Message from CEO Eric S. Gordon

Summer is here, and so is the CMSD Summer Learning Experience, a bold move designed to help students of all grades re-engage with school after a year in remote and hybrid instruction.

You probably have noticed the colorful billboards, TV ads and other material promoting Summer Learning. Our groundbreaking work also has received widespread media attention, including serving as the centerpiece of an NBC Nightly News broadcast that Lester Holt anchored from Cleveland.

Summer Learning is not “summer school,” as traditionally defined. It is for all students – those who need to catch up, those who want to get ahead and those who want to explore interests. Days will include time for enrichment and camps with fun, hands-on activities run by community partners. We also offer activities for adults and families. Families truly may build their own “experience.”

The first of two four-week sessions is under way, but those who have not signed up can still register for the second session, which starts July 12. Just go to ClevelandMetroSchools.org/SummerLearning or talk to an enrollment specialist by calling 216-838-3675. The Summer Learning Experience is limited to CMSD students, but others may attend if they are pre-registered to enroll in the fall.

This new experience won’t end with the summer. We envision it as a bridge to a new way of learning that benefits all “learners” – students, families and staff – and addresses some of the stark inequities exposed by the pandemic. The goal is to build on progress and changes CMSD has made under The Cleveland Plan while also creating a system that is more fair, just and good for all.

We have already collected preliminary feedback and ideas for the future from diverse community stakeholders, including students, but will be asking for additional input. You can learn more about this transformative work by going to ClevelandMetroSchools.org/LearningVision. 

The coming school year will be exciting for many reasons. We will remain a 1-to-1 district, with one device and Internet access for every student, further development of career and college pathways, an expansion of arts, music and physical education, and more. 

We welcome all to join us on the journey. Enroll students now by visiting ChooseCMSD.org or calling 216-838-3675.

I wish you a safe, healthy and happy summer and hope to see you by our side as we move toward a bright future.

Sincerely,

Eric S. Gordon