August 9, 2019 -- The following information is about Heights High and includes details about orientations, summer reading assignments, the first day of school, and more.

 

 

Curriculum Night - Wednesday, August 28
Heights High will host Curriculum Night on Wednesday, August 28, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Parents are invited to follow their student’s schedule, spending time in each classroom to hear teachers talk briefly about course content and goals.

Student schedules will be available in the cafeteria or parents can print or access student schedules on Infinite Campus.

August 21 - Picture Day for Grades 9-11
LifeTouch will be taking school pictures on Wednesday, August 21. The photos can be ordered online. The Heights High school code is: EVTN3QFJB

For Parents of Seniors - College Info
The Guidance Department will host a 12th Grade College Planning Night on Wednesday, September 4, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. The guidance counselors will discuss using the web-based data management system Naviance, selecting a college and the application process. Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby will be hosting a public meet and greet in the cafeteria from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Stop by before College Planning Night to say hello! 

 

On Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., the counselors will host a Financial Aid Information Night in the Mini Auditorium. The presentation will include guidelines used by colleges for financial aid, types of financial aid, how to apply for financial aid and completing the FAFSA financial aid form. Also included is an overview of available scholarships, tips on searching for scholarships, and the scholarship application process.  
Students are welcome to attend these meetings with their parents/guardians.

The Daily Announcements
First period is slightly longer to accommodate the daily announcements. Each morning the announcements are broadcast in classrooms. The information includes club and team meetings, deadlines and general school info. Daily Announcements are also posted online.

RTA Bus Tickets
RTA bus tickets are sold before and after school in the main office for $1.75 per ride ticket.  

Solving the Problem of What to Wear to School
Students and staff at Heights High are invited to wear themed attire four days a week:
Tuesday:Team Day, wear gear from your favorite team - Women’s World Cup Team, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL etc...
Wednesday: College Gear Day
Thursday: Dress for Success
Friday: Tiger Nation Gear. Need gear? The Tiger Shop (room 124A, near the auditorium) sells spirit wear during lunch periods on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Tiger Nation gear is also available online through the HHS Tiger Store, Athletic Department and through the Heights Schools Foundation Tiger Apparel Store.

How to Feel Connected in High School
One way for students to connect to other students and adults at Heights High is to join a team or club. Students who are involved in extracurricular activities make connections to other students and learn leadership and other skills. When students are connected to others who have a common interest it often makes them happier and more content!

Heights High leaders suggest that all students join at least one team or club. Some students may need parent/guardian encouragement to do this. Information about club meetings are included in the morning announcements. The announcements are also posted on the HHS website. The Clubs & Extracurriculars webpage includes most of the activities that will be offered this year, keep checking for updates. The Athletic Department  website includes a Coaches Directory

Students and parents/guardians can always call the Athletic Department with questions, 216-320-3014.

Interested in Hosting an AFS Foreign Exchange Student?
AFS volunteers are seeking Cleveland Heights-University Heights families to host four AFS foreign exchange students. The girls are from Thailand, Senegal, Philippines and Tanzania. Families can host one or two of these international students. A host family can become an AFS Welcome Family hosting for 8-10 weeks or host for the 2019-2020 school year.  

A host family can be married, single, empty nester, retired, with or without students in the district. Host families agree to embrace another culture and incorporate these students into
their family. Time is of the essence, students arrive in August.

Families who are interested in hosting are invited to meetings to learn more about AFS:

- August 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the mini-auditorium, this meeting will feature current and former host families and will include general information about the hosting experience.
- August 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center, meet the AFS students and learn more about hosting.

For information, contact Carla Bailey or Joy Henderson.

The first step toward hosting is to complete an online application. Learn more about the AFS Intercultural program.

Important Dates
August 21: Picture Day, 9th - 11th grade
August 28: Curriculum Night, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
September 2: Labor Day, school closed
September 4: 12th Grade College Planning, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., Auditorium
September 4: Community Chat With Superintendent Kirby, 5:30 - 7 p.m., cafeteria
September 18: Community Chat With Superintendent Kirby, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Cleveland Heights Community Center
September 30: Rosh Hashanah, school closed
October 2: Financial Aid Information Night, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Mini Auditorium.
November 6:  Picture Day, 12th grade
 

 

News From Heights High August 14

Schedule Pick up & Building Tours - August 15
All students are invited to pick up their schedules and IDs and tour the building on August 15. This is a great opportunity for students to walk through their schedule and find the location of their locker and each of their classes. Students can also print their schedule from Infinite Campus (available August 12) before arriving or have it available on their phone.

-9th Grade Building Tour, Schedule & ID Pickup 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
-10th, 11th, & 12th Grade Building Tour, Schedule & ID Pickup: 1:00  - 3:00 p.m.

Student and Staff IDs are Required
Everyone at Heights High is required to wear an ID, students, staff and visitors. On Thursday, August 15, students can come to the school to get their ID and walk through their schedule. Students who do not get their ID before school begins will receive one the first day of school during their lunch period.

Forms to Return the First Week of School
All Heights High students should have received a packet of information and forms to be completed in the US mail during the week of August 9. Students need to return the following forms to their grade level office or their first period teacher during the first week of school:

Emergency Medical Authorization - required 
Student Emergency Numbers - required 
Student Guide: Code of Conduct Acknowledgement Notice - required

The MetroHealth School based Supplemental Health Services Consent Form - four pages, three with information to be completed by parent/guardian - this form needs to be completed if your family wants to use the MetroHealth medical service.

- 9th Grade Office: room 325
- 10th Grade Office: room 300
- 11th & 12th Grade office: room 220

Metro Health Services Available at HHS
Heights High will launch a pilot program in partnership with MetroHealth to provide in-person access to medical professionals for two days a month at the school. This service can be in addition to the student’s current health provider.

Services provided by MetroHealth include:

- Physical exams for sports or work
Immunizations
- Care and treatment for injuries/illness
- Basic lab testing
- Care for common adolescent health concerns: weight, acne, menstrual issues
- Care for certain chronic conditions: asthma, seizure disorders or diabetes
Mental/behavioral health assessment and screening.

Insurance will be billed, when available. No co-pays.

More information and to registration forms.

The School Nurse will still be available to all students.

Physical Education Waiver
The State of Ohio permits students to be excused from the Physical Education (gym) class requirement if they participate in a District-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheer-leading for at least two seasons. To participate, students need to complete the application process by the following dates:
For the fall athletic season: September 6
For the winter athletic season: December 13
For the spring athletic season: March 20
For more details and to apply for the waiver, see the 2019-20 PE Waiver Application.  

A Message From The School Nurse 
Please let us know if your student has significant medical concerns that might impact student learning. These include: food allergies, diabetes, seizures, sickle cell disease, recent head injury, mental health issues, surgeries or medication requirements.

For students who require medications during the school day, parents/guardians need to complete forms.

Please call or e-mail us with information or questions, Rose Varcelli, School Nurse or Debbie Scotese, Nurse Aid or 216-320-3109.  

How to Feel Connected in High School
One way for students to connect to other students and adults at Heights High is to join a team or club. Students who are involved in extracurricular activities make connections to other students and learn leadership and other skills. When students are connected to others who have a common interest it often makes them happier and more content!

Heights High leaders suggest that all students join at least one team or club. Some students may need parent/guardian encouragement to do this. Information about club meetings are included in the morning announcements. The announcements are also posted on the HHS website. The Clubs & Extracurriculars webpage includes most of the activities that will be offered this year, keep checking for updates. The Athletic Department  website includes a Coaches Directory 

Students and parents/guardians can always call the Athletic Department with questions, 216-320-3014.

Interested in Hosting an AFS Foreign Exchange Student?
AFS volunteers are seeking Cleveland Heights-University Heights
families to host four AFS foreign exchange students. The girls are from Thailand, Senegal, Philippines and Tanzania. Families can host one or two of these international students.  A host family can become an AFS Welcome Family hosting for 8-10 weeks or host for the 2019-2020 school year.  

A host family can be married, single, empty nester, retired, with or without students in the district. Host families agree to embrace another culture and incorporate these students into
their family. Time is of the essence, students arrive in August.

Families who are interested in hosting are invited to meetings to learn more about AFS:

August 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the mini-auditorium, this meeting will feature current and former host families and will include general information about the hosting experience.
August 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Media Center, meet the AFS students and learn more about hosting.

For information, contact Carla Bailey or Joy Henderson.

The first step toward hosting is to complete an online application.
Learn more about the AFS Intercultural program.

Student Drop Off Suggestions
The Heights High parking lot is very congested in the mornings. If you plan to drive your student to school you could save time by dropping them at the parking lot across Cedar Road (beside Wendy’s, behind the theater). There is a street light at Cedar for students to cross the street. Parents could also drop students at other locations near the school. Please be mindful of traffic when stopping to drop off students.

Important Dates
August 15: Schedule and ID Pick Up
August 19: First day of school, classes begin at 8:15 a.m.
August 21: Picture Day, 9th - 11th grade

August 28: Curriculum Night, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
September 2: Labor Day, school closed
September 30: Rosh Hashanah, school closed
November 6:  Picture Day, 12th grade




 

 

News From Heights High - August 9

Ninth Grade Freshman Student Orientation - Produced by the Link Crew
An orientation for 9th grade students will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Students should enter through the main entrance, the east-facing door (on the baseball field side of the school). The program will include lots of movement so students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes and travel light - no backpacks or purses. Lunch will be provided by Chipotle.

 

The Link Crew is a national student leadership organization with the sole purpose of helping freshmen transition to high school.

The Link Crew Freshman Orientation and Transition Program will both welcome and support freshmen by assigning them a trained junior or senior Link Leader as a mentor during this first year. This Link Leader is a responsible older student who was selected from a pool of applicants and has met the qualifications of being a good role model and positive leader in our school.

Eight teachers serve as Link Crew Coordinators who train the student Link Leaders and coordinate the program. The Link Coordinators are O’Dasha Blue, Leatrice Clark, Vicki Costanza, Patrick Fisher, Karen Kastor, Rebecca McDonald, Hannah Reid, and James Zidlicky.

New Family Orientation - August 13
Heights High families who are new to the school are invited to an evening orientation. Students are welcome to join their parents/guardians.

 

- 9th Grade Student and Family Orientation
Tuesday, August 13th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Heights High Cafeteria
- 10th - 12th Grade New Student and Family Orientation
Tuesday, August 13th, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m., Heights High Mini Auditorium

These meetings will include pizza and information about:
- Opportunities at Heights High
- Grades and credits
- Graduation requirements

Schedule Pick up & Building Tours - August 15
All students are invited to pick up their schedules and IDs and tour the building on August 15. This is a great opportunity for students to walk through their schedule and find the location of each of their classes. Students can also print their schedule from Infinite Campus (available August 12) before arriving or have it available on their phone.

-9th Grade Building Tour, Schedule & ID Pickup 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
-10th, 11th, & 12th Grade Building Tour, Schedule & ID Pickup: 1:00  - 3:00 p.m.

First Day of School - Monday, August 19
Yeah! Learning, friends, activities and so much more…
Students enter the school at the Main Entrance on the east-facing side of the building (facing the baseball field). This door has a red #1 next to it.
The school day and first period begin at 8:15 a.m. See the Bell Schedule for details. 

The building opens at 7:30 a.m. and students are welcome to enter the cafeteria at that time to enjoy a free breakfast and social time. At 8:00 a.m. students travel to their lockers and their first period classroom. First period begins at 8:15 a.m.

Students should plan to enter the building by 8:05 a.m. to have time to be in their first period classroom by 8:15 a.m. The principals suggest that students arrive at school at 7:45 a.m. to enjoy a free breakfast and ensure they’ll be on time to their first period class.

School ends at 2:56 p.m., except on Tuesday, when the school day ends at 2:16 p.m.

Guidance Counselors return on August 12
New and transfer students who need to select courses should email their counselor (see Guidance and Counseling web page for assignments)  for an appointment or come in during new student walk-in on August 13-16, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Walk-in appointments are first come first serve, and the office closes at 4:30 p.m.

Summer Reading Assignments
Information about the summer reading assignment is available at the link below. All students are expected to complete this assignment. Students in AP U.S. History students also have summer reading assignments.
Summer Reading Assignments

Host Families Needed for AFS Foreign Exchange Students
Heights High families have hosted AFS foreign exchange students for more than 60 years! The organization partners with Heights High and is looking for host families for the 2019-20 school year. Students from the Philippines, Tanzania, Senegal and Indonesia need host families. CHUH families could host one or two of the students. Host families can have a high school student, younger students or grown children who are out of the house. Single or two parent families are welcome. You can even host for 8-10 weeks as a Welcome Family. 

Families who are interested in hosting are invited to meetings to learn more about AFS:

- August 22, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the mini-auditorium, this meeting will feature current and former host families and will include general information about the hosting experience.
- August 29, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Meet and greet with AFS current students. 

For information, contact Carla Bailey

Meet the New Superintendent
Superintendent Ms. Elizabeth Kirby officially started her role as the leader of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools on August 1. She is hosting informal gatherings in CH-UH neighborhoods over the next several weeks to meet and talk with community members. All district residents and families are welcome to attend; come and go as you please. The remaining events are:

- Tuesday, August 13, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. - Noble Elementary School Playdate
Noble Elementary School, 1293 Ardoon Street
- Wednesday, August 14, 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. - Boulevard Elementary School Playdate
Boulevard Elementary School, 1749 Lee Road

 

Lake Erie Ink College Essay Writing Workshops
Students who will be applying to college this fall and need to include an essay with their application are invited to this workshop. The instructors are experienced writers and will help the students write the essay that best expresses who they are. The workshops are offered: August 13, October 2, October 16, November 13, November 20, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Lake Erie Ink, 2843 Washington Boulevard, The cost is $10 per workshop with scholarships available.
Registration Info

Important Dates
August 12: Schedules available on Infinite Campus
August 19: First day of school, classes begin at 8:15 a.m.
August 21: Picture Day, 9th - 11th grade
September 2: Labor Day, school closed
September 30: Rosh Hashanah, school closed
November 6:  Picture Day, 12th grade