Fernway Elementary PTO

Fernway Families,

As we wrap up another incredible school year, we’re proud to reflect on all that our PTO community has accomplished together.

This year was filled with meaningful opportunities to connect as a school community, from the Back-to-School Picnic and Fall Fest to Phoenix Family Fun Night, Pancake Breakfast, and Night of Tales. These events strengthened our Fernway community and created lasting memories for students and families alike.

Because of your incredible support through events like the Read-a-Thon, Raider 5K, and our Give Back Nights at local favorites like Loganberry and Cilantro Taqueria, we raised more than $26,000 this year! Those funds directly supported student programs, classroom resources, and school-wide experiences, including our All School Read featuring Save Me a Seat, field trips that brought learning to life, staff appreciation efforts throughout the year, special student events like the 3rd Grade Poetry Jam, and milestone celebrations such as the 5th Grade Exhibition and Clap Out.

We are especially grateful to our dedicated PTO board members, our amazing teachers and staff, and every family who volunteered, donated, and showed up throughout the year. Most importantly, we thank our students—they are the reason we do all of this. Watching them learn, grow, laugh, and strengthen our community has been the greatest reward.

As we reflect on the people who make our school community so special, we also want to take a moment to honor someone whose impact will not be forgotten.

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Najee Hardaway, a former Fernway student and current 4th grade teacher at Lomond Elementary School. Najee and his family have long-standing connections to Fernway and the Shaker Heights City School District, and our community was proud to see him return to Shaker as an educator who positively impacted so many students. In honor of Najee’s life, legacy, and connection to Fernway, the Fernway PTO plans to plant a living memorial tree on the Fernway tree lawn. We hope this tribute will serve as a lasting reminder of his impact on our schools and community. More information will be shared in the future.

We would also like to wish our longtime principal, Mr. Hayward, all the best on his new adventure. We are grateful for his years of leadership and dedication to Fernway and look forward to welcoming him back as we celebrate Fernway’s 100th anniversary during the 2027-28 school year. At the same time, we are excited to welcome our incoming principal, Ms. Grier, and look forward to partnering with her in the years ahead.

As we look ahead to another wonderful year, we hope you'll consider joining us in supporting our school community. Many hands make light work, and there are so many ways to get involved through the PTO.

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyful summer!

Sincerely,
Sara Chengelis and Kyle Stimpert
2025-26 Co-Presidents

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Next week is Teacher/Staff Appreciation! We would like to ensure that non-classroom teachers and staff at Fernway are also acknowledged during this week. The PTO has assigned each classroom two to three of these staff in an online sign-up so they can receive a few small gifts throughout the week as well. Please sign up via this link. Room parents should have sent an email regarding specific classroom information and more ways to personally thank our staff throughout the week.

Staff Appreciation 2026 Please find your Classroom's "Adopted" Staff to sign up to bring them a small token of appreciation....Ideas for a Breakfast Treat may include a donut and handwritten note, Smoothie, small plant, etc. For a Mid-Day Treat think about a bag of candy, cold soda, etc. And at the end of the day, maybe an...