May 2, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

As we enter the first week of May, we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week. I want to take this moment to acknowledge the incredible work our teachers do each day. Their dedication goes far beyond delivering curriculum – they open doors of opportunity, provide mentorship, encourage critical thinking, and help shape the future of our students.

Our teachers create environments where students can explore their interests, develop their talents, and overcome challenges. They celebrate successes, provide guidance through difficulties, and consistently demonstrate what it means to be lifelong learners. Their influence extends well beyond the classroom, helping to make our schools the heart of our community.

I'm equally grateful for all our non-teaching staff who provide essential support to our students every day. From our office staff who greet students each morning, to our food service workers who ensure they are well-nourished, our custodians and cleaners who maintain clean learning environments, our drivers who transport them safely, and our aides and related services staff who provide individual attention – each plays a crucial role in our students' experience. Education is truly a team effort, and every member of our staff contributes to making Cuyahoga Heights a special place for learning.

Together, this dedicated team creates the supportive atmosphere where our students can grow and thrive. I appreciate their collective commitment to our school community.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

 Recognizing and Celebrating Student Achievements

As we enter the final weeks of the school year, it's important to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students. Acknowledging achievements, both large and small, reinforces effort and builds confidence. Here are some tips for meaningful recognition:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Create a visual display of completed projects and achievements

• Establish an end-of-day sharing time for daily accomplishments

• Write personalized notes highlighting specific growth areas

• Take before-and-after photos of skills development

6th-8th Grade:

• Help students create a portfolio of their best work

• Celebrate improvement, not just high grades

• Recognize perseverance through challenges

• Acknowledge development in organization and study skills

9th-12th Grade:

• Help students document achievements for college applications

• Recognize balance between academics and other responsibilities

• Celebrate progress toward long-term goals

• Acknowledge development of independence and self-advocacy

For All Students:

• Celebrate effort and personal bests

• Recognize both academic and character growth

• Share accomplishments with extended family

• Create meaningful, personalized celebrations

Remember, recognizing achievements isn't just about the end result—it's about honoring the journey of growth and learning!

Ed Friss, Mary McDermott, Jerry Kolis, Chris Clemence, Paula Hupcey, Bev DiDio, Doug DiDio,
Mourad Ouarkoub, Bart Hahn

This year's Ohio School Bus Driver Appreciation Day falls on May 5. As we celebrate these outstanding professionals, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our district's dedicated and committed  drivers for safely transporting our students to school, field trips, sporting events, and other activities. Ohio's 18,000+ school bus drivers travel over 170 million miles annually, carrying more than 1.2 million students with a safety record that surpasses all other forms of transportation. Please join us in thanking these unsung heroes who play such a crucial role in our educational community.

Thanks to our successful Scholastic Book Fairs, the PTO was able to order indoor recess items to supplement the elementary school's current indoor recess toys and activities. Picasso Tiles, tempera paint sticks, brick toys, lap desks, and more! We're excited to deliver these items to teachers in the coming weeks, and provide some fun on rainy spring days.

Give your child, their homeroom, or their grade a "Shout Out" during this year's Red Wolf Run. Shout Outs will be read over the loudspeaker while they are running the track! $5 Shout Outs are prepaid online only. Shout Outs will not be for sale at the event. 

DEADLINE for receipt of this form is May 8th at NOON: [https://chspto.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5029&form=18]

Donations for runners close May 9th. Online donation platforms remain LIVE:

• CHES Page

• CHMS Page

• Mr. Robinson's 31-mile Challenge!

The event committee has been working hard and is proud to offer the following incentives.

Please see the run schedule below. All volunteers & spectators must check in upon arrival on site. Look forward to cheering on your favorite runners, cash concessions, 50/50, and raffle baskets! Questions? Please email: chspto.vp216@gmail.com

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

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

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