Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 12)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - November 2, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Operating Levy FAQ’s - Remember to Vote on Nov. 6th!
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Gene Keen, Science Teacher at Strongsville High School
Two SHS Students Earn Eagle Scout Status
“We Are Strongsville” Videos - 5th Grade Muraski Student Mariana
Mustangs Playoff Fever This Weekend!
SHS Yearbook Club 1st Annual Craft Fair - Saturday, Nov. 10th
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
New Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Our District has been able to increase instruction time at Strongsville Middle School in 6th & 7th grade English Language Arts and in 7th grade Math classes through creative adjustments to students’ schedules, without any additional cost to the District. These schedule adjustments have provided opportunities for both students and teachers to enhance learning and further enrich skills. Special thanks to our SMS teachers for their efforts in helping to make this very successful for their students and learning environments.
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, November 6
NO SCHOOL
Election Day
*Please remember to vote!
Friday, November 9 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Grade)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: Blackout/Whiteout
Wednesday, November 14 - 7:00pm
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, November 15 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School “Night of Entertainment”
SMS Auditorium
Thursday, November 15 - 6:30pm
“College Planning 101”
SHS Auditorium
Click HERE for a complete list of SCS November events
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
While walking the halls at Muraski Elementary, students now have an opportunity to “take a break” and “refocus their energy” by participating in a sensory walk. What is it and how does it help our students in the classroom? Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit with the team at Muraski and they explain the benefits of this hallway feature.
ISSUE 8 - STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OPERATING LEVY
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy on this Tuesday’s (Nov. 6) ballot. The proposed 7.9 mill continuous operating levy will generate approximately $11.3 million annually for our District. The last operating levy for our District was passed in 2007. If passed, this operating levy will cost $23 per month for a $100,000 home.
Have questions or need more information about this proposed operating levy? Visit www.strongnet.org/Issue8 for additional facts and FAQ videos.
Please remember to vote on November 6th!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. GENE KEEN, SCIENCE TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Gene Keen has worked in our District for 21 years. Mr. Keen served 20 years in the United States Army before becoming a science teacher at Strongsville High School. His undergraduate degree is from the University of Akron and he also has earned a graduate degree from Baldwin Wallace.
When asked what he likes best about working with our students, Mr. Keen said, “their positive energy they bring to class on a daily basis and the respect they show towards each other, and towards our planet.”
He added, “Every day is an opportunity to learn - for all of us!”
Thank you Mr. Keen - we appreciate all that you do for our high school students and inspiring them to be positive global citizens!
TWO SHS STUDENTS EARN EAGLE SCOUT STATUS
Congratulations to SHS junior Andrew Apo and SHS senior Kevin Lawler for recently earning Eagle Scout status. Both are members of Scout Troop 226.
Kevin was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on October 9th. His Eagle project involved cleaning, repairing, and staining the fence surrounding the perimeter of the Strongsville Historical Society. Kevin’s project took approximately 79 hours.
Andrew was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout on October 9. Andrew’s Eagle project took approximately 150 hours and involved building picnic tables, plus a bulletin board with bench and display case at the City of Strongsville’s Community Garden. Congratulations to both Kevin and Andrew on this accomplishment!
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” VIDEOS - 5TH GRADE MURASKI STUDENT MARIANA
Look for “We Are Strongsville” videos throughout the year, as we visit with students, teachers, parents, and community members about what makes our District and community a special place to live, learn, and grow! Click HERE to hear from Mariana, a 5th grade student at Muraski - “We Are Strongsville!”
MUSTANGS PLAYOFF FEVER THIS WEEKEND!
Follow your Mustangs this weekend, as two teams compete in their respective OHSAA postseason tournaments. The Mustangs football team makes its first appearance in the playoffs since 2008, thanks to a 7-3 regular season record. They battle the Mentor Cardinals at 7pm tonight (Fri. 11/2) at Mentor High School (6477 Center St. / Mentor / 44060) in the opening round of the playoffs. The Lady Mustangs Soccer team has advanced to the ‘Elite 8’ and will take on Toledo Notre Dame Academy for a spot in the OHSAA ‘Final 4.’ The match is set for a noon kickoff tomorrow (Sat. 11/3) at Sandusky High School (2130 Hayes Ave. / Sandusky / 44870). Good luck to both teams in their pursuit of a state championship!
Visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org for the latest Mustangs Athletics information, news, schedules, and MORE!
SHS YEARBOOK CLUB 1ST ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR - SATURDAY, NOV. 10TH
Make plans to visit the 1st Annual SHS Yearbook Club Craft Fair on Saturday, November 10th from 9am - 3pm at Strongsville High School. The Craft Fair will feature local artwork, homemade crafts, jewelry, and bakery items, plus Pampered Chef, LuLaRue, Scentsy, Gel Us Body, The Cocoa Exchange, Norwex, Tupperware and much more! Admission is just $1 and all proceeds will benefit the SHS Yearbook Club. For more information, contact Yearbook Advisor Jen Orlosky at 440.572.7121 or at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org. Click HERE for the event flyer.
SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS
Know of a graduate of Strongsville High School who is an exceptional businessperson, community member, charitable volunteer, educator, etc.? We are now accepting nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni program. A new class will be inducted in April, 2019. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
NEW WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two new pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
STAY SAFE. SPEAK UP!
Strongsville City Schools encourages students, teachers, staff, parents, and other members of our community to report any instances of potential violence, bullying, self-harm or any other issue where students may be at risk. The Stay Safe. Speak Up! link is located in the shortcuts along the right hand side on the homepage of the District website (www.strongnet.org). It can also be found on the homepage of each of our individual building websites. Reporting incidents can be made anonymously online or through a toll free number (1-866-listen2me / 1-866-547-8362).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GOHrun Mustang Stampede Fun Run
Don't miss the Mustang Stampede One Mile Fun Run on Sunday, November 4 at Strongsville High School. The race begins at noon and is open to all elementary and preschool age runners. Check in and registration begins at 11am. Click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our first session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, November 2, 9, 16, and December 7, and 14 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Strongsville Recreation Center Fall Enrichment Classes
Computer Programing, Yoga, The Money Game, Winter Day Camp… just to name a few. The Strongsville Recreation center is now enrolling for their fall enrichment classes. Click HERE to check out all of our programs to see which ones are best for you. Call the front desk at 440-580-3260 to enroll today or visit https://www.activityreg.com/ for online registration.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following events hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for all events. Please call 440.238.3366 to register or for more information. Those interested may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see more event information.
November Luncheon - Tax Reform Presentation
Tuesday, November 13
11:30am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
$20 per person
Annual Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 7
7:00pm - Midnight
Michaud’s
Strongsville Library
Please note the following November 2018 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
All Branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21st and will be closed all day on Thursday, November 22nd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 23rd.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our story time sessions are in full swing for the Fall! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
State of the Art Recording Studio Open to the Public!
The Strongsville Branch Library Audio and Video Recording Studios are now open to the public. Customers interested in using Garage Band, iMovie, and the Adobe Suite to create sound recordings, video recordings, and more are welcome to sign-up for studio time up to one week in advance. In order to use the studio, customers must first attend an orientation session. Drop-in orientations will be held on Tuesdays - Audio studio orientation from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Video studio orientation from 3:00-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Audio studio orientation from 9:30-10:00 a.m. and Video studio orientation from 10:00-10:30 a.m. No registration is needed. Please show up on time for these orientations. For more information on the studio and how to book studio time, please call (440) 238-5530.
Technology Training Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering a new series of technology training classes for beginners to advanced users. We are also offering more evening classes. All classes are free. Registration begins 30 days before each class date. Classes are for adults age 18 and over. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Technology-Training.aspx Here are the upcoming classes:
Saturday, November 3rd / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. PowerPoint 1
Holiday Memo. Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Wednesday, November 7th from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Teens, have you wanted to try out our audio studio equipment? Get a quick orientation and introduction to the GarageBand software by recording something for someone special. We will have flash drives for your convenience and boxes to decorate to make the perfect gift for the holidays. Please register for this event. If you cannot make it please cancel. While supplies last.
Eat Your Veggies. Wednesday, November 7th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Colleen Henderson will share easy and effective ways to incorporate wholefoods into your everyday life. This program is designed to touch upon the health benefits of fruits and veggies, why you should buy organic and alternative protein sources, and how becoming plant-based can make your overall health better. You will walk away with the knowledge needed to embrace a nutritionally dense diet and how to catapult to a better way of living.
Finding Your Roots: An Introduction to Genealogy Research. Saturday, November 10th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
If you are interested in learning how to start your family tree research, join us for this special presentation on the basics of genealogy research taught by Cynthia Ross Kettler, a Certified Genealogy Consultant for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. After the presentation, there will be time for questions. We will also have some other DAR genealogists on-hand to assist participants with some of their genealogy research throughout the day. Please bring your family history research and a laptop if needed. Program registration sign-in will be on the day of the event from 10-10:30 a.m. and the presentation will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets the First Tuesdays of the month. *note- second Tuesday of the month due to Election Day. A book club for adults who love Children and teen books. Please register in person. The topic for the next discussion is The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Perez. Twelve-year-old María Luisa O'Neill-Morales (who really prefers to be called Malú) reluctantly moves with her Mexican-American mother to Chicago and starts seventh grade with a bang--violating the dress code with her punk rock aesthetic and spurning the middle school's most popular girl in favor of starting a band with a group of like-minded weirdos.. Interrogated in separate rooms at a New Jersey police department, a young man with a neurological disorder characterized by facial paralysis and a beautiful punk girl explain how they found themselves wrapped up in a murder.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion will be on Wednesday, November 14th. **PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Library's early closure at 5:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving this month's discussion has been moved up one week. For this month, we are reading Books for Living by Will Schwalbe. Books can be picked up at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Southwest General Hearing Screenings. Friday, November 16th from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The Community Nurses from Southwest General Hospital will offer free hearing screenings. Interested individuals should contact Southwest to make an appointment at (440) 816-5050.
Indoor Playdate. For Ages 1 – 3 with a caregiver. Friday, November 16th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Join others for an hour of relaxed play and socialization. We'll also have some musical motor activities for the group. Come and have fun!
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Your Menopause Questions Answered. Tuesday, November 20th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Our speaker this month will be Katherine McDowell, MD of Southwest General. She will discuss hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and changes in your sex life that can happen with menopause. She will also discuss what you can do about them to improve your overall well-being. Registration is requested. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and South Park Mall in Strongsville. The Club provides an opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe interesting and climate-controlled facility. Walk at the mall first then come over to the Library for this informative wellness talk! For more information call (440) 816-4037.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, November 23rd from 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
In just an hour of your time you can help save up to three lives. Make sure hospital patients get the treatment they need. Donate blood today. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call the American Red Cross at (216) 431-3010.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be held on Monday, November 26th. Our next discussion title will be A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Stay Connected with Strongsville City Schools
Strongsville High School * Muraski Elementary *
Strongsville Middle School * Surrarrer Elementary *
Chapman Elementary * Whitney Elementary *
Kinsner Elementary * Early Learning Preschool
Website: www.strongnet.org
Location: Strongsville City Schools, 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: (440) 572-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/strongsvillecs
Twitter: @strongsvillecs