Dear CHS Families,

Can you feel it? There's a crispness in the air as September rolls in, hinting at the fall season just around the corner. As we settle into our school routines, let's talk about ways to make the most of this amazing time of year

Get Involved:

Our school thrives when our community comes together. Here are some great ways to dive in:

• Join the PTO or Booster Club: Your support makes a huge difference!

• Cheer on our teams: Nothing beats the excitement of CHS athletic events.

• Volunteer: High schoolers, remember this is required for graduation. But more than that, it's a chance to make our community better!

Fall Fun for Everyone:

While the weather is still nice, why not:

• Attend local fall festivals as a family

• Pick apples at a nearby orchard

• Explore a corn maze

• Go on a nature hike to see the changing leaves

These activities are not just fun - they're great ways to bond as a family and create lasting memories.

Community Spirit:

Whether you're cheering in the stands, helping with a fundraiser, or raking leaves for a neighbor, you're showing what it means to be part of the CHS family. Your involvement sets a powerful example for our students.

Let's make this fall season one to remember. 

Matt Young

Superintendent

P.S. Don't forget to mark your calendars for upcoming school events. Check our website or app for the latest updates!

Effective communication between families and teachers is the cornerstone of student success. It creates a supportive network that enhances learning, addresses challenges promptly, and celebrates achievements. By fostering open and consistent communication, we create an environment where every student can thrive. 

Here are some tips to strengthen these vital partnerships:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Use the provided communication mechanism to connect with teachers

• Share insights about your child's interests and learning style

• Participate in parent-teacher conferences 

6th-8th Grade:

• Familiarize yourself with each teacher's preferred communication method

• Encourage your child to discuss academic concerns with teachers first

• Monitor online grades regularly, discussing progress with your child

• Attend school events to meet teachers in informal settings

9th-12th Grade:

• Help your teen draft professional emails to teachers when needed

• Encourage self-advocacy while remaining involved in major decisions

• Discuss college and career goals with the school counselor

For All Students:

• Read and respond to school communications promptly

• Update contact information whenever changes occur

• Don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns

• Inform teachers of significant home events that may affect learning

Remember, strong family-teacher communication creates a powerful support system for your child's education. Let's work together to make this year a success!

"Rooms" is designed to enhance communication and engagement between parents, teachers, and students. Visit the webpage today and unlock a world of resources to support your child's learning journey!

History

Leadership of the Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools established the Building Excellence and Success Together (BEST) Committee in the 2011-12 school year to re-engage the communities the district serves. For five years, the BEST Committee served in an advisory capacity to the district's Superintendent, assisting in fine-tuning the district's strengths and addressing the district's opportunities for improvement.

In Spring 2017, the BEST Committee shifted to a systemic and systematic strategic planning format. This change aims to align all district elements under one purposeful plan. In this way, the BEST Strategic Planning Committee can continue to fulfill the district's beliefs, mission, vision, and six pillars: Academics, Safety, Security and Facilities, Communication and Community Outreach, Advancement of Student Opportunities, Enrollment, and Finances.

2024-25

The BEST Committee is launching a strategic advisory initiative this school year, focusing on Facilities and Finances. This committee will:

Provide recommendations and feedback on short and long-term goals

• Assess current facilities and suggest improvements

• Offer insights on financial strategies and funding opportunities

• Analyze the overlap between facilities projects and their associated costs

New superintendent, Matt Young, invites all interested stakeholders to participate in these important discussions. Your perspectives will help shape recommendations that balance our educational needs with financial responsibility.

Meeting dates and times are listed below. If you'd like to attend our first meeting, please complete the provided Google Form to help us plan accordingly.

Join us in this collaborative effort to support our district's future. While the BEST Committee advises, final decisions rest with the superintendent and governing bodies

A new "Photoshop Lab" has been successfully installed in Mr. Schafer's classroom thanks to the dedicated efforts of the IT Mentorship Tech Aids. This innovative space will provide more art students with the opportunity to explore and develop their digital skills using Adobe Photoshop.

Students Louis Lamirand, Todd Long, and Tyler Schmidt played a crucial role in the installation process, demonstrating their technical expertise and commitment to enhancing the learning experience for their peers. The new Photoshop Lab is expected to inspire creativity and foster a deeper appreciation for digital art among the student body.

This past week one of our own alumni Jeromy Bryk and wife Gabby Bryk owners of Bryksquad Barbell were guest speakers for our high school weight lifting students. Jeromy and Gabby spoke for two days on the importance of functional form and fundamentals on many of our power lifts. Thank you for visiting our students this week and thank you for being a true inspiration!

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

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