Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 25)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - FEBRUARY 23, 2018
Important Dates to Remember 60 Seconds with the Superintendent 8 Students from SHS are National Merit Finalists Stay Safe. Speak Up! Kindergarten Registration Week (3/19 - 3/23) Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Beth Misencik, 1st Grade Teacher at Surrarrer Elementary Community Conversation - Tue. 2/27 - 6:30pm at SMS SHS Groups are ‘Superior’ at State Orchestra Contest 5th Grade Parent Meeting at SMS (Thu. 3/1 - 6pm) Family First Night - Monday, March 12 Community Spaghetti Dinner - TONIGHT (Fri. 2/23) SHS Choral Boosters Wing Ding Fundraiser - Sat. 3/10 6:30pm at Cleat’s 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
TONIGHT (Fri. 2/23 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
Click HERE for the Early Release Dismissal Times
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
With the winter olympics in full swing in South Korea, did you know that there is another Olympic competition happening right here in our District? Strongsville Middle School students on the Dragons team are participating in a “Math Olympics” competition, led by 8th grade teacher Mrs. Blackman. Click HERE as we learn more about their competition and how these weekly events are improving the math skills of our 8th graders.
8 STUDENTS FROM SHS ARE NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
Congratulations to the following SHS seniors: Christina Fogwell, Jacqueline Foley, Erika Lee, Satya Nayagam, Shyam Polaconda, Hannah Schmidt, Suraj Srinivasan, and Rosemary Zaleski. These 8 students have been named National Merit Scholarship finalists - the most SHS has ever had in one year! They are among the 15,000 students nationwide (selected from a pool of 1.6 million students) who will be competing for National Merit Scholarships, which will be announced in the spring. Best of luck to Christina, Jacqueline, Erika, Satya, Shyam, Hannah, Suraj, and Rosemary - we are proud of all of you!
Strongsville High School’s National Merit Finalists
(Seated L to R) Christina Fogwell, Erika Lee,
Rosemary Zaleski, Hannah Schmidt, Jacqueline Foley
(Standing L to R) Shyam Polaconda, Satya Nayagam, Suraj Srinivasan
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. BETH MISENCIK, 1ST GRADE TEACHER AT SURRARRER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Beth Misencik, 1st grade teacher at Surrarrer Elementary, has worked in our District for 20 years. Mrs. Misencik has also spent time enriching the lives of our students at Muraski and Kinsner. She has her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and earned her Master’s Degree from Marygrove College.
Mrs. Misencik and her family are also part of the Strongsville community - both of her kids attended Surrarrer, with one currently at SMS and her oldest at SHS. Mrs. Misencik’s husband is also a teacher and coach in our District, working at Strongsville Middle School.
Mrs. Misencik loves teaching her 1st graders, “First graders are amazing! They love school, and are eager to learn and grow so much in such a short amount of time! I love that no two days are ever the same with this group!”
When asked about her ‘work family,’ Mrs. Misencik adds, “Surrarrer is my home away from home - we are really one big happy family. I have been so fortunate to be able to collaborate with other grade levels to provide our kids with lots of different "buddy activities." I have learned so much over the years through co-teaching opportunities with our fantastic intervention specialists. The support staff in our building are the hardest working group of people who go above and beyond for all of our students. And of course, our PTA tops it all off with amazing activities, services - they are always ready to lend a helping hand!”
Thank you Mrs. Misencik for the caring and positive environment you create on a daily basis for your first graders at Surrarrer!
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 GROUPS ARE ‘SUPERIOR’ AT STATE ORCHESTRA CONTEST
Last weekend, the Strongsville High School String Orchestra, Chamber Strings, and Symphony Orchestra all participated in the Ohio Music Education Association's State Orchestra Contest held at Strongsville High School. Each group performed three selections before three adjudicators, then performed a sight reading piece before a fourth adjudicator. All three orchestras earned a Superior Rating (I), the highest rating an ensemble can receive! Congratulations to SHS Orchestra Director Mr. Hire and all of our talented musicians!
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.
COMMUNITY SPAGHETTI DINNER - TONIGHT (FRI. 2/23, 5-7PM)
Join us for a Community Spaghetti Dinner TONIGHT (Fri. 2/23) 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.
SHS CHORAL BOOSTERS WING DING FUNDRAISER - SAT. 3/10 6:30PM AT CLEAT’S
Enjoy a night out at Cleat’s and help support SHS Choral Boosters. The ‘Wing Ding’ is set for Saturday, March 10 from 6:30pm - 9:30pm at Strongsville Cleat’s (15147 Pearl Rd.). Tickets are $25 and include all you can eat and drink for the duration of the event. 50/50 raffles, side boards, and basket raffles will also be a part of the festivities. Make plans for a fun night out, benefitting the students in our vocal programs. Click HERE for the event flyer and additional information.
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
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 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.
March Luncheon - Mayor Perciak's State of the City Address
March 20, 2018
11:15am - 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 March 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.
New 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.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale. Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The Friends member preview will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friends memberships will be available for $8.00 at the door and are good for one year. The book sale will then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction non-fiction audio visual materials magazines & more!
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, March 4th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. and Monday, March 5th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The bag of books sale will be on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your own reusable shopping bag that is no larger than 15x15 inches and fill it for only $1 dollar. Our plastic bags will be available at the sale if needed. The bag sale will conclude on Monday and will run from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last!
3-D Design for Adults. Tuesday, March 6th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Explore hands-on digital creation as you create your own design using the 3-D modeling program, Tinkercad! Your item will be printed on Cuyahoga County Public Library's 3-D printer, and will be available to pick-up within two weeks after the program. A valid email address and basic computer skills are required.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, March 6th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meets the first Tuesday of the month (except where noted.) This is a book club for adults who love Childrens’ and teen books. Please register in person. The topic for the February discussion is... Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson. In the months before her one-way trip to Mars, Adri Ortiz is sent to Wichita to live with an elderly cousin and finds herself fixating on where she came from and the stories of two women who lived more than a hundred years earlier.
EnergYou. Thursday, March 8th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
EnergYou is an innovative program for residents of northeast Ohio. The Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland will discuss a wide range of issues that influence our everyday energy consumption and explore ways in which we can reduce our monthly expenses… and our overall footprint. Participants will learn cost savings through financial planning, energy use, transportation, and food.
Storytelling Concert. All Ages. Thursday, March 8th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In honor of World Storytelling Day (March 20,) come hear storytellers Jennifer Johnson and Tim Protiva (aka Mr. P) present some of their favorite stories. All Ages Welcome!
Meaningful Messages. Saturday, March 10th from 11:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Have something you want to say to someone special? Say it in a unique way by using our brand new studio software! You can record your message in the audio studio or create a video of yourself in our green screen room. Save it on a flash drive or email the finished product to be saved for years to come! Makes for a one-of-a-kind heartfelt gift for just about anyone - parents, significant others, coaches, friends, family members etc.! As only one person can record at a time, please call the branch to schedule your 20 minute timeslot.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, March 10th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join this group of teen volunteers to get involved in the library and your community. Stop by the Teen Desk for an application.
How to Keep the Uninvited at Bay: The Problem of Wildlife in our Gardens. Monday, March 19th at 7:00 p.m.
Do you have deer, chipmunks, skunks, or rabbits frolicking in your garden? Have they ever dined uninvited on your carefully-tended plants? This talk will focus on the problem of wildlife in our gardens and what we can do about it. Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners will introduce you to deer and rabbit resistant plants and suggest humane options for repelling and eliminating these pesky critters from our gardens.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Do Men & Women Think Differently? Tuesday, March 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 Marlene Kurz LPCC-S of Southwest General Health Center Oakview Behavioral Health Services. Ms. Kurz will discuss what research tells us about males and females: their similarities and differences. 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.
Meet Author Atz Kilcher. Tuesday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m.
Meet Atz Kilcher, star of the Discovery Channel series Alaska: The Last Frontier and author of the new memoir Son of a Midnight Land. Known to many as the patriarch of Discovery Channel’s Emmy-shortlisted program Alaska: The Last Frontier, Atz Kilcher is an artist, a writer, a musician, and the man who taught his daughter, music superstar Jewel, how to sing. His powerful new memoir, Son of a Midnight Land, details his life on the Alaskan frontier and the lessons he learned growing up with a hard father in a hard land. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
Options for Hip & Knee Arthritis: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, March 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Please join us for our bi-monthly Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Each month we bring a special speaker of interest to seniors and residents of Strongsville. Our March speaker will be Larry Lika, DO orthopedics of Southwest General Health Center. Mr. Lika will discuss current approaches to hip and knee arthritis from non-surgical to surgical options. Learn how advances in technologies mean a quicker recovery and improved outcomes. Refreshments served.
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, March 21st. This month we will be discussing Fates & Furies by Lauren Groff. 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!
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:
Thursday, March 22nd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. PowerPoint 201: Objects
Friday, March 23rd / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Word 101: Basics
Friday, March 23rd / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 201: Tables & Images
Saturday, March 24th / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop & Illustrator 101
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, March 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.
Bouncy Ball Olympics. Grades 3 – 5. Saturday, March 24th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Become a Bouncy Ball Engineer! Perform experiments on the science of elasticity, engineer your own bouncy ball, and compete in the Bouncy Ball Olympics for fun prizes!
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, March 26th. Our March discussion title will be The Green Road: a Novel by Anne Enright. 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