November 1, 2024

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

As we enter November and the final two months of 2024, several important reminders are worth noting. This weekend marks the end of Daylight Savings Time - while we all appreciate that extra hour of sleep, please remember to set your clocks back. This is also an excellent time to check and change the batteries in your smoke detectors and furnace filters (note to self). Though darkness will arrive earlier in the evening, the additional morning light will help keep our students safer during their commute to school, whether they're driving or waiting at bus stops.

Parent-teacher conferences are just a week away, and I encourage all families to participate. Even if your student is performing well academically, these conversations provide valuable insights into your child's progress and help strengthen the partnership between home and school. Your engagement in these conferences demonstrates to your students the importance you place on their education.

Our football team begins their playoff journey this weekend, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments. Along with our players and coaches, we recognize our cheerleaders and marching band members who contribute so much to the game-day experience. The dedication of these students and staff members represents the best of our school spirit.

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Building Strong School-Home Communication Partnerships

Dear Families and Students,

Effective communication between school and home is crucial for student success. As we head into the holiday season, it's an ideal time to strengthen these vital connections and ensure we're all working together to support our students. Here are grade-level specific strategies to enhance school-home communication:

Preschool-5th Grade:

1. Establish daily backpack check routines for school notices

2. Create a family message center for school communications

3. Practice student-led conversations about school experiences

4. Use provided communication tools (folders, planners, apps) consistently

6th-8th Grade:

1. Help students track and share their own academic progress

2. Set up regular check-ins about classroom updates and needs

3. Encourage self-advocacy in student-teacher communications

4. Monitor online portals together for assignments and grades

9th-12th Grade:

1. Support students in leading parent-teacher communications

2. Review communication preferences for each teacher

3. Establish proactive communication routines

4. Help students balance independence with family involvement

For All Students:

• Keep contact information current with schools

• Share important family events that might impact learning

• Maintain open dialogue about challenges and successes

• Utilize available translation services if needed

Remember, strong communication creates a supportive network that benefits everyone. When schools and families work together as partners, students thrive.

Our CHampion Staff

The 6th Grade Team: Where Passion Meets Purpose
“Together, we lift each other up so every student can rise.”

At Cuyahoga Heights Middle School, the 6th-grade team doesn’t just teach—we build a community where learning and belonging thrive. We—Linda Wilson, Lindsey Andreski, Nate Bryk, and Rebecca DelRosa—are proud to work side by side, blending decades of experience with fresh ideas to create a dynamic and welcoming environment for our students. For the past five years, we’ve been united in our mission to inspire confidence, foster growth, and encourage every student to reach their potential through the Heights House System.

Building Community Through the House System

Our House System, inspired by our novel study of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, sorts each 6th-grader into one of three houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff. These houses, built around the core traits of a Red Wolf—courage, wisdom, and dedication—create a shared sense of identity and teamwork, giving our students a foundation for learning, building friendships, and discovering their unique strengths.

Embracing the Challenge

Our approach to teaching is simple: we set high expectations and believe in every student’s ability to rise to the occasion. But we don’t stop there. We empower our students to take charge of their learning, encouraging them to set goals and push through challenges. As you walk past our classrooms, you’ll often see us huddled together, brainstorming new ways to engage students or collaborating with them to ensure they’re confident in their abilities.

For us, learning isn’t about perfection—it’s about the process. We tell our students often, “The struggle is where real learning happens.” We’re here to guide them, but we also know that independence is key. We let them wrestle with the material, offering support while giving them the space to discover the answers on their own. That’s how confidence is built, and that’s how we help them develop resilience and grit that will serve them far beyond the 6th grade.

Linda Wilson: A Legacy of Learning and Leadership

Starting Each Day With Purpose
Each morning as I walk through the doors of Cuyahoga Heights Middle School, I’m reminded of the community that has been a constant part of my life for over 30 years.

As the 6th-grade team leader and head of Gryffindor House, I am dedicated to helping our students discover their courage and find their unique voices. Throughout my career at CHS, I’ve had the joy of teaching a variety of subjects—from nurturing the curiosity of 2nd and 3rd graders to engaging in more challenging discussions in Elementary Science(K-5), 6th-grade Social Studies and 7th-grade Math. For the past 26 years, however, I have been primarily known for my role teaching 6th-grade math, reading, and English. My mornings are filled with numbers and problem-solving, while my afternoons are spent exploring characters and themes with my students.

Beyond the classroom, I coached Varsity Gymnastics for 21 years. Leading that team taught me so much about perseverance, teamwork, and celebrating victories—whether they were big or small. It’s the same kind of leadership I bring to my role with Gryffindor House, inspiring a little extra spirit and friendly competition. With every challenge, they’re learning to become more resilient, more confident, and more capable.

Family and Community Roots
Beyond the classroom, my family has been central to my journey at Heights. My husband, Chuck (CHS Class of ‘85), and I have called Valley View home for over three decades, raising four children who proudly wore the CHS colors and followed their own paths to success. Our oldest, Taylor, is a Chemical Engineer and studying to become a Patent Lawyer. Brooke, our second child, is completing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and recently married a fellow Heights alum, Luke Hopkins, who shares our love for this community. Charles III is pursuing Civil Engineering while playing hockey for the University of Akron, and our youngest, Lauryn, is studying Pre-Dentistry, also at Akron. Watching them thrive, grounded in the strong foundation they received here, reinforces my belief in the power of education and community every single day. I’m committed to helping every student find their voice and realize their potential.

Lindsey Andreski: Championing Curiosity and Connection

Returning to the Halls of Heights
Stepping into Cuyahoga Heights feels like returning to where my own journey began, a place filled with familiar memories and the opportunity to guide the next generation.

As a former Heights student myself, it’s surreal to be back in these very halls, now teaching 6th-grade science, reading, and English. I’m honored to be part of a team that has created a unique program, blending academic learning with the values of the House System. In Ravenclaw, we focus on wisdom, encouraging students to think deeply and creatively. My classroom is a place where science meets storytelling, and each lesson is a chance to explore, question, and grow.

Building Lasting Connections
"Mrs. Andreski’s room makes me feel welcomed and included. I appreciate that my classmates do not laugh at me if I answer a question wrong because she encourages us to make mistakes and take another chance at finding the right answer." (Kalee C.)

But my greatest joy comes from the relationships I build with my students. My classroom is more than just a space for instruction—it’s a place where students feel safe, valued, and always welcome. Whether they’ve moved on to another grade or come back to visit, my door is open. I cherish these moments when former students stop by to share a story, grab a quick piece of candy, or check if their House is in the lead. It’s a reminder that once you’re my student, you’re always my student. The connections we create extend far beyond the classroom, forming bonds that last a lifetime. The connections we create today shape our future leaders.

Embracing the Heights Spirit
Outside the classroom, Cuyahoga Heights has become a central part of our family’s life. My husband, William, has supported me since my first day here in 2013, celebrating every milestone alongside me. Together with our children, Lyla and Aaron, we’re fully immersed in the Heights community—from Friday night football games and showing our school pride during basketball season, to attending spring concerts and art shows. With Lyla soon joining the Red Wolves and Aaron charming everyone around him, Heights isn’t just where I teach—it’s a community we’re proud to embrace as a family.

Nate Bryk: Fueling Student Pride Through Academics and Sports

Homecoming to Heights
Cuyahoga Heights holds a special place in my heart, and I am proud to call it home.

As both a proud CHS graduate and head of Hufflepuff House, I see my role as one that celebrates dedication and hard work. I teach 6th-grade Social Studies and ELA, where I get to watch young minds grow, challenge ideas, and become thinkers. But in Hufflepuff, it’s about more than academics. Our students learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and supporting one another through every challenge.

Blending Sports, Mindfulness, and Academics
“If I would give Mr. Bryk a ‘superpower,’ it would be mind control. His motivational moments and quotes help me be positive even in the hard times.” (Tyson S.)

In my classroom, I emphasize that struggle is an essential part of growth. I tell my students often that overcoming obstacles builds both skill and strength. Whether on the field or in the classroom, I’m here to guide them through those challenges, helping them to push through with resilience and pride. Coaching is where I get to blend my love for sports with my love for teaching. As Head Middle School Football and Boys Basketball Coach, I’ve been lucky to work with and learn from so many talented student-athletes and legendary coaches. For me, this is more than just a job—it’s my way of giving back to a community that has given so much to me.

Rebecca DelRosa: 30 Years of Dedication and Inspiration

Celebrating 30 Years of Teaching
I’m thrilled to be celebrating my 30th year of teaching at Cuyahoga Heights—a journey that has been both incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. While I’m not part of a specific house, I play a vital role in supporting the inclusive, collaborative culture we’ve built as a team. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming environment where every student feels valued and supported to reach their full potential.

Nurturing Student Growth
"Mrs. DelRosa would have the power of patience, and it would be the most powerful of all because she really helps everyone in the class." (Julia S.)

In my classroom, I focus on nurturing each student’s growth and well-being. I prioritize building trusting relationships so students know they can come to me for assistance with academic challenges or organization skills. I provide a dedicated space for them to work and focus, helping them develop effective study habits and time management. My goal is to create a warm and supportive environment where students can flourish at their own pace and feel confident in their abilities.

A Love for Community and the Outdoors
Outside of school, my family and I cherish time spent together in the Heights community. I find peace in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where I love to hike and bike along its trails. Reflecting on these past three decades, I feel incredibly fortunate to have built my career in such a supportive school community. The relationships, experiences, and growth I’ve encountered have shaped who I am as an educator, and I look forward to continuing this journey with as much passion as ever.

United by Passion, Purpose, and the Heights House System

"All the classroom environments help me feel welcome and included because the teachers and students are always working together and laughing." (Kayleigh T.)

Together, the 6th-grade team at Cuyahoga Heights Middle School is more than just a group of teachers—we’re a team, united by our commitment to helping students grow. Whether in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, each house represents qualities we hope to cultivate in our students: courage, wisdom, and dedication. Through the House System and our shared belief that “the struggle is where real learning happens,” we’re preparing our students to not only succeed academically but to grow as individuals, grounded in values that will carry them through life.

The future is wide open, and we know our students are ready to embrace it.

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