Dear CHS Community,

What a fantastic first week of school we've had!

Summer's Last Hurrah:

Mother Nature decided to give us one last taste of summer, with temperatures soaring into the 90s. Our students and staff have been real troopers, staying cool and focused despite the heat.

Labor Day Weekend Ahead:

As we wrap up our first full week, we're heading into Labor Day weekend. This traditional last weekend of summer gives us all a chance to relax and recharge with a well-deserved three-day break. Whether you're planning a family barbecue, a quick getaway, or just some quiet time at home, I hope everyone enjoys this extra day off.

Fall is Knocking:

Even with the warm weather, we can't help but notice fall peeking around the corner. Pumpkin spice and caramel apple flavors are popping up everywhere, reminding us that cooler days are on their way.

Positive Attitudes Shine:

I'm thrilled to report that our students have shown amazing attitudes as they settle back into the school routine. Their energy and enthusiasm make our hallways buzz with excitement for learning.

A Great Start:

This positive start sets the tone for a fantastic year ahead. We're already seeing friendships rekindled, new connections made, and a real sense of community building across our school.

Thank You:

A big thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for helping make this transition so smooth. Your support and encouragement mean the world to our students.

Enjoy the Long Weekend:

Please take this time to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to learn on Tuesday.

Matt Young

Superintendent

P.S. Stay safe if you're traveling, and don't forget to squeeze in one last summer adventure if you can!

Adjusting to new schedules and classes is crucial for students and families as it sets the foundation for a successful academic year. This transition period is about more than just getting used to new timetables; it's about establishing routines that promote learning, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. 

Successfully adapting to new schedules helps students improve their time management skills, increase their focus, and engage more with coursework. It also aids in developing important life skills such as flexibility and resilience. 

For families, understanding and supporting this adjustment fosters a smoother home life, reduces morning rushes and evening homework struggles, and allows for better planning of family activities. Moreover, a well-adjusted student is typically more confident and prepared to face academic challenges. By prioritizing this adjustment period, we create an environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally, setting a positive tone for the entire school year. 

Ultimately, mastering new schedules and classes empowers students to take control of their learning journey and helps families provide effective support throughout the academic year. Adjusting to new schedules and classes can be challenging as we settle into the new school year. Here are some tips to help smooth the transition:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Practice the morning routine, including getting ready and travel time

• Set up a homework station with all the necessary supplies

• Encourage discussion about new teachers and classmates

• Gradually adjust bedtimes to match school night schedules

6th-8th Grade:

• Color-code materials for different subjects to stay organized

• Create a map of classes to navigate the school more easily

• Use a planner to track assignments and due dates

• Establish a regular time to review and prepare for the next day

9th-12th Grade:

• Review and understand graduation requirements and course sequencing

• Set up a digital calendar to manage classes, activities, and deadlines

• Identify potential free periods or study halls for homework completion

• Connect with teachers early to understand their expectations

• Balance challenging courses with enjoyable electives

For All Students:

• Maintain open communication about any struggles with the new schedule

• Ensure a healthy breakfast and pack nutritious snacks for energy throughout the day

• Establish a wind-down routine free from technology for the evening to ensure quality sleep

• Be patient – it takes time to adjust to new routines

Remember, flexibility and communication are key during this adjustment period. If you have concerns, please contact your child's teacher, school counselor, or principal.

Let’s Reach New Heights Together!

Keeping Our Schools Clean, Safe, and Ready for Learning

Our maintenance and cleaning staff play a crucial role in keeping our schools running smoothly. Every day, these dedicated team members work behind the scenes to ensure our buildings and grounds are clean, safe, and well-maintained for students, teachers, and families. From fixing leaky faucets to mowing lawns, our staff handles a wide range of tasks. They keep our classrooms, athletic facilities, and common areas clean and maintained, making sure our learning spaces are always ready for the next school day. 

Our maintenance and cleaning staff take pride in their work and are always looking for ways to improve. They regularly check our buildings and respond quickly to any issues reported by teachers or staff. By taking care of most maintenance in-house, they help our district use its resources wisely. Their goal is simple but important: to provide the best possible environment for our students to learn and grow.

At Cuyahoga Heights Schools, we believe that every school day counts. Regular attendance is not just about complying with rules; it's about creating the best possible opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and succeed. As we partner with the Stay in the Game! Attendance Network, we're reinforcing our commitment to helping every student achieve their full potential through consistent school attendance. Let's explore why attendance matters and how we can work together to ensure our students are present and engaged every day.

Key Points:

September is Attendance Awareness Month

• Nationwide initiative highlighting link between attendance and academic success

• Participate in Stay in the Game! Attendance Network weekly events

Why Attendance is Crucial:

• Missing 2-3 days per month can lead to chronic absenteeism

• Regular attendance improves: 

  • Grade-level reading

  • Academic success

  • On-time graduation

  • Workforce readiness

Ohio's Progress:

• Chronic absenteeism rate improved from 30.2% (2021-2022) to 26.8% (2022-2023)

Our Attendance Policies:

• Daily attendance is expected unless legitimately excused

• Report absences by 7:30 am via School Dismissal Manager

• Excessive absences: Over 38 hours/month or 65 hours/year

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism:

• School staff work with families to identify and overcome barriers

• Personalized attendance plans and support services available

Benefits of Regular Attendance:

• Higher academic achievement

• Stronger social-emotional skills

• Increased likelihood of graduation

Take Action:

• Make attendance a top priority

• Contact teachers or principal if you need support

• Together, we can ensure every student's success

It has been brought to our attention that there is some confusion between the School Dismissal Manager (SDM) app and the Stopfinder app so here is a little clarification:

Simply put, SDM is used to report student absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Elementary also uses the dismissal feature of this app which allows parents to make "exceptions" to their student's "default" method of dismissal. Middle/High School does not use this feature of the app. Stopfinder on the other hand simply allows parents to track their student's school bus.

SPORTSMANSHIP STANDARDS

From Commissioner Lewis: I am very proud of the Chagrin Valley Conference, as we have established very high sportsmanship standards for our athletes, coaches and spectators. We strive as a conference to uphold the highest level of sportsmanship. Recently the CVC added three additional provisions to our bylaws to enhance our sportsmanship standards.

• Spectators - Consequences will be given for unsportsmanlike behavior(s) to spectators that are removed from a contest by either an official, onsite administrator, and/or security. If removed from a contest, the spectator will serve a one and/or more contest suspension from the immediately following home and/or away contest(s). Furthermore, they must complete one or more NFHS sportsmanship courses in order to return as a spectator. Additional consequences may be given by school officials. (Operating Standard 6).

• Student Athletes & Coaches - The Chagrin Valley Conference expects the highest levels of sportsmanship conduct of its coaches and student-athletes. Unacceptable sportsmanship conduct will be determined by the contest officials and/or school administration, and security. Consequences will be given for unsportsmanlike behavior(s) to coaches and student athletes that are removed/ejected from a contest by either an official, onsite administrator, and/or security. Student-athletes and/or coaches removed from a contest will serve OHSAA sanctions. Furthermore, student-athletes and/or coaches will serve CVC sanctions, which include online classes with the NFHS. Schools reserve the right for additional consequences for poor sportsmanship behavior and/or removal from a contest(s). (Operating Standard 7)

• Compliance Committee - We have added a Compliance committee to review all violations of our CVC Bylaws.  The committee shall preserve the integrity of the CVC and oversee the operations of the CVC and its members by investigating, assessing, identifying, reporting, and rectifying any instances of non-compliance by CVC members. (Article VII - Committees - Section 3.)

Please contact Mr. Ryan Kelber, Athletic Director, if you have questions.

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. 

Let's show our current Red Wolves how we've been howling with pride for generations!

#CHSAlumniLegacy #DecadesOfExcellence

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.

CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
(PreK-12)

4820 East 71st Street
Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
(216) 429-5700
www.cuyhts.org

Serving the communities of:

Cuyahoga Heights ~ Brooklyn Heights ~ Valley View ~ Tuition Families

Empowering students to reach new HEIGHTS