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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Winter Break (Schools Closed) | December 22 to January 2
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PreK-12 Classes Resume | Monday, January 5
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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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Youth Ending Hunger Hosts Spaghetti Dinner
Thank you to everyone who joined the Youth Ending Hunger (YEH) Club for their annual Spaghetti Dinner this week! The turnout was fantastic, the energy was joyful, and the pasta was delicious! Student musicians even entertained attendees with a jazz concert!
Your support helps empower YEH students in their mission to volunteer and give back to the Greater Cleveland community. We’re grateful to all the students, families, staff, and community members who came out, enjoyed a great meal, and contributed to a meaningful cause.
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Proposed 2026-27 Calendar Revisions Presented to Board of Education
The District presented proposed revisions to the 2026-2027 academic calendar at the December 9 Board of Education meeting. These updates support timelines for major facility renovations across the District. Highlights include:
- A start date of August 18, 2026, for students
- A May 28, 2027, end date for students
- Professional days for staff on June 1-4, 2027, to allow time for moves and preparation related to construction.
Families are invited to review the proposed revised calendar and share feedback using the public comment form by noon on January 13, 2026.
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Board Members Alison Bibb-Carson, Heather Weingart Recognized for Service
This week, the Shaker Heights Schools had the honor of recognizing two dedicated Board of Education members whose terms conclude at the end of this year: Alison Bibb-Carson and Heather Weingart.
To thank them for their years of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students, families and staff, each was presented with a commemorative rocking chair — a small symbol of our deep appreciation for all they’ve given to the Shaker Heights Schools community.
A special moment of the evening included an additional recognition for Heather Weingart. Reno Contipelli, Northeast Regional Manager for the Ohio School Boards Association, presented her with the Northeast Region Award for Board Excellence.
Please join us in thanking Alison Bibb-Carson and Heather Weingart for their tremendous service and dedication. Their achievements and contributions will have a lasting impact on our schools and community for years to come.
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Finish 2025 With Strong Attendance
As a reminder, the Shaker Heights Schools encourage all students to Show Up and Shine every day of the year! Consistent attendance supports student learning and makes it easier to connect with friends and teachers. This coming week, please ensure that students do not miss out on instructional time. We’re one week away from Winter Break – let’s work together to finish off the year strong!
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Support SHHS Softball and Girls Basketball at Upcoming Cleveland Monsters Games
Cheer on the Cleveland Monsters and support our student-athletes! The SHHS Softball and Girls Basketball teams are partnering with the Monsters for two special fundraising nights. A portion of each ticket sold will directly benefit one of the programs — and these tickets make great holiday gifts!
Game Dates & Ticket Info:
- Wednesday, January 21 – Supports SHHS Softball
- Game Start: 7 p.m. vs. Chicago Wolves at Rocket Arena
- Ticket Price: $25
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To Purchase: Venmo @shakerschoolsfoundation and please include “SOFTBALL MONSTERS TIX” and the email address associated with your SeatGeek account.
- Tuesday, February 3 – Supports SHHS Girls Basketball
- Game Start: 7 p.m. vs. Toronto Marlies at Rocket Arena
- Ticket Price: $25
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To Purchase: Pay via Square or Venmo @shakerschoolsfoundation and please include “GIRLS BBALL MONSTERS TIX” and the email address associated with your SeatGeek account.
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Join Aramark Student Nutrition Team
Aramark Student Nutrition, the District’s food service provider, is currently hiring food service workers. Aramark employees play a role in positively impacting the health of young people. Employees in this role do not work evenings, weekends or holidays. Click here to learn more and apply.
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Free Bellefaire Programs in January
Parents, professionals and educators are invited to join Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), a program of Bellefaire JCB, for two free programs in January.
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SAY Winter Forum – Youth Internet Safety for Parents and Trusted Adults. This event takes place on Wednesday, January 7 in the Auditorium at Beachwood High School, 25100 Fairmount Boulevard. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the program is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This program is for anyone who knows, loves and works with kids of all ages who are exposed to smart phones, the internet and any type of technology. Attendees will learn how to keep kids safe and how you can stay informed about the dangers they are exposed to. The program includes a speaker from the Ohio Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Educational Service Center. Two free CEUs will be given to social workers, counselors and psychologists and there will be a certificate that teachers can send to their board. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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SAY Parent Conversation – This event will take place on Tuesday, January 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Orange Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, 31975 Chagrin Boulevard in Pepper Pike. Local expert Dr. Lisa Damour will discuss an episode of her “Ask Lisa” podcast. Attendees are encouraged to listen to “Episode 64: How Do I Build My Kids’ Confidence and Self-Esteem?” prior to attending. This program is open to all parents/guardians, but the guided discussion will focus on teens and tweens. Click here for more information and to sign up.
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Student Musicians Perform at Sixth Grade Band Concert
Shaker Heights Middle School’s sixth-grade band students recently performed at their first fall concert, and they absolutely shined! From classic melodies like Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” to crowd favorites including “Hot Cross Buns,” “Seven Nation Army,” and “YMCA,” our students showcased their hard work, instrumental skills, and love for music.
Each section had a special moment to take the spotlight with a featured performance. We are so proud of the dedication and teamwork these young musicians display every day! Thank you to our families and band directors for your continued support of the arts and for cheering on our performers! Click here to watch the performance!
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By William Warren, Student Program Coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, Shaker Heights Schools
December 14, 2025
On behalf of the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, we hope you all have a safe and restful holiday season. Traditionally during this time, holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Day are observed worldwide — religion and culture intersecting, celebrations with family and loved ones, gift exchanges and a good time to be had over a great meal. But what about Kwanzaa? Created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African-American culture, Pan-African history and identity while also reaffirming seven humanistic principles (known as Nguso Saba) crucial to the growth and development of the African-American community. Kwanzaa’s notoriety is largely attributed to the controversy surrounding its founder and the false narrative that it is a holiday only for Black people. It is important to acknowledge that slavery largely separated Africans from their own heritage and culture, and the history of systemic racism, discrimination and disenfranchisement in the Americas has contributed to a crisis of Black identity. Kwanzaa helps to reconnect African-Americans and others throughout the African Diaspora, with their ancestral roots. While the principles of the Nguso Saba were meant to be applied within the Black community, all people of all backgrounds are invited to take part in Kwanzaa celebrations and events — whether it be a kinara lighting or a Karamu dinner.
Additional Resources
FMC XXXI — Deconstructing Kwanzaa, written by Dr. Lawrence Burnley
Kwanza: National Museum of African American History & Culture
Sources for Discovering Hidden Historic Figures
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Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
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The Countdown Is On for A Night for the Red & White!
Tickets are on sale now for a night filled with creativity, energy, and Shaker spirit. The entire community is invited to join us as we raise a glass and funds for Shaker students.
A Night for the Red and White takes place on Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. at The Agora Theatre and Ballroom! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of inspiring student performances, stunning PreK-12 artwork, exciting raffle and silent auction, delicious food and great company, and dancing with Gumbo Dance Party!
Let’s celebrate, connect, and make a lasting impact as we continue our mission to Educate, Empower, Explore, and Engage! Click here to learn more!
| | Quick Links: Opportunity Assistance, Enrichment Grants, Donations, More Info! Please follow the Shaker Schools Foundation on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. |
Free Smoke Alarm & Installation
Smoke alarms save lives. Shaker residents who need a smoke alarm can sign up with the American Red Cross to get a free alarm installed by the Shaker Heights Fire Department and a member of the Community Emergency Response Team. Need help installing an existing alarm? Call the Fire Dept. at 216-491-1200 to schedule an appointment.
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Open Call for Community Empowerment Grant Applications through December 31
Community Empowerment Grants of up to $2,500 are available for initiatives that foster engagement and belonging in Shaker Heights. Recently funded programs include Skatefest; youth lacrosse clinics; and a community design workshop. Submit your application no later than December 31.
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