Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High Schools

January 2017 Volume 2, Issue 5

The Monthly Update

PLANNING AHEAD

January 3

Winter Break ends and

Classes Resume

January 4

Board of Education

Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

January 9

Athletic Booster Club

Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

January 10, 11

HS Midterm Exams

Early Release for HS/MS

Students at 12:20 p.m.

January 12

HS Midterm Exams

Early Release for HS/MS

Students at 11:20 a.m.

End Quarter 2

January 13

Staff Professional

Development Day, No

School for Students

January 16

MLK Day, No School

January 18

8th Grade Transition to HS

Meeting for Parents at 6:00

p.m.

Tentative BOE Meeting at

7:00 p.m.

January 25

10th Grade Field Trip to

CVCC

January 27

Final Payment Due for 8th

Grade Trip

Happy New Year to all families within the Cuyahoga Heights School District! I hope that the

holidays were enjoyable and allowed you all some time to relax and to spend quality time with both

family and friends. The start of a new year is a time to look forward to the graduation of the Class of

2017 and the promotion of our 8th graders to high school.

The new year is a great time to reflect on the changes students want to or need to make as they

prepare for their future, especially if they plan to attend college. The International College Counselors

offers a few resolutions students may want to consider.

1. Stop procrastinating. How often have you underestimated how much time it will take to get

something done? Then, how sad are you when you don’t have the time to do your best? At some

point, the procrastinator has to write four college essays in one night – on top of completing

schoolwork. Usually, this doesn’t turn out so well. If you finish a project earlier than you thought

you would, then consider yourself ahead.

2. Commit yourself to getting good grades. Good grades are entirely necessary to get into a good

school unless you’re a top notch athlete. The best case scenario is that you have good grades from

the beginning. However, if you start off badly and improve your grades, colleges will give you

points for this. Many admissions officers won’t look at your application if your grades are too

low or show a steady decline. Spending a night studying while your friends play Wii may not

excite you, but you need to look at this long-term. Think of it this way, grades are a bridge. They

will serve you to get into a college where you will have more freedom. In college, grades may not

be as important as in high school.

3. Don’t do it all. It’s better to concentrate on a few things and excel in them than if you join every

sport, activity and club that you can cram into your schedule. Anyone can join 10 clubs and be

marginally involved in them all. Schools are looking for commitment that shows you’re willing

to stick with something and make the most of it.

4. Keep a calendar. Deadlines creep up quickly. And the closer the date, the more you’ll feel the

pressure. Most students don’t do their best under pressure. And colleges, scholarships, federal

aid, and standardized testing services are not going to be sympathetic to any excuses you have

about missing a deadline. If you miss a deadline, you miss an opportunity.

5. Take standardized tests early. You won’t know how high you can score until you take the test.

Wait too long and you won’t have enough time to retake it. And many things can affect your test

score on any given day, including the state of your health, and you can’t plan not to get the flu or

food poisoning. Taking the test early will also allow time to take a test prep course if necessary.

Article continues on page 7.

Principal’s Message

The inspired student is filled with confidence and the desire to do something positive for

himself/herself and others. Inspired students often inspire greatness in others.

This month, four students were recognized for demonstrating inspiration:

Week of December 5—Hannah Trusso, nominated by Mrs. Broski

Week of December 12—Vito Pavlovic, nominated by Mr. Amari

December Pride Tribe—Inspired

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The Monthly Update

The following students have been selected in grades 6–12 as our Students of the Month. These

students perform exemplary in the classroom and are positive role models to their peers.

Congratulations to the following students:

12th Grade—Nathan Schroeder

11th Grade—Marcella Michalski

10th Grade—Jordan Sturgill

9th Grade—Katarina Kiriazis

8th Grade—Devon Patel

7th Grade—Olivia Santiago

6th Grade—Kaelib Graaf

December Students of the Month

During December, high school student-athletes nominated by their coaches were recognized as

athletes of the week for excelling in athletic performance, leadership and sportsmanship. Those

student-athletes were:

Brooke Wilson, Girls Basketball

Trey Combs, Wrestling

Please visit the Cuyahoga Heights Calendar on our website for dates and times for all events and

for an opportunity to see our student-athletes in action.

Athletes of the Month—December

The 8th Grade Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg Trip is less than three months away. As a

reminder, the final payment pf $261 is due to Nowak Tours by January 27. In addition, the

Roommate Request Form is due February 1st, with all other forms due March 1st. Please follow

the links below to access the Nowak Tours website and the Parent Information Packet.

Nowak Tours

Parent Information Packet

8th Grade Trip—Final Payment Due in January

Congratulations to Coach Martin, his staff and the football players on earning the OHSAA Division VI State

Runner-Up. Although we came up short against Marion Local by a score of 21 – 17 in a hard-fought game, the

resiliency, effort and character of our players was unmatched. A special thanks to the cheerleader, band,

student body and community for supporting the team during the playoff run. The community spirit, pride,

excitement and energy created an atmosphere that those involved will never forget. Thank you to all who “Put

the unity in community!”

OHSAA Division VI Football State Runner Up!

The Monthly Update

Page 3

Opponent Score Record

LaGrange Keystone 35-13 1-0

New London 48-6 2-0

New Middletown Springfield 45-21 3-0

Gates Mills Hawken 33-7 4-0

Middlefield Cardinal 41-13 5-0

Richmond Heights 42-6 6-0

Fairport Harding 35-6 7-0

Burton Berkshire 49-28 8-0

Kirtland 21-0 9-0

Independence 45-7 10-0

Opponent Score Record

Jeromesville Hillsdale 24-7 11-0

Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas 34-0 12-0

Kirtland 17-0 13-0

Newark Catholic 30-14 14-0

Maria Stein Marion Local 17-21 14-1

For over eighty years the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers, Inc. has been instrumental in giving young artists

across the country an opportunity to display their artwork and compete for scholarships. Sponsored at the regional level

by the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, this National Competition selects

artworks from over 100 area schools to jury and display the first round of the competition, with Gold Key winners (first

place winners) moving onto the national exhibition in Washington D.C. Gold and Silver Key winners will be on display

at the Cleveland Institute of Art from January 17 through February 3, 2017. Honorable mentions are displayed

digitally. This year, of our submitted artworks, Cuyahoga Heights High School has three students to recognize:

Emily Foote

Gold Key for her drawing Life from Death

Silver Key for her portfolio Odyssey

Silver Key for her drawing Work Space

Silver Key for her photo Life’s Reflection

Honorable Mention for her illustration Three Witches

Life After Death Work Space Life’s Reflection

Jessica Gray Ada Gee

Silver Key for her drawing Geometric Illusion Honorable Mention for her drawing A=2(1+v2)a

Geometric Illusion A=2(1+v2)a

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Monthly Update

Page 4

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The Monthly Update

Districts and community schools must administer a state-funded college and career readiness test

to juniors in spring 2017 as one of their three diploma options. Each district and community school

will choose to either administer the state-funded ACT or SAT college and career readiness test.

State law is clear that both tests meet Ohio’s graduation requirements to earn a high school

diploma.

Cuyahoga Heights will tentatively be administering the ACT on March 21, 2017. More

information will be available early second semester. College readiness, as defined by Ohio’s

university presidents, correlates to a student earning an 18 or higher on the English subtest, a 22 or

higher on the Mathematics subtest and a 22 or higher on the Reading subtest. Please note that this

version on the ACT will not include a Writing subtest. For questions about the ACT or SAT,

please contact Mrs. Douglas in the Guidance Office.

The ACT is Coming to the Class of 2018 and Beyond

2016-17 ACT and SAT Dates

ACT Test Dates and Deadlines

ACT Test Date Registration Deadline ACT Scores Available

February 11, 2017 Jan. 13, 2017 Feb. 22, 2017

April 8, 2017 Mar. 3, 2017 Apr. 18, 2017

June 10, 2017 May 5, 2017 Jun. 20, 2017

SAT Test Dates and Deadlines

SAT Test Date Registration Deadline SAT Scores Available

March 11, 2017 Feb. 10, 2017 Mar. 30, 2017

May 6, 2017 Apr. 7, 2017 May 25, 2017

June 3, 2017 May 9, 2017 Jun. 22, 2017

ACT PREP WORKSHOPS AT CVCC ($20 per Workshop)

Date Subject Time

January 28, 2017 General Overview 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

February 4, 2017 Math Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

February 25, 2017 English Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

March 4, 2017 Reading Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

March 11, 2017 Science Test 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

March 18, 2017 Review 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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The Monthly Update

On Wednesday, January 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the HS Auditorium, I will host an 8th Grade

Transition to High School Meeting for Parents. At this meeting, I will provide information on

course scheduling, graduation requirements, high school testing, co-curricular activities and

planning beyond high school. This will be a very beneficial meeting for parents to not only

provide guidance on future planning to their students but also to make the most informed

decisions as parents of 2021 graduates. See you then!

8th Grade Transition to HS Parent Meeting

Ohio's College Credit Plus program allows students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high

school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or

universities. The purpose of this program is to promote rigorous academic pursuits and to

provide a wide variety of options to college-ready students.

If you are interested in learning more about the College Credit Plus program, please attend

an information session on Thursday, January 19, from 2:45 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Cuyahoga

Heights High School Auditorium. All interested parents and students are encouraged to attend.

Students may choose to attend any number of universities; however, a representative from

Cuyahoga Community College will present information regarding College Credit Plus (CCP)

and how to enroll in appropriate coursework both at the home district (Cuyahoga Heights), as

well as in the Admissions Office of the college.

Independence High School is also offering a CCP presentation on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at

2:30 p.m. at Independence High School’s Auditorium. This is another opportunity to hear the

presentation from a Tri-C representative.

It is best practice that students AND parents participate in the CCP meeting on Thursday,

January 19, 2017 or the CCP meeting at Independence High School on February 14, 2017.

College Credit Plus Meeting

One often complicated, yet critical responsibility is to help students prepare for success on the

SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests. These tests are major educational milestones, and

student need support, encouragement, and the right tools for the job. Too often, cost, time, and

technology can be barriers to meeting the needs of every student. It is the understanding of these

needs and opportunities that the U.S. Army offers March2Success.com.

March 2 Success is a free, interactive online tutorial and test prep tool designed to help students

in grades 8 - 12 prepare for standardized tests such as SAT, ACT, state exit exams, and the

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It is important to note that this free

resource is not used for military recruiting purposes, as student information is not provided to

recruiters. Personal information is not collected. The privacy of March 2 Success participants is

respected.

Free ACT/SAT Prep Online

Page 7

The Monthly Update

Family vacations are absences that will count in the 10-day limit on approved absences.

The absence will be unexcused unless all of the following criteria are met:

One of the student’s parents or legal guardian accompanies him/her on the vacation.

The Vacation Form, obtained in the Attendance Office, is submitted 5 days prior to

the absence.

The student must not be in danger of failing any classes and must have an acceptable

attendance rate.

The student must obtain assignments and submit them before the vacation or on the

first day returning to school, as determined by the individual teacher.

Note: Maximum of 5 vacation days for the school year allowed. No vacations will be

approved during the last five days of any semester.

Family Vacation Absences

For both the HS and MS, Ms. Bacci handles all absences, tardies, late entries and early

dismissals. It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to call their child off school each

day they are absent no later than 8:00 a.m. You will be asked to provide your student’s

name and grade, your name and relation to the student, the reason for the absence and a

parent phone number. Doctor and dental absences should be accompanied by a note

upon return to school. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Bacci in the Main

Office at 216-429-5707.

Reporting Absences—Grades 6 through 12

Cuyahoga Heights Middle/High School administration and faculty believe that

exemplary attendance directly influences academic achievement and prepares students to

be successful in college and careers. Attendance guidelines and policies have been

established to set reasonable expectations for attendance that will ensure the appropriate,

active involvement of students in school and to help them achieve their goals.

Students are permitted no more than ten (10) absences in a school year. Parent notes will

not be accepted for absences beyond the 10-day limit. All absences beyond the 10-day

limit will be unexcused unless they are accompanied by a physician’s note or a

court document. Students do not earn credit for work collected dur ing an

unexcused absence. Students, who are excessively absent, both excused and unexcused,

find themselves in danger of forfeiting academic credit, per individual class, for the

semester.

Absences from School - 10 Day Limit

Cuyahoga Heights Schools

4820 71st Street

Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125

Phone: 216-429-5700

Fax: 216-341-3737

E-mail: myoung@cuyhts.org

The mission of the Cuyahoga Heights Schools is to provide a safe, secure, and

nurturing learning environment that graduates students who are college and

career ready, are critical thinkers, are culturally aware, and are prepared to

be successful citizens of the 21st century.

Cuyahoga Heights Middle and High School

6. Do your research. Know what the choices are when it comes to colleges. This way you can avoid any “coulda, shoulda, woulda”

regrets later in life. Research could be as simple as visiting a school’s website.

7. Try something new. High school is a great time to spread your wings. It’s about new experiences and self-discovery. Want a

certain internship, there’s no harm in calling up and asking if they have any room for an eager high school student to work there.

Want to try a new sport or activity, go ahead and try it. You’re not expected to leave high school knowing exactly what you

want to do, but this is a chance to start narrowing down your interests. You’ll never know what you like – or how good you are

at something – until you try something.

8. Be excited about going to college. Wherever you go to college, you’re going to meet new people, learn new things, and have a

great time. That’s reason enough to be excited whether you end up attending a first choice school or a safety.

9. Do what your college counselor tells you. Students: We at International College Counselors are here to get you what you want

out of life.

10. Banish the self-doubt. Doubting your own abilities only holds you back from achieving what you want to achieve. Just say no to

these thoughts and others like them:

I can’t do this.

I’m not as smart as my classmates.

I’ll never get better than a 2.7 grade-point average.

I’ll only get into a community college anyway.

There’s no point in thinking I’ll get into my first choice college.

Have a terrific 2017...It’s Great To Be At Cuyahoga Heights!

Source: http://internationalcollegecounselors.com/10-new-year-resolutions-for-high-school-students

Principal’s Message...Continued

Empowering students to reach new

HEIGHTS!

Cuyahoga Heights Local School District

We’re on the Web!

www.cuyhts.org