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.

The Tuesday, January 12 Board of Education meeting will take place remotely at 6 p.m. All residents may attend, either via Zoom or telephone. The agenda for this meeting is available online.

Residents are encouraged to submit public comments or questions regarding items on the January 12 agenda by 5 p.m. Tuesday through a comment form. Comments will be read into the record at the meeting.

Public comments regarding the proposed tax budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year may also be submitted through a separate comment form. Tax budget comments must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 11.

The District encourages all families to submit an application for free- or reduced-price meal eligibility regardless of family income. The percentage of students qualifying for meals is a data point utilized by the federal government to provide the District with certain funds that benefit all students. There is no application deadline; families may apply at any time. One application must be completed for each household each school year. Families can learn more about Free/Reduced-Price lunch and apply online.

Bellefaire, a District partner agency, invites families to the free virtual presentation, Value You: Build on protective factors to empower students and keep them safe, on Tuesday, January 12 at 7 p.m. The Value You campaign is designed to help everyone recognize the warning signs of trafficking and develop the tools they need to protect themselves and their friends.

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion has curated a collection of resources for teachers, families and students who want to learn more about DEI, specifically:

Visit the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Resource Collection.

Champions, a KinderCare Education company, is planning to offer before- and after-school child care for students in Grades K-6 beginning Tuesday, January 19. Learn more about Champions Before- and After-School Programs. 

As a best practice, the District asks that families resume the daily health assessment /COVID-19 screening when students return for onsite learning on January 19. Learn more about the daily health assessment/COVID-19 screener.

All families should review these Student Health and Safety Guidelines with their students. 

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 about flu vaccine benefits.

A Celebration of Beloved Community in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. coordinated by the Shaker Heights PTO and community partners continues this week with more lessons on the Life & Teachings of Dr. King. This year's revised celebration includes a learning guide (mailed to all District families), a donation drive to support community partners and a virtual celebration on January 18. For updated information, please check shakerpto.org. Please reach out to Brooke Bribriesco and Paulanita Barker with any questions.  

In collaboration with PTO Council and The Van Aken District, NewONEShaker is offering a second training session to the community beginning Sunday, February 7. Thanks to a generous donation from The Van Aken District, this training is free to 20 community members. Details about this training are available at NewONEShaker. Interested participants are invited to apply online.

Rescheduled from March 2020 (via Zoom), Waking Up White author Debby Irving returns to Shaker. Registration is now open for this online event, January 27, 7 p.m. 

Join racial equity work in Shaker by engaging in city conversations. Learn more about upcoming sessions with Dr. Ronnie Dunn and Dr. Mark Joseph.

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.

Visit the City’s website for Coronavirus information, including registration details for free testing in Shaker Heights as well as regularly updated information about vaccine availability. Also find information on COVID-19 hotlines, mental health services and more.

On Thursday, January 14 at 7 p.m., Mayor David E. Weiss will discuss the City's 2021 Budget Outlook via Zoom, followed by a Q&A session. Please register. Cosponsored by League of Women Voters of Shaker Heights and Hey, Shaker!