Tim Wiles' story
The Cleveland Hill Union Free School District proudly serves approximately 1,300 students in three buildings, elementary, middle, and high, located on one single campus. The community of Cleveland Hill, in the Town of Cheektowaga, is a first-ring suburb of the city of Buffalo. In its history, there has been an historic presence of working-class families that make up the community, with many students qualifying as economically disadvantaged, per New York State standards. At the high school, there is a rich culture of student success, especially related to graduation rates and low percentages of dropping out. Our faculty supports a culture of high standards and ample support, in a building that we affectionately refer to as "the small school with the big heart." Students know that our faculty is invested in their futures, and faculty are supported by administrators who model consistency, transparency, and accountability. Although there are many factors that contribute to overall success rates at Cleveland Hill High School, two of the most influential are the use of data and having a strong community culture. Neither of these happened by accident, and both require constant upkeep and support, but the overall outcome is well worth the efforts.
The faculty and administrative team at CHHS are well-versed in the use of data in a variety of forms. Teachers and departments are provided with professional development time and various data protocols to evaluate student performance and prepare instructional opportunities to close gaps. Each of the three-tiered teams in the MTSS model are equipped with data protocols to evaluate the overall progress of the instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional learning programs that form the foundation of our curricular platform. In addition, administrators work closely with department leaders to evaluate achievement data, which then leads to reflection on existing practices, goal setting for the future, and the creation of action plans to achieve those goals.
The Golden Eagles of Cleveland Hill High School are well-known for the pride they have in their school and community. Wear a piece of Cleveland Hill apparel anywhere in Western New York and you're bound to hear the echoing cry, "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle," from at least one passerby. The faculty and administrative team at CHHS take great care in instilling these values early on in the student's high school career. Classes like Freshman Seminar allow some of our most passionate and dedicated teachers to model the legacy that exists in our community, and begin to sow the seeds of connection to our school and what it stands for. Other long-standing traditions contribute to this, as well, but the key is that they are done with intentionality. The aim is to instill a sense of purpose and belonging within our students, that is backed up by the daily actions of our faculty and staff. Vigilant observation and constant communication ensure that our team is aware of situations that our students are dealing with, and allows us to provide support when it is needed. Everything within our power is done to make sure that students don their caps and gowns and walk across the stage in June.
For anyone looking to mirror the success that Cleveland Hill High School has had for so many years, begin by finding a unifying purpose. Find something that the students, faculty, administrators, and the community can rally behind. Afterall, boats move much faster when everyone is rowing in the same direction.
