March 14, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

Spring officially arrives this coming Wednesday, March 20, and after the winter we've had, I think we're all ready for it! Monday also marks the beginning of our 4th quarter - it's hard to believe we're already in the home stretch of the school year. We are looking forward to our elementary students' performance of Willy Wonka Kids on March 22 - it promises to be a treat for all who attend.

I want to thank everyone involved in our recent safety evacuation drill. Our students and staff handled the exercise with composure and cooperation, while working alongside local police, fire, and emergency personnel from our three villages. This training fulfilled our state requirements and demonstrated the strength of our emergency preparedness. The safety of our students remains our highest priority, and the collaboration between our schools, safety forces, and families is essential to this effort.

As we move forward into spring and the final quarter, I am once again reminded of what makes Cuyahoga Heights Schools special - our sense of community. Whether it's families attending performances, community members supporting our programs, or our safety forces partnering with our schools, we consistently see how our connections strengthen everything we do. This community bond creates an environment where our students can thrive and achieve their full potential. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young

Superintendent

Spring Cleaning for Academic Success

Just as we spring clean our homes, this season offers the perfect opportunity to refresh learning spaces, materials, and habits. Organizing academic materials and creating effective learning environments helps students finish the year strong. Here are some spring cleaning tips for academic success:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Sort through and reorganize school supplies

• Create new, colorful labels for learning materials

• Establish a system for completed work and projects

• Refresh the home reading area with seasonal rotation

6th-8th Grade:

• Clean out and reorganize lockers and backpacks

• Review and update assignment tracking systems

• Organize digital files and photos

• Declutter study spaces to minimize distractions

9th-12th Grade:

• Archive completed work and assessments for future review

• Reorganize notes and study materials by subject

• Update digital calendars with upcoming deadlines

• Evaluate and adjust study routines based on what's working

For All Students:

• Replenish depleted school supplies

• Create a system for important papers and forms

• Reset electronic devices and organize digital learning tools

• Establish homework and study areas free from clutter

Remember, an organized space promotes an organized mind and enhances focus and productivity.

Our Student Support Services Staff

Rachel Meffe, Kelly Cummins, Abbi Heredos, April Gregan

Kelly Cummins
Speech-Language Pathologist

My name is Kelly Cummins, and I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at CHS since 2018. This is my 12th year as a school-based SLP, and I love the work I do to support students in their communication skills. In addition to my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I also have a degree in Theatre and an Administrative Specialist License.

Beyond my role as an SLP, I am a Co-director of the CHES Wolfpup Drama Club and play an active leadership role in the building’s MTSS framework, helping to support students in a variety of ways.

Personally, I grew up in Perry, Ohio, where my husband, children, and I still live—just six houses down from my childhood home. We love being close to family and our community. My husband and I have three wonderful children: Hunter (18), Harper (10), and Hannah (7). In my free time, I enjoy books, theatre, shopping, and spending time with my family.

I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the CHS family and am grateful for all the experiences and opportunities I have to support both our students and staff

April Gregan
School Psychologist

This is my 17th year as a School Psychologist, a career I chose because of my passion for supporting children and adolescents of all abilities in reaching their full potential. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Mercyhurst University and worked as a behavior therapist for students with Autism before going back to school at Kent State University where I completed my graduate degrees. In 2007, I began my career in rural Geauga County for 7 years, followed by several years at Garfield Heights City Schools, where I served as both a school psychologist and a special education compliance supervisor. In 2022, I joined Cuyahoga Heights and am proud to be part of a team that prioritizes student growth and success. On any given day, you will likely find me in one of the buildings working with a student, collaborating with a colleague, or writing a report! I love the variety of my role at Cuyahoga Heights and working with students from preschool through twelfth grade.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, cheering on my three children—twin 12-year-old daughters and my 9-year-old son—as they compete in sports. My weekends are spent at any combination of soccer, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, baseball or football, depending on the season! Spending quality time with my family and staying active is important to me, whether we're at a game, traveling, or simply enjoying time at home with our two crazy dogs.

I am excited for Spring and wish everyone a successful 4th quarter!

Abbi Heredos
Occupational Therapist

I have been an occupational therapist for six years. My journey in OT began with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Walsh University in North Canton, OH, followed by a master's degree in occupational therapy from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including neuro pediatric outpatient care at United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland, as well as pediatric outpatient therapy and adult acute care at Southwest General Hospital. These experiences have shaped my approach and deepened my passion for helping others achieve independence in meaningful ways.

Now in my sixth year at CHS, I find school-based OT especially rewarding because it allows me to work alongside students from preschool through high school graduation, supporting them as they grow and develop the skills they need for success. Whether it's self-regulation, fine or visual motor skills, executive functioning, sensory processing, or independent living skills, OT plays a vital role in helping students of all ages engage in their education with confidence.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two dogs, golfing, reading, gardening, and cycling. I feel incredibly grateful to do what I love every day and to be part of a dedicated related service team committed to helping students thrive.

Rachel Meffe
School Social Worker

CHS has been the best place to be for the past ten years! I am the School Social Worker by title, Licensed Independent Social Worker- Supervisor by license. Translation: my focus is with students and their families in life’s tough moments. Typically, when I meet a student it's because something is not going well so we need to do some problem solving, figure out what coping strategies work best for them and which resources may be helpful to ease stress for the whole family.

My Bachelors in Psychology is from Wittenberg University and my Masters in Social Work is from Case Western Reserve which brought me to Northeast Ohio. I grew up in rural Northwest Ohio and there is definitely more snow here!
I have two kids, Michael, age 17, is a Senior at Revere heading to Tri-C in the fall and Emma, age 5, is in Kindergarten here at CHS. In my free time, I love to read and spend time outside hiking in all the incredible parks we have in the area.

Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School has been recognized as a Governor's Science of Reading Recognition Program School, one of only 47 schools in Ohio to receive this prestigious designation in 2025. This recognition celebrates the school's proven commitment to providing every student with high-quality literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. The rigorous application process required demonstrating excellence across multiple areas, including professional development, assessment procedures, multi-tiered support systems, evidence-based instructional materials, and documented student literacy progress.

This achievement is a celebration for our entire school community—staff, students, and families alike. Students benefit directly from these evidence-based literacy practices that build stronger reading foundations for their academic journey and future success. Families can take pride in knowing their children attend a school that's recognized statewide for literacy excellence and has proven its commitment to effective reading instruction. Through professional collaboration, a growth mindset, and an unwavering focus on student needs, Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School educators have created a learning environment where all students can thrive as readers and learners.

Join CHS PTO in making a difference at Cuyahoga Heights Schools! Support the 13th Annual Red Wolf Run and become a sponsor today. Promote your business or showcase your family name while helping our school community thrive. This cherished event unites students, their families, and community volunteers in a celebration of community spirit, physical activity, and charitable giving. The Red Wolf Run has become a beloved tradition that raises essential funds to support critical programs, materials, and events that directly benefit our students. We are incredibly thankful for the continued generosity and commitment of our sponsors each year.  

Logos should be emailed to: [CHSPTOFunRun@gmail.com]

Sponsorship commitment & company/organization logo are due by Friday, April 25, 2025.

 Each sponsorship level offers unique benefits! Plus...

All sponsor levels include:

• Recognition on group sponsor banners & event signage

• Inclusion on nearly 700 event T-shirts

• PA Shoutout during the event

• Mention in event literature & social media 

• Feature in our website listing & e-newsletter 

See More About 2025 Sponsor Levels Online: 

[https://chspto.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=5029]

A hard copy of sponsorship forms are also available in the ES or MS/HS offices and a PDF is available HERE.

*The Cuyahoga Heights PTO is a 503(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

On the morning of March 13, some well-deserving Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School students were greeted with a sweet surprise—a delicious donut. These students earned the special treat by consistently following bus-riding rules throughout the trimester.

Administrators had the pleasure of recognizing these exemplary students, who demonstrated outstanding behavior by adhering to the school's Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) expectations of being caring, honest, engaged, and safe while on the bus. Their commitment to these values helped ensure a positive and respectful environment during their daily commutes.

A big thank you to our bus drivers as well, who play an important role in getting our students to and from school safely every day.

Incredible prizes, unforgettable experiences, and more! Purchase your calendar raffle tickets today!

Our CHS Music Boosters and families worked together to organize a calendar raffle fundraiser to offer to the community. The proceeds from this fundraiser will offset the cost of the overnight HS music trip to Chicago, Illinois in March of 2026. You can purchase tickets online by following this link: https://cuyhtsmusic.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5284&form=8

Students going on the trip have a goal to reach or exceed $100 in ticket sales, with incentives for students who meet or surpass this goal. If you know a student going on the trip, make sure to attribute the sale to them, and share, share, share! Thank you for supporting our talented musicians!

General Information:

Who: Students in grades 6-8

Where: Firestone CLC

When: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Registration closes on March 16! Click here to register now! For more information, visit https://stemcareerday.goodyear.com/

If you have already registered, here is the link for parking details and student schedules.

Students also have the opportunity to put together a team to compete in the Rube Goldberg Challenge®, where they will be tasked with creating a machine that can crush an aluminum can.  

Rube Goldberg Application Deadline: March 21, 2025, register or find more information here!

 Also, check out this short video about STEM Career Day to learn more!