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Message from CEO Eric S. Gordon
We have entered the fourth and final quarter of the school year, 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 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 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. Business, education and civic leaders recently announced fomration of the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium, a regional initiative that will prepare students throughout Northeast Ohio for skilled, well-paying jobs that 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 in the third 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 ask everyone to keep up their guard against COVID-19. While we recently suspended our mask requirement, the District and local health authorities have strongly suggested 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.
Sincerely,
Eric S. Gordon
Resources
News
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CMSD, partners announce regional workforce initiative (Video, Photo Gallery)
3/8/2022 -- Greater Cleveland industries and employers are lining up to participate in a workforce development initiative that has taken root in Cleveland’s public schools and will spread across the region.Â
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CMSD, CTU want Cleveland to be known as Kindland
12/27/2021 -- The District and teachers union are partnering with the Values-in-Action Foundation (Project Love) in an initiative designed to make the city feel kinder, gentler, more empathetic, more caring and more supportive.
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Despite huge challenges, CMSD makes progress (Video)
12/17/2021 -- Circumstances have been as tough the District has ever faced, students, families and staff persevered.
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Mayor-elect, school board get acquainted (Photo gallery)
12/8/2021 -- The Board of Education called a special meeting Wednesday afternoon – to get acquainted with Mayor-elect Justin Bibb. Bibb, who as mayor will oversee the District, talked priorities and needs with board members and schools CEO Eric Gordon.
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Public relations group honors CEO Gordon
11/17/2021 -- The Greater Cleveland chapter of the Public Relations Society of America presented CEO Eric Gordon with the John Hill Award. The award recognizes a CEO for outstanding leadership and support for internal and external communications.
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State of the Schools charts course for the future (Video, photo gallery)
9/22/2021 -- The impact of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has given CMSD a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take education in a dramatically new and better direction, Chief Executive Officer Eric Gordon said in the annual address.
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CEO to deliver State of the Schools on Sept. 22
8/9/2021 -- The City Club will once again host the event, which is returning to the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel’s Grand Ballroom after going virtual last year due to the pandemic.
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CEO announces back-to-school measures
7/19/2021 -- As CMSD prepares to return to full in-person instruction, the CEO addresses mask use, social distancing, uniforms and remote options.