Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 28)
Our Kids. Our City. Our Future.
IN THIS ISSUE - March 15, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Watch it ON DEMAND
Bond Issue Savings Leads to Facility Improvements
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Ann McDevitt, Intervention Specialist at Surrarrer Elementary
Reagan Bass Receives Honorable Mention Recognition for All-Ohio Girls Basketball Team
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Pillar, SMS Wellness Department
PayForIt Transition to PaySchools Central Begins Monday, March 25
Mustangs Team Shop - Available Online Through Sunday, March 24!
SHS Yearbook Club Spring Craft Show - Sat. 3/16 (9am-2pm)
Kindergarten Registration Week - March 18-22
College Credit Plus Deadline For Intent To Participate Form - Mon. 4/1
Harlem Wizards Game - Sun. 3/31 at 4pm
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 3/15) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Grade) / Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: Wear Green!
Saturday, March 16 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
SHS Yearbook Club Spring Craft Show / Strongsville High School
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22 - 8:00am-12:00pm each day
Kindergarten Registration / SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Tuesday, March 19
SMS Choir Concert (6:00pm - 9:00pm) / SMS Auditorium
All City Orchestra Concert (7:00pm - 9:00pm) / SHS Auditorium
Wednesday, March 20 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
All City Orchestra Concert / SHS Auditorium
Thursday, March 21
Kinsner Elementary Family Literacy Night (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
All City Choir Concert (7:00pm - 9:00pm) / SHS Auditorium
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (7:00pm) / SCS Administrative Offices
Friday, March 22
Early Release Day
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29
NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
DID YOU KNOW?
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy (Issue 4) on the May ballot. Issue 4 is a 5.9 mill, five year limited operating levy that will provide financial stability to the district for five additional years, through the 2026-27 school year. Click HERE for additional information on the proposed levy.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Congratulations to the thirty-one Strongsville High School students who recently competed in the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) competition held at a regional site at our high school. Strongsville placed first out of the four teams at our site. SHS also finished 19th in the state and 4th in the big schools division. Strongsville students comprised 8 of the top 9 scores of the teams competing at our regional site with two students, Kevin Whitbred & Alex Sachelarie, advancing to the next round of competition. Click HERE for this week’s episode, to hear more about the OCTM competition.
Strongsville High School Students & Participants
in the Recent Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics Competition
ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is now available to watch ON DEMAND. This presentation includes updates on the present and future state of our District from
Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent.
Click HERE for the presentation slides
Click HERE for the entire recorded presentation
BOND ISSUE SAVINGS LEADS TO FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Strongsville City Schools recently completed several facility improvement projects which utilized the remaining dollars from the $81 million bond issue passed by the Strongsville community in 2012. By law, bond issue dollars are to be used exclusively for capital improvement projects and the entire amount must be used. Bond issue dollars cannot be used for operating budget expenses and cannot be saved for future use.
Through cost efficiencies and savings realized because of strong oversight by the Board of Education, District administrators, and community members serving on the resident oversight committee, additional upgrades and renovations beyond the original project scope were able to be completed for the long-term benefits of students and staff, including:
Construction of safe and secure entryways at elementary buildings, the early learning preschool, and the athletic department at the high school, based on collaboration with the Strongsville Police Department and Strongsville Fire Department.
Repaving of parking lots at each elementary school
Replacement of the electric HVAC system with a natural gas HVAC system at Chapman Elementary, which will provide significant future savings on utilities
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. ANN McDEVITT, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT SURRARRER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Ann McDevitt is an Intervention Specialist at Surrarrer Elementary School. Mrs. McDevitt is in her seventh year with the District, spending all of her years at Surrarrer. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo and her graduate degree from Ashland University.
“Our students are kind, thoughtful and inclusive of all students. We have the opportunity to come to work every day knowing that we can positively affect the lives of so many young people and we have the honor of watching those same students grow and change over the course of their elementary careers. It is truly amazing to see students achieve and succeed,” said Mrs. McDevitt.
She added, “I am grateful every day for the wonderful people I work with. I love seeing students achieve what might be perceived as a ‘small thing’ but for them was truly a challenge - the joy and pride you see expressed is truly magical!”
Thank you Mrs. McDevitt for being part of the “magic” at Surrarrer Elementary! #WeAreStrongsville
REAGAN BASS RECEIVES HONORABLE MENTION RECOGNITION FOR ALL-OHIO GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM
Congratulations to Strongsville High School sophomore Reagan Bass for earning Honorable Mention recognition for All-Ohio in girls basketball. It’s the first time Strongsville has had a girls basketball All-Ohio honoree since 2011!
For the latest Mustangs athletics news, information, schedules, scores, and more, visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org GO MUSTANGS!
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. PILLAR, WELLNESS DEPARTMENT AT STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
What makes Strongsville City Schools a special place? Click HERE for thoughts from Mrs. Pillar, a teacher in the wellness department at Strongsville Middle School. The SMS Wellness Department is utilizing new lessons and training techniques to build healthy habits in students, not only for their time at SMS, but for life! #WeAreStrongsville
PAYFORIT TRANSITION TO PAYSCHOOLS CENTRAL BEGINS MONDAY, MARCH 25
PayForIt has upgraded their online payment platform to PaySchools Central. Strongsville City Schools will be transitioning from PayForIt to PaySchools Central during the week of Spring Break, beginning Monday, March 25th. Although this upgrade is intended to be seamless, you will have to register with PaySchools Central, using a desktop or laptop computer with your PayForIt credentials. The auto-replenishment feature in PayForIt will not be activated in PaySchools Central until you login to PaySchools Central for the first time. Once registered, you will be able to use the PaySchools Mobile App, which will need to be downloaded from your app store.
Please login to PaySchools Central beginning Monday March 25, 2019 after 10:00 a.m. to transition your PayForIt account to PaySchools Central. All current PayForIt account balances will transfer over to your PaySchool Central account once this process is complete.
The complete step by step instructions are available by clicking the link here.
Please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 440-572-7021 or devangelista@scsmustangs.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 24!
Looking to add to your Strongsville Mustangs wardrobe and get some updated Mustangs gear? Click HERE to visit our special, limited time Mustangs Team Shop for short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and MORE! Personalized merchandise is also available. Hurry - Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3/24!
SHS YEARBOOK CLUB SPRING CRAFT FAIR - SAt. 3/16 (9AM-2PM)
Make plans to visit the Annual SHS Yearbook Club Craft Fair on Saturday, March 16 from 9am - 2pm at Strongsville High School. The Craft Fair will feature local artwork, homemade crafts, jewelry, and bakery items, plus Pampered Chef, LuLaRue, Scentsy, Gel Us Body, The Cocoa Exchange, Norwex, Tupperware and much more! Admission is just $1 and all proceeds will benefit the SHS Yearbook Club. For more information, contact Yearbook Advisor Jen Orlosky at 440.572.7121 or at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WEEK (MARCH 18-22)
A reminder for parents of incoming kindergarten students for the 2019-20 school year, registration will take place at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.) the week of March 18th.
Monday, 3/18 - For Students Attending Chapman Elementary
Tuesday, 3/19 - For Students Attending Kinsner Elementary
Wednesday, 3/20 - For Students Attending Muraski Elementary
Thursday, 3/21 - For Students Attending Surrarrer Elementary
Friday, 3/22 - For Students Attending Whitney Elementary
Registration will take place from 8:00am - 12:00pm each day. No appointment is necessary. Parents must bring the following required documentation: 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) in the form of a Certified Copy of Court Order or Court Appointed Guardianship. For additional kindergarten registration information, please visit https://www.strongnet.org/Page/42
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS DEADLINE FOR INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM - MON. 4/1
For students intending to participating in College Credit Plus for Summer, 2019 - Spring, 2020, the Intent to Participate Form is due by April 1st.
Visit https://sites.google.com/a/scsmustangs.org/shsguidance/college-credit-plus to see other important deadlines as well as checklists, presentations, and videos to help with the process.
HARLEM WIZARDS BASKETBALL GAME - SUN. 3/31 AT 4PM
The world famous Harlem Wizards return to Strongsville on Sunday, March 31. The Wizards will appear in the Strongsville High School Main Gym to take on an "All-Star" team of teachers, staff, and administrators in our District. Gametime is 4:00pm (Doors open at 3:00pm).
Advance tickets are available at any of the main offices in our District ($10 for students & senior citizens / $12 for adults) or online at www.harlemwizards.com. If you already purchased tickets in advance for the originally scheduled 1/31 event, please hold on to your tickets, as they will be valid for admission on March 31. Unfortunately, no refunds are available on advance ticket purchases. We hope to see a great crowd for the Harlem Wizards game on Sunday, March 31!
WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
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).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Community Theatre Presents “Driving Miss Daisy”
Don’t miss Strongsville Community Theatre’s performances of “Driving Miss Daisy.” All performances are in the Little Theater at Strongsville High School (20025 Lunn Rd.). Performance days & times: March 15-17 / Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and available at strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or at the door (one hour prior to curtain).
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
Tuesday, March 19
11:15am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
$20 / person
Women in Business Meeting
Wednesday, March 27
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Painting With A Twist (15225 Pearl Rd.)
$20 / person
Strongsville Library
Strongsville Library
***Please note the following March 2019 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. 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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our Spring story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
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.
Girl Scout Troop Leader Orientation. Monday, March 18th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for an informational meeting on library resources for Girl Scout Troop Leaders. Participants will learn about how to make use of free library materials and programs to earn badges and complete journeys. Participants will also receive a special Audio/Video Recording Studio orientation, so that their troop is approved to utilize these spaces.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: If You’re Happy, Do You Know It? Tuesday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. People often say, "I just want to be happy" but what does this really mean. Over the years, there have been a number of studies on happiness. Come hear the simple ingredients to a happy life! 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.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Fit Healthy Nutrition Into Your Lifestyle. Wednesday, March 20th / 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 Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian from Southwest General Health Center. March is National Nutrition Month®; take some time to learn about a healthy lifestyle. Amy will teach participants about healthy food choices, physical activity habits, and how to fit them into your lifestyle. Refreshments served. Registration is requested. Register here or call (440) 238-5530 for more information.
Family Game Night. Wednesday, March 20th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of board games and more. For Kindergarten and up and all skill levels are welcome! Fun for the entire family! Snacks will be provided.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, March 20th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
For this month, we are reading And After the Fire by Lauren Belfer. Books can be picked up at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 25th at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month. New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Women’s Health Talk: Abnormal Bleeding. Monday, March 25th / 7:00 p.m.
Uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons women go to see a gynecologist. Paul Hucock, MD, OB/GYN from Southwest General will discuss reasons for this problem and ways to treat it.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, March 29th / 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