October 17, 2025

Dear CHS Community,

October continues to pass quickly, and the first quarter has already concluded. Report cards will be released soon, offering families a chance to review student progress and establish goals for the remainder of the semester. Parent-teacher conferences will take place in early November - I encourage all families to participate in these valuable conversations with your child's teachers.

I want to extend sincere appreciation to our PTO for their ongoing commitment to creating memorable experiences for our students and community. Last weekend, they organized Trunk or Treat, which attracted over 150 trick-or-treaters for a festive and safe Halloween event. Additionally, their recent sponsorship of the elementary book fair continues to promote literacy and a love of reading during these critical early years of education.

Looking ahead to next week, our senior class will host the Seniors Serving Seniors dinner at Cuyahoga Heights Village Hall. This meaningful event brings together our graduating students and community senior citizens, creating connections across generations while allowing our students to demonstrate gratitude and service to those who have contributed so much to our community.

Our fall athletic seasons are reaching their culmination, with numerous teams and individual athletes advancing to OHSAA postseason tournaments. We celebrate their achievements and wish them continued success as they represent Cuyahoga Heights with pride and determination.

From academic milestones to community service to athletic excellence, these varied activities showcase the comprehensive educational experience we provide at CHS. Thank you for your active partnership in making it all possible.

Reaching New Heights Together,

Matt Young
Superintendent

Safe Celebrations and Community Connections

As Halloween approaches and fall festivities continue, these celebrations offer wonderful opportunities for community building and family traditions. Balancing fun with safety ensures that everyone can enjoy these special times. Teaching children to be respectful of different traditions and to make safe choices helps create positive memories and strengthens our community bonds. Here are some strategies for safe and inclusive celebrations:

Preschool-5th Grade:

• Review basic safety rules for trick-or-treating and crossing streets

• Choose costumes that are visible, comfortable, and allow clear vision

• Inspect candy before allowing children to eat it

• Practice polite behavior and gratitude during community events

6th-8th Grade:

• Plan supervised activities with friends and families

• Discuss respectful costume choices that don't stereotype or offend

• Teach them to be inclusive of younger trick-or-treaters

• Address responsible behavior at school and community celebrations

9th-12th Grade:

• Emphasize safe driving and pedestrian awareness on Halloween night

• Encourage hosting or attending supervised gatherings

• Discuss making responsible choices during celebrations

• Suggest volunteering at community events or helping younger children

For All Students:

• Set clear expectations and curfews appropriate to age

• Discuss respecting others' property and celebration choices

• Be mindful of food allergies and sensitivities in treats

• Participate in school-sponsored fall activities and events

Remember, celebrations are about creating joyful memories and strengthening community connections. Safety and respect make these occasions enjoyable for everyone.

Our fourth grade team is a dynamic group of educators who bring energy, creativity, and compassion to everything they do. They work tirelessly to create an engaging and supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore, think critically, and challenge themselves. From science experiments and math challenges to reading adventures and hands-on projects, the fourth grade classrooms are full of excitement and discovery every day.

This team not only focuses on academic growth but also on building character and confidence in their students—preparing them to take on new challenges with curiosity and kindness. Their dedication, teamwork, and love for learning truly shine through in all they do!

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

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, October 15. This monthly recognition highlights our students' diverse talents and dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all!

Sophomore students Nathan Tommer, Arianna Wittingen, Caleigh Rusch, Joee Cichocki, and Drayden Whitlow participated in the First Ring Student Leadership Institute workshop at Cleveland State University this past Wednesday.

During the workshop, students were challenged to identify issues within their own schools and then collaborate with peers from 16 other local districts to develop creative solutions. Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills, they worked together to address real challenges impacting their school communities.

This session marks the first of eight in the program, during which students will continue to research, analyze data, and implement strategies designed to make a positive impact within their home districts.

Are you interested in being part of a team that helps shape the future of our school district? We’re inviting new members to join the Cuyahoga Heights BEST Committee (Building on Excellence and Success Together) for the 2025–26 school year.

The BEST Committee brings together parents, community members, staff, and administrators to collaborate on important topics that impact our schools and community. This year, our focus will center on the Communication and Community Outreach pillar—discussing ways to keep our community informed and engaged, especially with recent legislation and potential property tax changes.

The committee will meet four times throughout the school year:

• Thursday, October 23, 2025 – 6:00–8:00 p.m.

• Thursday, December 11, 2025– 6:00–8:00 p.m.

• Thursday, February 26, 2026 – 6:00–8:00 p.m.

• Thursday, April 30, 2026 – 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Meetings are held in the Bahner Ray Media Center, and participants are welcome to attend as their schedules allow. A light dinner will be provided at 5:30 p.m. prior to each meeting, and a sign-up form will be emailed in advance to confirm attendance.

Interested in joining?
Please complete the BEST Committee Interest Form by Monday, October 20.

Note for returning members: If you’ve already received and completed the returning member form, there’s no need to sign up again.

Together, we can continue Building on Excellence and Success Together!

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.

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.

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 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.