Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 25)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - February 21, 2020
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SCS & SEA Agree on 3 Year Contract Extension
Serpentini Chevrolet Makes $210,000 Donation to SCS
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Doug Plitt, SCS Maintenance Department
SCS State of the Schools Presentation - Wednesday, March 4
SHS Girls Basketball Wins First Tournament Game on OT Buzzer Beater
“We Are Strongsville” - Natalie & Ava, SMS 8th Grade Students
SCS-TV: Strongsville City School’s Streaming Network
Strongsville Optimist Essay Contest
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2020-21
Mustangs Spring Run & Wellness Fair - Saturday, April 18
Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations
SMS PTA Fundraiser - Saturday, March 7
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 24 - 6:00pm
5th Grade Parent Night - Introduction to Strongsville Middle School
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, March 5 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (Work Session)
Polaris Career Center (7285 Old Oak Blvd. / Middleburg Hts. / 44130)
Tuesday, March 10 - 6:30pm
Strongsville Middle School Choir Concert
SMS Auditorium
Friday, March 13 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at the Rec’ Dance (6th - 8th Grade)
** Location: Strongsville Middle School
Theme: Favorite Jersey
Wednesday, March 11 & Thursday, March 12 - 7:00pm
All City Orchestra Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Saturday, March 14 - 7:00pm
SHS “Teen Idol” Competition
Strongsville High School Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Surrarrer Elementary kindergarten and first grade students celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving back to their community. Students raised money by helping out at home and displaying random acts of kindness. The money they raised went to purchase small stuffed animals which were donated to the Strongsville Police and Fire Departments. The ‘furry friends’ will be used by officers when responding to situations where extra support might be needed for kids. Click HERE for this week’s episode as we hear from Strongsville Police Chief Fender and Strongsville Fire Chief Draves on the impact these students are making in their community.
SCS & SEA AGREE ON 3 YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION
Strongsville City Schools and the Strongsville Education Association have agreed on a three year contract extension to the current contract agreement. This extension maintains the current agreement with a 2.0% salary increase per year and will be in effect from August 1, 2020 through July 31, 2023. Read the entire news release HERE.
SERPENTINI CHEVROLET MAKES $210,000 DONATION TO SCS
During last evening’s Board of Education meeting, a $210,000 donation was accepted from Serpentini Chevrolet to Strongsville City Schools. This sponsorship donation will support both the District and Athletic Boosters over the next six years, by generating funds to support future field turf replacement needs and memorializing the turf field at Strongsville Middle School as Serpentini Field for the duration of the agreement. In making Serpentini Chevrolet the banner sponsor on the new digital scoreboards in the Strongsville High School main gymnasium, this donation will also assist the Boosters in defraying the total cost of the scoreboards. Additionally, the continued donation of a Chevrolet automobile annually will provide significant fundraising dollars for the Boosters to support all of the District’s athletic programs. Read the entire news release HERE.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. DOUG PLITT, SCS MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
Mr. Doug Plitt is a member of our District’s Maintenance Department. Mr. Plitt began working for Strongsville City Schools as a bus driver in 2012. He moved to the Maintenance Department in 2018. Mr. Plitt’s wife is also a bus driver and an aide at Chapman Elementary. Prior to working in our District, Mr. Plitt worked in the Maintenance Department at NASA.
“Some say that I’m the most positive guy in our department. It’s really important to me to come to work every day with the right attitude. That definitely contributes to the overall enjoyment of my job. I really like working with our team. It’s a great group of guys who enjoy figuring things out and rising up to problem solve and tackle challenges,” said Mr. Plitt.
“I bring a lot of experience to the Maintenance Department, but I am still learning new things. For example, this year I have been picking up new skills in HVAC. Our team takes a lot of pride in what we do. Much of the work that we accomplish is behind the scenes, but we know it is important work for our District.”
Thank you Mr. Plitt for being part of a team that keeps our District “up and running” on a daily basis. #WeAreStrongsville
SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
You are invited to the upcoming SCS State of the Schools presentation on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm. The first portion of the presentation will be held in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium. Following this presentation by Dr. Ryba and a Q&A, small discussion groups will be formed to begin outlining the next strategic plan for our District. All are invited to attend and participate. The Strongsville community recently was sent this LETTER with additional information about the Wednesday, March 4 State of the Schools event. Please RSVP to dfoust@scsmustangs.org if you plan to attend the State of the Schools presentation.
SHS GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS FIRST TOURNAMENT GAME ON OT BUZZER BEATER
SHS Junior Reagan Bass hit the game winning shot in the first tournament game for the SHS Girls Basketball team, as they beat Wadsworth 54-52 in overtime. The Mustangs advance to battle #1 seed Nordonia in the district semi-finals on Tuesday, February 25 at Medina High School. Gametime is 7:45pm. GO MUSTANGS! (Photo Credit: Aaron Josefczyk, Lifetouch / Video Credit: Twitter, @scsmustangs)
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - NATALIE & AVA, SMS 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
Strongsville Middle School provides many engaging opportunities for students. Click HERE to meet 8th graders Natalie & Ava, as they share how these opportunities are making a difference! #WeAreStrongsville
SCS TV: STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOL’S STREAMING NETWORK
If you haven’t heard yet, the district recently launched its new streaming network (SCS TV). You can stream SCS TV through our website, Facebook page (@strongsvillecs), YouTube (SCS channel), FireTV, or Roku. For FireTV and Roku, simply search and download the BoxCast app, subscribe to Strongsville City Schools and you will be good to stream concerts, Board meetings, and athletic events (coming soon), all in the comfort of your own home on your preferred device.
STRONGSVILLE OPTIMIST ESSAY CONTEST
Congratulations to this year’s winner of the Strongsville Optimist Essay contest - 11th grader Emily Lytle. Emily won $200 and will now move on to the zone level of the contest to compete against other Ohio students.
Pictured: Aron Tocaj (semifinalist), Krish Sanghvi, (2nd place), Caleb Kocsis (3rd place), Camryn Larissey (semifinalist) and Emily Lytle (1st); not pictured Marquis Globokar (semifinalist).
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR 2020-21
Kindergarten Registration dates for the 2020/2021 school year are as follows:
Kinsner Elementary - Friday, March 13 (8:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:30pm)
Please note that this is a change in date for Kinsner’s registration
Chapman Elementary - Monday, March 16 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Muraski Elementary - Wednesday, March 18 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Surrarrer Elementary - Thursday, March 19 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Whitney Elementary - Friday, March 20 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
** REGISTRATION ON ALL DATES WILL OCCUR AT THE SCS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES (18199 COOK AVENUE)
Parents need to complete the online registration on the SCS website (www.strongnet.org) - or by clicking HERE. Please note: Registration opens on Monday, February 10 and should be completed by Thursday, March 12.
This year, registration packets will be available online for all students who do not attend the Early Learning Preschool (SELP) on Lunn Road or at Chapman Elementary School. SELP students will receive their information through SELP, and they do not need to do an online registration OR attend registration in March.
MUSTANGS SPRING RUN & WELLNESS FAIR - SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Join us on Saturday, April 18 for the Mustangs Spring Run (5K) & Wellness Fair at Strongsville High School. Following the 5K race, the SCS Wellness Fair will take place from 10am - 1pm - a FREE event that helps promote health and wellness with the help of local vendors, activities, and MORE! Click HERE to register online or download the registration form HERE.
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame are now being accepted. The Class of 2020 will be inducted this fall. Please use this LINK to submit your nomination today!
SMS PTA FUNDRAISER - SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Please join SMS PTA for a “Big Night Out!” at Harvest Saloon on Saturday, March 7 from 5-8pm! There will be food, drinks, 50-50 raffles, and amazing baskets! Tickets are pre-sale only - please click HERE to purchase your tickets. Purchase “early bird tickets” (before February 21) and receive 10 free premium raffle tickets! The “Big Night Out” benefits Strongsville Middle School PTA Grants & Programs for our students and teachers at SMS.
“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
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Our third session (5 classes) of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, on Feb 21, 28, Mar 6, 13, and Apr 3 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 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 Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic - Saturday, February 29
The Strongsville Rotary Club invites you to a day of fun, food, drink, prizes and even a little golf (if you like) on Saturday, February 29 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. With the generous support of area businesses, the Chili Open Golf Classic, organized by the Rotary Club of Strongsville, has raised more than $2 million for charity since 1992.
The all-volunteer event has become a February tradition in Northeastern Ohio, drawing nearly 1,000 golfers who tee off into blasts of frigid air, putt across frosty greens and warm up in a hall full of hot food and sizzling activities, like the action-packed celebrity auction, PLUS a Grand Prize Raffle - this year is a dugout loge for 10 at an Indians game, hourly 50/50 drawings and a whole lot more! All this for only $29! Doors open at 10:00am.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to support these 8 different charities: Achievement Centers / Camp Cheerful, Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, Applewood Centers, Ben Curtis Family Foundation, Leadership Mission International, Santa's Hideaway, Santa PICsU, The Lantern.
Come, enjoy the fun and help support these great charities. You can learn more & buy tickets online at chiliopen.com/register.htm or purchase tickets at the door the day of the event.
Junior Browns Spring Flag Football League
Join the Junior Browns Spring Flag Football League! Divisions for boys and girls in 1st - 6th grade. Games on Sundays, beginning April 5th. Click HERE for more information or visit www.strongsvillefootballbackers.com to register.
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event - Saturday, 2/22
The KIWANIS CLUB OF STRONGSVILLE is sponsoring its annual "READ AROUND THE WORLD" program on Saturday, February 22nd from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Strongsville Community Library. Members of Kiwanis believe that the sooner a child gets interested in reading, the better the chance they have for success in school. The program and its activities are intended for PRE-SCHOOL and K – 3rd graders. There is NO ADMISSION CHARGE for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.). Cookies and beverages will also be available at NO CHARGE. Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books.
Students from St. Joe's & John's Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville High School will be available to read to your child from a book the child selects from our inventory of children's books.
Mr. Protiva, librarian in the children’s section, will be reading a couple brief children’s stories. He is outstanding!
St. Joe’s & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories.
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
Finally, each child can pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
Founder’s Day Program (Tues. Feb. 25) - "If Walls Could Talk: The General Store"
The Strongsville Historical Society invites you to our annual Founder's Day Program on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 7pm at Strongsville Old Town Hall, 18825 Royalton Rd. Every year the Strongsville Historical Society holds a Founder’s Day Program to continue its mission to discover, collect, record, preserve and interpret the history of the Strongsville, Ohio area through these programs that inspire, stimulate and educate the community. Join us in this endeavor.
This year's program, presented by Valerie Mattingley, is called "If Walls Could Talk: The General Store". The historic village has a general store that once served an out-of-the-way corner of Strongsville. Of course, there were other such stores scattered around. If those walls could talk, what would they tell us about life in such communities? Come hear what they provided...what they meant to the people they served, in the actual words of people who used the Olds General Store! Light refreshments will be provided at this free event. All are welcome!
The Strongsville Historical Society and Historic Village invites you to become a member by calling 440-572-0057. Please learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society by visiting www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org.
SCT Singers - “A Tribute to Broadway” (Sat. 3/14 - 2pm & 7:30pm)
Swing back to the Big Band Era with the SCT Singers - on stage and performing with a live swing band. This fundraiser for the Strongsville Community Theatre takes place on Saturday, March 14 with two shows (2:00pm & 7:30pm) at the Strongsville Recreation & Senior Center. Visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or call 440.879.8817 to purchase tickets.
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.
March “State of the City” Luncheon with Mayor Thomas P. Perciak
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 - 11:15am* – 1:00pm (Lunch served at 11:45am)*
*Please note time adjustments
“Women in Business” Committee Hosted Event – “Navigating the Senior Care Continuum” Panel Discussion
Generations Senior Living of Strongsville
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 - 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Open to the Public; All are welcome.
April “SHS Distinguished Alumni” Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 - 11:30am – 1:00pm
Mark Your Calendar:
2020 Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 15th – Saturday, July 18th
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2020 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 story times are in full swing for Winter. 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.
ESOL Classes. Thursdays & Fridays / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland provides free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at Strongsville Branch Library. Classes will be every Thursday and Friday through June 12th, 2020. Interested Students must attend the ESOL/Citizenship orientation session on February 20th before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. For more info, call 833.ASPIRE2 or visit aspiregreatercleveland.org.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. Saturday, February 22nd / 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 24th / 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great discussion!
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, February 27th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word 1.
Thursday, February 27th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Word 2.
Friday, February 28th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Word 3.
Saturday, February 29th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Word Review.
Podcasting Series. Wednesday, February 26th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Have a story to tell and want to share it with the world? Learn the basic steps to record, edit, and share audio content and stories in a podcast format in this hands-on session. Our first week we will do an overview on the world of Podcasts with the second week being a hands-on workshop creating one! No previous recording experience necessary.
ESOL/Citizenship Orientations. Friday, February 28th / 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland provides free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and citizenship classes at Strongsville Branch Library. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. For more information and to register, please call 833.ASPIRE2 or visit aspiregreatercleveland.org.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale – Members Only Preview. Saturday, February 29th / 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring 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.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale. Open to the Public. Saturday, February 29th / 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring 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.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, March 1st / 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The bag of books sale will be 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. For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale. Monday, March 2nd / 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The bag sale will conclude on Monday and will run from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
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