November 22, 2024

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to express my appreciation to you all for contributing to the success of our school district. 

Every day, I witness the collective commitment that makes our schools strong. From the classrooms to the cafeteria, from morning bus routes to afternoon activities, from home support to community partnerships - each person's contribution matters. Together, we create an environment where students can learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.

Education is a shared responsibility, and I am grateful for the dedication shown by everyone in our school community. Your support of empowering students to reach new heights strengthens our district and benefits our amazing students.

Have a meaningful fall break and Thanksgiving holiday.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Making Learning a Family Adventure During Thanksgiving Break

As we enter the Thanksgiving break, there are countless opportunities to blend family time with enriching learning experiences. Here are ways to keep minds active while enjoying quality time together:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Cook together using measurements and fractions

• Create family history projects with relatives

• Play educational board games and card games

• Start a break-time reading challenge

6th-8th Grade:

• Interview family members about their life experiences

• Document the break through creative writing or photography

• Explore local historical sites or museums

• Respectfully engage in family debates about current events 

9th-12th Grade:

• Research and share family heritage stories

• Practice budgeting while holiday shopping

• Create digital family newsletters or slideshows

• Plan and execute a family service project

For All Students:

• Share school learning with extended family

• Turn everyday activities into learning moments

• Stay curious and ask questions

• Create memories while building skills

Remember, learning doesn't stop when school doors close. The most meaningful education often happens through real-world experiences with family. Enjoy this special time together!

Our CHampion Staff

(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Barb Currey
I have been teaching at CHES for many many years... initially as a First-grade teacher and later as a K-5 Science Specialist. I love my job! I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1-8), a Master of Education Degree (School Psychology) and am working toward my PhD (Curriculum and Instruction) from Kent State University. My husband and I have a daughter who attends CASE med, a son who works in Chicago as a mechanical engineer, and two little dogs (one good, and one not so much!) My family loves to play games, go on interesting vacations, and be outside. My favorite school subjects are reading, math, and of course... science :)

Melissa Meadwell
I am currently in my ninth year at Cuyahoga Heights Schools. I began my journey here as the Library Assistant, working alongside the incredible Mrs. Karen Bergen, who recently retired and served as a remarkable mentor. I am thrilled to now support the students and staff of our outstanding school district as the District Librarian.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Cleveland State University and pursued further education at Kent State University, earning both a Master’s in Library and Information Science and a Master’s in Educational Technology.

Outside work, I enjoy camping and attending school sports events with my husband, Jason; our two sons, Jason and Tyler; and our beagle/terrier mix, Lexi. I also love reading and going to concerts and movies in my free time. Keep reading, CHS!

Gary Miller
I have been at Cuyahoga Heights my entire career beginning in 2002.  I graduated from Baldwin Wallace with a bachelor's degree and earned my master's degree from Cleveland State University. I taught Kindergarten through third grade before becoming the Technology teacher at the elementary school 9 years ago.  I have been married 21 years to my wife Laura who is a middle school teacher in Medina.  We have 2 children.  Our son Logan, who is 18 at Kent St., is studying middle school education and our daughter Bailey, who is 16, is a Junior in high school.  Outside of school I like vacationing to the beach, cooking and playing golf.

Brooke Niedzwiecki
For 14 years Mrs. Neidzwiecki (Dragon) has taught middle and high school Technology. Over the years she has taught many different classes. Currently, she teaches Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics and woodworking. She is a proud alumni of Kent State University where she earned her bachelor's and master's degree in the field of technology. She also advises many different groups such as the High School Yearbook, High School Student Council (with Christy Zawadzki), and the sophomore class (with Christy Zawadzki). Outside of the classroom, you will find Mrs. Niedzwiecki cheering for the Cleveland Guardians, camping or traveling with her husband Nick, daughter Delaney, and two amazing dogs June and Indie.

DISTRICT NEWS

Today, we rolled out the red carpet for our Middle School VIPs at an unforgettable celebration! From strutting their stuff like stars to snapping fabulous photos, and busting moves on the dance floor, our students turned this party into a night to remember (even if it was during the day)!

A huge thank you to our amazing PTO for making this bash happen, and a special shoutout to Dave’s Supermarket – Lee Harvard location – for treating the kids to a next-level hot chocolate bar!

The smiles, the laughter, and the energy were off the charts. We had an absolute BLAST, and we’re already counting down to the next one!

As we enter the season of gratitude, our high school homerooms have beautifully expressed what they are thankful for through their creative "I Am Thankful For..." banners. These banners, now displayed in the hallway across from the office, showcase the thoughtfulness and creativity of our students and staff.

Staff and students are invited to vote for their favorite banner, and the homeroom with the most votes will be rewarded with a donut party, provided by the Student Council!

Let's enjoy these vibrant displays of gratitude and celebrate what makes our community special!

Juniors at Cuyahoga Heights High School completed a unit on resume writing and professional introductions, led by Mrs. Regula, CVCC Career Specialist, and Mr. Dipert, English Teacher. The unit culminated in a Professional Mock Interview Day, where students had the opportunity to participate in mock interviews conducted by local human resource managers and business leaders.

Special thanks to our professionals Peggy Young and Ignacio Ortiz of Worthington Steel, Kyle Kaczmarek of Plumbing Tech,Lyndsey Chiera and Matt Rose of JTC Installations Inc, Cassandra Alexander of Bon Appetit, Case Western Reserve University, Heather Malleo of Hastings Waterworks, and Paul Shymske and Al Simonitis of Smart 33.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the November 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, November 20. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all!

Cuyahoga Heights Schools is proud to showcase the incredible talent of AJ Firmanty, a 7th-grade student whose artwork has been selected for the 2024 District Holiday Card!

AJ’s digitally crafted masterpiece captures the spirit of the season, featuring our snow-covered school building, beautifully decorated with festive lights and garland. A majestic wolf stands proudly in the foreground, while a stunning aurora borealis sky lights up the backdrop, adding a magical touch.

The selection process was a true testament to AJ’s creativity, as 79 staff members cast their votes, with AJ’s design receiving an overwhelming 50 votes. AJ was recognized for this achievement at the November 20 Board Meeting, where he was presented with a $100 Amazon gift card as a token of appreciation for his hard work.

Congratulations, AJ, on this well-deserved recognition! Your artwork will spread holiday cheer across our community this season.

Oompa Loompa Doompadee Doo…..The CHES Wolf Pup Drama Club has another SURPRISE for you!

The CHES Wolf Pup Drama Club held their ‘big reveal” for the fourth and fifth grade students this week. The students learned that this year, the club will be performing Willy Wonka Kids. Fourth and fifth grade Drama Club students will begin rehearsals in December and the show will be performed in March.

Hello everyone!

We are excited to announce that NHS and NJHS members can now purchase official t-shirts to proudly represent their membership!

• Cost:

  • Sizes Adult Unisex Small – Large: $15

  • Sizes Adult Unisex XL – 2XL: $17

• Sales Dates: Now through December 4, 2024

Order forms are attached to this announcement, and printed copies are available for pickup in the high school office. Also attached is a close-up image of the t-shirt designs.

Purchasing a shirt is not required, but we encourage members to participate and show their pride in being part of this outstanding organization!

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing our members wearing their NHS/NJHS shirts with pride!

Ms. Siley

NHS-NJHS Shirt Images

NHS-NJHS TShirt Order Form

To fundraise for the 2025 France Trip, French students are selling deliciously fresh Pepperoni Rollers from November 18 - December 2! Traditional rollers are sold for just $2.50 each or can be purchased in a case of 13 rollers to freeze for later! New Specialty Rollers sell for $3 each. They make for great snacks for the kids, or easy dinners! Please see the flyer for flavors and contact Shelby Castle (scastle@cuyhts.org) or any other traveler you may know to put in an order. Cash and checks are accepted. All money and order forms should be turned in by Monday, December 2.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Tonights game will be streamed.  We have been given three options:

LIVE - https://www.youtube.com/live/l-bRzC6q9PQ

https://www.chagrinvalleyconference.com/live-video-regional-championship-football/

Delayed at OH REPORT CHANNEL 1 - https://www.youtube.com/@oh.reportlive0173 
Hillsdale vs Cuyahoga Heights (around 11pm)

The CHHS Music Department will be embarking on a trip to the Windy City on March 28-31, 2026. Any student who will be in grades 9-12, who is in good academic and behavioral standing with the school, and will be enrolled in a music program, during or after school, for the whole year or season, during the 2025-2026 school year will be eligible to go. This includes the curricular Band, Choir, or Orchestra classes, and also includes students in the co-curricular activities Marching Band, Red Rubies, Jazz Band, Scarlet Angels, Electric Orchestra, and Drama Club.

We will have an informational meeting on Tuesday, December 3 at 6 p.m. in the CHHS Media Center (there were some earlier communications that this would occur on Monday, the 2nd, but it was moved to Tuesday, the 3rd). Noteworthy Tours will be there to explain the details of the trip, the payment process, and answer any questions.

If you wish to sign your student up for the trip, please complete the Google Form below by Friday, December 6.

Sign My Student Up for the Trip!

COMMUNITY

Once again this year, all senior citizens are invited to join us for our Annual Senior Citizen Winter Concert & Luncheon! This festive event, hosted by the Class of 2027, will take place on Monday, December 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The celebration will begin in the auditorium with a delightful concert performed by our talented students, followed by a warm and welcoming luncheon in the North Gym, just across the hall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy live music, and connect with friends in the community during this special season.

We ask that attendees kindly RSVP by December 2. If you are a member of a village senior citizen club, please RSVP through your club. If not, feel free to contact Tracy Deal at tdeal@cuyhts.org or (216) 429-5702 to reserve your spot.

Please help us spread the word! Share this invitation with friends, family, and any senior citizens who may be interested in joining us for this joyful tradition. We look forward to celebrating with you!

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!

🎓 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. 

#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