December 5, 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:

  • Board of Education Regular Meeting | Tuesday, December 14, 6 p.m.
  • Winter Break | Monday, December 20-Friday, December 31
  • Professional Day, No School for Students | Monday, January 3 (pending Board approval on 12/14)
Board of Education to Vote on 2021-22 Academic Calendar Changes

The Shaker Heights Board of Education will vote on the following calendar changes for the current academic year at the Tuesday, December 14, 2021 meeting. In the interest of planning, families should note the following proposed changes:

  • Monday, January 3, 2022: Professional Day, No Classes for Students. This adjustment extends Winter Break by one day for students. PreK-12 classes will resume on Tuesday, January 4.
  • Thursday, February 17, 2022: K-12 Early Dismissal (two hours early)
  • Monday, March 14, 2022: K-12 Early Dismissal (two hours early)
  • Monday, April 18, 2022: K-12 Early Dismissal (two hours early)
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2022: K-12 Early Dismissal (two hours early)

On Early Dismissal days, K-12 students will be dismissed from school two hours early. Dismissal will follow normal protocols two hours earlier than the normal time. 

PreK classes are planned to continue as regularly scheduled. 

These calendar adjustments will provide additional professional learning and collaboration time for faculty and staff as they work to support high achievement for all Shaker students.
Food Assistance

Families who are in need of food assistance up to and during winter break may click here for a list of local food distribution dates, locations and times.
Volunteer Fingerprinting

Any District volunteer working with students must obtain a background check. The District's fingerprinting system 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.
Forward Together

The Forward Together process is ongoing. The client group, the leadership group, the advisory committee and the consultant team are reviewing input that was gathered through the first round of community engagement and will be developing an initial draft of facilities plan options. Those options will be shared during the second round of community engagement, which is now scheduled to begin in January. Click here for more information.
Athletic Event Attendance Reminder

The Shaker Heights Athletic Department would like to remind fans that all K-8 students are required to be accompanied and supervised by an adult in order to be admitted to any High School athletic event.

Additionally, all tickets must be purchased at the Athletics Box Office for events requiring tickets and student ID's are required for High School and Middle School students.
Shaker Heights Livestream Athletic Schedule:

This week's schedule of livestreamed athletic events includes:
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  • Tuesday, December 7 | Boys Basketball, Fr - 4:30, JV - 6, Varsity - 7:30 p.m.

All livestream events can be found on the Athletic Department website.
Equity Unscripted Podcast, Episode 3

"How to Avoid Further Marginalizing Cultures"

Shaker staff members Jill Lasheen and Brittany Webb sit down with DEI Coordinator Tiara Sargeant to discuss what it means to be part of a traditionally marginalized community at school, how we can create inclusive environments throughout our schools and how small acts of acknowledgement can have a big impact on all students in our classrooms. We also discuss how our entire community can be especially aware of others around times of holiday seasons.


Episodes will release every other week on Sundays. Be on the lookout for Episode 5, where we discuss student accessibility, on December 19!

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
Save the Date - Building a Beloved Community

Join us on Monday, January 17, 2022 in a city-wide celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. There will be multiple opportunities to gather safely as we begin a 6 week focus on ‘Building a Beloved Community’ to align with Dr. King’s 6 Steps for Nonviolent Social Change. More details to come!
A Night for the Red & White: A Commitment to Wellness & Success 

The Shaker Schools Foundation will host the 30th annual A Night for the Red & White on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the newly-renovated Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights. We look forward to gathering as a community for a special evening of dinner, dancing, student performances and art, as we celebrate generations of Shaker: past, present and future. 

Funds raised this year will support our Commitment to Wellness & Success for all Shaker students, from PreK through grade 12. Together, we will raise funds for additional tools and services for social emotional learning programs, behavioral and mental health resources, academic support and mentoring - all of which contribute directly to our students’ well-being. 

Watch for tickets to go on sale later this month, and mark your calendar to join us. We are also actively seeking items for our silent auction. To make a contribution or suggestion, please email us. 
Nominations Open for the 2022 Preservation Awards

Nominations may be submitted for any building in Shaker Heights, including homes and apartment buildings, commercial buildings, and other structures. Exterior projects completed after April 2019 are eligible. Submissions will be accepted online through March 31, 2022.
Give a Gift Subscription of Shaker Life Magazine

Give the gift of Shaker to out-of-town friends and family by purchasing a subscription to the quarterly magazine, Shaker Life. A one-year subscription is $21. For questions call Kim Golem at 216-491-1419. Shaker residents receive a complimentary copy of the magazine each quarter. If you haven't received your copy, contact us at the phone number listed above.