The Heights Magazine - May 2019

MAY 2019

A Publication for Tiger Nation

IN THIS ISSUE

ON THE COVER | One of three murals created by a partnership

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

4 | A Celebration of History and Collaboration

12 | Middle Schools Renovation Updates

Jimmy Hayden, Class of ‘94, has invested in the community with his businesses and invested in students at Heights High by sharing his art.

6 | Alumni Give Time and Experience to Guide Today’s Students

between Jimmy Hayden and Steve Walker, both from the class of 1994, and several Heights High students. This mural is found in the cafeteria at Heights.

14 | Tiger Tales of Love 16 | District News 22 | Reunion Info 23 | Giving Back

Several alumni have returned to Heights as staff for the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program.

Part mentor and part friend, these alumni are giving back by showing current students how to succeed.

8 | Heights Schools Foundation Honors Dr. Dixon as Co-Founder

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Heights Schools Foundation leadership, Dr. Susan D. Carver ’78, President and Julianna Johnston Senturia ’87, Executive Director, honor Dr. Talisa Dixon for her role in co-founding the organization and supporting its efforts to expand.

10 | Returning to Our Alumni Roots

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Homecoming Weekend created a ROAR across the city…

Returning to our Alumni Roots was a celebration of Tiger Nation where all were welcome.

MAY 2019 | VOLUME 3 | NUMBER 2

EDITORS Julianna Johnston Senturia ’87 Executive Director Heights Schools Foundation JJS@heightsschoolsfoundation.org Scott Wortman Supervisor of Communications CH-UH City School District S_Wortman@chuh.org

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Cathan Cavanaugh Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91 Vivian Gatta Joy Henderson Lisa Hunt ’88 Betsy Friedlander ’90 DESIGN BY Drew Dallet, Boom Creative www.boom-creative.com

ALUMNI INQUIRY 216-397-3871 BOARD OF EDUCATION 216-371-7171

Read The Heights Magazine online at HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org. To comment or change an address, please email info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org or call 216-397-3871.

STAY CONNECTED HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org

The Heights Magazine is published two

CHUH.org

times a year and is a joint project of the

facebook.com/HeightsFoundation

Heights Schools Foundation (formerly

twitter.com/CHUHSchools

the CHHS Alumni Foundation) and the

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CH-UH City School District.

HEIGHTS GRADS FROM 1969 OR EARLIER...

YOU’RE A GOLDEN TIGER!

6 Heights Schools Foundation Trustees PRESIDENT Dr. Susan D. Carver ’78

GoldenTIGERS 3RD ANNUAL LUNCHEON

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25 • NOON • AT LANDERHAVEN Invite your friends and former classmates to our 3rd Annual Golden Tigers Luncheon. Things have changed over time, but it is easy to see how Heights grads are connected in many ways over the decades!

THERE ARE 3 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER 1. Mail payment with coupon below. Checks made payable to: Heights Schools Foundation 2. Email Betsy@HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org or call 216-320-2206 3. Visit www.HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org

CO-VICE PRESIDENT Kimberly Moss ’85 Steven Haynie ’91 TREASURER Meghan Zehnder McMahon ’90 SECRETARY Peter Shriver ’90 Rachael Collyer ’11

Name (s) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number ______________________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Talisa Dixon, Superintendent Adam Fried ’87 Dan Heintz ’85 Timothy Jones ’92 Ed Long ’89

Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ Number Attending __________________________ x $30 Total Due ______________________________________

Laura Schwartz Loebl ’87 Shanice Settle ’06

Send payment to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Blvd, University Heights, OH 44118

Margaret Rothschild Slesnick ’79 Tiffany Somerville ’90 Mike Weissman ’52

PLEASE RSVP BY OCTOBER 1, 2019

By Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91

J

immy Hayden grew up around art. His father was a portrait artist and his mother painted everything from abstract to realism. He took classes at the Cleveland Art Museum and dabbled in drawing and painting both at home, at school and in his community.

But it wasn’t until he moved to Cleveland Heights and started his freshman year at Heights High that he realized art could be his career. “Heights gave me a different perspective about art and how it could be used,” he said from his tattoo studio Focused Tattoos on Coventry Road. “It was super impactful to me.

The overall culture and diversity of the city and the

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schools...that’s why I’ve chosen to invest here.”

He not only owns a business in Cleveland Heights, plus two others in Cleveland, but he also gives his time and talents to the high school. Over the past year, Hayden, a 1994 graduate, has worked with high school students in the after-school 21st Century Learning program to design and paint murals inside the new building.

“We really needed some art that the kids would like,” said 1990 alumna Meghan Zehnder McMahon, who oversees the grant-funded program. “Who better to bring in than a tattoo artist who works with NFL and NBA athletes?”

Hayden, his friend and fellow ’94 graduate Steve Walker, and students planned out, designed and painted three murals in the building: a large one in the school cafeteria, another near the art rooms, and a third at the indoor concessions area. Hayden said it was “super cool” to get to work with the students and also his son, Jimmy Hayden Junior, a 2017 Heights High graduate.

Mr. Walker, who coordinates the after-school program which includes tutoring, credit recovery, mentoring and weekly art, hopes to see more such collaborations. He is working with Mr. Hayden and

student leadership to create a class mural in the senior hallway. He hopes that this will become an annual tradition until the school’s hallways are filled with student art.

Mr. Hayden sounds like he’s in for the long haul, saying that if the opportunity to stay involved at Heights exists, he’s “all in. This gives me more purpose, more fulfillment.” To the students he gets to work with, he offered this bit of advice: “It takes a real mindset to go after the life you want, but when you get it, it’s so rewarding. So stay involved in the things you love.”

MAY 2019

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ALUMNI GIVE TIME AND EXPERIENCE TO GUIDE TODAY’S STUDENTS

By Krissy Dietrich Gallagher ’91

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T

he decision for 2014 graduate Katrina Reed to return to the Heights Schools for work was a no-brainer. “I got such a good education here and had such good teachers, that it almost felt like a duty,” she says of her work as an AVID tutor at the high school, a math tutor at Heights Middle School and a paraprofessional in Noble Elementary’s afterschool STREAM program. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a national program designed to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society according to the AVID website.

In fact, the entire support staff of Noble STREAM, which provides enrichment for students in science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math, is made up of Heights alumni, including Ms. Reed, Charles Turnbo and Trey Hopkins. The program is overseen by 1990 graduate Meghan Zehnder McMahon who coordinates the district’s 21st Century Learning grants.

McMahon not only has worked with the district for nearly 20 years, she is the former Alumni Foundation President and current treasurer of the Heights Schools Foundation.

Mr. Turnbo, a 2008 graduate who works in the same three positions as Ms. Reed, believes it’s only natural to want to come back to Heights Schools. “When you grow up in Cleveland Heights, there’s this love that you have...You really have to be from here to understand it.”

Luckily, so many of the district’s employees are from here, drawn back to their roots by the power of their

own educational experiences and the strong desire to give back. “They know I’m being real with them,” Mr. Turnbo says of the connection he has with the high school students he tutors through the district’s AVID program. “They know that I’m sharing a piece of myself, that I was once a kid in the Heights just like them, and they can see what it took for me to get to the next level.”

Felicia Haney, class of 1996, feels that same commitment to the students she works with through the Rox Connects in the Community after-school program at Roxboro Middle School. Part tutor, part mentor, part friend, Haney juggles her career in journalism with her work in the Heights Schools. She talks of how valuable it is to have a real connection with young people and how one young woman recently told her, “I knew on the first day that I’d like you, but I didn’t realize that you would be my favorite.”

Ms. Reed also believes that she is able to make a true difference in the lives of the students she works with, whether it’s by helping to host a Christmas celebration for the Nepali refugees at Noble or by being the first person a high school student sought out after her mother died. “I just knew you’d make me feel better,” the girl told Ms. Reed.

“Recruiting Heights alumni is a tremendous asset,” according to Ms. McMahon. “There’s an immediate connection and trust level between the parents, students, teachers and staff which makes the programs much more effective.” The tiger bond is strong and these recent alumni are making sure it stays that way.

MAY 2019

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THANK YOU Heights Schools Foundation Honors Dr. Dixon as Co-Founder

Dr. Susan Carver ’78 - President of HSF, Dr. Talisa Dixon - Superintendent and Julianna Johnston Senturia ’87 - Executive Director of HSF at State of the Schools farewell address

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A

s Superintendent of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District for the last five years, Dr. Talisa Dixon had the chance to not only lead the process of creating a new strategic plan, but also to be involved with its implementation. As part of the plan, the District envisioned stronger community, alumni and family engagement and partnerships. That’s where Heights Schools Foundation came into the picture. Familiar with school foundations from other districts around the country, Dr. Dixon looked to create this type of model for the CH-UH District. The Alumni Foundation, previously known as the Alumni Association, with more than two decades of successful engagement work beginning in 1995, was ready to grow and make the transition into a broader mission to support the whole district. While Dr. Dixon is moving to Columbus this spring to become Superintendent of the Columbus City Schools, the Foundation is marking her transition with gratitude for a strong beginning.

In October of 2016, Julianna Johnston Senturia, class of ’87, was named the new organization’s first Executive Director. “It was wonderful to have the history to build on. Some of our current board members have connections to Heights alumni work going back to the 1990’s,” said Senturia. That history has helped guide the organization’s work as well. For instance, keeping the annual pancake breakfast going each year is a terrific tradition that brought 350 people to the newly remodeled cafeteria last spring.

Other traditions needed new life, like the

expanded Homecoming Weekend that now includes a parade down Lee Road, pop-up events all weekend and an open house at Heights. According to Senturia, “Providing anchoring events that bring people together from all classes makes it easy to meet up with old friends or even make new Heights connections. This is what engagement looks like.”

The CH-UH District and Dr. Dixon provided essential start-up support for the Foundation, including office spaces for staff and the historic archives managed by the Foundation. “We wouldn’t be positioned for success in the same way without Dr. Dixon’s vision and investment,” Senturia said.

While the Foundation is saying farewell to its co-founder, Dr. Dixon, the organization will place a plaque in her honor in the front row of the Heights auditorium, known as the Dina Rees Evans Center for Performing Arts. Further, it is not really goodbye. Once you are a member of Tiger Nation, you are always a member of Tiger Nation!

The Heights Schools Foundation welcomes all into the next phase of growth.

Alumni is a term that has grown with the Foundation. “We think of it now as alumni and friends - all a part of Tiger Nation,” said Senturia. Together we can offer current students many avenues for success.

Senturia added,“We’re trying to create many pathways to give back, and that is the core message for the Heights Schools Foundation: connect, remember and celebrate as one Tiger Nation, indivisible.”

MAY 2019

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HOMECOMING WRAP-UP For the second year in a row Heights Schools Foundation sponsored the Community and Alumni Homecoming Weekend, which highlighted the best of the Heights and proved once again, we are a community and we are proud!

The dark sky opened up just long enough for the sun to shine on Lee Road as the parade of nearly 30 groups marched to the beat of the band. Athletics, clubs, community groups, PTA, employees, the Class of ’88 and all 7 elementary schools brought cheers from hundreds of spectators. Among those watching were families attending the Rock the Block Watch Party and community and alumni gathered at The Wine Spot for the start of the HOCO Hop. The HOCO Hop continued down the street to The BottleHouse for pre-game festivities and to The Social Room for a post-game party. Thanks to Market Garden Brewery for the introduction of Tiger Nation IPA, and to the many merchants who offered it during the weekend.

On the football field, the battle of the Tigers was no challenge for our varsity football team, as we shut out the Warrensville Heights Tigers in a 34-0 victory. On Saturday, alumni and community members toured the high school while stocking up on tiger gear and enjoying a cookout in the cafeteria. The mighty R.O.A.R. (Returning to our Alumni Roots) of Tiger Nation could be heard across The Land!

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT COMMUNITY & ALUMNI HOMECOMING WEEKEND

ROAR OCTOBER 11-12, 2019

RETURNING TO OUR ALUMNI ROOTS

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SPECIAL THANKS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO HELPED CAPTURE THE SPIRIT OF THE WEEKEND, INCLUDING CARL JENKS ’63 AND BETSY FRIEDLANDER ’90

MAY 2019

11

GET READY FOR THE

MIDDLE SCHOOL OPENINGS Monticello Middle School and Roxboro Middle School renovation projects are well into year two and on pace to open for students in August 2019! Both schools will have new HVAC systems that include modern temperature controls (yes that means air conditioning!) throughout the buildings, including the auditoriums. Anyone who has attended one of the many charming performances or important parent meetings in one of the auditoriums knows what a significant improvement this will be!

The focus of the renovations has been on improving the instructional space in each building. Once complete, every classroom in Monticello and Roxboro will have new paint, flooring, ceilings, lighting, fire alarms, sound reinforcement system, interactive touch-screen display monitor, and a whiteboard. Administrative areas will receive facelifts with new carpet, paint and reception desks. The gymnasiums will be repainted, and lockers will be refurbished and painted.

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We can’t wait to celebrate the newly renovated buildings with each neighborhood – welcoming in alumni, community members, neighbors and friends to see the buildings.

Please join the Heights Schools Foundation in supporting special projects at each building. Each auditorium will receive new stage curtains. Hanging them is a specialized skill and a terrific learning opportunity for kids interested in stage crew and theater management. We’re partnering with theater technicians to help us make this once in a generation project an educational opportunity – and you can help make it possible with a contribution. We’ve pledged $10,000 to make this happen at both schools.

Further, we’re accepting donations for permanent landscaping improvements at both campuses.

Unfortunately, in the tight and responsible budgets for each building, landscaping expenses didn’t fit. We’ve pledged to raise at least $2,000 to be split evenly between the schools for plantings to improve the grounds.

Please save the dates Monticello Community Open House

roxboro Community Open House

Sunday September 15 from 1:00 - 4:00PM

Sunday September 22 from 1:00 - 4:00PM

PLEASE JOIN US IN SUPPORTING SPECIAL PROJECTS AT EACH BUILDING Name _______________________________________

Class of ___________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________

Email ____________________________________________

Yes! I want to support the AUDITORIUM CURTAIN PROJECTS with a contribution of $ _______________________________ Yes! I want to support the LANDSCAPING PROJECTS with a contribution of $ _____________________________________ Donors for both campaigns will be listed in our Fall magazine, as well as on our website.

ALL DONORS OF $35 OR MORE WILL BE INVITED TO SPECIAL PREVIEW TOUR OF EACH BUILDING IN AUGUST Mail your donation to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or make your donation online at: HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org MAY 2019

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T i g e r Ta l e s

of

Say congrats to

Introducing

The Leutenbergs

The Waltrips

E

J

ster ’54 (Estelle Atkin), a member of the Heights High Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame, describes first meeting Jay ’53 when “he would walk by and pull my red-haired ponytail.” She was only 12! A couple of years later, after on-again-off-again courting, he rescued her in a swimming pool. “In my infinite 14 year-old wisdom, knowing he would always take care of me, I went back to going steady with Jay! I actually got engaged the night of my Senior Prom. On August 14, 2019 Jay and I will celebrate our 68th going steady anniversary and on September 12, 2019 our 65th wedding anniversary.”

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eri (Hughes) ’73 and James Waltrip IV ’78 were married April 29, 1979. They will be celebrating their 40th anniversary this spring. Jeri said, “We weren’t classmates, but his family moved two doors away from our family in 1975 and we’ve been together ever since.

Our three children are also Tigers, Jamie (Class of ’01), Anna (Class of ’07), and Jonathan (Class of ’09).”

By Betsy Friedlander ’90

W

hen we put out the call on social media this past February to share your Tiger Tales of Love with us, we could never have predicted the response! Our inboxes were filling up daily with alumni who had found love either in the halls of Heights or years later, and have been together ten years or more.

We all know that Heights is a special place and our time there was formative…a time for learning who we are and challenging who we are not. And for many, it was a time of finding that forever love, like Ken Fried ’61 and Elaine (nee Agin) Fried ’63, who were soulmates from the beginning and now rest together for eternity. Or a love story spanning generations, like Donald Ward Hanger and Jean Tippett Hanger, both class of ’35. They were married for 55 years, their granddaughters are both Heights grads; Megan Hanger ’92 followed in her grandparents footsteps and married fellow alum Matt Albers ’92.

For others, sharing a past as powerful as the bond that binds all Heights grads, was the needed spark to create the flame years later. Moses Jhirad and Susan Baikerman, both class of ’80, met at their 10 year reunion and wed 2 years later, making their forever home in the Heights. You can find the rest of our alumni tales of love at heightsschoolsfoundation.org. It’s not too late to send in your story and be added to the website. This Spring we will begin collecting Tiger Tales of BFF’s, stay tuned!

From

Meet

The Smiths

The Fords

Y

B

ears after graduation, in 1994… “I could not believe I was finally on a date with this beautiful girl from Heights… (the nice girl from Ms. McQueens’ typing class, Room 105…) I used to always wait around just to make conversation and watch her walk down the hall or into the Social Room. I always thought Justine was amazingly gorgeous and made sure I always spoke to her, dreaming of having the courage one day to ask her out. Well, that day definitely happened and I married that “beautiful girl” on Christmas Eve in 1994 and have been together since. Our children are even Heights High grads – Taylor ’13 and Jacques Jr. ’17.”

en ’03 and Caitlin (Morris) ’05 met on the drumline at Heights when he was head percussionist and she switched from flute to drums. Caitlin said, “We didn’t start dating until I was a Senior, but we have been together for 14 years total and married for four. On our wedding day, we surprised all of our guests by playing them out of the ceremony venue with cadences we played while on the line – since all of our groomsmen were former Heights drumline members… it made for an unforgettable part of our wedding day!” (Photos courtesy of Todd H. Carlson Weddings)

MAY 2019

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DISTRICT NEWS BOULEVARD ELEMENTARY

CANTERBURY ELEMENTARY

Boulevard Elementary celebrated their official designation as a STEM-focused school with science! On December 20, students gathered for the banner reveal with special guest Meryl Johnson, Ohio State Board of Education member representing the Heights.

Then, teachers helped students perform several science experiments in front of their classmates. Boulevard is one of just four elementary schools in Cuyahoga County and one of 21 elementaries in the state of Ohio with the official STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) designation.

Canterbury Elementary was featured on ideastream in March for its morning meditation program.

Mindful Music Moments, a Cincinnati-based project, introduces entire school buildings to classical music accompanied by prompts designed to promote mindfulness. The ideastream report detailed how every morning of the school year, a four-minute selection of music is played over the PA system, with all students and staff pausing to listen quietly. Students also spoke on-camera about how the program helps them get settled and ready to learn each day.

FAIRFAX ELEMENTARY

GEARITY ELEMENTARY

Fairfax Elementary School fifth graders displayed their ballroom dancing skills for a crowd of staff, students and families as the culmination of their 10-week Dancing Classrooms course in late 2018.

Sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic and organized by teacher Kristi Glasier, Dancing Classrooms uses dance instruction as a tool to teach respect for self and others, teamwork, leadership, confidence, and self-esteem. Professional dance instructors visited the students twice a week for 50-minute sessions to teach them the merengue, foxtrot, rumba, tango, swing and waltz, while incorporating social development.

Students at Gearity Professional Development School are celebrating their successes.

All district students in grades 3 through 10 take the Measure of Academic Progress test in reading and math (and sometimes science) three times each school year. One of the most important data points that MAP provides is a new goal for each subsequent exam.

School buildings celebrate their students’ growth in various ways and, at Gearity, those who exceeded their goal by 10 or more points were invited to a field trip at Adrenaline Monkey. Students who met their targeted goal enjoyed a celebratory breakfast at the school.

All-School Science Experiments Mark STEM Celebration

Ballroom Dancing Helps Students Learn Teamwork

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Morning Meditation Program Featured on ideastream

Achievements Celebrated with Breakfast, Field Trips

DISTRICT NEWS NOBLE ELEMENTARY

OXFORD ELEMENTARY

Homelessness can be a scary and complex issue for elementary students to understand.

But they can easily wrap their heads around the problem of cold feet. And they can easily do something about it.

That was part of the thinking behind Noble Elementary’s Sockember event, a sock drive organized by Yvonne Wallace, the school’s media ancillary. Staff, students and families ultimately donated 116 pairs of socks this past winter, which were distributed to homeless individuals at the HandsOn Northeast Ohio 2019 Homeless Stand Down in January.

“Coach” Kim Hansen, Oxford Elementary’s physical education teacher, has implemented a series of activities at Oxford focused on healthy lifestyles. She and colleague Tom Coleman run a weekly intramural basketball clinic attended by 40 boys and girls in the 3rd through 5th grades. The kids even received jerseys from the Cavs Foundation.

In order to engage the entire family, Hansen and a team of colleagues have planned a series of Family Wellness Nights. The first was held on February 19 and featured fitness stations, games and cooking demonstrations.

ROXBORO ELEMENTARY

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Students Collect Socks for Neighbors in Need

Folk Artist Charlie Lucas Surprises Class Kindergarteners at Roxboro Elementary received the surprise of the school year recently. After spending a month studying Alabama folk artist Charlie Lucas, they’d been told they would have a chance to Skype with him. But instead of appearing on the screen, the man himself appeared, riding into their classroom on a tiny bicycle.

Lucas, who uses discarded objects to create elaborate and fantastical sculptures, held a question and answer session and helped the children create more art. “I knew this was a special place because when I walked in the door to the school, everybody talked to me,” Lucas said. “And that’s a good thing.”

Sports and Wellness Events Encourage Healthy Lifestyle

County Funds Help Enhance Preschool Programming

Noble, Oxford and Gearity Pre-Kindergarten programs were granted funding through Cuyahoga County’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program (UPK). The UPK program provides the three preschools with program improvement dollars, along with scholarship dollars to reduce the cost of tuition.

This year, funds have been used to purchase new materials, cover the cost of field trips and family engagement activities, and for professional development. This summer, eight teachers will participate in a week-long Conscious Discipline Institute where they will gain more knowledge on supporting social and emotional development of our youngest tigers. Funds will continue to be available through next year.

MAY 2019

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DISTRICT NEWS HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

Four Heights Middle School students earned first place in both the youth category and overall at the Design & Build Challenge at the Great Lakes Science Center - even beating out the 12 adult teams from area businesses and colleges.

Seventh graders Arthur Schmiedl, Caleb Green, Marcus Holland and Ruby Tugeau spent a Saturday in February at the GLSC, where they received a box of materials and instructions to build “a vehicle that could defy gravity” by successfully stopping at the top of a hilly track. Their total of 175 points was nearly double the second place youth team. The first place corporate team, Sherwin Williams, earned 160 points - rendering HMS the overall winner.

“It was pretty amazing,” said Amy Statler, the student’s Project Lead The Way teacher.

“They just came up with a really fantastic design,” said her fellow PLTW teacher Dianna Neal.

One of the ways the Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN) celebrated Black History month was with an after-school Blacks in Science Panel. The panelists were six local scientists - a chemist, physicist, biologist, two engineers, and an educator.

Sophomore Taylor Cody was the moderator.

“Our goal is to expose students to African American professionals in science careers,” said MSAN advisor and Heights High science teacher O’Dasha Blue. “I remember growing up loving science, yet never seeing someone that looked like me in sciencerelated fields,” she continued. “We want to make sure that is not the story of our students. We want to provide them with as much exposure as possible.”

Design Team Wins First Place at GLSC Competition

DELISLE OPTIONS CENTER

JCU Tutors Work with Options Students

Last semester, nearly 40 John Carroll University students visited the Delisle Options Center for 90 minutes each week to tutor students. For education majors, the experience can help them determine if teaching is actually the right choice for them.

For the Options students, the help is invaluable in helping them recover credits and get back on track to graduation.

“This has helped me improve so much, especially in reading comprehension and vocabulary,” said senior Siera Wesley. The experience has taught her to take advantage of help whenever it’s offered, a value she will carry with her into college and career.

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Student Leaders Host African American Scientists

THE FOUNDATION SAYS THANK YOU TO SCOTT WORTMAN Scott Wortman, our district’s supervisor of communications, will soon depart CH-UH to become the Chief of Communications for the Columbus City School District. During his four years in CH-UH, Scott implemented many innovative marketing initiatives, including a complete website redesign, stunning new publications, and the quintessential Public is for All campaign.

But most importantly to us, Scott helped create a vision for a dynamic alumni relations arm that would also serve Tiger Nation’s current students. His behind-thescenes partnership helped to build the Heights Schools Foundation into what it is today (along with the very publication that you’re reading).

We sincerely thank Scott for his immeasurable contributions to our district and to the Foundation, best of luck to Scott and his family in this next adventure!

WELCOME TO CH-UH

ELIZABETH KIRBY SELECTED AS THE DISTRICT’S NEXT SUPERINTENDENT The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education unanimously selected Elizabeth Kirby as the district’s next superintendent at a special meeting on March 14.

“We selected Ms. Kirby because we are confident she is committed to the key values of our current strategic plan: equity, engagement, and enhancing relationships with our staff, families, and community. We believe she will build upon this foundation, without starting over, to move our district to the next level in improving student outcomes,” said Board of Education President Jodi Sourini. “She brings a proven track record of raising student achievement and closing learning gaps in a diverse community similar to ours. She did this by aligning assessments with curriculum and streamlining the number of assessments being used -- providing teachers and staff with useful and actionable information while reducing the amount of instructional time lost due to testing.”

A native Clevelander who grew up in the ShakerBuckeye neighborhood and graduated from Hawken School, Ms. Kirby is expected to begin her tenure in CH-UH this summer. She was one of four finalists who

each spent a day in the district meeting with staff, students, Board members, and the community.

“I am excited about the opportunity to return home to Northeast Ohio and lead a district that is rich in diversity and in opportunities for students,” said Ms. Kirby. “I truly felt at home during my day in CH-UH when meeting the students, staff, and community members. I am impressed with the great work happening in the schools. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to build upon the momentum created through the district’s strategic plan and guiding mission.”

Ms. Kirby currently serves as Chief of School Strategy and Planning for Chicago Public Schools, a role she has held since July 2015. She has spent the past 23 years in Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator.

She started in CPS first as a history teacher at OliveHarvey Middle College High School before transitioning to administrative roles as assistant principal and then head principal at Kenwood Academy from 2003-2012.

Ms. Kirby was elevated to Network Chief in 2012, overseeing the implementation of school improvement plans to drive student achievement in networks that serve 18,000 students.

In her current role as Chief of School Strategy and Planning, Ms. Kirby provides strategic guidance to 656 district, charter, and contract schools and also oversees the district’s 18 Network Chiefs, or regional superintendents, to support principals in building and sustaining strong schools.

Ms. Kirby attended Harvard University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a special concentration in urban studies. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Social Science from the University of Chicago.

Ms. Kirby is expected to lead the district beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Longtime CH-UH administrator Dr. Brian Williams will continue to serve as the interim superintendent until she begins. Dr. Williams assumed the interim role in March when Dr. Talisa Dixon left to become Superintendent of Columbus City Schools.

ALUMNI

Leaders MAKING TIGER NATION Welcoming FOR FAMILIES H-UH Family Engagement Specialist Lisa Hunt is leading the effort to ensure we build effective family-school partnerships. As a member of the Class of ’88 and parent of a recent Heights graduate and current student, Hunt knows Heights families. “I’ve been a student, parent and nonprofit partner and these experiences inform my work with the district; and its undeniable families have to navigate changing roles throughout their child’s academic journey. A great deal of my work goes into making sure, as a district we have equitable opportunities to support that and build on our strengths,”according to Hunt.

What is family engagement? Family Engagement builds a bridge between the school and home to transform where students live, learn and grow. Why is it important? Authentic, research-based family engagement programs build the skills, knowledge and strengths of all involved; most importantly, the student is better supported in their academic journey. Research shows that when families and schools work together, students achieve at significantly higher levels.

A Family Engagement Task Force is helping to guide the work of the district in this area. Pictured below, the Task Force includes several alumni who are working to develop an outcome-driven plan with key strategies that will broaden how the district partners with one of its greatest stakeholders, families. Hunt shared,“ensuring

C

Family Engagement Task Force Members: Meghan Zehnder McMahon ’90, Lisa Hunt ’88; Dr. Brian Williams, Dana Fluellen ’86, Amy Kerr-Jung ’89, Angela Anderson, Sheldon Glave, Leslie Kaplansky ’84, Gina Drobnik ’89, Michelle Gore. (Not pictured: Cathan Cavanaugh, Charniece Holmes, Desiree Caliguire, Gabe Crenshaw, Josephine Shelton, Nita Chancellor, Shirley Harold, Sue Pardee, Nancy Peppler

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THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE

that we are deliberate in what we do or ask of families will help us build on our strengths. Which also means examining our gaps and broadening our bandwidth for stronger student support.”

One example of new ways to connect and learn together is the Heights Family Academy. This conference-style day asks field experts (district staff and community partners) to provide workshop sessions on critical topics that build the skills necessary for stronger parent advocacy. Currently held twice a year, the Academy brings students, families and staff together for a day jam packed with interactive workshops and relationship building. The Heights Schools Foundation has been a proud supporter for this event during this inaugural year through funding for childcare services and volunteer support through mini grants. Hunt extolled how “attendees enjoyed breakfast, lunch, transportation & childcare at no cost. The Foundation’s support offset those costs and has consistently been a meaningful partner in this and other family-centered events.”

The Task Force will complete an action plan this spring that will help families communicate, deepen parenting knowledge, expand learning and volunteering opportunities and build on the commitment and energy that families bring to their kids’ schools. “Today’s families might be busy, but we care deeply about the success of our kids and schools. We know it will take all of us working together to make schools work for all of our children,” explained Hunt.

PLease take your SeAt and furnish the future

The historically restored 1926 Heights High Auditorium, known as the Dina Rees Evans Center for the Performing Arts, is a careful blend of traditional decorative details with new sound and lighting technology. We welcome the community in for events and performances, and now, we invite you in to place a memory in this beautiful theater.

DONORS WILL BE INVITED TO A PRIVATE BREAKFAST AND TOUR ON HOMECOMING WEEKEND: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019

YES! I WOULD LIKE AN ENGRAVED DECORATIVE METAL PLATE Name _______________________________________

Class of ___________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________

Email ____________________________________________

Producer $1,000

Director $500

Patron $400

Artist $300

Understudy $300

Extras $250

PLEASE FILL IN DESIRED TEXT. SPACES AND PUNCTUATION ARE CONSIDERED CHARACTERS.

Mail your donation to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or make your donation online at: HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org

DEADLINE TO PURCHASE COMMEMORATIVE PLATES IS JUNE 30, 2019 MAY 2019

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REUNION INFO CLASS OF 1978

SAVE THE DATE FOR TIGER GATHERINGS! Upcoming Reunion Information “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”

REUNION FOR EARLY 1950’S CLASSES June 29, 2019 Executive Caterers at Landerhaven For more information

CLASS OF 1969 50TH REUNION

July 19-20, 2019 July 19, 2019 StoneWater Golf Club

CLASS OF 1989 30TH REUNION October 11-12, 2019

October 11, 2019 5:00pm Homecoming Parade, Football Game, Pub Crawl

Rhoda Seifert 216-381-9525 Email rhodaseifert@aol.com

July 20, 2019 10:30am Tour of High School

Mike Weissman 216-401-0114

Executive Caterers Landerhaven

October 12, 2019 10:00am Heights High Open House 7:00pm Dinner, Drinks & Dancing

For more information

For more information

Sue Bruder Wold 216-338-8453 Email brixblox@aol.com

Email 1989chhs@gmail.com

Email mikew1934@gmail.com

CLASS OF JANUARY 1959 60TH REUNION July 19-20, 2019

Jim Samuels 216-780-8000 Email jim@guggenheiminc.com

July 20, 2019 10:00am Tour of the High School For more information

Judy Katzman Aplis Email jcaplis1204@aol.com

CLASS OF JUNE 1959 60TH REUNION August, 2019

Web www.clevehts69.com

CLASS OF 1970 50TH REUNION August, 2020 For more information

Contact: Enid Gurney Email enidgurney7@gmail.com

For more information

Facebook ../groups/CHUH89

CLASS OF 1990

30TH REUNION Additional details to come For more information Facebook ../groups/CHHClassOf1990 Email chhs1990reunion@gmail.com

CLASS OF 1999

20TH REUNION Additional details to come For more information

Deanna Ross Katz Email dk1842@aol.com

CLASS OF 1979

Email HTClassof99@gmail.com

August 30-31, 2019

CLASS OF 2009

Instagram @htclassof99

40TH REUNION

CLASS OF JUNE 1961

August 31, 2019 10:00 a.m. Tour of High School TBD Dinner / Dance at Acacia For more information

Margaret Slesnick Email margaretslesnick@gmail.com

10TH REUNION August 30-31, 2019 For more information

Email chhsclassof2009@gmail.com Instagram @heightsclassof2009reunion Facebook ../groups/874118826129917

CLASS OF 1988

Planning a Reunion Event?

Update us on the details for future publications and our website. Send a note to info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org.

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If you are the contact for your graduating class or reunion committee, email info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org THE HEIGHTS MAGAZINE

We often receive requests to reach out to other classes to consider combining years for reunions.

ANNUAL FUND

CLASSROOM GRANTS MAKE AN IMPACT THANKS TO YOUR DONATIONS!

More than 90 donors together made it possible to offer this year’s classroom grants through a program called “Sharktank 2.0: The Digital Edition.” Staff across the district were invited to submit video “pitches” for their project. There were eighteen projects funded, with at least one at every school in the district, enriching the educational experiences of nearly 2,000 students.

From lego robotics and classroom book sets to drum sets and toys for fine motor skills development, these grants cover any innovative idea that enhances student learning. Visit heightsschoolsfoundation.org to see a complete list of projects funded and a selection of winning videos submitted. Thank you for your contributions!

PLEASE ACCEPT MY DONATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $ ____________________________

Name _____________________________________________________________ Class of _____________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________ City / State / Zip __________________________________________________ Email _______________________________________ Mail your donation to: Heights Schools Foundation - 2155 Miramar Boulevard, University Heights, Ohio 44118 or make your donation online at: HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org

A CALL FOR DESIGNS heights hall of fame

The Heights Schools Foundation announces a Design Competition for the new Heights High Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Display area.

After gathering extensive input, the Foundation seeks a design that will stand the test of time, that will both recognize those who have been inducted and inspire excellence in future Heights graduates. A prominent wall space has been reserved for the display in the front lobby of the high school. There will be awards for the top two designs selected.

Please contact Executive Director Julianna Johnston Senturia at info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org for the request for proposal.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH Permit No. 4114

2155 Miramar Boulevard University Heights, Ohio 44118 HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org

Help Us Save Some Trees and Other Valuable Resources!

If we haven’t heard from you in a while, this may be your last mailed issue of The Heights Magazine. But, you can always find current and back issues on our website anytime. If we have been in contact, either through an event or a donation, you don’t need to do anything to continue to receive the magazine.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO AT: • www.HeightsSchoolsFoundation.org/contact • Or call us at 216.397.3871 • Or email info@heightsschoolsfoundation.org • Or if you make an annual donation of $10.00 or more you will remain on our mailing list.