May 23, 2025
From the Desk of Superintendent Young
Dear CHS Community,
We are truly in the home stretch with less than 10 days of school remaining in the 2024-25 year. Commencement, 8th-Grade Promotion, and 5th-Grade Promotion are just over one week away, marking significant milestones for our students and families.
Our athletic teams continue their postseason success, representing our school with pride and determination. These achievements add to the sense of celebration that fills our halls during these final days.
This is indeed a time to celebrate - our seniors who are ready to take their next steps, our students at all levels who have grown throughout the year, our dedicated staff who have guided them along the way, and our community that has supported them through every milestone. The collective effort of all these groups has made this another memorable and successful year at Cuyahoga Heights Schools.
I wish all of you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.
Reaching New Heights Together,
Matt Young
Superintendent
CHS TIP OF THE WEEK:
Reflecting on the Year's Growth and Accomplishments
As the school year draws to a close, thoughtful reflection helps students recognize their growth and internalize their learning. Taking time to reflect builds self-awareness and sets the stage for future progress. Here are some tips for meaningful year-end reflection:
Preschool-5th Grade:
Create a "memory book" with samples from throughout the year
Discuss favorite learning moments and activities
Compare writing or work samples from September and May
Draw pictures showing "what I learned this year"
6th-8th Grade:
Create a timeline of significant learning moments
Write a letter to next year's students about important lessons
Review goals set earlier in the year and assess progress
Identify most valuable skills developed this year
9th-12th Grade:
Reflect on how learning connected across different subjects
Evaluate study strategies that worked well
Consider how the year's experiences influence future plans
Write a self-evaluation of growth in academic and personal skills
For All Students:
Identify challenges overcome during the year
Express gratitude to those who supported learning
Celebrate progress in areas that were difficult
Share reflections with teachers and family members
Remember, reflection is not just looking back—it's about making meaning from experiences and carrying lessons forward!
Chagrin Valley Conference 2025 Sportsmanship Awards
The Chagrin Valley Conference presented its 2025 Sportsmanship Awards to one male and female athlete from each member school. Congratulations to Addison Bohning and Zach Unger for receiving awards.
Kindergarten Team Recognized with Teaching Award
Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School’s kindergarten team has been selected as a recipient of the George B. Milbourn Team Teachers Award of Excellence by the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation. This award recognizes the team composed of Wendi Cichocki, Matt Luginbill, and Kristin Rex for their outstanding collaboration, dedication, and positive impact on student learning. ”Your selection reflects the high regard for your teamwork and innovative approaches to education,” wrote the foundation's Christine W. Nestor, director of Finance, Operations, & Strategic Initiatives, in a letter announcing the award.
The team will be recognized at the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation’s annual Educator Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 24, where the achievements of outstanding educators from across Ohio will be celebrated. In addition to this recognition, the team will receive a $1,000 check to support a project or initiative within the school or district.
Established in 1959, The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation recognizes and supports Ohio’s public school teachers leading the way in their fields and allowing their students to grow and develop to their greatest potential.
Pictured left to right: Wendy Cichocki, Kristin Rex, and Matt Luginbill.
Clothes Needed for School Clinic
Hello CHS Families!
Hoping you all are well. As we near the close of the school year, I'd like to ask for some clothing donations for our school clinics. As we know, our kids sometimes have "wardrobe malfunctions" during the school day and need to change. Clothing donations are always welcomed. As you clean out closets of outgrown clothes, please keep in mind they can be dropped off at either of the nurse's clinics. If you are unsure what is needed here is a short list.
Boys' and girls' pants ALL sizes! (Youth 4-14 and Adult small-large)
Larger boys' and girls' shirts (Youth 10-14 and Adult small-large)
Small-large boys' underpants (Youth 4-14)
Boys' and girls' socks (Youth and Adult)
Thank you so much for always supporting our CHS students!
-Keyonna Howard, RN, District Nurse
Cuyahoga Heights Schools Students and Staff Receive Excellence in Education Awards for 2025
Two students and a teacher from the Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools were among those who received the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio’s 46th Annual Excellence in Education Awards on May 16. The awards celebrate students with special needs, their peers, and educators who go the extra mile. The event, which is planned by the State Support Team Region 3, was held this year at Corporate College East in Warrensville Heights.
Cuyahoga Heights Schools Intervention Specialist Beth Pavic received the Outstanding Educator Achievement Award. This award honors educators who are the exemplars in designing instructional strategies and programs.
Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) senior Salvatore Grissman received the Outstanding Student Achievement Award. This award acknowledges achievements of school-age children and youth with special needs in Northeast Ohio.
Third grader Angela Al Hachach is the recipient of this year’s Outstanding Peer Award. This award recognizes students without exceptionalities who have established positive relationships with students with exceptionalities, assisted them, and otherwise served as exemplary role models for them.
You can read the full story here.
The Great Mail Race
When returning from spring break, Mrs. Smith found a letter in her mailbox from a student in Washington State. Our new friend, Roger, and his class were taking part in The Great Mail Race and had randomly selected our third-grade class.
The Great Mail Race is a nation-wide activity for children of all ages. Teachers assign a different state to each of their students. The students write a letter about themselves and include all of the directions for the Race. Also included is a questionnaire that gives general information about the area of the country the student lives. Once everything is ready to be mailed, the student chooses any school within that state, addresses the envelope and sends their letter off, hoping to be the first to receive a letter back from a new friend.
The third grade class participated in this Race. We sent off 51 letters to third grade classes in every state. We have been patiently waiting for the return of a letter and this week, we finally got one...from HAWAII!
Third grader Stali Kovar was the lucky winner of The Great Mail Race! Stali received a letter from a Hawaiian student who shared with us many interesting facts about her life and school in Hawaii. Our students were eager to learn about some special classes she can take (ukulele, Hawaiian, and rock climbing) as well as some of the fun places to visit near her school (Honolulu).
We are waiting to see if any more letters will return before the end of the school year. This has been an amazing activity teaching our students writing skills, how to address an envelope, and research skills. We can't wait to participate in The Great Mail Race again next year.
2025 PTO Red Wolf Runner’s Results
You did it! We are so proud of all our runners. Your hard work and determination were truly inspiring. Red Wolf Run results have been received - check out some impressive stats below! All remaining student raffle winners will be announced next week.
CHES Most Laps Winners:
· PK: Ivy K., Krue K., Mason K., Finley S.
· KG: Eli R.
· 1st Grade: Liam H.
· 2nd Grade: Tommy W.
· 3rd Grade: Apollo T., Austin H.
· 4th Grade: Kasey K., Avery C., Ava H.
· 5th Grade: Evan H., Annella D., Evie T.
Most Laps in 20 minutes - All-Around Winner:
· Chase H. - 12 laps!
CHMS Most Laps Runner-Ups (10 laps):
· 6th Grade: Nathalya H., Daniel T., Natalia Y., Jack Z., Kathleen C., Declan H., Siena S., Hendrix B.
· 7th Grade: Chase H.
· 8th Grade: John B., Liam C., Tyler Schmidt, Dexter, S., Kostas T., Bentley C., Kyliee C., Jose F., Carter N., Anthony S., Tyler Spillman, Kalyn W., Dean B., Dominic S., David G., Levi K.
Longest Individual Distance & Time:
· Mr. Robinson – 32.8 miles; 6 hours 15 minutes!
Winners of New Vertical Runner Running Shoes generously donated by Vince Rucci, store owner of Vertical Runner, a local shoe business located in Brecksville and Hudson:
· Avery C. (CHES) & Chase H. (CHMS)
Total Combined Distance by All Students: 2,788 laps / 697 miles!
Commencement Countdown Continues!
The 2025 High School Commencement is fast approaching, and excitement is building as we prepare to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. As we head into the final stretch of the school year, please refer to the attached Notable Dates page for a complete list of important events and activities. From senior celebrations to graduation rehearsal and the big day itself, there’s a lot to look forward to. Let’s finish strong and make these final weeks memorable.
ACT Prep
Current: Freshman | Sophomores | Juniors
The teachers at Cuyahoga Heights High School are donating their time to offer ACT Prep Classes for current Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors.
In the spring sessions, students will get test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and then review the test.
In the summer sessions, students will receive more extensive test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and review the test.
On August 10, students will take a full-length practice test (all 4 subjects) and get scaled scores.
These courses are free but require the purchase of the book. You can purchase it on Amazon by clicking here: The Princeton Review 2025 ACT Review.
Please call Mrs. Connors in the main office at 216-429-5708 to register your child for one or all of the available dates.
Summer
Wed 7/9 – 9 a.m. - noon (Science)
Wed 7/16 – 9 a.m. - noon (Math)
Wed 7/23 – 9 a.m. - noon (English)
Wed 7/31 – 9 a.m. - noon (Reading)
Sun 8/10 – 2 - 5:30 p.m. (Full Practice Test)
Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools is looking for bus drivers and cafeteria workers to join our team for the upcoming school year. These essential roles help keep our schools running smoothly, and we’d love your help spreading the word! This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, retirees, or anyone looking to contribute to a great school community.
Apply now or share with a friend:
Contact George Burich at gburich@cuyhts.org with any questions.
Thank you for supporting our schools!
Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp 2025
We are excited to announce that this year's Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp will take place July 28-30 from 10 a.m. - noon.
WHO:
Rising 3rd-6th Graders, Grades based on the 2025-2026 school year
PLACE:
All instruction will take place at Cuyahoga Heights High School football practice fields
4820 East 71st Street
Cuyahoga Heights, Ohio 44125
STAFF:
Cuyahoga Heights High School/Middle School Coaches
Cuyahoga Heights High School Players/Alumni
COST:
The cost for the camp will be $20 per camper
This includes a camp T-shirt and snacks
EQUIPMENT:
Each camper should come with their own water bottle.
Please wear shorts, a T-shirt, and cleats. In the case of inclement weather, please bring tennis shoes to wear inside.
HOW TO SIGN UP:
To sign up, use the following link:
Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp
HOW TO PAY:
Submit payments to Elementary or Middle/High School Offices
Make checks payable to: CHS Athletic Boosters
QUESTIONS:
Please contact via email
Coach Nate Bryk: nbryk@cuyhts.org
Coach Jory Huffman: jhuffman@cuyhts.org
Honoring Officer Jacob Derbin: Monument Unveiling
On behalf of the Class of 2018, we invite our school community to join us in honoring the memory of Officer Jacob Derbin—a proud Cuyahoga Heights graduate and dedicated public servant. The event will commemorate Jacob’s life and legacy with the unveiling of a permanent monument in his honor. Please see the flyer for details.
Volunteer | Participate | Donate
Jacobs Ladder Special Needs Fitness Annual Bike Ride
Date: June 8, 2025
Location: Start at Bacci Park
Ride Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Volunteer Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch: 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact:
Tony D'Orazio
440-225-2365
tdorazio@att.net
Dan D'Orazio
440-670-1151
danjdorazio@gmail.com
4820 East 71st Street | Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125 | 216-429-5700