While many students are enjoying summer break, a group of Cuyahoga Heights students is spending part of their vacation helping prepare the district's schools for the first day of classes.

About 10 students in grades 11 and 12, along with recent graduates, are working as student summer cleaners alongside the district's facilities staff. They empty classrooms, move furniture, organize materials, and prepare floors for annual waxing and other maintenance, allowing custodial and maintenance crews to focus on larger projects across campus.

"For many of these students, this is their first job, and that's what makes this program so valuable," said Assistant Superintendent George Burich. "They are learning the skills employers expect, like showing up on time, communicating, managing their time, working as part of a team, and taking pride in their work. At the same time, we're introducing them to the many career opportunities available in public education. We hope some of these students will one day choose to return to Cuyahoga Heights Schools as employees and continue serving the community where they grew up."

Students begin the summer with an orientation covering workplace expectations, safety procedures, and professional responsibilities before working both inside and outside district buildings throughout the summer.

Beyond preparing schools for the new year, the program provides students with valuable paid work experience while helping them develop responsibility, confidence, and practical workplace skills they can carry into their future careers.

As crews continue getting classrooms, hallways, and campus grounds ready for students, these students are making an important contribution to welcoming everyone back this fall.

Image Caption

Back Row (left to right): Aham Gharib, William Watts, Mark Workman, Gavin Cline, Avi Friedt, Jonathan McCann

Front Row (left to right): Ava Graewe, Emma Gasper, Kalyssa Nagel, Sarah Weber