Dear Cuyahoga Heights Schools Community,

I am thrilled to share with you the outstanding results of our 2023-24 Ohio Department of Education School Report Card. Our district has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence in education, setting us apart from others in our state.

Highlights of Our Achievement:

• Five-Star Ratings: All three of our schools and the district as a whole have earned five-star ratings overall—the highest possible recognition. This achievement signifies that we are significantly exceeding state standards in every category.

• Improved State Ranking: Our district's exceptional performance ranked us 24th out of 607 districts in Ohio, up from 28th last year.

• Increased Performance Index: We improved our Performance Index score to 102.717, up from 102.478 in the previous year. This consistent upward trend is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students, staff, and families.

• Reduced Chronic Absenteeism: We've significantly improved our attendance rates, with chronic absenteeism dropping from 18.0% in 2021-22 to just 6.9% in 2023-24.

• High Graduation Rates: Our 4-Year and 5-Year Graduation Rates, at 98.8% and 100.0% respectively, are the highest they've been in the past five years.

• Early Literacy Gains: Our elementary school has seen improvements in Early Literacy, thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff implementing the state-mandated Science of Reading.

These achievements are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our exceptional faculty, staff, students, and the broader school community. The combination of our talented educators and motivated students, supported by engaged families and a supportive community, creates an environment primed for success.

While we celebrate these accomplishments, we also recognize that continuous improvement is always needed in education. We are committed to moving forward and building upon our successes. Next year, the state will introduce a new component to the Report Card: College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness. This addition aligns with our goal of preparing our students for future opportunities, whether in technical fields, the workforce, or higher education.

The generous support of our community, coupled with our highly qualified and motivated faculty and staff, allows us to provide an exemplary educational experience for every student in our district. We are grateful for the partnerships we've built within our community, which provide the support necessary to strive for excellence each day.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our students' success. Together, we are shaping the future of our great community.

Sincerely,

Matt Young

Superintendent, Cuyahoga Heights School

Developing good study habits early in the school year is crucial for long-term academic success. These habits not only improve learning outcomes but also reduce stress and build confidence. By establishing effective routines now, we set the foundation for a productive and enjoyable school year. Here are some tips to help develop strong study habits:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Create a consistent after-school routine with a designated reading time

• Set up a quiet, well-lit study area free from distractions

• Use a timer for focused work sessions with short breaks

• Incorporate hands-on learning activities and educational games

6th-8th Grade:

• Teach note-taking skills and encourage their use in all classes

• Help organize materials with color-coded folders for each subject

• Introduce the concept of study groups with classmates

• Demonstrate how to chunk larger projects into manageable tasks

9th-12th Grade:

• Encourage the use of digital tools for organization and time management

• Discuss different study techniques (e.g., Pomodoro, spaced repetition)

• Promote self-assessment of study effectiveness and adjusting as needed

• Emphasize the importance of regular review, not just cramming before tests

For All Students:

• Establish a regular bedtime routine to ensure adequate sleep

• Encourage reading for pleasure to build comprehension skills

• Model good study habits in your own life

• Celebrate effort and improvement, not just grades

Remember, good study habits are learned skills. With patience and consistency, every student can develop techniques that work for them.

At Cuyahoga Heights Preschool, we believe in a whole-child approach to early childhood education. Our program is designed to promote growth in all areas of development—cognitive, social-emotional, fine and gross motor, adaptive, and language. We provide a rich balance of activities to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and develop at their own pace.

Our daily schedule includes a variety of hands-on materials and activities, such as art, music, center-based play, and both whole- and small-group learning opportunities. Through these activities, children engage in meaningful experiences that foster their cognitive and social-emotional growth. We also emphasize physical development with plenty of opportunities for both fine and gross motor skills practice.

Each child is supported with teacher guidance and multi-sensory materials to ensure they receive the best possible learning experience. We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore and learn.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Mr. Kyle Manfredonia
Mr. Manfredonia is a committed preschool teacher who brings a love of learning into the classroom. Outside of school, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children. A sports enthusiast and a passionate cook, Mr. Manfredonia might seem quiet in the hallways, but inside the classroom, you’ll see him singing, dancing, and fostering a love of learning. 

Mrs. Healy
Mrs. Healy is a dedicated Early Childhood Intervention Specialist who passionately supports our youngest learners. She values quality time with her family, including her husband, son, and daughter. An enthusiastic Cleveland sports fan, Mrs. Healy also enjoys shopping, participating in recreational sports, and playing board games. Her competitive spirit and strong organizational skills help her create a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Logan Zastwany
Logan Zastwany is a passionate preschool teacher who brings warmth and enthusiasm to her role. She enjoys family time with her newest addition, a baby girl, and has a background in coaching volleyball. Logan’s love for travel and interior decorating adds a creative touch to her approach. You’ll find her engaging with our young minds with a warm smile and positive attitude, creating an environment where every child feels valued and supported as they explore and learn.

Leanne Candow
We are fortunate to have Mrs. Candow as our devoted long-term substitute for Mrs. Zastwany. Mrs.Candow is an active community member and early childhood educator who loves spending time with her family, including her three children. She enjoys running and watching her children participate in sports, reflecting her energetic and enthusiastic approach to life. Her hardworking nature and dedication have made her an invaluable asset to our team.  Her presence will be greatly missed when Mrs. Zastwany returns in early October. 

Our Supportive Paraprofessionals

Melodi Dominc & Melissa Pisaneschi
Melodi Dominic and Melissa Pisaneschi are integral parts of our team, working seamlessly with the rest of the staff to support the whole-child approach. Their dedication and care contribute significantly to our program’s success. Together, our team works harmoniously to provide a rich and engaging learning experience for every child. 

We're reaching out again with an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in our school district's future. The BEST Committee (Building Excellence in Schools Together) is still seeking engaged community members to contribute their insights and expertise.

Why Your Participation Matters

The BEST Committee plays a crucial advisory role in our district's strategic planning, focusing on two key areas:

• Facilities: Help assess our current infrastructure and plan for future needs.

• Finances: Provide input on budget strategies and analyze costs of proposed projects.

Your unique perspective can help shape recommendations that balance educational excellence with fiscal responsibility.

What to Expect

• Collaborative discussions on short and long-term goals

• Opportunities to voice your ideas and concerns

• A chance to work closely with our new superintendent, Matt Young

• The satisfaction of contributing to our students' future success

How to Get Involved

If you missed our first call and want to be part of this important initiative, it's not too late! Here's how you can join:

• Review the meeting dates and times listed below

• Complete the Google Form to express your interest

• Attend our next meeting and start making a difference

Remember, while the BEST Committee advises, your input can significantly influence the future of our schools.

Don't miss this chance to help build a brighter future for Cuyahoga Heights Schools. Join the BEST Committee today! For questions, please contact : Tracy Deal tdeal@cuyhts.org / (216) 429-5702

Students enjoyed meeting with college admissions representatives and asking questions. Students from all grade levels could learn about majors, programs, and other exciting opportunities at colleges/universities that they may not have been aware of. This sparked interest for many and gave Seniors the motivation to apply to a school they may not have been thinking about prior. 

We had our first cooking day in Kindergarten! The students practiced the life skills of cutting and preparing fruit. They also worked together to make a delicious dip. We had a special guest join us…. MR.MELVIN! 

Two years ago, CHS teachers started a small cross-curricular project combining math, science, and real-world skills. Under the guidance of Dr. Brian Friedt, Zach Noernberg, and former teacher Kelsey Mason, students tackled school budgeting, planning, and project execution. Science teacher Mr. Chadwick Robinson later joined the initiative, expanding it by adding a 25x20-foot garden to the existing greenhouse. The project's success owes much to the crucial support provided by CHS custodial and transportation staff, as well as the school's administration.

The garden has yielded impressive results, producing hundreds of pounds of fresh produce including various tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, sunflowers, and corn. Oxbow Farm in Valley View generously contributed to the first year's harvest by donating over $500 worth of plants.

Recently, Mr. Robinson organized two significant events. First, he arranged an "in-house" field trip for the entire CHS Kindergarten classes, gifting the young students pumpkins for fall art projects. Second, he coordinated a team effort to plant over 100 native Ohio plants, spanning more than 20 different species. Mr. Robinson and 22 of his students dedicated four hours to this planting session on school property.

This native plant initiative aims to improve organic diversity and watershed health for the Cuyahoga River. Additionally, these plants will promote natural insect and mammal pollinators in the school grounds and surrounding communities. Through innovative projects like this, Cuyahoga Schools continues to reach new heights in education and community involvement.

Our preschool students have teamed up with second and third graders during technology and library time for a special collaboration. Together, they're reading stories to each other and helping our little learners navigate the computer. Beyond just fun, these activities have a deeper purpose: they foster teamwork, boost literacy skills, and encourage confidence in both age groups. Third graders get the chance to practice leadership and communication, while preschoolers develop early reading and tech skills in a nurturing environment.

It's heartwarming to see these friendships grow as older students mentor and support our preschoolers. The bonds they form not only strengthen their sense of community but also help reinforce social-emotional growth, cooperation, and empathy. Teamwork, learning, and fun all in one!

Below is a list of items that CAN be placed in the bin:

• Clothing: pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, suits, shorts, shirts, tees, tanks

• Footwear: shoes, boots, heels, sneakers, sandals, socks, toights

• Undergarments: bras, underwear, slips, camisoles

• Accessories: hats, belts, ties, scarves, headbands

• Handbags: wallets, totes, luggage, backpacks, briefcases

• Linens: towels, sheets, comforters, blankets, tablecloths

What CANNOT be placed in bin:

• pillows

• stuffed animals

• books

As you clean out the old and bring in the new, you can help the environment and Cuyahoga Heights too!

Our elementary school is excited to announce our upcoming fundraiser! This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students and enhance their educational experience. Your contribution will have a significant impact on our students' activities and learning opportunities.

Bit.ly/cuyahogahtselem24

We have a limited number of instruments available to borrow for the evening. Please indicate at the bottom of this form if you will need to borrow an instrument in order to participate. If your instrument requires a reed, we ask that you please supply your own.

There are links to a full schedule for the evening and all of the sheet music located in the signup form. If you have questions, please reach out to Mr. Noah Hamrick for band (nhamrick@cuyhts.org) or Chelsey Kovar for color guard (ckovar@cuyhts.org).

Signup link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfn2CevLc6kLiPqjELgCc05XROnBjUm6FXQupZiwuT1O9t23Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Order Spirit Wear

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.

Autumn is here, and Cuyahoga Heights Village is gearing up for our annual Corn Roast on Saturday, October 5th! Join us for delicious food, friendly company, live music, and dazzling fireworks. Everyone's welcome to this cherished community event.

Dear Valued Seniors of Our Community,

We are thrilled to announce our annual "Seniors Serving Seniors" event, formerly known as the Senior Citizens Fall Dinner. This cherished tradition brings together the wisdom of our community's elders with the energy of our youth for an evening of warmth, connection, and delicious food.

Event Highlights:

• A complimentary dinner served by the Class of 2025

• An opportunity to socialize and share stories with peers and younger generations

• A cozy, autumnal atmosphere at the beautiful Klima Gardens

• Music performed by our Mighty Marching Red Wolves

We've renamed our event to "Seniors Serving Seniors" to reflect the true spirit of this gathering. While our high school seniors will be serving the meal, we recognize that our community's senior citizens serve us every day with their wisdom, experience, and continued contributions to our town.

How to Attend:

• If you're a member of a local senior citizen group: Please inform your group coordinator of your intention to attend.

• If you're a senior citizen not affiliated with a local senior group: We welcome you to RSVP directly to us! RSVP Contact: Tracy Deal Email: tdeal@cuyhts.org Phone: 216-429-5702

All seniors are cordially invited to attend this special evening. Whether you're a long-time resident or new to our community, we welcome you to join us for this heartwarming event.

We look forward to celebrating the interconnectedness of our community and honoring the seniors who have shaped our town into the wonderful place it is today.

See you on October 23rd at Klima Gardens!

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