From the Desk of Superintendent Young |
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Dear CHS Community,
As we enter the last week of the first semester, 2025 is quickly coming to a close. While the temperatures outside have dropped, our winter activities are heating up across the district.
This past week showcased the talents of our music program through three evenings of winter concerts that set the perfect tone for the season. Our students delivered outstanding performances that filled our auditorium with the sounds of the holidays. Meanwhile, our Model UN team competed at the state level, earning recognition with an Outstanding Resolution, Outstanding Delegate, and Outstanding Leadership award. A more detailed article about their achievements will be forthcoming. Congratulations also to Zhou Wei Ni and Lorelei Winslow, who were elected by their peers across the state to serve as Council Presidents next year.
Tomorrow, we host the Al Pinter Wrestling Tournament, with nearly 20 schools participating in this exciting memorial event. Please check our website for this and other athletic competitions and consider attending to support our student-athletes during this busy winter sports season.
Next week brings semester exam week with a modified schedule at our middle and high schools. On Thursday, all students will follow an early release schedule, and winter break officially begins on Friday, December 19. I encourage students to use this final week to finish assignments strongly, review material thoroughly, and ask teachers for any needed support before the break.
As families continue to finalize their holiday plans, I wish everyone safe travels, exciting celebrations, and fun-filled time together.
Reaching New Heights Together,
Matt Young
Superintendent
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Celebrating Second Quarter Growth and Achievements |
As we approach the end of the second quarter and first semester, it's important to recognize and celebrate the growth and achievements students have made. Reflection on progress builds confidence and motivates continued effort. Whether improvements are dramatic or incremental, acknowledging hard work and development shows students that their efforts matter. Here are some strategies for celebrating second quarter accomplishments:
Preschool-5th Grade:
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- Review work samples from the beginning of the year compared to now
- Celebrate improvements in reading levels, math skills, or other areas
- Create a special display of their favorite work from the quarter
- Have them share what they're most proud of learning
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- Review grades and discuss both successes and areas of growth
- Recognize improvements in study habits and organizational skills
- Acknowledge persistence through challenging coursework
- Discuss how their effort has contributed to their achievements
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- Reflect on progress toward academic and personal goals
- Update portfolios or resumes with semester accomplishments
- Discuss how first semester performance positions them for second semester
- Recognize balance achieved between academics and other responsibilities
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- Focus on personal growth rather than comparisons to others
- Celebrate effort, persistence, and improvement
- Discuss lessons learned from both successes and setbacks
- Set intentions for continued growth in the new semester
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Remember, every student's journey is unique. Celebrating individual progress and effort encourages continued learning and builds the confidence needed for future success. |
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Meet our Educational Aides &Tutors |
This week, we are proud to recognize our Educational Aides and Tutors as CHampion Staff for the vital role they play in supporting students across Cuyahoga Heights Schools.
Educational Aides and Tutors work closely with students who have been identified as needing additional support, including students with IEPs and varying learning needs. As a team, they collaborate across classrooms to provide consistent strategies, targeted interventions, and individualized assistance that help students access learning and build positive skills.
Their work includes implementing behavior plans, collecting data, supporting social and emotional growth, and helping students establish routines, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies. Whether supporting kindergarten classrooms, assisting students in the resource room, or working one-on-one throughout the school day, they help ensure students can participate meaningfully in learning and grow toward greater independence.
With experience, patience, kindness, and care, this dedicated team helps students develop academically, socially, and emotionally—always with the goal of helping every child reach their full potential and build skills for a successful future.
We are grateful for the compassion, teamwork, and commitment our Educational Aides and Tutors bring to CHS every day. Please join us in celebrating them!
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Click on the FUN FACT under each photo to learn something interesting about each staff member! |
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Nikolas Mormile
Educational Aide
FUN FACT |
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Anthony Zahtilla
Educational Aide
FUN FACT |
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Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members |
This month’s Staff Spotlight shines on our three outgoing Board of Education members.
At the December 10 Board of Education meeting, these individuals were recognized for their years of dedicated service to Cuyahoga Heights Schools. We are grateful for their leadership, commitment, and unwavering support of our students, staff, and community.
Please join us in thanking them for all they have done.
Read more about their service HERE.
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Maria Eder, Mark Dobbins, Stephanie Prause |
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Students of the Month - December 2025 |
Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the December Students of the Month. Each month, nine students are selected based on teacher nominations: one from each grade 6th-12th, and two from a particular grade level in the elementary school. These exemplary students, chosen for their outstanding achievements, were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, December 10. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all! |
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
2nd Grade
Norah Candow
2nd Grade
Killian McCarthy
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
6th Grade
Owen Nichols
7th Grade
Kalee Conte
8th Grade
Rhys Munoz
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HIGH SCHOOL
9th Grade
Liam Kmetz
10th Grade
Laurel Gosnell
11th Grade
Raven Rhea
12th Grade
Marco Chieffallo
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2026-27 Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration |
Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School is excited to welcome the next generation of Red Wolves! Families with children entering Pre-K or Kindergarten for the 2026–27 school year can begin the registration process starting January 12, 2026.
Registration will be available on the Cuyahoga Heights Schools website, where families will find all forms, instructions, and information on the required documentation needed to enroll their students.
Who Should Register?
Pre-K families with children who will be age-eligible for the upcoming school year: Age 4 by August 1, 2026
Kindergarten families with children who will be age-eligible for the upcoming school year: Age 5 by August 1, 2026
Need Assistance?
If you have any questions during the registration process, please call 216-429-5880. Our elementary office team is happy to help guide families through each step.
We encourage families to register as early as possible to ensure a smooth start for all of our future Red Wolves.
We can’t wait to meet our newest students!
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Attention All Parents, Alumni and Business Partners: Volunteers Needed |
We are seeking volunteers who would like to share their careers with students of all ages. If you—or someone you know—would like to support Career Development at Cuyahoga Heights, please complete the form HERE.
If you would like more information contact Julie Regula, District Career Specialist at jregula@cuyhts.org
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PTO Sponsors Jim "Basketball Jones" Visit |
Thank you to the PTO for inviting Jim “Basketball” Jones to present an unforgettable assembly for our students. Jim, a national youth motivational speaker and children’s book author, had our students fully engaged with his inspiring story and amazing basketball tricks.
The PTO also generously donated his three books to the elementary library, giving all students the chance to enjoy his uplifting stories.
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Sophomore Class Visits Cuyahoga Valley Career Center |
On Tuesday, December 9, our sophomore class had the exciting opportunity to visit the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC), where they toured all 28 career and technical programs offered. CVCC provides Cuyahoga Heights students with hands-on training and real-world experience during their junior and senior years. Students who complete a program are well-prepared for their next steps—whether that’s enrolling in college, entering an apprenticeship, or joining the workforce immediately after graduation. Along the way, they can earn valuable industry credentials and even college credit. It was an inspiring day that helped students begin envisioning their future pathways! |
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Limited Edition Holiday Ornaments - Grab yours today! |
CHS PTO is excited to offer two special-edition holiday ornament designs this year—perfect for gifting, displaying, or adding a little extra spirit to your holiday décor!
Design Options:
Classic CH Block Ornament – A bold, classic design showcasing your school pride.
Festive Red Wolves Ornament – A festive twist featuring the Red Wolf as the centerpiece.
Quantities are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!
Orders placed by 12/17/25 can be sent home with your student before Winter Break.
Thank you for supporting CHS PTO!
Link to view both designs and complete your purchase. |
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2026 After Prom Fundraiser - Monday, January 5, 2026 - Cozumel |
Mark your calendars and enjoy a delicious meal for a great cause! On Monday, January 5, 2026, Cozumel Mexican Grill in Independence will host a Dine-In/Take-Out Fundraiser benefiting the Cuyahoga Heights High School Class of 2026 After Prom.
Guests can participate during either meal period:
Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Simply present the fundraiser flyer at the time of purchase, and 15% of your food and beverage total will be donated directly to support After Prom activities.
Location:
Cozumel Mexican Grill
5555 Brecksville Rd.
Independence, OH 44131
Enjoy great food, connect with our community, and help provide a safe and memorable After Prom experience for our students—your support is truly appreciated!
Printable Flyer
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Teacher & Staff Favorite Things List |
Throughout the school year, many of us look for thoughtful ways to show appreciation for our teachers and staff and all they do for our students. To make gift-giving a little easier—and more personal—the CHS PTO has gathered a “Favorite Things” list based on their own suggestions.
Feel free to use this list for inspiration during the holidays, for birthdays, at the end of the year, or anytime you’d like to brighten someone’s day.
Please remember that gifts are always optional.
Your ongoing support of your child’s education is, truly, the greatest gift you can give.
Teacher & Staff Favorite Things List
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Calling All Performers: Take the Stage at CHS Got Talent! |
Do you sing, dance, tell jokes, play an instrument, or have a unique talent the world needs to see? The CHS Music Boosters invite YOU to step into the spotlight at CHS Got Talent, happening January 24, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS High School Auditorium.
This exciting community showcase is open to performers of all ages and all talent types—from musicians and magicians to comedians, dancers, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying the stage for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to shine in front of a supportive audience.
Why perform?
⭐ It’s fun!
⭐ It’s a great way to share your passion and creativity.
⭐ It supports the CHS Music Boosters and local arts programs.
⭐ Performers get in FREE!
Signing up is simple—just scan the QR code featured on the event flyer or click HERE to register your act. Don’t wait too long; performance slots may fill quickly.
Take the stage. Show your skills. Be part of something amazing! |
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Spanish Club will be hosting a “pulsera” sale to raise funds for Central American artisans. The Pulsera Project is a nonprofit organization that works with over 200 artisans in Guatemala and Nicaragua to sell beautiful, handwoven bracelets (“pulseras” in Spanish) as well as small “bolsitas” (purses).
Each $5 pulsera and $15 bolsita sold will help create fair trade jobs, support communities in Nicaragua and Guatemala, and fund a number of programs that help improve the lives of hundreds of Central Americans.
The Pulsera Project creates sustainable jobs in vulnerable communities where there are few other options to achieve the dream of creating a better life for themselves and their families. By supporting our pulsera sale, you help keep families and communities together and in control of their own futures. |
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Congratulations to Our All-Ohio Athletes |
The following football players received All-Ohio honors as voted by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association:
Aiden Flynn (Senior): 2nd team Offensive Line
Cole Schuckert (Junior): 2nd team Defensive Line
Zach Shafer (Junior): 2nd team Quarterback
Gavin Chamberlin (Senior): 3rd team running back
Nathan Tommer (Sophomore): 3rd team Defensive Back
Kurtis VanDivner (Junior): Wide Receiver Honorable Mention
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Electric Strings and Jazz Band Bring Holiday Cheer to Valley View Tree Lighting |
The CHS Electric Strings and Jazz Band had a blast playing holiday charts at the tree lighting ceremony in Valley View on Sunday, 12/7. We thank the community for the invite, the generous welcome, and the continued support for our musicians. |
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4820 East 71st Street | Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125 | 216-429-5700 | www.cuyhts.org
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