November 15, 2024

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

This week gave us several opportunities to celebrate both service and achievement within our school community. We were honored to welcome many veterans - family members and community residents alike - to our Veterans Day celebrations. Their presence reminded us all of the true meaning of service and sacrifice.

Achievements continue both on and off the field. Our football team's remarkable playoff run continues as they advance to the regional semi-finals. Meanwhile, we celebrated the induction of new members into our National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. These students exemplify the core values of Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character.

With Thanksgiving break just two weeks away, we have much to be grateful for - from our dedicated students and staff to our supportive families and community members. Although these next two weeks will undoubtedly be busy, we take time to reflect on just how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive and accomplished school community.

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Cultivating Gratitude in Our School Community

As we approach the Thanksgiving season, we have a wonderful opportunity to foster gratitude within our educational community. Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance student well-being, improve classroom relationships, and even boost academic performance. Here are age-appropriate ways to cultivate grateful mindsets:

Preschool-5th Grade:

1. Start a daily "thankful thoughts" sharing routine at home

2. Create gratitude drawings or journals

3. Write thank-you notes to school helpers (custodians, cafeteria staff, etc.)

4. Practice kind words and actions with classmates

6th-8th Grade:

1. Keep a weekly gratitude journal highlighting learning achievements

2. Participate in classroom appreciation circles

3. Recognize peers who have been helpful or supportive

4. Reflect on challenges that led to growth

9th-12th Grade:

1. Connect gratitude to future goals and opportunities

2. Practice mindful appreciation of educational resources

3. Express thanks to teachers and mentors

4. Volunteer within the school or broader community

For All Students:

* Share daily "rose and thorn" moments as a family

* Notice and acknowledge others' contributions

* Transform complaints into opportunities for growth

* Practice self-gratitude for personal efforts and progress

Remember, gratitude is a skill that grows stronger with practice. When we appreciate our educational journey, we create a more positive and supportive learning environment for everyone.

Our CHampion Staff

(Art, Music, Physical Education)

Angelo Bertolone
This is my 30th year teaching at CHS. Fun fact: I started as the middle school and high school band director before I became the elementary music teacher! I earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University in 1994 and a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology from The University of Akron in 2006. My wife Denise and I have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren, and our world revolves around them! When I am not teaching music, I love to kayak, bike, and spend time with my family and friends. I am also a big time gamer! Video games, board games, card games…if it’s a game, I’ll play it! I really enjoy being a part of the AMP’d team at CHES. My partners are very enthusiastic, dedicated, and kind-hearted. I am blessed to be part of such a fantastic team.

Trish Broski
I’m a Physical Education and Health teacher for grades 6-12, currently in my 23rd year at CHS and my 29th year in education overall. I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Ashland University. I’ve been married to my husband, Chad, for 28 wonderful years, and we have two sons, Charlie (26) and Tyler (23). In my free time, I love relaxing on the beach, jet skiing, and exploring new places. I’m also an enthusiastic supporter of Cleveland sports teams!

Grace Brown
With 10 years of teaching, including 3 years at Cuyahoga Heights, Grace Brown loves bringing the joy of music to her students every day.  Grace grew up in California where she attended UCLA and earned her teaching credential.  She moved to Ohio to attend The Ohio State University, where she got her Masters Degree in music performance.  She is the orchestra teacher at Cuyahoga Heights, as well as the assistant band director, spring musical director, and teacher of History of Rock and Roll.  Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband Josh and baby daughter Emma, as well as hiking, kayaking and cooking.

Noah Hamrick
In his 3rd year at Cuyahoga Heights and 11th overall, Mr. Hamrick is a Northeast-Ohio native whose favorite part of being an educator is empowering students to thrive while doing what they love. Mr. Hamrick leads the 5-12 band program, the 6-12 choir program, is the director of the Mighty Marching Red Wolves, the Jazz Band, and the Scarlet Angels, and music directs the spring musical. Mr. Hamrick holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music Education from Michigan State University. Mr. Hamrick loves making/listening to music, playing soccer, running, watching movies, and spending time with his wife and 3- and 1-year old daughters, Kira and Maeve.

Jory Huffman
I am in my 11th year teaching Elementary Physical Education at Cuyahoga Heights (13th overall). I coach high school football and middle school track. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health from Baldwin Wallace, and a Master’s degree in Athletic Coaching from Ball State. I have been married to my lovely wife Nicolle for 12 years and have 3 kids (JJ 8, Ben 6, and Molly 4).

Joel Kovitch
Hello, Red Wolf Nation!  The greatest nation!  This is my 9th year at Cuyahoga Heights, and I've been teaching 19 years overall.  I teach many different classes and grade levels at CHS.  You can find me in the Flip Saunders Gymnasium teaching middle school and high school PE, in the weight room teaching Weight Training, and/or in the health classroom teaching high school Health. I love this close knit school community that my family calls HOME. I have a beautiful wife and two boys who attend Cuyahoga Heights Schools.If you're not already a follower of my alter ego instagram account @_bigred_nation please follow along.  We like to promote student achievement in forms of physical activity and well-being. 

Halle McPherson
In her 5th year of teaching (4 years being at CHS), Halle McPherson serves as the MS/HS Art Teacher, alongside her colleague John Shafer. Specifically, she teaches 6th-8th Grade Art, Art Foundations, Art 1, Art 2, Art 3, Ceramics 1 & 2, and starting next year, AP Art History. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Multi-Age Art Education from Baldwin Wallace University, and is currently enrolled in a Master's program at the Ohio State University to further her education in the arts. She not only hopes to grow professionally in her program, but also wants to teach College Credit Plus art classes at CHS for her students in the future. Alongside her passion for teaching, Halle advises various groups at the MS/HS, such as the Junior Class and MS/HS Art Club. She believes in building strong connections with her students, and by being involved she is better able to do so. Outside of school, you can find Halle enjoying time with her husband and their pets (2 dogs and 2 cats), making the most out of their time together! 

Kelly Orlando
This is my 10th year teaching Elementary Art at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2015 with a Bachelor's degree in Art Education, and later returned to being a buckeye to earn my Masters of Arts in Art Education there too! I love chatting with my students and seeing all of their creative ideas come to life, and working with my awesome team! I married my high school sweetheart, Dan, in 2019, and together we share our daughter Isla (nearly 3) and another baby girl on the way. Like her mom, Isla is very stylish, and very picky about the outfits she wears! Like her dad, she is witty, stubborn and smart! In my free time I like to decorate my house, hang out with my friends and family, craft, watch movies, and stay active.

UPDATE: Baby Emilia (Emi) decided to make her debut a few weeks early on 11/14. Hence why Kelly is not in the photo!

John Shafer
I have had the pleasure of teaching and coaching for the past 30 years.  The first 8 years of my teaching career started at Willoughby Eastlake City Schools, and I have enjoyed the last 27 years here at Cuyahoga Heights.  I love helping kids realize their creative potential in the art room and have always had a passion for coaching as well.  I have had the pleasure of coaching football with the most amazing head coach you could imagine, Al Martin.  All three of my sons have played football here, with my youngest son Zach (Soph.) being the last one to play for us.  I have also been blessed to be the head boys and girls track and field coach for the past 17 years.  I have been happily married to my wife Debbie for 29 years.  She is an incredible first grade teacher for the North Olmsted school system.  I love music, movies, and the outdoors.   I hope that while serving our kids that I have been a positive influence and helped them realize their full potential as artists, athletes and most importantly as our future leaders and citizens in the greatest country in the world.

DISTRICT NEWS

On Thursday, November 14, the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) inducted new members. During 4th period, NHS/NJHS officers visited classrooms to “tap” inductees, announcing their acceptance and presenting them with a badge. In 5th period, a luncheon for current and new members was held in the North Gym, followed by a 6th-period rehearsal for the induction ceremony in the auditorium. The formal induction ceremony took place at 7:00 PM in the auditorium, open to all who wished to support and celebrate these students’ achievements.

Today, CHES proudly honored 45 remarkable members of our school community who have served our country. The ceremony opened with Cub Scout Pack #28 presenting the flag, followed by the Kindergarteners leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our Fourth Grade class performed the CHS Alma Mater, while the Fifth Grade students sang a heartfelt rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Fourth and Fifth Graders also presented insightful information on each branch of the military and shared heartfelt letters of gratitude. The Second Grade class beautifully sang America the Beautiful, and everyone joined in for a moving performance of God Bless America.

It was a memorable and meaningful tribute to all who have served.

Thank you again for your service, and Happy Veteran’s Day!

Students had an exciting, hands-on morning exploring the fascinating world of steel processing at Worthington Steel, thanks to the efforts of our career specialist, Julie Regula, who spearheaded this endeavor. They observed powerful machinery in action, gaining a firsthand look into the dynamic field of steel production. The visit highlighted the many career paths available in the industry, from engineering and manufacturing to quality control and management. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our "neighbor" Worthington Steel for the warm welcome and the insightful, well-organized presentation!

The Scholastic Book Fair was an exciting event for our middle and high school students, families, and teachers! At the start of the fair, teachers were invited to create classroom wish lists by selecting Scholastic books for their students. These selections were placed in special book bins, allowing students to purchase, wrap, and deliver books as thoughtful gifts for their teachers.

Funds raised through Share the Fair donations and the prize wheel were also used to buy books for classroom libraries, helping to enrich the learning environment for all.

Throughout the week, students and families had the opportunity to browse and shop the fair. Thanks to the incredible support from our community and volunteers, over 448 books were sold, and 24 books were donated to classroom libraries and teachers through contributions from students and families. To make the occasion even more special, students—along with the help of the “Book Fairy”—personally delivered these items to the teachers.

The Book Fair will remain open online through November 21, 2024. Every purchase earns 25% in Scholastic Dollars to benefit Cuyahoga Heights Middle School. Don’t miss this chance to support our school while shopping for great books! Visit www.scholastic.com/bf/CHMS to shop the online fair. Plus, enjoy FREE shipping on orders over $25 that contain books only.

We also want to congratulate our “Guess How Many” game winners:

• Kyle P. (12th grade)

• AJ F. (7th grade)

• Chelsy S. (7th grade)

Each winner received a free book and poster. Way to go!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this week a success. It was a blast, and we can’t wait to do it again next year!

StopFinder is an app designed for parents of students who ride the school bus, providing real-time updates and essential information to ensure a smooth and secure commute. With StopFinder, parents can:

1. View Student’s Schedule: Parents can access their child’s bus schedule, including pickup and drop-off times and locations.

   
   

2. Share Schedule with Caregivers: The app allows parents to share their child’s bus schedule with other caregivers, ensuring everyone involved in the student's care is informed and prepared.
   

3. Create GeoAlerts: Parents can set up custom geographic alerts. For example, when the bus enters or exits a specified area, parents receive a notification, which adds an extra layer of awareness and convenience.
   

4. Configure ETA Alerts: Parents can enable Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) alerts that provide updates on the bus's arrival, reducing wait times and uncertainty.
   

5. Receive Important Notifications: StopFinder sends alerts about important changes or incidents that might affect the bus route, such as late departures, traffic issues, or accidents, ensuring parents stay informed and can adjust plans if needed.

StopFinder is a comprehensive tool designed to give parents peace of mind by keeping them connected to their child’s transportation details.

StopFinder App Instructions

IMPORTANT NOTE: Parents cannot set up the app or login until you receive an activation email from our transportation department. This email was sent to the student's PRIMARY contact on August 14.

If you need the activation email re-sent to you. please contact our Transportation Coordinator, Paula Hupcey at phupcey@cuyhts.org or 216-429-5827

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Seniors Logan Apathy and Nick Dabrowski represented Cuyahoga Heights in the Chagrin/Metro Division in the 2024 CVC All-Star Game at Kirtland HS.  Their team, the Chagrin/Metro Division All-Stars topped the Lake/Valley All-Stars with an exciting 7-3 win! 

Chagrin/Metro tops Lake/Valley in 2024 CVC Boys All-Star Game - Chagrin Valley Conference

SmugMug Photos

Congratulations to Paige Henley on an outstanding achievement! She represented Cuyahoga Heights in the Chagrin Valley Conference Senior Volleyball All-Star Game on Tuesday night at Kirtland, a fantastic way to wrap up her high school volleyball career. Well done, Paige!

COMMUNITY

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

STAY IN THE LOOP