April 21, 2024

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:


  • Facilities Update Webinar | Wednesday, May 1, 12 p.m.
  • Community Conversation on Cell Phone Use in Schools | Tuesday, May 14, 6 p.m.
  • Woodbury Community Celebration | Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m.

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


Use these Quick Links to access the following District information:


Important Calendar Change Information For Families and Staff


The Shaker Heights Board of Education has approved an adjustment to the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic calendars. 


  • For the 2023-2024 school year, the last day of school for students in Grades K-8 will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The last day of school for students in Grades 9-11 remains Thursday, June 6, 2024. There is no change to the PreK end-of-year schedule.
  • For the 2024-2025 school year, January 6, 2025, will be a regular student instructional day and the school year will end on June 4, 2025.

 

End-of-year celebrations for this school year have been adjusted to accommodate the adjusted schedule. Please find updated information on main celebrations for each school below:


*All K-4 schools will hold a Flag Lowering Ceremony on Wednesday, June 5.

  • Boulevard:
  • June 4 | 4th Grade memory book signing and treat
  • June 5 | Whole-school Field Day
  • Fernway:
  • May 31 | Field Day & Fun Run
  • June 5 | Flag lowering and celebrate retirees
  • Lomond: 
  • May 23 | Popsicles during IB showcase
  • June 5 | Whole-school Field Day
  • Mercer:
  • June 4 | 4th Grade memory book signing and treat
  • June 5 | Whole-school Field Day
  • Onaway: 
  • May 31 | Field Day 
  • June 5 | Picnic (4th Grade to Horseshoe Lake)
  • Woodbury: 
  • June 3, 10 a.m. | 6th Grade Clap Out
  • June 4 | 5th Grade Field Day 
  • Shaker Heights Middle School:
  • June 5, 8:20 a.m. | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony and Reception
  • June 4 | 8th Grade Cedar Point Trip
  • Shaker Heights High School:
  • High School Commencement | Wednesday, June 5, 6 p.m. (no change)


A full calendar of events can be found here.


The calendar changes are now reflected on the District’s online calendar and on the revised 2023-2024 District At-a-Glance and 2024-2025 District At-a-Glance calendars.

Woodbury Celebration on Friday, May 17


The Shaker Heights Schools and the Shaker Schools Foundation are planning a celebration of Woodbury's history and legacy on Friday, May 17, from 5-7 p.m.


All members from the community, past and present, are invited to this open house event to enjoy the history of Woodbury and take a walk through the building prior to the renovations. Food trucks will be on site for guests to purchase dinner.


Advanced RSVP is appreciated. A commemorative Woodbury t-shirt and line drawing print are also available for pre-order. Please visit the Woodbury Celebration website for order forms and the link to RSVP!

Save the Date for A Community Conversation on Cell Phone Use in Schools


The District will host a Community Conversation on Cell Phone Use in Schools on Tuesday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Shaker Heights High School. Please save the date for this important discussion.


More information will follow soon!

Shaker Heights Schools Welcomes Incoming Kindergarteners


Shaker Heights Schools hosted the annual Kindergarten Kickoff at this year's host school Lomond Elementary School. Nearly 160 incoming kindergartners and their families spent the afternoon meeting their new school principals, learning the ins and outs of Shaker Heights Schools, taking selfies, exploring a school bus and more!


The District can't wait to have our newest students join us this fall!

Stay up to date by following the Shaker Schools Foundation on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram and  LinkedIn!

Submit Your Applications for Beyond The Desk & Level The Playing Field 

Summer Opportunity Assistance Scholarships


The Shaker Schools Foundation is proud to offer two funds dedicated to broadening equitable access to various educational and sports activities beyond the District's offerings. Students in grades 1-12 currently enrolled in the Shaker Heights City School District are eligible to participate. Over 160 Shaker students this school year have received scholarships, enabling them to explore their diverse interests! Learn more here.


Family Reflections:

"I'm so appreciative of the Shaker Schools Foundation for their generous donation to help my kids enjoy summer activities. My oldest was able to join a basketball camp and my youngest went to Lego camp. They both had a great time; without the help from the Foundation, they would've missed out." 


"I love that the Foundation is here and available to families in Shaker. It is such a help especially when you have four kids like me who are interested in different things. To be able to have assistance is such a blessing. My children still get to experience opportunities that they enjoy. I am truly grateful."

From the Margins to the Center

Celebrating National Deaf History Month, Vol. 10

Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center


William Warren

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Coordinator


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that approximately 1 in 36 children are identified as autistic." Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a wide range of characteristics and behaviors that can be addressed with a variety of strategies, therapies, supports and treatments. April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to acknowledge and celebrate members of the neurodiverse community, and bring awareness to resources and services available for individuals and families supporting those with ASD. 


Within the District, our Department of Exceptional Children & Special Education is committed to accommodating Shaker students with support and resources both in and out of the classroom. The district offers a variety of evidence based practices to support student learning. This includes Augmentative and Alternative communication device training and support, Positive Behavior Coordinators and Occupational Therapy services that support both sensory and fine motor needs just to name a few! In the greater Cleveland community, University Hospitals’ Rainbow Autism Center provides comprehensive assessment and evaluation of children who show signs of ASD, and has support available to families caring for such children. Additionally, the non-profit organization Autism Speaks will host their annual Cleveland Walk in October to raise money for ASD research, support and advocacy. 


Autism Acceptance Month also seeks to promote equity and inclusivity through education and access to eliminate the stigma associated with ASD, often perpetuated by stereotypes and misinformation. We affirm the work being done by stakeholders within our District and our community to support and advocate for individuals living with ASD and the families who support them, and invite you to learn more about the organizations dedicated to this cause.


Additional Resources

The SHHS Flower Sale is Now Open!


PRE-SALE ORDER DEADLINE MAY 6th


Click here to order!


PROCEEDS BENEFIT: Teacher and Staff appreciation, Black Student Conference, Bridges Summer Program, Career Awareness Events, Spirit Days, Senior Celebrations, After Prom, Innovation Center Requests, AP/IB Testing, Student Activity Fair, MLK Day- just to name a few!


Order early as favorites tend to sell out! Follow us on Facebook.


Questions? Call Tiffany Goldstein at 216-577-5968 or goldeezgirl@me.com 


*We are only doing online ordering this year. If you need assistance placing your orders, please call Kate Blaszak at 216-314-4724 or kateblaszak@me.com


Thank you for your continued support!

Chat with Mayor Weiss and Assistant Law Director Lisa Gold-Scott April 25


On Thursday, April 25 from 5:30-6:30 pm, stop by Midnight Owl Brewing Company, 20312 Chagrin Blvd., for a chat with Mayor Weiss and Assistant Law Director Lisa Gold-Scott, who oversees the City’s Fair Housing Office. There's no set agenda for this drop-in event. Park in lot at rear of building (enter lot from Lomond Blvd.).

Arbor Day Tree Planting April 26


On Friday, April 26 from 9:30-10:30 am, join Mayor Weiss and members of the City’s Tree Advisory Board in our annual Arbor Day tree planting. This year, we’ll be planting a River Birch and a Bur Oak with help from students from Woodbury Elementary School and Shaker Heights High School’s environmental science class. All community members are welcome to attend! The event will take place rain or shine.