June/July 2019
The Class of 2019 Commencement was held at the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University on Wednesday, June 5. Read more about commencement below.
The Shaker Schools Connection
Inside this Issue...
Class of 2019 Spotlights: Class of 2019 graduates Joe Berick and Morgan Jackson.
Staff Spotlight: Shaker Heights High School teacher Tony Cuda.
School Spotlight: Piloted social-emotional learning curriculum at Lomond to be implemented at all District K-8 buildings next year.
Student News: High School Esports Team is Super Smash Bros. State Runner-Up; Four High School students named National Merit Scholars; and more student news from around the District.
Raider Sports News: Junior Jaivon Harrison is State Runner-Up in High Jump; Senior Sophie Calabrese is high school single sculls national champion; Lyle Yost named NISCA All America Boys Champion.
IB in Action: Fourth-grade IB Exhibition. 
Getting Ready for Next Year: Summer Reading 101; 1:1 Chromebook initiative for students in Grades 5-12; Woodbury adopts new teaching structure and schedule.
Around the District : Eric Juli named Principal of Shaker Heights High School; Lomond Principal Carina Freeman to leave District; District summer hours begin June 10; and more news and events information from around the District. 
Shaker Schools Foundation: Support the Foundation's Annual Campaign.


classof2019Class of 2019 Graduate Spotlights
No two graduates of Shaker Heights High School share the same post-graduation plans: many attend four-year colleges, others attend two-year or community college, some enter the skilled trades and go directly to work, and still others enter the military. But the one thing they all share is the common experience of engaging in a rich learning community that has encouraged them, from the very beginning, to develop their own interests and to find their own pathways to success. 

To that end, this month, we've profiled two graduates---Joe Berick and Morgan Jackson---both of whom are excellent students and even better human beings. 

Read more about these two Class of 2019 graduates below.
Joe Berick, Class of 2019

Playing percussion has been a constant in Joe Berick's life since he first started taking drum lessons in the third grade. Since then, he's added a few more instruments to his repertoire---the xylophone, the vibraphone, piano and guitar. He's traveled to both Spain and Italy with the Shaker Heights High School Marching Band, where he plays the bass drum, and he's played gigs with his younger brother, Will, as the opening act for local bands. 

For his senior project this year, Joe chose to shadow his former Mercer Elementary music teacher Ms. Rachel Luther, who says that Joe would be a natural as a music teacher.  "The students just gravitated towards Joe," says Ms. Luther. "It became increasingly clear that it was one thing if I noticed something a student did, but it was something special for them if Joe noticed." 

It's no surprise then, that after Joe graduates, he plans to study music at Mercyhurst University, where he has earned three scholarships: the University Award Scholarship, the Mercyhurst Music Scholarship and a Mercyhurst Marching Band Scholarship.

Morgan Jackson, Class of 2019

Morgan Jackson has a quiet confidence that's empowered her to follow what she believes is the right path for her after she graduates. 

This fall, she's taking a self-described, "meaningful gap year"---she plans to spend the year as a City Year AmeriCorps member working in Cleveland Public Schools. She'll also be taking some classes at Cleveland State University, where she plans to start working toward a degree in Social Work.

Morgan's take on her experience at Shaker Heights Schools is different than most because she left the District in seventh grade and attended school in both North Carolina and in Philadelphia. 

"My experiences in both states really burst my Shaker bubble. The schools that I attended didn't have a lot of resources," she remembers.  " It's a lot to take in when you realize not everyone always receives the same quality of education and that gaps in funding and education exist. It made me more grateful for all the opportunities Shaker has to offer."

commencementClass of 2019 Commencement
Class of 2019 graduates pose backstage before commencement begins.
Commencement for the Class of 2019 was held at the Bert L. and Iris S. Wolstein Center on the campus of Cleveland State University on Wednesday, June 5. 

This year's student speakers were seniors Kevin LaMonica and Corin Manning. The pair was followed by Class of 1981 alum and New York Times columnist David Pogue, who was the high school's first-ever commencement alumnus speaker. 


Congratulations, graduates!
TonyCudaShaker Heights Schools Staff Spotlight
Shaker Heights High School Teacher Tony Cuda
Tony Cuda performing with his band, ProgNation.
Shaker Heights High School Individuals and Societies teacher Tony Cuda began his working life as a professional bass guitar player, then transitioned to working political campaigns, was a school board member at Cleveland Municipal School District, and then, in his mid-40s, he decided that he wanted to become a teacher. Next January, he'll retire after 20 years as a Shaker Heights Schools teacher. "As my life went along, I always made new plans, but I never planned it out," Mr. Cuda says.

He's not making any plans for retirement, either. Right now, he knows he'll continue to play in his baseball league, he might dabble in campaigns again and for sure, you'll be able to catch him on stage, playing in one of his bands.

schoolspotlightSchool Spotlight
Piloted Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum at Lomond to be Implemented K-8 in 2019-20
Members of the Class of 1950/51 observe Lomond students during their morning circle portion of Caring School Community.
The Shaker Heights High School Classes of 1950/51, working with the Shaker Schools Foundation, has generously donated funding for a social-emotional learning curriculum that was piloted this year at Lomond Elementary School with great success.

The program, Caring School Community, builds classroom and school-wide community while developing social and emotional learning skills and competencies for students in grades K-8. Caring School Community is curriculum based and offers students daily morning and closing circle activities to build community, weekly class meetings based on social-emotional themes and cross-age buddies activities. Alumni Burt Griffin said the program appealed to the donors because it was something that could be beneficial for all students. "We understand that there's more to going to school than learning arithmetic," Mr. Griffin said. "And we believe that this kind of social-emotional learning early on can lead to improved academic success later." 

With the success of the program at Lomond, all of the District's K-8 schools will begin implementation of the curriculum during the 2019-20 school year. Professional learning for the involved schools is scheduled for this summer. 

StudentNewsStudent News
High School ESports Team is Runner-Up in Smash Bros. State Championship
The Varsity Super Smash Bros. Esports team gathers at the High School to play Ottawa Hills in the State Smash Bros. finals.
The SHHS Varsity Super Smash Bros. Esports team advanced to the Esports Ohio League Super Smash Bros. State Championship, where they were defeated by Ottawa Hills on Friday, May 24. The team finished with a record of 7-2.  

"We had a great season and are proud to be Esports' Ohio Championship runners-up," says Coach Keith Szalay. "The guys have already started to talk about training schedules over the summer and going for the championship next year!"

Congrats to the Esports team! 
Four Shaker Heights High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholars
Congratulations to the following four Shaker Heights High School seniors and National Merit Finalists, who were named National Merit $2500 Scholarship Winners: (pictured below, left to right) Emet Celeste-Cohen, Fenner H. Dreyfuss-Wells, Isabel A. Levin and Leo Schirokauer. These four students were among 95 National Merit Scholars in the state of Ohio and accounted for the highest number of National Merit Scholars from any one high school in Northeast Ohio. Shaker Heights High School was among the top three high schools in the state with the second-highest number of National Merit Scholars. Read more about our National Merit Scholars.

National Merit Scholars  Emet Celeste-Cohen, Fenner H. Dreyfuss-Wells, Isabel A. Levin and Leo Schirokauer.
Senior Erenalp Kahriman Receives College-sponsored National Merit Scholarship
Congratulations to graduating senior Erenalp Kahriman, winner of a National Merit Case Western Reserve University Scholarship. Erenalp, who plans to study kinesiology, is among 3,500 winners of National Merit Scholarships which are financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Scholarship winners are selected from among Finalists in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend the sponsoring school. 

More Student News
RaidersRaider Sports News
Jaivon Harrison is High Jump State Runner-Up
Junior High Jumper Jaivon Harrison.
Congratulations to junior Jaivon Harrison, who cleared an amazing 6'10" to become the state runner-up in the Boys High Jump at the OHSAA Track & Field Championships! The meet was held May 31-June 1 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University. 
 
This was only Jaivon's second season competing in the high jump. Last year, he watched YouTube videos to learn more about high jumping, and this year, he received more formal coaching. " He's very raw, but he's a good jumper," says Head Coach Anthony Watkins. 
 
Jaivon placed second at the OATCCC Indoor Championships at SPIRE in February and says he knew then that he would make it to the State Championship. After his success, Jaivon has set his sights higher. "I want to be number one in the nation," he says. Way to go, Jaivon!

Class of 2019 Graduate Sophie Calabrese Wins Gold in Girls Single Sculls at Scholastic National Championship Regatta

Sophie Calabrese, surrounded by teammates at the SRAA National Championship Regatta.
Shaker Heights High School Class of 2019 graduate Sophie Calabrese raced to a first place finish on Saturday, May 25 in the Girls Single Sculls at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championship Regatta on Dillon Lake in Nashport, Ohio. 

She is the first Shaker Heights High School rower in the team's 25-year history to win a national championship. Sophie rowed the 1,500 meter course in 6:06.33, edging out second place by .9 seconds. 

Sophie will continue her rowing career this fall as a freshman at the University of Texas, where she will major in music performance. Sophie is a talented musician and has played French horn in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra for the past four years.

This summer, Sophie will attend USRowing's Under-19 Selection Camp, where she hopes to earn a spot on the Junior National Team, which will represent the USA in August at the World Rowing Junior Championships in Tokyo.
Class of 2019 Graduate Lyle Yost Named 2019 NISCA All America Diving Boys Champion
Lyle Yost at Woodbury Pool.
Congratulations to Class of 2019 graduate Lyle Yost, who was named the 2019  National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association  All America Diving Boys Champion!


Next fall, Lyle will attend The Ohio State University, where he will join the Men's Diving Team. Congratulations, Lyle!

IBinActionIB in Action: Fourth-Grade Exhibition
Shaker Heights Schools celebrates another year of IB Fourth-Grade Exhibition! Great job by all of our fourth-grade students in developing their research skills, enhancing their abilities to think critically and creatively, and honing the soft skills necessary to succeed in today's world. Also, our gratitude to all of the mentors who graciously volunteered their time and offered guidance to our students. Finally, a special nod to each of our PYP coordinators---Boulevard's Jennifer Goulden, Fernway's Jean Reinhold, Lomond's Shifa Isaacs, Mercer's Maria Baker and Onaway's Denise Brown---who have all made Exhibition what it is today: a culmination of learning that celebrates the whole child.
Fernway students gathered information at Dancing Wheels for their Exhibition project on disabilities.
GettingReadyGetting Ready for Next Year
Summer Reading 101
Use this Guide to a Successful Summer, created by the Shaker Heights Schools librarians, to keep your student engaged in learning and reading this summer:
  1. Read. Participate in the Shaker Public Library Summer Reading Program. The program runs May 28-September 1. More information can be found here.
  2. Read. Check out the Recommended Readings Lists from your school librarians and find your summer reading assignments here.
  3. Read. Utilize the digital library at Sora. Both audio and electronic books are available at Sora. Watch this helpful tutorial by Shaker Heights Schools librarian Mary Ann Durkalski to learn more about using Sora.
  4. Write. Start a summer journal, write an email to a friend, send a postcard from vacation, or write your own story.
  5. Explore. Commit to getting out of the house and into the community each day even if only for a short time.
  6. Share. Talk to each other. Ask specific questions about the day. For example, what was the most interesting thing you did today?
  7. Set limits. Limit the amount of screen time. When utilizing screens encourage educational games and videos.
1:1 Chromebook Intiative for Grades 5-12
Shaker Heights High School students using Chromebooks.
Earlier this school year, the District announced plans  to create a one-device-to-one-student ratio for students in Grades 5-12. Since then, a 1:1 team of teachers, librarians and technology staff from Woodbury, the Middle School and the High School joined with Technology leadership and administrators to develop District Chromebook policies, which are modeled after best practices gathered from school districts across the country. Team representatives also sought periodic feedback on the initiative and policies from the High School Student Tech Group. When these policies are finalized, the District will share them with all families.

To help answer some of your questions before the 2019-2020 academic year, the group has developed the 1:1 Chromebook FAQ . It addresses questions around fees, repairs, Internet filtering, home use and more. If you have a question that is not answered in the FAQ, please submit it using our 1:1 Chromebook Question Form . We will review all questions and share responses, when appropriate, on the FAQ.

The 1:1 team is still finalizing distribution plans for next year and will share those in the coming months. In the meantime, we ask you to mark your calendars to attend one of our Chromebook Information Sessions on Thursday, July 25 at 9 a.m. and Monday, July 29 at 7 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the High School Upper Cafeteria.
Woodbury Adopts New Teaching Structure and Schedule
Woodbury Elementary School
Next year,  Woodbury will adopt a new teaching structure and schedule that enables the school to better meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all our students while also achieving the District's mission of equity, excellence and exploration.

The new structure and schedule includes:
  • Communities of four teachers. 
  • A five-day rotation that is not based on the days of the week. Instead, days are 1 through 5, which allows for continuity of special subject classes including music, art, design, PE and language acquisition. 
  • Five days of recess. 
Register Your Incoming Shaker Heights Schools Student
If you have a child in your household who will be entering Shaker Heights Schools this coming fall, we encourage you to register your student as soon as possible (if you have not already done so).

Registration is a two-step process:
  • First, visit  registration.shaker.org , pre-register and create your registration appointment.
  • Bring all necessary documents to your registration appointment at the Registration Office
If you're having trouble pre-registering online, call the Registrar's Office at 216-295-4321.
Office hours are:
  • Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., until June 7
  • Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., June 10-August 2
  • Weekdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., beginning August 5
AroundtheDistrictAround the District
District Names Eric R. Juli Principal of Shaker Heights High School
Mr. Eric Juli
The District is pleased to announce that Eric R. Juli has accepted an offer to be the next principal of Shaker Heights High School. Mr. Juli will begin this summer.

Mr. Juli, a Shaker Heights resident, is currently Head of School at the Design Lab Early College High School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). He came to CMSD from the Lawrence (Massachusetts) Public Schools, where he served in a variety of administrative capacities, including Director of Secondary Curriculum. Before that, Mr. Juli held teaching positions in Boston, California and New York City. 

Principal Carina Freeman to Leave District
Carina Freeman, Principal at Lomond Elementary School, will be leaving the District to assume an administrative position in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Ms. Freeman, principal at Lomond since 2013, will assume her new role as a Network Support Leader on July 1, 2019.

"Ms. Freeman will be missed," said incoming Superintendent David Glasner. "Lomond has flourished under her stewardship. Cleveland is gaining an educator with a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction. We wish her the very best."

The District will immediately begin a search for her replacement. Read more about Ms. Freeman.
District Schools and Offices Begin Summer Hours Monday, June 10
From June 10-August 2, all District buildings and offices will adopt summer hours. During this time, our buildings will be open Mondays-Thursdays, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and closed on Fridays.
(Please note that construction work may continue each day throughout the summer.)

All District buildings and offices will resume regular office weekday hours, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, on Monday, August 5.
South Korea Education Delegation Visits Shaker Heights Schools
On May 20, Shaker Heights Schools welcomed members of a guest delegation from South Korea who visited our schools to learn more about the District's IB implementation. Guests in the delegation included Mr. Byoung-woo Kim, the Governor of Education from Chungcheongbuk-do province in central South Korea, as well as South Korean teachers, professors and journalists. The group also visited Kent State University tomorrow to learn more about teaching within the IB framework. "We are extremely honored to host this distinguished group of educators and thought leaders," said the District's IB Coordinator Dr. John Moore. "Every year, the delegation visits one exceptional school system in the world and this year they have chosen Shaker Heights."

Members of the South Korea delegation pose with Shaker Heights Schools teachers and administrators.
Registration for SELF July Sessions Closes June 17
There's still space available in Shaker Heights Schools Summer, Exploration, Learning and Fun (SELF) July sessions! Registration closes at 11 p.m. on June 17.  Click here to learn more about programs by grade, cost and registration.

Save the Date: Peer Model Screening Sessions for the Shaker Heights Early Intervention Preschool Program
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 Monday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 26 from 1-2 p.m. You must attend both sessions. The screening will be held at Mercer Elementary School. 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, smyth-morrow_n@shaker.org.
From Our School Librarians
Your Ohio Legislature's support of INFOhio Resources enables our Shaker Heights Schools Libraries to provide databases, search tools and more, during school hours and remotely from home. These tools, which would cost the District more than $92,000, are provided free of charge, thanks to INFOhio funding.

We were recently approved for the 2020-21 academic year to retain current funding levels. INFOhio is currently able to provide Shaker Heights Schools with access to the following resources at no charge:
  • Science Online
  • BookFlix
  • Storia
  • Gale - Chilton Library
  • Gale - Kids InfoBits
  • OUP Resources
  • Transparent Languages Online
  • World Book
  • EBSCO
  • EBSCO Specialized Databases
Each of these databases can be accessed by clicking here .

School Librarians have been on the frontlines of advocacy, especially during the past few years of declining budget allocations. Please join us in thanking your local legislators for their support. Send an email to your state senator sharing with them the value of INFOhio digital resources to your student. Let them know how you use INFOhio digital resources in your classrooms and libraries. Not sure how to contact your state senator? Visit  INFOhio Advocacy online  and look up your legislator using the Find My Legislator link.  These resources would not be possible without this much needed legislative consideration. 
Forward Together: Future of Facilities Open House on June 12
Join the Future of Facilities Open House on June 12 from 7-9 p.m. at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 3450 Lee Road. Attend to learn about the draft vision, goals and big ideas with the opportunity to talk with the planning team and Task Force members. The Forward Together process has generated hundreds of ideas and unique pieces of input with every one being cataloged and synthesized in developing the big ideas. Come see, hear about, and give your feedback on what's next for the facilities of Shaker Heights!

If you're unable to attend the Open House, view the displays and share your priorities as the show goes on the road. Displays will be available June 13 to 20 at the Main Library and City Hall and also online. Learn more about Forward Together.
SSFShaker Schools Foundation News
The Shaker Schools Foundation invites members of the community to support the Annual Fund campaign by making a tax-deductible gift by June 30. Your donations support innovation, student travel opportunities, teacher grants, and enrichment programs for all students in the Shaker Schools. Learn how your gifts are put to work by reading the Foundation's Donor Impact Report.
FROM THE CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) has launched a $2.3 million project to rehabilitate the dams at Lower Lake (near the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes) and Green Lake (on Parkland Rd., east of Lee Rd., and also known as the Duck Pond). As part of this project, NEORSD has temporarily drained Lower Lake and plans to drain Green Lake the week of June 3. (Horseshoe Lake was party drained last summer and will remain drained at least through next year.) As the water is lowered, mudflats develop along the edges. Residents are cautioned to avoid them, as they are extremely dangerous and it is possible to sink in the mud, which could require a rescue operation. Warning signs and fencing will be placed in areas where Lower Lake is easily accessible to the public. Learn more about the dams project.
LEARN MORE AT  SHAKER.ORG
Stay Connected
15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights OH 44120
 shaker.org ยท 216-295-1400