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February 20

CEO Weekly Focus

February 20, 2024

Hello CMSD Families and Friends,

You are undoubtedly familiar with the considerable financial challenges the District now faces with the coming end of federal covid relief funds (ESSER). Despite the challenges ahead, we are unequivocally committed to ensuring that our instructional curriculum, classroom provisions, and student services remain strong.

As a primary stakeholder, I encourage you to take full advantage of all opportunities to stay informed on deliberations that my administration will undertake as we navigate the fiscal challenges. On Tuesday, February 13, I presented to the CMSD Board of Education our drafted plans to address federal funding reductions. If you were unable to attend this important meeting in person, which was held at Garrett Morgan High School, I encourage you to watch the recorded livestream of the meeting on the District’s Facebook and  YouTube pages.

Please be assured that it is my commitment to keep you regularly updated on the budgetary process as my administration remains focused on sustaining our current momentum. In keeping with that commitment, I encourage you to also view a video where I recently sat down with the CMSD newsroom staff to reflect on my first seven months on the job and to explain my unwavering optimism about the days ahead.

Yours in gratitude,

Dr. Warren G. Morgan

 

CMSD Calendar

Upcoming Events

Board Business Meeting

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Whitney Young PreK-8

 

CMSD Parent University

Fatherhood Table Talk

Saturday, March 9, 2024

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

John F Kennedy High School

Click to register

 

See full list of events

 

Special Observances

February

Black History Month

Career and Technical Education Month

Presidents' Day 2/19

 

School of One

In the CMSD Spotlight

Principal Maryum Sims explained the highly unique mission of the School of One at the February 13 board of education meeting. That mission is a dedication “to producing successful graduates by offering students a differentiated, individualized digital online educational experience embedded with academic and social/emotional services needed to be college and career ready.”

School of One students come from many different places in their educational attainment and life experiences. Principal Sims offered real life examples of the sweeping diversity of students served by the school.

  •  An over-aged 10th grader who failed the first two years of high school because their family was homeless.
  • An on-track 11th grader who wanted a smaller school environment because they had difficulty adjusting to traditional school environments due to social rejection.
  • A 12th grade parent who needed a flexible school schedule where they could work and take care of their family.

“What makes us unique is that we meet students where they are and take them where they need to be,” said Principal Sims.

The school, with a current enrollment of 281 students, operates in nine different sites with each offering a unique, blended learning structure. Educators at each of the sites collaborate with students in the creation of individualized educational plans that are tailored to the students’ needs, interests, and career aspirations.

Bright spots for the school include a noticeable improvement in Algebra 1 scores from the 2021-2022 school year to the 2022-2023 academic year. The math scores increased from 15.4% to 33.3% on the OST. In addition, student and family engagement has increased by 15% over the last 3 years as a result of School of One SEL initiatives.

 

Measuring Our Progress

7

Number of high school’s meeting weekly attendance goals of 95% or higher last week

52

CEO school visits this year out of a total of 102.

As we look ahead to graduation in May, it is essential to ensure that our CMSD students have access to every resource available to pursue their dreams of higher education. One critical step in this journey is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Whether you're a parent guiding your 12th grade student through the college application process or a member of our supportive community, encouraging FAFSA completion can make a significant difference in our students' futures.

The FAFSA is more than just an application; it's a gateway to financial aid opportunities. By completing this free form, students unlock access to federal, state and institutional financial aid. Additionally, private financial aid providers may also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their assistance. Encouraging students and families to complete the FAFSA is a crucial step in making higher education more accessible and affordable.

Navigating the financial aid landscape can be overwhelming, but our students and families don't have to do it alone. Our partner College Now Greater Cleveland is here to provide personalized guidance and support to our students every step of the way. Whether students have questions about FAFSA completion, need assistance with financial aid applications or seek advice on college and career planning, College Now is our trusted resource. Students and parents can reach out to their College Now advisor, email fafsa@collegenowgc.org or call 216-241-5587 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment.

Faculty, staff, parents and community members play a vital role in supporting our students' educational journeys. By spreading the word about the importance of FAFSA completion and connecting families with resources like College Now Greater Cleveland, we can empower our students to achieve their academic goals.

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