March 13, 2026

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community, 

It was another terrific week at Cuyahoga Heights Schools, marked by two important events that showcase what makes our district special.

On Thursday, our high school and middle school drama club students performed a dress rehearsal of The Music Man for a group of senior citizens. It was an honor to host our community's senior citizens for this performance while our students practiced one final time before their main performances this weekend. These intergenerational connections create meaningful experiences for both our students and our honored guests.

On Friday, our elementary school hosted the PTO VIP Day, during which our students invited those important people in their lives to come to school and engage in small but impactful experiences together. Seeing our youngest students introduce their VIPs to their classrooms and teachers while sharing breakfast reminds us why these moments matter so much.

Continuing to offer opportunities like these helps set our district apart and strengthens the connections that support our students, staff, and community. When we bring generations together, when we open our doors to families, and when we create space for meaningful relationships to grow, we demonstrate our commitment to education that extends beyond academics. At the end of the day, our students are the true VIPs, and these events celebrate them while strengthening the community that surrounds them.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

 
 

CHS Tips of the Week:

Overcoming the Mid-Year Motivation Slump While Preparing for the Final Quarter

As the third quarter ends and we prepare for the final stretch of the school year, many students experience a motivation slump. The finish line can seem far away, and the initial excitement of the school year has long since faded. However, this is precisely the time when renewed focus matters most. Strong effort now sets students up for successful year-end outcomes and builds momentum heading into the final quarter. Here are some strategies for overcoming mid-year fatigue:

Preschool-5th Grade:

  • Create visual countdown chains or calendars showing remaining school days
  • Set small weekly goals with simple rewards for achievement
  • Plan something special to look forward to each week
  • Review how much they've learned and grown since the beginning of the year

6th-8th Grade:

  • Break the remaining year into manageable chunks with specific targets
  • Identify areas where grade improvement is still possible
  • Refresh study spaces and routines to create a sense of renewal
  • Connect current effort to summer plans and next year's opportunities

9th-12th Grade:

  • Review graduation requirements and ensure everything is on track
  • Set specific academic goals for fourth quarter performance
  • Connect current coursework to college or career preparation
  • Plan how to finish strong and build positive momentum

For All Students:

  • Celebrate progress made so far this year
  • Adjust routines or strategies that aren't working effectively
  • Focus on one day and one assignment at a time
  • Remember that strong finishes often matter more than strong starts

Remember, everyone feels tired at this point in the year. Acknowledging the challenge while recommitting to effort helps students push through and finish strong.

 
 
 
 

Cuyahoga Heights World Languages Program Featuring French and Spanish

The World Language program at Cuyahoga Heights Schools is dedicated to helping students connect with the world beyond the classroom. Through engaging instruction and immersive learning experiences, teachers provide students with the tools to communicate, think critically, and explore diverse cultures. By emphasizing authentic language use and the three modes of communication, students develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while gaining a deeper understanding of global perspectives. The department also works collaboratively to align instruction across levels and foster meaningful cultural exploration, ensuring that students build language proficiency while making real world connections.

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

Shelby Castle

French Teacher

FUN FACT

"In a nutshell, Christine and I give our students the tools they need to explore the world around them. Even in their first level of French, my goal is for students to authentically be able to use the language. I prioritise three modes of communication throughout my lessons: the interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. By doing so, students work and learn together in a positive, immersive, and communicative classroom environment, all while strengthening different language skills and implementing as much Francophone culture as possible. This past summer, I had the privilege to take a 

group of students abroad to Paris and the French Riviera. Seeing them take the skills they have acquired in class, apply them in real life, and be so proud of themselves was an unforgettable experience." 

Christine Bennett

Spanish Teacher

FUN FACT

"Our World Language team works together to align instruction across levels and coordinate with the broader school community. Our team achieves proficiency in language development and cultural exploration through reading, writing, speaking, understanding, and making connections. We work towards language and culture mastery with real world applications." 

 
 
 

Opening Night is Tonight!

There’s trouble in River City! The Cuyahoga Heights Drama Club proudly presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Join us for this lively and entertaining production performed by our talented students.

Performances will take place on the following dates:

  • Friday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale. Purchase tickets HERE

 

Senior Citizens Enjoy a Sneak Preview of The Music Man

Cast and crew of The Music Man pose on stage with community senior citizens following the annual Senior Citizens Musical Matinee at Cuyahoga Heights Schools.

Cuyahoga Heights Schools welcomed senior citizens from our three villages on Thursday for the annual Senior Citizens Musical Matinee, a special tradition that offers a sneak preview of the upcoming school musical. Guests were invited to enjoy the first act of this year’s production, The Music Man, performed by the talented members of the Cuyahoga Heights Drama Club.

Seniors were treated to popcorn and candy as they watched the opening act and got an early look at the hard work and talent that will soon take the stage for the full production. The matinee provides a wonderful opportunity for our community’s senior residents to connect with students and enjoy the arts together.

This special event was planned and hosted by the junior class, who helped welcome guests and ensure everyone had an enjoyable afternoon. The Senior Citizens Musical Matinee continues to be a favorite tradition that brings together generations of our Cuyahoga Heights community.

 
 

Support our Students - Sponsor the 14th Annual Red Wolf Run

The CHS PTO is excited to host the 14th Annual Red Wolf Run on May 8, and we invite local businesses and families to be part of this fun and impactful tradition.

The Red Wolf Run is the PTO’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping provide programs, activities, and resources that benefit students across Cuyahoga Heights Schools. Sponsoring the event is a great way to support our students while showcasing your business or family name to the school community.

Sponsorship opportunities include:

  • XL Logo Sponsor – starting at $650
  • Large Logo Sponsor – $500
  • Medium Logo Sponsor – $250
  • Business Listing – $100
  • Family Listing – $50

Sponsors receive recognition on event materials, including nearly 700 event t-shirts and two oversized vinyl banners, making this a great opportunity for visibility while giving back to our schools.

Deadline to register: April 10

Click HERE to view all sponsorship options or register.

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Red Wolf Run a success and for supporting the students of Cuyahoga Heights!

CHS PTO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

A very special thank you goes out to our first sponsors:

  • Aztech Engineering & Surveying Co.
  • Mike’s Dumpster Solutions
  • Stan’s Vintage Sports Cards
  • The Loboda Family
  • The Loch Family
  • The Menkhaus Family
 

Strikes, Spares, and Smiles

 Inclusive Bowling Social Builds Friendships

Students from the resource rooms at Cuyahoga Heights Middle/High School and Independence Middle/High School came together for a fun and inclusive bowling social on Friday, March 6 at Seven Hills Lanes. The event brought students from Ms. Amato’s classroom at Cuyahoga Heights and Mr. Silvestro’s classroom at Independence together for an afternoon of friendly competition, laughter, and new friendships.

Students bowled side-by-side while using a variety of adapted bowling supports to help everyone participate successfully. Bowling ramps and lane bumpers allowed students to independently roll the ball down the lane and celebrate every strike, spare, and close call. The focus of the event was not just on bowling, but on inclusion, teamwork, and building connections between students from both schools.

Adding to the excitement of the day, Ms. Amato’s daughter, Layla, made a surprise visit to the bowling alley. Students enjoyed snuggles and hugs from little Layla, bringing extra smiles and energy to the group.

The afternoon was filled with encouragement, high-fives, and plenty of memorable moments. Events like this inclusive bowling social help create opportunities for students to build confidence, practice social skills, and form friendships outside of the classroom. By the end of the day, students from both schools left with great memories and hopes to meet again for another fun activity in the future.

 

District Runner Up

The boys basketball team had a successful 2025-26 campaign, finishing the season as the Division VI district runners-up and with a final record of 16-8. The team battled injury and sickness throughout the long season and had many different players step up throughout the year to lead them to many wins and memories that will last a lifetime. The season was highlighted by two thrilling postseason wins in front of the home fans over Dalton and New Middletown Springfield while battling Richmond Heights to the final minute in the district final. The program would like to thank its 7 seniors (Maurice McClardy, Nathan Wilson, Antonio McCladdie, Zander Tichy, Anthony Grissman, Tyler Wheaton, and Tristan West) for their time and effort these past 4 years as they have left the program in a good place, but also have some big shoes to fill next year for the returning underclassmen.

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