March 21, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

As we head into the last week of March, with spring break just three weeks away and only two full months of the school year remaining, we're looking forward to an exciting spring at Cuyahoga Heights.

We are extremely proud of the nine Cuyahoga Heights students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center this past week. It is worth noting that CHS had more juniors inducted than any other of the eight member districts - a testament to the dedication and skill of our students.

Our performing arts calendar is filled with upcoming events. Tomorrow, our Wolf Pup Drama Club presents their production of Willy Wonka Kids, and in just two weeks, our students will take the stage for the high school performance of The Wizard of Oz. We hope you will join us for these wonderful performances.

This coming week also marks the official start of spring sports competition. We are crossing our fingers that the weather cooperates so our athletes can showcase their talents outdoors.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Embracing Outdoor Learning Opportunities

As spring weather begins to arrive, outdoor learning and activities provide valuable educational experiences and support physical and mental health. Research shows that time outdoors improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances learning. Here are some tips to incorporate outdoor education:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Create outdoor scavenger hunts related to classroom topics

• Start a nature journal to record observations and changes

• Practice math skills through outdoor measurement activities

• Read and write in outdoor settings

6th-8th Grade:

• Conduct simple science experiments outdoors

• Create outdoor study spaces for focus and fresh air

• Explore local parks with educational purposes

• Use photography or sketching to document seasonal changes

9th-12th Grade:

• Connect outdoor environments to academic subjects

• Practice mindfulness in natural settings

• Consider outdoor locations for group projects

• Research local environmental issues

For All Students:

• Take short "brain breaks" outdoors

• Incorporate movement with learning

• Observe weather patterns and seasonal changes

• Practice responsibility through outdoor stewardship

Remember, the natural world offers endless learning opportunities that engage all the senses.

Our LLA (Language Learning Associates)Therapy Service Providers

Mackenzie Rametta, Kaitlyn Ledington, Katherine Schaffner, Marissa Heavilin, Caity Russ

Marissa Heavilin
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Hi! My name is Marissa Heavilin, and I’m excited to be part of the Cuyahoga Heights community as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Physiology and a minor in dance from The University of Akron as well as an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy Assisting from Lakeland Community College. I’ve been working in pediatrics for almost three years, supporting students from preschool through high school.

This is my first year at Cuyahoga Heights, and I’m thrilled to be here! Before this, I worked at The Center for Lifeskills and joined the LLA Therapy team at the beginning of this school year. I love being a COTA because I get to help students build confidence and independence in their daily routines. Watching kids grow and succeed is the best part of my job!

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and traveling to Disney with my family. My family includes my husband, our one-year-old daughter Adalynn (with another little one on the way this May!), and our sweet goldendoodle, Olive. I also own my own balloon decor business and serve as a chapter advisor for the University of Akron chapter of the Alpha Gamma Delta.

I’m looking forward to an amazing 4th quarter at Cuyahoga Heights and can’t wait to support our students in reaching their full potential!

Kaitlyn Ledington
Speech Language Pathologist

I’m Kaitlyn Ledington, and I’m excited to have joined the Cuyahoga Heights family this year. This is my second year as a Speech-Language Pathologist with LLA Therapy and I previously worked in the Orrville School District. I grew up in sunny Spring Hill, Florida, where my parents and 8 siblings (yes - you read that right, EIGHT!) still reside.

I discovered my passion for Speech-Language Therapy early on, leading me to pursue my undergraduate degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of South Florida. I further honed my expertise by earning my Master’s degree from Cleveland State University (CSU). After earning my Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from CSU, I decided to make Northeast Ohio my permanent home and now reside in Lakewood with my boyfriend. I find pediatric Speech Therapy to be incredibly rewarding, and I have a deep desire to help individuals of all ages find their voice, build their confidence, and overcome communication challenges.

Beyond therapy, I am an advocate for awareness and inclusivity, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard and understood. Through continued learning, collaboration, and compassion, I aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve. I find joy in a well-rounded life outside of work. Whether practicing yoga or Pilates, checking out a new local eatery, tending to my plants, or spending quality time with friends and family, I cherish moments of growth and connection. I also love cheering on Cleveland’s sports teams, exploring Metroparks and traveling the world, embracing new cultures and experiences along the way. At home, I share life’s adventures with my boyfriend, always striving to bring balance and fulfillment into both my personal and professional worlds.

Mackenzie Rametta
Registered Behavior Technician

I am an RBT for LLA Therapy. While I am new to the company and school this year, I am approaching my 3rd year as an RBT. I am currently studying psychology at NVU with intent to graduate later this year. I am looking forward to the rest of the school year at CHES with excitement!

Caity Russ
Board Certified Behavior Analyst

I have been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for 4 years, and have worked in schools, homes, and clinics. I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from Kent State University. Before becoming a BCBA, I worked as a K-5 Intervention Specialist and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). This is my first year working in Cuyahoga Heights. I work in multiple school districts with students and teachers in grades PK-12+. I am passionate about working with students with disabilities, emotional needs, and those who need extra love. Mentoring new and current BCBAs is another passion of mine. Outside of work, I love to stay active and have fallen in love with CrossFit this year! I love reading, trying new things and sometimes just being a homebody with my fiancée, Karli!

Katherine Schaffner
Physical Therapist

I am a Physical Therapist and have been working at Cuyahoga Heights for 4 school years! I help students get around their environment better during the school day. I attended Walsh University to pursue my physical therapy degree. Fun Fact: You have to obtain your doctorate to become a physical therapist. Although I am not an MD, I am sometimes listed as Dr. Schaffner and people get confused. It has been so wonderful getting to work with everyone in this community. In my free time, I love to crochet and read.

The local chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) held its annual induction ceremony at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center on Thursday, March 20. Nine outstanding junior students earned their place in this prestigious organization, marking a significant milestone in their academic and technical education journey.

NTHS is a distinguished society that recognizes career-technical high school students who exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. This honor represents the highest achievement in career and technical education. Four of our seniors played a key role in assisting with the ceremony.

Congratulations to our 2025 inductees!

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.

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!

Thinking about joining the CHS Red Rubies Drill Team? The Rubies are accepting students in grades 8-12 for the 2025-2026 year.  The Cuyahoga Heights Red Rubies Drill Team are looking for new members to join our high energy performance team for the 2025-2026 season! Our team performs during halftime at home and away varsity football games with other performance opportunities throughout the year. As a drill team, the Rubies perform in a variety of styles including jazz/pom dance, color guard and baton.  Please join us for our team info meeting, Wednesday, April 30 from 3:00-4:00 in the Orchestra Room. We will go over everything you need to know about being part of the team, answer questions, learn a few fun skills and discuss summer and fall schedules! Ready to join? Please fill out the form below. I can't wait to watch you sparkle under the Friday night lights! Form: www.tinyurl.com/rrdt25 Questions? Contact Coach Chelsey Kovar ckovar@cuyhts.org

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!