Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 17)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - December 13, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SHS Music Groups Represent Strongsville at Events at Local Universities
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Deanna Gundlah, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at SMS
SCS-TV Returns - Live Streaming of Winter Concerts
2020-21 Kindergarten Informational Meeting + Full Day Requests
SHS Boys Lacrosse Team Earns CPR Certification
Early Learning Preschool Open House + Peer Intent Form
“SMS Gives Back” Holiday Spirit Wear Fundraiser
Save the Date - Strongsville Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” (Sat. 2/22)
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Doe v. Ohio Department of Education
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, December 13 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Semi-Formal Dance (7th & 8th Grade)
SMS Gymnasium
Saturday, December 14 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
PTA ‘Rockin’ at SMS’
Semi-Formal Dance (5th & 6th Grade)
SMS Gymnasium
Monday, December 16 - 6:30pm & 7:30pm
5th/6th Grade Orchestra Winter Concert
SHS Auditorium
6:30pm - 5th Grade / 7:30pm - 6th Grade
Tuesday, December 17 - 5:30pm
SMS Choral Winter Concert + SMS Art Show
SMS Commons/Auditorium
Art Show - 5:30pm / Concert - 6:00pm
Wednesday, December 18 - 9:30am
Kinsner Band/Orchestra/Choir Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 18 - 2:00pm
Muraski Band/Orchestra/Choir Winter Concert
Wednesday, December 18 - 7:00pm
Whitney 5th Grade Musical ("Scrooge")
Friday, December 20 - Friday, January 3
NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
Classes Resume on Monday, January 6, 2020
Click HERE for a list of all December events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville Middle School has grown their annual “SMS Gives Back” program over the last 15 years it has been in existence - this year, it included a Winter Carnival, a Giving Wall, and a teacher/student volleyball match - all to raise money and provide some extra holiday cheer to families within the SMS community who may be in need this season. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit with some of the SMS teachers and
students to hear about the impact of “SMS Gives Back.”
SHS MUSIC GROUPS REPRESENT STRONGSVILLE AT EVENTS AT LOCAL UNIVERSITIES
Recently, both Cantorum and Wind Ensemble represented Strongsville High School and our community at two events held at local universities. The SHS Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Brian King, performed at the Ohio Band Directors Conference held at The University of Akron. SHS Cantorum, under the direction of Vickie Eicher, was invited to perform at the Cleveland State University Winter Concert. Great job to both groups!
SHS Wind Ensemble at the University of Akron
SHS Cantorum Performs at Cleveland State University
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. DEANNA GUNDLAH, 7TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AT SMS
Mrs. Deanna Gundlah is in her 32nd year teaching in our District. Mrs. Gundlah is a 7th grade social studies teacher at Strongsville Middle School. A graduate of the University of Mount Union, she also has her Master’s Degree from Cleveland State University in Curriculum & Instruction. Mrs. Gundlah has two children who graduated from Strongsville City Schools. This time of year is especially busy, as she has been involved in the planning and organizing of the “SMS Gives Back” initiative for the last 15 years. This annual fundraiser is a collaborative effort between students, PTA, parents, faculty, and staff at the middle school. 100% of the money raised through a variety of activities goes back to the SMS community to help brighten the holidays for families going through a difficult time.
What does Mrs. Gundlah like best about working with students? “Middle School is such a unique time for students. It is a bridge between elementary and high school, and I truly enjoy working with students to guide them across this bridge. Each and every day is an adventure in middle school, but watching students grow physically, cognitively, and socially is very rewarding. Challenging students to grow to do things they thought they could not do and playing a part in their educational journey is very gratifying as a teacher.”
“What I enjoy most about working at the middle school is that I am able to work with colleagues that are dedicated to working with adolescents. I value the collaboration with my peers on ideas to use in the classroom and assisting students to be the very best that they can be. By working together, we not only learn from each other, but we also create a learning environment that benefits the students at SMS,” says Mrs. Gundlah.
Thank you Mrs. Gundlah for guiding and challenging our middle school students to reach beyond their potential every day. #WeAreStrongsville
SCS-TV RETURNS - LIVE STREAMING OF WINTER CONCERTS
SCS-TV is back as a streaming network. If there is an upcoming winter concert you cannot physically attend, a live stream is now available! Visit https://www.strongnet.org/Page/12692 or watch on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/scstv.strongsvillecityschools.3. Concerts are also archived for watching on demand!
2020-21 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATIONAL MEETING + FULL DAY REQUESTS
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2020-21 school year will once again occur exclusively online. Online FDK requests will begin at 8:00am on Friday, January 17. There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students on Thursday, January 16 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Road). Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for 2020-21.
SHS BOYS LACROSSE TEAM EARNS CPR CERTIFICATION
The SHS Boys Lacrosse team became CPR certified last weekend in honor of their former coach, George Muller. Coach Muller has written a book about his comeback from a heart attack he suffered while on a run. It was a high school student-athlete who saved his life by performing CPR on him before first responders arrived. Proud of our Mustang student-athletes in honoring their former coach in this important way!
EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE + PEER INTENT FORM
For families considering enrolling their student in the Early Learning Preschool, please plan to attend an Open House at our Lunn Road location (19543 Lunn Rd.) on Friday, January 17 from 9:30am - 11:00am. Can't make this Open House? Call 440.572.7046 for a personal tour of our school.
Already decided on our Early Learning Preschool? Please click HERE for the 2020-21 Preschool Peer Intent Form. Online applications will be accepted beginning on Thursday, January 16, 2020. In-person applications will be accepted beginning at 9:30am on Friday, January 17, 2020. Lottery drawing will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
“SMS GIVES BACK” HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER
The Voyager Team at Strongsville Middle School has created t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, as part of the “SMS Gives Back” annual fundraiser. All proceeds from sales of this spirit wear will go directly to families in need in our community. Click HERE and order by December 17th to receive your spirit wear in time for the holiday.
SAVE THE DATE - STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS “NIGHT AT THE RACES” (SAT. 2/22)
Mark your calendars for the third annual “Night at the Races” event to benefit Strongsville Athletic Boosters. This event will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 7:00pm at Michaud’s. Tickets are $45 and include dinner and drinks. Click HERE for the event flyer.
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, 2020. Nomination forms can be found HERE
and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
“HEARD AROUND TOWN” ON SCS WEBSITE
Have you heard something that you want more clarification about concerning Strongsville City Schools? Share your questions with us, we're happy to provide information to clear up any misconceptions! Visit the new “Heard Around Town” link on the main page at www.strongnet.org or click HERE to submit your question.
DOE V. OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The State of Ohio, the Governor, the Ohio Department of Education, and other state-level defendants to a class action lawsuit have reached a proposed settlement and have requested all Ohio School Districts to assist in informing students and parents of the proposed settlement. A link to the settlement is below. To be clear, our District is not a defendant in this lawsuit and is not accused of any wrongdoing in this lawsuit. We are sharing this information as a courtesy to the Ohio Department of Education and our community.
Doe v. Ohio Department of Education: Notice of Proposed Class Action Settlement
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
Girl Scouts “Decorate & Take” Gingerbread Houses
Girl Scout Troop 70870 is hosting a “decorate and take” gingerbread house event on Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th from 2-5pm at the Strongsville Historical Village’s Christmas in the Village. This is a family fun event that is free but donations for the historical village are welcome.
Strongsville Historical Society Presents Christmas In The Village
The gift of an Olde Fashioned Christmas is waiting for you at the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Rd.) on Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15. Christmas in the Village takes place from 2pm - 5pm on each day. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet visitors each day. Mrs. Claus will have a little treat for our youngest visitors and Santa will have candy canes for all. Most of the buildings and the grounds will be open each day where you can enjoy decorations in the style that covers the 150 years the Village represents.
While you’re here, visit the Olds General Store where Merchant Marty will be open with gifts for all ages. Remember, the Olds General Store is your local connection for Strongsville-themed goods. Parking is free.
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 Jump Rope Club
Happy New Year, Jumpers!! Our second session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, and Feb 7, 2020 at Muraski Elementary School. During classes, we have instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team! We hope you are able to join us!!
Please click HERE to register, or contact Deanna Gill at dgill.jump@gmail.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information. Hope to see you there!
Baldwin Wallace Baseball Holiday Skills Camp
Baldwin Wallace Baseball Holiday Skills Camp - December 27-29 for kids in grades 2-8 - is the perfect holiday gift for any young ballplayer. This 3-day camp is hosted by BW Baseball staff & players. Campers will learn fundamental techniques and drills to improve their game. Visit www.bwbaseballcamps.com or click HERE for registration and additional information.
Allison Rose Foundation - Yellow Brick Road Celebration
The Allison Rose Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual fundraiser, the Yellow Brick Road Celebration, on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm at the Embassy Suites in Independence. We are raising funds to contribute to the new Cleveland Clinic Food Allergy Center of Excellence, and to expand our educational curriculum, create additional awareness campaigns, contribute to research and advocate for change to save lives. Visit https://www.allisonrosefoundation.org/ourevents/ to register and for additional details about this event.
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 to register or for more information. Those interested in the following events may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see additional event information.
December Holiday Luncheon
Tuesday, December 17 - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Enjoy a performance by the SHS Chamber Strings
Bring a new unwrapped toy for Operation Toy Solider
Strongsville Library
Please note the following December 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.
*All Library Branches and Administration will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Thursday, December 26th at 9:00 a.m.
*All Library Branches and Administration will be closed on Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Thursday, 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 times are on hiatus for the month of December. We will resume Winter Storytimes in January of 2020. 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 has Audio and Video Recording Studios 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.
Ohio Means Jobs. Tuesdays / 9 – 5:30 p.m.
An Ohio Means Jobs Employment Specialist is available for job placement and individualized job planning services. Please call ahead to confirm the Job Specialist's availability.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, December 14th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Holly Jolly Singalong with the Cleveland Fleaharmonics. Tuesday, December 17th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come join the Cleveland Fleaharmonics Ukulele Ensemble for a merry evening of music and fun. We’ll be sharing lots of favorite songs - Deck the Halls, Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bell Rock, and many more! If you play the ukulele, you are invited to bring your instrument and join the band!
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, December 18th / 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 Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira Lee. 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!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, December 20th / 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