February 14, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

Our halls were filled with extra excitement this week as our elementary students celebrated both Valentine's Day and the 100th day of school. Watching students exchange valentines brought back memories of decorating shoe boxes and the careful task of filling out cards for classmates (and the parents who helped with this annual tradition). Meanwhile, our middle and high school students showed their school spirit through themed dress-up days.

As a reminder, school will be closed this Monday in observance of Presidents Day. While the calendar tells us spring is less than five weeks away, winter isn't quite finished with us yet - more snow is expected this weekend. Please exercise caution if you need to travel.

Though the weather outside may not show it, there are signs of spring on the horizon. The Cleveland Guardians have reported to spring training, with exhibition games starting next week. Like our baseball team heading to the warmer southwest, we too will eventually emerge from these winter days.

Stay warm and safe this weekend!

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Fostering Kindness and Respect in School

Creating a culture of kindness and respect is essential for a positive learning environment. When students feel respected and valued, they're more likely to succeed academically and socially. Here are some tips to promote kindness and respect:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Practice using kind words and manners daily

• Role-play respectful responses to different situations

• Create a family kindness challenge

• Recognize and celebrate acts of kindness

6th-8th Grade:

• Discuss digital citizenship and online respect

• Encourage inclusive behavior with peers

• Practice active listening skills

• Develop conflict resolution strategies

9th-12th Grade:

• Model respectful disagreement and debate

• Engage in community service opportunities

• Practice empathy and understanding

• Lead by example for younger students

For All Students:

• Show appreciation for others regularly

• Respect different viewpoints and backgrounds

• Report concerns about disrespectful behavior

• Practice self-respect and set healthy boundaries

Remember, kindness and respect create a stronger community for everyone!

Featuring...

Christine Bennett

I have three children, two live in my casa

One is in college ¡Caramba! ¿Qué pasa?

I lived in Mexico, it wasn’t malo

I like chocolate for a regalo

My students are awesome, and this is verdad

I teach at Cuy. Hts. con felicidad

Shelby Castle
How could I start this without saying "bonjour"?! My name is Shelby Castle and this is my 3rd year as the French teacher here at Cuyahoga Heights where I teach French 1 through 3 and a 7th grade exploratory class. I have also had the opportunity to be involved in different extracurriculars like the volleyball team, French Club, and I am leading a group of students abroad in the summer to France! I am so lucky to be surrounded by incredible friends, a supportive community, and the ability to teach something I’m passionate about to such wonderful students. My hope as a language teacher is that students are encouraged to learn more about the world around them and the people in it!

Although I now reside in Olmsted Falls, I hail from Columbus, Ohio and went to Bowling Green State University where I received my bachelor's in World Language Education with a specialization in French in 2021. I lived in a city called Montpellier, located in the south of France for two semesters and it was a truly life-changing experience. But how could anybody have a bad time when living a bus ride away from the Mediterranean? After moving back to Columbus for a year teaching beginner and intermediate French at a private school, I saw an opportunity to rebuild the French program at Heights and am so glad that I took it. I am currently getting my Masters at Kent State University in French with a focus in pedagogy and linguistics and am considering getting my TESOL endorsement, as well.

When I’m not doing anything school-related, I’m doing whatever I can to stay in touch with my artsy side, spend time with my family, friends, and cat named Jasper, travel, or ski in the winter with my fiancé!

DISTRICT NEWS

On Tuesday, our AM and Pm Pre-K classes got a visit from dentists and dental hygienists from Rockside Family Dental care. While in the classroom, they demonstrated the proper way to brush and floss teeth and gums by having students dress as teeth and dentists. They even used a giant toothbrush and floss! Dentists also emphasized the importance of proper diet and nutrition by playing an engaging sorting game. Finally, we discussed other ways to keep our teeth clean and healthy such as how long to brush your teeth for, how many times a day to brush your teeth, and how many visits to the dentist you should have per year! Students received goodie bags including toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss sticks and a timer to help keep up their oral hygiene at home. It was a fun and interactive visit to help celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month.

2 ways to order: go to www.ripcho.com or scan the QR code below. All orders are due by Monday, March 10, 2025.

Planning to join us for the PTO Winter Wonderland Fundraiser on Saturday, February 22 at Wild Eagle in Broadview Heights? 

Here’s an extra reason to grab your tickets NOW!

Buy your event tickets by end of the day February 1, and you’ll get 1 FREE raffle ticket per person to use at the event. Already purchased your tickets? No worries—you’re automatically included in this bonus too.

Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple and includes 2 drink tickets per person and heavy appetizers like smoked wings, sliders, flat bread, and more. 

Get your tickets here: https://chspto.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5029&form=12

Don’t wait—secure your spot now and grab your free raffle ticket. See you there! 

The Cuyahoga Heights PTO is excited to announce that tickets are on sale for the Winter Wonderland Adults-Only Fundraiser

 Event Details
• When: Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM
• Where: Wild Eagle, Broadview Heights

Tickets:
Individual Admission: $55
Couples Admission: $100

Tickets include two drink tickets per person and a delicious spread of heavy appetizers.

Payment Options: You can purchase your tickets on PTBoard by clicking the link below, or reach out to chsptopresident216@gmail.com for cash or Venmo payment options. 

Link for Tickets: 
https://chspto.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5029&form=12

This PTO event is open to friends and family outside of the district, so please invite your friends and family to support the school

What to Expect
• Raffles baskets and a silent auction with some amazing items
• Giant Jenga, cornhole, and more
• An unforgettable night of food, fun, and community

Tickets are limited, so don’t wait—grab yours today and join us for an incredible evening!

Have Questions or Interested in Donating to the Event?
If you have any questions, or your business would like to contribute, please reach out to chsptopresident216@gmail.com for more information.

Check Out These Exclusive Auction & Raffle Prizes

Ride in a Firetruck
Does your kid dream of being a firefighter? Bid on this amazing experience where your child can ride along in a Valley View Firetruck during the Memorial Day Parade, courtesy of the Valley View Fire Department.

Principal for a Day
Does your student think they could run the school better than Mr. Melvin or Mr. DeTray? Let them sit in the big chair, make decisions like extra recess vs. extra homework (just kidding… or are we??), and see what it’s like when everyone wants your attention! Who knows? Maybe they’ll leave with an appreciation for how hard it is to keep a school running—or just a newfound love for calling the shots!

Dean for a Day
Does your student think Mrs. Scotton has it easy keeping the peace? Let them step into the role of Dean for a Day, where they can help manage the chaos of the students (and maybe the teachers, too!)

VIP Pick-Up Spot
Tired of lining up for pick-up hours ahead of time just to get to that 4 pm appointment? Bid on a Reserved Parking Spot for the rest of the school year and finally pull in like the VIP you know you are. This spot is prime real estate. 

Autographed Steven Kwan Baseball
Baseball fans—this is your chance to take home a signed baseball from Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan! A must-have for any collector!

Browns Swag Bag with Surprise Autographed Mini Helmet
Cleveland Browns fans—get ready! Score a swag bag packed with Browns gear and a mystery autographed mini helmet for the ultimate fan experience.

Crate & Barrel Wine & Cheese Basket
Treat yourself or someone special to this elegant wine and cheese basket from Crate & Barrel. Complete with luxury wine glasses, a decanter, a cheese board, and more. It’s perfect for hosting or relaxing at home. 

Retro CHS Basket
Show your school spirit with a Retro Redskins Basket, donated by the Athletic Boosters—filled with classic gear to represent CHS in style!

Tickets to the Great Lakes Science Center
Fuel your family’s curiosity with a day of hands-on learning at the Great Lakes Science Center—perfect for curious minds and fun for all ages.

More Amazing Prizes Include:
• A Family 4-Pack for all home CHS sporting events next year
• Concert Tickets & Swag
• Luxury Gift Baskets, Spa Services, Personal Training Packages & More

Box Topics: February 2025 Edition 

We Made School History!

This week, CHS reached an incredible milestone - our Lifetime School Earnings from Box Tops have officially hit $30,000! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has clipped Box Tops, scanned receipts, referred friends, or entered sweepstakes over the years. Every Box Top makes a difference!

Spread the Love: Refer a Friend

This month, when you refer a friend and they scan their first receipt within 14 days, both of you will earn $5 for your school!

Don't have the app? Use code YPAA9YSV to join and earn Bonus Box Tops!

Learn more at BTFE.COM

If you're interested in joining Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, please note that our tuition registration is now open. Please follow this link to apply today. Registration will close on February 28, 2025.

Thank you for choosing Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools, where we strive to help every student reach new HEIGHTS!

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A much deserved night of recognition for two of CHS’s finest assistant football coaches. With a combined 50 years of football coaching experience between them, Coach John Shafer and Coach Tony Rinella were honored with service awards by the Ohio High School Athletic Association in Columbus this past weekend. Coach Shafer and Coach Rinella have been an integral part of the success of the CHS football program during their tenure - including 12 conference titles and 2 state final appearances. Congratulations and thank you Coach Shafer and Coach Rinella - for not only being outstanding coaches - but for being even better role models for our RedWolve players!

COMMUNITY

The Ruhlin Company has announced a temporary closure of Canal Road from February 24–28, 2025. If this is part of your usual route, please review the detour information below and plan accordingly.

A big shoutout to the 5th-6th grade girls for their incredible performance this season, finishing second place in the South Suburban League with an impressive 11-1 record! Their only loss was a nail-biter, falling by just one point to the league champions, Seven Hills.

The team was led by Head Coach Bill Stegmaier and included players Jenna Skinner, Kalee Conte, Siena Snyder, Grace Nichols, Lydia Candow, Coco Petel, and Kadence Johnson. Special recognition goes to Jenna, Kalee, and Siena, who posted an extraordinary 23-1 record over the past two seasons in this league.

Congratulations to all the players! We can’t wait to see these talented athletes continue their success in middle school basketball next year. The future looks bright for the Red Wolves basketball program!

Another great season was had by the 4th grade and 6th grade Red Wolf Travel Basketball Program. Both teams competed in the Ohio Basketball - Cleveland Community League. The league is very competitive as we got the opportunity to compete against several larger school communities.

Each team played in over 20 games including both league play and tournaments. This year, the Cuyahoga Heights Basketball program hosted their first ever Flip Saunders Holiday Classic. The tournament featured teams from around the area in pool play, finishing with the famous, “Overtime Tournament!” Our 4th and 6th grade teams competed at a high level throughout the tournament. The 6th grade made it all the way to the championship, but lost at the buzzer to North Royalton.

Season highlights:

4th grade - finished with a winning record and won the Silver Bracket Championship in our final tournament - The Maple Bucket. 6th grade - finished with a .500 record and finished in the Final 4 of the Gold Bracket of our final tournament.

Both teams made huge strides in terms of experience and overall development. We look forward to seeing many of these players in the seasons to come.

We wish the following 6th graders the best of luck as they move on to our middle school basketball program next year. Congratulations boys! We thank you for your time and effort throughout this past season and seasons prior.

Cullen Chamberlin
Daniel Talton
Jack Zink
Jackson Merbler
Kaiden Thompson
Lincoln Candow
Matthew Symons

Big shoutout and thank you to all the coaches - Coach Taylor, Coach Tartara, Coach Candow, and Coach Kovitch.

Thank you for all your hard work, time, and dedication. Thank you to all players and families on yet another great travel basketball experience. See you next season! Go Red Wolves.

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