November 7, 2025

From the Desk of Superintendent Young

Dear CHS Community,

Can you believe snow is in the forecast? Sunday night into Monday could bring our first snowfall of the year. While there is always excitement around the first snow, I want to remind everyone to drive safely, cautiously, and slowly as conditions change. The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority during challenging weather.

With snow in the forecast, this is an opportune time to briefly mention our weather-related decision-making process, with a more detailed explanation coming in the near future. When deciding whether to close school, I utilize information from the National Weather Service, emergency management officials, road maintenance teams, other area superintendents, and our transportation coordinator. I evaluate road conditions, transportation safety, and the timing of weather events. While I work to make informed decisions for our community, parents always have the right to make the final call about their child's safety. School closure information will be communicated through phone calls, emails, social media, our website, mobile app, and local news channels.

As we approach Veterans Day next week, we pause to honor all who have served our nation in uniform, both past and present. Their service and sacrifice have secured the freedoms we enjoy every single day - freedoms we can easily take for granted but should be grateful for always. The privilege of free public education, the safety of our communities, and the freedoms that define our nation all exist because these brave men and women were willing to serve something greater than themselves. Their dedication, courage, and willingness to put their lives on the line for our country deserve not just our recognition on Veterans Day, but our ongoing gratitude and respect. To all veterans in our community and beyond - thank you for your service.

With Thanksgiving break just two and a half weeks away, we maintain our focus through these busy November days while looking forward to time with family and friends.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

CHS Tips of the Week:

Creating a Culture of Respect and Kindness

Building a culture of respect and kindness in our schools and homes creates an environment where everyone can thrive. When students learn to treat others with dignity and consideration, they develop character traits that will serve them throughout their lives. Respect and kindness are foundational values that strengthen our community and help students become responsible, caring citizens. Here are some strategies for fostering respect and kindness:

Preschool-5th Grade:

Practice using polite words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me"
Model respectful behavior in your own interactions with others
Teach children to listen when others are speaking
Recognize and praise acts of kindness you observe

6th-8th Grade:

Discuss how to disagree respectfully with others' opinions
Encourage inclusion of classmates who may feel left out
Address the impact of words and actions on others' feelings
Practice empathy by considering situations from others' perspectives

9th-12th Grade:

Model civil discourse and respectful debate on important topics
Encourage standing up for others who are treated unkindly
Discuss the importance of respecting authority and following rules
Connect respect and kindness to future success in work and relationships

For All Students:

Treat everyone with basic courtesy regardless of differences
Show respect for teachers, staff, and school property
Practice the Golden Rule: treat others as you want to be treated
Understand that respect is earned through consistent, kind actions

Remember, respect and kindness begin at home and extend throughout our community. When we model these values, our children learn to do the same.

Meet our Gifted & Literacy Professionals!

Our Gifted and Literacy teams work hand-in-hand to support students’ growth and help every learner reach their full potential. The Gifted Department identifies and serves high-ability students, ensuring they receive meaningful enrichment opportunities that match their strengths and interests. This year, the department is also working to align services with the 2025 Gifted Operating Standards. In addition, they coordinate Written Education Plans (WEPs) in collaboration with teachers, parents, and students to personalize learning pathways.

Our Literacy team supports students in Kindergarten through 5th grade who benefit from additional help in reading and writing. Whether building foundational letter-sound connections or strengthening comprehension and writing skills, the literacy staff provides targeted, skill-based instruction to help students grow with confidence.

Together, these teams play a vital role in personalizing learning and empowering students to achieve at their highest level.

Click on the fun fact under each photo to learn something about them!

Jessica Dindia
Title I Reading Teacher
FUN FACT

Amy Harker
Gifted Coordinator
FUN FACT

Kaelyn Montgomery
Gifted Intervention Specialist
FUN FACT

Art 2 Visits University Circle

On November 3, the Art 2 class spent the day at University Circle exploring the vibrant world of art and design. Students toured the Case Western Reserve University art studios and visited the Cleveland Institute of Art, gaining a firsthand look at creative workspaces and programs. It was a full and inspiring day of learning, walking through the Case Western campus and around Wade Oval, and experiencing the energy of Cleveland’s arts community.

The CHS Recycling Club Needs Your Help

The CHS Recycling Club is collecting new and gently used shoes throughout October and November to benefit those in need. Our goal is to fill the donation boxes before Thanksgiving break — and we can’t do it without you!

If you have shoes you or your family no longer wear, please drop them off in one of the yellow collection boxes located in the Main Office or outside the High School Auditorium.

Let’s make a difference together this fall — one pair of shoes at a time!

The Music Man Parent Information Meeting

Do you have a student in this year’s play? Please join us for a Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:00 PM in the Orchestra Room (Room 257).

We’ll review the rehearsal schedule, set-building plans, and volunteer opportunities.

If you are unable to attend, all information will be sent out by email the following day.

Questions? Please email Mrs. Brown.

gbrown@cuyhts.org

Dive in with CHS Swimming

Ready to make a splash? Please join our swim teams if you are interested. We have both a Varsity program and a Middle School program for 7th and 8th grade students. Practices will be at the Independence indoor pool from 6:00-8:00 pm. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday practice will be 7:30-9:00 pm. The Middle School team will practice 3 days a week. If interested, please come to the first practice on Monday and update your Final
Forms. Contact Coach Jeffrey Armstrong at jarmstrong@cuyhts.org with any questions.

Cleveland Food Bank Assistance Information

Rachel Meffe, School Social Worker, is available to assist with finding food and other resources needed. Contact her at 216-429-5722 or rmeffe@cuyhts.org.

Parents' Night Out:
A relaxing evening for you and fun for the kids

Drop the kids off for a fun-filled night while you enjoy some time for yourself. Whether you're planning a quiet dinner or need to run some errands, we've got the children covered.

High school seniors will supervise your kids with engaging activities to keep them happy and entertained. All proceeds go to the 2026 after-prom.

Snacks: Kids will receive a tasty and energizing snack during the evening.

Gym Time: Children can play games like basketball or kickball.

Craft It Up: For the more creative kids, we'll have fun crafting projects available.

Payment: Please have the $30 (Cash, Venmo, Zelle) payment ready when you drop off your child. Email Wendi for Venmo & Zelle details.

RSVP: To help us plan for snacks and crafts, RSVP to Wendi Cichocki by November 14