Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 30)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - April 7, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus
Mustang Spotlight - Muraski Elementary 1st Grade Teacher Gayle Koestner
KidsFest at SHS - Saturday, April 8th
SHS Junior Ashley Quirino Visits Washington DC to Raise Awareness for TSC
SHS Team Wins Academic Challenge
Strongsville Middle School is a FOX 8 "Cool School"
American Legion Helps SHS Add American Flags to All Classrooms
Teen Idol Competition at SHS - Saturday, April 8th
Community Conversation with Superintendent Ryba at SouthPark Mall - Tues. 4/25
Summer School Information
Wanted: Local Businesses for SHS Job Fair & Senior Project Experiences
Kyrie Irving Youth Basketball ProCamp at SHS
"Electrify Your Strings" Concert Coming to Strongsville
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 4/7) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (Grades 6-8)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: NEON
Saturday, April 8 - 7:00pm
SHS Teen Idol
SHS Auditorium
Monday, April 10
AIR Testing
SHS 9th-10th Grade (ELA)
Monday, April 10 - 7:00pm
9th Grade Academic Awards Night
SHS Auditorium
Friday, April 14
NO SCHOOL (Holiday Break)
Monday, April 17
NO SCHOOL (Holiday Break)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville High School recently earned a place on the 7th Annual AP® District Honor Roll, one of only 32 school districts in Ohio to earn this recognition. To be included on the Honor Roll, the District had to increase the number of students participating in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, while also increasing or maintaining the percentage of students earning AP Exam scores of three (3) or higher for the past three years. This is a fantastic accomplishment and a true testament to the students challenging themselves with rigorous courses and the talented teachers preparing them for AP tests and advanced coursework they will experience in college. Click HERE to meet some of our AP teachers and learn about how their students are benefitting from AP coursework at SHS.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN COLUMBUS
This week, Strongsville City Schools Treasurer George Anagnostou had the opportunity to travel to Columbus and testify before the House Finance Committee on Primary & Secondary Education. He shared testimony regarding the impact of Governor Kasich’s proposed budget reductions on public schools around the state, which amounts to a $3.5 million reduction of state funding dollars for Strongsville City Schools in just one year. His full testimony may be found HERE.
Please make your voice heard and express your disappointment and opposition to the Governor’s proposed budget reductions. YOUR OPINION MATTERS and we encourage you to reach out to both State Representative Thomas Patton and State Senator Matt Dolan. Below are links to letters that can simply be printed, signed, and mailed. If email is preferred, the letters can be copied and sent to Representative Thomas Patton (rep07@ohiohouse.gov) and Senator Matt Dolan (dolan@ohiosenate.gov).
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MURASKI ELEMENTARY FIRST GRADE TEACHER GAYLE KOESTNER
Ms. Gayle Koestner is a first grade teacher at Muraski Elementary School. Ms. Koestner has been in an educator role for 23 years - all with Strongsville City Schools!
A graduate of John Carroll University, Ms. Koestner began her career at Allen Elementary, teaching 6th grade for one year and then moving to 1st grade. She has been with our first grade students ever since. Ms. Koestner also has earned a Master’s Degree from Baldwin Wallace University.
“Our students are so eager to learn. There is never a dull moment with first graders! I really enjoy the staff at Muraski and work especially well with my grade level colleagues and our Principal,” said Ms. Koestner.
Thank you Ms. Koestner for helping to begin the academic journey of so many Strongsville students and being a positive influence for our first graders!
KIDS FEST AT SHS - SATURDAY, APRIL 8
Students from the Strongsville High School Leadership Academy are hosting a Kids Fest at SHS TOMORROW (Saturday, April 8). The Kids Fest is from 1pm-4pm and is for students in grades K-5 who live in Strongsville. Admission is $5 per child and includes unlimited fun - including games, activities, and crafts! ALL proceeds will directly benefit the Team Strongsville Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grants. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grants are available to ANY Strongsville resident ages 3-18 who want to make a difference in our community and in our world! To apply for a grant, click HERE.
SHS JUNIOR ASHLEY QUIRINO VISITS WASHINGTON DC TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR TSC
At the beginning of last month, Ashley Quirino, a Strongsville High School junior, made an important trip to Washington DC to advocate for research dollars and raise awareness for a rare genetic disorder - Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Ashley and her mom, Lori, met with Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman, and several House Representatives from Ohio. Ashley was advocating on behalf of her younger sister, Chloe (age 7), who has Tuberous Sclerosis.
TSC is a multisystem genetic disorder that causes tumors in various organs, primarily the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, skin, liver and lungs. People with TSC often develop epilepsy, autism and learning and behavioral disorders. TSC is estimated to affect nearly 50,000 people in the U.S., and more than 1 million worldwide. Currently, there is no cure. However, TSC is considered a linchpin disease so any discoveries made in TSC research may also impact other diseases like epilepsy, autism, and even cancer.
The press release detailing the Quirino family and their fight against TSC may be found HERE.
SHS TEAM WINS ACADEMIC CHALLENGE
Congratulations to Daniel Morris, Harold Morton, and Suraj Srinivasan who competed against teams from Cleveland Hts. and Shaker Hts. in last week’s Academic Challenge. SHS won the match and is currently in the Top 10 for Academic Challenge team points. If Strongsville remains in the Top 10, they will split $20,000 with the other top scoring teams to be used for educational needs for all students at the school, courtesy of Academic Challenge sponsor Westfield Insurance.
Congratulations also to team alternates Charles Rygalski and Alyssa Reinhardt and coaches Mr. Mike Sack, Mr. Steve Diedrick, and Ms. Carol McKnight.
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL IS A FOX 8 “COOL SCHOOL”
Congratulations to Strongsville Middle School! SMS is this week’s FOX 8 “Cool School.” We are looking forward to FOX 8 visiting and seeing our students, teachers, and staff that make SMS a great place to learn. Stay tuned to FOX 8 next week for an SMS visit to the Morning Show and this “Cool School” recognition.
AMERICAN LEGION HELPS SHS ADD AMERICAN FLAGS TO ALL CLASSROOMS
All Strongsville High School classrooms will now have American Flags, thanks to a generous donation from American Legion 91 in Berea. SHS Assistant Principal Mr. Brian Tumino initiated the contact that led to the American Legion stepping forward and helping complete the classrooms at the high school. WOIO Channel 19 was at SHS this week to report on this STORY.
TEEN IDOL COMPETITION AT SHS - SATURDAY, APRIL 8
Make plans to enjoy a night of fantastic music as SHS students sing and compete for this year’s “SHS Teen Idol” crown. See student performances that would impress even Simon Cowell! The competition begins at 7:00pm tomorrow night (Saturday, 4/8) in the SHS Auditorium - click HERE for the event details.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AT SOUTHPARK MALL - TUESDAY, APRIL 25TH
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 25 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at SouthPark Mall. The focus will be on our District’s Student Services and Special Education services and offerings. This is an informal setting to have your questions answered. Andy Trujillo, our Director of Special Education, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
Elementary Grades 2-3
- June 12th – 30th / Monday-Friday / 9:00am-11:30am / Strongsville HS Media Center
- By invitation only (no cost)
- Letters will be sent home in the coming weeks
- Summer School Principal - Mr. Greg Pollock, Chapman Elementary Principal
Middle & High School Grades 7-12
- June 12th – 30th / Monday-Friday / 7:30am-11:30am or 12:00pm-4:00pm dependent on course schedule @ SHS
- $175 per course / ($225 non-resident)
- Courses offered for credit advancement - Economics, Health, Physical Education, Personal Finance
In addition, SCS will offer Middle School and High School courses online for credit recovery (June 13-July 13, 2017), Monday through Thursday (AM). Please work with your building Principal and/or counselor to determine if your student is in need of summer school. All courses are online with open lab hours in the mornings for teachers to meet with students and assist with questions. These lab hours are mandatory for middle school students and optional for high school students. Registration forms will be available on the district website in the coming month. Our summer school administrator is Mr. Greg Pollock, Chapman Elementary Principal.
WANTED: LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR SHS JOB FAIR & SENIOR PROJECT EXPERIENCES
Attention local businesses - there are two opportunities to partner with Strongsville High School in the coming months. SHS is hosting a Job Fair on May 17th, giving businesses the chance to interview students for potential part-time/summer work. SHS is also in need of businesses to sponsor Senior Projects for students interested in exploring career options. Please click HERE for a letter outlining additional details and information.
KYRIE IRVING YOUTH BASKETBALL PROCAMP AT SHS
Mustang basketball players, don’t miss your opportunity to attend a two-day camp featuring Cavs All-Star Kyrie Irving. The camp is open to boys and girls in grades 1-12 and will be held July 8-9 at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for more information and registration details.
“ELECTRIFY YOUR STRINGS” CONCERT COMING TO STRONGSVILLE
”Electrify Your Strings” is coming to Strongsville High School! Renowned violinist Haydn Vitera will be performing with the SMS and SHS Orchestras on Friday, April 21st. There will be two shows – early show at 6:00 p.m. and the late show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for General Admission and $15.00 for Reserved Seating. Advanced tickets are available by clicking the links below:
LINK for 6pm show
LINK for 8pm show
For additional questions and information, please email: simborchestraparent@gmail.com. A direct link for ticket sales and volunteer opportunities is also available HERE.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Arts in Strongsville Family Chalk Walk
The 7th Annual Arts in Strongsville Family Chalk Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th from 9:00am - 1:30pm at the Strongsville Commons (Corner of Route 82 & Route 42). Cash prizes will be awarded for various age categories! Click HERE to register for this event.
Child Safe Community Day Fair
Don’t miss the 13th Annual Child Safe Community Day Fair, presented by the Rotary Club of Strongsville. The Fair will be held at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center on Sunday, April 9th from 1:00pm-4:00pm and features activities for kids of all ages. Click HERE for additional event details.
Girl Scout Daisy Garden Journey Program
Attention girls entering kindergarten in the fall - join the Daisy Garden Journey program! On four days in June (20, 22, 27, and 29) from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, girls will meet at the Strongsville Backyard Preserve for crafts, games, songs, and caring for the Girl Scout garden. Click HERE for additional information.
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 25th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades 1-6 will emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps will not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but will also be a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps will be directed by former Strongsville High School and Kent State University player Mike Klinzing who has more than 25 years of basketball camp experience.
The HEAD START BASKETBALL CAMPS will be held at Strongsville High School. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, & July 10-14, 2017. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $85. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register: http://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps
Olmsted Performing Arts Musical
Olmsted Performing Arts presents an upcoming musical for the entire family - The Little Mermaid - April 21-23 at The Elyria High School Performing Arts Center. To purchase tickets, call 440.973.4363 or visit www.opatickets.com
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.
April Business Luncheon
Tuesday, April 18th - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Luncheon features guest speakers Beth Gantz & Lisa Hutson. $20 per person. Register at www.strongsvillechamber.com
All Chamber Day Golf Outing
Monday, May 8th - 11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
Register HERE
Business After Hours
Wednesday, May 10th - 5:30pm
SouthPark Mall
RSVP HERE
Transition Bootcamp
Introducing Transition Boosters 2017! These booster sessions are intended to provide information on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities. Families, individuals with disabilities, educators, and other professionals are invited to attend these sessions at no charge. Please see this FLYER for additional details and session offerings.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 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.
** All branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be CLOSED in celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 16th. Regular hours resume Monday, April 17, 2017.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter 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
Next class in April:
Saturday, April 8th / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Adobe Photoshop 101 & Adobe Illustrator 101
eBay I & II. Monday, April 10th and Wednesday, April 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Looking for a way to make some extra money without having to leave home? eBay may be your answer for that extra income in this current economy. Learn the secrets on how to get those items seen and sold. This is NOT your traditional eBay class. Learn how to protect yourself when using eBay and Paypal. Local Adult Education instructor, Peggy Muraco, will teach how to navigate the eBay website and how to register on eBay and Paypal the safe way. This is a two-part series. Please make sure that you are available to attend both classes.
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, April 15th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Just 4 U Student Friends and get involved at the Strongsville Branch and in your community. Pick up an application at the Teen Desk.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: "Sarcoidosis in Older Adults" Tuesday, April 18th from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Our speaker this month will be Doctor Lash from Southwest General Hospital speaking on sarcoidosis - muscle wasting in seniors. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and South Park 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.
Code it! Video Game Design. Teens in grades 6-12. Tuesday, April 18th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Hone your coding skills at this workshop, where you will learn to edit code to tweak an existing game and make it your own.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be on Wednesday, April 19th. This month we will be discussing Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrick Backman. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Princess and Knight Parade. Ages 3-6 years old with Family. Saturday, April 22nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Once upon a time, Princesses and Knights came from far, far away to the land of Strongsville for a magical ball and parade held in honor of the queen. All in attendance are required to wear "formal dress." Listen to stories, do a craft, and learn manners are a must. Center based activities for the whole family.
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, April 24th. This month we will be discussing Being Mortal: Medicine & What Happens in the End by Atul Gawande. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Investing for Beginners. Monday, April 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
It’s Money Smart Week! Whether you’re approaching retirement age, just starting out on your own, or somewhere in the middle, you’ve begun to think about your financial future. The next step is to do something about it, but where do you begin? Financial planners from Skylight Financial Group will help you understand basic investing terms and explain how to build a portfolio.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, April 25th from 1:00 – 700 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.
Hearing Screenings. Thursday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon.
Southwest General Community Nurses are hosting a free hearing screening which will be offered by ENT Health Services, Inc. from Southwest General Health Center. Please call 440-816-4037 for an appointment.
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