June 6, 2025
From the Desk of Superintendent Young
Dear CHS Community,
As we close the 2024-25 school year, I find myself reflecting on the countless moments that have defined our journey together. From the excitement of our first day back in August to last weekend's commencement ceremony, each week has brought new opportunities to witness the power of our school community.
Throughout this year, our newsletters have highlighted not just events and activities, but the heart of what makes Cuyahoga Heights Schools exceptional. We have celebrated athletic achievements and academic milestones, honored our veterans and welcomed our VIPs, navigated winter weather and embraced spring's arrival. But beneath every story has been a constant theme: the unwavering commitment of our entire community to our students' success.
To our dedicated staff - teachers, administrators, support personnel, coaches, and volunteers - your daily devotion to our students goes far beyond job descriptions. You have opened doors of opportunity, provided mentorship, celebrated victories, and guided our children through challenges. Your expertise, patience, and care have shaped not just academic growth, but character development that will last a lifetime.
To our families and community members, your partnership has been invaluable. Whether attending concerts and games, supporting fundraisers, volunteering for events, or simply encouraging learning at home, you have demonstrated that education is truly a collaborative effort. Your trust in us and investment in our mission creates the foundation upon which our students can thrive.
Our students remain at the center of everything we do. They are the origin of our profession and our purpose. As educators in a public school system, we have devoted our life's work to their success, knowing that each child represents unlimited potential and infinite possibilities. Watching them grow, learn, discover their passions, and prepare for their futures reminds us daily why we chose this calling.
The connections between school and community, the partnerships between home and classroom, and the relationships among students, staff, and families - these are what transform a good school into something truly special. Together, we have created an environment where students do not just learn curriculum, but develop the skills, character, and confidence needed for whatever path they choose.
As we look ahead to summer and beyond, I am filled with gratitude for this community that consistently demonstrates that when we work together, remarkable things happen. Thank you for choosing Cuyahoga Heights Schools, for trusting us with your most precious gifts, and for being partners in this vital mission.
Have a wonderful summer, and we will see you in the fall for another year of growth, discovery, and achievement.
Reaching New Heights Together,
Matt Young
Superintendent
CHS TIP OF THE WEEK:
Celebrating Our School Year and Preparing for Summer
As we conclude another successful school year, it’s time to celebrate achievements, transition thoughtfully to summer, and honor the dedicated educators who made this year possible. This milestone represents months of growth, learning, and community building. Here are some tips for a meaningful end to the school year:
Preschool-5th Grade:
Create a celebration of learning with favorite projects and memories
Plan summer reading adventures with weekly library visits
Write thank-you notes to teachers and school staff
Set simple goals for summer fun and learning
6th-8th Grade:
Organize materials and keepsakes from the school year
Create a summer schedule that balances learning and leisure
Express appreciation to teachers who made a difference
Begin thinking about goals for the upcoming school year
9th-12th Grade:
Update academic portfolios with year-end accomplishments
Plan meaningful summer experiences related to future goals
Reflect on how teachers and staff supported your growth
Consider ways to stay connected with school community over summer
For All Students:
Take time to appreciate how much you’ve grown this year
Maintain learning momentum through enjoyable summer activities
Thank the educators and staff who supported your journey
Look forward to new opportunities in the year ahead
Remember, every ending is also a beginning. As we close this chapter, we celebrate our growth and look forward to the adventures that summer and the next school year will bring!
That’s a wrap, Class of 2025!
You came, you learned, you conquered. Now go light up the world—congrats, grads! Relive the big moment by watching the full graduation ceremony here.
Level Up! 8th Grade → 9th Grade
Look out, high school—here they come! Our 8th graders have officially leveled up and are trading in their middle school status for the big leagues. You’ve survived locker combos, science projects, and cafeteria mystery meals… and now you're ready to rock the halls of CHHS as freshmen.
This class brought the energy, the laughs, and the leadership—and we can’t wait to see how they make their mark in high school.
Freshman year, brace yourself. The Class of 2029 is on the move!
From Pups to Pack Leaders: 5th Grade, You Did It!
It’s official—time to strut across that parking lot with pride. You came in as Red Wolf Pups, wide-eyed and full of curiosity. Now, you’re heading out as full-fledged Red Wolves, ready to take on the next adventure in middle school.
We’ve watched you grow taller, wiser, and way more confident (with some impressive dodgeball skills and dance moves along the way). Your elementary journey may be wrapping up, but the best is yet to come.
Middle school, get ready—there’s a new pack on the way!
School’s Out—But Not Without a Celebration (and a Few Tears)!
Today we wrapped up the school year with smiles, sunshine, and one of our favorite traditions—the annual Staff Recognition Luncheon! Before everyone dashed off into summer break, we took time to honor the amazing individuals who reached milestone years of service and those beginning their next adventure: retirement.
There were laughs, stories, sizzling burgers—and yes, a few tears—as we celebrated the heart of our schools: our staff. It was a meaningful sendoff filled with gratitude, appreciation, and plenty of hugs.
Check out the photos of this special day and join us in cheering on our retirees and milestone achievers. Here’s to a summer filled with rest, joy, and well-earned relaxation!
Incoming 7th Graders Summer Reading Incentive
Soak up the sun and a good story this summer! Whether you devour a whole stack or just sneak in one great read, make sure a book makes it into your summer plans.
Clothes Needed for School Clinic
Hello CHS Families!
Hoping you all are well. As we near the close of the school year, I'd like to ask for some clothing donations for our school clinics. As we know, our kids sometimes have "wardrobe malfunctions" during the school day and need to change. Clothing donations are always welcomed. As you clean out closets of outgrown clothes, please keep in mind they can be dropped off at either of the nurse's clinics. If you are unsure what is needed here is a short list.
Boys' and girls' pants ALL sizes! (Youth 4-14 and Adult small-large)
Larger boys' and girls' shirts (Youth 10-14 and Adult small-large)
Small-large boys' underpants (Youth 4-14)
Boys' and girls' socks (Youth and Adult)
Thank you so much for always supporting our CHS students!
-Keyonna Howard, RN, District Nurse
ACT Prep
Current: Freshman | Sophomores | Juniors
The teachers at Cuyahoga Heights High School are donating their time to offer ACT Prep Classes for current Freshman, Sophomores and Juniors.
In the spring sessions, students will get test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and then review the test.
In the summer sessions, students will receive more extensive test taking tips by subject, take a practice test in that subject, and review the test.
On August 10, students will take a full-length practice test (all 4 subjects) and get scaled scores.
These courses are free but require the purchase of the book. You can purchase it on Amazon by clicking here: The Princeton Review 2025 ACT Review.
Please call Mrs. Connors in the main office at 216-429-5708 to register your child for one or all of the available dates.
Summer
Wed 7/9 – 9 a.m. - noon (Science)
Wed 7/16 – 9 a.m. - noon (Math)
Wed 7/23 – 9 a.m. - noon (English)
Wed 7/31 – 9 a.m. - noon (Reading)
Sun 8/10 – 2 - 5:30 p.m. (Full Practice Test)
Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools is looking for bus drivers and cafeteria workers to join our team for the upcoming school year. These essential roles help keep our schools running smoothly, and we’d love your help spreading the word! This is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, retirees, or anyone looking to contribute to a great school community.
Apply now or share with a friend:
Contact George Burich at gburich@cuyhts.org with any questions.
Thank you for supporting our schools!
Governor DeWine Launches New Campaign to Encourage Parents to Practice Driving with Teens
May 28, 2025
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced the launch of a new media campaign to encourage parents to spend quality time practicing safe driving skills with their new teen drivers.
The campaign, produced by the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), draws parallels between the amount of time teens spend learning to drive and time devoted to practicing other activities like soccer and ballet.
You can read the full story here.
Cuyahoga Heights Youth Basketball Skills Camp
Boys & Girls Entering Grades 3-6
Dates: June 23-June 26
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Place: Flip Saunders Gymnasium
Cost: $40
Kenni Voytek Named to 2025 Academic All-OAC Team, Excelling in Athletics and Academics
Kenni Voytek, a 2021 graduate of CHS and student-athlete at Baldwin Wallace University, has been named to the 2025 Academic All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Team—an honor recognizing excellence in both athletics and academics.
To earn this prestigious distinction, student-athletes must maintain varsity status while achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. Kenni not only met these standards—she exceeded them. Competing at the varsity level all four years in track and field, she graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA, majoring in Psychology.
Kenni’s achievements extend beyond the classroom. She is part of the school record-holding 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams, and she earned individual recognition with a 7th-place finish in the 400-meter hurdles at the OAC Championship Meet.
Looking ahead, Kenni will continue her academic and professional journey at Eastern Michigan University, where she will pursue a Master’s degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics—a field that combines her academic interests with her passion for helping others.
Monument Unveiling Honors Officer and CHHS Grad Jacob Derbin
The life and legacy of Jacob Derbin, a 2018 graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School and fallen Euclid Police officer, was the focal point of a ceremony dedicating a monument in Derbin’s honor on Wednesday, June 4, in what would have been Derbin’s 25th birthday.
Read the full story here.
CH Youth Fastpitch Softball Starts the Season Strong
The 10U CH Travel Fastpitch team is off to an incredible, undefeated start and is gearing up for an exciting summer season! Come cheer on our 10U and 12U Red Wolves at Bacci Park all summer long. We’re so proud of these amazing girls!
Jacobs Ladder Special Needs Fitness Annual Bike Ride
Volunteer | Participate | Donate
Date: June 8, 2025
Location: Start at Bacci Park
Ride Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Volunteer Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch: 2 p.m.
For more information, please contact:
Tony D'Orazio
440-225-2365
tdorazio@att.net
Dan D'Orazio
440-670-1151
danjdorazio@gmail.com
4820 East 71st Street | Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125 | 216-429-5700