October 31, 2021
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!
The Shaker eNews for the 2021-2022 school year will release weekly on Sundays.
Visit our District Calendar online for a complete list of upcoming activities, events and athletic competitions.

Please note the following upcoming important dates:

  • Election Day - No School | Tuesday, November 2
  • Board of Education Meeting | Wednesday, November 10, 6 p.m.
  • Warm Clothing Gifting Drive | Sunday, November 14, 12-3 p.m.
  • Professional Day - No Classes | Monday-Tuesday, November 22-23
  • Thanksgiving Break | Wednesday-Friday, November 24-26
Warm Clothing Gifting Drive

The Shaker Heights Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is hosting a Warm Clothing Gifting Drive on Sunday, November 14, 2021 from 12-3 p.m. in the Woodbury Gym.

We are seeking new or gently used coats, mittens/gloves, hats, snow pants, boots and socks for ages 5 years to adult. Please ensure the items are clean and in giftable condition, ready to pass on to a new owner.

Dropping Off Items
All items can be dropped off to the Shaker Heights Youth Center inside Heights Christian Church (17300 Van Aken Blvd) on Sunday, November 7 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or to the donation bin located near the main office of your student’s school. Please have all items to the school building no later than Monday, November 8. Any items that go unclaimed will be held on hand for schools to use for students or donated to the Family Promise of Greater Cleveland.

Attending the Warm Clothing Gifting Drive
The Warm Clothing Gifting Drive will be held in the Woodbury Elementary Gym in shifts to minimize crowds for COVID safety. Masks are required to enter the building. For families wishing to attend, please see the recommended schedule:

  • Families with students in grades PreK-4 may attend from 12-1 p.m.
  • Families with students in grades 5-8 may attend from 1-2 p.m.
  • Families with students in grades 9-12 and adults may attend from 2-3 p.m.

These times are recommendations. Families may attend outside of their recommended window if needed.
Volunteer Vaccination Policy

The District's new policy mandating all employees and volunteers to be fully vaccinated is set to take effect on Monday, November 1, 2021. Policy (EBEB) This means that in order to be on school grounds, working with students and staff, volunteers must be fully vaccinated.

Please send proof of vaccination (scan a copy or send a photocopy) via email to Nicole Gardner in the Human Resources Office at gardner_n@shaker.org

Additionally, the District's fingerprinting system is back online and is free of charge for any volunteer who needs to obtain a background check. Please complete the registration process by clicking here. If you have any questions regarding setting up your appointment please contact Nicole Gardner gardner_n@shaker.org or call the Human Resources Office at 216-295-4339.
District Finalizing Quarantine Guidance in Accordance with ODH Recommendations

Last week, the Ohio Department of Health released updated information regarding quarantining guidelines for school districts. The Shaker Heights City School District is finalizing guidance in accordance with ODH's recommendations and will post this updated information on the Health & Safety Guidelines webpage, as well as email all families and staff once they are updated.
Forward Together

Thank you to everyone who participated in the first round of community engagement workshops. Another round of workshops will be announced soon. If you were unable to participate in the workshops, please consider giving your feedback through the online survey, which is open through Sunday, October 31. Click here to fill out the survey.

Keep up with all of the latest progress by visiting the Forward Together website.
Shaker Heights Livestream Athletic Schedule:

It's playoff time for fall sports! Field hockey and cross country are still in playoff contests. Due to the uncertain nature of this schedule, the livestream schedule is not set ahead of time. (Cross country events are not livestreamed.)

Check here for updates to each sport's schedule as they advance.

All livestream events can be found on the Athletic Department website.

Good luck to our Raiders!
Equity Unscripted to Relaunch as Podcast

We are excited to relaunch Equity Unscripted in a fresh podcast format! This podcast will showcase the District's journey in seeking educational equity, which is based on the principles of fairness and equity in allocating resources, opportunity, treatment and the creation of success for each student. These conversations -- which feature the challenges, successes and goals of the District’s efforts -- are intended to push our community to reflect deeper and go further.

Our first episode is available now wherever you get your podcasts, or at the following links:


Episodes will release every two weeks on Sundays, with the next episode coming on November 7. Upcoming episodes will introduce listeners to the FACE Center, tackle discussions on anti-racism, look at ADA compliance in school buildings and the effect on students and much more!

If you have topics that you would like to share with us please email, dei@shaker.org.
We want you to stay connected. In order to receive PTO emails and access to the directory, faculty/staff and families are asked to create an account on Membership Toolkit. There are no fees to join the PTO. A Membership Toolkit account will give you access to the district family directory. Once you are registered, you will have the opportunity to decide what, if any, of your family information is included in the directory. Visit www.ShakerPTO.org to register.

Meanwhile, mark your calendars for the next PTO Council meeting scheduled for January 24, and May 16, 2022. 

Have a wonderful week!
 
Michelle Jones and Randi Nathenson
PTO Council Co-Presidents
Eight Inspiring Grads Join Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame

The 2021 class of the Shaker Schools Alumni Hall of Fame includes a political activist who helped free a political prisoner in Argentina; an author and public speaker who addresses issues of racial equity and bias; a superior court judge who has championed tenants’ rights; an inspector general and ethics officer who defends voting rights; a legal scholar, professor and advocate of social justice and police reform; a conservationist and climate activist working to prevent deforestation; a leader in corporate philanthropy supporting educational advancement; and a Grammy and Clio award winning lyric opera tenor. Learn more about the new inductees, who will visit in the spring of 2022 to share their stories and inspiring remarks with students and to attend a dinner and induction ceremony in their honor.
The Return of Friday Night DJ Skate Sessions

Get your skate on! Join your friends at Thornton Park Ice Arena and skate to a live DJ during Friday Night DJ Skates on November 5, 12 and 19 from 7:45-9 pm.