June 5, 2022
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 is published 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:


  • Staggered Start to School Begins | August 24 (see schedule here)
  • First Day of School, PreK | August 29
  • Labor Day, Monday, September 5 | Schools and Offices Closed
  • Curriculum Nights:
  • All Grades 1-4 | Wednesday, September 7 
  • Middle School | Thursday, September 8 
  • PreK | Tuesday, September 13 
  • High School | Thursday, September 15 
  • Woodbury | Tuesday, September 20 
  • Kindergarten | Wednesday, September 21 

Click on the appropriate link below for school-level and building PTO news:


Use these Quick Links to access the following District information:


PowerSchool and Class/Schedule Assignments


Class and schedule assignments will be available to view in PowerSchool by noon on Monday, August 22. Families should have received instructions for setting up a PowerSchool account. If you need assistance, email powerschool@shaker.org.


Families must complete the returning student registration form located in the PowerSchool Parent Portal in order to view your student's schedule/class placement prior to the first day of school. Families should have received an email from PowerSchool Registration Support (noreplyregistration@powerschool.com) with the subject Shaker Heights City School District Returning Student Registration for [Student Name]. This form does not need completed for students new to the District.

New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Number


In July, the United States transitioned the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to the easy-to-remember 988. This transition is an important step in strengthening and transforming the crisis care continuum in the U.S.

Health and Safety Guidelines


In preparation for the school year, the District has updated its Health & Safety Guidelines in accordance with updated guidance from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and other health agencies. We encourage all families, students and staff to review this information together and to discuss/address any questions before returning to school.

Please keep in mind that these guidelines may change based on new information. The District continuously reviews the guidelines and will notify families and staff members of any changes.

Important Transportation Information


The Shaker Heights City School District is facing a severe shortage of bus drivers. As a result, the District is presently considering a variety of ways to address this urgent issue for the 2022-2023 school year.


As you may have seen, “Here Comes the Bus” went live last week with route and time information. These routes will continue to be adjusted as we approach the start of school, so please check the app and website often. In addition, the District will monitor our student transportation and may need to make adjustments to routes or stops after the start of the school year.


While this is an urgent issue, we are hoping to minimize this disruption for our students and families, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications


The USDA has announced that free meals will no longer be offered to all students beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Lunches at Shaker Heights Schools will only be provided for free or reduced cost to families that are deemed eligible after submitting an application for free- and reduced-price eligibility.


Families may also qualify for fee waivers for the ACT, PSAT, SAT and AP tests if qualified for free and reduced-price meals. If you have additional questions about free and reduced-price meals or the application process, contact Deirdra Storms at 216-295-5593. Refer to Free/Reduced-Price Meal for more information, frequently asked questions and a link to the online application.


Shaker Heights Schools will continue to provide breakfast to all students at no cost for the 2022-2023 school year.

2022-2023 Assessment Calendars


Assessment calendars for the 2022-2023 school year are now available, by school, on our website. Families may review these testing windows for reference. Individual schools will inform families directly of any changes to the calendars above.

Affordable Internet Services for Low-Income Families


The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new federal program that helps low-income households offset the monthly cost of a new or existing internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.


The ACP may provide families:

  1. Up to $30/month discount for broadband service;
  2. Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
  3. A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.


There are several ways that a household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):

  • If an adult or dependent participates in certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC or other programs
  • Based on their household income
  • If someone in the household already receives a Lifeline benefit


For a full list of qualifications and to apply, visit affordableconnectivity.gov or call 1-877-384-2575 to request an application.

Shaker Heights Schools Welcomes Back Faculty and Staff


Thursday, August 18 marked the return to work for the faculty and staff at Shaker Heights Schools. All employees convened at the High School for Convocation and professional learning, where they were welcomed by the Shaker Heights High School Marching Band and Raiderettes, as well as members of the Board of Education and the PTO.

Equity Unscripted Podcast: Season 2, Episode 1


"What is Inclusive Excellence?"


This week Superintendent Dr. David Glasner and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Larry Burnley join us for an in-depth discussion of inclusive excellence - what it is, what it means and how it is impacting the work of the Shaker Heights Schools. You won't want to miss this great discussion!


Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/equity-unscripted/id1591709256

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38RmSzYCNgrPFoBdnTUPiX

Audible:  https://www.audible.com/pd/B08JJMMGJ5


Episodes will release every other week on Sundays throughout the year. Episodes include a range of topics that impact the efforts of the Shaker Heights Schools to achieve educational equity.


If you have topics that you would like to share with us please email, dei@shaker.org.choice.

Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year!  


All parents and caregivers are automatically members of Shaker PTO. We encourage you to participate in PTO events at each of our schools. Please feel free to reach out to PTO presidents at any of the schools to get involved. We look forward to working together as a community to support our students, teachers and administrators during the upcoming school year.


Best wishes for a great year!


PTO Council


Explore Opportunity Scholarships for Shaker Students


ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES AND YOUTH SPORTS

TRY, CREATE, PRACTICE, GROW!


The Shaker Schools Foundation is pleased to offer two scholarship funds dedicated to furthering equitable access to educational activities outside of the offerings of the Shaker Heights School District. Applications can be found on our website

shakerschoolsfoundation.org under the "students" tab.

Mayor’s Report: August 2022


Watch the August 2022 edition of the Mayor’s Report, where he discusses upcoming public engagement events regarding the restoration of Doan Brook at Horseshoe Lake Park on Thursday, August 25, and Saturday, August 27. There’s also news about Phase 2 of the Van Aken District, a city landmark in the making!

Habitat for Humanity Restore Donation Drive August 27


On Saturday, August 27 from 9 am-1 pm, stop by the City’s Service Center, 15600 Chagrin Blvd., to donate usable household and construction items to Habitat for Humanity. The organization will accept the following items: furniture, appliances, tools, plumbing/electric materials and construction/renovation materials, including items suitable for kitchen and bathrooms. NO paint, clothing or bedding will be accepted.