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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!
Editor’s note: There will be no eNews on Sunday, November 30. The eNews will resume on Sunday, December 7.
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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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PreK-12 Professional Day (No School for Students) | Monday, November 24
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PreK-12 Professional Day (No School for Students) | Tuesday, November 25
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Thanksgiving Break (No School, Administrative Offices Open) | Wednesday, November 26
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Thanksgiving Break (Schools and Offices Closed) | Thursday, November 27
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Thanksgiving Break (Schools and Offices Closed) | Friday, November 28
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Board of Education Meeting | Tuesday, December 9
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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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Author Clothilde Ewing Visits Boulevard Students
This week, Boulevard students had a special visit from author Clothilde Ewing, SHHS Class of ’96 and proud alum of Boulevard and Ludlow!
Ms. Ewing writes the beloved children’s books featuring Stella — a character inspired by her daughter. Ms. Ewing shared stories about her writing journey and the importance of diversity and representation in literature.
The students were excited to meet her, especially since they already know and love her books, which are in Boulevard's library. Ms. Ewing's visit inspired our young readers, writers and illustrators! Thank you, Ms. Ewing, for visiting our students, and thanks to the Shaker Schools Foundation for their support!
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Appreciating Coach Nicholson’s Service and Next Steps for Raider Football
Last week, Alex Nicholson resigned his position as Head Football Coach at Shaker Heights High School. His resignation was effective immediately and was accepted by Mike Babinec, Athletic Director.
“The entire Shaker Heights community deeply appreciates Coach Nicholson’s hard work and dedication during the past seven years leading the Raider Football program,” Mr. Babinec says. “His positive impact on our student-athletes, school and community extends far beyond the playing field and is a direct result of his tireless work ethic, commitment to the holistic growth of our student-athletes, and passion for teaching and coaching at the high school level.”
Coach Nicholson will remain on staff as a valued member of the High School’s Physical Education Department.
The Shaker Heights High School Athletic Department will immediately begin a search for the football program’s next head coach to continue to build on the strong foundation and storied tradition of Raider football.
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Report Cards for Elementary Students
Report cards for the 1st trimester will be available next week on the PowerSchool Portal. Families of students in Grades K-5 may login on Wednesday, December 3, after 12 p.m., to view the report cards from the 1st trimester grading period. Click this Help Doc for step-by-step instructions; email powerschool@shaker.org for assistance with PowerSchool access.
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Author Visit: Build a Snowman With Jashar Awan
Join Ohio author Jashar Awan on Saturday, December 6 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Shaker Main Library! Mr. Awan has written several popular picture books, including “I’m Going to Build a Snowman,” “Towed by Toad” and “Every Monday Mabel.” Click here to register.
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Middle School Students Attend Sources of Strength Wellness Fair
Last week at Shaker Heights Middle School, every student in Grades 6-8 had the opportunity to attend and participate in the Sources of Strength Wellness Fair! This event was led by the Middle School’s amazing Peer Leaders from all grade levels, with support from Sources of Strength Adult Advisors.
Students explored resilience, healthy habits, gratitude, positive friendships and trusted supports through interactive stations. They identified their personal strengths and supports they can turn toward during times of stress.
Partner organizations included Shaker Breakers, iPlay, Bellefaire CORE, Canine Companions, The Centers and the Shaker Heights Youth Center. Thank you to the Peer Leaders, Adult Advisors and community partners for making the day so impactful!
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By William Warren, Student Program Coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence and Engagement, Shaker Heights Schools
November 23, 2025
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the month of November has been dedicated to hidden figures throughout history of Native Indigenous heritage and their contributions. It is widely known that many professional, collegiate and high school sports teams have used Native Indigenous caricatures for mascots with team names like Braves, Chiefs, Indians and even the highly offensive term, Redskins. This week’s hidden figure, Vernon Bellecourt, was instrumental in the movement to end the use of unauthorized American Indigenous tribal nicknames and mascots in sports.
Bellecourt was born in 1931 as “WaBun-Inini” or “Man of Dawn,” to the White Earth Band of Ojibwe tribe on the White Earth Indian Reservation in Minnesota. He moved to Colorado in the 1960s and became active in the American Indian Movement (AIM), which was co-founded by his brother Clyde in 1968. Bellecourt participated in several Native Indigenous activist protests during the 1970s meant to bring attention to the federal government’s failure to meet treaty obligations with Indigenous tribes, leading to poor living conditions on reservations. Bellecourt also worked with international indigenous people’s organizations to advocate for native tribes in the Caribbean, South America, the Pacific and Africa. As president of the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media (NCARSM), Bellecourt’s activism led to protests against collegiate and professional sports teams during high-profile games like Opening Day for the Cleveland Indians and the then-named Washington Redskins. The pro baseball team in Cleveland officially became the Guardians in 2022, the same year the pro football team in Washington D.C. became the Commanders. Bellecourt continued to advocate for Indigenous rights and freedoms until his death in 2007.
Additional Resources
Sources for Discovering Hidden Historic Figures
Association for American Indian Affairs - “Not Your Mascot”
A Brief History of Native American Sports Logos and Mascots
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Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on the following social media platforms:
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Hot Off the Press: Your Impact in Action!
This week, the Shaker Schools Foundation proudly celebrated our 44th birthday! As part of the celebration, we are excited to share our Fall 2025 Donor Appreciation Report, an inside look at the incredible difference your support makes for every Shaker student. Hard copies are on their way, so keep an eye on your mailbox. If you would like to dive in now, you can explore the digital flipbook linked here.
Last year, the Foundation invested more than $600,000 back into our schools, providing direct support to students, teachers and programs across the District.
As Ohio’s first private foundation created to support a public school, we continue to chart our own course by building community resources that expand access and create meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. You are truly part of something special.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us and help carry forward our legacy of investing in Shaker’s future. The Shaker Schools Foundation remains committed to meeting emerging needs, strengthening opportunities, and championing every student’s education.
Your gift to the Advancing Shaker Annual Appeal fuels teacher innovation, supports student experiences, and opens doors across the District.
Want to see how we Educate, Empower, Explore, and Engage?
Visit shakerschoolsfoundation.org to watch our mission video and see the impact of your generosity.
| | Quick Links: Opportunity Assistance, Enrichment Grants, Donations, More Info! Please follow the Shaker Schools Foundation on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. |
2025 Heritage Tree Award Winners
The City’s Tree Advisory Board (TAB) recently honored two recipients with the 2025 Heritage Tree Award. The Wang family and the Yoho family – of the Lomond and Sussex neighborhoods, respectively – were presented with plaques by Mayor David Weiss and members of TAB, including Board Chair Nancy Moore and Assistant Director of Public Works Charles Orlowski.
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Free Smoke Alarm & Installation
Smoke alarms save lives. Shaker Heights 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. Need help installing an existing alarm? Call the Fire Department at 216-491-1200 to schedule an appointment.
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