December 6, 2020
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!
Visit our District Calendar online for a complete list of upcoming remote learning student activities, virtual events and athletic competitions.

Please note the following upcoming important dates:

  • Board of Education Meeting | 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 8
  • Winter Recess | Monday, December 21-Friday, January 1
  • Onsite/Online Learning Resumes | Monday, January 4
Mercer Principal J. Lindsay Florence Announces Retirement
After 17 years as the principal of Mercer Elementary School, J. Lindsay Florence has announced that he will retire from Shaker Heights Schools following the end of this school year. “This Mercer community has become my family over the years. To have seen so many students enter as kindergarteners, clap out as fourth graders and then go on to graduate from the High School and do great things is so rewarding. I’ll miss the students, the staff and our wonderful Mercer Meerkat families,” said Mr. Florence. Read more.
December 8 Board of Education Meeting Details & Public Comment Submissions
The Tuesday, December 8, 2020, Board of Education meeting will take place remotely. All residents may attend, either via Zoom or telephone. More information, including the public comment form and Zoom link are available online.
Shaker Theatre Arts Presents “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” & “Almost, Maine”
Shaker Theatre Arts Department is proud to present virtual performances of She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms by Qui Nguyen at 7:30 p.m., December 9-12, and Almost, Maine by John Cariani, also at 7:30 p.m., December 17-19. Both performances will be streamed online. Read more about the performances.
Remote Learning Meal Delivery Information
The District will continue to distribute free meals through the 2020-21 School Year. Refer to the Fall 2020 Meal Delivery Schedule for delivery locations and times.
Complete the AVI Foodsystems Survey
The District's food service provider, AVI Foodsystems, cares about its guests and wants to be sure they are serving you the best way possible. Please take a moment to share your thoughts regarding AVI's dining services.
 
Simply click on this survey link to begin. The survey starts now and closes on Friday, December 11. If you have questions or want to contact AVI directly, please contact Food Service Director Mark Jacobs, 216-295-4342.
 
Thank you in advance for your assistance! It’s AVI’s pleasure to serve you.
Champions Remote Learning Center and Onsite Before- and After-School Child Care Information
Shaker Heights Schools families who require child care supports during the period of remote learning may register for a supervised remote learning center provided by Champions, a KinderCare Education company. Champions is also planning to offer before- and after-school child care for students in Grades K-6 beginning Monday, January 11. Learn more about Champions Remote Learning Center and Champions Before- and After-School Programs
Download the District App for Daily Health Assessment/COVID-19 Screening
During this period of remote learning, families do not need to complete the daily health assessment/COVID-19 screening. The District asks that families resume the daily assessment when students return for onsite learning in January. Learn more about the daily health assessment/COVID-19 screener.
Student Health & Safety Guidelines
All families should review these Student Health and Safety Guidelines with their students. 

We encourage families and students to review this information together and to discuss/address any questions before returning to school for onsite learning.
Flu Vaccine Reminder
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccine.

Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine is an option for vaccination. Read more abouflu vaccine benefits.
How to Give and Receive in Shaker Heights

Check this list, maintained by the City of Shaker Heights, for ways to give and receive this winter, particularly food and holiday gifts.

Family/Household Resources

We continue to update this list, which includes links to school information, housing and childcare assistance, recreation and library resources. If you have any additions, please email ptocouncilpres@gmail.com.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration of Beloved Community

The 6th annual MLK Celebration of Beloved Community is quickly approaching! If you have any ideas for how we can reimagine this beloved event or if you would like to be involved with the planning process, please let us know here! "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve."   

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Brooke Bribriesco or Paulanita Barker

Gratitude Project for Staff

Thank you to the many families who contributed handmade notes for the 1,000 staff members. The notes had wonderful messages for our staff and showed lots of time and effort on the part of our community. 
Save the Date: Shaker Speaks with Lisa Damour, Ph.D. on February 17
Shaker parent and renowned adolescent psychologist Lisa Damour, Ph.D., will present a timely and interactive discussion on managing stress, anxiety, and parenting under COVID-19 at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17 via Zoom.
 
Dr. Damour will explain the psychological science that is key to understanding how stress and anxiety operate, both under everyday conditions and at times of heightened concern and disruption. Learn more about the event.

This is event is FREE but you must register in advance to receive the link via Zoom. Please register before noon on February 17.
Free COVID-19 Testing in Shaker Heights

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health and MetroHealth are offering free COVID-19 testing for individuals age two and older on December 16 and December 30.

Testing will take place at the Shaker Heights Fire Station at 17000 Chagrin Blvd. You must pre-register to be tested. Learn more.