April 11, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

We made it to spring break! After a busy and productive period, this well-deserved time off comes at just the right moment. When we return, we will have less than seven weeks remaining in the 2024-25 school year - a reminder of how quickly the year has progressed.

This week marked the completion of our ELA state testing, and I couldn't be more proud of our students' exceptional efforts. When classes resume, we'll continue with Math, Science, and Social Studies assessments for the appropriate grade levels and subjects.

For those staying local during the break, our athletic teams will be competing in various events. I encourage you to check our website for details and consider supporting our student-athletes if your schedule allows.

We will be taking a brief pause from our newsletter next week and will return with our regular updates on April 25. I hope everyone enjoys a refreshing and rejuvenating break.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK:

Making the Most of Spring Break

Preschool-5th Grade:

Maintain a flexible daily routine with both structure and free time
Explore local parks, museums, or nature centers
Engage in family reading time with books of choice
Create a photo journal or scrapbook of break activities

6th-8th Grade:

Balance screen time with outdoor activities
Try a new hobby or skill during the break
Help plan and prepare family meals as a life skills activity
Visit a local library for both enjoyment and light educational activities

9th-12th Grade:

Catch up on rest while maintaining reasonable sleep schedules
Visit potential colleges if relevant to future plans
Engage in service activities in the community
Reflect on the school year so far and set goals for the final weeks

For All Students:

Spend quality time connecting with family and friends
Incorporate physical activity into each day
Take a break from regular academic pressures
Find the right balance between relaxation and stimulation

Remember, spring break should be refreshing! Return to school energized and ready for a strong finish to the school year.

Important Updates: Ohio Law Changes Now in Effect

As of April 9, 2025, two important Ohio laws affecting our school are now in effect. House Bill 8 (Parents' Bill of Rights) strengthens parental involvement with your child's education. The law requires parental notification about matters affecting your child's mental, emotional, and physical health; provides opportunity to review and opt out of sexuality content instruction for grades 4+ (with no such content permitted in K-3); requires your consent for healthcare services except emergencies; establishes a 30-day process for addressing parental concerns; and requires Released Time for Religious Instruction allowing students to attend off-site religious instruction during school hours. We are currently developing our comprehensive policies to implement these requirements by July 1, 2025.

Additionally, Ohio law now requires schools to include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number on student ID cards, planners, and electronic portals. This lifeline is available 24/7 for anyone to call or text "988" to reach a trained specialist during a mental health crisis. We have already begun implementing this requirement.

The Foolish Molar

Our 3rd-grade students put on a fantastic performance of The Foolish Molar. Under the direction of Mrs. Currey and Mr. Bertolone, these young stars shined bright on stage. Great job to all involved!

Congratulations to Emilee Sanicky on Advancing to Nationals for HOSA

Emilee Sanicky has earned a remarkable achievement as she advances to the national stage of HOSA—Future Health Professionals, an international organization dedicated to empowering students who are pursuing careers in the healthcare field.

For the past two years, Emilee has been actively involved in HOSA, and this year, she competed in the Nursing Assisting event. The competition includes a rigorous process: first, a written exam is used to determine the top ten qualifiers at both the regional and state levels. Those who qualify then move on to a skills-based competition. Emilee showcased her talents by excelling in essential nursing assisting skills, including making an unoccupied bed and taking vital signs.

At this year’s state competition, held in Toledo, over 10,000 students from across Ohio competed in various events. Emilee not only placed in the top ten but went on to secure 1st place at both the regional and state levels—a tremendous accomplishment.

With her victories, Emilee now advances to the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, this June, where she will represent her region and state on a national platform. Her dedication, skill, and passion for healthcare are truly inspiring, and we wish her the best of luck as she continues her journey toward a future in the medical field!

Support Our Staff: Three Ways to Help During Staff Appreciation Week

Here are three ways that you can help:

Goodie Bags

We will be creating individual goodie bags with sweet and savory treats for the staff to enjoy. We are looking for donations to fill the goodie bags. Please sign up for items in the link below. All items will be collected in the Elementary or Middle/High school office from April 7- May 2.

Spin the Wheel and Win a Prize

Supply Cart Edition: During Staff Appreciation Week, we will drop in classrooms and let teachers “Spin the Wheel” to win supplies. We are looking for donations for the supply cart. Please sign up for items in the link below. All items will be collected in the Elementary or Middle/High school office from April 7- May 2.

Recess Duty

Give the teachers a well-deserved rest and volunteer to monitor a recess. Signups will be coming for this later.

If you have any questions regarding Staff Appreciation Week, feel free to contact Elicia Lamirand (440-666-6101) or Nicolle Huffman (330-607-5042).

Thank you for supporting the best staff in The Land!

To see items needed and/or sign up to donate use the link below:

https://chspto.ptboard.com/sgnvw?signup=98d69453-396a-445a-9012-e2a016de63fe~s.9223370293156595371

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.

Save-the-Date Flyer

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.

Celebrating Our College-Bound Athletes

On Wednesday, April 10, 2025, Cuyahoga Heights High School proudly celebrated three outstanding student-athletes as they made their college commitments official. Surrounded by family, friends, coaches, and staff, these seniors signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level.

Nick Armbrust will be heading to the University of Mount Union for track and field. Paige Henley has committed to Baldwin Wallace University for volleyball. McGowan Rott will continue his baseball career at Salem University.

We are incredibly proud of Nick, Paige, and MacGowan for their accomplishments and wish them continued success in this next chapter. Their achievements reflect the strength of our athletic programs and the supportive community that surrounds them.

Congratulations, Redwolves!

Future Red Rubies Dance and Twirl Clinic

Join us for the Red Rubies Drill Team Dance & Twirl Clinic. This event is for students in Kindergarten-8th Grade. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. Athletes will be grouped by age and ability. You do not need to be a CHS student to attend.

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 9am-12pm
Time: Parent Showcase promptly at 12:00
Location: Cuyahoga Heights HS Gym - 4840 E 71st St, Cleveland, OH 44125

Cost: $25
Register by: May 5, 2025 (signups after 4/29 are not guaranteed a t-shirt)
Registration Includes: t-shirt, snack, and instruction from the team on dance, baton, and flag & performance for parents.

Payment: cash, check, Venmo or Paypal (cash in envelope with student name)
Checks made out to: CHS Music Boosters
*All students must be registered to attend. Your spot and shirt order will only be confirmed after payment is received.

Schedule: 8:45-9:00 am - Check-in

Introductions & Warm-up
Jazz Pom Dance Combo, Color Guard Flag, or Twirling Combo
SNACK
Jazz Pom Dance Combo, Color Guard Flag, or Twirling Combo
Jazz Pom Dance Combo, Color Guard Flag, or Twirling Combo

Parent Showcase: 12:00 pm - Parent Showcase / Q&A / Announcements

Attire: Please wear a comfortable outfit to move & dance in (preferably red and black!)
Shoes: Any dance shoe or sneakers (no socks, crocs, sandals, or bare feet permitted)
Hair: Can be worn however the student is most comfortable, out of face.
Please bring: a water bottle

Questions: Contact Coach Chelsey Kovar ckovar@cuyhts.org

JOIN THE RED RUBIES DRILL TEAM

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

Volunteer | Participate | Donate

Jacobs Ladder Special Needs Fitness Annual Bike Ride

Date: June 8, 2025
Location: Start at Bacci Park
Ride Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am
Volunteer Time: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Lunch: 2:00 pm

For more information, please contact:
Tony D'Orazio
440-225-2365
tdorazio@att.net

Dan D'Orazio
440-670-1151
danjdorazio@gmail.com