Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 24)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - February 17, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Early Learning Preschool SLP Wendy Kullgren
Strongsville High School Swim Team Sectional Meet Results
OMEA Competition
Geography Bee at Kinsner Elementary & Strongsville Middle School
Family First Night - Monday, March 13
“Love & Logic” Seminars
Team Strongsville Night with Mustang Basketball
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Opportunity for SHS Seniors
2017-18 Kindergarten Registration + Early Entrance Testing
Community Conversation - Wed., 2/22 at Ehrnfelt Rec Center
SHS Basketball Cheerleader Fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings
Lattes with The Lantern
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Electrify Your Strings Concert
SHS Athletic Boosters Upcoming Events
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 20
President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 22 - 5:30pm-7:30pm
Community Conversation
with Superintendent Cameron Ryba & Director of Curriculum Erin Green
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Saturday, February 25 - 12:30pm-2:30pm
Lattes with The Lantern
Fundraiser for the high school’s newspaper club
SHS Cafeteria
Tuesday, February 28 & Wednesday, March 1 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Winter Band Concert #1, #2
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, March 2 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (Administrative Offices - 18199 Cook Ave.)
Monday, March 13
Family First Night
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This week we visit Whitney Elementary School to learn more about the school’s efforts to “Jump Rope for Heart” and support the American Heart Association. Physical Education Teacher Mr. Hoffland is leading his students in getting fit, as well as helping them make a valuable contribution to a worthwhile cause. Click HERE for jumping and heart-pumping action!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST WENDY KULLGREN
Mrs. Wendy Kullgren has been working in the Strongsville City School District for 8 years. Having also spent time at Kinsner, Surrarrer, and Whitney, Mrs. Kullgren is currently the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at the Strongsville Early Learning Preschool. As a preschool SLP, she is responsible for serving our district’s youngest learners who have speech/language impairments and providing them therapy services so that they are able to improve their communication abilities. Working with families, outside providers, and community preschools, Mrs. Kullgren helps students generalize these new skills into their homes and community environments.
A graduate of Baldwin Wallace University, Mrs. Kullgren also has a Master’s Degree from Cleveland State University. Her previous work experience has included the Lorain County Board of DD, Twinsburg City Schools, and nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics.
“The students make me smile each and every day. With children ages 3-5 years old who have a variety of special needs, each day is a challenge and no two days are alike. Each new milestone they achieve is a victory to be celebrated, and I love being even a small part of that,” says Mrs. Kullgren. “The Strongsville Early Learning Preschool is like a family in itself. My coworkers are people I truly enjoy being with. They are supportive and positive and we all do everything we can to make the young preschooler’s first school experience a successful one.”
Thank you Mrs. Kullgren for preparing our “Mini-Mustangs” for kindergarten and providing a strong foundation for learning and development in our schools!
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING & DIVING TEAM - SECTIONAL MEET RESULTS
Congratulations to the SHS Varsity Swimming & Diving Team and best of luck as they compete in tomorrow’s OHSAA District Meet. The girls team finished the season at 10-1 with an undefeated (7-0) record in the Greater Cleveland Conference. They placed 1st out of 17 teams in last week’s sectional meet - the team's 12th straight sectional championship. The boys team finished the season 4th in the conference and placed 2nd out of 16 teams at the sectional meet. Strongsville High School will be well represented in tomorrow’s district competition - 18 girls and 12 boys will compete for advancement in the state tournament. Click HERE for our qualifying SHS student-athletes. Good luck Mustangs!
OMEA COMPETITION
On Saturday, February 11, students from the Strongsville High School Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs participated in the District IV Ohio Music Education Association’s Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Event held at Tri-C West in Parma. Strongsville students competed in 134 total events ranging from solos to small ensembles, and performed before adjudicators from all over the State of Ohio. Collectively, nearly every event earned Superior (I) and Excellent (II) ratings. Students spent many hours preparing and polishing performance repertoire, many of whom started preparations in the early fall. Congratulations to all of our students and directors for their hard work, dedication, and continuing to positively represent Strongsville’s musical talent and abilities!
GEOGRAPHY BEE AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY & STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students from Kinsner Elementary and Strongsville Middle School recently competed in the National Geographic Bee. Gavin Sikon, a fifth grader at Kinsner, and Eli Asmar, an eighth grader at SMS, won their school competitions. Both students have taken the next step - a qualifying geography test - to see if they will advance to the State Bee at the end of March. Each age group will have up to 100 of the top scorers competing at the state level. Winners of the State Bee will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Bee championship rounds in May. Congratulations and best of luck to Gavin and Eli as they attempt to qualify for the State Bee and a chance for a $50,000 college scholarship in the national competition!
Kinsner Elementary
Geography Bee Participants
Strongsville Middle School
Geography Bee Participants
FAMILY FIRST NIGHT - MONDAY, MARCH 13
Mark your calendars for Family First Night - Monday, March 13. 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,” Strongsville Middle School will be hosting activities from 6-8pm. Click HERE for the event flyer and to RSVP.
LOVE & LOGIC SEMINARS
Three informative “Love & Logic” seminars for parents are coming soon to Strongsville City Schools, courtesy of the SCS Guidance Department and the Strongsville Civic Group:
Wednesday, March 15 “Power Struggles & Control Issues”
Wednesday, April 12 "Parenting with Calmness"
Wednesday, April 26 “Teaching Responsibility for Academic Success”
* Note: Earlier versions of this flyer had the April topics switched - dates & topics above and in the linked flyer below are correct
Each of the seminars will be held at Strongsville Middle School from 7-8pm. Click HERE for additional information and to RSVP.
TEAM STRONGSVILLE NIGHT WITH MUSTANG BASKETBALL
Come out to tonight’s (Friday, 2/17) Mustangs boys basketball game against Solon and support a very meaningful cause. All proceeds from student ticket sales will be donated to the Kelly Kinney “Pay It Forward” Grant Program. This program has funded 15 grants and awarded over $4,000 in its two year existence. Click HERE for more information on this grant program and to apply.
STRONGSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SHS SENIORS
The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from high school seniors who live in Strongsville for their annual scholarship awards. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2017. Please click HERE for additional information.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT RYBA AT EHRNFELT REC CENTER - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. The focus will be on our District’s curriculum and the various opportunities our students have with courses in Strongsville City Schools. This is an informal setting to have your questions answered. Erin Green, our Director of Curriculum, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
2017-18 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION + EARLY ENTRANCE TESTING
Kindergarten registration is happening next month in our District. According to State Law and District policy, any child who becomes five years old on or before August 1, 2017 is eligible for admission into the Strongsville School District's Kindergarten program this August. There is a convenient three step process to register your kindergarten student:
Pick up a registration information packet at the elementary building closest to your home. This packet contains specific details regarding kindergarten registration, information about Safety Town, school transportation and helpful hints you can use to prepare your child for Kindergarten.
Complete the online pre-registration form at:
http://www.strongnet.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=42Register in person at the District’s Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Avenue) from 8am-12pm on the following dates:
Chapman Elementary Monday, March 13
Kinsner Elementary Tuesday, March 14
Muraski Elementary Wednesday, March 15
Surrarrer Elementary Thursday, March 16
Whitney Elementary Friday, March 17
Early Entrance Testing: Children turning 5 years of age after August 1st, 2017 but on or before December 31, 2017 must meet the requirements of the early entrance assessment to be permitted to attend kindergarten this fall. Testing will be held in April and May. Please register for the screening by calling (440) 572-7015.
SHS BASKETBALL CHEERLEADER FUNDRAISER AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Show your Mustangs spirit and make plans to visit the Strongsville Buffalo Wild WIngs (8465 Pearl Rd.) on Friday, February 24th. Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier and 20% of your total bill will be donated to the SHS Basketball Cheerleaders.
LATTES WITH THE LANTERN
Strongsville High School’s newspaper club, The Lantern, is hosting a luncheon, quarter auction, and basket raffle to raise money to print issues for our student body, attend writing/design workshops and extra training, and more. During this event, attendees can applaud the achievements of our school clubs and learn from a speaker on how to transition into the working world of journalism.
Location and Time:
Saturday February 25th, 2017 at the high school cafeteria from 12:30-2:30pm.
Tickets:
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children and senior citizens. The ticket price includes lunch and there will also be bakery and coffee to fulfill the “Lattes” promise.
Activities:
There are over 25 prizes ready for you to win in the quarter auction! Bring your quarters and extra cash! There will also be a kid’s corner with face painting, coloring and newspaper hats.
STRONGSVILLE JUMP ROPE CLUB - THIRD SESSION
The third session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on four upcoming Fridays from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Dates for this session are February 24, March 10, March 17, and March 24 at Muraski Elementary School. We hope you are able to join us! Please contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or call/text 216-924-1475 for more information.
ELECTRIFY YOUR STRINGS CONCERT - FRIDAY, APRIL 21
”Electrify Your Strings” is coming to Strongsville High School! Renowned violinist Haydn Vitera will be performing with the SMS and SHS Orchestras on Friday, April 21st. There will be two shows – early show at 6:00 p.m. and the late show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for General Admission and $15.00 for Reserved Seating. Advanced tickets are available by clicking the links below:
http://strongsvilleorchearlyshow.brownpapertickets.com http://strongsvilleorchlateshow.brownpapertickets.com
This event SOLD OUT in 2014! For additional questions and information, please email: simborchestraparent@gmail.com. A direct link for ticket sales and volunteer opportunities is also available HERE.
SHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, March 12th
Flapjack Fundraiser at Strongsville Applebee's (8am-10am)
Tickets are only $10 for bacon, breakfast potatoes, juice, coffee, and of course flapjacks!
Saturday, June 10th
Annual Golf Outing at Cossett Creek in Brunswick
And visit https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/Home for more information on joining the Athletic Boosters!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is for boys and girls in grades K-3 and will be held at the Strongsville Recreation Center.
Saturday March 4, 2017: 10 - 11 am
Saturday, March 11, 2017: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 18, 2017: 10 - 11 am
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is designed to provide a positive and fun environment for kids to develop their basketball dribbling skills with individual attention given to each player. The Little Dribblers program will actively, creatively, and playfully engage players in ball handling skills and drills. The ultimate goal is to get your little dribbler comfortable and confident with a basketball in their hands, able to utilize both their right and left hand equally effectively. $25 registration fee.
Little Dribblers will feature:
Quality Instructors
Emphasis on activity
Drills to work on at home
Individual attention
Skill development
Session ending "performance"
Visit www.headstartbasketball.com to register for the Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program.
Taekwondo Classes
Taekwondo training builds mental and physical strength, while improving self esteem. Enroll now at TKD Academy and get 2 weeks free! Click HERE for more 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 Business Luncheon
Tuesday, February 21 - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Strongsville VFW #3345 - 17900 Strongsville Blvd.
$20 per person / Register by calling 440.238.3366 or at www.strongsvillechamber.com
State of the City Address with Mayor Perciak
Tuesday, March 14th – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Event Center
Reservations are required! $20 per person. Seating is available for those who would like to attend but not have lunch. Register by calling 440.238.3366 or at www.strongsvillechamber.com
Transition Bootcamp
Introducing Transition Boosters 2017! These booster sessions are intended to provide information on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities. Families, individuals with disabilities, educators, and other professionals are invited to attend these sessions at no charge. Please see this FLYER for additional details and session offerings.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2017 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 current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser
The Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: "Stroke Awareness & Prevention" Tuesday, February 21st from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Our speaker this month will be Maureen Moore, RN, BSN stroke coordinator. She will discuss the signs and symptoms of strokes and share prevention strategies and introduce Southwest General’s new Grey Matters Stroke Prevention Program. 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!
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! Teens ages 10-18. Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Valentine's Day may be over, but there is still time for chocolate! Create your own chocolate pops and learn about the art of chocolate making. Parents/guardians must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program’s effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a reading celebration and activities sponsored by the Strongsville Kiwanis Club! Each child attending may choose a current book to take home and members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to them. The St. Joseph and John Builders' Club members will perform puppet shows. Light refreshments will also be available. No registration required.
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 27th. This month we will be discussing The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. 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