Dear CHS Community, 

Today is the first day of spring! After a challenging, old-fashioned winter like we used to have, the revitalization that comes with spring is much welcomed. Although someone told me "third winter" has yet to occur, I remain optimistic about the warmer days ahead.

We are just one week away from spring break, which will run from March 28 through April 6, with classes resuming on Tuesday, April 7. When we return from break, we enter another important season: testing season. The state of Ohio requires students to take assessments in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, depending on grade level. Our district and schools have consistently earned 5-star ratings largely because of our students' exceptional performance on these tests. Additionally, students in our AP program have excelled, earning a silver medal rating from the College Board. As we get closer to the actual testing dates, more information will be shared at the building and district levels.

Just as spring represents a time of growth and renewal, testing season provides our students with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the year. The academic excellence our students consistently achieve reflects not just their hard work, but the dedication of our teachers/staff and the support of our families and community. When we work together in support of our students, remarkable things happen. Thank you for being part of a community that values education and expects excellence from all of us.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Spring offers a perfect opportunity to refresh and reorganize both physical and digital learning environments. Cluttered spaces create mental clutter and make it harder for students to focus and find what they need. Taking time to clean, organize, and refresh learning areas helps students approach the final quarter with renewed energy and efficiency. Here are some strategies for effective spring cleaning:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, an organized environment supports an organized mind. Taking time to refresh learning spaces now pays dividends in focus and productivity for the rest of the year.

Our Art Department plays a vital role in inspiring creativity and expression across all grade levels at Cuyahoga Heights Schools. Through a wide range of courses and experiences, students are encouraged to develop their artistic abilities while building confidence, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for the visual arts. The team’s commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging environment allows students to explore their creativity and grow as both artists and individuals.

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

FUN FACT

“Our art team is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-expression, and visual communication skills among CHS students while building positive student-teacher relationships. Through instruction in various mediums (e.g., drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and design), our team helps students develop technical proficiency in fine art and motor skills while encouraging them to explore their unique artistic voices.

Beyond creating finished artworks, the art department promotes creative thinking, problem-solving, and cultural awareness by examining art history, artistic traditions, and contemporary artists and issues. Students also learn to analyze works of art and collaborate with peers through critique presentations of their work.

More specifically, I teach 6th- and 8th-grade art, along with high school courses including Art Foundations, Art 2, Art 3, Ceramics 1, Ceramics 2, and AP Art History. In addition, I serve as the advisor for the Middle and High School Art Club and am the lead advisor for the annual MS/HS Art Show.”

“Our team strives to develop each student’s unique creativity through a well-thought-out and flexible program that offers a wide variety of opportunities in the visual arts. I have been fortunate to teach secondary art for the past 31 years, including 23 years here at Cuyahoga Heights.

My biggest goal is for each student to be challenged creatively in a safe environment that encourages them to fall in love with the process of creating art. No matter the ability level, we all have an inner creativity that, when fulfilled, brings a sense of satisfaction and personal pride that is uniquely special in the arts.”

FUN FACT

Cuyahoga Heights School’s (CHS) buses roll out every day thanks, in great part, to the efforts of Bartholomew (Bart) Hahn. As Bus Mechanic and member of the Transportation Department, Hahn ensures the safety and reliability of student transportation by performing inspections, diagnostic tests, and preventive maintenance on the district’s buses and other vehicles. He responds to road calls for breakdowns or disabled buses. He also drives bus routes and field trips when extra help is needed.

Read the full article HERE

ELEMENTARY

5th Grade
Aarushi Patel
5th Grade
Colson Friedt

MIDDLE

6th Grade
Anella Doan
7th Grade
Anaya Stevenson
8th Grade
Aiden Tyna

HIGH

9th Grade
Issac Gray
10th Grade
Celia Suma
11th Grade
Mark Workman
12th Grade
Nathan Mandich

Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the March 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 Monday, March 16. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all! Read the full article HERE.

Mrs. Wajda’s AP Psychology class recently took a field trip to Cleveland State University, where students had the opportunity to learn more about the brain from a neuroscientist.

During the visit, students examined both human and animal brains, as well as spinal cords and eyes. This hands-on experience provided a deeper understanding of how different parts of the nervous system are structured and how they function.

One of the most impactful parts of the trip was observing brains affected by various conditions. Students saw firsthand the physical effects of a stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and a brain bleed. Being able to visualize these differences helped students connect classroom learning to real-life examples of how the brain influences behavior and thinking.

Throughout the experience, students applied key AP Psychology concepts. Topics such as action potentials, axons, dendrites, neurons, and major brain structures were reinforced as students made connections between theory and real brain tissue.

Students also met with a biomechanist, who discussed research methods and provided a tour of the Human Performance Lab.

This portion of the trip offered insight into how scientists study human movement and design experiments.

Overall, the field trip provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning to real-world applications, careers, and academic pathways. It was a meaningful experience that made complex topics more engaging and memorable.

Article submitted by Mrs. Jordan Wajda

For the second time in three years, a team of students from Cuyahoga Heights High School (CHHS) competed in the state Mock Trial competition March 12-14 at the Franklin County Courthouse in Columbus, Ohio. 

Read the full story HERE.

Seven Core Attributes

The NTHS emphasizes seven fundamental attributes that all members embody:

The local chapter of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) held its annual induction ceremony at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center on Wednesday, March 18. Three outstanding junior students earned their place in this prestigious organization, marking a significant milestone in their academic and technical education journey.

NTHS is a distinguished society that recognizes career-technical high school students who exemplify excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. This honor represents the highest achievement in career and technical education. Four of our seniors played a key role in assisting with the ceremony.
Read the full story HERE.

Congratulations to our 2026 inductees!

Divina DeNardis - Media Arts
Bryce Rusch - Electrical Systems II
Aiden T. Flynn - Heating & Air Conditioning II

Elite Standards for Membership

Gaining membership in the NTHS is no small feat. Students must meet rigorous criteria, including:

These standards ensure that only the most dedicated and accomplished students receive this honor.

We are excited to announce that Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School will be celebrating Inclusion Week, March 23–27, as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The goal of this week is to celebrate differences, promote understanding, and encourage all students to feel valued and included in our school community.

Throughout the week, students and staff will be invited to participate in spirit days centered around the theme of inclusion:

During our school convocation, we will also share Inclusion Fun Facts that highlight the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities. This is a great opportunity to educate students and celebrate the many ways people with disabilities positively impact our communities.

To encourage student voice, interactive posters will be displayed near the front office with sentence starters such as “Inclusion means…” where students can share their thoughts and ideas about what inclusion looks like to them.

We are also excited to launch a new Inclusion Club open to all middle and high school students and staff. This club will provide a space for students to connect, build friendships, and plan inclusive activities and celebrations throughout the school year.

Our first Inclusion Mixer will take place during middle school and high school lunches on April 9, and all are welcome to attend. The goal is simply to give students an opportunity to meet new people, socialize, and begin building a more inclusive school community. After the mixer, the club will continue meeting regularly throughout the school year.

Inclusion benefits all students, not just those with disabilities. Inclusive school communities help students develop empathy and understanding, strengthen social and leadership skills, build stronger peer relationships, foster respect for differences, and create a sense of belonging. When students feel accepted and valued, they are more engaged, confident, and successful in school.

We hope everyone will support Inclusion Week by encouraging students to participate in the spirit days, practicing inclusion in everyday life, and helping us create a school where every student feels seen, valued, and included.

Article submitted by Ms. Jena Amato

Article submitted by Mrs. Carolyn Pajestka

Thank you to our CHS PTO, all of the volunteers, and the CHS staff who helped make this year's VIP DAY a huge success! The morning was enjoyed by all of the elementary students and their VIP's.

Article submitted by Mrs. Dawn Zorc

 Cuyahoga Heights Schools is proud to support The Edna House through our “Spread the Love” Donation Drive, now extended through March 23.

This initiative benefits women working to overcome alcoholism and addiction by providing essential household and cleaning supplies. Donations such as garbage bags, all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, and zip-lock bags will help support the daily needs of residents at The Edna House.

Donations can be dropped off in the designated boxes located in either the elementary office or the middle/high school office. All contributions, big or small, are greatly appreciated and will make a meaningful impact.

In addition, the community is invited to attend The Edna House’s Sober St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser on March 21 from 5–8 PM at the UAW Hall in Cleveland. The event will feature food, raffles, and an opportunity to come together in support of an important cause.

Thank you for helping us spread the love and support those in need.

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:

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.

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

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

Brooklynn Domzalski (Sophomore) and Reilly Conte (Senior) competed in the CVC All-Star Game on Wednesday night, capping off a great season. Brooklynn scored 19 points, including six three-pointers, while Reilly added two points, a block, and strong defense.

Pictured: Reilly Conte, Mari Hopkins, Brooklynn Domzalski

Article submitted by Mr. Al Martin

All three CHHS Indoor Track athletes who competed at the OAT&CCC Indoor State Championships found their way to the awards stand in an outstanding day of Competition. Aden Ewelt (Senior) earned the award for 8th place in the long jump with a leap of 19'10.75".Samantha Vallee (Senior)  ran her way to a 6th place medal in the 60 meter hurdles. Finally, Maurice McClardy (Senior) earned the gold medal with a first place clearance of 6'8" in the high jump. This height not only established a new school record, but also a new D4 state meet record in the high jump. Congratulations to all three senior Indoor Track athletes on an outstanding Indoor State Championship meet, an outstanding season, and an outstanding career!

Article submitted by Mr. Doug Amari

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