February 2019 Newsletter: Around the District
Academic Planning Guide is Now Online!
The District encourages families of students in grades 5-12 to use our new online Academic Planning Guide and Course Catalog as they make their course selections for the 2019-2020 school year. Families and students can search the catalog by grade level or by subject.
The guide also features course pathway charts highlighting the succession of courses in each subject area from grades 5-12 -- use these charts to guide course choice now and in future years. Access the online Academic Planning Guide and Course Catalog today!
February Fine and Performing ArtsJoin the audience for any February performance featuring our student musicians, vocalists and actors.
February 6, 1:15 p.m.: Middle School Band Concerts (These are daytime concerts rescheduled from the January 30 & 31 school closures. They will be livestreamed on shaker.org and on the District’s Facebook page.)
February 14, 15 and 16, 7 p.m.: High School Winter Theater Production, High School Large Auditorium
February 28, 7 p.m.: Middle School Choir Concert, Middle School Auditorium
Ask the District
The weather for the 2018-19 school year has been one of extremes, for sure. With two heat days and three cold days, some families and students have wondered: Will we have to make up school days?
The answer is no. Here’s why: Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, the Ohio Department of Education based school calendars on a required number of instructional hours, not required number of days. The school calendars for all Shaker Heights Schools has always exceeded the State’s minimum number of instructional hours because the District builds in extra hours to allow for any necessary/unexpected school closures. We no longer make up inclement weather days, as our calendar exceeds the minimum number of instructional hours.
Changes to District Wi-Fi
Beginning Monday, February 4, 2019 the "ShakerGuest" and "ShakerStuStaff" Wi-Fi networks will no longer be available. This change impacts District guests, employees, and students using personal portable devices (i.e., not a District-issued/owned portable device). In addition, guests (those who do not have a Shaker network account) will no longer use the District phone number as a Wi-Fi connection password. These changes will increase network security and provide insight into network utilization via a more structured Wi-Fi access control system.
On Monday, February 4:
Instructions are also available online at shaker.org: www.shaker.org/WiFi.aspx.
SHHS Announces Change in Athletic Conference in 2020
On January 8, the Board of Education on Tuesday gave notice of its plans to accept the invitation for Shaker Heights to rejoin the Lake Erie League (LEL) beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. The Board unanimously approved the move out of the Greater Cleveland Conference (GCC) pending an impact review in January 2020 of a series of benchmarks, such as scheduling, transportation and costs. The Board will ensure that all Shaker athletic teams understand and are comfortable with this sports league change prior to the start of the 2020-2021 athletic season.
The purpose of this change is to improve overall athletic competitiveness, reduce travel costs, and better support the socio-emotional development of our students. The change allows some sports greater flexibility to schedule out-of-conference games while other sports are not impacted at all. Learn more about this change and how it impacts Shaker Heights High Schools athletic teams.
No School for Students February 15 & 18
There is no school for students on Friday, February 15. District teachers and staff will report for a professional/clerical day. Monday, February 18 is President’s Day and all schools and administrative offices are closed. Enjoy the long weekend!
K-4 Sweetheart Dance is Friday, February 15
All K-4 girls are invited to attend the Sweetheart Dance from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 15. Join the fun with your dad, uncle, grandparent, older brother or special friend. Stay tuned to Shaker.org for details!
Summer Exploration Learning and Fun (SELF) Registration Begins February 26
Online registration for Shaker Heights Schools Summer Exploration, Learning and Fun (SELF) summer programs for any Shaker Heights resident student begins Tuesday, February 26 at 9 a.m. SELF provides an array of summer program options for all students in the District. SELF addresses barriers that currently exist and focus on equity, excellence and exploration by providing differentiated services and enrichment opportunities for all Shaker students at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Programs will have a focus on the arts, STEM, global languages, skill, career and personal development. All of our programs offer a robust curriculum that includes a focus on the Literacy and Math standards. Information on this summer’s SELF programs is coming soon. Stay tuned to our SELF page on shaker.org.
Stay Up-to-Date on the Superintendent Search
Visit our special Superintendent Search section of the District website to learn more about the Board of Education’s search for our next superintendent. The section includes information on:
Superintendent Search News and Communications
Superintendent Search Timeline
Superintendent Search Process FAQ
Read the Board’s most recent Superintendent Search Update, from February 1, 2019.
All Shaker Schools Receive i3 Grants from Shaker Schools Foundation's Innovation Fund
On January 11, the Shaker Schools Foundation and the District announced today it will grant nearly $437,000 from its Innovation Fund to support Shaker Heights Schools’ i3 Initiative at all eight school buildings. The Innovation Fund was launched last March to bolster the International Baccalaureate curriculum and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning at all grade levels within Shaker Schools and is actively supported by parents and community partners who are involved in STEAM fields. The i3 Initiative—led by a committee of teachers, administrators, community stakeholders and business partners—advances opportunities for student inquiry, innovation and imagination through increased integration of design learning experiences, STEAM curriculum from grades PreK-12, and accessibility to and use of 21st century technology and tools. Learn more about the allocations by school and how to support the Innovation Fund.
Local 200 Signs Contract with the District
Last month, Local 200 President Julie Vargo (seated, right) was joined by fellow members of the Local 200 bargaining team (standing, left to right) Dawn Rivers, Betsy Murray, Lorene Rider and Donna Segesdy to sign a new three-year contract with Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen M. Wilkins (seated), (standing, right to left) Treasurer Bryan Christman and Director of Human Resources Dr. Lois Cavucci.