May 30, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

And then there was one...one last week of school for 2024-25. This weekend, we celebrate our graduating seniors as we symbolically get them to the starting line of the rest of their lives. We wish them all the best and hope the lessons, experiences, and memories gained at Cuyahoga Heights serve them well in whatever path they choose.

Next week brings the final activities of our school year - final exams in the high school, closing events and activities in the middle and elementary schools, and 5th and 8th grade promotions. These events mark important transitions for our students as they prepare to move forward in their educational journey.

As we reach this milestone, I am reminded of my first newsletter to you at the beginning of this school year, when I spoke about our commitment to providing the best education in the best environment. Looking back on this year, I am proud of how our community has lived up to that promise through meaningful relationships, impactful teaching, and unwavering support for our students - thank you.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS TIP OF THE WEEK:

Encouraging Summer Learning Opportunities

While summer provides a well-deserved break from formal schooling, it also offers valuable opportunities for continued learning and growth. Meaningful summer activities help prevent learning loss while allowing for rest and enjoyment. Here are some tips for enriching summer experiences:

Preschool-5th Grade:

Join the public library's summer reading program
Create a weekly schedule balancing structure and free play
Use cooking activities to practice math and reading
Explore nature with simple science journals

6th-8th Grade:

Select books that match personal interests for summer reading
Visit museums, parks, and historic sites as learning opportunities
Practice math through real-world activities like budgeting
Explore a new hobby or skill without academic pressure

9th-12th Grade:

Consider volunteer opportunities or summer internships
Visit potential colleges if appropriate
Maintain academic skills through summer reading or online courses
Develop a personal project related to interests or career goals

For All Students:

Balance structured activities with free time
Incorporate learning into family trips and outings
Limit excessive screen time
Maintain consistent reading habits

Remember, summer learning doesn't need to feel like school to be valuable—curiosity, exploration, and new experiences all contribute to growth!

Students of the Month - May

Cuyahoga Heights Schools proudly announces the May 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 Wednesday, May 28. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all!

Kindergarten
Kate Bogner
Arthur Heiberger

6th Grade
Cameron Walker

7th Grade
Rose Jackson

8th Grade
Isaac Mann

9th Grade
Nora Gannon

10th Grade
Kaitlyn Amari

11th Grade
Jackson Justice

12th Grade
Addison Bohning

Math Zoo Brings Learning to Life

Mrs. Studier's advanced 7th grade Pre-Algebra students recently wrapped up one of their favorite projects of the year - creating a zoo full of animals made entirely from recycled materials. But this wasn't just an art project. Students had to calculate the volume and surface area of each animal they built, turning everyday items like bottles, boxes, and containers into complex math problems.

The project challenged students to think creatively about how to break down irregular animal shapes into geometric forms they could actually measure and calculate. A monkey made from paper towel tubes required different mathematical thinking than a family of turtles constructed from various sized boxes and containers.

The finished zoo was on display in the media center, where staff members have been voting for their favorites. Mrs. Studier says the real winner is seeing her students discover that math can be both challenging and enjoyable!

The project perfectly captures what hands-on learning should look like - students applying mathematical concepts to solve real problems while developing creativity and environmental awareness along the way.

The Forbidden Doors - Top Secret Guided Tour

As part of the Red Wolf Run fundraising incentive, students were invited on a fun and informative behind-the-scenes tour of their historic school building, which first opened its doors in 1938. This exclusive experience offered a rare chance to explore areas that are typically off-limit. Along the way, they learned interesting details about the building’s original layout and how it has transformed over the decades. The tour sparked curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the school’s rich history.

One attendee recounts her experience of the tour here: On Thursday, May, 22, 2025 our Top Earners for the 13th Annual PTO Red Wolf Run experienced an exclusive top secret school tour of “forbidden” areas in our elementary, middle and high schools.

Our first tour began at the middle/high school where our top earners for grades 6, 7 and 8, along with a friend of their choice, started their tour led by Superintendent Mr. Young and Mr. Spadaro. We saw some amazing areas of the school that are usually off limits to students and most staff members - including an aerial view of the auditorium and a steep climb to the roof of the building. We were able to step outside onto the rooftop for an amazing view of our surrounding communities. We then toured the areas that were the original kitchen and cafeteria, home economics classroom, and drama club theater and stage. It was fun to learn the history of these areas that have been transformed to modern learning areas. We viewed the original vaulted safe and account ledger used by the treasurer’s office way back in 1938 when our school first opened. The students also learned about the foundry and machine shop, old coal chutes that were once used to heat the building, and the current boiler room. The last stop was a seemingly hidden door to the Archive and Alumni room. There, we learned about old school memorabilia, sport uniforms, trophies, and even beautiful prom dresses from decades ago. We ended our tour with a delicious root beer float treat.

In the afternoon, we took our elementary school top earners on another exclusive tour led by Mr. Young and Mr. Spadaro. We started by going through a door near the elementary school entrance that leads to the basement. We saw a room full of clocks waiting for new homes and an old incinerator and garbage shoot that are no longer in use. We then found another secret door upstairs that led to our elementary school attic. We saw abandoned desks, chairs, and some very beautiful attic windows. We were also able to step out onto the rooftop and see some amazing sights. We then walked through a tunnel connecting our school buildings by way of the pool and visited the middle/high school to see the original kindergarten classroom and the Archive and Alumni room. We ended our tour back over in the teacher’s lounge of CHES and enjoyed root beer floats.

Independence Library Visits Cuyahoga Heights

Elementary and Middle School students were visited this week by librarians from the Independence branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library System. Miss Dottie, Miss Kathy, and Miss Lynn told students about CCPL's Color Our World Reading Challenge that begins on June 2nd. For more details on how to register for the challenge, as well as information about summer programs & events, click on the links! CCPLSUMMERREADING.ORG https://attend.cuyahogalibrary.org/event/13166556

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.

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:

General Application

Contact George Burich at gburich@cuyhts.org with any questions.

Thank you for supporting our schools!

Congratulation Mrs. Dani Connors!

She's a seasoned multitasker, seamlessly managing phones, doors, questions, and countless requests all at once. She is kind, caring, and helpful. She’s professional to a fault and, as the first person a parent or visitor encounters at the school, she is committed to maintaining a welcoming and supportive school environment.

You can read the full story here.

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.

OHSAA-Division III Region 9 Track & Field Championships

Congratulations to our Regional Qualifiers. All the information you need can be found on this attachment: https://sites.google.com/view/ohsaa-diii-region-9-tf-champs

Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp 2025

We are excited to announce that this year's Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp will take place July 28-30 from 10 a.m. - noon.

WHO:
Rising 3rd-6th 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 Heights, Ohio 44125

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

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 SIGN UP:
To sign up, use the following link:
Cuyahoga Heights Youth Football Camp

HOW TO PAY:
Submit payments to Elementary or Middle/High School Offices

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 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

Registration Form

Honoring Officer Jacob Derbin: Monument Unveiling

On behalf of the Class of 2018, we invite our school community to join us in honoring the memory of Officer Jacob Derbin—a proud Cuyahoga Heights graduate and dedicated public servant. The event will commemorate Jacob’s life and legacy with the unveiling of a permanent monument in his honor. Please see the flyer for details.

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