Katie Ussin

1 week ago | news5cleveland.com | Katie Ussin

It can be tough to prevent the summer slide, which is when students lose ground on their educational attainment while out of class for summer break. Especially when it comes to reading. News 5 has reported on the progress made following pandemic-era losses. The latest Ohio report cards show gains for Cleveland Municipal schools in several areas, but significant work remains in early literacy for kindergarten through third, with 35.8% of third graders proficient in reading.

2 weeks ago | news5cleveland.com | Katie Ussin

CLEVELAND — For years, News 5 has been following through on the child placement crisis and the efforts to address the problem. Friday morning was the groundbreaking ceremony for The Centers H.O.P.E. Campus (Healing Opportunities Partnership Empowerment) as it begins the third and final phase of its capital project. It has been taking shape since early 2023 at the former Cleveland Christian Home at 11401 Lorain Avenue on the city’s West Side.

3 weeks ago | news5cleveland.com | Katie Ussin

CLEVELAND — With a rainy weekend ahead, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland has an idea to help get kids out of the house for some fun while staying dry. Saturday is the YMCA of Greater Cleveland'sHealthy Kids Day at Rocket Arena. The annual event promotes health and well-being and says it offers hundreds of families the opportunity to play games, participate in fitness classes, dance, do arts and crafts, and practice basketball skills on the court of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

3 weeks ago | news5cleveland.com | Katie Ussin

Once a week at the Kirtland Public Library, a playgroup called PLAY2LEARN Connection meets. "That’s the whole idea is that children learn by playing," said Rocky Carroscia. "They learn by having fun!”Carroscia, a developmental specialist, started the playgroup with Sheryl Kline after both retired from careers in special education. The playgroup is for 2-year-old children who have an Individualized Family Service Plan with Early Intervention. It is free and facilitated by licensed professionals.

1 month ago | news5cleveland.com | Katie Ussin

An encouraging update about an Akron-area girl fighting a big health battle. Ava Cooper, 10, has been in the hospital at Cleveland Clinic Children's for more than 200 days, waiting for a heart transplant. In February, News 5 shared the sweet video of Ava and her father, Sean, celebrating their annual father-daughter dance at the hospital.