Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 4)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - September 7, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Operating Levy FAQ’s
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Kristen Gerber, School Counselor at Chapman & Kinsner
SMS Wellness Fair - Sat. 10/20 (10:30am - 1:30pm)
SHS Girls Volleyball & Girls Soccer Both Ranked in Top 3 in State
Calling All 5th Grade Musicians!
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Grade Students for the 2018-19 School Year
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters Mattress Fundraiser
Important Update for SHS Football Reserved Seat Ticket Sales
Mustang Express Princess (and Prince) Tea
Win a 2018 Chevy Cruze!
Bus Drivers Wanted
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
This year, our Early Learning Preschool has expanded to include two classrooms at Chapman Elementary. The recent 5-star recognition of the preschool by the State of Ohio, paired with the strong reputation of our preschool staff and programming, has resulted in expanded enrollment and the need for additional space. Thanks to all of the teachers and staff at Chapman Elementary for making our new teachers, students, and families feel welcome as we begin this new school year.
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 9/7) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (for 6th - 8th graders)
Theme: Mustangs Spirit Wear
Monday, September 10
Strongsville High School Picture Day
Wednesday, September 12 - 7pm
Beginning Band & Orchestra Informational Night
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, September 13
Kinsner Elementary Picture Day
Click HERE for the complete listing of September events for our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Mustang Express, the high school’s show choir, has been working extremely hard in preparation for their annual Princess (& Prince) Tea event on Saturday, September 15. Open to kids of all ages, this community event includes a musical performance, followed by a ‘meet and greet’ with the opportunity to get autographs and take pictures with your favorite Disney Princesses and Princes. Click HERE for this week’s episode, to hear from Ms. Vickie Eicher, SHS Choral Director, and some of her talented students who are writing, directing, and coordinating the entire show!
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OPERATING LEVY FAQ’S
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy on the ballot in November. The proposed 7.9 mill continuous operating levy will generate approximately $11.3 million annually for our District. The last operating levy for our District was passed in 2007. If passed, this operating levy will cost $23 per month for a $100,000 home. Click HERE for additional information on this proposed levy.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. KRISTEN GERBER, SCHOOL COUNSELOR AT CHAPMAN & KINSNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Mrs. Kristen Gerber is in her 5th year as a school counselor in our District. She works at both Chapman and Kinsner Elementary Schools. Mrs. Gerber earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Akron.
As a school counselor, Mrs. Gerber visits each of the classes at the elementary schools on a weekly basis. Helping students navigate social and emotional challenges is one of her main focuses. “My favorite part of being a school counselor is getting into the classroom and teaching. I am able to spend time with students and teachers who make me feel lucky to do the work that I do.”
She adds, “I love to see students change and grow throughout their years at the elementary school. It is great to see them become self-advocates and ask for what they need to reach their full potential.”
Thank you Mrs. Gerber for being part of a great team of counselors who are making a positive impact on our elementary students!
SMS WELLNESS FAIR - SAT. 10/20 (10:30AM - 1:30PM)
Don’t miss the SMS Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30am - 1:30pm. The fair will include healthy food and drink samples, health screenings, fitness instruction and demonstrations raffles and prizes, and MORE! Hosted by the SMS Wellness Team, this fair will feature healthy living tips for the entire family! Click HERE for the event flyer.
SHS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL & GIRLS SOCCER BOTH RANKED IN TOP 3 IN STATE
The Strongsville High School Girls Volleyball and Girls Soccer teams both entered the week ranked #3 for Division I in their respective sports in the State of Ohio. Both teams are undefeated and look to continue their winning ways over the next week. Our volleyball team’s next home game is Thursday, 9/13 at 6:30pm vs. Mentor. Soccer plays at home on Saturday, 9/8 vs. Anthony Wayne HS at 7:00pm. Don’t miss your chance to support these state-ranked teams - GO MUSTANGS!!
For additional Mustangs athletics news, schedules, photos, and more, visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE MUSICIANS!
Did you know that students who play an instrument perform better academically and make better social decisions than those who don’t?
Over the past few weeks, students have had the opportunity to hear from members of the Strongsville City Schools nationally recognized band and orchestra programs! Students have been able to try out the instruments and be sized for their favorites.
An informational meeting for all interested fifth grade students and parents will take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 7:00 pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. If you are unable to attend, please email your school’s band and/or orchestra teacher.
Beginning band and orchestra lessons will start the week of September 17th!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR
Please remember, 7th & 12th grade students have to meet immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health. 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2018-19 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS MATTRESS FUNDRAISER
The Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters are holding the 10th annual mattress fundraiser at Strongsville High School TOMORROW (Sat. 9/8) from 10am-5pm. Mattresses of all sizes and name brands are available - save up to 50% off retail prices! Every purchase benefits the Strongsville music program. Click HERE for more information.
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SHS FOOTBALL RESERVED SEAT TICKET SALES
Please note the following change for reserved seat tickets for Mustangs football games this season. Reserved tickets will NOT be sold at the ticket windows on the night of home football games. For those fans interested in purchasing reserved seat tickets, please visit the Athletic Office at the high school from 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. For additional questions, contact the Athletic Department at 440.572.7102.
MUSTANG EXPRESS PRINCESS (& PRINCE) TEA
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Princess (& Prince) Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite Disney characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 3:30pm - on Saturday, September 15 at Strongsville High School. More event and registration information may be found HERE.
WIN A 2018 CHEVY CRUZE!
The Athletic Boosters are once again holding their annual car raffle to benefit the Strongsville athletic program. Tickets are $20 each and available from student-athletes or at Strongsville Middle School. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold for the chance to win a 2018 Chevy Cruze, courtesy of Serpentini Chevrolet. Get your tickets before they are all sold out! Drawing will be held at the final home football game of the season (Fri. 10/26 vs. Brunswick).
BUS DRIVERS WANTED
Applications are now being accepted for substitute bus drivers in our District. We are looking for motivated, energetic, part-time professional substitute drivers. This position features great pay, flexible hours, and is very rewarding. Requires CDL Class B, SP Endorsement, with training available. Please visit the Human Resources section of the Strongsville City Schools website (www.strongnet.org) or call 440.572.7060.
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
Brain Aneurysm Awareness 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Walk
Lisa Colagrossi (SHS Class of 1983) passed away suddenly three years ago from a brain aneurysm. Her family has established the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation to raise awareness about aneurysms. On Saturday, September 15, runners and walkers will join to help raise funds for brain aneurysm research and patient resources. The event takes place at the South Mastick Picnic Area in the Rocky River Reservation of the Metroparks (Fairview Park) and begins at 8:30am (registration at 7:30am). Register at www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/aneurysmawareness.asp and make sure to mention the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section of the registration form.
Breakfast on the Covered Bridge
Please join the Strongsville City Club for Breakfast on the Covered Bridge (Whitney Road), Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Discounted tickets are available in advance. Go to www.strongsvillecityclub.org/breakfast_on_the_bridge/ to purchase tickets, get directions and learn more about the event.
Head Start Little Dribblers Program
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is for boys and girls in grades K-3 and will be held at the Strongsville Recreation Center on three consecutive Saturdays (September 8, 15, & 22) from 12 - 1 pm.
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is designed to provide a positive and fun environment for kids to develop their basketball dribbling skills with individual attention given to each player. The Little Dribblers program will actively, creatively, and playfully engage players in ball handling skills and drills. The ultimate goal is to get your little dribbler comfortable and confident with a basketball in their hands, able to utilize both their right and left hand equally effectively.
Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216.392.4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register:
https://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps/762694-head-start-basketball-little-dribblers-program---fall-2018
FREE Square Dance Lessons
Solo Squares cordially invites you to join us for 3 free square dance lessons on Mondays: September 10th, 17th, & 24th from 7-9pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (276 Bagley Rd. / Berea). All ages are welcome + singles & couples are welcome! Come & see what square dancing is like! It’s a wonderful, wholesome family activity! It’s fun, friendship, & exercise, set to music! Questions? call Diane (440-779-8379) or Brenda (216-281-3958), or send an email to: bethf56@aol.com
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.
September Luncheon - “Get to Know Your City Council & School Board”
Tuesday, September 18
11:15am - 1:00pm
Location: TBD
$20 per person
Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, September 21
9:00am - 5:30pm
Shale Creek Golf Club
$110 per golfer
Deadline for Registration - September 11
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2018 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 visitwww.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
**All Library branches and administrative offices will be closed Sunday, September 2nd through Monday, September 3rd in honor of the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 4th.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our story time sessions are back in session for September! 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.
Technology Training Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering a new series of technology training classes for beginners to advanced users. We are also offering more evening classes. All classes are free. Registration begins 30 days before each class date. Classes are for adults age 18 and over. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit
http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Technology-Training.aspx
Here are the upcoming classes:
Saturday, September 8th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Word 1.
Tuesday, September 11th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Email Basics.
Tuesday, September 11th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Internet Basics.
Wednesday, September 12th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Computer Basics.
Just4You Student Friends. Saturday, September 8th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and in your community and participate in volunteer opportunities at the library.
The Great American Read: The Wisdom of Comedy. Wednesday, September 12th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
We will be discussing Catch 22 by Joseph Heller, The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. You do not need to have read these titles to join the discussion. This book discussion will be led by David Huston from Siegal Lifelong Learning at Case Western Reserve University. To see the list of America's 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey) visitwww.pbs.org/the-great-american-read.
Toddler Fair. Ages 19-35 months with a caregiver. Friday, September 14th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Enjoy hands-on sensory activities using common household objects.
Fall Friends of Strongsville Library Book Sale Member’s Preview & Book Sale. Saturday, September 15th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Book Sale Open to the Public from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall book sale. The Friends member preview will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friends memberships will be available for $8.00 at the door and are good for one year. The book sale will then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction non-fiction audio visual materials magazines & more! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Fall Friends of Strongsville Library Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, September 16th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. AND Monday, September 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The bag of books sale will begin on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your own reusable shopping bag that is no larger than 15x15 inches and fill it for only $1 dollar. Our plastic bags will be available at the sale if needed. The bag sale will conclude on Monday. Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Functional Fitness for Older Adults. Tuesday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Join Wendy Zullo from LifeWorks of Southwest General to learn about this area of fitness that is often overlooked but is very important, especially for seniors. She will discuss what functional fitness is and what types of exercises are included. 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.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Orthopedic Update. Wednesday, September 19th at 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 September speaker will be Ray Shijo, PT and one of Southwest General’s Orthopedic Surgeons. Join us to learn about orthopedic issues and their treatments. Refreshments served. Registration is requested. Register here or call (440) 238-5530 for more information.
Homework Mentor Open House. Wednesday, September 19th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Come meet the homework mentor to find out all about the homework help available to your child at the Library. The entire family is welcome.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion will be on Wednesday, September 19th. For this month, we are reading The Bear & the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. 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. Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be held on Monday, September 24th. Our next discussion title will be Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickham. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Fall Perennial Exchange. Wednesday, September 26th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Swap your perennials with your local Strongsville neighbors! Bring in plants that you would like to "swap" with others! You will receive 1 ticket for every "species" you bring in. Tickets will be picked at random which will permit the picking of plants! A great program to get something new for your home! Please arrive early (6:30pm-7:00pm) to set out your plants, the raffle will start promptly at 7:05pm and will run until we are out of plants.
App-ily Ever After Digital Storytime. For Families! Wednesday, September 26th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Come in and experience a completely digital interactive storytime in our recently renovated storytime room. View kids’ early literacy apps in action.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, September 28th 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.
Introduction to Arduino for Adults. Saturday, September 29th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Like to experiment with electronics and tinker with technology? Learn how to build and program electronic circuits using Arduino Uno in this introductory class. All equipment will be provided. Participants must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program’s effectiveness. More information can be found atcuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
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