March 7, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

VIP Day was a success! We were thrilled to have so many special guests join our elementary students for this meaningful event. Looking ahead, we have another opportunity for family involvement just around the corner - our ES Family Game & Literacy Night is next Friday. We hope to see you there.

Our 8th graders are traveling to our nation's capital for the annual Washington DC trip this coming week. Please wish them safe travels and a memorable experience as they explore our country's history and government firsthand.

Also next week, in cooperation with our safety forces, we are conducting a district-wide low incidence evacuation drill. Please review the information in this newsletter and in communications from your building principals for further information.

As winter sports state tournaments conclude, Cuyahoga Heights has been well represented with one bowler, two wrestlers, and thirteen track and field athletes competing in state competition. We are proud of how these student-athletes have represented both their school and community.

This weekend, we "spring forward" as Daylight Saving Time begins. Please be extra cautious during morning hours when it will be darker, especially around our buses, riders, and walkers. While we adjust to the time change, we can all appreciate the longer daylight hours and hopefully some warmer weather around the corner.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK: Setting Goals for the Final Chapter

As we approach the final quarter of the school year, setting clear goals helps maintain momentum and finish strong. This is the perfect time to reflect on progress and make a plan for a successful conclusion to the year. Here are some tips for effective goal-setting:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Review progress on reading levels and set end-of-year targets

• Create a visual countdown to track remaining learning objectives

• Identify one challenging area to focus improvement efforts

• Plan an end-of-year project to showcase learning

6th-8th Grade:

• Analyze current grades and set specific improvement goals

• Create a study calendar for remaining assessments

• Complete any missing assignments before final grading

• Begin preparing for year-end transitions or next-level courses

9th-12th Grade:

• Review graduation requirements and creditsv

• Set specific GPA targets for the final quarter

• Complete college prep tasks appropriate for grade level

• Plan for meaningful summer experiences related to future goals

For All Students: • Break large goals into weekly actionable steps • Celebrate progress and accomplishments regularly • Maintain healthy routines through the end of the year • Begin conversations about summer learning opportunities

Remember, strong finishes build confidence and create momentum for future success!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for School Families

Featuring...Our Teacher Assistants

Cristina Bohning
As a CHS graduate, I have been a substitute in the Cuyahoga Heights School District for the past three years. After attending Kent State University to earn my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education, I spent 20+ years teaching in schools within the Diocese of Cleveland. Most of my teaching career was spent teaching Science and Social Studies within grades 4-8. I have found subbing and being a Teacher Assistant to be very rewarding and refreshing. I love being with different students and different grade levels throughout the day.

Beyond my teaching life, my husband, also a graduate of CHS, and I have raised our two children in Valley View. Our son is a CHS graduate from the Class of 2023 and is currently attending The Ohio State University. We enjoy visits with him, especially during football season. Our daughter will be graduating from CHS this June and will be attending Ohio University in the fall. In our free time, we love to attend games and cheer on our favorite teams - Buckeyes, Guardians, Cavaliers, and even the Browns. When I have a moment to myself I enjoy reading and cooking meals for all my loved ones.

Molly Clay
I’m a former first-grade teacher and have been at CHS for five years, with the last four spent as the teaching assistant in the MS/HS Library. I also spend time each afternoon in the ES Library. My day involves working with a variety of students, from seniors to kindergarteners—it’s quite the variety! One of my favorite parts of the position is discussing books with students since I love to read.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking our family’s dog, Boru, and caring for my horse, Sugar. I’m also an actress and have performed in NE Ohio theaters. I’m married to Douglas, and we have three kids and a daughter-in-law, Kira. Our daughters, Miranda and Kate, attended CHS, and our youngest, Henry, graduated in 2024. Family time is precious, and I cherish the moments when we’re all together.

It’s rewarding to watch students grow, and while saying goodbye to the graduating senior classes has been bittersweet, the start of each new school year is always exciting. Being part of the CHS community is truly a blessing.

Patti Conte
I am currently in my sixth year at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School as a Teacher Assistant. However, I have been a part of the Cuyahoga Heights School District since 2010, when my oldest of four children started Pre-K here. My husband is a proud Cuyahoga Heights alumni as well and has had a large role coaching in the youth wrestling program.

We have lived in Valley View for twenty years and have three daughters and one son, all proud Red Wolves, ranging from sixth grade up to a freshmen in college. Before I decided to stay home with my growing family, I taught second grade at Saint Columbkille School for several years. In my spare time I enjoy watching my kids participate in various activities and taking long walks throughout Valley View.

I am happy to be a part of Cuyahoga Heights Schools and love working closely with so many staff members and teachers, as we focus on such amazing students!

Amy George
My name is Amy George and I’m happy to say that I have been a part of the Cuyahoga Heights City School District for 20 years. I am currently in my second year as a Teacher Assistant. Prior to that, I was a Long-Term Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional for the district.

In my role as a Teacher Assistant, I have the privilege and pleasure of working with a variety of students at every grade level. From ELA and Math to Science and Social Studies, each day is busy and diverse for us TAs! We are welcomed into classrooms to assist grade-level teachers and support students throughout the day. I might help students individually or work with small groups to master skills. Each day brings new challenges and celebrations! It is a joy to support students, build relationships with them, and find creative strategies to help them grow, bring out the best in themselves, and grasp new concepts.

Outside the classroom, I also enjoy assisting teachers by prepping materials for upcoming lessons and creating displays and bulletin boards to showcase students’ work and school events.

On a personal note, I live in Independence with my dear husband and two wonderful children. A fun fact about me: I am also a certified Music Teacher! I taught Elementary Music for 10 years in Florida before getting married and moving to Ohio. This year, I was blessed to return to the Fine Arts Department at CHES as a Long-Term Substitute for Kelly Orlando while she was on maternity leave. Although my background is in music, I have a fun, creative, and artsy side, so stepping into the role of Art Teacher was a smooth and enjoyable transition. I will return to my TA role at the beginning of April.

Hope everyone has a great wrap-up to their school year, and Go Red Wolves!

Rebecca Rehlender
My name is Rebecca Rehlender, and this is my fifth school year as a Teacher Assistant at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School.

I come from a military family and have moved nine times over the years. I have taught sixth and seventh grade in Virginia, Pre-Kindergarten in Florida, first grade in Japan, and third grade in Arkansas. I am happy to be back home in Ohio.

I have two children and two Bernedoodles. I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my dogs, going to the movies, and listening to audiobooks. The best part of being a Teacher Assistant is working with students and staff across different grade levels. Go Red Wolves!

DISTRICT NEWS

This week, 3rd Grade celebrated Read Across America Week—a nationwide
initiative that promotes the joy and importance of reading! Throughout the week, students participated in engaging activities designed to foster a love of books and literacy. Each day the students had a unique theme, including special dress-up days and fun challenges to encourage a passion for storytelling. Our favorite event of the week was the unveiling of our mystery reader-- Mr. Young! 

Mr. Young shared stories of his childhood highlighting his love of reading. He also read a book to our kids and spent time answering questions. His advice to the third graders, "Always give your best effort, love the people in your life, and be a kind person."

Date: Friday, March 14

Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Location: Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School 

There will be games, bingo, snacks, a game raffle, and a 50/50 raffle (see below)

Come join in on the fun!  

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 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!

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

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A big shoutout to this year's indoor track and field state meet qualifiers! Led by Coaches Doug Amari and Bill Attewell, these athletes will compete on Friday, March 7, at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio.

Boys Qualifiers:

• Nick Armbrust (HJ & LJ)

• Kurtis VanDivner (LJ & 4x200)

• Devon Dzik, Tamir Julious, Tristan West (4x200)

• Zach Unger (60 H)

• Aden Ewelt (PV)

• Maurice McClardy (HJ)

Girls Qualifiers:

• Samantha Vallee (60 H)

• Giada Presot, Sophia Jackson, Lily Kretin, Kaitlyn Amari (4x200)

Relay alternates: Katie Buccier and Zander Meriwether.

Congratulations to all our qualifiers, and best of luck at the state meet!

Cooper Kucia and Zander Mooney battled their way into the state tournament with impressive performances at the District Tournament in Independence.

Zander secured his spot in Columbus with a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the blood round. Trailing 3-0 at the start, he fought back to claim a 9-4 win and punch his ticket to state.

Cooper faced early adversity, suffering an upset loss in the first round. Undeterred, he strung together four hard-fought wins to earn his place at state. In a dramatic rematch against the same opponent who had defeated him just a day earlier, Cooper once again found himself in a hole, down 4-0. But he refused to back down, battling back to pin his opponent and secure his state tournament berth.

To celebrate their achievement, the school held a clap-out send-off for Cooper and Zander, cheering them on as they embarked on their journey to the state tournament.

Zander will open his state tournament against the projected champion, Spencer Shore from Miami East, while Cooper will take on District Champion Sebastian Schmeltzer from Waynedale on Friday afternoon.

Best of luck to both wrestlers—go climb that podium!

COMMUNITY

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

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!

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