Dear CHS Community, 

It was wonderful to have everyone back in our schools after spring break. Our halls and classrooms are so much more alive with the energy and excitement our students bring each day.

This week, our fourth graders kicked off state testing with an outstanding effort on their English language arts assessment. Next week, students in grades 5 through 8 and grade 10 will also take the ELA assessment. Our students are well prepared, and we know they will do an excellent job demonstrating what they have learned throughout the year.

As the weather gets warmer and hopefully drier, this is a terrific opportunity to get outdoors and take in a softball or baseball game or a track and field meet. Our student-athletes are working hard and showcasing their individual and team talents. Please check our website for schedules and updates on all upcoming events.

Thank you for choosing our schools and supporting the education of our students. Your commitment to Cuyahoga Heights creates a foundation for our students to grow, strengthens the bonds within our community, and sustains the educational excellence that defines our district. When families invest in our schools, they add lasting value not just to their own children’s futures, but to the future of our entire community.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

As spring testing season continues, many students experience anxiety and stress related to assessments. While some nervousness before tests is normal, excessive anxiety can interfere with performance and wellbeing. Learning to manage test-related stress is an important skill that will benefit students throughout their academic careers and beyond. Here are some strategies for helping students manage test anxiety effectively:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, tests are important but they're only one measure of learning and ability. Helping students manage anxiety develops skills they'll use throughout life when facing challenging situations.

This week, we are proud to recognize our Physical Education and Health Department as our CHampion Staff. This dedicated team supports the whole child by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and social development.

Through engaging and inclusive instruction, they create a positive environment where all students feel safe, supported, and motivated to succeed. Their curriculum emphasizes lifelong wellness, teamwork, and personal growth through core classes and electives such as Weight Training, Team Sports, and Personal Fitness.

In Health classes, students gain important life skills to help guide decision-making both now and in the future. By building strong relationships and encouraging participation at all levels, the team fosters confidence and a sense of belonging.

Their commitment to healthy, active living continues to make a lasting impact on our students and school community.

Click on the FUN FACT under each photo to learn something interesting about each staff member!

FUN FACT

“As a Physical Education and Health educator, I support students by promoting physical fitness, building confidence, encouraging teamwork, and teaching lifelong health skills. I strive to create a positive environment where all students feel included, supported, and motivated to be their best.

As a team, we prioritize building strong relationships so students feel safe and supported. We play an important role in helping students develop knowledge, lifelong skills, social connections, and confidence. We promote physical health and fitness through regular activities such as stretching, jogging, and walking, and we encourage participation regardless of skill level.

Our goal is to help students build confidence through goal setting and personal growth. Above all, we aim to serve as positive role models for healthy, active living.”

“The PE/Health Department supports our students in a variety of ways. We provide opportunities that positively impact students physically, mentally, and socially. Our focus is on making our curriculum engaging and fun, while emphasizing that movement and wellness should be part of a lifelong commitment.

We offer core physical education classes, along with electives such as Weight Training, Team Sports, and Personal Fitness. Students also take Health during their sophomore year, where we cover a range of life skills that help them make informed, healthy decisions throughout their teen years and into adulthood.

I have been fortunate to teach and coach for 20 years, including 11 years here at Cuyahoga Heights. I truly love being part of this district. Our students and staff are among the best in the state of Ohio. We are proud to be Heights Nation.

Follow BIG RED on Instagram for student engagement, motivation, and inspiration:
@_bigred_nation”

FUN FACT

Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School students came together on Thursday, April 9, 2026, for a fun and meaningful Inclusion "Mixer" that brought students of all backgrounds together in a welcoming and positive environment.

The event was filled with creativity, conversation, and connection. During the mixer, students participated in a tie-dye activity where they created a variety of colorful items. Students designed tie-dye bags, pillowcases, and hand towels, with many choosing to gift their creations for Mother’s Day. Some students also brought their own items from home to personalize, adding even more individuality and excitement to the activity.

Popsicles were enjoyed as a refreshing treat while students mingled, laughed, and built new friendships across grade levels. The mixer provided an opportunity for students to step outside their usual social circles and engage with peers in a relaxed, supportive setting. The atmosphere was one of kindness, acceptance, and community, highlighting the importance of making everyone feel seen, valued, and included.

Students also had the opportunity to sign up for the Inclusion Club. Those who expressed interest can look forward to after-school meetings (dates to be announced) where members will collaborate and plan a special end-of-the-year celebration. The club aims to continue promoting inclusion, friendship, and school-wide unity through engaging activities and events.

Overall, the Inclusion Mixer was a great success, setting the tone for continued efforts to build a more connected and inclusive school community at Cuyahoga Heights.

The CHS PTO is excited to host the 14th Annual Red Wolf Run on May 8, and we invite local businesses and families to be part of this fun and impactful tradition.

The Red Wolf Run is the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping provide programs, activities, and resources that benefit students across Cuyahoga Heights Schools. Sponsoring the event is a great way to support our students while showcasing your business or family name to the school community.

Sponsorship opportunities include:

Sponsors receive recognition on event materials, including nearly 700 event t-shirts and two oversized vinyl banners, making this a great opportunity for visibility while giving back to our schools.

Sincere gratitude to our first Business and Group Sponsors:

A heartfelt thank you to our first Family Sponsors:

LAST CALL! Deadline to register: April 17

Click HERE to view all sponsorship options or register.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Red Wolf Run a success and for supporting the students of Cuyahoga Heights!

CHS PTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Red Wolf Run donation envelopes were sent home this week. Please check in with your student. Inside, you’ll find important details about what this fundraiser supports and the exciting incentives students can earn for participating.

Funds raised help expand enrichment opportunities, bring engaging assemblies and programs to our school, support classroom resources, and create meaningful experiences that benefit all CHS students.

Don’t forget, every envelope returned by the May 8 deadline will be entered into a raffle for a $25 Amazon gift card.

Congratulations to Maurice McClardy who competed in the Nike Indoor National Track & Field Meet at the legendary Armory venue in New York City. Just one week after winning the Ohio D4 Championship and setting a new meet record in the high jump, Maurice competed among 52 entrants of the nation's best high school high jumpers. Up to the challenge, Maurice cleared 1.95 meters without a miss, to earn 2nd place and a silver medal for his efforts. This outstanding performance capped off an historic Indoor Track & Field season and career for Maurice!!

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