Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 14)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - December 2, 2016
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
2017-18 Kindergarten Information Session + Deposits for Full Day
Mustang Spotlight - Surrarrer Elementary School Psychologist Lindsay Arndt
Splash Out Cancer Dedication Swim Meet - Wednesday, December 7
SMS Art Show - Wednesday, December 14
Whitney Elementary is a FOX 8 "Cool School"
SHS Exam Cram Jam
#GivingTuesday Recap
Community Conversation at Strongsville Library - Wednesday, December 7
Love & Logic Parent Survey
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, December 7
- Community Conversation with Superintendent Ryba
(“SCS & District Finances”) at Strongsville Library - 5:30pm - 7:30pm - Strongsville Middle School Holiday Band Concert - 7pm
Friday, December 9 - 2:15pm
- Chapman Band/Orchestra/Choir Holiday Concert
Monday, December 12 - 7pm
- Strongsville High School Holiday Choral Concert
Tuesday, December 13 - 7pm
- Strongsville High School Holiday Orchestra Concert
Wednesday, December 14
- Strongsville Middle School Art Show - 6pm
- Strongsville Middle School Holiday Choral Concert - 7pm
- Strongsville High School Holiday Band Concert - 7pm
Friday, December 16 - 2pm
- Muraski Winter Concert
Monday, December 19
- Whitney Band/Orchestra/Choir Holiday Concert - 9:45am
- Strongsville Middle School Holiday Orchestra Concert (Grades 5-6) - 7pm
Tuesday, December 20
- Surrarrer Band/Orchestra Concert - 10am
- Strongsville Middle School Holiday Orchestra Concert (Grades 7-8) - 7pm
- All-City Elementary Orchestra Concert - 7pm
- Kinsner Winter Holiday Concert - 10am
- Muraski Holiday Sing-a-Long - 1:30pm
60 Seconds With The Superintendent
December means the holiday season is right around the corner. It also signals the beginning of our winter athletics season. A full schedule of competition is in store for all of our Mustang teams over the next few months. This week’s episode features Strongsville High School Athletic Director Andy Jalwan with a preview of the SHS winter sports teams, as well as a look at a new youth basketball program - Junior Mustangs - connecting our varsity athletes and coaches with the community. Click HERE for this week’s episode.
2017-18 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION SESSION + DEPOSITS FOR FULL DAY
For parents of students who will be attending kindergarten beginning in the Fall of 2017, please plan to attend an informational session on Thursday, January 26th at 7:00pm at Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Rd.). That same evening, deposits ($300) will be accepted by cash or check beginning at 5:00pm for families interested in securing a space for full day kindergarten. 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 in August.
Individual registration will take place at Strongsville City Schools Administrative Office (18199 Cook Ave.). Registration times will be from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Dates for kindergarten registration are as follows:
Chapman Elementary - Monday, March 13, 2017 (at SCS Administrative Office)
Kinsner Elementary - Tuesday, March 14, 2017 (at SCS Administrative Office)
Muraski Elementary - Wednesday, March 15, 2017 (at SCS Administrative Office)
Surrarrer Elementary - Thursday, March 16, 2017 (at SCS Administrative Office)
Whitney Elementary - Friday, March 17, 2017 (at SCS Administrative Office)
Click HERE for additional information on Kindergarten registration.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - SURRARRER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST MRS. LINDSAY ARNDT
Mrs. Lindsay Arndt has spent 11 years in our District as a school psychologist. Mrs. Arndt currently works at Surrarrer Elementary School, supporting and collaborating with teachers and parents to determine and identify appropriate intervention strategies for academic, social, emotional, or behavioral needs for our students. She also is a member of several district leadership teams which help support and guide our District.
A resident of Strongsville, Mrs. Arndt’s children are beginning their academic careers in Strongsville City Schools. “I am just beginning to experience the strong sense of community in Strongsville from a parent perspective and am so happy to be raising my kids here,” says Mrs. Arndt.
Mrs. Arndt adds, “I love that I get to see each student succeed in their own way and in their own time. The best part of my job is getting to work with wonderful teachers and parents who truly want what is best for their students, and are willing to try anything to help them succeed academically, socially, emotionally, or behaviorally.”
Thank you Mrs. Arndt for being part of the success of our students!
'SPLASH OUT CANCER' SWIM MEET - WEDNESDAY, 12/7
The Strongsville High School swimming and diving team have a special meet on Wednesday, December 7th at 6:00pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. For the past month, swimmers at all levels (high school, middle school, and elementary) have been raising funds for their annual “Splash Out Cancer” meet. All the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center in memory of Kelly Kinney.
At this upcoming home meet, a check will be presented to University Hospital. Make plans to cheer on the SHS swim team on Wednesday, December 7th as they swim against Brunswick & Medina, and swim for the fight against childhood cancer.
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL INAUGURAL ART SHOW - WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
Strongsville Middle School will be hosting its first Art Show on Wednesday, December 14th from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. SMS students have created one-of-a-kind artwork for this fantastic Art Show. Every student enrolled in art class will have their own masterpiece framed and on display. The framed original artwork, as well as color reproductions, will be available for purchase. A percentage of the sales at the Art Show will go directly to Strongsville Middle School.
WHITNEY ELEMENTARY IS A FOX 8 "COOL SCHOOL"
FOX 8 News holds a contest for local schools to be recognized as their "Cool School" of the week. Our very own Whitney Elementary recently earned “Cool School” recognition. Included in the recognition was an on air story about Whitney and a visit to the Morning Show by two members of Whitney’s Student Council. Congratulations to Whitney Elementary! Click HERE for the FOX 8 story on Whitney.
Samantha & Gavin Representing Whitney Elementary on the FOX 8 Morning Show!
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL EXAM CRAM JAM
Strongsville High School students wanting a stress reliever are invited to the Exam Cram Jams on December 13th, 14th, and 15th from 2:30pm - 4:00pm in the SHS Cafeteria. Gather in groups or study on your own for your end of the semester exams. Cookies and cocoa will be provided to help with your studying!
CHARTWELLS & STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS - #GIVINGTUESDAY
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.
This year, Chartwell's and Strongsville City Schools joined #GivingTuesday by donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of pizza at each school during lunch to the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank and its "Power Pack" program. This program helps deliver food and supplies to families in Strongsville who are in need.
Nearly 1,300 slices of pizza were sold on Tuesday - thanks to ALL who ate pizza and made a difference!
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT RYBA AT STRONGSVILLE LIBRARY (WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7)
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Strongsville Library. The focus will be on District finances and how Strongsville City Schools continues to look for ways to operate efficiently and with great care of taxpayer dollars. The District’s Treasurer, George Anagnostou, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
LOVE & LOGIC PARENT SURVEY
Love and Logic, developed by Jim Fay and Foster Cline of the Love and Logic Institute, Golden, CO., is a program where parents learn parenting skills that put the fun back into parenting by teaching parents the skills of using empathy, choices, and natural consequences that lead to raising responsible children.
Our District is planning to bring this program to our elementary school families in early 2017. In hopes of tailoring this to as many interested families as possible, please fill out this SURVEY. Answers to the survey will help us select topics and location for this program.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Head Start Basketball Holiday Camp
The Head Start Basketball Holiday Camp will emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camp will not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but will also be a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camp will be directed by former Strongsville High School and Kent State University player Mike Klinzing who has more than 20 years of basketball camp experience.
The Head Start Basketball Holiday Camp will be held from 1:30pm - 4:30pm on December 29 & 30, 2016 at the Hoop Guru Courthouse, which is located at 1669 West 130th St., Hinckley, OH 44233, Building #5. In order to assure individual attention for each camper the camp will be limited to the first fifty applicants. The cost of the camp is $45.
Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click HERE to register.
Skate With Santa
Don’t miss your opportunity to “Skate with Santa” at the OBM Ice Arena (15381 Royalton Rd.) on Saturday, December 10th from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Enjoy face painting, a coloring contest, cafe specials, and lots of prizes - fun for the whole family! Visit www.icelandusa.info for more information.
Baldwin Wallace Baseball Holiday Skills Camp
The BW Baseball Holiday Skills Camp is the perfect holiday gift for the young ballplayer. The camp is designed to enhance the overall development of youth baseball players of any skill level. Campers will learn fundamental techniques, approaches, and drills from college coaches and players in a fun, energetic atmosphere. The three day camp runs from December 27th - 29th with sessions available for youth players in grades 2-8. Click HERE for the camp flyer 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.
Chamber Holiday Luncheon
Wednesday, December 14th - 11:30am at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
RSVP now for this very popular annual luncheon. The SHS Chamber Strings will be performing. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy in support of Operation Toy Soldier. Cost is just $20 per person.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following December 2016 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.
***The Library and all branches will be CLOSED Saturday, December 24 through Sunday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. We resume normal hours on Monday, December 26 at 9:00 a.m.
***The Library and all branches will be CLOSED Saturday, December 31 through Sunday, January 1st for the New Year Holiday. We resume normal hours on Monday, January 2 at 9:00 a.m.
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 on hiatus for the month of December. Please call the library for more information about our upcoming winter story time sessions which will resume in January.
Adult Coloring Workshop. Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Coloring is not just for kids anymore! Research suggests that coloring is one of the best ways for adults to reduce stress & relax. Our Adult Coloring Workshops have returned! Materials and different coloring pages will be provided each month, or participants are welcome to bring their own. We will have a quiet space for adults who want to join others who love to color! Registration is not required. Stop in once or join us each month to relax, de-stress, & color!
Aerospace and STEM Experience. Ages 8 - 14. Saturday, December 3rd from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Join us for lots of hands-on aerospace and STEM activities. Led by the Cuyahoga County Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.
Art @ the Library: Mondrian Style Painting. Ages 10-18. Tuesday, December 6th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Create a modern art masterpiece in the style of Piet Mondrian! Learn about abstract art while making your unique painting with colorful markers. Ages 10 - 18. Registration is requested.
Parents/guardians must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form.
Gingerbread House Creations. Ages 3 - 8 with an Adult Caregiver. Saturday, December 10th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the magic of the season by creating your own Gingerbread House! Please bring a bag of candy or edible decorating material to share.
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, December 10th from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Join Just 4 U Student Friends and get involved at the Strongsville Branch and in your community. Pick up an application at the Teen Desk.
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, December 21st. This month we will be discussing The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. 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!
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