Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 20)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - January 17, 2020
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SHS Swim Teams Make Donation to Seidman Cancer Center
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Connie Lumsden, Bus Driver & On-Board Instructor - SCS Transportation Department
SHS Spring Musical - “The Addams Family” - Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2
Scott Miesse (SHS Class of 2011) Stars in Off-Broadway Show
Military Appreciation Night - TONIGHT (1/17) - at SHS Boys Basketball Game
Full Day Kindergarten Registration Requests for 2020-21 School Year Now Available Online
Mustangs Spring Run & Wellness Fair - Saturday, April 18
Strongsville Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” (Sat. 2/22)
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Friday, January 17) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (5th - 8th Grade)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Theme: Neon
Saturday, January 18 - 2:00pm
Women’s Empowerment Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Monday, January 20
NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday)
Click HERE for a complete listing of January events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Chapman Elementary has been celebrating “Right to Read Week” with a number of different events and activities. From assemblies to “buddy reading” to silent reading to a 30,000 minute challenge, “Right to Read Week” is bringing the entire school together and promoting a love of reading for both students and teachers. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit Chapman and see “Right to Read Week” in action!
SHS SWIM TEAMS MAKE DONATION TO SEIDMAN CANCER CENTER
Prior to Winter Break, the Strongsville High School Boys and Girls Swim & Dive Teams presented a $11,749.72 check to University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. The donation was in collaboration with Strongsville SwimUnited and was a culmination of many fundraising events throughout the year. Special thanks to our SHS swim & dive teams for their efforts to raise money on an annual basis to help support the Seidman Cancer Center.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. CONNIE LUMSDEN, BUS DRIVER AND ON-BOARD INSTRUCTOR - SCS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Connie Lumsden has been a bus driver in our District for 17 years. Mrs. Lumsden has also spent the past 13 years as an on-board instructor (OBI) for new drivers in our Transportation Department. A resident of Strongsville for the past 28 years, her son is also a graduate of Strongsville High School.
“Getting to know the students on my routes is my favorite part of the job. It is really neat to see them around the community and for them to be able to recognize you and say ‘Hi.’ It also is a reminder of the impact we can have on our students, even though we may only see them for a brief time during the beginning and end of their school day,” said Mrs. Lumsden.
She added, “I enjoy working with our new drivers as an OBI. It is great to see them grow their skills, and it also helps me to focus and keep my skills sharp. I remind our new drivers that all of our passengers are someone’s children and we have a great responsibility to take care of them.”
Thank you Mrs. Lumsden for the extreme care you take in transporting our students safely to and from school every day. #WeAreStrongsville
SHS SPRING MUSICAL - “THE ADDAMS FAMILY” - THURSDAY, APRIL 30 - SATURDAY, MAY 2
Save the dates for the upcoming Strongsville High School Spring Musical. Students will be performing "The Addams Family - A New Musical Comedy" from Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2.
If you know of a high school student interested, auditions for vocal and dance parts will be on Monday, January 27 (2:45pm) and for acting parts on Tuesday, January 28 (2:45pm). Contact SHS teacher Mr. Jenkins with any questions (jjenkins@scsmustangs.org).
SCOTT MIESSE (SHS CLASS OF 2011) STARS IN OFF-BROADWAY SHOW
Congratulations to Scott Miesse (Strongsville High School Class of 2011) who stars in “Abnormal,” an off-broadway show which opens today in New York. Scott is also the playwright for this show which follows the journey of a young man coming to terms with the life-altering diagnosis of schizophrenia. #foreveramustang
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT - TONIGHT (1/17) - AT SHS BOYS BASKETBALL GAME
Don’t miss tonight’s (Fri. 1/17) home SHS Boys Basketball Game versus GCC rival Mentor (Freshmen - 4:30pm / JV - 5:45pm / Varsity - 7:00pm). Tonight is also Military Appreciation Night. Active and veteran military members will receive FREE admission. Join us tonight as we honor those who have chosen to serve and protect our country’s freedoms and rights.
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION REQUESTS FOR 2020-21 SCHOOL YEAR NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) registration request forms for the 2020-21 school year are now available online - click HERE. After completing the online registration, a $300 deposit is due to the SCS Treasurer’s Office by 4:00pm on Wednesday, January 22 (*Please note, District Offices are closed on Monday, January 20 for MLK Day). For additional information on Kindergarten registration, please visit www.strongnet.org and click on “Kindergarten Registration” in the shortcuts menu.
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! Registration details for the 5K will be coming soon!
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS “NIGHT AT THE RACES” (SAT. 2/22)
Mark your calendars for the third annual “Night at the Races” event to benefit Strongsville Athletic Boosters. This event will be held on Saturday, February 22 at 7:00pm at Michaud’s. Tickets are $45 and include dinner and drinks. 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
Strongsville Historical Society Soup Supper
The Strongsville Historical Society invites you to a Soup Supper on January 28, 2020 at the Walter Ehrnfelt Recreation and Event Senior Center in Strongsville. This event brings together Strongsville area folks for an evening of good company while warming their tummies with soup accompanied by bread and rolls, beverages and desserts. Doors open at 6 PM. There is plenty of free parking. The cost is $12 per person. Make checks payable to the Strongsville Historical Society; attach a note with your name, phone number, and number of tickets requested. Send checks to the Strongsville Historical Society, 13305 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH, 44136. Deadline to purchase tickets is January 24, 2020; a few tickets will be available at the door. Contact Jan Miller to make your reservations at 440-567-7222.
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.
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Challenge
The Strongsville Knights of Columbus present their annual free throw challenge for boys and girls, ages 9-14. On Friday, January 24 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm, kids can compete at St. Joseph & John School Gym (12580 Pearl Rd.) for the free throw crown! Click HERE for the event flyer and additional information.
Engineering Challenges Carnival
Join Case Western Reserve University students for a fun-filled day of hands-on STEM-based activities and demonstration on Saturday, February 15 from 11am - 3pm on CWRU’s campus. The carnival is free and open to the public - no registration is required - Pre-K to 8th grade students and their families are welcome. Click HERE for the event flyer.
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.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Happy New Year, Jumpers!! Our second session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31, and Feb 7, 2020 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!
Allison Rose Foundation - Yellow Brick Road Celebration
The Allison Rose Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual fundraiser, the Yellow Brick Road Celebration, on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm at the Embassy Suites in Independence. We are raising funds to contribute to the new Cleveland Clinic Food Allergy Center of Excellence, and to expand our educational curriculum, create additional awareness campaigns, contribute to research and advocate for change to save lives. Visit https://www.allisonrosefoundation.org/ourevents/ to register and for additional details about this event.
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!!!
Cleveland Clinic’s K-12 Education Internship Programs
Cleveland Clinic’s K-12 Education Internship Programs Department works to improve health and wellness, promote academic achievement, and foster career preparedness for students in grades pre-K through 12. Cleveland Clinic Internship Programs and School Programs provide a wide range of authentic learning experiences at Cleveland Clinic facilities, in schools, and through technology-mediated activities. Aligned with academic content standards and centered around real-world applications, these programs leverage organizational resources and community partnerships to support student success, both inside and beyond the classroom, empowering our community’s next generation of leaders. Please visit www.ccf.org/k-12 to learn more about these summer experiences and programs and all other offerings available to students.
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.
January Business Luncheon - Holiday Inn Strongsville
Tuesday, January 21 - 11:30am
“Fighting Fraud in 2020 – What Small Businesses and Older Adults Need to Know”
February Business Luncheon - Polaris Career Center’s Savour Restaurant
*Limited Seating for this Event
Tuesday, February 18 - 11:30am
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the award winning students in the Polaris Chef Training Program.
Mark Your Calendar! 2020 Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 15th – Saturday, July 18th, 2020
Strongsville Library
Please note the following January 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.
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.
Balloons by Blake. For Families – All Ages. Saturday, January 18th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Come see Blake Parhamovich with his Comedy Variety Show! This show includes magic, juggling, balloon twisting, and a whole lot of audience participation! Sponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Library.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: DO & Osteopathic Treatment. Tuesday, January 21st / 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Our discussion this month will discuss - Osteopathic manipulative treatment or OMT. OMT is a series of hands-on techniques used by osteopathic doctors to help diagnose illness or injury and facilitate your body’s natural tendency toward self–healing. Ashley C. Fuentes, MS, DO, will discuss osteopathic medicine & the many benefits of OMT. 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.
Winter Luminaries. For Teens Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, January 21st / 7:00p.m.
Create a winter luminary for the cold winter nights ahead using simple materials.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Wednesday, January 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.
ESOL Class. 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 January 17th before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. For more info, call 833.ASPIRE2 or visit aspiregreatercleveland.org.
Cricut Basics. Monday, January 27th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Join us to learn the basic design functions of the Cricut Design Space and how to use the Cricut Maker machine. Sponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library. Space is limited and registration is required. Open to adults 18 and over. All classes start promptly - we cannot hold seats for students who arrive late. Recommended prerequisite: Computer Basics or experience using a mouse. An email account is required to create an account on Cricut Design Space.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, January 27th / 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great discussion!
Discovering Art: Line & Shape. Grades 1 – 3 with a Caregiver. Wednesday, January 29th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Explore how lines are used in art to create shapes and express ideas. Try a variety of tools and techniques at hands-on art activity stations.
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:
Wednesday, January 29th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Computer Basics
Thursday, January 30th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Internet Basics
Friday, January 31st / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Email Basics
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