Dear CHS Community, 

The last full week of April is behind us, and it is hard to believe we are about to enter the final full month of the school year. Time continues to move quickly as we approach the end of another successful academic year.

This past week, our students in Science 5, Science 8, Biology, and Math 3 gave tremendous effort on their state assessments. We are proud of their focus and determination. Next week, students in grades 4 through 8, along with Algebra I and Geometry students, will step up to demonstrate their problem-solving talents on their mathematics assessments.

Speaking of talent, tonight we host our high school and middle school Art Show in the high school art wing and cafeteria. The creativity and skill our students display in their artwork never cease to amaze me. I encourage everyone to stop by and see the incredible work our art students have produced this year.

Finally, a huge thank you goes out to our PTO for their thoughtfulness, creativity, and generosity during Staff Appreciation Week. The commitment and support they provide to our students and staff are second to none. Their efforts make our school community stronger and remind us all why Cuyahoga Heights is such a special place. Thank you for everything you do.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

With just over a month remaining in the school year, now is the time to set clear goals and prepare for a strong finish. End-of-year performance often carries significant weight in final grades and assessments. More importantly, finishing strong builds confidence and positive momentum heading into summer and the next school year. Here are some strategies for effective goal setting and preparation:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, how we finish matters just as much as how we start. Setting clear goals now and working steadily toward them creates the strong finish that leads to summer satisfaction and fall success.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools provides an innovative technology program that fosters an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, explore new ideas, and take pride in their work. Through hands-on, project-based experiences in areas such as engineering, computer science, digital media, and design, students build confidence while developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom. By integrating technology across disciplines and emphasizing real-world application, the district offers meaningful opportunities that prepare students for a wide range of future pathways.

"The technology department provides hands-on, real-world learning experiences that help students build problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking skills. It creates an environment where students can explore, design, and collaborate while developing important life and career skills.

In my role as a middle and high school technology teacher, I teach woodworking, computer science, engineering, digital and interactive multimedia, and robotics. I use project-based learning to help students bring ideas to life. Whether we are building, coding, or designing solutions. I also collaborate with other subject areas to reinforce learning across the curriculum and help students see meaningful, real-world connections.

By integrating these subject areas, I help students see connections between different fields and prepare them for a wide range of future pathways. I support students by encouraging creativity and building confidence through hands-on learning and problem-solving experiences."

FUN FACT

Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) long-standing football head coach Al Martin is a recipient of the Golden Deeds Award by the Greater Cleveland Football Coaches Association (GCFCA). Martin was honored at the GCFCA’s annual banquet held on Monday, April 13 at the Holiday Inn Cleveland South in Independence. 

The Golden Deeds Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to Northeast Ohio high school football. Recipients often include dedicated coaches, supporters, and individuals who have significantly impacted the local football community.  In addition to Martin, CHHS coaches who have won Golden Deeds awards in the past include Dan D’Orazio, Bill Jacobs, and Bill Attewell.  

This coming fall, Martin will begin his 30th year as football’s head coach. He started as an assistant coach (1994 and 1995). Under his leadership, CHHS made state championship appearances in 2016 and 2017.  He was named 2024-2025 Build the Bridge Coach of the Year by the Build the Bridge Foundation for his work in unifying teams across different racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.  He was also named cleveland.com’s 2016 Coach of the Year in recognition of CHHS’s first state finals run, and 2000 Division VI Coach of the Year. His career record is 269-75. Read the full article HERE

For the 21st consecutive year, Cuyahoga Heights Schools (CHS) has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. CHS was one of only 1,008 school districts across the country to receive the award this year.  Read the full article HERE

The Cuyahoga Heights Music Boosters are now accepting nominations for the Board of Directors, and we’re inviting passionate parents, guardians, and community members to get involved!

Our Music Boosters play a vital role in supporting the outstanding K-12 music programs at Cuyahoga Heights Schools—helping provide funding, volunteer support, and opportunities that enrich student experiences. From fundraisers and events to trips and performances, the Boosters are an essential part of keeping music strong in our schools.

Serving on the Board of Directors is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on the success of our music programs. 

Anyone interested in supporting the CHS K-12 music program is encouraged to apply—no prior board experience is required, just a willingness to contribute and collaborate.

All nominations are due by April 26. Voting will take place the following week.

Complete the nomination form HERE

Your involvement helps ensure that music continues to thrive at Cuyahoga Heights. Please consider nominating yourself or someone who would be a great addition to the team! 

Registration for CHS Safety Town is now open. The program will take place June 15–26, 2026 (M–F, 9:00–11:00 AM) at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School.

Registration is online only, with limited space available. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.

The program is open to CHS students entering Kindergarten and Grade 1, with a $45 non-refundable fee per child.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026

Register HERE

Download flyer HERE

Red Wolf Run donation envelopes have been sent home with elementary and middle school students. Please check in with your student. Inside, you will find important details about what this fundraiser supports, along with the exciting incentives students can earn for participating.

Prefer to donate online? You may also contribute using the links below. Once you access the link, you can search for your student to ensure they receive credit for your donation.

Elementary
Middle School

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.

The 14th Annual PTO Red Wolf Run will take place on May 8, 2026. Come out and support our runners while enjoying 50/50 and basket raffles, and more.

Concessions will be available for spectators throughout the day (cash only).

Please note: The event schedule may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. All spectators are required to remain in the bleachers, and only event volunteers will be permitted on the track. No advance registration is required for spectators; a sign-in table will be available upon arrival. We hope to see you there!

The annual Junior Class Plant Sale is here!

Please see the order form linked below if you are interested in purchasing plants. Orders must be submitted by Friday, April 24, 2026, and plants will be available on Monday, May 4.

Due to construction at Klima Gardens, plant pickup will take place behind the high school from 1:00-4:30 PM.

Hard copies of the flyer are also available in each school’s main office.

Thank you for your support!

Plant Sale Page 1
Plant Sale Page 2
Plant Sale Order Form

Olivia Lesko, a proud member of the Cuyahoga Heights Class of 2023, is continuing to shine as a student at Cleveland State University. Olivia was recently selected as one of just seven Studio Art majors to receive the university’s prestigious Merit Scholarship, recognizing her exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication to her craft.

As part of this honor, Olivia’s work was featured in the Merit Scholarship Exhibition during the Spring Student Art Show at Cleveland State University, where her artistic achievements were showcased among the university’s top student artists.

Mr. Shafer, Mrs. McPherson, and the entire Cuyahoga Heights community are incredibly proud of Olivia and all she continues to accomplish. Congratulations, Olivia!

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