Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 27)
Our Kids. Our City. Our Future.
IN THIS ISSUE - March 8, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Watch it ON DEMAND
SHS Senior Ronell Warmuth Earns National Recognition for Vocal Performance
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Erick Sopata, Physical Education Teacher at Muraski Elementary
Upcoming Family Literacy Nights at Elementary Schools
SHS Yearbook Club Spring Craft Fair - Sat. 3/16 (9am-2pm)
Kindergarten Registration Week - March 18-22
Mustangs Team Shop - Available Online Through Sunday, March 24!
College Credit Plus Deadline For Intent To Participate Form - Mon. 4/1
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game - Sun. 3/31 at 4pm
See World Famous Magician Rick Smith Jr. Perform at SHS (Fri. 3/15 - 7pm)
SMS PTA Fundraiser at Five Guys - Wed. 3/13 (5pm-8pm)
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, March 11 - 6:30pm
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society) Induction Ceremony / SHS Auditorium
Tuesday, March 12 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
Surrarrer Elementary Family Literacy Night
Wednesday, March 13 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Whitney Elementary Art Show
Thursday, March 14
Whitney Elementary Family Literacy Night (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Strongsville Middle School Band Concert (6:30pm - 8:00pm) / SMS Auditorium
Friday, March 15 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Grade) / Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: Wear Green!
Saturday, March 16 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
SHS Yearbook Club Spring Craft Show / Strongsville High School
Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22 - 8:00am-12:00pm each day
Kindergarten Registration / SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Tuesday, March 19
SMS Choir Concert (6:00pm - 9:00pm) / SMS Auditorium
All City Orchestra Concert (7:00pm - 9:00pm) / SHS Auditorium
Wednesday, March 20 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
All City Orchestra Concert / SHS Auditorium
Thursday, March 21
Kinsner Elementary Family Literacy Night (5:30pm - 7:00pm)
All City Choir Concert (7:00pm - 9:00pm) / SHS Auditorium
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (7:00pm) / SCS Administrative Offices
Friday, March 22
Early Release Day
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29
NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
DID YOU KNOW?
Last week, the Strongsville High School Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings, and String Orchestra each earned a Superior (I) Rating at the OMEA State Orchestra Contest. A Superior Rating is the highest rating a performing group can earn and represents a musically superior performance. Congratulations to all three orchestra groups - this recognition is a testament to
the hard work and effort each of the student musicians placed in their musical preparation.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville City Schools was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Ohio Department of Education. Part of the grant is funding Literacy Coaches in our District. These coaches have provided support and additional opportunities for our students and teachers at all grade levels. Our Literacy Coaches have also organized Family Literacy Nights throughout the District. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we learn more about these fun, family engagement events.
ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is now available to watch ON DEMAND. This presentation includes updates on the present and future state of our District from
Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent.
Click HERE for the presentation slides
Click HERE for the entire recorded presentation
SHS SENIOR RONELL WARMUTH EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR VOCAL PERFORMANCE
Congratulations to Ronell Warmuth, a senior at SHS, who recently was recognized with a Merit Award in the National YoungArts Foundation competition. Ronell was one of only 35 students in the entire country recognized in the classical voice category. He is a member of both Symphony Orchestra and Cantorum, as well as the Chamber Strings ensemble. “Music at our high school grows passion. It encourages those who want to continue to pursue music after graduation, and it also provides valuable life skills and opportunities for those students that might not pursue a career in music past high school. All of our music groups here at Strongsville High School have an outstanding reputation and are made up of very talented students and directors. I am ready for the next step in my music career because of the foundational skills Strongsville has helped me develop,” said Ronell. Ronell will be focusing on opera and classical music as a vocal performance major in college. He will be making a decision in the next few weeks about his next steps after graduation from SHS.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. ERICK SOPATA, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Mr. Erick Sopata, Muraski Elementary’s Physical Education teacher, is in this week's 'Mustang Spotlight.' Mr. Sopata is a graduate of Kent State University and also received his Master’s Degree from Marygrove University. He has been teaching in our District since 1998 and has worked with students at Strongsville High School, Albion Middle School, Whitney Elementary, Kinsner Elementary, Surrarrer Elementary, and the Early Learning Preschool. In addition, Mr. Sopata was also the varsity volleyball coach at Strongsville High School for 18 years.
“Being a teacher of physical education at Muraski Elementary, I have the opportunity to work with all students each year from kindergarten through fifth grade. It is great to watch their progress from basic movement skills to some high level fitness skills and games. Each day I have the opportunity to make fitness and sport fun for all of our students. Watching them grow and develop a love for fitness, sport and movement is the best part of my job,” said Mr. Sopata.
Thank you Mr. Sopata for helping all of the students at Muraski Elementary improve their skills in both fitness and sport and providing a foundation for healthy habits inside and outside of school! #WeAreStrongsville
UPCOMING FAMILY LITERACY NIGHTS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Don’t miss upcoming “Literacy Nights” at all of our elementary schools. These nights include fun, family friendly activities centered around literacy. The theme for these nights are “Lights, Camera, Read!” Please mark your calendars for the following Literacy Nights:
Surrarrer - Tue. 3/12 (5:30pm-7pm) - RSVP HERE
Whitney - Thu. 3/14 (5:30pm-7pm) - RSVP HERE
Kinsner - Thu. 3/21 (5:30pm-7pm) - RSVP HERE
SHS YEARBOOK CLUB SPRING CRAFT FAIR - SAt. 3/16 (9AM-2PM)
Make plans to visit the Annual SHS Yearbook Club Craft Fair on Saturday, March 16 from 9am - 2pm at Strongsville High School. The Craft Fair will feature local artwork, homemade crafts, jewelry, and bakery items, plus Pampered Chef, LuLaRue, Scentsy, Gel Us Body, The Cocoa Exchange, Norwex, Tupperware and much more! Admission is just $1 and all proceeds will benefit the SHS Yearbook Club. For more information, contact Yearbook Advisor Jen Orlosky at 440.572.7121 or at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WEEK (MARCH 18-22)
A reminder for parents of incoming kindergarten students for the 2019-20 school year, registration will take place at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.) the week of March 18th.
Monday, 3/18 - For Students Attending Chapman Elementary
Tuesday, 3/19 - For Students Attending Kinsner Elementary
Wednesday, 3/20 - For Students Attending Muraski Elementary
Thursday, 3/21 - For Students Attending Surrarrer Elementary
Friday, 3/22 - For Students Attending Whitney Elementary
Registration will take place from 8:00am - 12:00pm each day. No appointment is necessary. Parents must bring the following required documentation: Student's Birth Certificate, Student's Immunization Records, Proof of Residency (one of the following - tax bill, mortgage coupon, gas, electric or sewer/water bill, insurance policy on dwelling, or a signed rental or purchase agreement), Verification of legal custody/guardianship (only if child is not living with both his/her natural parents) in the form of a Certified Copy of Court Order or Court Appointed Guardianship. For additional kindergarten registration information, please visit https://www.strongnet.org/Page/42
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - AVAILABLE ONLINE THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 24!
Looking to add to your Strongsville Mustangs wardrobe and get some updated Mustangs gear? Click HERE to visit our special, limited time Mustangs Team Shop for short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and MORE! Personalized merchandise is also available. Hurry - Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3/24!
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS DEADLINE FOR INTENT TO PARTICIPATE FORM - MON. 4/1
For students intending to participating in College Credit Plus for Summer, 2019 - Spring, 2020, the Intent to Participate Form is due by April 1st.
Visit https://sites.google.com/a/scsmustangs.org/shsguidance/college-credit-plus to see other important deadlines as well as checklists, presentations, and videos to help with the process.
HARLEM WIZARDS BASKETBALL GAME - SUN. 3/31 AT 4PM
The world famous Harlem Wizards return to Strongsville on Sunday, March 31. The Wizards will appear in the Strongsville High School Main Gym to take on an "All-Star" team of teachers, staff, and administrators in our District. Gametime is 4:00pm (Doors open at 3:00pm).
Advance tickets are available at any of the main offices in our District ($10 for students & senior citizens / $12 for adults) or online at www.harlemwizards.com. If you already purchased tickets in advance for the originally scheduled 1/31 event, please hold on to your tickets, as they will be valid for admission on March 31. Unfortunately, no refunds are available on advance ticket purchases. We hope to see a great crowd for the Harlem Wizards game on Sunday, March 31!
SEE WORLD FAMOUS MAGICIAN RICK SMITH JR. PERFORM AT SHS (FRI. 3/15 - 7PM)
World famous magician Rick Smith, Jr. brings his “Magic Gives Back!” show to the Strongsville High School Auditorium on Friday, March 15 at 7pm. This Las Vegas-style Stage Variety & Illusion Show will be an entertainment experience that families can experience and enjoy together, including stunning illusions, audience participation, NBA dancers, and other surprise acts! Click HERE to purchase tickets to this memorable magic show!
SMS PTA FUNDRAISER AT FIVE GUYS - WED. 3/13 (5PM-8PM)
Make plans to have dinner at Strongsville’s Five Guys restaurant (15171 Pearl Rd.) on Wednesday, March 13 from 5-8pm. Proceeds from that night’s sales will benefit the Strongsville Middle School PTA! Click HERE for the event flyer.
WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
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
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our third session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, March 8, 15, & 22 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Strongsville Historical Society Fashion Show & Luncheon (Sat. 3/9)
The Strongsville Historical Society presents its annual fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, March 9. The event takes place at Don’s Pomeroy House - doors open at 11:30am and the luncheon begins at 12:00pm. Tickets for the event are $40. Money raised from this luncheon will benefit the Historical Society. Funds raised at the luncheon this year are earmarked for the general preservation and restoration of the buildings in the Historical Village. There is also an extensive raffle at the luncheon, consisting of gift baskets and gift items, including gift cards from area stores, restaurants and salons and spas. Tickets for the raffle are $1 each. For information on the luncheon, reservations and tickets, contact Pam Hughes at 440-773-6605 or Gina Cathcart at 216-403-9226.
Strongsville Community Theatre Presents “Driving Miss Daisy”
Don’t miss Strongsville Community Theatre’s performances of “Driving Miss Daisy.” All performances are in the Little Theater at Strongsville High School (20025 Lunn Rd.). Performance days & times: March 8-10 & March 15-17 / Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and available at strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or at the door (one hour prior to curtain).
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.
March Luncheon - Mayor Perciak's State of the City Address
Tuesday, March 19
11:15am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
$20 / person
Strongsville Library
Strongsville Library
***Please note the following March 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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our Spring story time sessions are in full swing! 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.
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced users. Many of our classes offer Northstar Digital Literacy Certification. 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 :
https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes.aspx
Here are the upcoming classes:
Friday, March 15th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Word 2.
Friday, March 15th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 3.
Saturday, March 16th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Word 4.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, March 9th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Sounds of the Bagpipes. Monday, March 11th / 7:00 p.m.
Get in the St. Patty’s Day spirit with local bagpiper Colin Donahue! Local bagpiper, Colin Donahue, will narrate the rich history of the highland bagpipes, one of the world’s oldest folk instruments. Mr. Donahue will also perform popular pipe tunes that are sure to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
Explore Light & Shadows for Preschoolers. Ages 3 – 5 with a Caregiver. Wednesday, March 13th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m.
Hands-on activity stations allow children to explore the science of light and shadows. Play and learn together with flashlights, mirrors, and much more.
Girl Scout Troop Leader Orientation. Monday, March 18th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for an informational meeting on library resources for Girl Scout Troop Leaders. Participants will learn about how to make use of free library materials and programs to earn badges and complete journeys. Participants will also receive a special Audio/Video Recording Studio orientation, so that their troop is approved to utilize these spaces.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: If You’re Happy, Do You Know It? Tuesday, March 19th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. People often say, "I just want to be happy" but what does this really mean. Over the years, there have been a number of studies on happiness. Come hear the simple ingredients to a happy life! 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! For more information call (440) 816-4037.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Fit Healthy Nutrition Into Your Lifestyle. Wednesday, March 20th / 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 March speaker will be Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian from Southwest General Health Center. March is National Nutrition Month®; take some time to learn about a healthy lifestyle. Amy will teach participants about healthy food choices, physical activity habits, and how to fit them into your lifestyle. Refreshments served. Registration is requested. Register here or call (440) 238-5530 for more information.
Family Game Night. Wednesday, March 20th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening of board games and more. For Kindergarten and up and all skill levels are welcome! Fun for the entire family! Snacks will be provided.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, March 20th at 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 And After the Fire by Lauren Belfer. 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. Monday, March 25th at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month. New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be Saints for All Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Women’s Health Talk: Abnormal Bleeding. Monday, March 25th / 7:00 p.m.
Uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons women go to see a gynecologist. Paul Hucock, MD, OB/GYN from Southwest General will discuss reasons for this problem and ways to treat it.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, March 29th / 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