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A Spring Message From Superintendent Kirby
March 25, 2020 
 
Dear CH-UH Families and Staff,
 
I hope that you and your loved ones are staying healthy and safe during this time. It’s at this time of year that I’d typically write to welcome in the spring season and update you on District happenings. This is still that letter, it’s just written under much different circumstances for us all.
 
As I’m sure you can imagine, the work hasn’t stopped on my end. But I am making a concerted effort to take time to relieve stress. I find that running clears my head and helps me reset. I hope that you have an activity that helps you feel the same. I am certainly looking forward to some warmer weather and sunshine to enjoy as we head further into spring.
 
On Sunday, Governor DeWine issued a Stay at Home order for all Ohioans. This means that all of our school playgrounds are now closed. This is a sad but necessary step in keeping our communities healthy. Thank you in advance for your understanding and for complying with the order.
 
We had the privilege of donating several boxes of N95 face masks to the MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center on Monday. They were incredibly grateful for the supplies. I want to thank our medical professionals, first responders, military service members, grocery and restaurant employees, childcare providers, journalists, and all of the essential employees who are helping to keep our worlds running. These jobs are not easy even in a “normal” world, let alone right now. I thank them for keeping us and our loved ones safe, healthy, fed and informed. 
 
Speaking of keeping the world running, I also want to encourage you to fill out your household’s Census. You likely have received your Census ID in the mail with instructions on how to submit your response online, over the phone or by mail. Make it fun and educational by having your students help you with the answers. For those wishing to complete the questionnaire by phone, call 844-330-2020, or call the number associated with your preferred language. Data from the Census helps inform planning and funding for our schools, hospitals, transportation and more.
 
As you know, the March 17 in-person Election Day was canceled due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19. There will be no traditional in-person Election Day, so Ohioans will be casting their primary ballots through the mail. The Cuyahoga County Board of Election has an application to receive a mail-in ballot here. Your county office must receive your absentee request by Saturday, April 25 at noon and your completed ballot must be postmarked by April 27 to be counted. Read more about our school levy, Issue 26.
 
Finally, I’ll be going live on Facebook on Wednesday, April 1 from 7-8 p.m. I’d love to hear about what you’ve been doing with your kids, how you’ve been relieving stress, and what questions you may have for me. Be sure to like and follow our District Facebook page so you don’t miss it.
 
It’s hard to see right now, but one day, we will get past these challenging times. I look forward to the day when school buses start running again and students are back in their classrooms working with their peers and their teachers. In the meantime, I’m grateful for the technology that allows us to keep in touch and lean on each other. Stay well, enjoy your Spring Break, and I look forward to chatting with you soon.
 
Sincerely,
Superintendent Liz Kirby
Follow me on Twitter: @CHUHSupt