Dear CHS Community, 

This is our final newsletter of 2025, and we will be taking a two-week break for winter holidays. This time of year is filled with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a little stress as families prepare and celebrate in their own unique ways.

Gift exchanging is a big part of the holiday season. I still recall many of the gifts Santa brought me as a child, treasures that could rival Ralphie's Red Rider BB gun. But as I have grown older, I have come to understand that the greatest gifts are not things we can wrap or place under a tree. The greatest gifts are the memories we create with the people we love. You simply cannot place a price tag on the value of sharing these days with those you care about most.

As 2026 approaches, many of us will consider resolutions, commitments to do something new or stop doing something that no longer serves us well. Knowing that many resolutions fade before February arrives, I encourage you to consider choosing something that strengthens your bonds and relationships with others. Put down your phone more often. Spend time with someone face-to-face. Donate your time to those in need. Have genuine conversations around the dinner table. Listen more than you speak. Show up for the people who matter.

The material items we receive this season will eventually wear out, break, or be forgotten. But the memories and moments we create with others last a lifetime. The laughter shared, the traditions honored, the simple act of being fully present with someone you love: these are the gifts that endure long after the decorations come down and the new year begins.

As this year comes to a close, I am grateful for this community and for each of you. Thank you for the role you play in making Cuyahoga Heights Schools a place where relationships matter, where people care for one another, and where we recognize that our time together is precious.

I wish you and your families a peaceful holiday season filled with love, joy, and meaningful moments. May the new year bring health, happiness, and countless opportunities to create lasting memories with those you hold dear.

We will return with our regular updates when classes resume in January. Until then, cherish each day and every person in your life.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Winter break provides much-needed rest from the daily school routine, but it also offers opportunities to keep minds engaged through enjoyable activities. Maintaining some learning during break helps prevent academic regression while still allowing for relaxation and fun. The key is finding balance between downtime and enriching experiences that keep students curious and engaged. Here are some strategies for meaningful winter break learning:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, winter break learning should feel different from school. It should be relaxed, enjoyable, and driven by curiosity rather than obligation. These informal learning experiences often create the most lasting memories and growth.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools is an affiliate district of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio (Independence, Ohio). The ESC provides a wide range of services to our district, including the recruitment and employment of essential personnel in specialized areas. Many of the Educational Aides and Student Attendants previously featured as CHampion Staff are ESC employees. Below are the titles of these team members, along with a brief description of their roles and the important work they do in support of our students. We are grateful for their dedication and for the continued partnership with the ESC in supporting our students and staff.

Occupational Therapist - Supports students in developing functional, sensory, and motor skills through direct intervention and collaboration with staff and families to promote independence and access to learning.

School Psychologist - Uses assessment and data to identify students’ strengths and needs and supports interventions that promote student success in school.

School Social Worker - Supports students and families through problem-solving, coping strategies, and access to resources, while also supporting school-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.

Special Education Compliance Assistant - Supports the Special Education team by managing records, filings, mailings, and organizational tasks, helping ensure compliance and confidentiality while allowing Intervention Specialists to focus on direct student support.

Speech Pathologist - Assesses and supports students with speech and language needs through direct services, collaboration with staff, and IEP (Individualized Education Plan) development to strengthen communication skills that support learning and school participation.

Cynthia Brunovsky
Special Education Compliance Assistant
FUN FACT

Kelly Cummins
Speech Pathologist
FUN FACT

April Gregan
School Psychologist
FUN FACT

Abigail Heredos
Occupational Therapist
FUN FACT

Kaitlyn Ledington
Speech Pathologist
FUN FACT

Rachel Meffe
School Social Worker
FUN FACT

Dr. Barb Currey (center)

Please join us in congratulating elementary science teacher Dr. Barbara Currey on the completion of her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Earning a doctoral degree is a tremendous academic achievement that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to learning and professional growth.

We are proud to share that Dr. Currey now joins three other Cuyahoga Heights teachers, Dr. Brian Friedt, Dr. Matthew Luginbill, and Dr. Jonathan Roy, who have earned their Ph.D.s. This distinction speaks to the exceptional expertise and passion for education within our district.

Congratulations to Dr. Currey on this well-deserved achievement. We are fortunate to have such accomplished educators supporting and inspiring our students each day.

Middle School and High School students are raising money to help defray the costs of traveling abroad to Puerto Rico in June 2026. Please consider ordering a make-at-home pizza kit, or an order code. Make-at-home kits are perfect for over Winter Break as a winter activity to do with your family. Kits are mailed directly to your home within one week. Maybe consider sending a pizza kit as a Christmas gift. Pizza codes are sent directly to your email, and fresh pizzas can be ordered using the code online or in the app. Muchas Gracias!

Click HERE 

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!

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 

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.

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

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!

Olivia Gindlesperger and Cleveland Force Shine in Tampa

We are proud to recognize 8th grader, Olivia Gindlesperger for an outstanding athletic achievement! Last week, she and her Cleveland Force U14 soccer team captured a national championship in Tampa, Florida. Olivia has been playing since the age of five and has spent the past three years growing and competing alongside her current teammates. The team earned their spot at the national tournament through a demanding summer schedule and winning their Regional Qualifier. Congratulations to Olivia on this accomplishment this remarkable accomplishment.  We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with our school community!  

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