Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 24)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - FEBRUARY 16, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Kindergarten Registration Week (3/19 - 3/23)
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Ginette Quien, 6th Grade Math Teacher at SMS
Community Conversation - Tue. 2/27 - 6:30pm at SMS
SHS Grad Realizing His Dreams in the Movie Industry
5th Grade Parent Meeting at SMS (Thu. 3/1 - 6pm)
Family First Night - Monday, March 12
Whitney Elementary Music Teacher Mrs. Debbie Gonczy Earns Purple Star
Community Spaghetti Dinner - Friday, February 23 (5-7pm)
Local Resident Donates Electric Dune Buggy to District
Bus Drivers Wanted
State of the Schools Presentation - Available On Demand!
Free Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (Through 3/24)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 19
President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
Friday, February 23 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Spaghetti Dinner
Strongsville High School
Tuesday, February 27 - 6:30pm
Community Conversation - Gifted Services & Honors/AP Programming
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, March 1 - 6:00pm
Informational Night for Current 5th Grade Parents
Transitioning to 6th Grade at Strongsville Middle School
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Friday, March 2 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (for 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Graders)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: Wear Green for St. Patrick’s Day
Friday, March 9 - EARLY RELEASE DAY
Click HERE for the Early Release Schedule of Dismissal Times
Click HERE for an online listing of remaining February events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This week, we visit two classrooms that have been ‘transformed’ with flexible seating and desk options for students. Through innovation grants provided by the Superintendent’s office, Mr. Whitecar (3rd grade teacher at Surrarrer) and Mrs. Piorkowski (kindergarten teacher at Chapman) are offering choices to students, and as a result, are seeing more focused and attentive learners. Click HERE as we visit both classrooms and hear more about the impact flexible seating and desks have had at Surrarrer and Chapman.
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).
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WEEK (3/19 - 3/23)
Strongsville City Schools Kindergarten Registration Packets for the 2018-19 academic year are now available and can be picked up at the elementary building closest to your home. This enrollment package contains information regarding kindergarten registration, information about Safety Town, school transportation, and helpful hints you can use to prepare your child for kindergarten.
Please note the following kindergarten registration dates and times - all registration will take place at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.) from 8:00am - 12:00pm on the following dates:
Chapman Elementary Kindergarten Students - Monday, March 19, 2018
Kinsner Elementary Kindergarten Students - Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Muraski Elementary Kindergarten Students - Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Surrarrer Elementary Kindergarten Students - Thursday, March 22, 2018
Whitney Elementary Kindergarten Students - Friday, March 23, 2018
Please bring the following documentation for registration:
Student's Birth Certificate
Student's Immunization Records
Proof of Residency - One of the following: tax bill, mortgage coupon, gas, electric or sewer/water bill, insurance policy on dwelling, or a signed rental or purchase agreement
Verification of legal custody/guardianship (only if child is not living with both his/her natural parents): Certified Copy of Court Order or Court Appointed Guardianship
* All of the appropriate items listed above must be provided in order to enroll your child
If you have any questions, please call Sue Kochheiser, SCS Registrar, at (440) 572-7048. Kindergarten is mandatory in Ohio. According to State Law and District policy, any child who becomes five years old on or before August 1, 2018 is eligible for admission into the Strongsville School District's Kindergarten program this August.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. GINETTE QUIEN, 6TH GRADE MATH TEACHER AT SMS
Mrs. Ginette Quien is a 6th grade math teacher on the Vikings team at Strongsville Middle School. Mrs. Quien has worked in our District for 12 years, with teaching experience at both Muraski and Kinsner, prior to SMS. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Dayton and also has her Master’s Degree from Marygrove.
Mrs. Quien’s Vikings students are a special group, “As a Vikings team, we really stress the importance of never giving up. This is such an important life skill and so worth it when students finally feel that sense of accomplishment. I really enjoy watching their engagement in a lesson and their perseverance. It is great to see a student finally ‘get it’ after they have worked so hard.”
She adds, “I love being at the middle school and love the energy of our students. I am blessed to work with an incredible team and incredible students. Each day brings a new adventure that we all face together!”
Thank you Mrs. Quien for providing a great classroom environment and making math FUN for our 6th grade Vikings students!
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION (GIFTED SERVICES, HONORS & AP PROGRAMS) TUE. 2/27 - 6:30PM AT SMS AUDITORIUM
Join us for the first in a series of four 'Community Conversations' addressing important topics in our District. On Tuesday, February 27 at 6:30pm at Strongsville Middle School’s Auditorium, we will be highlighting Gifted Services & Honors/AP Programming, with discussion topics including:
What does gifted mean? How are students identified? What programs are offered in our District? What do our programs look like at each level (Elementary, SMS, & SHS)? What are expectations of Honors courses at SMS? What are Honors and AP offerings at SHS? What AP courses are right for my student? How do I help my honors student make a successful transition from SMS to SHS?
Community Conversations include a brief presentation, followed by a question & answer session with SCS Administrators. This event is FREE and open to the public.
SHS GRAD REALIZING HIS DREAMS IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY
SHS welcomed back Brian Laprocino (Class of 2008), as he met with students and provided messages of perseverance and never giving up on your dreams. Brian was a student in the Connections Program while at SHS. Following graduation from SHS and a few years of “figuring things out,” Brian earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Film Production from Fullsail University - a Film Production Tech School in Orlando, Florida. His dream was to work at Blumhouse Productions making horror films, and after working through some of life’s challenging setbacks, and never giving up, he finally realized that dream. He was able to work on movies such as Get Out, Paranormal Activity, and The Purge. Brian is currently working in California at Netflix as a Post Production Coordinator on A Series of Unfortunate Events. Thanks to Brian for coming back to talk to our students and providing solid advice about being brave and living out your dreams. #foreveramustang
5TH GRADE PARENT MEETING AT SMS (THURSDAY, MARCH 1 - 6PM)
Strongsville Middle School is hosting a 5th grade parent meeting for those parents of students who will be attending Strongsville Middle School next year. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 1 at 6:00pm in the SMS Auditorium.
FAMILY FIRST NIGHT (MONDAY, MARCH 12)
Mark your calendars for Family First Night - Monday, March 12. Family First Night is a night for your family to spend time together. Whether it is eating dinner at the same table, creating a family activity or outing, or having a game night, Family First Night is about putting other activities and events on hold and getting back to the basics of family relationships. No homework or after school activities are scheduled for this night, giving families an uninterrupted night to spend quality time together. Should your family want a “night out,” the Strongsville High School Media Center will be hosting activities from 6-7:30pm. Click HERE for the event flyer and to RSVP.
WHITNEY ELEMENTARY MUSIC TEACHER MRS. DEBBIE GONCZY EARNS PURPLE STAR FOR OUR DISTRICT
Congratulations to Whitney Elementary Music Teacher Mrs. Debbie Gonczy for earning “Purple Star” recognition for Whitney Elementary. The Purple Star recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Mrs. Gonczy teaches our students about our military and veterans through her annual Veterans Day Assembly and “Whitney Boot Camp.” Inspired by two active military families at Whitney - the Meiers and the Hayes family - Mrs. Gonczy has completed training and coursework through the Ohio Department of Education, and followed steps to make Whitney a “military-friendly” school. She has also been invited to represent Whitney and our District at an upcoming Marine Educators Workshop at Parris Island, South Carolina. Great job Mrs. Gonczy - we are proud of you!
COMMUNITY SPAGHETTI DINNER - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (5-7PM)
Join us for a Community Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 23 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Strongsville High School. Bring the whole family for pasta - and stay for the Mustangs varsity basketball game vs. Solon at 7:30pm. Tickets are $7 for Ages 13 & Older, $5 for ages 6-12, & FREE for ages 5 & under. All proceeds from the Community Spaghetti Dinner benefit the Strongsville Athletic Boosters, in support of all of our student-athletes in the District. If you plan to attend, please click HERE to purchase tickets in advance.
LOCAL RESIDENT DONATES ELECTRIC DUNE BUGGY TO DISTRICT
Strongsville resident Mr. Bob Wolford recently made a donation to Strongsville City Schools that will further enhance the District's Makerspaces and serve as a teaching tool in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) based programs. After designing and constructing an electric-powered dune buggy entirely on his own, Mr. Wolford decided to gift this vehicle to the students, teachers, and staff at Strongsville City Schools.
Mr. Wolford is an electrical engineer, having spent twenty four years of his professional career working at IBM. He currently works at Lenovo Corporation designing computer servers. His passion for engineering and design is evidenced by the thirteen patents in his name. THANK YOU Mr. Wolford for this generous donation!
BUS DRIVERS WANTED
Applications are now being accepted for substitute bus drivers in our District. We are looking for motivated, energetic, part-time professional substitute drivers. This position features great pay, flexible hours, and is very rewarding. Requires CDL Class B, SP Endorsement, with training available. Please visit the Human Resources section of the Strongsville City Schools website (www.strongnet.org) or call 440.572.7060.
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - AVAILABLE ON DEMAND!
Did you miss the recent ‘State of the Schools’ Presentation delivered by Superintendent Cameron Ryba? The entire presentation can be viewed online and on demand HERE. The Strongsville City Schools YouTube Channel features this presentation, as well as concerts, Board of Education meetings, and other school events, to be viewed whenever it is convenient for your schedule.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (through 3/24)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! These clinics are happening now and continue through March 24 - where boys and girls ages 7-14 have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics are held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Team Strongsville Night at SHS Boys Basketball Game (TONIGHT - Fri. 2/16)
It’s Team Strongsville Night at tonight’s (Fri. 2/16) SHS Boys Basketball game vs. Shaker Hts. All proceeds from student tickets sold that evening will be donated to the ‘Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grant Program.’ This program has funded 24 grants over the past 3 years totaling more than $8,000 for student-led service projects. Visit http://bit.ly/kkgrant for additional information and applications for the ‘Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grant Program.’ Team Strongsville will also be collecting donations for the Strongsville Food Bank - bring canned food or monetary donations!
Strongsville Community Theatre Performance - “And Then There Were None”
Don’t miss the performances of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” directed by Kathleen Caldwell with a cast of NE Ohio teens. Performances are on February 23, 24, & 25 and March 2, 3, & 4, 2018, at The Old Town Hall (18825 Royalton Road). Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm and Sundays are at 3pm. Online ticketing at www.StrongsvilleCommunityTheatre.com. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event
Join the Kiwanis Club of Strongsville on Saturday, February 24 from 10:00am - 12:30pm at the Strongsville Library for their “Read Around the World” event. The program and its activities are intended for preschool and K – 3rd graders. This is a FREE event for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.). Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books
Students from St. Joseph & John's Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville High School will be available to read to your child from a book the child selects from our inventory of children's books
Mr. Protiva, librarian in the children’s section, will be reading children’s stories
St. Joseph & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
Appearances of several characters from children’s literature in costumes.
Each child will have the opportunity to pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
Northeast Ohio Flag Football League
Attention youth football players - there’s a new opportunity waiting for you! The Northeast Ohio Flag Football League is coming to Strongsville for boys and girls ages 5-12. Endorsed by SHS Head Football Coach Lou Cirino, the spring league is now forming. Click HERE for additional information on the Northeast Ohio Flag Football League.
Family Resource Fair
Berea PTA Council is hosting a free event that is inclusive for all families (and all abilities). This Family Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 9am - 12pm at the Middleburg Hts. Community Center (16000 Baglet Rd.). The Fair will have over 55 exhibitors sharing resources for children. Families can expect to find resources including summer programs and camps, various activities including music, art, sports, and social groups, therapy and counseling services, and much more. By putting all these resources under one roof, we hope to help families explore options for their children. This fair has something for everyone regardless of their developmental needs. Click HERE for the event flyer or visit http://www.berea.k12.oh.us/resourcefair for additional information.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
The second session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club begins this month at Muraski Elementary School. Join us on Fridays from 5:00pm - 6:30pm for heart-pumping exercise and FUN! Click HERE for additional information.
Southwest General Safe Sitter Classes
Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized program, developed by a pediatrician, designed to teach both boys and girls, ages 11 -14, how to be safe and responsible sitters. Registration for upcoming classes, including February 19 and March 30, is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
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.
February Luncheon - Community Opiate Outreach Program
Presented by Strongsville Police Chief Mark Fender
February 20, 2018
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
April Luncheon - Recognizing This Year’s Class of SHS Distinguished Alumni
April 17, 2018
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
** Please Note Revised Dates for Strongsville’s Annual Homecoming (July 25 - 28)
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2018 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. All events sponsored by our Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our Winter story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Heart Healthy Eating. Tuesday, February 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 Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian at Southwest General Health Center. Take this opportunity to take care of your heart. Ms. Dunbar will discuss heart healthy eating. Learn how to enjoy a low sodium low fat low cholesterol lifestyle. She will also teach us to interpret food labels in relation to heart smart eating! Registration is requested. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and SouthPark 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. Wednesday February 21st from 1:00 – 7:00 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.
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, February 21st. This month we will be discussing Lilac Girls: a Novel by Martha Hall Kelly. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 24th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a current book to take home and members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to them. The Sts. Joseph and John Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting storytelling and light refreshments. No registration needed for this free event.
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, February 26th. Our February discussion title will be Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation Into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly. 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