Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 13)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - November 8, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Patti Stakes, 3rd Grade Teacher at Whitney Elementary
Breakfast with the Superintendent (Fri. 11/22)
Dinner at Chipotle to Help Strongsville Middle School PTA (Tue. 10/29)
SHS Presents “Alice In Wonderland” Nov. 15-16
Junior Dance Team Clinic - Wednesday, 11/27
SHS Yearbook Club Annual Craft Fair - TOMORROW (Sat. 11/9)
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TOMORROW (Saturday, November 9) - 9:00am - 2:00pm
SHS Yearbook Club Annual Craft Fair
Strongsville High School
Friday, November 15 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
“Rockin’ at SMS” Dance (6th - 8th Grade)
Strongsville Middle School
Theme: Ugly Holiday Sweater
Friday, November 15 & Saturday, November 16 - 7:00pm
SHS Presents “Alice in Wonderland”
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Purchase Advance Tickets HERE
Thursday, November 21 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, November 22 - 7:30am - 8:30am
Breakfast with the Superintendent
Topic: Financial Transparency
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Click HERE to RSVP by Mon. 11/18
Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our Strongsville Middle School Administrative Team - Mr. Marino, Mrs. Bailey, and Mrs. Peters - bring many combined years of experience to their new roles at SMS. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we meet each of them and hear about their vision for SMS.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. PATTI STAKES, THIRD GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Patti Stakes has spent her entire teaching career in our District. Mrs. Stakes is in her 40th year of teaching at Strongsville City Schools - she is set to retire at the end of the school year. Her undergraduate degree is from Bowling Green State University and her graduate degree is from Cleveland State University. She started in 1979 at Chapman Elementary as an Intervention Specialist, then moved on to Drake Elementary for the majority of her career, as an Intervention Specialist and 3rd Grade teacher. Mrs. Stakes has been teaching 3rd grade at Whitney since the closing of Drake Elementary.
“I absolutely LOVE my job. It is so rewarding seeing my students progress from year to year. It brings me such joy to see a student who might have been struggling have a "break through". It is also wonderful to see former students turn out to be such amazing adults. I just had dinner with a former student who will soon be a veterinarian, and another just became a first year teacher at Whitney,” says Mrs. Stakes.
She adds this about her co-workers, “As far as my colleagues go, they are my second family! Some of my closest friends are those that I met through this job. We have been through a lot together over the years.”
Thank you Mrs. Stakes for your dedication and the positive impact you have had on countless students in your career with Strongsville City Schools! #WeAreStrongsville
BREAKFAST WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT (FRI. 11/22)
Join Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent of Strongsville City Schools, on Friday, November 22 for a morning conversation about "Financial Transparency" for our District. The event will be held from 7:30am - 8:30am at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.) and includes a light breakfast for attendees. Have your questions answered about the District's budget and how taxpayer money supports our schools. Please RSVP HERE on or before Monday, November 18.
SHS PRESENTS “ALICE IN WONDERLAND” NOV. 15-16
Don’t miss Strongsville High School’s performance of “Alice In Wonderland” on Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16. Both performances are at 7:00pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. Friday is “Family Night” and kids under 12 will be admitted FREE on Nov. 15. Advance tickets are available HERE.
JUNIOR DANCE TEAM CLINIC - WEDNESDAY, 11/27
The Strongsville High School Dance Team is hosting their third annual "Junior Dance Team Clinic" on Wednesday, November 27th. The fundraiser will consist of 2 separate dance clinics this year, one for 1st-5th graders from 10:30am-1:00pm and one for 6th-8th graders from 1:00-3:30pm in the SHS gym. Participants will perform at a home SHS basketball game and receive a Junior Dance Team t-shirt. To register please see this flyer or fill out this Google Form.
SHS YEARBOOK CLUB ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR - TOMORROW (SAT. 11/9)
Make plans to visit the SHS Yearbook Club Annual Craft Fair TOMORROW (Sat. 11/9) from 9am - 2pm at Strongsville High School. The Craft Fair will feature local artwork, homemade crafts, jewelry, bakery items, and much more! Admission is just $1 and all proceeds will benefit the SHS Yearbook Club. Click HERE for the event flyer.
“HEARD AROUND TOWN” ON SCS WEBSITE
Have you heard something that you want more clarification about concerning Strongsville City Schools? Share your questions with us, we're happy to provide information to clear up any misconceptions! Visit the new “Heard Around Town” link on the main page at www.strongnet.org or click HERE to submit your question.
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
Junior Achievement Online Auction
From November 4th through November 15th, visit Junior Achievement of Greater Cleveland’s Online Auction (www.jacleveland.org) to get great deals and support entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and career-readiness programs for students in Strongsville and all over Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, and Geauga counties. Shop for great deals with hundreds of items starting at 50% off or more, including gift cards, vacations, theater tickets, and much more in Junior Achievement's Annual Online Auction for youth education! This holiday season you can save money on the perfect gift, while also helping make a difference in your community! Click HERE for additional information.
D.A.R.E. Family Ice Skating Party
Don’t miss the D.A.R.E. Ice Skating Party for families on Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at OBM Arena (15381 Royalton Rd.). Skate with the D.A.R.E. Officers and win great prizes! Click HERE for the event details.
Self-Defense Workshop
Strongsville Rotary and Jeff Eliis International Karate Centers present the “Empower You” self-defense workshop for all women and teenage girls. The FREE workshop will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Register online at dontbeavictim.info. Click HERE for additional information.
Human Trafficking Community Forum
The Rotary Club of Strongsville, in partnership with the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, presents Strongsville’s Third Annual Community Forum on Human Trafficking. The Community Forum will be held on Wednesday, November 13 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Strongsville Middle School (13200 Pearl Road). The Forum will contain valuable information for teens and adults, due to the nature of the content, discretion is advised for younger children. Please click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back Jumpers!! Our first session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays (November 8, 15, 22, and December 6) from 5:00pm - 6:30pm, at Muraski Elementary School. During classes, we have instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team! We hope you are able to join us!! Please click HERE for additional information and to register, or contact Deanna Gill at dgill.jump@gmail.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information. Hope to see you there!
Strongsville Women’s League Game Night
Join Strongsville Women’s League on Thursday, November 14th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Wine Down and Sweets Cafe' at 14785 Pearl Rd. (next to Old Carolina BBQ). We will have lots of board games, a few group games, and lots of fun! Feel free to bring your own game to share if you like. Admission is free and there is a food and drink menu that everyone may purchase from. Treat yourself to a night out!
Ski/Snowboard Club for Strongsville Students
Winter is right around the corner and the Ski/Snowboard Club is looking for interested students to join. Please contact Shad Nye at 440-985-8890 or visit www.bmbw.com/club-program (club login name - strongelem / password - wish4snow) for more information. Click HERE for registration information.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following upcoming 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 in the following events may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see additional event information.
Business After Hours Networking Event
Wednesday, November 13, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Cleveland Clinic Family Health & Surgery Center in Strongsville
Network with fellow Chamber members in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Tour the new Hematology/Oncology Suite on the lower level.
November Business Luncheon
Overview of the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office and Status of the Opioid Crisis
Tuesday, November 19th, 11:30am-1:00pm
Holiday Inn Strongsville
51st Annual Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 6th, 7pm - Midnight
Michaud’s Towne & Country
Strongsville Library
Please note the following November 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.
**All Library Branches and Administration will close on Wednesday, November 27th at 5:30 p.m. and all day Thursday, November 28th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 29th at 9:00 a.m.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our story times are in full swing for the Fall. 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 has Audio and Video Recording Studios 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.
Ohio Means Jobs. Tuesdays / 9 – 5:30 p.m.
An Ohio Means Jobs Employment Specialist is available for job placement and individualized job planning services. Please call ahead to confirm the Job Specialist's availability.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, November 9th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
World War II Reenacting. Monday, November 11th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come and hear dedicated reenactors talk about their love of the hobby. There will be displays and a chance to talk with the reenactors.
Get the Scoop: Smoothie Ingredients for a Super Brain. Tuesday, November 12th 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Heinen's registered dietitian, Melanie Jatsek, RD, LD, will show you exactly what to add to your blender for a balanced, energizing, and brain-loving smoothie. You will learn how to mix and match from and abundance of superfood ingredients to suit your personal tastes so that you may build a healthy, vibrant, and powerful brain!
Young at Heart. Tuesday, November 12th / 7:00 p.m.
Meets the First Tuesdays of the month. A book club for adults who love Children and teen books. The book for the next discussion is The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. In 1350, a boy with a large hump on his back becomes the servant of a shadowy pilgrim on his way to Rome, who pulls the boy into a dangerous expedition across Europe to gather the seven precious relics of Saint Peter.
Southwest Hearing Screenings. Wednesday, November 13th / 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The Community Nurses of Southwest General Hospital will be here to offer free hearing screenings. Reservations are required. Please call Southwest for an appointment at (440) 816-4037.
Smooth Smoothies for Teens. Teens Ages 10-18. Wednesday, November 13th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how easy it is to make delicious and healthy smoothies in this hands-on workshop for teens. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options. All participants must complete a Release & Hold Harmless form.
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:
Thursday, November 14th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Google Apps.
Thursday, November 14th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 1.
Friday, November 15th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Excel 2.
Saturday, November 16th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Excel Review.
Amazing Mazes. Grades K – 5. Saturday, November 16th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Build 3D mazes and have fun with marbles!
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Antibiotics, Cold, & Flu. Tuesday, November 19th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Join Rebecca Margevicious from pharmD who will discuss antibiotics & cold/flu. 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: Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy. Wednesday, November 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. Vincent Ferrini, MD, of Southwest General Hyperbaric Center will discuss how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can help heal diabetic ulcers, bone infections, radiation injuries and failed skin flaps. Refreshments served.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, November 20th / 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 Clock Dance by Anne Tyler. 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!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, November 22nd / 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.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, November 25th / 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be A Shout in the Ruins by Kevin Powers. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great discussion!
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