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:
-
Spring Break | March 24-28
-
Eid al-Fitr (Schools Closed) | Monday, March 31
-
Board of Education Meeting | Tuesday, April 8
-
Good Friday (Schools and Offices Closed) | Friday, April 18
-
Board of Education Work Session | Tuesday, April 22
| |
|
Click on the appropriate link below for school-level and building PTO news:
| |
|
Use these Quick Links to access the following District information:
| |
Art Teacher Wins Excellence in Teaching Award
Earlier this week, the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) presented the Excellence in Teaching Award to SHHS Art Teacher Karen Mehling-Howson! This award recognizes her profound impact on students and the greater art community, said James Malley, Director of Admissions at CIA.
He said Ms. Mehling-Howson exemplifies the highest standard of art education, and through her dedication, she encourages students to push boundaries, refine their skills, and develop their unique artistic voices. Director of CIA Kathryn Heidemann also spoke highly of Ms. Mehling-Howson when CIA surprised her with the award during one of her classes. CIA presented Ms. Mehling-Howson with a gift of $500, she will be honored at an awards ceremony, and she and SHHS will be prominently recognized at CIA!
| |
2025-2026 Bell Schedule
Bell schedules have been finalized for the 2025-2026 school year. Click here to see school day start and end times for the Ludlow Early Learning Center, all elementary schools, the Middle School and High School.
| |
Shaker Theatre Arts Presents Clue March 13-15
Shaker Theatre Arts proudly presents Clue! Come out to support our students on Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 15 at 3 p.m. The show takes place in the Large Auditorium at Shaker Heights High School, 15911 Aldersyde Drive.
This year, a company of more than 30 students and adults has come together to bring the classic murder mystery board game and ’80s movie to life on the SHHS Main Stage. Directed by Department Chair, Scott Sumerak, this co-curricular production engages students enrolled in multiple areas of the Theatre Arts Department. The adult team also includes Chuck Tisdale (Tech Director), Marina Wasserman (House Manager), and Laurie Brem (Box Office). Buy your tickets today! Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students and seniors.
| |
Students Advance to States for National History Day
Congratulations to all of our students who competed in the 51st Annual History Day competition, started right here in 1974! More than 100 High School students and five Middle School students competed last week at Regionals for the National History Day competition. Nearly 40 Shaker students earned the opportunity to compete at Ohio’s National History Day competition in April, and 11 additional students won Special Prizes for their work illuminating diverse topics of both national and local importance, including integration, labor rights, and the justice system!
Thirteen High School projects and two Middle School projects are advancing to states! High School students work with Individuals and Societies teachers Sarah Davis and Joseph Konopinski, as well as Jessica O’Brien, and Middle School students work with David Saluga. In addition to thanking our students and teachers for their efforts, let’s recognize Librarian Robin Sweigert, who works with our students weekly for the National History Day club. Also, our students have worked with the Shaker Writing Center as well as numerous juniors and seniors in our school as they prepared their projects!
| |
Fernway Students Record Podcast at Innovative Center for Personalized Learning
Fernway second-grade students in Matthew Zucca’s class visited the Innovative Center (IC) for Personalized Learning on Friday! They were excited to use the IC’s recording studio to make their very own podcast!
In recognition of Black History Month this past February, students researched Black figures in history who have shaped society with their achievements and contributions. This was part of their IB unit "Where We Are In Place and Time." The students prepared a script and recorded podcasts about those historical figures. The students had the chance to work with Fernway’s artists-in-residence, Philip Cummings and Niya Davis from the Ohio Broadcast School. Thanks to support from the Shaker Schools Foundation and Fernway PTO for this awesome opportunity!
| |
From the Margins to the Center, Vol. XLI — Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
By William Warren, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator, Shaker Heights Schools
Note: The month of March acknowledges several communities and their contributions to history. During March, From the Margins to the Center will feature information and stories in observance of Women’s History Month, National Irish American Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. This week’s feature is in celebration of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
“There is no greater disability than the inability to see a person as more” — Robert M. Hansel
Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM) was first proclaimed in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan to designate the month of March as a way to “increase public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 6 children across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups between the ages of 3 and 17 live with some type of developmental disability. Examples of these include autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Down syndrome, hearing/speech impairments and cerebral palsy. The 2025 DDAM theme is “We’re Here All Year,” in recognition of the fact that individuals living with a developmental disability deserve to be valued, respected and recognized everyday.
Luellen Cooper was more than just my children’s favorite great-grandmother, she was a champion for adults living with developmental disabilities and their caregivers, who were in need of quality care for their loved ones. Instead of retiring after her 30-year career as a nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, she and her husband Sylvester established the Lu-Syl House in Shaker Heights. Lu-Syl House became home for dozens of adults in the developmentally disabled community, as she and her staff made sure their clients had quality meals and reliable transportation as they sought to maintain a level of independence in their adult years. She was known as “Nanny” to everyone, fiercely protective of her clients and incredibly generous to so many. Cooper passed away earlier this year, but the Lu-Syl House will continue to serve those in need; a testament to her tireless work with a community of incredible people.
Additional Resources
Advocate highlights inclusion as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Cuyahoga County DODD Bill of Rights
| |
|
Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
| |
Thanks for Supporting A Night for the Red & White
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 33rd annual A Night for the Red & White! Your generosity raised big funds in support of our amazing Shaker students! All proceeds are going towards enriching the experiences and initiatives that help Educate, Empower, Explore, and Engage our Shaker students. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Didn’t make it? There are still ways to contribute and raise funds for this event!
-
Bid today! Our silent auction is open until noon on Monday, March 10!
-
Make a monetary donation!
However you choose to support, it is very much appreciated. Thank you once again for your incredible support!
|
Shaker Heights High School Alumni Hall of Fame Nominations Open!
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! Nominations will be accepted online until April 7.
Please look for updates about our event by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
|
2025 Harvest for Hunger Campaign Underway
The City’s annual campaign to benefit Harvest for Hunger is underway. Drop off non-perishable food items at City Hall (3400 Lee Road) or Thornton Park (3301 Warrensville Center Road) through Friday, March 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last year, participation helped set a new record for collections for Harvest for Hunger, which helps fight hunger in Northeast Ohio. This campaign is in collaboration with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
|
Friday Night Skate March 14
Friday nights are for...skating! Start the weekend at Thornton Park Ice Arena (3301 Warrensville Center Road) from 7:45-9 p.m., featuring a live DJ. Concessions will be available for purchase. Regular public skating admission fees and policies apply.
| | | | |
