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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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Schools and Offices Closed) | Monday, January 19
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Virtual Raider Enrollment Rodeo | Tuesday, January 20
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Board of Education Work Session | Tuesday, January 27
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PTO Council Meeting | Tuesday, February 3
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Board of Education Meeting | Tuesday, February 10
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K-12 Conferences (No School for Students PreK-12) | Friday, February 13
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Grades K-5 Sweetheart Dance | Friday, February 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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Students Recognize School Board Appreciation Month
Earlier this week, students from all five elementary schools presented cards to the Board of Education! The students also invited the Board members to attend an upcoming event at their school. Thank you to our Board members for their dedication and service to Shaker students!
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Revised 2026-2027 Academic Calendar Approved
At their Tuesday, January 13 meeting, the Shaker Heights Board of Education approved revisions to the 2026-2027 academic calendar. These changes include:
- Professional days for staff will now begin on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
- The first day of classes for students will be Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
- The last day of classes for students will be Friday, May 28, 2027.
- Staff will observe professional days Tuesday, June 1, 2027 through Friday, June 4, 2027 to allow for packing and moving as a part of the facilities plan.
The full 2026-2027 academic calendar may be downloaded and is always available on shaker.org/calendar.
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2026-2027 Staggered Start Schedule
In order to provide for intentional start-of-school orientation time for students, particularly for those students who are transitioning to new buildings or who are new to the District, Shaker Heights Schools is planning to continue the use of a staggered start for the 2026-2027 school year. Students will start the school year as follows:
- School Day 1 (Tuesday, August 18, 2026):
- Kindergarten-Grade 5 will have meetings scheduled with each family
- Grade 6 attend all day
- Grade 9 attend all day
- Grades 7-8 and 10-12 do not attend
- School Day 2 (Wednesday, August 19, 2026):
- All K-12 students attend all day
- Ludlow Early Learning Center:
- Meetings with families on August 21 and 24
- First day of preschool will be August 25
Click here to download a chart of the staggered start schedule.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebrations Continue
Continue your learning and conversations throughout the year to recognize and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.
Learning Guide
Follow along with this multimedia learning guide to gain a deeper understanding of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Click here to read the Learning Guide.
Book Discussions
You are invited to join your friends and neighbors for two upcoming book discussions.
- Book Discussion: Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community by Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Wednesday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Shaker Main Library
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Shaker Culture & Engagement Officer Colleen Jackson will lead a discussion of Dr. King’s final book where he lays out his vision for the Beloved Community. Register here.
- A limited number of copies of the book will be given away after February 25 to those who have registered. The books have been provided by the Shaker Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee and the Friends of the Shaker Library.
- Book Discussion: Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
- Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Shaker Main Library
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Shaker Library and The Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers will present a shared reading, live performances, and conversation around this beautiful, powerful novel. Register here.
- A limited number of copies of the book will be given away after May 11 to those who have registered. The books have been provided by the Shaker Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee and the Friends of the Shaker Library.
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PTO Council News
The next PTO Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 7 p.m. at the Shaker Heights Main Library.
PTO Council will be updating our Code of Regulations over the coming months. Families will have the opportunity to provide feedback. Watch for more details in upcoming issues of Shaker eNews.
PTO Council has an opening for a Secretary. If you would like to learn more, please email ptocouncilpres@gmail.com.
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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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Shaker Students Present Flag at Cavaliers Game
Our Shaker Heights elementary students had an unforgettable experience last Saturday at the Cleveland Cavaliers game! They were thrilled to hold the flag on the court — what an incredible moment to represent our school community on such a big stage!
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By William Warren, Student Program Coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, Shaker Heights Schools
January 18, 2026
On December 10, 1964 in Oslo, Norway, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for “his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.” In his speech, he recognized that the prize was being awarded to him and the movement of nonviolent civil rights activism having not achieved its full potential;
“...I must ask why this prize is awarded to a movement which is beleaguered and committed to unrelenting struggle; to a movement which has not won the very peace and brotherhood which is the essence of the Nobel Prize.”
Dr. King accepted the prize at a time a year after the March of Washington and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which were both exalted and celebrated as major victories for the movement. But at what cost? Rampant violence towards civil rights activists persisted throughout the South. Firehoses and police dogs were used against men, women and children marching for freedom and peace. The assassinations of Medgar Evers, four Black girls at the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and President John F. Kennedy. Dr. King was mindful of these moments among others that he acknowledged in the beginning of his acceptance speech;
“I accept this award on behalf of a civil rights movement which is moving with determination and a majestic scorn for risk and danger to establish a reign of freedom and a rule of justice.”
Click here to view Dr. King’s speech in its entirety as we observe the holiday that bears his namesake and legacy.
Additional Resources
Sources for Discovering Hidden Historic Figures
“How MLK’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech Inspires Us Today”
Background on Dr. King’s Nobel Peace Prize from the MLK Research and Education Institute at Stanford University
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Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
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Reasons to Attend A Night for the Red & White
Celebrate Shaker Students
- Experience inspiring performances and view incredible PreK-12 artwork that showcases the talent, creativity and passion of our Shaker learners.
Have Fun While Giving Back
- Enjoy a lively night out with great food, dancing with Gumbo Dance Party, and exciting raffles and a silent auction all while supporting programs that directly benefit Shaker students.
Unbelievable Raffle Prizes
- Our most exciting raffle yet is coming soon. Trust us, you will not want to miss what is being revealed!
Connect with the Shaker Community
- Gather with fellow families, staff, alumni and friends to celebrate Shaker pride in one unforgettable evening at the Agora Theatre and Ballroom.
Make a Real Impact
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Every ticket helps fund innovative learning experiences that Educate, Empower, Explore and Engage Shaker students across all grade levels.
Buy your tickets today!
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