Dear CHS Community, 

Spring break is finally here, and after a demanding winter and busy few months, this time away from school is well-earned for our students.

I encourage you to take advantage of whatever time you have together this week. Whether it's full days or just evenings after work, find moments to connect as a family and make lasting memories with your students. These breaks pass quickly, and before we know it, we will be back in session for the final push toward the end of the school year. State testing, spring activities, and end-of-year events will fill our calendars soon enough.

Let your students rest and recharge. Give them unstructured time to just be “kids.” When you can, have real conversations. Try something different together. Step away from the usual routine. These are the moments that stay with us.

Sangeeta Rana wrote, "Be always grateful for every moment of your life you get to enjoy with people you love and those who love you; life is extremely precious and short."

The work will be waiting when we return. For now, focus on the time you have with your family, making every moment count.

Thank you for your continued partnership with our schools. Classes resume on Tuesday, April 7.

Enjoy your break.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Spring break provides a valuable opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time together as families. After the long stretch since winter break, students need this time to refresh mentally and physically. However, a completely unstructured break can leave everyone feeling restless. Finding balance between relaxation and meaningful activities helps families return to school energized and ready for the final push. Here are some strategies for making the most of spring break:

Preschool-5th Grade:

6th-8th Grade:

9th-12th Grade:

For All Students:

Remember, spring break should refresh rather than exhaust. A good balance of rest, activity, and family connection helps everyone return to school ready to finish the year strong.

The Cuyahoga Heights Performing Arts Department provides students with meaningful opportunities to grow musically, socially, and personally in a supportive and inclusive environment. Through programs such as band, choir, orchestra, drama, and the Red Rubies drill team, students develop discipline, collaboration, and confidence while engaging in creative expression. Beyond performance, the music wing serves as a place where students build emotional awareness, strengthen cognitive skills, and find a true sense of belonging. With a strong emphasis on community and long-term connections, the performing arts create an environment where every student is encouraged to grow, contribute, and be themselves.

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

FUN FACT

"Our team provides opportunities for musical expression, community involvement, and personal growth for a large portion of the student population at Cuyahoga Heights. Through a variety of programs, including band, choir, orchestra, drama, and the Red Rubies drill team, students take on challenges that push not only their individual abilities but also their social-emotional awareness and community-building skills.

Students must work together to put on a spring musical, perform a successful marching band halftime show, and provide a complete concert experience for audiences at choir concerts. Along the way, they develop important skills such as perseverance, problem-solving, self-confidence, and collaboration. Most importantly, students build lifelong friendships and find a place where they are free to be themselves. The performing arts are truly a place for everyone.

My individual role is with the orchestra and drama programs, and I also assist with musical instruction for the concert and marching band programs. I strive to ensure students have the skills they need to be successful while also having fun on their instrument or in their role in school productions."

"The music wing is a special place where students develop valuable musical skills, whether on an instrument or with their voice, while also gaining meaningful experiences beyond the classroom. In our band, choir, and orchestra classes, as well as drama club, marching band, and other extracurriculars, I provide opportunities for students to build focused practice habits, discipline, time management, and collaboration skills.

I also help students develop emotional intelligence and empathy through perspective-taking and stress regulation, as our wing often serves as a therapeutic outlet. In addition, students experience cognitive and neurological growth, as our programs promote multisensory integration. Playing an instrument requires the brain to process visual information (sheet music), auditory input (listening to others), and motor skills (finger movement) simultaneously. Research suggests that music training improves the "plasticity" of the brain, enhancing memory and attention spans that carry over into math and science classes.

Perhaps the most important function of the music wing is the creation of community. For students who may feel like outsiders in sports or traditional academics, the arts department often becomes their primary social anchor and a "safe space." I have the privilege of working with many of the same students for four to eight years (grades 5–12), providing a rare level of long-term support, stability, and guidance.

I have the pleasure of teaching band to students in grades 5–12 and choir to students in grades 6–12. I direct the Mighty Marching Red Wolves, the CHS Jazz Band, the Scarlet Angels, and serve as the music director for the spring musical."

FUN FACT

Hans Luenger, a junior from Cuyahoga Heights High School has been honored as Volunteer of the Year by the West Park Kamms Development Corporation, recognizing his outstanding commitment to community service.

Each year, the organization highlights an individual who demonstrates exceptional dedication through service or leadership within the community. This year’s recipient earned the recognition through an impressive number of volunteer hours, including participation in community cleanup efforts and, most notably, his role as a welcoming greeter at the local farmers' market.

Hans was formally recognized on Thursday, March 26, during the organization’s annual fundraiser, The Blossom Bash. At the event, he was presented with a plaque honoring his contributions and positive impact on the community.

In addition to the award, Hans will be featured on the organization’s website and in its quarterly community magazine, further celebrating his dedication and service.

6th grade students in Mr. Bryk's and Mrs. Russell's English classes experienced the excitement of March Madness through an engaging essay-writing project. Each student selected a team from the NCAA March Madness bracket (Men's or Women's) and wrote either an argumentative or informational essay about their chosen team and university. Argumentative essays challenged students to make a compelling claim about why their team will win the tournament, supported by evidence such as points per game, star players, and coaching experience. Informational essays highlighted interesting facts about the team or university, including institutional history, academic programs, and fun details about team mascots. As a final touch, each student created a poster representing their team and university, which now decorates the 6th grade hallway. This project allowed students to immerse themselves in the excitement of March Madness while strengthening their writing skills and learning to support their ideas with evidence. We're incredibly proud of our 6th graders for their outstanding effort and creativity! 

We are proud to highlight one of our own, Madelyn Osborne, who is making the most of her experience through the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Through CVCC’s Education Professions program, Madelyn is gaining valuable hands-on experience, exploring her passion for teaching, and already earning recognition at the state level.

On Thursday, March 26, the third and fourth grade classes went to Beck Center for the Arts to see the youth theater production of James and the Giant Peach the Musical. The students had a great time at the show and enjoyed the experience of live theater. We are very grateful to the Music Boosters for providing us the opportunity to attend this field trip. 

Student Council members wanted to give back to the CHES staff, so they decided to cook and serve breakfast this morning for staff. With the help of their advisor, Dr. Luginbill, pancakes, waffles, egg bake, fruit, donuts, and juice were enjoyed by all!

The deadline for 2026 CHS PTO Senior Scholarship applications is almost here! Please submit your applications by April 1, 2026. Link to Google Form application: 

Inclusion Week at Cuyahoga Heights High School and Middle School was a meaningful and exciting success, bringing students and staff together to celebrate kindness, acceptance, and community.

Throughout the week, many students and staff members contributed to the school’s “Inclusion Means” and “Kindness Means” posters. These collaborative displays were created by Ms. Amato’s resource room high school students and quickly became a centerpiece of the celebration. As the week went on, the posters filled with thoughtful messages, showing what inclusion and kindness mean to the school community.

Students also helped spread awareness by passing out inclusion-themed stickers. These stickers can now be seen all around the building, helping to keep the message of inclusion visible and ongoing even after the week has ended.

Students and staff looked forward to daily “Inclusion Fun Facts” shared during morning convocation. Each day featured a new fact focused on understanding differences, showing kindness, and promoting acceptance of all individuals.

In addition to the activities, many students and staff enthusiastically participated in the spirit week clothing themes, helping to bring energy and visibility to Inclusion Week each day.

The celebration will continue with an upcoming Inclusion Club mixer on April 9 during lunch. Students are invited to join in a fun and creative activity—tie-dyeing. Everyone is encouraged to bring a white item to customize and make something unique. Popsicles will be provided, and the event will offer a great opportunity for students to connect, make new friends, and continue building an inclusive school environment.

With strong participation and positive energy from both students and staff, Inclusion Week made a lasting impact at Cuyahoga Heights High School—and the message of inclusion is here to stay.

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.

Sincere gratitude to our first Business and Group Sponsors:

A heartfelt thank you to our first Family 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

Thank you to all of the students who submitted designs for this year’s event shirts and medals — we were so impressed by your creativity and school spirit! Congratulations to our finalists and grand prize winners! Grand winners were selected through an all-school student vote, making this a true student-led celebration. A special thank you to Mr. Garrow, Mr. Miller, and Mrs. Studier for helping bring this project to life and supporting our students throughout the process.

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2026 T-Shirt Design Finalists!

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2026 Medal Design Finalists!

T-Shirt Designers

Medal Designers

Red Wolf Run donation envelopes were sent home this week. Please check in with your student. Inside, you’ll find important details about what this fundraiser supports and the exciting incentives students can earn for participating.

Funds raised help expand enrichment opportunities, bring engaging assemblies and programs to our school, support classroom resources, and create meaningful experiences that benefit all CHS students.

Don’t forget, every envelope returned by the May 8 deadline will be entered into a raffle for a $25 Amazon gift card.

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