August 15, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

This is the final weekend of summer break, and classes resume next week for both staff (Monday, 8/18) and students (Thursday, 8/21) in grades 1-12. As we prepare for the upcoming year, I want to emphasize the importance of safety throughout our community.

I encourage everyone to discuss bus safety with friends and neighbors, particularly regarding morning and afternoon transportation times. Please remember to:

• Follow all traffic laws

• Reduce speed near schools and bus stops

• Plan your travel routes in advance

• Remain vigilant for students walking near roadways

The safety of our bus riders depends on all of us working together.

Important reminders for the week ahead:

• Our Back to School Bash takes place on August 19 at the stadium

• Download our district app for timely updates

• Visit our website for current event calendars

• Student's first day of school is August 21

Our office staff is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have as we begin the school year. Please do not hesitate to contact them if you need support.

I am incredibly excited to have our students back and want to thank all families for choosing our district. We have proven to be a successful school district year after year, and it is because of the quality of our school community - students, staff, families, and community members who all contribute to our excellence. Let's make this our best year yet!

Reaching New Heights Together!

Matt Young
Superintendent

Creating Productive Learning Spaces at Home

A well-designed learning environment at home significantly impacts a student's ability to focus, organize, and succeed academically. The physical space where students complete homework and study sends important messages about the value of education and helps establish productive habits. Creating an intentional learning space doesn't require expensive materials or large areas, but rather thoughtful organization and attention to what helps each child learn best. Here are some strategies for creating effective learning spaces:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Designate a specific spot for homework with good lighting

• Keep basic supplies organized in bins or containers within reach

• Display their work and achievements to build pride in learning

• Minimize distractions like toys or television in the study area

6th-8th Grade:

• Create a charging station for devices away from the study area

• Set up file folders or binders for each subject

• Include a calendar or planner visible in the workspace

• Ensure comfortable seating that promotes good posture

9th-12th Grade:

• Establish a dedicated workspace that can remain set up consistently

• Organize digital files and bookmarks for online learning resources

• Create a system for tracking long-term projects and deadlines

• Include inspirational elements like college information or career goals

For All Students:

• Keep the space clean and organized regularly

• Ensure adequate lighting and ventilation

• Remove distractions during homework time

• Make the space feel welcoming and personal

Remember, a thoughtfully created learning space communicates that education is valued and helps students develop the organizational skills they'll need throughout their lives.

In accordance with Ohio House Bill 8 (effective April 9, 2025), which codifies the "Parents' Bill of Rights" under Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.473, we hereby provide this annual notification of your parental rights regarding your student's education. The law affirms your fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of your child.

All other Annual Notices can be found HERE.

Statutory Parental Rights

Educational Records and Information Access

Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Ohio state law, you have the right to inspect and review all educational records directly related to your student. The district is required to provide prompt notification regarding substantial changes to your student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, as defined in R.C. 3313.473(G), including:

• Academic performance concerns

• Significant illness or physical injury

• Psychological trauma

• Incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying

• Any request by a student to identify as a gender that does not align with the student's biological sex (as defined in R.C. 3313.473(G)(4))

• Exhibition of suicidal ideation, persistent depression, severe anxiety, or other mental health issues

Healthcare Services and Consent Requirements

In compliance with R.C. 3313.473(B)(4), the district has established procedures to obtain explicit parental authorization prior to providing healthcare services to students. At the beginning of each school year, parents will receive notification of:

• All healthcare services offered by or facilitated through the school - PSI and Reach Behavioral Health

• Their right to withhold consent for any specified service

• Whether specific services are mandated by state law

• Alternative access options where applicable

Parental consent is not required for emergency medical situations, basic first aid, or healthcare services provided pursuant to a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

Curriculum Review and Opt-Out Provisions

As stipulated in R.C. 3313.473(B)(1) and 3313.473(E), the district must provide parents the opportunity to:

• Review any instructional materials containing "sexuality content" (as defined in R.C. 3313.473(G)(5)) prior to their use in instruction

• Request exemption from such instruction for their student with alternative assignments provided

• Be assured that no sexuality content will be provided to students in kindergarten through grade three

All sexuality content must be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate as defined in R.C. 3313.473(G)(7).

Released Time for Religious Instruction

In accordance with R.C. 3313.6022 and 3313.6030, students may be excused from school to attend released time courses in religious instruction conducted by private entities off school property during regular school hours, with parental permission.

Parental Concern Resolution Process

Per R.C. 3313.473(B)(5), parents may submit written concerns related to any matter addressed in the Parents' Bill of Rights. Our district has established a resolution process with the following steps:

1. Initial resolution by the principal or assistant principal within 30 days

2. Appeal to the superintendent if dissatisfied with the principal's resolution

3. Final appeal to the board of education if dissatisfied with the superintendent's decision

District Prohibitions

In accordance with R.C. 3313.473(B)(3), our district strictly prohibits school personnel from:

• Encouraging students to withhold information from parents regarding the student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being

• Discouraging or prohibiting parental notification of and involvement in decisions affecting a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being

Statutory Exceptions

As specified in R.C. 3313.473(F), these parental rights do not override:

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy regulations

• Ohio laws governing protected health information (Chapter 3798)

• Statutory confidentiality privileges established for attorneys, physicians, psychologists, and mental health professionals (R.C. 2317.02, 4732.19, 5122.04)

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Crime victims' rights under Marsy's Law (Ohio Constitution)

• Court orders, protection orders, or conditions of community control sanctions

The district affirms that the Parents' Bill of Rights does not prescribe all rights of parents or preempt other claims or remedies available under the Ohio Constitution, Ohio Revised Code, or Ohio common law.

Contact Information

Elementary School - Mr. Joel Melvin, (216) 429-5836, jmelvin@cuyhts.org

Middle/High School - Mr. Scott DeTray, (216) 429-5835, sdetray@cuyhts.org

This notice is provided in compliance with Ohio House Bill 8, "The Parents' Bill of Rights," effective April 9, 2025, which amends Ohio Revised Code Section 3313.473 and establishes statutory parental rights regarding student education, health information, curriculum review, and religious instruction.

Saturday - In-House Learn to Play Hockey Program
Ice Skating Lesson Program - Fall Sessions