Reaching New Heights

March 28, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young


Dear CHS Community,

With April just around the corner and spring in full gear, we enter the annual testing season. Ohio schools are required to assess Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies in select grades starting with third grade. Testing begins next week and will continue through early May.

Several exciting events are coming up on our calendar. Our student performers will take the stage for The Wizard of Oz on April 4-6, while the George Gross Track Invitational is set for April 8. On April 11, our talented third graders will perform their play, Foolish Molars. And in just two weeks, we'll all enjoy a well-deserved spring break, running from April 14-21.

I encourage you to check the calendar of events on our website and consider attending some of our performances and athletic events. Your presence means so much to our students as they showcase their talents and abilities. These moments of community support create lasting memories for everyone involved.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK:

Preparing for State Testing Season


As spring arrives, so does the state testing season. While tests are just one measure of learning, helping students prepare effectively reduces anxiety and allows them to showcase their knowledge. Here are some tips to support students during testing season:

Preschool-5th Grade:

  • Maintain consistent sleep and morning routines

  • Practice basic test-taking skills through games

  • Focus on positive reinforcement, not pressure

  • Read daily to build comprehension and stamina

6th-8th Grade:

  • Create a study calendar with short, regular review sessions

  • Practice with sample questions and formats

  • Teach relaxation techniques for test anxiety

  • Ensure understanding of test directions and expectations

9th-12th Grade:

  • Identify specific areas needing focused review

  • Practice time management during practice tests

  • Balance preparation with adequate rest

  • Connect current tests to future goals

For All Students:

  • Ensure proper nutrition, especially breakfast on test days

  • Maintain physical activity for stress reduction

  • Keep perspective on testing as only one measure

  • Express confidence in efforts rather than outcomes

Remember, a balanced approach to test preparation helps students do their best while maintaining well-being.

staff spotlight

Congratulations Dr. Brian Friedt!

Beth Pavic has selected Dr. Brian Friedt, MTSS/Transition Coordinator, as the Staff Spotlight recipient for March! When you see Brian, take a moment to congratulate him and let him know how much he is appreciated. Learn more about him HERE...

briwn & beth
som march

Students of the Month - March

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!

5th Grade
Evie Tartara
Mateo Torres

6th Grade
Orin Green

7th Grade
Kellen Dabrowski

8th Grade
Brianna Knill

9th Grade
Alexis Unger

10th Grade
Adham Gharib

11th Grade
Tyler Wheaton

12th Grade
Gavin Skuhrovec

statebound wrestlers
state placers track

2025 Indoor Track State Championship Meet

The 2025 Indoor Track & Field Team competed in the OAT&CCC Indoor State Track & Field Championships on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the SPIRE Institute. Cuyahoga Heights had thirteen athletes in action, the most that have ever qualified from our school!

Maurice McClardy led the Red Wolves by placing 2nd in the state in the high jump, equaling his school record effort with a leap of 6'5". Zach Unger would also earn himself a position on the finish stand by placing 7th in the 60m hurdles with a personal best time of 8.85 seconds. Samantha Vallee also reached the finals in the 60m hurdles, but just missed making the stand with a 9th place finish, despite a career best time of 9.98 seconds.

Other finishers for the team included: Aden Ewelt, 10th place in the pole vault with an clearance of 14 feet; Nick Armbrust who finished 11th in the long jump and 13th in the high jump: the 10 place 4x200m relay team of Tamir Julious, Kurt VanDivner; Devon Dzik and Tristan West; and the 13th place 4x200m relay team of Giada Presot, Sophia Jackson, Lily Kretin and Kaitlyn Amari. Congratulations to the entire squad for an excellent showing against Ohio's finest in state championship competition!

plant sale

Junior Class Plant Sale

Help support the Class of 2026 with their Plant Sale. March 26 - April 9. Please send in your order and cash or check to the high school office, attention Dani Connors. Checks can be made out to CHS BOE. Thank you for all of your support!  Flyer Order Form

willy wonka play
willy wonka play

The "Golden Age of Chocolate" was alive and well at the Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School!

The 4th and 5th grade Wolf Pup Drama Club performed Willy Wonka KIDS! in front of two packed houses on Saturday, March 22. Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, and Grandpa Joe along with the other golden ticket winners toured the factory, sang songs, met Oompa Loompas, and also met their fate! The Wolf Pup Drama Club is an after school activity available to all 4th and 5th grade students and is directed by Mr. Bertolone, Mrs. Cummins, and Mrs. Satterlee. 

wizard of oz characters

The Wizard of Oz

Tickets on Sale Now!

Performance dates are:
Friday, April 4 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, April 5 @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 6 @ 2:00 PM

Purchase tickets HERE

A Special Musical Matinee for Our Senior Community

Follow the yellow brick road to a special event just for our senior community! Our talented student cast and crew are thrilled to present an exclusive performance of Act 1 from our upcoming musical, The Wizard of Oz!

Enjoy a magical afternoon filled with singing, dancing, and all the charm of Oz—plus free popcorn and candy to make the experience even sweeter!

No flying monkeys, just fun! All are welcome to attend—don’t miss this chance to see our stars shine!

Feel free to email tdeal@cuyhts.org with any questions.

popcorn and candy

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Time: 12:30-1:30
Location: Paul L. Baumgardner Auditorium

officer frank trusso

Happy Retirement, Officer Trusso!

Today, we celebrate and honor the retirement of Officer Frank Trusso, who has dedicated an incredible 28 years of service to Cuyahoga Heights Village. In addition to his long-standing commitment to our community, Officer Trusso also served as a police officer in Newburgh Heights for 2 ½ years, leaving a lasting impact on the people he has protected and served.

Throughout his career, Officer Trusso has been a familiar and reassuring presence in our school. His dedication to building relationships with students, staff, and residents has helped foster a strong sense of safety and trust in our community.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Officer Trusso for his years of service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy of commitment and kindness will always remain a part of Cuyahoga Heights.

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Empower Students: Volunteer for Career Development

We invite you to play an active role in shaping the future of our students! As we continue to enhance career development activities in our district, we are seeking volunteers to support and guide these efforts.

By volunteering, you can provide valuable career exploration opportunities, share your subject expertise, offer job shadowing and mentorship experiences, and contribute to preparing students for success beyond graduation.

If you're interested in sharing your knowledge or assisting with career-focused events, please complete the Google Form by scanning the QR code.

Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

For any questions, please contact Julie Regula, Career Specialist, at jregula@cuyhts.org.

calendar raffle 2025

Calendar Raffle Supporting HS Students Attending Spring 2026 Chicago Trip

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!

cavs day

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!

science students with brain

Anatomy Students Explore the Brain

This week, anatomy students got a hands-on learning experience by dissecting a sheep brain in class. This lab provided an up-close look at the brain’s intricate structure, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem. By identifying key anatomical features, students were able to connect their lectures to real-world application. Students also designed their own surgical caps! Each cap featured hand-drawn illustrations representing the functions of the brain’s lobes.

brain disection
red wolf run
red wolf run

13th Annual Red Wolf Run | Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open! 

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.

art in the park flyer
stem day poster

Middle School Career STEM Day

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!

walton hills logo

Camp Details

Walton Hills Parker & Jr. Parker Summer Camp 2025

  • Campers can be ages 5 – 15 (5 year olds must be entering 1st grade in the fall)

  • Activities include going to the Walton Hills Lake Club twice a week, a field trip once a week, golf lessons (extra charge), arts, crafts, and games.

  • Status

    • Full time is a 7-week program

    • Part time is a 1-6 week program

  • Registration ends April 11, after this time a late fee will be assessed.

  • Contact recreation@waltonhillsohio.gov for more information.

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4820 East 71st Street | Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125 | 216-429-5700