Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 29)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - March 24, 2017
- Important Dates to Remember
- 60 Seconds with the Superintendent
- DECA State Results
- Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus
- Mustang Spotlight - Kinsner Elementary Media Assistant Teri Arthur
- State Testing (AIR Tests) - District Tech Restrictions
- State Testing (AIR Tests) for 3rd-10th Graders Is Online This Year
- Optimist Speech Contest Results
- Community Conversation with Superintendent Ryba at SouthPark Mall - Tues. 4/25
- Summer School Information
- SHS Team to Appear on Academic Challenge - Saturday, April 1
- Wanted: Local Businesses for SHS Job Fair & Senior Project Experiences
- College Credit Plus Registration
- Kyrie Irving Youth Basketball ProCamp at SHS
- “Love & Logic” Seminars
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, March 27 - Friday, March 31
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break
AIR Testing
Wednesday, April 5 - Thursday, April 6 - Elementary Schools (ELA)
Wednesday, April 5 - SMS 6th Grade (ELA)
Thursday, April 6 - SMS 7th Grade (ELA)
Friday, April 7 - SMS 8th Grade (ELA)
Monday, April 10 - SHS 9th-10th Grade (ELA)
Thursday, April 6 - 6:00pm
SHS Science Expo
SHS Main Gym
Friday, April 7 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (Grades 6-8)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: NEON
Saturday, April 8 - 7:00pm
SHS Teen Idol
SHS Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Students are brightening the day of teachers and staff at Strongsville High School through a mobile coffee service. Mr. Frederick, high school intervention specialist, helps coordinate the program that is providing students communication and socialization experience, to name a few. Click HERE to see the impact of this program, for both students and staff.
DECA STATE CONTEST RESULTS
Seventy-one (71) Strongsville High School juniors and seniors recently competed in the DECA State Competition. Thirty (30) students advanced to the finals round, and seven (7) of those students qualified for the DECA National Competition to be held in Anaheim, California at the end of April. Strongsville students competed against over 2,000 DECA students from across the state of Ohio.
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 roleplaying, 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.
Congratulation to these students who have qualified for the national competition and to their teacher and adviser, Ms. Frenchik, on a job well done.
Joanne Munshower & Julia Ostrowski - Business Law & Ethics Team (1st place)
Shannon McKinley & Morgan Pinzone - Sports & Entertainment Team (3rd place)
Jaret Reimer - Hotel & Lodging (4th place)
Allison Mehmed - Quick Serve (4th place)
Leah Marko - Automotive (2nd place)
Strongsville High School DECA Students &
Their State Competition Awards
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN COLUMBUS
Superintendent Cameron Ryba recently had the opportunity to travel to Columbus and testify before the House Finance Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education. He shared testimony regarding the impact of Governor Kasich’s proposed budget reductions on public schools around the state, which amounts to a $3.5 million reduction of state funding dollars for Strongsville City Schools in just one year. Superintendent Ryba’s full testimony may be found HERE.
Please make your voice heard and express your disappointment and opposition to the Governor’s proposed budget reductions. YOUR OPINION MATTERS and we encourage you to reach out to both State Representative Thomas Patton and State Senator Matt Dolan. Below are links to letters that can simply be printed, signed, and mailed. If email is preferred, the letters can be copied and sent to Representative Thomas Patton (rep07@ohiohouse.gov) and Senator Matt Dolan (dolan@ohiosenate.gov).
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - KINSNER ELEMENTARY MEDIA ASSISTANT MS. TERI ARTHUR
Ms. Teri Arthur is the Media Assistant at Kinsner Elementary School. Starting as a substitute on the playgrounds and cafeterias, Ms. Arthur also worked at the Strongsville Early Learning Preschool for seven years before landing at her current job at Kinsner.
Ms. Arthur’s involvement in the Media Center at Kinsner includes being a part of the right-to-read committee, facilitating learning.com sessions for our students, reading to classes, and helping students find and check out books. She has started a book club at Kinsner, for many of the individual grades, and has also been a part of the group coordinating the creation of Kinsner’s MakerSpace - the first in an elementary school in our District.
“I like seeing our students become independent after helping them initially,” said Ms. Arthur. She adds, “I love when students tell me how much they loved a book they checked out of our library or appreciated one that I just read to them.” An avid hiker, kayaker, and photographer, Ms. Arthur also incorporates pictures of her adventures in the time she spends with students.
Thank you Ms. Arthur for sharing and fostering a love of reading with our students!
STATE TESTING (AIR TESTS) - DISTRICT TECH RESTRICTIONS
During AIR testing at our schools over the next few weeks, we will restrict internet access and Chromebook use throughout the district. As soon as testing is finished for the day, normal network operations will resume. During a specific testing window:
- The SCS Guest Wireless Network will be unavailable throughout the entire District.
- iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, YouTube, and other streaming apps will be blocked throughout the entire District.
- All student cell phones will need to be powered off completely.
STATE TESTING (AIR TESTS) FOR 3RD - 10TH GRADERS IS ONLINE THIS YEAR
In a few weeks, students in 3rd-10th grade will be taking Ohio’s mandated state tests (AIR tests) in English Language Arts (reading/writing) and Math. Certain grade levels will also be taking other subject areas, as well. An important reminder that all tests will be online this year, as mandated by the State of Ohio. Please click HERE for additional information on upcoming AIR tests.
OPTIMIST SPEECH CONTEST RESULTS
The following students participated in this year’s Optimist Speech Contest:
Girls
Julianna Mathiellis (SHS Senior)
Rama Coimbatore (SHS Sophomore)
Riya Bhatt (SHS Freshman) *2nd Place
Anna Schaeffer (Strongsville resident - attends private school) *1st Place
Alaias Bertrand (SHS Senior)
Hannah Tulloch (SHS Junior) *3rd Place
Boys
Vardaan Shah (SMS 8th Grader) *3rd Place
Shyam Polaconda (SHS Junior) *1st Place
Raghav Shah (SHS Sophomore)
Rohan Sinha (SHS Senior) *2nd Place
Andrew Schaeffer (Strongsville resident - attends private school)
Both Anna and Shyam advanced to and will compete in the District competition on April 12 in Brunswick. Congratulations to these students and their advisors, SHS English Teachers Ms. Bartel and Ms. Stonitsch.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AT SOUTHPARK MALL - TUESDAY, APRIL 25TH
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 25 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at SouthPark Mall. The focus will be on our District’s Student Services and Special Education services and offerings. This is an informal setting to have your questions answered. Andy Trujillo, our Director of Special Education, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Elementary Grades 2-3
- June 12th – 30th / Monday-Friday / 9:00am-11:30am / Strongsville HS Media Center
- By invitation only (no cost)
- Letters will be sent home in the coming weeks
- Summer School Principal - Mr. Greg Pollock, Chapman Elementary Principal
Middle & High School Grades 7-12
- June 12th – 30th / Monday-Friday / 7:30am-11:30am or 12:00pm-4:00pm dependent on course schedule @ SHS
- $175 per course / ($225 non-resident)
- Courses offered for credit advancement - Economics, Health, Physical Education, Personal Finance
In addition, SCS will offer Middle School and High School courses online for credit recovery (June 13-July 13, 2017), Monday through Thursday (AM). Please work with your building Principal and/or counselor to determine if your student is in need of summer school. All courses are online with open lab hours in the mornings for teachers to meet with students and assist with questions. These lab hours are mandatory for middle school students and optional for high school students. Registration forms will be available on the district website in the coming month. Our summer school administrator is Mr. Greg Pollock, Chapman Elementary Principal.
SHS TEAM TO APPEAR ON ACADEMIC CHALLENGE - SATURDAY, APRIL 1
Make plans to tune into Academic Challenge on Saturday, April 1st. Strongsville High School will be competing against teams from Shaker Hts. and Cleveland Hts. Academic Challenge airs at 7:00pm on ABC (News 5 Cleveland).
WANTED: LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR SHS JOB FAIR & SENIOR PROJECT EXPERIENCES
Attention local businesses - there are two opportunities to partner with Strongsville High School in the coming months. SHS is hosting a Job Fair on May 17th, giving businesses the chance to interview students for potential part-time/summer work. SHS is also in need of businesses to sponsor Senior Projects for students interested in exploring career options. Please click HERE for a letter outlining additional details and information.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS REGISTRATION
College Credit Plus provides students with the opportunity to take college classes offered by any Ohio public college or university, or from any participating private postsecondary institution, at SHS, on the college or university campus, or online. The program allows students to explore college interests sooner and to earn college credits toward a degree before graduating from high school. It is free to families when students take courses offered by Ohio public colleges and universities.
Students are now able to notify the high school’s main office of their interest to participate, and must declare their intent to participate by April 1. This includes students who participated in the first and/or second year of College Credit Plus.
KYRIE IRVING YOUTH BASKETBALL PROCAMP AT SHS
Mustang basketball players, don’t miss your opportunity to attend a two-day camp featuring Cavs All-Star Kyrie Irving. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 1-12 and will be held July 8-9 at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for more information and registration details.
LOVE & LOGIC SEMINARS
A fantastic “Love & Logic” seminar was held this past week. Don’t miss two more informative “Love & Logic” seminars for parents, courtesy of the SCS Guidance Department and the Strongsville Civic Group:
Wednesday, April 12 "Parenting with Calmness”
Wednesday, April 26 “Teaching Responsibility for Academic Success”
Each of the seminars will be held at Strongsville Middle School from 7-8pm. Click HERE for additional information and to RSVP.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Healthy Kids Day 2017
Join the YMCA of Greater Cleveland for the sixth annual Healthy Kids Day at The Q on Saturday, March 25 from 3:00pm-5:00pm! There will be activities and fun for the entire family. Make it a play date - it's FREE and open to everyone! Click HERE for additional details.
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 25th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades 1-6 will emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps will not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but will also be a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps will be directed by former Strongsville High School and Kent State University player Mike Klinzing who has more than 25 years of basketball camp experience.
The Head Start Basketball Camps will be held at Strongsville High School. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, & July 10-14, 2017. Each camp runs from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $85. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register: http://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps
Olmsted Performing Arts Musicals
Olmsted Performing Arts has two upcoming musicals for the entire family (click below for additional information):
Snoopy The Musical - March 24-26 at The Parma Snow Library Auditorium
The Little Mermaid - April 21-23 at The Elyria High School Performing Arts Center
To purchase tickets, call 440.973.4363 or visit www.opatickets.com
Olmsted Performing Arts is also hosting a week-long camp for students on Spring Break the week of March 24th. Click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Youth Lacrosse
Are you interested in playing lacrosse this spring? You're not alone; lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the USA and Strongsville has had youth teams since 2008. Registration is open now, with indoor practices already underway. Outdoor season begins in late March and runs through May. Come see why we're America's fastest growing sport. Boys (Grades 2nd-6th) & Girls (Grades 4th-8th) teams are forming now. Register today at www.StrongsvilleLacrosse.com!
Cleveland Youth Rowing Association
Cleveland Youth Rowing Association would like to invite students to come check out rowing. Come by, learn more, and jump in! No experience necessary. Practices held Monday through Friday 4:45-7pm at The Foundry (1831 Columbus Road in The Flats). Please reach out with any questions to lsummers@clevelandfoundry.org or check our website for more middle and high school rowing opportunities: cyrarowing.org
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.
Business After Hours Event
Thursday, March 30th - 5:30pm-7:30pm
Brown Aveda Institute
RSVP at www.strongsvillechamber.com
April Business Luncheon
Tuesday, April 18th - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Luncheon features guest speakers Beth Gantz & Lisa Hutson. $20 per person. Register at www.strongsvillechamber.com
All Chamber Day Golf Outing
Monday, May 8th - 11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
Register HERE
Transition Bootcamp
Introducing Transition Boosters 2017! These booster sessions are intended to provide information on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities. Families, individuals with disabilities, educators, and other professionals are invited to attend these sessions at no charge. Please see this FLYER for additional details and session offerings.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following March 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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser - the Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be held on Monday, March 27th. This month we will be discussing My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Creative Gardening in Containers. Monday, March 27th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Big yard, small yard, no yard - - Come learn how to garden creatively in containers. There is no limit to what you can grow: herbs, vegetables, annuals and perennials. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will share with you what you need to know to get started and successfully garden in contains through the seasons.
Heinen’s Healthy Living Seminar: Probiotics. Thursday, March 30th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Debbie Piper, wellness consultant and a Registered Dietitian at the Strongsville Heinen's store, will discuss probiotics. What are they? Where do they come from, and how do you incorporate them into a nutritious diet plan?
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