November 8, 2024

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

As we approach Veterans Day next week, we pause to honor and express our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation in uniform, both past and present. The freedoms we enjoy daily, including our privilege of free public education, exist because of their selfless service and sacrifice. To all our veterans in the CHS community and beyond - thank you.

Our athletic programs are in an exciting period of transition. While our football team continues their playoff journey, our winter sports athletes and coaches are already hard at work in their preseason preparations. The dedication to teamwork and excellence shown across all our sports programs exemplifies the spirit of our school community.

With Fall Break just two and a half weeks away, thoughts of turkey dinners and pumpkin pie are starting to distract us all. Until then, let's maintain our focus and momentum as we move through these busy November days.

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young

Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Keeping the Momentum: Staying Motivated Through First Term

As we move deeper into the school year, it's common for the initial excitement to fade and for students to experience a mid-term dip in motivation. This is a natural part of the learning journey, but there are many ways we can help our students maintain their enthusiasm and drive for learning. Here are some strategies tailored for different age groups:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Create small, achievable weekly goals with visual trackers

• Celebrate daily learning wins, no matter how small

• Refresh homework spaces with new organization tools

• Mix up the routine with learning games and hands-on activities

6th-8th Grade:

• Help students identify and focus on areas of improvement from progress reports

• Introduce new study techniques to spark interest

• Connect current learning to future goals and interests

• Create study groups with classmates to maintain engagement

9th-12th Grade:

• Review first-term goals and adjust them as needed

• Break larger end-of-term projects into manageable weekly tasks

• Encourage self-reflection on learning strategies that work best

• Connect with teachers early if motivation is slipping

For All Students:

• Keep a "success journal" to track progress and achievements

• Find ways to connect current learning to real-world applications

• Maintain healthy sleep and exercise routines

• Share struggles and successes with trusted teachers and family members

Remember, motivation naturally ebbs and flows. The key is not to maintain constant high energy, but to develop strategies to work through the challenging periods. Together, we can help our students find their second wind and finish the term strong.

Our CHampion Staff

Barb Cellura
With 38 years in education, including 34 years at Cuyahoga Heights, Barb Cellura’s passion for teaching spans from elementary to middle school. After completing her education at Cleveland State University, she began her teaching career in Cleveland’s Catholic schools before joining Cuyahoga Heights. Barb has taught everything from preschool to 8th grade, making her an invaluable part of the team. In her free time, she loves reading suspense and historical fiction, bowling, and spending time with friends and family, including her three grandchildren. Looking forward to retirement, Barb hopes to continue her love of learning and community service, possibly at a local library.

Michelle Studier
In her 23rd year at Cuyahoga Heights, Michelle Studier brings her love of math to 7th and 8th graders every day. An Ohio University alum with a Master’s in Administration from Cleveland State, Michelle finds great joy in the laughter and camaraderie of middle school life. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, cheering on Cleveland sports teams, and listening to Taylor Swift. Michelle’s enthusiasm for teaching math is as strong today as ever, and she loves helping students gain confidence in their skills.

Carolyn Douglas
With 27 years at CHS, Carolyn Douglas has enjoyed a career dedicated to middle school students, teaching 7th and 8th-grade Reading. She holds a Bachelor’s in Middle School Education (Language Arts & Social Studies), a Master’s in School Counseling, and a Master’s in Administration. Carolyn’s days are filled with the energy of middle school life, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading historical fiction, cheering for the Cleveland Guardians and Cavaliers, and spending time with family and friends. Being part of such a dynamic community has made her career exceptionally rewarding.

Michael Tartara
For nearly two decades, Coach Tartara has inspired and guided 7th and 8th graders at Cuyahoga Heights Middle School in Social Studies, with 27 years of teaching experience overall. Alongside his passion for the classroom, he has been the Varsity Basketball Coach (19 years) and has also been the Facility Manager (fall/spring) over the course of his time at Heights. Most importantly, Mr. Tartara believes in building connections with students and athletes at CHS.

Lyndsey Wisniewski
In her fourth year at Cuyahoga Heights, Lyndsey Wisniewski serves as the 7th and 8th-grade Intervention Specialist. With a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Baldwin Wallace and a Master’s in Literacy, Lyndsey believes deeply in turning challenges into growth opportunities for her students. Recently married in September, she loves spending time outdoors with her husband, Steven, and their two dogs, Maverick and Kaia. Hiking, watching sports, and family time fuel her work in the classroom, where she brings fresh energy and an inspiring commitment to student success.

Kendra Streicher
Now in her 13th year at Cuyahoga Heights, Kendra Streicher teaches 7th and 8th-grade science, bringing enthusiasm and a love for learning to her students. A proud graduate of Ashland University with both a Bachelor's in Marketing and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Kendra enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Matt, and their son, Ryan. Together, they explore new places and spend time outdoors, making the most of every adventure.

Kate Nolan
For 13 years, Mrs. Nolan has taught English Language Arts, earning her degrees from Bowling Green State University and Cleveland State University. Known for her love of middle school’s ever-changing excitement, she treasures the opportunity to connect with each student’s unique creativity. When not teaching, she’s a devoted reader, theater fan, and mom to her joyful 7-month-old son, Jude.

DISTRICT NEWS

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

The boys' golf team wrapped up their fall season with their end-of-season banquet this past Wednesday night. It was a positive experience for the team as they continued their success at building lifelong golf skills and playing at some great courses around NE Ohio. The team was led by Seniors Ben Youngless, MacGowan Rott, and Connor Stopar. A solid core of golfers will return next year with Tyler Wheaton, Nate Mandich, Tyler Rabant, Kaden Johnston, Jackson Justice, and Christian Griffith. 

MacGowan Rott earned 2nd Team All-CVC Honoors, and Ben Youngless and Kaden Johnston earned All-CVC Honorable Mention. 

We hope to add some new golfers next season, so if your child is interested, please have them get in touch with Coach Johnny Roy or Coach Jim Rademaker. 

Thank you to everyone for all the support!

Coach Roy 

Coach Rademaker

The Pep Prentiss (Fairview Park location) participated in their annual Pep Prentiss Super Bowl at Cuyahoga Heights on Thursday, October 24.  This was the 7th year of the Super Bowl at Cuyahoga Heights.

PEP Prentiss Autism Center supports young people ages 5-22 with autism and other complex developmental disabilities in discovering new ways of relating to and communicating with the world around them.

The students and advisors came by to say "Thank you" to the district for hosting this special event and providing transportation. Our pleasure!

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