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The Shaker Schools Connection
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Monthly Spotlights: SHHS student Kobe Murphy; Science teacher Blaire Volbers; Board member Ayesha Bell Hardaway named Director at CWRU Social Justice Law Center; Robert L. Zupnik, oldest Shaker alum, dies at 101
Shaker Schools Foundation: David Pogue (SHHS '81) to speak at 2019 Commencement; May 4 Fernway Forward Fundraiser @ Juma; Hall of Fame nominations due April 30
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 Monthly Spotlights
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Student Spotlight: Kobe Murphy
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Kobe Murphy poses next to his oil pastel self-portrait.
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Kobe Murphy is a 19-year-old Shaker Heights High School student with a perpetually warm smile and a personality to match.
His teacher, Ms. Susan Rainier, says that Kobe has been a valuable, trusted resource for her this year in the High School Multiple Disabilities Room. "All of the staff in our classroom this year are new to the High School," says Ms. Rainier. "Kobe was helping me run the classroom in the beginning of the year!" She adds that Kobe is always quick to offer help when he hears a staff member say "Oh, I forgot..." or "I have to get..."
Kobe says his favorite part of the school day is "all of it" and he's always excited to see his younger sister, Tristan, who is a senior, walking in the halls. His favorite classroom jobs are entering the daily attendance into the student information system and filling up as many water bottles as he can carry for the class. Friends of the High School Marching Band will recognize Kobe as a flag carrier in the annual Shaker Heights Memorial Day Parade. Kobe loves baked beans---his mother, Tocombamaria Murphy says he could eat them all day, every day---and when he isn't at school his favorite past-time is one that's familiar to many others his age: sleeping.
Click to read more about Kobe Murphy
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Teacher Spotlight: Shaker Heights High School Science Teacher Blaire Volbers
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HHS science teacher Blaire Volbers presenting a pilot lab exercise to students in Ethiopia.
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It's not often that a career blends both professional and personal passions. High School physical science and chemistry teacher Blaire Volbers feels fortunate that this is the case for her.
Thanks to her professional ties with a STEM project and connections with a professor at Case Western Reserve University, Ms. Volbers has had two opportunities within the last year to combine her passion for teaching and research with her desire for the growth experiences that come with international travel.
Last month, Ms. Volbers traveled to Ethiopia for one week as part of her work with the Gelfand Global STEMPower Initiative at Case Western Reserve University. The program, envisioned by philanthropist Mark Gelfand, is a collaboration with schools in Ethiopia to develop innovative engineering curricula for high school students. This project has created a network of more than 30 high schools and STEM centers in Ethiopia and neighboring countries.
Click to read more about Blaire Volbers, her experience in Ethiopia and her research-based travel in China.
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Board Spotlight: Ayesha Bell Hardaway Named Director of CWRU Social Justice Law Center
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Board of Education member Ayesha Bell Hardaway
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Last month, Shaker Heights Board of Education member Ayesha Bell Hardaway was named Director of the Case Western Reserve University Social Justice Law Center. Ms. Hardaway also serves on the faculty at the CWRU School of Law.
"This is an amazing opportunity," says Ms. Bell Hardaway. "As a student of the law, a legal scholar and a professor on campus, I believe that having the discourse and the teachings around the importance of social justice in the American legal system is invaluable, not just to students, but to the practice of law."
As Director of the Social Justice Law Center, Ms. Bell Hardaway plans to bring in social justice experts and thought leaders to build a community of students who are interested in exploring social justice work after law school. "When I was in law school there was only one or two classes where we talked about race. Outside of that, there were no conversations about how the law generally impacts marginalized populations," says Ms. Bell Hardaway. "Being in this space now gives our students the opportunity to dig deeper and interrogate the laws in a way that enables us all to develop and grow."
Read more about the Social Justice Law Center.
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In Memoriam: Oldest Shaker Alum and Retired Cleveland Orchestra Musician Robert L. Zupnik Dies at 101
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Robert L. Zupnik
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Robert L. Zupnik, who graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1935 and was the former Assistant Principal Oboe for The Cleveland Orchestra (1946-1977), died on Tuesday, March 19. At 101 years old, he was both the oldest living Shaker Heights High School graduate and the oldest living retired member of The Cleveland Orchestra. Mr. Zupnik was an avid, lifelong supporter of Shaker Heights Schools and of our Raiders. Mr. Zupnik earned a degree in chiropractic medicine, but after being drafted for service in World War II, he went on to pursue his true passion---music. Those who knew him will miss Mr. Zupnik's charm, sense of humor and devotion to all things Shaker. Please read this
2016 interview with Mr. Zupnik
and
watch this video
of Mr. Zupnik sharing his story.
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Board of Education Selects Dr. David Glasner as Next District Superintendent
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Dr. David Glasner
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On March 14, the Shaker Heights Board of Education selected Dr. David Glasner as the next Superintendent of the Shaker Heights City School District. He succeeds Dr. Stephen M. Wilkins, who has served as Interim Superintendent since July 1, 2018.
"Dr. Glasner possesses the passion, intellect and vision to lead our District to new levels of excellence," said Board President Jeffrey Isaacs. "Time and again, Dr. Glasner has stepped up and shown a willingness to take on big challenges. We know the entire community will join us in committing to make his tenure a success."
Dr. Glasner, who will assume his new role July 1, is the Interim Principal of Shaker Heights High School and the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Shaker Heights Schools. Dr. Glasner also served as the Principal of Shaker Heights Middle School from July 2014-June 2018. Dr. Glasner lives in the Mercer neighborhood with his wife, Elana, and three children. Click to read more about Dr. Glasner.
Watch the video below of teachers and staff members from around the District wishing Dr. Glasner their congratulations and best wishes!
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Student News
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Verb Ballets Perform for Lomond Students
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The Shaker Heights-based Verb Ballets performed "Carnival of the Animals" for Lomond students on March 28. The ballet addressed issues of tolerance, acceptance and bullying.
"We want to give kids the opportunity to engage in the arts and to see that art can teach valuable lessons," says Desmond Davis, Verb Ballets' Outreach and Education Coordinator. "There are different types of learners and art enables us to reach children in different ways."
A special thank you to the Lomond PTO for its support in bringing the program to our students!
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Verb Ballets performs Carnival of the Animals at Lomond.
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High School Students Start Digital Gaming Club and Form First Esports Team
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Members of the Digital Gaming Club practice Smash Bros.
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After school every Tuesday, Keith Szalay's German classroom at Shaker Heights High School is transformed into a buzzing, high-energy space packed with focused students who are either working closely in pairs or huddled in groups around multiple computer monitors. These students are all members of the SHHS Digital Gaming Club, which---only in its first year---boasts approximately 40 members (mostly boys) and was the genesis for Shaker Heights High School's first-ever Esports team. Members of the club and of the Esports team come together weekly to compete, practice, scrimmage, exchange tips and share their enthusiasm for video games and PC games. Click here to read more about the club and the Esports team.
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Middle School Robotics Team Wins Again!
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First-place STEM Award winners with their trophy
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Congratulations to the Shaker Heights Middle School Robotics Club on a winning performance at the 2019 Ohio VEX IQ "NEXT LEVEL" Middle School State Championship on Saturday, March 9.
Sarah Marcus, Hannah Whitney and Nico Moulthrop competed to a first-place finish (STEM Award) in the overall Robotics Challenge. The team automatically qualifies for the 2019 VEX Robotics World Championship-VEX IQ Challenge Middle School Division in Louisville, Kentucky, April 27-30. The team of Anders Butch and Jacob Gearety earned a 24th-place finalist ranking in the state competition. Congratulations to our
students on a successful event!
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Woodbury and Shaker Heights Middle School Model UN Delegates Excel at OMUN Conference
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Congratulations to the 125 Woodbury and Middle School students who represented 18 nations at the Ohio Leadership Institute's Junior Ohio Model UN Conference in Columbus, March 10-March 12. OMUN is a three-day global education simulation experience that allows students in Grades 5-8 to learn about the complete operations of the United Nations and its role as the world's largest international peacekeeping and humanitarian organization. More than 1,000 students from across the State of Ohio competed in the conference, which emphasizes leadership development and global-mindedness.
Click to read more about Shaker Heights Schools individual student awards.
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Middle School and Woodbury Model UN Award-Winners
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Shaker Heights High School Marching Band Contingent is Nearly 500 Strong
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Safe travels to the SHHS group of nearly 500 band members, teachers, chaperones, administrators and parents who will spend spring break on the 2019 Band Tour of Italy! Our band will perform their fan-favorite marching band hits as well as traditional Italian folk songs in Sorrento, Isle of Capri, Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Rome and Orvieto.
Band Director Dan Crain says that Italy is the perfect destination for the Shaker Bands. "It has the history, the culture, the scenery and the performing opportunities," Mr. Crain says. "When we perform in these small towns, sometimes you can hear us from miles away. Here in the States, we take our marching band culture for granted, but when people in other countries see this giant spectacle of young students performing, it's just breathtaking. The audiences abroad are truly appreciative."
Be sure to follow the band's travels and performances in the coming days on Instagram @officialshakerbands.
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Shaker Heights Schools Named among the Best Communities for Music Education from The NAMM Foundation
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Shaker Heights Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.
Now in its 20th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Shaker Heights Schools answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music programs, Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Read more about the NAMM Award
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SHHS Vocalists Earn High Marks at OMEA Contest
On Friday, March 8, the Shaker Heights High School A Cappella Mixed Choir and Vocal Ensemble participated in the Ohio Music Education Association District Adjudicated Event at Kenston High School.
The choir earned the second highest overall rating of II (Excellent) with a notable rating of I (Superior) during the sight-reading portion of the event.
Congrats to our student vocalists!
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Strong Performance by SHHS Orchestras at OMEA Orchestra Event
Congrats to the Shaker Heights High School Orchestras for a strong performance at the March 1 OMEA State Orchestra Adjudicated Event.
The String Orchestra competed in Class A (the second-highest level of difficulty) and received a II rating (Excellent). The Chamber Orchestra competed in Class AA (the highest level of difficulty) and received a I rating (Superior).
Well done, students!
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Peace at Home, by Miles Callahan
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Four SHHS Artists Win National Medals in Scholastic Art Competition
Congratulations to Shaker Heights High School student artists Jaia Briggs, Maria Maldonado, Aaliyah Williams and Cole Wade on their achievements at the national level of the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. This is the first time that Shaker Heights High School has had four students recognized at this level.
- Senior portfolio student Cole Wade received a gold medal for printmaking "Stigma." Cole will pursue a degree in the fine arts at MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art)
- Senior portfolio student Jaia Briggs received a silver medal for her painting, "Ebonee." Jaia will be attending the Cleveland Institute of Art and pursuing a degree in the fine arts.
- Senior portfolio student Maria Maldonado received a silver medal for her painting "In the Mirror." Maria also will pursue a degree in the fine arts next year and is finalizing her choice of school from the top art institutions.
- Junior painting student Aaliyah Williams received a silver medal for her painting "Diametrically Opposed."
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Five SHHS Artists Honored at Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition
Congratulations to Shaker Heights High School student artists Miles Callahan, Lara DeVito, Maria Maldonado and Cole Wade for receiving top honors at the Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition.
"Peace at Home" by Miles Callahan and "In the Mirror" by Maria Maldonado received the Governor's Award of Excellence. Their pieces were among the top 25 of 11,500 entries selected for the exhibition.
"Hair Salon" and "Outside in #2" by Lara DeVito, "My Face is a Landscape" by Maria Maldonado and "G(end)er" by Cole Wade were among the top 275 works of art in the state.
The Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition is dedicated to the educational and artistic advancement of Ohio's talented young artists. Approximately 2,500 of 11,500 entries from across the state are selected for adjudication. State jurors select 300 works for the exhibition. Among those, 25 receive the Governor's Award of Excellence. Senior artists receive scholarship opportunities from more than 30 universities and colleges.
The exhibition will be on display weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., April 22-May 16 at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower.
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Latin students at 2019 OJCL Convention
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Raider Athletics
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Congratulations to junior wrestler Najee Lockett, who is the State Runner-Up (170-lb.), District Champion and All-Ohio Wrestler, following a fantastic 41-1 season. Najee advanced to the state finals in Columbus on Saturday, March 9, where he faced one of the top wrestling recruits in the nation, Olentangy Liberty's Carson Kharchla.
Well done, Najee!
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Najee Lockett was welcomed back to school by fellow students after the State meet
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Around the District
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High School Principal Search Update
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This past week, Shaker Heights High School Principal Search Project Manager Dr. Erin Herbruck visited ten English and Math classes to gather students' ideas about the skills, qualities and characteristics they desire in the next principal. These classes included students from diverse backgrounds, grades, and subject levels. The willingness of the teachers to open their classrooms is greatly appreciated. Student ideas, along with the trends and common themes culled from the focus groups and online survey, will be identified and shared after spring break, and will also be used to create interview questions, performance tasks and processes.
Additionally, our search firm, Finding Leaders, is screening qualified candidates and background/social media checks are underway. Finding Leaders will identify a diverse slate of 5-7 candidates for first round interviews/sessions in mid-April, with a goal to name 2-3 candidates by late April for a second round of District interviews. A finalist will be identified in early May and the new principal will be announced around May 10. Learn more about the High School Principal Search online.
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New Sixth-Grade Camp Website
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Archery at 6th-grade camp
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Woodbury teachers Sean Harnish, Darlene Lipovic and Lee Appel created a new
Woodbury Sixth-Grade Camp website
so that families can learn more about what to expect for their students' upcoming experiences at Camp Wise. The website includes pictures, daily schedule information and essential information such as a packing list, payment information and all necessary permission slips. Sixth-grade families are encouraged to visit the website in preparation for the Woodbury Sixth-Grade Camp Parent Meeting at 7 p.m. on April 15 in the Woodbury Auditorium.
Click here to visit the site and learn more
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Wednesday, April 10: 7 p.m., High School Evening of Jazz, High School Large Auditorium
Thursday, April 11: 7 p.m., Middle School Jazz Fest, Middle School Auditorium
Friday, April 12: 7 p.m., High School Concert in Dance, High School Large Auditorium
Wednesday, April 17: 7 p.m., Middle School Band Concert I, Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, April 18: 7 p.m., Middle School Band Concert II, Middle School Auditorium;
6 p.m., Shaker Improv Show, Stage 3
Wednesday, April 24: 4 p.m., High School Ensemble Show Preview, High School Large Auditorium
Thursday, April 25: 7 p.m., High School Ensemble Show, High School Large Auditorium;
7 p.m., Woodbury Evening of Jazz, Woodbury Gym
Friday, April 26: 7 p.m., High School Ensemble Show, High School Large Auditorium
Monday, April 29: 6:30 p.m., Ice Cream Social and Band Concert, High School Front Lawn
Tuesday, April 30: 7 p.m., Grade 6 Band Concert, High School North Gym
Wednesday, May 1: 7:30 p.m., High School Spring Choir Concert, High School Large Auditorium; 6:45 p.m., Grade 5 Band Concert, High School North Gym
Thursday, May 2: 7:30 p.m., High School Orchestra Concert, High School Large Auditorium
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You're Invited to the District-Wide Volunteer Celebration!
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The Family and Community Engagement Center invites you to join a special celebration to honor all the District's volunteers from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, in the Shaker Heights Middle School Cafeteria.
Complete your RSVP here
and join the party! All adult volunteers who RSVP and attend the celebration will receive a #iamshaker volunteer t-shirt. Please register by Monday, April 1 for ordering purposes.
We can't wait to see you there!
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SEIU Local 200 contract signing
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OAPSE Local 149 contract signing
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Board Approves Union Contracts
In February, the Board of Education approved a new three-year contract with the SEIU Local 200 (which includes custodians, grounds staff and bus drivers). The contract is effective through June 30, 2021. Earlier this school year, the Board also approved three-year contracts for OAPSE Local 149 (which includes the District's secretarial and clerical workers), OAPSE Local 152 (which includes the District's security monitors), and OAPSE Local 153 (which includes the District's paraprofessionals), all of which are effective through June 30, 2021. Additionally, the
District also reached agreement with the Shaker Heights Teachers' Association-Support Teachers for a three-year contract effective through June 30, 2021. The District previously
approved a contract with the Shaker Heights Teachers' Association for the three-year period ending December 31, 2020.
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Upcoming Kindergarten Events
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Join us for Shaker Heights Schools District-wide Kindergarten Kickoff on Saturday, April 27 from 1-3 p.m., hosted at Onaway Elementary School, 3115 Woodbury Road. Bring your incoming kindergartner and learn more about the District, including information on registration, transportation, food service, health and immunization, communications, special education supports and more.
Please fill out our registration form to attend.
And don't forget: Parents and guardians of children entering kindergarten in the fall of 2019 also are invited to attend a special Open House to meet your building's principal and to learn about Shaker's kindergarten program at their student's school:
Fernway: April 17, 9:30 a.m.
Boulevard: April 17, 6:30 p.m.
Mercer (Muffins in the Morning): April 23, 8-9 a.m.
Lomond: April 25, 7 p.m.
Onaway: April 12, 9:30 a.m.
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Save the Date: Peer Model Screening Sessions for the Shaker Heights Early Intervention Preschool Program
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The Shaker Heights Early Intervention Preschool Program is looking for peer models for the 2019-2020 school year. There will be a two-day peer model screening on Thursday May 2 & 9 from 3-4 p.m. You must attend both on the May 2 & 9 sessions. Children must be three years of age by the screening date and need to be potty trained to start the program in the fall. If you are interested in having your child participate in this screening process, please contact Noreen Smyth-Morrow at 216-295-4090
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Shaker Heights Schools is Hiring!
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Shaker Heights Schools Bus Driver Rasheda Searles
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Shaker Heights Schools is hiring friendly and enthusiastic part-time and substitute bus drivers to join our top-notch transportation team! Applicants must hold a valid CDL with an endorsement to drive a school bus and be a state-certified school bus driver. Drivers earn $17.44/hour with a five-hour work guarantee.
Learn more about the position and apply online today!
Shaker Heights Schools is seeking energetic and caring substitute paraprofessionals to assist students with special education needs. Pay is $102.50/day. The position is ideal for retired teachers and paraprofessionals, childcare professionals and those with a nurturing spirit.
Learn more about the position and apply online today!
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Curriculum & Instruction Update: Upcoming Gifted Identification Letters
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Shaker Schools Foundation News
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Fernway Forward Fundraiser at Juma Gallery, Saturday, May 4, 6-9 p.m.
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Sip, shop and support the Fernway Forward fund with former Fernway principals Donald Coffee and George Cannon and current Fernway principal Chris Hayward. Mingle with your friends and neighbors, hear some of the Fernway principals' favorite stories and memories, and shop at Juma Gallery: 10 percent of all sales that evening will be donated to the Fernway Forward fund! Come bid on silent auction and raffle items donated by members of the Fernway staff and community.
Proceeds from the event will benefit an enhanced outdoor play area at Fernway as part of the rebuilding process after the fire that devastated the school last July.
Tickets
are $20 and include an assortment of appetizers and your first drink. Please purchase your
tickets
by May 1. Click here to purchase tickets.
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Class of 2019 Commencement Guest Speaker: David Pogue ('81)
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David Pogue
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This year, the Shaker Schools Foundation welcomes 1981 alum, Shaker Schools Hall of Fame member and New York Times columnist David Pogue as the commencement guest speaker for the Class of 2019. Commencement for the Class of 2019 begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 at the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University.
Shaker Schools Foundation Executive Director Holly Coughlin made the arrangements for Mr. Pogue to speak at commencement. "David was honored to be asked and quickly accepted the invitation," she says. "He's an energetic speaker and, as a Shaker alum, he knows what's relevant and important to our graduates and families."
A longtime journalist and columnist, David Pogue was The New York Times weekly tech columnist from 2000-2013. He spent five years at Yahoo Finance and then in 2018, he returned to write the "Crowdwise" feature for the "Smarter Living" section. He's a four-time Emmy winner for his stories on "CBS Sunday Morning," and a host of 17 science specials on "NOVA" on PBS.
David is one of the world's best-selling "how-to" authors, with more than 100 titles and 3 million copies in print. They include seven books in the "For Dummies" series, his own Pogue's Basics series of essential tips and shortcuts, and the Missing Manual series of computer books.
David graduated summa cum laude from Yale in 1985 with distinction in music, and he spent ten years conducting and arranging Broadway musicals in New York. He has won a Loeb Award for journalism and an honorary doctorate in music. He has been profiled on 48 Hours and 60 Minutes.
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Hall of Fame Nominations are Due April 30
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2018 Hall of Fame Inductees
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Do you know of an illustrious Shaker Schools alumnus who deserves to be recognized for his or her contributions? Please consider making a nomination for the Class of 2019 Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame. More than 275 Shaker Heights High School graduates have been inducted since its inception in 1986. These distinguished alumni represent excellence and achievement in all walks of life, including business, medicine, law, education, the fine and performing arts, government and public service, among other pursuits.
View a complete list of inductees.
The 2019 festivities will include a Hall of Fame high school assembly the morning of Friday, October 11 and a dinner honoring the inductees on the evening of Saturday, October 12. Nominees must be available to attend on those dates.
To make a nomination, please complete the
Nomination Form
and submit by April 30, 2019.
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FROM THE CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS
Register for ReadyNotify/CodeRED to Receive Emergency Notifications
Even if you're already registered for ReadyNotify, you must re-register on the new platform. Cuyahoga County has re-launched the Ready Notify emergency alert system on a new platform called CodeRed. This is a FREE community notification system available to residents. The County and City will use this system to send alerts concerning time-sensitive and/or emergency information impacting the community. Residents can sign up to receive text, email, or voice alerts. When registering, please: (1) make sure the General Alerts option is selected and (2) check Shaker Heights under Additional Notifications. This ensures you'll receive not only emergency alerts, but general notifications from Shaker Heights about road closures and more.
Register here
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2019 Preservation Month Photo Contest is Underway
The Shaker Heights Landmark Commission seeks submissions to its seventh annual Preservation Month Photo Contest. The contest was created in honor of National Preservation Month, which is celebrated each May by preservation organizations across the country. For the second year, submissions will be via Instagram using
#PreserveSH19
. The contest encourages residents and visitors to submit photographs that showcase what makes Shaker "Shaker." Submissions can highlight a particular architectural detail, landmark building, neighborhood, street, park, place to eat or shop, view, or anything else that represents Shaker Heights to the photographer.
View contest details
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15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights OH 44120
shaker.org ยท 216-295-1400
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