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. | |
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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 20
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PreK-12 Professional/Clerical Day | Tuesday, January 21
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Coffee with the Superintendent | Tuesday, January 28
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Board of Education Meeting | Tuesday, February 11
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K-12 Conference Day (No School for Students PreK-12) | Thursday, February 13
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K-12 Conference Day (No School for Students PreK-12) | Friday, February 14
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Presidents’ Day (Schools and Offices Closed) | Monday, February 17
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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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Sankofa Performs for MLK Day Celebration
Shaker Heights students participated in last week’s artistic celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, in partnership with the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Public Library. In the event themed “Many Voices, One CommUnity,” the High School group Sankofa performed several songs, dance routines, and spoken word readings about Black history, freedom, and justice.
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Join Webinar “Raider Enrollment Rodeo”
Are you a new family ready to enroll your student in Shaker Heights Schools? Join us for the Raider Enrollment Rodeo on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. at this Zoom link. Aimed at Preschool, Kindergarten and all families registering a new student for the 2025-2026 school year, this session will offer helpful information, including a brief overview of the Shaker Heights Schools, specific enrollment information and dates, and a Q&A. Don’t miss this chance to get everything you need for a successful registration!
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Grab a Coffee With the Superintendent
The next “Coffee with the Superintendent” session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 28 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Van Aken District in the Market Hall, next to On the Rise. This informal event is designed for community members to ask questions and for Superintendent Dr. David Glasner to share important information.
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Auction of Surplus Equipment
The District is operating two online auctions concurrently through the Elyria-based Fast Track Marketplace. Both auctions went live January 13. The first auction involves surplus items from the Service Center/Transportation and the Warehouse and includes items such vehicles, tools and landscape equipment. This auction closes January 27 at 9 p.m.
The second auction involves the unneeded or unused content of Woodbury Elementary School and includes items such as furniture, bookcases and supplies. This auction closes January 28 at 9 p.m. Those interested in participating in the auction should visit the website.
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Students Create Gifts for Board of Education
Students at Shaker Heights Middle School proudly presented handmade gifts to the Board of Education last week for School Board Appreciation Month! Art Teacher Deanna Clemente-Milne helped the students create glass-fused pieces as necklaces, keychains, pins, magnets, and other keepsakes. Students learned this technique in their art classes, then made customized pieces for each board member based on unique details such as their favorite memories, colors, and travel destinations. Board members showed off their new gifts during the remainder of the meeting. Thank you to our Board of Education for your continued dedication and service!
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By William Warren, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator, Shaker Heights Schools
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became world-famous in the 1950s and ’60s for his tireless efforts organizing millions of people and leading a nonviolent movement for civil rights, desegregation, labor rights and an end to poverty. Dr. King’s purpose was not just to realize the “dream” most famously referenced in his speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in August 1963, but to achieve his vision of a “Beloved Community.” In that vision, communities of people once at odds are willing to sit at the same table and set aside their differences for the sake of the common good. Inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King believed that the end goal of nonviolent movements for social change were “redemption and reconciliation,” as opposed to a violent movement, that only resulted in “bitterness and emptiness.” Even as nonviolent civil rights marches and protests were met with aggressive and violent resistance, Dr. King mandated that all his supporters resist the urge to violently fight back. He recognized the humanity that existed in all people, even those who were in direct opposition to King’s ideals. He knew that it took everyone on all sides of conflict to make the Beloved Community a reality:
“It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends. It is this type of understanding goodwill that will transform the deep gloom of the old age into the exuberant gladness of the new age. It is this love which will bring about miracles in the hearts of men.”
The reality of our society is that there are many sides to many issues, whether they be political, ideological, religious or even sports-related; each side beholden to their beliefs in what they feel is true or right. However, a Beloved Community is dedicated to the long-term goal of redeeming themselves and reconciling with adversaries. They acknowledge that conflict is inevitable between groups but is resolved peacefully and without hostility. As we observe the holiday in honor of Dr. King, take time to consider how we can achieve a Beloved Community right here in Shaker.
Additional Resources
MLK on the Beloved Community from the speech Birth of a New Nation
The King Philosophy on Nonviolence and the Beloved Community
The Five Defining Characteristics of the Beloved Community
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Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
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Countdown to A Night for the Red & White | |
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Saturday, March 8 will be an unforgettable evening at the stunning Agora Theater and Ballroom for the 33rd annual A Night for the Red & White at 7 p.m. This beloved fundraising gala supports the exceptional Shaker Heights City School District and its amazing students. Join us for delicious appetizers, dinner, and cocktails, live music and DJ by Gumbo Dance Party, performances by Shaker students, a K-12 art show, and online silent auction and raffle. We can’t wait to see you there! Buy your tickets today, and help us continue to make a difference! All proceeds will support initiatives across all grade levels — from Pre-K through 12th grade — that will help us Educate, Empower, Explore, and Engage! *Discounted tickets are available for first-time guests, young alumni, and Shaker staff. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Know of a deserving Shaker Alum who should be nominated for the 2025 Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame? Nominate them today! Anyone may nominate a Shaker alum for this honor. Please share with everyone! The nomination form is available at shakerschoolsfoundation.org/alumni and here! Nominations will be accepted online until April 7, 2025.
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Shaker Square Vision Plan Launch Party January 23
Join Shaker Square, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. on Thursday, January 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a fun-filled evening featuring a special guest, free food and the unveiling of the final Shaker Square Vision Plan. Get a close-up look at proposed retail strategies and public space improvements aimed at making Shaker Square a vibrant and thriving community hub for years to come!
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Register for ReadyNotify
Be prepared for severe weather and other emergencies. Sign up for ReadyNotify, Cuyahoga County’s mass notification system, to receive alerts by text, email and/or phone call. Get started at our Stay Connected webpage (ReadyNotify section) or, for assistance with registration, call 216-443-6700, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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