Mustang Moments
News From Strongsville City Schools (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 6)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville
In This Issue - September 30, 2016
- Important Dates to Remember
- 60 Seconds with the Superintendent
- SHS Teachers Earn Special Distinction
- Special Education Family Newsletter
- Community Conversation at Tom+Chee - Thursday, October 27
- Issue 120 - Strongsville City Schools Renewal Levy
- SHS National Merit Semifinalist & Commended Students
- Mustang Spotlight - Surrarrer Elementary Head Custodian Mrs. Donna Perrine
- Inaugural 'Greet & Treat' Event - Wednesday, October 26
- “Fill The Truck’ Fundraiser with Easter Seals Homecoming Weekend (October 7-8)
- WANTED! SHS Alumni News
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, October 4
Parent / Teacher Conferences (Evening Conferences)
Wednesday, October 5 - 7pm
Board of Education Work Session (Administration Building)
Friday, October 7 - 7pm
SHS Varsity Football vs. Solon (Homecoming Game)
Saturday, October 8 - 7pm
SHS Homecoming Dance
Wednesday, October 12
Parent / Teacher Conferences (Evening Conferences)
D.A.R.E. Halloween Party for 7th-8th Graders at Michaud's (6-9pm)
Thursday, October 13 - 6-9pm
D.A.R.E. Halloween Party for 5th-6th Graders at Michaud's
Friday, October 14
NO SCHOOL - NEOEA Day
Rockin’ at the Rec Dance (6th-8th Grade) - 6:30-9:30pm
at Strongsville Rec Center
Thursday, October 20 - 7pm
Board of Education Meeting (Administration Building)
60 Seconds With The Superintendent
Kinsner Elementary has a great addition to their playground that is providing students with opportunities for friendship, teamwork, and compassion. The ‘Buddy Bench’ helps students connect with other classmates at recess and assists in building a positive culture at this school. Click HERE to listen to stories from Kinsner students about the ‘Buddy Bench.’
SHS TEACHERS EARN SPECIAL DISTINCTION
Strongsville High School teachers Jillian Certo, Megan Collins, and Mary Erste have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education for having outstanding scores on the Resident Educator Summative Assessment (RESA), which is a four year program that all first-time teachers in Ohio must complete. All three scored in the top 100 in the state and have been invited to a reception at the State House to be recognized for this accomplishment. Congratulations!
SPECIAL EDUCATION FAMILY NEWSLETTER
The Strongsville City Schools Special Education Department is a proactive group of highly qualified and driven educators that are dedicated to serve students with disabilities with passion and hard work. Providing professional development and innovative training to all levels of staff to ensure outstanding service to our students, Special Education has high expectations at every level and work continuously to improve instructional practices, leadership, and collaborative partnerships with parents and families.
Click HERE for the monthly newsletter from our District’s Special Education Department.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT RYBA AT TOM+CHEE
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Thursday, October 27 from 5:30-7:30pm at the new Tom+Chee. The focus will be on how technology is being integrated into Strongsville City Schools and the impact it has on a daily basis with our students. The District’s Director of Instructional Technology, Vicki Turner, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
ISSUE 120 - STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS RENEWAL LEVY
Strongsville City Schools will be placing a renewal levy (Issue 120) on the November 8, 2016 ballot. This is a renewal of an existing operating levy and is not a tax increase. This issue means continuation of the high quality education for our students and community. Early voting begins October 12th.
SHS NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST & COMMENDED STUDENTS
Congratulations to Strongsville High School Senior Zach DeLisio, who is one of approximately 16,000 National Merit Semifinalists across the country. Zach will have the opportunity to compete against other semifinalists to earn a National Merit Scholarship, which will be announced in 2017. About 1.6 million juniors entered the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). National Merit Semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, including the highest scoring entrants in each state. Congratulations Zach on this prestigious accomplishment!
In addition, three Strongsville High Schools seniors have been named as commended students in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program. Julia Foust, Michelle Kahle, and Daniel Morris are among the 34,000 Commended Students being recognized with this accomplishment. Commended Students placed in the top five percent of students taking the PSAT/NMSQT. Congratulations Julia, Michelle, and Daniel for this outstanding recognition!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - SURRARRER ELEMENTARY HEAD CUSTODIAN DONNA PERRINE
Mrs. Donna Perrine has been the head custodian at Surrarrer Elementary for five years. According to ‘Miss Donna’ (as the students refer to her), she is not afraid to tackle what’s expected of her, as well as what may not be expected - all to continue to make Surrarrer the best learning environment for students and staff. She also has everyone’s safety first and foremost in her mind.
When asked about working with students, Miss Donna says, “I enjoy getting to know all of the students, and I like the kids to know who I am. I try to pick out at least one student every day and give them a compliment or do something that will brighten their day.”
She also adds, “If you need a hand, I will help - I love the teamwork aspect of my job. I not only enjoy helping the students and staff, but also the groups that we have at Surrarrer, like the PTA.”
Thank you Miss Donna for helping to make Surrarrer a great place to learn for our students and staff!
INAUGURAL 'GREET & TREAT' EVENT - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26
Strongsville City School’s SPOT (Strongsville Positive Outreach Team) Committee is proud to present the inaugural community “Greet & Treat” event at Strongsville Middle School from 6-8pm on Wednesday, October 26th. This event is open to all students, staff, and the Strongsville community. Please bring a non-perishable food or monetary donation to the Strongsville Food Bank. See you on October 26th for a special Halloween celebration! Click HERE for the event details.
“FILL THE TRUCK’ FUNDRAISER WITH EASTER SEALS HOMECOMING WEEKEND (OCTOBER 7-8)
Easter Seals Northern Ohio is partnering with Strongsville High School to give back to the community while helping children and adults with disabilities. Strongsville High School is hosting a “Fill the Truck” fundraiser to benefit the Strongsville High School PTA on October 7-8.
Easter Seals will have a truck parked at Pat Catan Stadium and will be accepting donations on Friday, October 7th from 5-8pm and on Saturday, October 8th from 8am-2pm. Donation items accepted include: any and all clothing items, small kids’ toys/games, books, CDs/DVDs/VHS tapes, kitchenwares (pots/pans, silverware, dishes, etc.), small picture frames/wall hangings, knickknacks, and jewelry. Please note: donations will NOT be accepted at the school prior to October 7th. Please bring all donations to the truck at the designated times on October 7th or 8th.
WANTED! SHS ALUMNI NEWS
We want to hear from our Strongsville High School graduates! Where are you working? Where are you completing your college degree? What kinds of success are you having? Where are you living? We want to share with our community the impact our alumni are having on the world in “life after SHS.” Send your alumni news to shsalumninews@scsmustangs.org
#foreveramustang
COMMUNITY EVENTS
TEAM STRONGSVILLE KICK-IT
Join the fight against pediatric cancer by participating in the upcoming Kick-It event! Organize a kickball team to compete on Sunday, October 2nd from 11:00am - 4:00pm at the Strongsville Youth Park (21255 Lunn Road). This event is open to the public and will feature food and fun, with all proceeds benefiting and supporting pediatric cancer research. Click HERE for more information.
STRONGSVILLE WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Strongsville Women's League is hosting their October General Meeting on Wednesday, October 5th, at Kemper House (corner of Albion Rd. & Prospect Rd.). In honor of Strongsville's 200th birthday, the program this month is "The History of Strongsville." Doors open at 6:45pm, and the business meeting will begin at 7pm with the program to follow. Kemper House will provide refreshments. Parking is available in the lot off of Prospect Rd. or there is extra parking in the plaza across the street, if necessary. Hope to see you on Wednesday, October 5th!
STRONGSVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY TRICK OR TREAT
The Strongsville Historical Society is hosting their 8th Annual ‘Old Fashioned SAFE Trick or Treat’ for preschool and kindergarten students on Saturday, October 22 from 3-4:30pm at the Strongsville Historic Village. Admission is a non-perishable food item to benefit the Strongsville Food Bank. Call 440.572.0535 for reservations to this event.
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.
Holiday Scholarship Dance. Friday, December 2nd. 7:00pm at Michaud’s
Contact the Chamber now to reserve your table! $350 for a table of 10 or $70 per couple.
100% of ticket sale revenue goes toward scholarships
STRONGSVILLE LIBRARY
Please note the following October 2016 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 Fall story time sessions.
Smartphone Basics. Saturday, October 1st from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Do you have a smartphone and have trouble figuring out how to use it? A representative from Verizon Wireless will be here to share basic information on how to operate any type of smartphone. Participants will learn about settings, functions, how to work with contacts, and installing apps. We will also show you how to download and use the new CCPL mobile app so that you can take the Library with you wherever you go!
Digital Literacy Basics. Monday, October 3rd & Tuesday, October 4th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
This two-day course covers digital essentials. Topics include: physical parts of computers, software basics, using and accessing the internet, and email.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, October 4th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children’s and Teen books. Meets the first Tuesday evening of every month. Please register in person to pick up a copy of the book. Our next discussion will be on the book The Cottage in the Woods by Katherine Coville.
ACT/SAT Practice Test. Grades 6 - 12. Saturday, October 8th from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Need to take the SAT or ACT? Take a free practice test first! Sylvan Learning Center will give you the opportunity to take either test during this workshop. Please bring a No. 2 pencil and graphing/scientific calculator to the exam.
Meet Author Kyle Mills. Thursday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Join us as we welcome Kyle Mills, the New York Times bestselling author of more than 15 political thriller novels. His latest, Order to Kill, is the follow up to last year’s bestseller The Survivor and continues Vince Flynn’s acclaimed series starring undercover CIA counterterrorism agent Mitch Rapp. Kyle is also the author of three installments in the Covert-One series, originally created by Robert Ludlum. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry.
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, October 15th from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Join Just 4 U Student Friends and get involved at the Strongsville Branch and in your community. Pick up an application at the Teen Desk.
National Chemistry Week - Solving Mysteries Through Chemistry. Grades 3 - 6. Saturday, October 15th from2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. We invite families to stay and participate.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: "I Like Change...Only if it's Money!" Tuesday, October 18th from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
This month's speaker will be Marlene Kurz, from LISW Oakview talking about dealing with change. 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!
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, October 19th. This month we will be discussing StationEleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Little Pumpkins. Ages 2 - 4. Friday, October 21st from 10:00 a.m. - Noon.
Calling all toddlers! This pumpkin-themed program is geared for the little pumpkins in your life, ages 2-4. Join us for stories, crafts, and games featuring pumpkins. Prepare to get messy with many fun hands-on activities. Please register each child separately. Space is limited. Registration begins on Friday, October 7.
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, October 24th. This month we will be discussing Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Down by the Old Mill Stream Run. Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m.
The Strongsville Historical Society presents this special Metroparks presentation. Cleveland Metroparks Historian, Judy MacKeigan, presents, Down by the Old Mill Stream Run, an informal, entertaining, history of Mill Stream Run Reservation. A short Strongsville Historical Society meeting will precede the presentation.
Tales from the Eerie Shore - Ghosts of Ohio. Wednesday, October 26th at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of storytelling with award-winning authors, ghost hunters, and para-historians Theresa Argie and Cathi Weber - aka The Haunted Housewives. Gather 'round our virtual campfire for true tales of ghoulish ghosts and creepy cryptids. Ohio’s Heartland is filled with strange creatures, fascinating places, and restless spirits. It’s a spine-tingling tour of the most interesting paranormal hotspots of the north coast and beyond!
Hearing Screenings. Thursday, October 27th from 9:00 a.m. - Noon.
Southwest General Community Nurses are hosting a free hearing screening which will be offered by ENT Health Services, Inc. from Southwest General Health Center. Please call 440-816-4037 for an appointment.
Play, Learn, & Grow. Birth - 3 Years Old with Parent/Caregiver. Friday, October 28th from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Children will play with developmentally appropriate toys in a play group atmosphere while parents meet and learn from community health experts. Registration begins on Friday, October 14.
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