Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 23)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - February 8, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
NEW DAY & LOCATION Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Wed. 2/27 at 6:30pm in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
SHS DECA Students Have Strong Showing in District Competition
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Jane Swiger, Classroom Aide at Strongsville Middle School
Strongsville PTA Recognizes Outstanding Individuals with the 2019 Ohio PTA Achievement Awards
Upcoming Family Literacy Nights at SMS & SHS
SCS Family First Night - Monday, March 4
“We Are Strongsville” - Grace, 5th Grade Student at Muraski Elementary
Harlem Wizards Game RESCHEDULED to Sunday March 31 at 4pm
See World Famous Magician Rick Smith Jr. Perform at SHS (Fri. 3/15 - 7pm)
Yankee Candle Fundraiser to Benefit SHS Project Support
FREE Sunday Evening Youth Soccer Winter Skills (NOW through 3/10)
FREE Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (NOW through 3/23)
Strongsville Middle School Golf Club
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Saturday, February 9 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Strongsville High School Winter Formal
SHS Gymnasium
Tuesday, February 12
Parent/Teacher Conferences (SHS & SMS)
Strongsville High School: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Strongsville Middle School: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, February 13 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Literacy Night
Wednesday, February 13
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK - 8th Grade)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:30pm
Strongsville Middle School: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Monday, February 18
NO SCHOOL
President’s Day
Wednesday, February 20 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Strongsville High School Literacy Night
Wednesday, February 20
Parent/Teacher Conferences (SHS)
Strongsville High School: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Thursday, February 21
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK - 5th Grade)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:30pm
Click HERE for a complete listing of February events in our District
DID YOU KNOW?
The SCS cafeteria staff served 501,507 total meals (breakfast and lunch) to students during the 2017-18 school year. Thanks to Chef Mike Nowosielski, SCS Director of Dining Services, and his entire cafeteria staff for preparing the great variety of food to our students each and every day in our District.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This year, 7th grade students at Strongsville Middle School have the opportunity to participate in a new course - “Literacy in the Community.” This semester-long course integrates exploration of leadership, collaboration, communication, and many other skills important in the development of our students. The course also includes an opportunity for service projects. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we learn more about this course, and how it has already made a huge impact at SMS.
NEW DAY & LOCATION - ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WED. 2/27 AT 6:30PM (STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL)
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30pm in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium (13200 Pearl Rd.). Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent, will provide an update on the present and future state of our District, followed by a Q&A session. This presentation is open to the public.
SHS DECA STUDENTS HAVE STRONG SHOWING IN DISTRICT COMPETITION
Strongsville High School juniors and seniors competed last week in the DECA District Competition. With a strong representation of one hundred twenty (120) students, seventy two (72) students qualified for the state competition by finishing either in the top four in team events or top five in individual events for their specific categories.
DECA is the only national student organization operating in the nation’s schools to attract young people to careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship. DECA competitions include a written test over business and marketing information, as well as role-playing, and problem solving events. Students are judged on the basis of their ability to develop and communicate sound, creative, and thorough solutions to the problem situations in a variety of industry categories.
Click HERE for a list of the students who will represent Strongsville at the DECA State Competition, with an opportunity to qualify for this year’s international competition in Orlando, Florida.
SHS Students at the DECA District Competition
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JANE SWIGER, CLASSROOM AIDE AT STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs. Jane Swiger has been a familiar face in our District for 44 years! She has spent time at Strongsville High School, Center - both as a junior high and a middle school - and is currently a classroom aide at Strongsville Middle School. Mrs. Swiger’s positive attitude and constant smile have made an impact on countless students.
“Being around our students is the absolute best - every day is such an adventure! I love the ideas and interaction with students. They make me laugh and keep me feeling young,” said Mrs. Swiger.
She adds, “I really enjoy working at the Middle School and being alongside the staff I knew from Center and making new connections with those individuals who worked at Albion. In my most recent roles, whether as a classroom substitute or a classroom aide, the teachers and students at our Middle School always make me feel welcome!”
Thank you Mrs. Swiger for your dedication to our District and for the impact that you have had on so many of our students!
STRONGSVILLE PTA RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE 2019 OHIO PTA ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Strongsville PTA held their annual Founder’s Day celebration last night and recognized ten individuals who have made significant contributions of their time and talents to Strongsville Schools. Each PTA chapter recognized a deserving honoree. The list of the 2019 Ohio PTA Achievement Award winners:
Sarah Bass (SMS)
Marty Brickner (Chapman)
Kelly Clark (Surrarrer)
Chrissy Corsi (Early Childhood PTA)
Karen Kennedy (Early Learning Preschool)
Stephanie Kunovich (Council PTA)
Michelle Kuznik (Whitney)
Christina Macejko (Muraski)
Dan Martin (SHS)
Kelley Stetter (Kinsner)
2019 Ohio PTA Achievement Award Recipients
(L to R): Kelly Clark, Michelle Kuznik, Chrissy Corsi, Christina Macejko, Sarah Bass,
Kelley Stetter, Karen Kennedy, Dan Martin, Marty Brickner (not pictured Stephanie Kunovich)
UPCOMING FAMILY LITERACY NIGHTS AT SMS & SHS
Join us for Family Literacy Nights! Literacy Nights will be held at SMS (Wed. 2/13) & SHS (Wed. 2/20). Students, parents and/or guardians are welcome to attend an evening of fun and engaging activities that will promote family literacy. Each elementary school will be hosting their own Family Literacy Nights, too - be looking for schedule announcements soon!
SCS FAMILY FIRST NIGHT - MONDAY, MARCH 4
Mark your calendars for SCS Family First Night - Monday, March 4. 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. #SCSFamilyFirst
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - GRACE, 5TH GRADE STUDENT AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Look for “We Are Strongsville” videos throughout the year, as we visit with students, teachers, parents, and community members about what makes our District and community a special place to live, learn, and grow! Click HERE for a message from Grace, 5th grade student at Muraski Elementary - “We Are Strongsville!”
HARLEM WIZARDS GAME RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY MARCH 31 AT 4PM
The world famous Harlem Wizards return to Strongsville on Sunday, March 31. This is a makeup date for the postponed originally scheduled January 31 event. 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). 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!
SEE WORLD FAMOUS MAGICIAN RICK SMITH JR. PERFORM AT SHS (FRI. 3/15 - 7PM)
World famous magician Rick Smith, Jr. brings his “Magic Gives Back!” show to the Strongsville High School Auditorium on Friday, March 15 at 7pm. This Las Vegas-style Stage Variety & Illusion Show will be an entertainment experience that families can experience and enjoy together, including stunning illusions, audience participation, NBA dancers, and other surprise acts! Click HERE to purchase tickets to this memorable magic show!
YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT SHS PROJECT SUPPORT
A Yankee Candle fundraiser is currently available for Project Support at SHS. Project Support is a club dedicated to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to enter the Strongsville community and have valuable and fun experiences with typical peers. Project Support strives to have students build connections with typical peers and give them access to fun outings that they may otherwise not have. Log on to www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and enter the Group Number 999989521 in the "Start Shopping" box. The fundraiser runs through July 10th, so there is plenty of time to help support Project Support! Click HERE for more details!
FREE SUNDAY EVENING YOUTH SOCCER WINTER SKILLS (NOW THROUGH 3/10)
Join the Strongsville Lady Mustangs Soccer program for a weekly winter skills development opportunity. The skills sessions are open to girls ages 8-14 and are being held at Strongsville Middle School. These sessions are FREE and happen every Sunday from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (THROUGH 3/23)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! Every Saturday, continuing through March 23, boys and girls in grades 1-8 will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLF CLUB
FORE! Join the Strongsville Middle School Golf Club. This club is for boys and girls in grades 5-8 and designed to develop the proper techniques in the golf swing as well as develop the skills for the short game and putting. No skill level is needed to be a part of the club. Club dates are every Tuesday and Thursday from April 9th – May 29th (6:00pm - 7:30pm each day). Cost is $100 for this club, which will be led by the SHS Boys & Girls Golf Head Coaches and supported by SHS Varsity Golfers. Click HERE for additional information.
NEW WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two new 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
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event (Sat. 2/23)
The KIWANIS CLUB OF STRONGSVILLE is sponsoring its annual "READ AROUND THE WORLD" program on Saturday, February 23rd from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Strongsville Community Library. Members of Kiwanis believe that the sooner a child gets interested in reading, the better the chance they have for success in school. The program and its activities are intended for PRE-SCHOOL and K – 3rd graders. There is NO ADMISSION CHARGE for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.). Cookies and beverages will also be available at NO CHARGE.
Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books.
Students from St. Joe's & John's Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville High School will be available to read to your child from a book the child selects from our inventory of children's books.
Mr. Protiva, librarian in the children’s section, will be reading a couple brief children’s stories. He is outstanding!
St. Joe’s & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories.
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
Appearances of several costumed characters from children’s literature
Finally, each child can pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
“Newsies” Auditions (Sun. 2/10)
Auditions for “Newsies” are being held on Sunday, February 10 at the Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School beginning at 9:30am. Click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA Preschool Prom (Sat. 2/9)
Join us Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the Strongsville Middle School for our second annual Preschool Prom! A family friendly fundraiser with dinner, dancing, games and entertainment. Wear your fancy threads and smile for the photo booth! Play carnival games, win prizes, and visit our kid’s play area. Included in your price is one raffle ticket with an opportunity to win many fabulous prizes!! Bring Cash - Raffle tickets will also be sold at the event for more chances to win!! General Admission Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults (Children under 12 months are free). Purchase tickets online before February 3 at:
https://preschool-prom-february-9-2019-3-30p-6-00p-strongsville.cheddarup.com
Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Fashion Show & Luncheon (Sat. 3/9)
The Strongsville Historical Society presents its annual fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, March 9. The event takes place at Don’s Pomeroy House - doors open at 11:30am and the luncheon begins at 12:00pm. Tickets for the event are $40. Money raised from this luncheon will benefit the Historical Society. Funds raised at the luncheon this year are earmarked for the general preservation and restoration of the buildings in the Historical Village. There is also an extensive raffle at the luncheon, consisting of gift baskets and gift items, including gift cards from area stores, restaurants and salons and spas. Tickets for the raffle are $1 each. For information on the luncheon, reservations and tickets, contact Pam Hughes at 440-773-6605 or Gina Cathcart at 216-403-9226.
NEO Flag Football League
Registration for the Spring 2019 session is now open and will close March 1st. Visit www.neoflag.net to register. Spring Divisions include: 1st-2nd Grades Combined, 3rd-4th Grades Combined, 5th-6th Grades Combined. Week one of this season will be the weekend of March 30th. The season concludes the weekend of May 5th and there are no games Easter weekend.
*Please register for the grade your child will be in during the 2018-2019 school year.
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 Luncheon - at Camp Cheerful
Tuesday, February 19
11:30am - 1:00pm
Camp Cheerful (15000 Cheerful Lane)
$20 per person
Strongsville Library
***Please note the following February 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 winter 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.
Model Railroad Display. Saturday, February 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Stop by the Library to see a special model railroad display created by Members of the National Model Railroad Association’s Mid-Central Region Division 4. A step beyond “toy trains”, it consists of scenery, track-work, locomotives and rolling stock, giving a more realistic view of actual railroads. Division 4 members will be available to answer questions about the newest technologies and equipment, modeling techniques and many other things related to this fascinating hobby!
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, February 9th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Encore Entrepreneurs Series. Tuesdays, February 12th – March 19th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Our free 6-week workshop series can help you realize your dreams of starting and growing a successful business or owning a franchise. This series is led by local experienced business professionals who will lead a different topic each week.
Week 1 – Business Plan 1; Week 2 – Business Plan 2; Week 3 – Small Business Legalese; Week 4 – Know Your Customer; Week 5 – Where’s the Money?; Week 6 – Pricing for Profit.
Introduction to Reiki. Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Learn about the healing technique Reiki, including its benefits, how it is being used locally, and current research findings.
Meet Author Comitia Williams. Saturday, February 16th from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Meet Comitia Williams, educator and new author, and hear about her first book- What are you Thinking? Copies of the book will be available for purchase. Williams explains how you can overcome the power of negative thinking by learning how to confront and conquer every negative thought. Blending practical insights and her own personal experiences this book will teach you how to overcome any negative thought, reach your greatest potential through positive thinking, and start living your best life.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Stroke Prevention & Awareness. Tuesday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Our speaker this month will be Maureen Moore, RN, BSN, SCRN, Stroke Coordinator, from the Primary Stroke Center at Southwest General. She will present the signs and symptoms of stroke, share prevention strategies, and introduce Southwest General’s Grey Matters Stroke Prevention and Circulation Circuit Programs. Registration is requested. 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! For more information call (440) 816-4037.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 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 You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott. 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!
Southwest General Memory Screenings. Thursday, February 21st from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Are you saying “Sorry, I forgot” a little too often? It’s normal to forget a name from time to time. It’s not normal to keep forgetting days of the week, or when to pay bills or take medicine. Come to a free screening by the Community Nurses to see if you should consider seeing a doctor. A reservation is required. Interested individuals should contact Southwest to make an appointment at (440) 816-4037.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, February 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.
Read Around the World. All ages! Saturday, February 23rd from 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 and members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to them. 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. No registration needed for this free event!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 25th at 2:30 p.m.
Meets the 4th Monday of each month. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion title will be Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Goopy Gloppy Storytime. Ages 3 – 6 with a parent/caregiver. Wednesday, February 27th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a hands-on storytime in which your senses will be heightened as we explore some crazy concoctions and listen to some messy stories.
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