Dear CHS Community, 

March arrives this weekend. If you can believe it, spring sports seasons have already begun as we simultaneously wrap up the winter season. While some postseason competitions have come to an end, we wish the best of luck to our basketball players, wrestlers, and track and field athletes as they continue their exciting postseason runs. Their dedication and hard work continue to make our community proud.

Our performance calendar is filling up quickly. Our spring musical production of “The Music Man” is just two weekends away, and three weeks from now, our elementary students will present “Shrek Kids.” Tickets for all of our performances are always in high demand, so I encourage you to purchase yours early to ensure you do not miss these outstanding showcases of student talent.

Speaking of performances, our second graders were outstanding today in their annual production of “Go Fish!” Their enthusiasm and preparation shone through in every moment of the show. These performances remind us of the diverse talents and opportunities our students experience at every grade level.

Finally, our Middle School Game Day Social, sponsored by the PTO, took place today after being delayed a week due to the power outage. This event provided our students with an opportunity to interact in more traditional ways, playing board games, card games, and other activities free from technology. Students engaged in face-to-face conversation, practiced social skills, and simply enjoyed spending time together in ways that are increasingly rare in our digital age. Events like these remind us that school is not all work and no play. The relationships students build and the social experiences they have are just as important as their academic growth. We appreciate the PTO for creating these opportunities for our middle school students to connect and have fun together.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

The words we speak and the actions we take have powerful effects on those around us. Teaching students to be intentional about spreading kindness creates positive ripples throughout our community and develops character that will serve them throughout life. Small acts of kindness and thoughtful words can brighten someone's day, build connections, and create a culture where everyone feels valued. Here are some strategies for spreading kindness:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, kindness is contagious. When we intentionally spread kindness through our words and actions, we create a better community for everyone.

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

At Cuyahoga Heights High School, the English Department plays a vital role in shaping thoughtful readers, skilled writers, and confident communicators. Through collaboration, creativity, and a shared passion for literature and language, this team works seamlessly to prepare students not only for academic success but for life beyond graduation. Their collective expertise empowers students to think critically, communicate effectively, and better understand the world around them.

Brad Dipert

“Our team supports students in developing essential English skills, including critical reading, analytical writing, and textual interpretation. In my role, I help students prepare for AP exams and state assessments by guiding them in developing close reading strategies and effective writing techniques. I also lead students in analyzing diverse texts, including comics, to deepen their understanding of narrative, theme, and rhetorical devices, fostering both academic growth and sophisticated literary analysis skills.”

Megan Neville

“Much of the strength of our department lies in the unique perspectives and experiences each teacher brings, and in how, despite our individual quirks, we balance one another and work well together. Each of us contributes passion and innovation to the brainstorming that shapes the lessons we teach. Often, our fingerprints are on one another’s lesson plans in some figurative way.

Although I now primarily teach classes that no one else teaches, I still enjoy collaborating with my department colleagues because I value their ability to keep my teaching fresh and inspired. I view my role as Department Coordinator as one of facilitation above all else. I strive to continuously read, write, and learn in ways that allow me to serve as a resource for my colleagues. I regularly attend conferences such as NCTE and OCTELA so I can bring back new ideas and approaches to teaching English. My strongest areas of expertise are poetry, creative writing, and AP Literature. I hope that the material our department teaches collectively empowers students to become stronger communicators throughout their lives and helps them better understand what it means to be human.”

Shelia Ogden

“English teachers prepare students for every aspect of life. I often tell my students that they will never stop reading, writing, and communicating, which makes English the foundation for whatever path they choose next.

Our high school team works in seamless harmony to prepare students to be thoughtful citizens of the world by appreciating diverse stories, poems, and perspectives. I have taught all high school grade levels, and it is always a joy to watch our students grow and develop into well rounded individuals who are ready to take on the world.”

English Teacher

English Teacher

English Teacher

The Cuyahoga Heights Mock Trial program is heading to Columbus this March for the second time in three years, marking the culmination of a journey that began in September. Out of nearly 240 teams that started the season statewide, the Heights B Team is one of only 27 programs to reach the State Finals.

The team’s preparation began in early autumn with an intensive analysis of the 2025–26 case file. To build competitive experience, the program participated in the Kent State Invitational in November, facing seasoned programs from across Northeast Ohio. There, Bre Dougan snagged the first individual award for Outstanding Witness.

In January, the program reached a significant milestone by hosting the inaugural "Wolf Den" Invitational. This was the first tournament of its kind hosted by Cuyahoga Heights, establishing the school as a regional site for high-level legal competition and providing students with essential "home-court" experience before the official OCLRE season. There, multiple students were recognized for their talent: Celia Suma and Adham Gharib were honored as Outstanding Attorneys, and Saviana Taylor, Danny Cichocki, and Giada Amato won Outstanding Witness awards.

The official season opened in January with a 36-team District field. Cuyahoga Heights entered three teams into the competition.

The B Team began its undefeated streak here, winning both trials, defeating Westside Christian Academy and Beaumont, and securing a spot at Regionals.

The A Team navigated a technical bracket to also advance, tying with North Royalton and defeating Cleveland John Hay School of Science and Medicine, ensuring the program remained a double threat.

The C Team lost both trials but gained experience that will serve them well in future competitions.

During this round, the following students earned Outstanding Honors from the judges:

Outstanding Attorneys:
A Team: Celia Suma and Zhou Wei Ni
B Team: Emma Gasper and Laila Lengyel

Outstanding Witnesses:
A Team: Celia Suma
B Team: Giada Amato and Danny Cichocki
C Team: Olivia Passalacqua and Sarah Weber

On Tuesday, February 24, 47 ninth graders braved the cold weather to visit the University of Akron as part of the Freshman Foundations program. During their visit, students attended a presentation from the university’s admissions office, toured the campus, and enjoyed lunch in the dining hall.

Prior to the trip, students spent time learning about how college works, including post-secondary pathways, credit hours, and majors. The purpose of both the instruction and the campus visit is to provide students with early exposure to the expectations and opportunities associated with four-year colleges. This experience supports the broader goal of preparing students for life after high school.

Ninth grader Gianna Apathy shared, “It was a great experience because it gave us a better idea about what college will actually be like.”

For many students, including Sienna Clark, the dining hall was a highlight of the trip. She noted, “The campus was really nice, and lunch was delicious.”

Four outstanding CHMS band students were selected to participate in the OMEA District 7 Honor Band, which is comprised of exceptional band students from many local districts. The event will take place on February 26 and 27, with a final concert, free and open to the public, beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at Mentor High School. Bravo to these impressive musical Red Wolves. They prove day after day that they are “instrumental” in Reaching New Heights!

Pictured (left to right): Rhys Muñoz, Parker Skirkanic, Ayden Jasany, Claire Gannon

Cuyahoga Heights Schools is pleased to invite members of our Senior Citizen Community to a special Musical Matinee on Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in the Paul F. Baumgardner Auditorium.

Guests will enjoy an abbreviated dress rehearsal performance of The Music Man, presented by our talented student performers. Seniors will be treated to complimentary popcorn and candy while experiencing the excitement of opening night preparations.

This special event is proudly hosted by the Cuyahoga Heights Junior Class as a way to celebrate and connect with our senior community.

Seniors who belong to a Senior Club should RSVP through their club. Those who do not belong to a club may contact Tracy Deal at 216-429-5702 or tdeal@cuyhts.org to reserve a seat.

We look forward to welcoming our senior community for an afternoon of music, theater, and Red Wolves spirit.

The boys travel basketball team recently wrapped up a strong and competitive season. The team competed in the Big Leaf Basketball League, facing teams from across the east side and surrounding communities. Over the course of 29 games, they finished with an impressive 16–13 record.

In addition to league play, the team competed in several local tournaments. They hosted one tournament here at Cuyahoga Heights and advanced all the way to the championship game, ultimately falling in a hard-fought overtime battle. The boys also had the exciting opportunity to compete in a one-day shootout at John Carroll University, where they posted a 3–1 record.

This season provided valuable experience for both players and coaches. The growth, resilience, and teamwork developed throughout the year will undoubtedly benefit the boys as they continue their basketball journeys.

Best of luck to our 6th graders moving on to middle school basketball next year.

Owen Matuk
Calvin Gray
Mason Merbler
Luke Kovitch

Best of luck to our 4th and 5th graders. We’re already looking forward to next season.

5th graders:
Hudson Mast
Vincent Jackson
Luca Sabelli
Cole Friedt

4th graders:
Caleb Smith
Apollo Tartara

Coaches: Matt Smith and Joel Kovitch

Article Expiring-February 27

Registration for the 2026-27 school year opened Monday, January 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. on the Cuyahoga Heights Schools website, where families can find all required forms, step-by-step instructions, and details regarding necessary enrollment documentation.

We encourage families to register as early as possible to help ensure a smooth and successful start for our future Red Wolves. Registration will close on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. 

2026-27 Tuition Rates

PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN registration is open to NEW resident and NEW tuition families

*IMPORTANT NOTE Regarding KG

GRADES 1–12 registration is open to NEW tuition families ONLY

Article Expiring-March 15

There’s trouble in River City! Cuyahoga Heights Drama Club proudly presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Tickets are now on sale for the school musical, The Music Man, which will be performed on March 13, 14, and 15, 2026. All tickets will be sold online. Please follow the instructions below to purchase your tickets.

Want to advertise your business in the Cuyahoga Heights Schools Spring Musical Program? Or are you a parent who wants to give a shout out to your student performer? Purchase an ad today to show your support.

Click the link below to purchase your ad. A black and white camera ready advertisement should be sized to fit the appropriate dimensions. PDF files should be e-mailed to gbrown@cuyhts.org.

Deadline to be included in The Music Man program is March 6, 2026.

Thank you for your help and support of our talented drama-loving students!

Advertisement / Student Shout Out Form

Article Expiring-March 15

2026 Parks & Rec Employment-Seasonal Positions Flyer

It's that time of year again! Are you in need of a job this summer?  Applications are now open for the 2026 season for the Parks & Recreation department at the Village of Cuyahoga Heights. We work around school schedules, sports, for all our seasonal staff. We can offer different positions for the summer and the school year at Toscana. All our open positions are available to see on our website under Village Employment, for seasonal and part-time roles.  https://www.cuyahogaheights.gov/employment/

The DEADLINE to apply is Sunday,  March 15.

LINK to APPLY:https://forms.gle/pNQtxqCrsR8U3yL7A

Please use the link above to apply, the same link can be found on our Village Employment page and under online services.

Remember, if you apply to be a lifeguard you must have your lifeguard certification by the start of the season. We will be offering a lifeguard certification class the first week the outdoor pool is open for any new guards through RED CROSS. Please reach out directly to me if you want more information on the upcoming lifeguard certification class. If you are a returning guard, please make sure your certification will be valid through the entire 2026 season!  

Please let me know if you have any questions. We hope to see you this year!

-Becca Wheaton, Parks & Recreation Director, Village of Cuyahoga Heights

Article Expiring-May 30

As in years past, Cuyahoga Heights Schools anticipates hosting the District Track Meet each spring and has now been provided the official dates and times. This year, we have also been selected to host the Regional Track Meet. Please note that this will require a schedule change on both of the Thursday meet dates.

Meet Dates:

District Track Meet: Thursday, May 21 & Saturday, May 23

Regional Track Meet: Thursday, May 28 & Saturday, May 30

Families are asked to plan transportation and after-school arrangements accordingly. Thank you for your cooperation and support as we host these important events.

2025-26 District Calendar-UPDATED 2.6.2026

Release Times:

Middle / High School
Thursday, May 21 & 28 - 1:35 PM 

Elementary School
Thursday, May 21 & 28 - 2:35 PM

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