December 2019
Students in Andree Hassell's second-grade Fernway class pose with a beam that will be placed into the renovated structure of Fernway School. Every student and staff member at the school signed the beam. Read more below.
The Shaker Schools Connection
Inside this Issue...
December #IAMSHAKER Spotlights
Student News
Family and Community Engagement
District News
Raider News


#IAMSHAKER Spotlights
GraceStudent Spotlight: Grace McCormack

Grace McCormack is a senior at Shaker Heights High School, an IB Diploma Programme Candidate and, perhaps most significantly, an aspiring artist. Her artwork has won top awards (last year, her self-portrait "More Red than Blue" earned a Gold Key Award in the Scholastic Art Competition) and her comic, The Second Hour, been featured on the front page of her favorite app, WebToon. Grace speaks about the tools of her trade---Huion tablets, Toon Boom, Maya, the Adobe Suite--with the familiarity of a close friend. And in a way, they are: because these tools help Grace express herself through art in ways that are compelling, deeply personal and beautiful.


Grace McCormack drawing on a Huion tablet (provided by the Shaker Schools Foundation Innovation Fund).
chucktisdaleEmployee Spotlight: Chuck Tisdale

If you've attended a music or theater performance at the Middle School or at the High School, then chances are you've heard the name Chuck Tisdale. He's the man in the booth whom teachers credit at the end of each performance for ensuring that the show went off without a hitch. 

While Mr. Tisdale's role might seem to be suited for someone who prefers the anonymity of the backstage life, he is comfortable anywhere in a theater---whether that's on stage acting, working as a director (as he most recently did for the High School's production of Macbeth) or designing and maintaining sets. Mr. Tisdale, who is equal parts quick wit and gentle soul, has been an actor since he was a young boy growing up in Lakewood: what started as an interest in pretend play developed into a lifelong passion for theater. His career has included work in Cleveland, Jupiter, Florida (where he worked with celebrity instructors Charles Nelson Reilly and Burt Reynolds) and Vermont. 


Chuck Tisdale in his High School office.
Student News
A Publish Your Own Book camper poses with her finished book.

On November 14, students who participated in the Publish Your Own Book camp over the summer received bound copies of their stories. Publish Your Own Book is a part of Shaker's Summer Exploration, Learning and Fun (SELF) program offerings.

These student authors also lent their autograph to copies of their books that will be donated back to their school libraries for their peers to enjoy! Congratulations to our student authors!
fernwayFernway Students Sign a Beam to be Placed Inside the Renovated School
A Fernway student signs the Gilbane beam.

On November 13 and 14, all Fernway students and staff had the opportunity to sign a steel beam---presented by the construction firm Gilbane and Van Auken Akins Architects---which will be the last one put into place at Fernway Elementary. The beam is part of a construction tradition, known as "topping out." Fernway Principal Chris Hayward explained the tradition to each class before they signed the beam. "Your names will be on this beam behind the walls of Fernway forever," Mr. Hayward told them. Thank you to our friends at Gilbane and Van Auken Akins for carrying on this tradition and for including our Fernway family!
macladyscholarsShaker Heights Middle School MAC Lady Scholars Named to Honor and Merit Roll

Congratulations to the Shaker Heights Middle School MAC Lady Scholars who achieved the Honor Roll and the Merit Roll! Honor Roll students have a GPA of 3.5 or above and Merit Roll students have a GPA of 3.0-3.49. Honor Roll students included:  Amaya Harris,  Sa Rai-A'Lynn Ali,  Tomaja'Ne Allen,  Kennedi Curry,  Miranda Burrell,  Dallas Burns,  B'Lise Bradley,  Jada Burge,  Amari Chandler,  Zara Troupe and  Shelby McBee. Merit Roll students included: Kimora Langford, Masika Patience, Jaida Brown, Sumayah Wagner, Josie Thomas, Gabrielle Parker, Aryn Harris, Brianna Hill, Geniya Boone, Torrey Marshall-Wright, Taylor Mahone and Gia McKinley

Great job, Lady Scholars!

MAC Lady Scholar Honor Roll Students.


MAC Lady Scholar Merit Roll Students.

esportsSHHS Esports Overwatch Team Wins State Championship

Congratulations to the Shaker Heights High School Esports Overwatch team, who finished an undefeated season by winning the Esports Ohio Fall Season State Championship on November 23! The day-long tournament was held at the Tiffin University Esports Arena and the team won all six of their rounds, defeating Buckeye Central High to bring the championship home. The Esports team, which began last school year, was made possible by generous funding through the Shaker Schools Foundation.
 
Congratulations to the following team members and Esports student leaders: Blaise Johnson, Reggie Jackson, Baker Pidcock, Ethan Byrnes, Leo Gonzales, Jackson Ball, Sean Hall, Jabril Muhammad, Dylan Lamb, Ethan Geye, Finn Cohen, Sean Hall, and Simon Hipwell. Also, thank you to their coach, Keith Szalay!

SHHS Esports Overwatch Team, following their win over Buckeye Central High.
expressionsEight SHHS Artists Featured in eXpressions Exhibition

Signals by David Szoke
Congratulations to the eight SHHS art students whose artwork was selected for inclusion in the Cleveland Clinic's eXpressions exhibition. The eXpressions program is an educational initiative that engages middle and high school students in the creative exploration of science and medicine. This year, Shaker Heights High School had more student works selected than any other school in the exhibition.  

The students include:
  • Lane Murray, Shards of Childhood 
  • Kya Goodwin, Heartbreak 
  • Anne Christy Domingo, The Sea of Bears 
  • Olivia McDowell, Safety Blanket
  • David Szoke, Signals 
  • Samira Smith, Permanent Handmade Hospital Bracelet 
  • Curtis Harding, Heavy Sleep 
  • Eli Steinberg, Implanting Addiction
Read more and view a slideshow of the student artwork.
seniorprojectBe a Shaker Heights High School Senior Project Sponsor

The Shaker Heights High School Senior Project program gives seniors an opportunity to work with sponsors in career settings that interest them. The program, which runs May 4-28, 2020, requires students to earn 100 project hours during that time. 

The High School PTO is working with Senior Project Advisors to expand the current sponsor list in the following careers: general business, computer science, education, medicine, engineering, law, accounting, fashion, automotive, among others. Sponsors have flexibility in working with students. For example, students can shadow the sponsor, observe day-to-day operations in the workplace, work on a specific task or project or any combination of similar activities. Sponsors are not required to see the student every day. 

Learn more about becoming a Senior Project Sponsor online and complete the Sponsor Contact Form to be added to the database of potential senior project sponsors. Questions? Email James Schmidt, Senior Project Advisor. 
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
faceIntroducing FACE Academy Quick Study: One-Hour Adult Education Opportunities

The District's Communications and Engagement team is excited to introduce FACE Academy Quick Study, a new series of one-hour adult education opportunities. 

We'll kick off FACE Academy Quick Study on December 5 (10-11 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.) and December 12 (6:30-7:30 p.m.) with All About Abre, three hands-on sessions which will guide you through the District's new one-stop online shop for the information you need about your student and the District. The session will be led by Dr. Chris Rateno, the District's Director of Student Data Systems and Accountability. Team members from the Communications and Engagement Team also will be on hand to assist. If you have a laptop or tablet, please bring it. If you don't have one, the District will provide Chromebooks for use during the sessions. 

Spaces are still available at all sessions, so RSVP online today
District Releases 2019-2020 Measuring What Matters MeasuringWhatMatters

We are pleased to present the 2019-2020 edition of "Measuring What Matters," our annual report to the community. The publication will be mailed to every home in Shaker Heights and also is available online.
This year's "Measuring What Matters" documents the District's continued academic success, our strong financial stewardship and the wonderful work of the Shaker Schools Foundation. It tells stories about our students and staff, and contains exciting news about our fast-growing International Baccalaureate Programme, which continues to drive educational equity and excellence throughout our District. 

EdChoiceDr. Glasner Addresses State Board of Education to Voice Concerns Over EdChoice Expansion

Dr. Glasner addresses the State Board of Education on November 14.
Superintendent David Glasner addressed the State Board of Education in Columbus on November 14 to voice concerns on the Ohio Department of Education's flawed expansion of the EdChoice program. Dr. Glasner spoke on behalf of our District and many others who have been impacted by the voucher program's expansion. Read Dr. Glasner's remarks 
here.

EdChoice is an Ohio Department of Education program that provides students who attend public schools deemed in need of improvement with the opportunity to attend participating private schools. Just 18 months ago, only 30 Ohio school districts-five percent of the state's total districts-had schools designated for EdChoice. A last-minute change to the state's biennial budget bill, which was passed this past summer, expanded the program so that today, 423 school districts-70 percent of the school districts in Ohio-have schools designated for EdChoice.

Dr. Glasner also released a follow-up message on EdChoice to share how the Shaker Heights Schools community can advocate for change. Read the message to learn how you can help.
resoluteStrategic Planning Update

The District thanks all those families, staff and students who have participated in Strategic Planning Focus Groups in November. Your input has been valuable to the process!

All families and staff can stay up-to-date on the District's Strategic Planning Process by visiting our special website section Shaping Shaker

You may also review our Strategic Planning Communications, and share your constructive Strategic Planning Feedback online.
winterbreakWinter Break is December 21-January 5

All Shaker Heights Schools will be closed for winter break, December 21, 2019-January 5, 2020. Administrative offices will remain open during regular business hours but will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 as well as Tuesday, December 31 and Wednesday, January 1.

We wish all Shaker Heights Schools families and staff a Happy Holiday season!
ForwardTogetherBoard Approves Resolution to Support Forward Together Vision Plan

The Shaker Heights Board of Education approved a resolution that accepts and supports the Forward Together Vision Plan, "A Vision for Community Facilities," which was approved by the Joint Facilities Task Force on October 17 and by the City Planning Commission on November 6. Both the Library and the City have approved similar resolutions. Forward Together is a community-centered process that envisions the future of Shaker Heights as one with shared facilities among the Schools, the City and the Library.

Read more.

marchNo School for Students on March 17, 2020

Please n ote that all schools will be closed to students on Election Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 as many of our buildings are polling locations. The District also will utilize this day as a professional in-service day for staff. In making this decision, the Board has considered student and staff safety, as well as limited parking at buildings. 
Families with students in Grades K-6, please note: The District has confirmed with the City of Shaker Heights Recreation Department that the Fundaze program will be offered on March 17. Stay tuned to  Fundaze on the City's website for registration information. 
 
Review the revised 2019-20 At-a-Glance Calendar here
chineseSHHS Confucius Classroom Hosts Chinese Teacher Training

More than 50 Chinese educators and administrators will attend the 12th Annual Northeast Ohio Region Chinese teachers' training on Saturday, December 14 at Shaker Heights High School.

This is the eighth year that the 
Shaker Heights High School Confucius Classroom
Shaker has hosted this event.

Welcome to all of our guests!
LMKSeeking K-6 Students for Lunch Menu Kids

If your K-6 student likes to be on camera, sign him/her up to be a Lunch Menu Kid! Each school day, you can find our Lunch Menu Kids on Facebook reading the day's K-6 lunch menu. 

No auditions or experience necessary, just a willing student! If your student is interested, send an email to [email protected] and we'll send you a script!
delaysReview the School Closure/Delayed Opening Communications & Procedures

As winter weather heads our way, please be sure to review our School Closing/Delayed Opening Communications and Procedures.
Raider News
RaiderCalRaider Athletics Calendar

Catch our High School and Middle School Raider athletes in action this month.  View the December Athletics competition calendar.  

Be sure to follow our Raider athletics news on our  Athletics website  or follow us on Twitter  @raidersofshaker .
signingdayThree Raider Athletes Sign Letters of Intent on Fall Signing Day

Congratulations to these Shaker Heights High School seniors who signed their NCAA Letters of Intent on November 13: Calvin Brown, baseball, University of Pennsylvania; Lora Clarke, field hockey, University of Michigan; and Ryan Skall, soccer, University of Illinois at Chicago. Great job, athletes and best of luck next year!

(L-R, seated): Calvin Brown, Lora Clarke and Ryan Skall pose with their families after signing their letters of intent.

blackoutSHHS Cheerleaders Host All-Alumni Blackout Game Fundraiser

The Shaker Heights High School Cheerleaders will host an All-Alumni Blackout fundraiser half-time shootout contest and alumni cheerleader half-time show on Friday, January 3 when the Raiders face Medina. Tipoff is 7:30 p.m. in the North Gym. All former alumni (especially former basketball players and cheerleaders) are invited to participate!

Participation in the shootout and/or the cheer clinic is $10, payable on game day (cash only, please). Interested alumni should sign up online and purchase a Blackout t-shirt

Questions? Contact Cheerleading Coach Denise Johnson
December Events
perfartsDecember Concerts

Woodbury Grade 5 Band Concert I: 6:45 p.m., December 9, Middle School Auditorium

Woodbury Grade 5 Band Concert II: 8 p.m., December 9, Middle School Auditorium

Woodbury Grade 6 Band Concert I: 6:45 p.m., December 10, Middle School Auditorium

Woodbury Grade 6 Band Concert II: 8 p.m., December 10, Middle School Auditorium

Woodbury Grade 5 Orchestra Concert: 6:45 p.m., December 11, Middle School Auditorium

Woodbury Grade 6 Orchestra Concert: 8 p.m., December 11, Middle School Auditorium

High School Winter Choir Alumni Concert: 7:30 p.m., December 12, High School Large Auditorium

High School Orchestra Concert: 7:30 p.m., December 17, High School Large Auditorium

High School Band Concert I: 7 p.m., December 18, High School Large Auditorium

High School Band Concert II: 7 p.m., December 19, High School Large Auditorium
msshowcaseMiddle School Student Showcase and Book Fair is December 13 at Barnes & Noble

The Shaker Heights Middle School Annual Student Showcase and Book Fair will be from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at Barnes & Noble in Woodmere, 28801 Chagrin Blvd. Enjoy student performances and activities for all ages from 6-9 p.m. 

This year, guests can also pre-order Cheesecake Factory desserts from the BN Cafe, which will be available for pick-up at the Showcase. A portion of all purchases at the event (including books, gifts, BN Cafe and Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes) will benefit Shaker Heights Middle School Library Programs. Simply visit the welcome table when you arrive to pick up a voucher and present it when you make your purchase. Bring the whole family for some holiday shopping and activities! 

substituteSubstitute Teacher Job Fair

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, the North Coast Shared Services Alliance, which recruits and manages substitute teachers for 53 school districts throughout the region, will host a job fair for substitute teachers at the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, 6393 Oak Tree Blvd. in Independence. During this job fair, candidates will meet with recruiters and learn about the substitute, short-term and long-term teacher opportunities available, and interview onsite. Interested candidates can also apply online.  
SSFShaker Schools Foundation News
A Night for the Red & White is March 7, 2020 

Come for the fun and support our Shaker students at A Night for the Red & White on March 7, 2020, 7 p.m. at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown.

Many thanks to our volunteer leaders for our 28th annual gala: Sarah Brandon Bowen , SHHS Class of 2007; Mity Fowler , mother of 3 Shaker students; Boulevard parent Lauren Martin ; and Marla Walker , mother of two Shaker graduates and two current Shaker students.

This party with a purpose provides enrichment for all Shaker students in every school, with a particular focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit  shakerschoolsfoundation.org/events. For questions:  216-295-4319 or  [email protected] .
citynewsFrom the City of Shaker Heights

Scooter/Bike Survey
 
Several months ago, Cleveland launched an electronic scooter share program for a 180-day trial. This program will eventually include electronic-assist bicycles and it allows these vehicles to be used throughout Cuyahoga County. Shaker Heights, along with five other suburbs, is now exploring the pros and cons of having these vehicles in the community. What do you think? Chime in by taking a 10-question survey.
 
Holiday Trash Pick-up Schedule
 
Please note the following holiday trash delays:

During the weeks of December 23 and 30 (Christmas Day and New Year's Day), Wednesday to Friday pick-ups will be delayed by one day.  When a trash delay is in effect, residents can expect their trash to be picked up one day later than their regular collection day (i.e., Wednesday's trash is picked up on Thursday). 

LEARN MORE AT  SHAKER.ORG
Stay Connected
15600 Parkland Drive, Shaker Heights OH 44120
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