October 25, 2024

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

As we transition into the second quarter of the school year, nature is providing us with a spectacular fall backdrop. The leaves are rapidly changing and dropping, reminding us how quickly time passes during the school year. While I hesitate to jinx our perfect fall weather, it has certainly provided ideal conditions for our outdoor activities and events.

This week has been particularly busy with several important happenings. Our third graders took their Fall ELA Ohio State Test, and we're optimistic about their performance. Special thanks to our dedicated teachers who worked diligently to prepare these students. We also hosted our Seniors Serving Seniors event, which perfectly connected different generations of our community. These moments remind us of the special bonds that make our district unique. Looking ahead, we're excited about Thursday's Fall Festival Costume Parade at the Elementary School - please check Mr. Melvin's CHEScoop for specific details.

On the administrative side, report cards will be available in the coming days, and parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for early November. I also recently sent information about Senate Bill 29, new legislation focused on student data privacy and safety. As always, these measures reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting our students while providing them with the best possible education.

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Halloween Safety and Fall Celebrations

As Halloween approaches and fall festivities begin, it's important to balance fun with safety. These celebrations offer great opportunities for community building and creativity, but they also require attention to safety details. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable Halloween and fall season:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Discuss Halloween safety rules (street crossing, checking candy)

• Create safe, fun alternatives like trunk-or-treat or harvest parties

• Involve children in choosing or making costumes that are visible at night

• Practice Halloween etiquette (saying thank you, respecting properties)

6th-8th Grade:

• Plan supervised Halloween activities with friends

• Discuss the importance of respecting others' celebrations and beliefs

• Encourage participation in school's fall service projects

• Talk about responsible social media use during celebrations

9th-12th Grade:

• Discuss safe driving on Halloween night

• Encourage hosting or attending supervised Halloween parties

• Talk about making responsible choices during celebrations

• Involve teens in community fall festival planning or volunteering

For All Students:

• Ensure costumes are fire-resistant and don't obstruct vision

• Set clear guidelines for age-appropriate activities and curfews

• Discuss food allergies and safety with candy consumption

• Encourage participation in fall-themed school events

Remember, safety doesn't mean sacrificing fun. By following these guidelines, we can ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy Halloween and fall season.

Our CHampion Staff

Mr. Corey Taylor
This is my 23rd year at CHES.  I have taught in many different grades but over the last 9 years I have been the 5th grade math teacher.  I was also a teacher in Chicago, Illinois for two years and a pre-K teacher for 4 years in Atlanta, Georgia before coming to CHES.  I have an incredible wife, Dr. Kristen Lukas, who is an expert on gorilla behavior and who works for our very own Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  I also have three sons, Henley, Holden, and Hyatt who traveled with me daily to attend school here at CHS.  We have a house filled with animals: two dogs, three turtles, fish, and a snake.  I enjoy kayaking, camping, and gardening in my free time.  I absolutely love teaching at CHES!  

Mrs. Ashleigh Bonina
This is my 3rd year teaching Reading and Writing at CHES! I graduated from The University of Akron with a Bachelor's Degree in Middle Level Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Studies. I am also in the process of obtaining my Reading Endorsement and completing my certification in Special Education. I have a wonderful husband, Anthony, and an energetic four year old, Cooper. In addition to them, I have 4 nieces and 4 nephews. Some of my favorite things to do outside of teaching include reading, tending to my insane amounts of plants and spending time with my family. The staff and students at CHES have played a large part in nourishing my love for teaching and continuation of learning. I am grateful for my time spent here. 

DISTRICT NEWS

Important Changes Coming to Student Data Privacy and Device Monitoring

Starting October 24, 2024, Ohio Senate Bill 29 (SB29) will introduce new rules about how schools handle student information and monitor school-issued devices. Here's what you need to know:

New Privacy Protections

• Your child's educational records will have stronger privacy safeguards

• Companies that provide technology to our schools must follow strict rules about how they handle student information

• These companies can't use student data for purposes beyond what's specifically allowed in their contracts with schools

School Device Monitoring

The law sets clear limits on when schools can monitor student devices. Monitoring is only allowed in specific situations:

• For educational purposes (like instruction or tech support)

• If there's a court order

• If a device is reported missing or stolen

• To respond to safety threats

• To comply with laws or participate in government programs

What You'll Receive from Us

1. By August 1, 2025 (and each year after):

• A list of technology companies that have access to student records

• Information about what student records these companies can access

• How you can review these arrangements

2. Within 72 hours:

• Notice if we need to access or monitor your child's school device

• An explanation of why the access was necessary

• Details about what was accessed

Your Privacy Rights

This law strengthens your family's right to know how your child's information is being used and protected. We're committed to being transparent about how we handle student data and will keep you informed of any monitoring or access to your child's school-issued devices.

We encourage you to reach out to our administrative or technology teams if you have any questions about these new privacy protections.

LightSpeed Filter is a powerful internet filtering tool designed to protect students from harmful online content while providing educators with granular control over their digital learning environment. By blocking inappropriate websites, images, and videos, it creates a safer space for students to explore and learn.

Why We Use It:

• Child Safety: LightSpeed Filter helps shield students from harmful content, such as adult websites, violence, and online predators.

• Focus on Learning: By limiting distractions and inappropriate content, students can stay focused on their educational tasks.

• Compliance: It helps schools comply with federal regulations like the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

How it Works:

LightSpeed Filter uses advanced filtering technology to analyze websites and content in real-time, blocking those that violate preset guidelines. Administrators can customize the filtering rules to meet their specific needs, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need while staying protected.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the October Students of the Month. Each month, nine students are selected based on teacher nominations: one from each grade 6th-12th, and two from a particular grade level in the elementary school. These exemplary students, chosen for their outstanding achievements, were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, October 23. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all!

Mrs. Studier's 8th-grade Pre-Algebra classes worked diligently in the media center this week, tackling the concept of "slope" through engaging, hands-on activities.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team finished their season as District Runner-Ups in the OHSAA Division VII State Volleyball Tournament.  As the #10 seed, the girls defeated Lowellville and top seeded Open Door Christian Academy in route to the District Championship where they were defeated by Wellsville. The girls finished the season with a 12-9 record.  Congratulations on a great season!

The Mighty Marching Red Wolves and the Red Rubies Drill Team showcased their talents at the Seniors Serving Seniors event held at Klima Gardens on Wednesday, October 23. After their performance, the groups celebrated the end of their season with a party organized by the dedicated music boosters.

COMMUNITY

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

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