Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol. 8, Iss. 26)
Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
IN THIS ISSUE - February 23, 2024
Important Dates to Remember
Issue 25 (SCS Renewal Levy) - March 19
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Two SHS Students Perform with OMEA All-State Orchestra
Surrarrer Elementary Celebrates "The Year of the Dragon"
Outstanding Individuals Recognized with the 2024 Ohio PTA Achievement Awards
Seven SHS Students Perform with The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Choir
Watch SCS State of the Schools Presentation - On Demand at SCS-TV
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Katie Ward, Science Teacher at Strongsville High School
SHS Gymnastics Team Heads to State Championship Meet
8th Grade DC Trip - Mandatory Parent Meeting
SMS Boys Golf Camp - Register NOW!
Order Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to Help Raise Funds for the SHS Spring Musical
“Here Comes The Bus” App For SCS Families
Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, February 28 - 6:30pm
SHS Band Winter Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Tuesday, March 5 - 7:00pm
All-City Orchestra Festival - Part I
Strongsville High School Main Gym
Wednesday March 6 - 7:00pm
All-City Orchestra Festival - Part II
Strongsville High School Main Gym
Monday, March 11 - NO SCHOOL
Staff Professional Development Day
Thursday, March 14 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
ISSUE 25 (SCS RENEWAL LEVY) - MARCH 19
On March 19, 2024 Strongsville City Schools will have a renewal levy on the ballot. Our District seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.
The information on our website (click HERE) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 25? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy. Click HERE to watch a recent “Community Conversation” hosted by Dr. Cameron Ryba (SCS Superintendent), Mr. George Anagnostou (SCS Treasurer), and Mr. Richard Micko (SCS Board President) where they discussed the facts about Issue 25.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our winter sports teams have achieved great success and many teams are still competing in their postseason tournaments. Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode to learn more about the accomplishments of our student-athletes and how athletics continues to impact their growth and development.
TWO SHS STUDENTS PERFORM WITH OMEA ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to Avaneesh Polaconda (violin) and Abby Maher (clarinet), who performed in the 2024 Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) All-State Orchestra in Columbus. They performed an amazing concert earlier this month under the baton of Jonathan Taylor Rush, Assistant Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, with the best student orchestra musicians from all across Ohio. Strongsville High School has had at least one student in the All-State Orchestra each year since 2003.
SURRARRER ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES “THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON”
This week, Surrarrer Elementary celebrated the Chinese New Year and the “Year of the Dragon” with free egg rolls at lunch and a special parade. Mrs. Solecki’s art students created a large dragon, “powered” by students. The dragon made its way through the cafeteria during lunch periods, accompanied by several instruments played by Mrs. McNickle’s music students!
OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS RECOGNIZED WITH THE 2024 OHIO PTA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Strongsville PTA held their annual ‘Founder’s Day’ celebration this week and recognized ten individuals who have made significant contributions of their time and talents to Strongsville City Schools. Each PTA chapter recognized a deserving honoree. This year’s Ohio PTA Achievement Award winners are:
Meredith DeGuire (Whitney Elementary)
Dan Foust (Council PTA)
Christa Heckman (Kinsner Elementary)
Michelle Hill (Early Childhood PTA)
Christina Ice (Surrarrer Elementary)
Melissa Kruszewski (Muraski Elementary)
Candice McNeeley (Chapman Elementary)
Melissa Pastor (Early Learning Preschool)
Becky Therrien (Strongsville Middle School)
Laurie Uline (Strongsville High School)
Click HERE for a recording of this year's Founder's Day event.
SEVEN SHS STUDENTS PERFORM WITH THE CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR
Strongsville High School was well represented at a special concert recently held at Severance Hall. Seven SHS Band, Orchestra, and Choir students performed with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Choir. Congratulations to Stephanie Speck (choir), Abby Maher (band), Cole Flores (band), Olivia Simpson (band), Jamil Halabi (band), Samuel Zozulya (band), and Avaneesh Polaconda (orchestra) for being selected to perform with this prestigious group.
WATCH SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - ON DEMAND AT SCS-TV
This year's State of the Schools was held recently. Dr. Cameron Ryba (SCS Superintendent) shared a presentation that not only highlighted student and staff opportunities and growth throughout our District, but also provided facts and answered questions about the financial outlook of SCS. Click HERE for a recording of his presentation. Click HERE for the presentation slides.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. KATIE WARD, SCIENCE TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mrs. Katie Ward has been a Science Teacher at Strongsville High School for 18 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Ward is also part of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support Team at SHS, helping to create a positive and engaging culture at the high school for students and staff. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and her graduate degree from Western Governors University.
“Our students are always excited to explore science! They love doing labs and hands-on activities. I love seeing them engage with peers and make the connections between content and activities. Each day provides a new opportunity for students to learn something new or enhance their skills.”
“I like working with the science department at Strongsville High School because we all bring so much to our department - everyone learns from each other and we enjoy our jobs! I enjoy co-teaching with Mrs. Orr and Mrs. Kelly. They are learning specialists at the high school and are great at making sure the curriculum is accessible to all students. I also have been a Resident Educator Mentor for 10 years and get to provide support to new teachers. This is a great opportunity to offer guided reflection with new teachers and I also am able to learn so much from them.”
Thank you Mrs. Ward for all of your efforts to create positive learning environments for your Science students, as well as throughout Strongsville High School! #ModelMustang
SHS GYMNASTICS TEAM HEADS TO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
Congratulations to the SHS Varsity Gymnastics Team for qualifying for the State Championship Meet! The team finished second (out of 34 area high schools) at the District Championship Meet last weekend. Their team score of 142.45 was a season best and is the second highest team total in school history. The State Championship Meet will be held at Hilliard Bradley High School in Columbus on Saturday, March 2nd.
In addition to qualifying as a team, Gianna Upchurch (SHS Junior) capped off an outstanding season by qualifying for the individual State Championship Meet in three events - bars, floor, and the all-around, while Sophia Rinas (SHS Senior) qualified as the second alternate on beam.
8TH GRADE DC TRIP - MANDATORY PARENT MEETING
ATTN 7th GRADE PARENTS: There will be a mandatory Parent Meeting for all parents who have students interested in registering for the 8th grade trip to Washington DC next fall. We will be reviewing trip details, answering questions, and sharing registration information. This year’s 8th grade Washington DC trip date is scheduled for November 2-4, 2024.
8th Grade Washington DC Trip
*Mandatory Parent Meeting*
When: Tuesday, March 12th @ 7pm
Location: SMS auditorium
Please direct all questions to: DC2024Trip@gmail.com
SMS BOYS GOLF CAMP - REGISTER NOW!
Boys in grades 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and interested in improving your golf skills - don’t miss this year’s Strongsville Golf Camp, designed to develop the proper techniques in the golf swing as well as develop the skills for the short game and putting. The camp will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays in April and May at Columbia Hills Country Club (16200 E. River Rd. / Columbia Station). Learn from the SHS Varsity and JV Coaches, as well as the SHS varsity golf players. Click HERE for the registration form and additional information.
ORDER KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SHS SPRING MUSICAL
Doughnut lovers - here’s a treat for you, which also benefits the SHS Theatre Department. Order charitable, fresh to order, and perfectly glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts to support the upcoming SHS spring musical, Chicago: Teen Edition. From now until March 2, order a dozen (or more) doughnuts online HERE and 50% of orders will be donated back to the SHS Theatre Department. Orders MUST be made through the fundraising link and are NOT LIMITED to the local Middleburg Heights location - so please share with family & friends in other cities and states.
“HERE COMES THE BUS” APP FOR SCS FAMILIES
"Here Comes The Bus" is an app for SCS families to track busing information and routes for their student(s), as well as real-time notifications.
The app and complementary website (www.herecomesthebus.com) - available on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or personal computer - enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus on its daily route.
Download the "Here Comes the Bus" app to monitor daily transportation information. Families that utilized the app last year will need to delete last year’s student information and add their current year information in order to receive the latest routing details and updates. Click HERE for additional information and instructions on utilizing the app for your student's bus routes.
RIGHT AT SCHOOL - BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR SCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILIES
Our District partners with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students. Right at School offers before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional program information and/or to enroll your student, please click HERE.
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. Click HERE for additional Stay Safe. Speak Up! Information on the District’s website. Reporting incidents can be made anonymously online or through a toll free number (1-866-listen2me / 1-866-547-8362).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Women’s League Community Forum - Protect Our Children: Human Trafficking 101
On Tuesday, February 27th, the Strongsville Women's League presents "Protect Our Children: Human Trafficking 101" at 7:00pm at the Strongsville Recreation Center. Our speakers will include: Debbie Hughes Butts, Victim Specialist from the FBI; Stephanie Kochara, FBI Special Agent; Jasmine Myers, Program Coordinator from the Collaborative on Human Trafficking; and a member of the Survivor Advisory Council of the Collaborative on Human Trafficking. Our moderator for the evening will be Mike Astrab, Legal Counsel for Summit County Children's Services and former judge and prosecutor. This program is deemed appropriate for adults and children ages 13 and over.
Baldwin Wallace STEM Adventures
Baldwin Wallace University’s Division of STEM Initiatives is hosting a variety of STEM programs and events this Spring for students in grades K-12 and families. Click HERE for the list of programs being offered on BW’s campus or visit bw.edu/DCLSTEM.
Kiwanis ‘Read Around the World’ Event - Sat. 2/24
The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting its annual ‘Read Around the World’ event on Saturday, Feb. 24th at the Strongsville Community Library. Doors open at 10:00am and close at 12:30pm. The event is intended for preschoolers through 3rd graders and includes short skits, puppet shows, and face-painting. Each child visitor will enjoy refreshments and take home a new children’s book of their choice. All is free!
Let’s Build Blocks! Competition
The Home Builders Association is sponsoring a student contest (Grades K-6) at the upcoming Home & Remodeling Expo (Saturday, 3/23 - Sunday, 3/24) at the IX Center. Students will have the opportunity to create their own design out of a kit of blocks (supplied). Contest registration is due by Friday, March 15th. Call 216.447.8700 if you have questions. Click HERE for additional registration information.
AEROZONE Job Fair - Tuesday, March 5
Don’t miss the Aerozone Job Far on Tuesday, March 5th from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. A variety of companies will be interviewing on site for positions such as machine operators, cooks, electricians, supervisors, and more! Click HERE for job fair flyer.
Join Strongsville Special Olympics
Join the Strongsville Special Olympics family! Strongsville Special Olympics has a number of sports opportunities for ages 8 and up. Participants can gain new sports skills, attend annual dances and picnics, and make lifelong friends! Email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com for additional information or click HERE.
Youth Lacrosse - Spring Registration
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2024 season is now open for boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades. Indoor practices begin in mid-February and the outdoor season runs from late March through May. All experience levels welcome. All information is included on the registration site - click HERE.
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Battle Bots to Coding to Minecraft Engineers - there's something for kids ages 6-13. Visit treehouseberea.com to learn more or click HERE for the flyer about the available activities.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following upcoming events hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for all events. Please call 440.238.3366 for more information or to register. Those interested in the following events may also visit the Chamber website (www.strongsvillechamber.com) to register and see additional event info.
*** 2024 CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! ***
Graduating Seniors in the Class of 2024 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply.
Please visit the Chamber website at www.strongsvillechamber.com.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March Business Luncheon State of the City Address, Presented by Mayor Thomas P. Perciak Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 11:15am - 1:00pm
Registration is Open, please visit www.strongsvillechamber.com
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 24 - July 27, 2024
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2024 events presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
CCPL Winter Program Guide The Cuyahoga County Public Library program guide is now digital! Want to find out about all the amazing library programs and resources happening around the system? You can view our Fall Program information here: https://www.pressreader.com/document/4050
English as a Second Language Classes by Aspire Greater Cleveland. If you need to learn English or improve your language skills, we can help. Aspire Greater Cleveland offers FREE beginner, intermediate and advanced-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. Strongsville Branch will be hosting morning classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Please call 833.ASPIRE2 (1.833.277.4732) to register or visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/services/adult-education/aspire-greater-cleveland for more information.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are on back in session in January! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration needed.
Preschool. Ages 3 – 5 not yet in kindergarten with caregiver / Mondays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon or Tuesdays at 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver / Wednesdays at 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Baby & Me. Birth – 18 months with caregiver / Mondays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. or Thursdays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Family. All ages with caregiver / Thursdays at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, February 26th / 7:00 p.m. Have you ever thought about recording your own music, making a video, digitizing memories and more? The Strongsville Branch Library is home to both Audio and Video Recording studios that can help you do just that! You must go through an orientation to use the spaces. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch for the orientation to count. Register online to attend the virtual session.
Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 24th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration is needed for this free event. Members of the Strongsville Kiwanis Club will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 26th / 2:30 p.m. The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration is required. New members are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
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
Instagram: @strongsvillecs
Twitter / X: @strongsvillecs