger students and their families.

Safety remains a top priority, and we're grateful to our village safety forces for their presentations during Safety Week in our elementary and middle schools. Their dedication to keeping our communities safe and taking the time to educate our students is truly appreciated.

In the high school, our students participated in Community Impact Day, engaging in various service projects throughout our communities. This initiative allows our students to give back and express gratitude for the continuous support our district receives. It's a powerful way for our young people to understand the importance of civic responsibility and community involvement.

These events and activities underscore the vital partnerships between our schools and the community. They contribute significantly to the holistic education of our students, fostering a sense of belonging and civic pride that extends beyond the classroom.

Thank you to everyone who makes these connections possible - our families, community members, safety forces, and staff. Your involvement enriches the educational experience of every CHS student.

Let’s Reach New Heights Together!

Matt Young

Superintendent

As we approach the end of our first grading period, it's crucial to maintain focus and finish strong. This period sets the tone for the rest of the year and provides valuable feedback on student progress. A strong finish builds confidence and momentum for future success. Here are some tips to end the grading period on a high note:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Review and complete any missing assignments

• Create a fun countdown to the end of the grading period

• Set small, achievable daily goals for the remaining days

• Plan a celebration for completing the first grading period

6th-8th Grade:

• Check online gradebooks and address any low scores

• Schedule extra help sessions for challenging subjects

• Organize study groups for upcoming tests

• Create a checklist of all pending assignments and their due dates

9th-12th Grade:

• Meet with teachers to discuss grade improvement opportunities

• Prioritize assignments based on their weight in the overall grade

• Begin preparing for any end-of-term projects or exams

• Reflect on study strategies used so far and adjust as needed

For All Students:

• Ensure all work is turned in on time

• Get plenty of rest to stay focused during this busy time

• Maintain a positive attitude – every assignment is an opportunity

• Discuss any concerns or challenges with teachers early

Remember, the effort put in now will pay off not just in grades, but in the skills and knowledge gained. Let's finish this grading period strong together!

Madison Smith

I am in my tenth year of teaching at Cuyahoga Heights. I have taught first and third grade. Before becoming a classroom teacher I worked as a student aide and Teacher Assistant at Heights. I have my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Thiel College, as well as a K-12 Reading Endorsement and 4th/5th grade Endorsement. I am currently working on earning a Master's Degree from Baldwin Wallace in Leadership in Educational Technology. My husband and I have three amazing girls, Elliana (2nd grade), Finley (Pre-K) and Vera. As a family we love to swim, explore different playgrounds, and spend time at Kelley's Island! My favorite thing about third grade is watching students build their confidence and become more independent. 

Kayla Zingale 

I am currently in my seventh year of teaching, my third year at Cuyahoga Heights. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education PreK-3 and Early Childhood Special Education PreK-3 from Ashland University. I also recently earned my K-12 Reading Endorsement from Walsh University. I am roughly halfway through earning my Master’s degree in Reading as well. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, DIY crafts, and taking my dog Rascal for walks in the evenings. My favorite thing about third grade is sharing my joy of learning with my students!

Kaylin Runger

CHES is my home away from home! I love the third grade team of teachers and the third grade community of learners. This is my sixth year teaching our wolf pups and my tenth year teaching overall! I attended John Carroll University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees– Go Blue Streaks! In addition to my schooling, I played soccer for four years at JCU and I was the captain of the team my senior year. My husband, Tom, and I just welcomed our first baby boy on September 3, 2024. We are loving being first-time parents while still adjusting to the newborn sleep schedule! Our son TJ brings us so much joy and happiness. Now that he is here, we can’t remember our lives without him!

Leanne Candow 

I have over ten years of experience teaching in grades Pre-K through 3rd and have had the opportunity to teach in both Florida and Ohio. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K to 3rd grade) and a Special Education license (K-12) from Cleveland State University. I also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a K-12 Reading Endorsement from Ashland University. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, and we are very active in sports and outdoor activities.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools recently hosted its beloved “Goodies with Grands” event, creating heartwarming memories for students and their grandparents or special grand-figures. The annual tradition brought families together for a fun-filled morning of connection, treats, and celebration.

Students and their “grands” kicked off the day by sharing a sweet treat, delighting in a selection of pastries and snacks that added a special touch to the gathering. The joyful atmosphere continued as our visitors and their students had the opportunity to capture the moment with a keepsake photo, preserving the memory of their time together. The annual photo has become a cherished part of the event, giving families a lasting memento to look back on.

After enjoying their goodies, the real fun began as grandparents were invited to visit the students' classrooms. There, they participated in engaging activities, explored the learning environment, and shared in the excitement of the students' daily routines. Whether they were solving puzzles, working on art projects, or simply chatting with their grandchildren, the day provided a unique opportunity to strengthen family bonds and share in the joy of learning.

Goodies with Grands continues to be a highlight of the school year, creating lasting memories and bringing together generations in a celebration of love, family, and community. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!

On Thursday, October 10, while some students were busy taking the PSAT test, others were making a positive impact in the local community during Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ annual Community Impact Day. The event provided high school students an opportunity to contribute to various service projects, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.

Students participated in a wide range of activities across multiple locations. Some groups headed outdoors, where they weeded and cleaned up Valley View Woods, painted fire hydrants in Brooklyn Heights, and assisted with maintenance tasks at the Parma Fire Station. Others stayed within the school grounds to tackle several improvement projects or spent their time creating cards for patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Additionally, students made pet toys and bandanas for animals at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, cleaned vehicles for the Cuyahoga Heights Police Department, and organized spaces at the Cuyahoga Heights Service Department. Each project reflected the students’ dedication to helping their neighbors and enhancing the community’s well-being.

Community Impact Day is an essential tradition at Cuyahoga Heights Schools, encouraging students to connect with their community and learn the value of service. The diverse projects not only strengthened relationships between the students and local organizations but also left a lasting positive impact on the community.

Our seventh and eighth grade Red Wolves had an amazing day celebrating their first-quarter achievements at Klima Gardens! Students earned their spot at the event based on their outstanding grades and positive behavior, and they were rewarded with beautiful weather and a day packed with fun activities. From games to team-building exercises, everyone enjoyed the chance to bond, relax, and celebrate their hard work. It was truly a memorable outing for all!

Safety is always a top priority, and we are grateful to our village safety forces for their informative presentations during Safety Week at our elementary and middle schools. We truly appreciate their dedication to keeping our community safe and taking the time to educate our students. At the high school level, students actively participated in various safety drills each day, further enhancing their preparedness and understanding of safety protocols.

The Book Fair is back! The week of October 14th Scholastic is returning to CHES for some literacy-inspired fun. Students will peruse and shop during library time, with make-up visits scheduled on Friday, October 18th. Shopping is carefree with E-Wallet. Add funds digitally to simplify the checkout process. Cash, check, and card payments are all accepted, too! Visit https://chspto.ptboard.com/ for volunteer opportunities, and shop online at our CHES Book Fair homepage: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/cuyahogaheightselemschool 

The CHS PTO is excited to announce our second annual Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, October 13th from 2-4 PM. Join us for a spooktacular time that's sure to be fun, free, and open to all CHES students and their families! Want to get involved? Visit https://chspto.ptboard.com/ to volunteer at the event, RSVP for treating, or to register and decorate your trunk! 

The Brooklyn Heights Service Club is having a Halloween Dance/Costume Party on October 28, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Brooklyn Heights Community Center.

If you would like your tween to attend the Halloween Dance/Costume Party, please RSVP by October 22, 2023. There will be a $5 admission fee for all non-Brooklyn Heights residents (which will be paid in cash on the night of the dance). Due to the capacity limit at the community center, we will need the number of kids attending before the event. Everyone must be registered before the event. (Please Note: If we are at, or near, capacity on the 26th, we will not be able to let anybody in who is not on the list).

Please email justjanet1972@sbcglobal.net with your name, child's name, address, email, and phone number.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you in advance,

Janet Lunder

(216) 577-0009

Dear Valued Seniors of Our Community,

We are thrilled to announce our annual "Seniors Serving Seniors" event, formerly known as the Senior Citizens Fall Dinner. This cherished tradition brings together the wisdom of our community's elders with the energy of our youth for an evening of warmth, connection, and delicious food.

Event Highlights:

• A complimentary dinner served by the Class of 2025

• An opportunity to socialize and share stories with peers and younger generations

• A cozy, autumnal atmosphere at the beautiful Klima Gardens

• Music performed by our Mighty Marching Red Wolves

We've renamed our event to "Seniors Serving Seniors" to reflect the true spirit of this gathering. While our high school seniors will be serving the meal, we recognize that our community's senior citizens serve us every day with their wisdom, experience, and continued contributions to our town.

How to Attend:

• If you're a member of a local senior citizen group: Please inform your group coordinator of your intention to attend.

• If you're a senior citizen not affiliated with a local senior group: We welcome you to RSVP directly to us! RSVP Contact: Tracy Deal Email: tdeal@cuyhts.org Phone: 216-429-5702

All seniors are cordially invited to attend this special evening. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our community, we welcome you to join us for this heartwarming event.

We look forward to celebrating the interconnectedness of our community and honoring the seniors who have shaped our town into the wonderful place it is today.

See you on October 23rd at Klima Gardens!

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. 

Let's show our current Red Wolves how we've been howling with pride for generations!

#CHSAlumniLegacy #DecadesOfExcellence

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.

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