The Shaker eNews is a weekly roundup of important information including District events, school newsletters and District, PTO Council, Shaker Schools Foundation and City news. Be sure to read the entire Shaker eNews each week to stay informed! | | The Shaker eNews is published weekly on Sundays. | |
Visit our District Calendar online for a complete list of upcoming activities, events and athletic competitions.
Please note the following upcoming important dates:
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Good Friday (Schools and Offices Closed) | Friday, April 18
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Board of Education Work Session | Tuesday, April 22
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Preschool Prospective Open House and STEAM Night | Tuesday, April 22
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Kindergarten Kickoff | Saturday, April 26
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Board of Education Meeting | Tuesday, May 13
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Click on the appropriate link below for school-level and building PTO news:
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Use these Quick Links to access the following District information:
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Esports Wins Big at Regional Tournament
The Shaker Heights Esports Team recently brought home several big wins! The SHHS Esports Chess Team took home the state championship for the second year in a row, the Overwatch team brought home the OHSAA Northeast Ohio Regional Championship, and the Smash Bros team came in as runners up at the OHSAA Regionals! The Valorant team qualified to compete in the OHSAA regional competition, and the JV Smash Bros team finished second in the state in the Esports Ohio playoffs! Well done, Shaker Esports players!
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Register for Kindergarten Kickoff on April 26
Kindergarten Kickoff is coming soon! We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2038 at this fun, Districtwide event on Saturday, April 26 from 1-4 p.m. at Lomond Elementary School!
All incoming kindergarten families are invited to meet your school building principal and learn about volunteering, before- and after-school child care, transportation, PTO and more. Plus, receive a few surprises for your student!
Register for the event and visit shaker.org/kindergarten for more information for incoming kindergarteners and a link to enroll!
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Update from #FinanceFriday
Have you seen the #FinanceFriday posts on the Shaker Heights Schools Facebook and Instagram pages? If not, check them out on Fridays. We will share the same information in the Sunday eNews.
While federal funds make up a small portion of our District’s overall budget, they play a big role in supporting student success!
Let’s take a quick look at how federal funding helps our schools thrive:
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Title I – Supports schools with high numbers of low-income students
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Special Education Grants – Help us meet the needs of students with disabilities
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Nutrition Programs – Fund free & reduced-price school meals for eligible students
Over the past three years, our district has received approximately $4.8 million annually in federal funds — supporting our student programming every day.
Stay tuned for more information in the next #FinanceFriday!
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Preschool Open House April 22
Interested in preschool? Sign up to attend our Preschool Open House and STEAM Night on Tuesday, April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Onaway Elementary School!
Families will learn more about the preschool program as we get ready to open the Ludlow Early Learning Center in Fall 2025 and experience an evening of building, problem-solving and fun! The preschool team will also share more information on the curriculum, including science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
Enjoy a light dinner and register on site for the 2025-2026 school year!
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Girls on the Run Program Develops Life Skills
Girls on the Run meets regularly at Lomond, Onaway and Fernway to develop life skills for students in Grades 3-5! Coaches and teachers inspire individuals of all abilities to discover, build, and grow their self-confidence. Together, they experience a sense of belonging and connection as a team. Coaches and teachers facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. Pictured above, students worked on overcoming obstacles by locking arms with a partner while sitting on the floor and worked together to stand up at the same time!
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By William Warren, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator, Shaker Heights Schools
Note: The month of April acknowledges several communities and their contributions to history. During April, From the Margins to the Center will feature information and stories in observance of Arab American Heritage Month, National Deaf History Month and Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month. This week’s feature is in observance of National Deaf History Month.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has designated April to commemorate National Deaf History Month. The association has established this time period to acknowledge and celebrate BIPOC members of the deaf community and their contributions while also working collaboratively towards dismantling racism and barriers to success for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Right here in our own community, the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) has served the needs of local individuals with special communication challenges for over 100 years. The oldest hearing and speech center in the United States, CHSC partners with dozens of local school districts, colleges, non-profit organizations and hospitals to offer its wide range of services and resources to those in need, such as speech-language pathologists, American Sign Language courses and hearing aid assistance for people of all ages.
CHSC also operates the Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, which provides educational and vocational services and advocates for deaf & hard of hearing individuals seeking to live and work independently. They also provide training and support for any agency that serves persons of their community.
In recognition of their efforts to make greater Cleveland more inclusive for the deaf and hard of hearing, we invite you to learn more about the Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center and its commitment to “a community where everyone communicates effectively.”
Additional Resources
NAD celebrates National Deaf History Month
Trailer for the documentary “Audible”
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Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
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Support the Ludlow Playground!
The Shaker Schools Foundation is proud to support the playground at the Ludlow Early Learning Center, in collaboration with our District, City and community. This new space is designed to enrich the Ludlow neighborhood with opportunities for outdoor play and community connection. The Ludlow Early Learning Center will provide a dedicated space for early education, nurturing our youngest learners and laying the foundation for their lifelong success. With inclusive play equipment for all ages, this playground will be a vital resource that strengthens both the community and our commitment to equity.
Join the fun! We need your help to provide essential equipment, including picnic tables, benches, and bike racks, and enhancements, such as interactive musical components, to enrich the play experience. With a matching gift challenge, your donation to the Shaker Schools Foundation will be doubled, allowing us to maximize our impact. Click here to learn more!
Please follow the Shaker Schools Foundation on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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Fair Housing Discussion at Shaker Library April 22
On Tuesday, April 22 from 6-7:30 p.m., learn about your fair housing obligations and best practices — from accommodations and modification for persons with disabilities, to hot topics including persons with criminal backgrounds. Featuring speakers from the Fair Housing Center, as well as the City of Shaker Heights. Location: Shaker Heights Main Library (16500 Van Aken Blvd.) This event is free! Click here to register.
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Summer Recreation Jobs Available
Does your teenager need a summer job? Shaker Heights Recreation is hiring park attendants, lifeguards, pool cashiers, sports field crews and more. Visit shakerheightsoh.gov/jobs and scroll down to the Recreation category to learn more and apply.
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