October 10, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

This week brought two outstanding events that perfectly embody the spirit of "paying it forward" - a message that former Superintendent Tom Evans frequently shared, inspired by legendary Ohio State football coach Woody Hayes. In his famous 1986 commencement address, Coach Hayes spoke about the importance of paying forward rather than paying back, noting that we honor those who helped us by helping others.

On Thursday, our students demonstrated this principle beautifully across our district. Nearly 160 high school students spent the afternoon volunteering throughout our communities after completing their PSAT exams. They cleaned up Valley View Woods and local parks, detailed vehicles for our villages, painted at fire stations, created cards for young patients at Akron Children's Hospital, and made dog treats for an animal shelter.

That same morning, our elementary school hosted Goodies with Grands, welcoming grandparents to campus for a special celebration organized by our PTO. This event honored the vital role these family members play in our students' lives and created meaningful connections across generations.

Both events reflect Coach Hayes' message. Our high school students gave their time and energy to serve others. Our elementary students expressed gratitude and appreciation for their grandparents. These experiences teach that service and gratitude are about contributing to something larger than ourselves and strengthening the bonds that make our community special.

I am proud of our students, staff, families, and community partners who made both events successful. Together, we are paying forward the gifts we have received.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Preparing for Productive Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences provide valuable opportunities to discuss your child's progress, address concerns, and strengthen the home-school partnership. These conversations work best when families come prepared with questions and an open mind. Productive conferences result in shared understanding and clear action steps that support student success. Here are some strategies to make the most of your conference time:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Review your child's recent work and assignments before the conference

• Prepare questions about social development and classroom behavior

• Ask about specific ways to support learning at home

• Discuss your child's interests and how they connect to school learning

6th-8th Grade:

• Check grades and attendance records before meeting with teachers

• Ask about organizational skills and study habits

• Discuss how your child is adjusting to increased independence

• Inquire about upcoming projects or assessments

9th-12th Grade:

• Review transcript and progress toward graduation requirements

• Discuss college and career readiness preparation

• Ask about course recommendations for future semesters

• Address any concerns about workload balance or stress management

For All Students:

• Arrive on time and respect the scheduled conference duration

• Listen actively to teacher observations and insights

• Share relevant information about home circumstances affecting learning

• Leave with specific action steps and follow-up plans

Remember, conferences are partnerships—teachers and families working together to help students reach their full potential. Approach these conversations with openness and collaboration.

This week, we’re celebrating our amazing Third Grade Team—a group known for their energy, teamwork, and dedication to student success. They make learning meaningful and fun, helping students grow into confident, independent learners.

From creative lessons to hands-on activities, this team brings enthusiasm and heart to everything they do. Thank you for inspiring our students to reach new HEIGHTS every day!

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

On Thursday, October 9, the day began with all 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students focused on  taking their PSAT and ended with everyone lending a helping hand during Cuyahoga Heights Schools’ annual Community Impact Day. This event gave high school students a chance to step outside the classroom and take part in service projects that promote teamwork, responsibility, and pride in giving back.

Nearly 160 students volunteered at locations within our communities and in the local area. Some students spent the afternoon outdoors cleaning up at Valley View Woods, as well as the path to Bacci Park and the Mill Creek river edge in Cuyahoga Heights. Other students detailed vehicles for the village and painted at the Brooklyn Heights Fire Department and painting inside the five Parma Fire Stations. A few students stayed on campus, taking part in school improvement efforts, creating thoughtful cards for patients at Akron Children’s Hospital, and making dog treats for Sweet Valley Drive Animal Shelter in Valley View.  Every project, large or small, showed the students’ commitment to making their community a better place.

Community Impact Day continues to be a meaningful tradition at Cuyahoga Heights Schools. It reminds students that their time and effort can make a real difference and strengthens connections with the local organizations that support our district. Together, they’re building a spirit of service that lasts well beyond a single day.

Last Friday (10/3), an admissions counselor from the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) visited Cuyahoga Heights art classes to share information about the college application process, CIA’s High School Pre-College Program, and Young Artist classes available to middle school students.

Looking ahead, the Art 2 class will travel to CIA in November to tour the campus and explore University Circle, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to study in one of the region’s most creative environments!

Calling all actors! Join the high school/middle school drama department in this year’s production of The Music Man. Auditions will take place on October 27 and 28 after school. To sign up, add your name to the sign-up sheet posted outside the orchestra room. You must also pick up an audition packet from Mrs. Brown in the orchestra room. Email Mrs. Brown, the director, for more information.

On Friday, September 26, 2025, Cuyahoga Heights High School welcomed twelve college and military representatives to the Media Center to meet with interested students. High school students had the opportunity to speak with and learn more about the colleges and military branches in attendance.

Those represented included Baldwin Wallace University, Hiram College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, The University of Akron, the University of Mount Union, the United States Army, the United States Army National Guard, the United States Navy, and the United States Air & Space Force.

Additional college and military representatives will visit the lunchroom throughout the school year. Some already scheduled include Cuyahoga Community College (Oct. 7), Eastern Michigan University (Oct. 13), the University of Toledo (Oct. 15), and Malone University (Oct. 29).

The Guidance Office maintains a list of college and military representatives’ contact information for any student who would like to reach out to a specific school or branch of the military.

On Tuesday, our high school students traveled to John Carroll University to participate in the Veale Foundation’s Annual Thinkfest, accompanied by Julie Regula, CVCC Career Specialist, and Jordan D’Orazio, Cuyahoga Heights Student Engagement Specialist.

This dynamic, hands-on entrepreneurial workshop was led by Dr. Jeffrey Stamp, a University of Minnesota professor and creator of some of America’s favorite snacks. Dr. Stamp inspired students to think creatively, collaborate, and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.
Working alongside peers from multiple school districts, participants transformed their ideas into innovative products — moving from concept to design with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The event concluded with an open “marketplace,” where students voted on one another’s inventions.

Cuyahoga Heights students Zander Meriwether and Addison Deka were members of the team behind the winning idea, the “Dry N Go” — a portable canister designed to quickly dry wet sports gear, beach attire, and more. Each team member earned a $25 Amazon gift card in recognition of their creativity and teamwork.

Though only one team took home the top prize, every participant walked away with something even more valuable — hands-on experience, fresh ideas, and a deeper understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship.

ALOHA, RED WOLVES!

Get ready to hula! The PTO is hosting a Luau Dance for all middle school students on Friday, October 24th from 5–7 PM in the MS/HS Cafeteria, right before the varsity home football game!

Come hang out with friends, enjoy great music, and soak up some fun island vibes!
Tropical or Hawaiian attire encouraged!

Cost Details:
• $5 Presale/Discount Dance Admission (ends 10/12)
• $10 Regular Dance Admission (10/13–10/24)
• $5 Pizza + Drink + Chips Combo (ends 10/21)

Food must be purchased in advance! No food sales after 10/21 or at the door.

Tickets can also be purchased with cash during student lunch periods on select days.

This event is for CHS students in grades 6–8 only.

Fall is in the air, and we're ready to celebrate at CHES! 🍂🎃 The CHS PTO will be hosting our 3rd annual spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat event on Sunday, October 12 from 2:00pm-3:30pm. Please join us for a spooktacular time that's sure to be fun, free and open to all CHES students and their families! All in our community are welcome to host and decorate a trunk! Want to get involved? Visit https://chspto.ptboard.com/ to register your trunk! We are looking for High School Student Volunteers to assist with games and activities. ** Reminder: Volunteering for at least one PTO event/initiative at some point during a student's high school career is a requirement for 2026 PTO Senior Scholarships.

🔥 SPIRIT WEAR DROP – CLASS OF 2026 🔥
Crewneck sweatshirts and tees are available now—don’t miss out!

🗓 Order Deadline: Monday, October 13
💵 Payment: Cash or checks only (made payable to CHS BOE)
📥 How to Order:

• Place your order with a senior, or

• Print the attached order form and submit it with payment to Shelby Castle

Show your Class of 2026 pride and grab your gear today! 🎓👕

Last weekend, Bram Podoll took on an incredible challenge: running one mile every hour for 24 consecutive hours as part of The 24 in 24, a unique endurance event that raises funds for A Special Wish – Northeast Ohio Chapter.

In his first year participating, Bram raised over $3,200 to help grant wishes for local children battling life-threatening illnesses and to support their families. His dedication and resilience made a meaningful impact.

To learn more about The 24 in 24 or to get involved, visit the24in24.org.

Join us for an evening of good food, great company, and live music by the CHS Band. Seniors Serving Seniors is a special tradition where the Class of 2026 proudly serves our senior citizens a delicious meal in celebration of you.

Enjoy the chance to mingle with school administration, connect with friends, and let us honor the impact you’ve had on our community. This night is dedicated to celebrating you!

The Cuyahoga Heights Wrestling Club is open to all students in grades K–6. Throughout the season, your child will learn the fundamentals of wrestling, gradually building on those skills as they are mastered. Our goal is to help each wrestler grow in ability, develop a strong work ethic, and build positive self-esteem.

Parent Meeting

We will hold a parent information meeting in the Wrestling Room (Auxiliary Gym next to the pool) on either:

• Monday, October 14, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. or

• Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

This meeting will cover details about the upcoming season, spirit wear, fundraising, and provide time for any questions. If you cannot attend on the 14th, please plan to attend on the 16th.

The official season begins Tuesday, October 21, 2024.

Practice Schedule

All practices will be held in the Cuyahoga Heights Auxiliary Gym (next to the pool).

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: All wrestlers, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

• Wednesdays (beginning in November): Varsity only, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Contact Information

If you have questions prior to the parent meeting, please reach out:

• Coach Shawn Deka – (216) 533-8474

• Email: cuyahogahtsyouthwrestling@gmail.com

We are looking forward to another great wrestling season!

Cuyahoga Heights Youth Wrestling Coaching Staff
Shawn Deka · Zach Noernberg · Mike Kirchner

The Brooklyn Heights Service Club is having a Halloween Dance/Costume Party for 4th through 8th graders on October 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Brooklyn Heights Community Center.

If you would like your tween to attend the Halloween Dance/Costume Party, RSVP by October 22, 2025.  There will be a $5 admission fee for all non-residents of Brooklyn Heights (which will be paid in cash on the night of the dance). Due to the capacity limit at the community center, we need to know the number of students who will be attending before the event. Everyone must be registered before the event.  

(PLEASE NOTE: If we are at or near capacity on the 25th, we will not be able to let anyone in who is not on the list)

Please email justjanet1972@sbcglobal.net with your name, child's name, address, email, and phone number, or click HERE.