Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 16)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - December 8, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Take a ‘Virtual Tour’ of Strongsville High School
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Chris Raiff, 1st Grade Teacher at Chapman
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
Former SHS Band Director Inducted Into Ohio Band Director Hall of Fame
Two Lady Mustang Soccer Players Earn All-American Recognition
SHS Air Force JROTC Program Passes Inspection
SCS Students “Give Back” at Recent Charity Event
‘Where I’m From’ Strongsville T-Shirt to Benefit SCS
SHS Project CARE Babysitting Fundraiser
Chapman PTA Winter Wonderland Extravaganza (Wed. 12/13)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, December 21 - Tuesday, January 2 - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
Click HERE for a complete listing of December events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Students in our District are supported in many different ways, and one of the groups providing this support are our school counselors. Our District is fortunate to have counselors at every level, including our elementary schools. Click HERE for this week’s episode as we visit with one of our Elementary School Counselors, Mr. Eric Schibley.
TAKE A ‘VIRTUAL TOUR’ OF STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Strongsville High School is a special place, featuring a great learning environment and opportunities for our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Click HERE for a ‘virtual tour’ of Strongsville High School - or click on the video below for the experiences being offered every day to our high school students.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. CHRIS RAIFF, 1ST GRADE TEACHER AT CHAPMAN
Mrs. Chris Raiff has been teaching in Strongsville schools since 1984. Mrs. Raiff has experience teaching in grades K-4 at several different elementary schools, but has found a “true home” with our first graders at Chapman Elementary, where she has spent the past 15 years. Mrs. Raiff earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baldwin Wallace University. Even though she has never lived in Strongsville, Mrs. Raiff says “the parents of my students have always made me feel like a valuable member of this community. I am grateful to each and every parent for sharing their children with me through the years and for the privilege of being a Strongsville Mustang!”
When asked about what she likes best about working with her students at Chapman, she says “I love working with first graders because they are enthusiastic about learning and about life. Their excitement and enthusiasm for learning and for living is refreshing and contagious. They are fun to be around and they never fail to make me smile. First graders have a wonderful ‘can do’ attitude, even when they face challenges, and that is a reminder to me to keep ‘plugging away.’ They help me to remember to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life.”
She adds, “I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of people who are committed to the well-being of all of our students. The teachers, office workers, PTA, custodial staff, cafeteria personnel, administrators, aides, bus drivers and media specialists never cease to amaze me with the time and energy they put into helping our students as well as supporting each other. Working alongside all of them has helped me to grow both as a person and as a teacher.”
Thank you Mrs. Raiff for your enthusiasm and ways that you make learning special for our first graders at Chapman!
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, 2018. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
FORMER SHS BAND DIRECTOR INDUCTED INTO OHIO BAND DIRECTOR HALL OF FAME
Congratulations to former Strongsville High School Band Director Mr. Ken Mehalko and his recent induction into the Ohio Band Directors Hall of Fame. At a recent ceremony, Mr. Mehalko was honored for his nearly 30 years of work in the Strongsville City Schools District (1961 - 1990), serving most of those years as Director of Instrumental Music. He also founded the Strongsville High School Orchestra in 1973. In addition, Mr. Mehalko’s credits include creating the Strongsville Community Band and the Strongsville City Jazz Swing Band, and re-starting the Marching Band program at his alma mater, Baldwin Wallace University.
TWO LADY MUSTANG SOCCER PLAYERS EARN ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION
Strongsville High School seniors Vanessa DiNardo and Lauren Rakytiak have been named 2017 High School All-Americans by the United Soccer Coaches Association. Vanessa and Lauren are among an exclusive list of just sixty girls nationwide to earn this honor. They represent the thirteenth and fourteenth All-Americans in Strongsville High School Lady Mustangs history and the first time Strongsville High School has had two All-Americans in the same year. Both will be continuing their academic and soccer careers next fall; Vanessa at the University of Cincinnati and Lauren at Kent State University. Congratulations Vanessa and Lauren on this well-deserved honor!
SHS AIR FORCE JROTC PROGRAM PASSES INSPECTION
Strongsville High School's Air Force JROTC unit had their first Unit Evaluation last Friday, just over a year after the program was started. The cadre and cadets have spent many hours outside of school, their AFJROTC community service events, and AFJROTC co-curricular activities, preparing for this comprehensive look inside the academics, logistics, financial management, co-curriculars, marching, and management by the cadet corps. An 'ungraded' Unit Evaluation is typically done during a new unit's second year with a graded evaluation the following year and about every three years after that. Although 'ungraded', the unit received recognition for having a well-run program and were told the cadets looked good in uniform and showed good effort in leading the program. The inspector was impressed by SHS and the AFJROTC facilities. Students interested in being part of next year's AFJROTC class should speak to Lt Col Krempasky or CMSgt Buening, as well as their respective counselors.
SCS STUDENTS ‘GIVE BACK’ AT RECENT CHARITY EVENT
Several groups of students from Strongsville City Schools, including sports teams and clubs/organizations, recently participated in the Holiday Giving Project. The event, in conjunction with Head Start Basketball and Pro Sports Performance, benefitted 50 Ohio Guidestone families. Special thanks to all involved in making this holiday season a little brighter for these deserving families.
Need a Last Minute Gift Idea?
Need a last minute gift idea? Add the limited edition Strongsville t-shirt to your holiday gift list! The shirts are now available at ‘Where I’m From’ in SouthPark Mall. All of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation, and specifically for the funding of field trips for PreK - 5th and 7th grade students. The t-shirts retail for $29 and are a high quality, super soft, ultra comfortable tri-blend material and 100% made in the USA. Adult and youth sizes are available, both in-store and online at: https://whereimfrom.com/product-category/the-ville-fundraiser/
Get your “Ville” t-shirts today!
SHS PROJECT CARE BABYSITTING FUNDRAISER (FRI. 12/15, 5-9PM)
For those who still have shopping to do, or just would like a night out, the Project CARE students at Strongsville High School are providing babysitting for kids ages 3-8 on Friday, December 15th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm in the SHS Cafeteria. Activities include crafts, food, ‘The Polar Express’ movie, and lots of FUN! Click HERE for additional information and to register your child.
CHAPMAN PTA WINTER WONDERLAND EXTRAVAGANZA (WED. 12/13)
On Wednesday December 13th, Chapman is hosting a shopping event - the “Winter Wonderland Extravaganza!” Shopping times are 6:00pm - 8:00pm. The items sold will range between $1-$3. Anyone in the community is welcome to come shop - it’s a great chance for your little ones to do some family shopping as well! At the same time, a Vendor Night shopping event geared for adults will be featured in the back of the building! Come and purchase holiday gifts and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to the Chapman PTA! There will also be raffle baskets from each of our vendors - Thirty-One, Papparazzi Jewelry, Fetch & Co., Magnabilities, Art Flow, Handmade Hair Bows, The Pickled Pineapple, Damsel in Defense, Dot Dot Smile, Thrive and many more! Please come and support the PTA and have a fun night of shopping!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Christmas In The Village
The gift of an Olde Fashioned Christmas is waiting for you on December 9th & 10th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm in the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Road). The eight buildings and the grounds in the Village will be decorated in the style that covers the 150 years the village represents. Tell Santa your wishes, view the model railroad display, make a gingerbread house guided by Girl Scouts in the Lathrop House Great Room, buy some presents at the Olde General Store, enjoy Mrs. Claus’ refreshments, participate in a settler’s celebration with the pioneer family in the log cabin and more. Free parking is provided. Call 440.572.0057 for more information and visit
www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org to learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society and Historic Village. This is a free event but donations are delightfully welcome.
Strongsville Community Theatre Auditions
Two upcoming Strongsville Community Theatre shows are holding auditions - if you would like additional information, click the following links: Ten Little Indians and Godspell
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers!! Our first session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club is winding down. Remaining dates are Friday, December 15th and Friday, January 5th from 5:00pm – 6:30pm at Muraski Elementary School, with instruction from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team.
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 the final class of this session (December 28) 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.
December Luncheon
Tuesday, December 19th
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
$20 / person
* Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Operation Toy Soldier
Strongsville Library
Please note the following December 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.
** All branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed Sunday, December 24th and Monday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, December 26th at 9:00 a.m.
** All branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed Sunday, December 31st and Monday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, January 2nd 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 story time sessions are currently on hiatus for the month of December! Please call the library for more information about our upcoming Winter story time sessions which will start again in January.
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 20th. This month we will be discussing Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. 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!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, December 22nd 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.
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