Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 6)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - September 22, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Strong Schools 2020 Update
SHS Students Meet Internationally Acclaimed Author Ruta Sepetys
Online School Forms - Updating Your Student’s Information
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Sylvia Peters, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Muraski
Save the Date - 2nd Annual Greet & Treat (Thu. 10/26)
Video Recap of 2016-17
‘Nutrislice’ is the Ultimate Source for Strongsville City Schools Food Services
‘Fill the Bus’ for the Strongsville Food Bank (Fri. 9/29)
Two SCS Employees Complete EMS Training
Kinsner & Chapman Step Up to Provide Donations for Hurricane Relief
SHS Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” (Sat. 10/21)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Tomorrow (Sat., 9/23) - 8:30am
Fun Run at Strongsville Cross Country Invitational (Grades K-6)
Pat Catan Stadium
Friday, September 29 - 7:00pm
Homecoming Football Game
SHS vs. Euclid
+ ‘Fill the Bus’ for the Strongsville Food Bank
Saturday, September 30 - 7:00pm
SHS Homecoming Dance
Tuesday, October 3
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
School in Session
Thursday, October 5 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting - Work Session
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, October 6 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance for 6th-8th Graders
Ehrnfelt Rec Center
Theme: Neon
Wednesday, October 11
Evening Parent-Teacher Conferences
School in Session
Click HERE for a complete listing of September events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Constitution Day is an annual event which commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution. Each year, schools around the country develop in-classroom lessons teaching our students about the historical significance of this day. Whitney Elementary, under the guidance of music teacher Mrs. Debbie Gonczy, helped make this day memorable and a learning experience for all of the students! Click HERE to see the highlights of how Whitney Elementary celebrated Constitution Day.
STRONG SCHOOLS 2020 UPDATE
Strong Schools 2020 is the comprehensive vision and strategic plan for our District. Through this plan, we continue to build a district of excellence and innovation. Collaborative efforts between residents, students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff, are an integral part in our drive in becoming a premier district in the region and state. Please click HERE for an update on Strong Schools 2020 - see the results of our District’s efforts in 2016-17 and the plan to continue our momentum in 2017-18.
SHS STUDENTS MEET INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR RUTA SEPETYS
This week, SHS students had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Ruta Sepetys, an internationally acclaimed author. Thanks to our strong partnership with the Strongsville branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mrs. Sepetys spent time with our students providing insight on being an author and helpful advice to those interested in becoming an author. Special thanks to the Strongsville Library and to Mrs. Sepetys for engaging our students in an excellent conversation!
ONLINE SCHOOL FORMS - UPDATING YOUR STUDENT’S INFORMATION
Please make sure you have updated your student’s information online. This process replaces the paper forms (Emergency Contacts, Medical Forms, etc.) sent home at the beginning of each school year. Even if there are no changes, you must still log in and confirm the information. Use the PowerSchool Parent Portal (PASS) to access the online information update form. The deadline to complete this task was September 8, 2017.
The Information Update form must be completed prior to your child receiving report cards, transcripts, parking permits, participation in extracurricular activities, attending dances, and field trips, as well as participation in commencement activities.
Click HERE for instructions on how to get started and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. SYLVIA PETERS, GIFTED INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Sylvia Peters, Gifted Intervention Specialist at Muraski Elementary, is in this week’s ‘Mustang Spotlight.’ Mrs. Peters started working in Strongsville City Schools in 1990 and has been a part of the staff at Surrarrer, Zellers, Allen, Chapman, and Kinsner, before arriving at Muraski. With undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cleveland State University, she currently focuses on 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade math enrichment classes. Mrs. Peters is also collaborating with her colleagues to enrich reading instruction for 3rd and 4th graders.
“I feel very blessed and honored to be teaching young people in Strongsville. They are curious and excited to learn. Being in my position, it allows me to really get to know my students, since I'll be their math teacher for three years,” said Mrs. Peters.
She adds, “I get to know the children's strengths in order to better meet individual needs. It's important to me to learn as much as I can about each student. I want to plan lessons that motivate and engage them throughout the lesson. It's also a personal goal of mine to encourage children to take a risk. The learning process requires children to make mistakes along the way. I also get the opportunity to provide enrichment materials for my colleagues. Teachers want their students to be challenged and to love learning. I am so grateful to be a member of the Muraski family. They are incredibly supportive, enthusiastic, and understanding.”
Thank you Mrs. Peters for challenging our Muraski students to reach for and achieve goals beyond their expectations!
SAVE THE DATE - 2ND ANNUAL ‘GREET & TREAT’ (THU. 10/26)
Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual “Greet & Treat” event at Strongsville Middle School on Thursday, October 26 from 6:00pm - 7:30pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. Save the date - we hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 26!
VIDEO RECAP OF 2016-17
The 2016-17 academic year was filled with great student accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom, led by fantastic teachers, staff, and administrators throughout our District. It was a memorable year in many aspects - click HERE for a video recap which was shared at Convocation (the annual kick-off event for our internal staff) celebrating 2016-17.
NUTRISLICE IS THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS FOOD SERVICES
Nutrislice is the ultimate source for Strongsville City Schools Food Services information. Innovative, interactive menu offerings are accessible in a variety of formats for all of the schools in our District at http://strongnet.nutrislice.com, including descriptions, images, and nutrition and allergy information. Get the information you need about the menus and food available at Strongsville City Schools!
‘FILL THE BUS’ FOR THE STRONGSVILLE FOOD BANK - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Bring a non-perishable or monetary donation to the Strongsville/Euclid varsity football game on Friday, September 29 and help us “Fill the Bus” for the Strongsville Food Bank.
The Food Bank is especially in need of the following items: canned soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, toilet paper, and boxes of Kleenex.
Look for the Strongsville School Bus in front of Pat Catan Stadium on Friday, September 29th - let’s fill it for the food bank!
TWO SCS EMPLOYEES COMPLETE EMS TRAINING THROUGH THE CITY OF STRONGSVILLE
Two members of our SCS team - Faith Paliwoda (Purchasing) and Judy Nitzsche (Educational Support Aide - Kinsner) - are volunteer members of the Strongsville Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT works closely with the Strongsville Fire Department/Paramedics. Recently, Faith and Judy finished classes at Southwest General Hospital to become certified as Emergency Medical Responders. Having completed a final course exam, they are now state certified. Congratulations to both Faith and Judy, as they were recognized at a recent Strongsville City Council meeting for their accomplishments as members of CERT!
KINSNER & CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS STEP UP TO PROVIDE DONATIONS FOR HURRICANE RELIEF
A huge shout out to Kinsner and Chapman Elementary Schools as they recently ran campaigns at their schools to collect donations to provide relief for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma. Kinsner Elementary filled over 50 boxes with supplies and Chapman Elementary raised $1,061 through a “loose change war.” Progressive Insurance matched Chapman’s dollar amount, making it a $2,200 donation. THANK YOU to both schools and the generosity of the families who donated!
SHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS ‘NIGHT AT THE RACES’ (SAT. 10/21)
Support the Athletic Booster Club’s 1st Annual “Night at the Races” on Saturday October 21st from 6pm - Midnight. This fun filled, action packed evening will take place at Michaud’s Party Center. Your $45 ticket includes buffet dinner, open bar, and dancing. Proceeds from this event go toward supporting the entire athletic program at Strongsville High School. If you can’t attend, you can still be involved by purchasing a horse for $25, or donating to the event. Thanks for your support of the Athletic Boosters - GO MUSTANGS!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Meet the Candidates Night
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet the candidates running for Strongsville School Board and at-large positions on Strongsville City Council. A question and answer event is scheduled for Monday, September 25th at 6:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. ‘Meet the Candidate’s Night’ is presented by Strongsville Women’s League in conjunction with the League of Women Voters. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Community Forums on Drug & Alcohol Awareness
In an ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic, the Strongsville community is encouraged to attend upcoming Drug & Alcohol Awareness Community Forums. The Community Forums are FREE and will be held at Strongsville's Ehrnfelt Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Rd.) - the final forum is on September 26th at 6:30pm. Each date is part of a series on addiction awareness, interdiction, and treatment, and will be presented by a diverse panel of practitioners:
September 26: Addiction and the Criminal Justice and Health Care Systems
The Community Forums are sponsored by Mayor Tom Perciak, the City of Strongsville, the Strongsville faith community, and local businesses. Click HERE for additional information.
Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is for boys and girls in grades K-3 and will be held at the Strongsville Recreation Center. The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is designed to provide a positive and fun environment for kids to develop their basketball dribbling skills with individual attention given to each player. The Little Dribblers program will actively, creatively, and playfully engage players in ball handling skills and drills. The ultimate goal is to get your little dribbler comfortable and confident with a basketball in their hands, able to utilize both their right and left hand equally effectively. $25 Registration fee. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click HERE to register.
Mustangs Youth Rugby
Teams are starting to form for the fall season of Mustangs Youth Rugby. Rugby participation is open to 4th - 6th graders in flag and 7th - 8th graders for tackle. Visit www.rookierugby.com or click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre is looking for electricians, carpenters, artists, ushers, stage crew, tech staff, directors, musicians, actors, singers, dancers, and other volunteers! There are many opportunities to become involved with Strongsville Community Theatre. Interested in learning more? Click HERE or visit www.StrongsvilleCommunityTheatre.com for more information.
Anti-Bullying Workshops
Join Empowering Punch in efforts to “Battle the Bullying” epidemic in a 4-week anti-bullying program. Kids ages 13-18 are invited to attend and participate in this educational and optimistic event. Workshop sessions will be from 1-2pm on every Saturday in October. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
College Financial Aid Workshop
Need help or advice about financial aid for college? Need assistance in navigating FAFSA? Attend this upcoming workshop and receive guidance on college financial aid.
CWRU's Lifelong Learning Program (Substance Abuse - Confronting Addiction)
Join Case Western Reserve University for this series about the growing issue of the Substance Abuse Epidemic. So much remains unknown and misunderstood about substance abuse. And much of the public continues to remain blind to issues they choose not to see. Attend one or all of these sessions and discover what effect this epidemic has on our local communities. Visit http://case.edu/lifelonglearning/substance-abuse/ for additional information on this important series.
Southwest General Safe Sitter Classes
Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized program, developed by a pediatrician, designed to teach both boys and girls, ages 11 -14, how to be safe and responsible sitters. Registration for upcoming classes (October 13, November 7, and December 28) is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
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.
October Luncheon - Tuesday, October 17th
Business & Community Expo - Wednesday, November 8th
November Luncheon - Tuesday, November 15th
Holiday Scholarship Dance - Friday, December 1st
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2017 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. All events sponsored by our Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. 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 time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Fall story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser - the Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
Technology Training Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering a new series of technology training classes for beginners to advanced users. We are also offering more evening classes. 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 http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Technology-Training.aspx
Just 4 U Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, September 23rd from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join this group of teen volunteers to get involved in the library and your community. Stop by the Teen Desk for an application.
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 25th. Our September discussion title will be The Three Year Swim Club: the Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Money Matters: Fundamentals of Paying for College. Monday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this important financial topic with speaker Jacki Medvick, Assistant Branch Manager of the Strongsville Citizens Bank. She will be speaking on the Fundamentals of Paying for College. Learn about the Financial Aid process and get an overview of the different options to pay for college. This new quarterly financial series is a collaboration with Citizens Bank and the Strongsville Branch Library. Every quarter, we will bring you a new Money Matters program to help you with your financial questions.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, September 26th from 1:00 – 7:00 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.
Three Penny Opera. Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Join Cleveland Opera Theater to learn about Three Penny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper.) This lecture recital will detail the historical and musical significance this milestone of 20th century opera and music theater, as it rolls on unstoppably into the 21st. This presentation also features live musical examples from their upcoming production. Appropriate for both veteran opera-goers and novices alike, this is an opportunity to broaden your musical horizons.
Exploration Station: Magnets. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Friday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. – Noon.
Children will explore and learn about magnets through play and hands-on learning.
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