3-24-2022 Spring Update

March 24^th, 2022

Dear Students, Families and Educators:

We have reached the end of the school year’s third quarter, and summer is just around the corner.

Keeping safe from COVID-19 certainly remained on our minds during the past grading period, but all around us were signs that routines torn apart by the pandemic could be returning to normal.

We also saw evidence of the collective strength that has helped us reach this point. 

This spirit was best embodied by our response to the unusually heavy snowstorm that hit at the beginning of February. While most other Northeast Ohio school districts canceled classes, we took advantage of the storm’s timing, reached for our technology and nimbly switched to remote learning for two days.

The weeks that followed were filled with highlights, including some from the world of sports -- traditional and non-traditional.

Senate boys and girls basketball teams played for league championships before crowds at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. One of those teams, Glenville’s Tarblooders, later made a deep run in the state boys’ tournament, earning a place in the Sweet 16 before falling in overtime.

Esports debuted, so video gamers can now play for their schools while pursuing their passion. Fourteen Senate teams will continue competing into the spring.

Our schools joined the Kindland campaign to make Cleveland more caring and empathetic. In our buildings, students continued to enjoy expanded arts, music and extracurricular activities, as well as new afterschool programs. High school libraries transitioned into community, college and career planning centers.

The Planning and Career Exploration, or PACE, program that we are introducing for all our students is starting a movement. On March 8, business, education and civic leaders announced a regional initiative that will prepare students throughout Northeast Ohio for skilled, well-paying jobs the workforce is struggling to fill. 

As I said, summer will be here soon, and so will another edition of the CMSD Summer Learning Experience. Planning got under way this quarter for the camps and enrichment that more than 8,400 students took part in last year.

All our efforts are driven by the promise that CMSD students and families “Get More.” Our message is drawing attention. Enrollment is stable and stronger than expected. Now, we are poised for growth.

Yes, life is getting back to normal, or what we have been saying will be our new normal – a system that is different, a system that is more fair, just and good for our students, families and educators. 

I want to close by asking everyone to keep up their guard against COVID-19. While we recently suspended our mask requirement, the District and local health authorities ask that you continue mask use in our buildings and, if possible, that you get vaccinated. The future is indeed bright – together we can make sure it stays that way.

Have a great fourth quarter, CMSD!