Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 5)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - September 14, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Operating Levy FAQ’s + Voter Registration Information
State School Report Card Results for SCS
SHS 11th Grader Cole Joniak Moves One Step Closer to Eagle Scout
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Jennie Zacharyasz, SCS Technical Assistant
Mustang Express Princess (and Prince) Tea
District Events Calendar Sent Home to All Families
SMS 8th Grade Football Team Wins On Last Second Touchdown Pass
‘Start With Hello’ Week
Fun Run for Strongsville Students in Grades K-6 (Sat. 9/22)
“Save The Dates” for Two October Events
SHS Hires New Athletic Director
SCS Wellness Fair - Sat. 10/20 (10:30am - 1:30pm)
Athletic Boosters Make Donation for FREE Student Admission to SHS & SMS Games
Win a 2018 Chevy Cruze!
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Powerschool (PASS) has new resources for parents that are accessible through its new Unified Classroom. PowerSchool's Unified Classroom has replaced the traditional Parent Portal. It is filled with helpful, new features including enhanced communication tools. Teachers will be integrating Unified Classroom throughout the school year.
Important Dates to Remember
TOMORROW (Sat. 9/15)
Mustang Express Princess (& Prince) Tea
Two Performances - 12:00pm & 3:30pm
SHS Auditorium
Tuesday, September 18
Strongsville Middle School Picture Day
Wednesday, September 19
Muraski Elementary Picture Day
Wednesday, September 19 - 7:00pm
SHS ‘Meet the Choirs’ Night
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, September 20 - 6:30pm
College Application Informational Night
(For Parents of 12th Grade Students)
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, September 20 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices - 18199 Cook Ave.
Friday, September 21
Whitney Elementary Picture Day
Click HERE for the complete listing of September events for our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Chapman Elementary has a new Principal - Ms. Amy Moore brings a wealth of education experience to our District. A longtime community member, Ms. Moore is also an SHS alumnus and has raised both of her daughters in Strongsville. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we meet Ms. Moore and find out what is in store for Chapman Elementary for the 2018-19 school year.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OPERATING LEVY FAQ’S + VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
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.
Click HERE if you would like to register to vote or update your voter registration information.
STATE SCHOOL REPORT CARD RESULTS FOR SCS
Congratulations to our entire District - teachers, staff, administrators, and especially the students - as we received our State of Ohio School Report Card grades for 2017-18. Strongsville City Schools improved on six of the State indicators, as well as raising our component grades earned on Gap Closing and Progress, in comparison to the 2016-17 report card.
The "Gap Closing" measure details how well students are performing on the state assessments. This measure looks at the performance of all students, as well as various subgroups. Strongsville City Schools went from a “D” in 2016-17 to an “A” on this year’s report card. Additionally, the District improved its “Progress” grade from a “B” in 2016-17 to an “A” this year. The “Progress” component looks closely at the growth that all students are making based on their past performances. These improvements have led the District to earn an overall grade of “B” for 2017-18.
Click HERE to see the complete news release and visit reportcard.ohio.gov for our individual school results, as well as results for other districts.
SHS 11TH GRADER COLE JONIAK MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO EAGLE SCOUT
We are proud of Strongsville High School 11th grader Cole Joniak, as he recently completed a Sensory Garden Project at the high school. The project was funded by a 2018 Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grant, which Cole applied for and received. The project also brings him one step closer to earning Eagle Scout status. The sensory garden table will benefit students with special needs at our high school, and is complete with gardening supplies, an assortment of plants, a growing light, gardening gloves, watering can, and a wind chime. The table is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. Cole anticipates earning Eagle Scout rank in February. Thank you Cole!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JENNIE ZACHARYASZ, SCS TECHNICAL ASSISTANT
Mrs. Jennie Zacharyasz has been a part of the Strongsville community for 24 years. A graduate of Kent State University, with a Master’s from Baldwin Wallace University, Mrs. Zacharyasz is in her 11th year working for our schools. She started as a Reading Monitor at Albion Middle School, and then spent time as an AV Media Assistant at Strongsville High School. Her role now with the District is Technical Assistant, providing technology support for teachers and staff at Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Support Services, and our Transportation buildings.
“The diversity of my job is what I value and like best about working for Strongsville Schools. Every building has varying needs and challenges that make every day different. I love helping those who may be struggling, but equally enjoy supporting those who are looking to stretch their boundaries! Strongsville’s staff are some of the most innovative, creative and compassionate individuals to work with. Their flexibility and patience is second to none,” said Mrs. Zacharyasz.
She added these thoughts when asked about working with students, “The knowledge that I'm helping to provide the students, and teaching staff, with our up to date technology tools is fantastic. I love that I am able to support and enhance the way they learn and ultimately grow as young adults in our technology driven world.”
Thank you Mrs. Zacharyasz for the time you spend providing our teachers, staff, and students with tremendous technical support in multiple buildings in our District!
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 - TOMORROW (Sat. 9/15) at Strongsville High School. More event and registration information may be found HERE.
DISTRICT EVENTS CALENDAR SENT HOME TO ALL FAMILIES
Over this week and next, our District Events Calendar will be sent home with the youngest student in each family. The calendar details many of the exciting events our students will be involved in over the course of this school year, as well as other notable dates for our District.
The calendar also features memorable achievements, accomplishments, and stories of this past year. We have much to be proud of throughout our District and are pleased to share with you these highlights from both inside and outside of the classroom.
As you know, we continually add event dates throughout the year and sometimes adjustments are also necessary for the existing calendar. Please visit www.strongnet.org for the most current event dates and times for all of the schools in our District.
SMS 8TH GRADE FOOTBALL TEAM WINS ON LAST SECOND TOUCHDOWN PASS
The Mustangs 8th grade football team won in dramatic fashion this week. They beat Elyria 13-12 on a 30-yard touchdown pass as time expired. See link below for the highlight video (courtesy of Twitter - @Scottmayberry).
GO MUSTANGS!!
For additional Mustangs athletics news, schedules, photos, and more, visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org
“START WITH HELLO” WEEK
HELLO!
Strongsville City Schools are joining hundreds of other schools from across the United States in participating in Start With Hello Week, September 24-28. Social isolation is an overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. Start With Hello Week brings attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school. Throughout the week, there will be lessons and activities in all of our schools (grades PK-12) to bring further awareness and education about the signs and signals of social isolation.
We encourage everyone in our community to participate. HERE is a Start with Hello sign to display at your home and/or at your workplace. You can also use the tag #HelloStrongsville on social media for this important initiative. This is a fantastic reminder about the power of a simple "Hello" and what a difference that can make in our daily lives. #HelloStrongsville
FUN RUN FOR STRONGSVILLE STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 (SAT. 9/22)
Don’t miss the annual ‘Fun Run’ for Strongsville students in grades K-6 on Saturday, September 22 at 8:45am at Strongsville High School. This is a FREE event and prizes and ribbons will be given to participants. Families are encouraged to stay after the race to cheer on the Mustangs Cross Country teams as they compete at 10:00am in the Vertical Runner Invitational.
“SAVE THE DATES” FOR TWO OCTOBER EVENTS
Mark your calendars for two annual events hosted by our District in October:
Tuesday, October 23 - 6:30pm
State of the Schools Presentation by Superintendent Cameron Ryba
Monday, October 29 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
“Greet & Treat” Family Event
Strongsville Middle School
SHS HIRES NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Mr. Dennis Ziegler has been hired as the new Athletic Director for Strongsville High School. Mr. Ziegler will begin his role with the District on January 2, 2019. Mr. Raymond Ebersole has also been hired as the Interim Athletic Director, and will manage Strongsville High School’s Athletic Department through the end of this calendar year.
Mr. Ebersole most recently spent 14 years as the Athletic Director for Hudson City Schools before retiring. His passion for high school sports brought him back for this interim role. Mr. Ziegler is the current Athletic Director at East High School in the West Bend School District in Wisconsin. Prior to this role, he served for two and a half years as the Athletic Director for the Wellington School District. He has held both coaching and athletic director positions in college and high school athletics since 2008. Mr. Ziegler has an undergraduate degree from Otterbein University and a Master’s degree from Marietta College. He also earned his Certified Athletic Administrator degree from the University of Maine.
Welcome to both Mr. Ebersole and Mr. Ziegler to the Mustangs Family!
SCS WELLNESS FAIR - SAT. 10/20 (10:30AM - 1:30PM)
Don’t miss the Strongsville City Schools 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.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MAKE DONATION FOR FREE STUDENT ADMISSION TO SHS & SMS ATHLETIC EVENTS
Special thanks to the Strongsville Athletic Boosters for recently announcing a donation of up to $7,300 to Strongsville High School with the specific intent of covering admission costs for Strongsville students at the remaining home athletic contests, excluding SHS varsity football and SHS varsity boys basketball games, for the 2018-19 academic year.
Strongsville students will be admitted free of charge for Strongsville home athletic events, except for SHS varsity football, SHS varsity boys basketball games, and OHSAA tournament events - at both Strongsville Middle School and Strongsville High School - throughout this school year. Students will need to show their student ID for access to the events.
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).
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.
Empowering Punch ‘Pump & Run’ Event
Don’t miss the Empowering Punch “Pump & Run” 5K event on Sunday, October 7 at SouthPark Mall. The event benefits Autism Speaks. Click HERE for additional information about this event.
Strongsville Basketball League (Grades 3-6)
The Strongsville Basketball League is for boys and girls in grades 3-6 who are interested in participating on a travel team. These teams will also serve as “feeder” teams for the SMS & SHS basketball programs. Details will be coming soon on a tryout date - click HERE for additional information about the “future of Mustang youth travel basketball.”
Strongsville Historical Society Old Fashioned Chicken Dinner
On Saturday, September 22, 2018, beginning at 4:30pm and ending at 6:30pm, the Strongsville Historical Society will sponsor an Old Fashioned Chicken Dinner to be held at the Strongsville United Methodist Church on the corner of Webster Road and Royalton Road. The dinner includes chicken, sides, rolls, beverage and dessert. A great deal at $12 for adults, $6 for 5-10 year olds, under 5 years are free. Please call the Janet Noss at 440-783-1449 for tickets and reservations. Tickets go fast for this event so order early. Visit us at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org and on Facebook.
Strongsville Historical Society Cow Pie Lottery
The Strongsville Historical Society is offering its annual Cow Pie Lottery in conjunction with its Harvest Festival. Only 800 tickets will be sold at $5.00 each. On Sunday, September 30th, at the Strongsville Historical Society Harvest Festival, ticket numbers will be placed randomly on each square in a grid then we wait to see on which square Mrs. Camille the cow will "doo-doo". The square with the majority of the 'cow pie' in it wins! The four adjacent squares also each win a prize! Contact the Strongsville Historical Society at 440-572-0057 to purchase your tickets.
Strongsville Historical Society Annual Harvest Festival
September 29 and September 30, 2018 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Annual Harvest Festival on the beautiful grounds of the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Road) will celebrate the following activities: Cow Pie Lottery, Classic Car Display and parade, Farm Animals, Old-Time Craft demos, Children’s Hands-On Crafts 1-4pm, Entertainment, Food Tent and Farmer’s Market. We welcome back our Model Railroaders in the Baldwin House. Bobbie Dorr, resident artist, will be there with a sale and demo of watercolors plus a coloring opportunity for children. Check out the Boy Scouts and try your balance skills on the Rope Walk. Plus, we will have a blacksmith on-site Sunday demonstrating his skills. Collectible Barbie Dolls will also be for sale. Try your skill at Corn Hole. All eight buildings will be open for peeks into the past 150 years. FREE GATE ADMISSION. Free parking. All proceeds go to the restoration of the buildings. Call 440-572-0057 for questions. Visit us at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org and on Facebook.
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
October Luncheon - “State of the Schools” with Superintendent Cameron Ryba
Wednesday, October 17
11:30am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
$20 per person
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.
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.
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