February 28, 2025

Mrs. Currey's 4th Grade Science Class

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

With February now behind us, we welcome March with hopes for milder temperatures and early signs of spring. This month brings a variety of exciting events across our district.

Our Elementary School is especially busy, hosting VIP Day on March 7, Family Game Night & Art Show on March 14, and the Wolf Pup Drama Club's performance of "Willy Wonka Kids" on March 22. Meanwhile, our 8th graders will begin their trip to Washington, DC on March 10, creating memories and gaining experiences that will last a lifetime.

March also marks significant milestones in our academic year. The third quarter comes to a close, and for our seniors, this represents the beginning of their final quarter at Cuyahoga Heights. Additionally, spring sports are officially getting underway, giving us all something to look forward to as we hope to move activities outdoors again.

I encourage you to check our district website for a complete listing of upcoming events. Your presence at these activities means so much to our students and staff – we welcome you to visit our campus and show your support.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Exploring Career and College Readiness

It's never too early to start thinking about future opportunities. Career and college exploration helps students connect current learning to future goals. Here are some tips for age-appropriate career and college preparation:

Preschool-5th Grade:

Explore different careers through play and books
Connect school subjects to real-world jobs
Share family members' career experiences
Encourage curiosity about different professions

6th-8th Grade:

Take career interest inventories
Research education requirements for different careers
Develop strong study and organization habits
Start exploring college options casually

9th-12th Grade:

Create/update college and career portfolios
Research scholarship opportunities
Plan college visits and career shadowing
Strengthen time management skills

For All Students:

Set both short and long-term goals
Develop strong work habits
Practice decision-making skills
Build a growth mindset

Remember, today's efforts build tomorrow's opportunities!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for School Families

Cuyahoga Heights Schools District-Wide Evacuation Drill – March 12, 2025

As part of our ongoing commitment to student and staff safety, Cuyahoga Heights Schools will conduct a district-wide evacuation drill on March 12, 2025. This drill, which fulfills our Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Emergency Management Testing requirements, is a measure to practice the procedures outlined in our district’s safety plan in the event that we ever need to evacuate school property because of an emergency situation.

While emergencies are rare, there are various situations where an evacuation may be necessary, including:

A chemical spill on the highway
A train derailment near our school
A major facility issue that impacts normal daily operations

What This Drill Will Include:

All students and staff will practice evacuating school buildings and moving to a designated safe location via school bus.
This will allow us to assess and improve our emergency response procedures.

What This Drill Will NOT Include:

We will not be testing a formal family reunification process during this drill. However, in a real emergency, reunification procedures could be necessary.

Family Preparedness Matters

We strongly encourage all families to develop an individual emergency plan in case you ever need to pick up your child during the school day. Consider the following:

Who is your backup contact?
Are they listed on your child's emergency release form at school?
Do they know what to do if they are needed?

This drill is an opportunity for us all to learn and improve. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate your partnership in keeping our students and staff prepared.

If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.

Thank you for your support and commitment to school safety.

Featuring...

Our Gifted Coordinator and Career Planning Specialist

Amy Harker
With over 19 years of experience as a teacher spanning grades 2 through 12 and 17 years as a Central Office Administrator and Gifted Coordinator, I have dedicated my career to shaping educational experiences that empower both students and educators. My expertise lies in personalized learning, STEM, college and career readiness, culture change, and leadership development. I am passionate about helping districts expand and enhance programming with a learner-driven focus, ensuring that all students...especially those who need additional challenges and rigor...receive the support they need to thrive.

Beyond my role as a Gifted Coordinator, I facilitate professional development for schools across Ohio and the nation, helping educators design transformation plans that bring coherence to their many initiatives. In recent years, I have worked extensively to scale personalized learning throughout Ohio, contributing to the development of the Ohio Personalized Learning Framework. My goal is to support schools in creating meaningful, sustainable change that benefits all learners.

One of the most memorable moments of my career was receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. This recognition led to an incredible opportunity to participate in the Future of Education Summit in Helsinki, Finland. There, I had the privilege of collaborating with the National Board of Education of Finland, brainstorming innovative strategies to shape the future of education on a global scale. A lifelong Ohio resident, and a faithful Cleveland sports fan I come from a family of seven siblings and am the proud mother of two daughters (and two wonderful sons-in-law). My greatest joy is being Mimi to two granddaughters. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy running, hiking, biking, fitness training, traveling the world, and exploring art through various forms of media.

Julie Regula
I am currently in my second year at Cuyahoga Heights and truly appreciate how warmly I have been welcomed by this incredibly community. While I’m new to the district, I’m not new to the role. In March, I will be celebrating my 25th year as a Career Specialist at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Prior to Heights, I spent 12 years at Garfield Heights and 11 years at North Royalton. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed all of my assignments. In my role as Career Specialist, my passion lies in guiding students through the career development process. I’m dedicated to helping them discover their unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. I believe it's important for students to realize that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to finding the right career path. That’s why I focus on helping students explore the many options available to help them reach their own vision of success. On a personal note, I live in Broadview Heights with my husband and best friend, Joe. We are blessed with two married children, two granddaughters, and a sweet surprise arriving in June. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family—whether it's exploring nature in our backyard, hiking at the Metroparks, or taking trips to the beach.

Congratulations Beth Pavic

Cuyahoga Heights Schools (CHS) Intervention Specialist Beth Pavic has a motto that she lives by every day: Students First!

In the 10 years that she has been a teacher for students with disabilities in the district, Pavic has distinguished herself for going above and beyond. “What truly sets her apart is her willingness to take the time to offer comprehensive solutions, to make sure her colleagues fully understand the subject matter, and for maintaining high expectations for her students to push them to reach their full academic potential,” said colleague Lyndsey Wisniewski. “This level of commitment makes her an invaluable asset to our school district.” It is why Wisniewski nominated Pavic to receive the Staff Spotlight award for February 2025. Cont.

Lindsey Wisniewski has nominated Intervention Specialist, Beth Pavic as February's Staff Spotlight recipient.

DISTRICT NEWS

Students of the Month - February

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, January 22. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all!

1st Grade
Ruby Wymer
Liam Harris

6th Grade
Molly Kapinski

7th Grade
Audrey Morway

8th Grade
John Menkhaus

9th Grade
Madeline Perconti

10th Grade
Alina Hughes

11th Grade
Logan Fesler

12th Grade
Jaymes Klinesmith

March Into Spring-High School Dance

Don't miss out on a night of music, dancing, and fun as we celebrate the arrival of spring!

Date: March 7, 2025
Time: 7:00-10:00 pm
Location: High School Cafeteria
Tickets: February 24-28 - $20 / March 3-7 - $25

CHES Spring Book Fair

The CHS PTO extends a heartfelt thank you to all the students and staff that visited the CHES Book Fair this past week! We also want to express our deep appreciation for our dedicated volunteer force who took time from their busy schedules to assist our young student shoppers, as well as to the media center for graciously hosting us.

Through events such as these, the PTO is able to help expand the library's collection, stock the CHES office vending book machine, support classrooms, and much more! Your participation makes a meaningful impact - THANK YOU!

That's a wrap for this year's in-person Book Fairs! But don't worry - you can still shop online through March 9, 2025. All orders ship directly to your home, and book-only orders over $25 qualify for free shipping.

To explore and shop the catalog, visit: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/cuyahogaheightselemschool

Cuyahoga Heights Schools Celebrates Black History Month with Student-Created Bulletin Boards

Cuyahoga Heights Schools is celebrating Black History Month by creating educational and inspiring bulletin boards throughout the school building. This initiative was led by Mrs. Walton, who spearheaded the effort to showcase important figures, events, and contributions of Black history.

Seven students assisted Mrs. Walton in bringing these displays to life, earning community service hours for their dedication and hard work. Their efforts have helped highlight the significance of Black History Month while fostering a sense of learning and appreciation within the school community.

Join Us for Cuyahoga Heights Schools Day at the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cuyahoga Heights Schools families, get ready for an exciting day of basketball and school spirit! We’re thrilled to invite you to Cuyahoga Heights Schools Day at the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, March 30, at 3:30 PM, as the Cavs take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Rocket Arena.

This special event is a fantastic opportunity for students, families, and staff to come together, show our school pride, and cheer on the Cavs in an action-packed game. Don’t miss out on this memorable experience.

Get your tickets now! Purchase your seats through our exclusive event link: https://cavaliers.group/CHS

Let’s fill the arena with Cuyahoga Heights spirit—wear your school colors (or Cavs gear), bring your energy, and get ready for a great time!

Attention Pre-K through 8th Grade Parents: Please place your t-shirt orders

The PTO Pre-K through 8th Grade Fun Run will be on May 9, 2025. Each student will be given a Fun Run t-shirt to wear. Please use the link below to complete the t-shirt order form. This form must be completed by March 5 (one form per student in our family).

T-SHIRT SIZE FORM

Capture the Memories-Order Your Elementary Yearbook Today

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

Box Tops For Education

Box Topics: March 2025 Edition

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

Learn more at BTFE.COM

Attention Prospective Tuition Students

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

COMMUNITY

FREE Prom Dresses for Northeast Ohio Girls at Princess Night Project

Girls from high schools throughout Northeast Ohio are invited to choose the prom dress of their dreams FREE at Altrusa International of Akron's annual Princess Night. Project presented in partnership with The University of Akron.

Press Release Information Cards

Brooklyn Heights 3rd-4th Grade Girls Recreational Basketball

Congratulations on a great season, ladies!

Talulah Brynak
Jordynn Figard
Reagan Brad
JoJo Wyman
Alyssa Arcuri
Delilah Boone (not pictured)

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

Calling All CHS Time Travelers: Class of 1950, 1975, and 2000!

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

Report Student Attendance
& Dismissal Exception
(Dismissal for ES only)