May 1, 2026

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community, 

May is here, marking the final full month of the school year. Our students have come so far this year, and we are committed to finishing strong.

We continue to work through the testing season with excellent engagement. Our mathematics students finished this past week with an outstanding effort on their state assessments. Next week, American History students will complete the final Ohio state test for this year. Additionally, we have two more weeks of Advanced Placement testing in the high school. We hope to continue building on our Silver Medal status with the College Board through the strong performance of our AP students.

May brings many exciting events to our calendar. We will host the 68th Annual Cuyahoga Relays, the oldest small school track event in Ohio. The PTO Red Wolf Run, spring sports tournaments, and spring concerts will fill our calendars as we celebrate student achievement across athletics and the arts.

For our seniors, the final stretch has begun. Their last day of regular classes is May 8, followed by prom, senior sports nights, senior project experiences and presentations, and senior awards night, all leading to Commencement on May 24. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 as they prepare for their next chapter.

These final weeks will be busy, meaningful, and memorable. Thank you for your continued support as we bring this school year to a successful close.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

 
 

CHS Tips of the Week:

Celebrating Achievements and Recognizing Growth

As we near the end of another school year, it's important to pause and celebrate the achievements and growth our students have demonstrated. Recognition of accomplishments, both large and small, reinforces effort and builds the confidence students need for continued success. Every student has grown in meaningful ways this year, and acknowledging that progress matters deeply. Here are some strategies for celebrating achievements:

Preschool-5th Grade:

  • Create a memory book or portfolio showcasing work from throughout the year
  • Compare early-year work to current work to show tangible growth
  • Celebrate improvements in reading, math, or other skill areas
  • Have them share their proudest accomplishments from the year

6th-8th Grade:

  • Review grades and recognize improvement trends across subjects
  • Acknowledge development of study habits, organization, and independence
  • Celebrate persistence through challenging courses or situations
  • Recognize growth in areas beyond academics like responsibility and character

9th-12th Grade:

  • Update academic portfolios and resumes with year-end accomplishments
  • Reflect on progress toward long-term college and career goals
  • Acknowledge balance achieved between academics and other commitments
  • Recognize maturity and independence developed throughout the year

For All Students:

  • Focus on individual growth rather than comparisons to others
  • Celebrate effort, persistence, and improvement over perfection
  • Acknowledge lessons learned from both successes and setbacks
  • Express pride in their hard work and dedication

Remember, every student's journey is unique and worthy of celebration. Recognizing growth and achievement builds the foundation for continued success and lifelong learning.

 
 

Featuring Our: High School Intervention Specialists

Our High School Intervention Team is all about meeting students where they are and helping them get where they want to go. Whether co-teaching, providing direct support, or building strong academic habits, they work across the curriculum to ensure every student has access to meaningful learning.

This team goes beyond the classroom, focusing not only on academics but also on confidence, independence, and real-world readiness. Through strong relationships, individualized support, and a whole lot of heart, they create an environment where students feel supported, capable, and empowered to succeed.

Jena Amato

FUN FACT

"In our school community, I have the joy of helping students grow into confident, capable individuals. My role is all about meeting students where they are and helping them shine in their own unique ways.

Each day, I adapt and modify curriculum to meet extended standards, making learning accessible and meaningful for every student. I use visual aids and multi-sensory approaches to break concepts into manageable steps and connect learning to real life.

I also work closely with paraprofessionals to provide consistent, supportive instruction and care for our students. Together, we create a positive environment where students feel loved and supported. 

Supporting students emotionally is at the heart of what our team does.

Beyond academics, I focus on building essential life skills such as cooking, laundry, money management, hygiene, emotional regulation, and social skills. These real-world skills help students gain independence and confidence both in and out of the classroom, especially as they transition out of high school." 

Brian Friedt

FUN FACT

"The high school intervention team works across the curriculum to support students as they navigate the challenging coursework of high school. I co-teach two math classes with Mr. Sadler and one with Mr. Rademaker and I have several periods of direct support. I also teach in our Freshmen Foundations 

program, where we work on building positive academic habits and skills to make transition to post-graduation life smooth."

Zach Noernberg

FUN FACT

"Our team provides services to students that need some more targeted support in the classroom setting. We pride ourselves on being an asset to all other students as well, but we work more closely with students that have learning disabilities and deficits.

I take a lot of pride in providing meaningful instruction that students at different ability levels can all grasp. I also believe building strong relationships with students so that they feel like we are in this together is extremely important to bridging gaps in the classroom setting." 

Congratulations Doug DiDio!

April Staff Spotlight recipient Doug DiDio has a “spotless” reputation for two reasons.  First, as the district's bus washer (and substitute driver), he takes pride in keeping the district’s fleet clean and pristine. Second, his attendance record is spotless, having never been absent in his 11 years on the job!

“Doug takes great pride in ensuring that the district’s fleet of buses is clean, safe, and well-maintained, while also serving as an extra set of eyes and ears by reporting any concerns he observes,” said Bus Mechanic Bartholomew (Bart) Hahn who nominated DiDio for the award. 

Read the full article HERE

 
 

Banner Touts District’s Five-Star Rating on Ohio Report Card

Cuyahoga Heights Schools is one of only 10 districts in Cuyahoga County and only 47 in the state to achieve a five-star rating on the 2024-2025 Ohio Report Card. Now, the district can proudly boast of its achievement with a banner from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). Read the full article HERE

 

Students of the Month - April

Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the April 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, April 27. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all! Read the full article HERE.

Elementary School

Pre-K
Hope Gibas
Pre-K
Jensen Riddle

Middle School

6th Grade
Gwen Dillon
7th Grade
Tsz Wa Lin
8th Grade
Mackenzie Malcolm

High School

9th Grade
Remy Bell
10th Grade
Joee Cichocki
11th Grade 
Olivia Passalacqua
12th Grade
Tristan Li

 

2025-26 Middle/High Art Show Results

Congratulations to all CHS artists on another successful Art Show! The 2025-26 Art Show was this past Friday, April 24 from 3-7pm with 2D and 3D works from Cuyahoga Heights High School and Middle School artists.

Best in Show: Sophia Jackson
1st Place: Jemma D'Amico
2nd Place: Emma Gasper
3rd Place: Alina Hughes

Popular Artists
Artist #1: Emma Gasper
Artist #1: Antonio McCladdie

Honorable Mentions
1. Hannah Jasany
2. Kara Burkart
3. Emma Gasper
4. Briana Knill
5. Laurel Gosnell
6. Tony McCladdie

 

CVCC Recognizes CHS Student Keira Connell

Cuyahoga Heights High School student Keira Connell is being recognized by the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center for her dedication and success in the Education Professions program. Her hard work and passion for teaching have earned her a spot at the national level.

Where Did the Time Go? Celebrating the Class of 2030

Join us as we honor our eighth grade students and celebrate their promotion to high school. This exciting and well-earned milestone is worthy of celebration for the Class of 2030.

 
 
 
 
 

A HUGE thank you to our incredible Red Wolf Run Sponsors!

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our Red Wolf Run Sponsors. Your support directly impacts our students and helps create meaningful opportunities for our school community. We truly could not do this without you!


 
 

Red Wolf Run Donation Envelopes

Red Wolf Run donation envelopes have been sent home with elementary and middle school students. Please check in with your student. Inside, you will find important details about what this fundraiser supports, along with the exciting incentives students can earn for participating.

Prefer to donate online? You may also contribute using the links below. Once you access the link, you can search for your student to ensure they receive credit for your donation.

Elementary
Middle School

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.

 
 

2026 Red Wolf Run Event Schedule

The 14th Annual PTO Red Wolf Run will be held on 5/8/26. Please join us to cheer on the runners! Look forward to 50/50 & basket raffles and more! Concessions will be open for spectators all day! (cash only). Please note: The run schedule may be adjusted for inclement weather or conditions beyond our control. All spectators must remain in the bleachers; only event volunteers will be permitted on the track. Spectators do not need to register beforehand - there will be a sign in table when you arrive. We look forward to seeing you there!

 
 

Run Day Emcee Shout-Outs by Big Red! | May 8

Want to surprise your runner with a special message?

For just $5, you can purchase a personalized shout-out to be read live by our Run Day Emcee on May 8th – Red Wolf Run Day!

Celebrate your student, encourage their laps, or send them a fun message they’ll hear during the event!

Don’t miss this fun way to make their Run Day extra memorable!

Deadline for receipt of this form is May 7th at NOON: Purchase a Shout-Out

 
 

14th Annual PTO Red Wolf Run Prizes

The Red Wolf Run is only ONE week away! CHS PTO has some exciting new prize announcements! Donation deadline: May 8, 2026.

 
 

3rd Annual Future Red Rubies Dance & Twirl Clinic

Saturday, the Red Rubies Drill Team hosted their 3rd Annual Future Rubies Dance & Twirl Clinic to great success. Students from K-5th grade learned baton and flag skills for the CHS fight song, and we danced to Lush Life and Stateside. Thank you to everyone who came out to support. We can't wait for next year! 

 

Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp 2026

We are excited to announce that this year's Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp will take place May 18th-20th from 3:30-5pm. Players will walk with Mr. Huffman to the high school field directly after school.

WHO:
3rd-5th Graders, Grades based on the 2025-2026 school year.

PLACE:
All instruction will take place at
Cuyahoga Heights High School football practice fields
4820 East 71st Street,
Cuyahoga Hts, Ohio 44125.

STAFF:
Cuyahoga Heights High School/Middle School Coaches
Cuyahoga Heights High School/Middle School Players

COST:
The cost for the camp will be $20 per camper.
This includes a camp T-shirt and snacks.

EQUIPMENT:
Each camper should come with their own water bottle.
Please wear shorts, a T-shirt, and cleats. In the case of inclement weather, please bring tennis shoes to wear inside.

HOW TO PAY:
Submit payments to Elementary or Middle/High School Offices. You can also submit them to Mr. Jory Huffman directly.

Cash or Make checks payable to: CHS Athletic Boosters

 

QUESTIONS:

Please contact via email

Coach Nate Bryk: nbryk@cuyhts.org
Coach Jory Huffman: jhuffman@cuyhts.org

 

Cuyahoga Heights Safety Town | Registration Now Open

Registration for CHS Safety Town is now open. The program will take place June 15–26, 2026 (M–F, 9:00–11:00 AM) at Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School.

Registration is online only, with limited space available. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.

The program is open to CHS students entering Kindergarten and Grade 1, with a $45 non-refundable fee per child.

Registration deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026

Register HERE

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