Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 3)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - August 31, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Book Donation in Memory of Mrs. Pleskovic
Operating Levy FAQ’s
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Jay Mutti, 6th Grade Teacher at Strongsville Middle School
Calling All 5th Grade Musicians!
SHS Girls Cross Country
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Grade Students for the 2018-19 School Year
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters Mattress Fundraiser
SHS Grad Anthony Gallas (Class of ‘06) Elected to KSU Hall of Fame
Important Update for SHS Football Reserved Seat Ticket Sales
Mustang Express Princess (and Prince) Tea
Athletic Boosters Membership Drive
Join the SCS Crew
Bus Drivers Wanted
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
This year our 1:1 technology initiative continues, as all of our students at the high school now have their own Chromebook to use throughout the year, to utilize both in school and at home. 7th and 8th graders at Strongsville Middle School are also receiving their own Chromebook to be used throughout the school day. We are excited about offering our students this important technology tool and look forward to the efforts of our teachers to continue to integrate technology into their classrooms and lessons.
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, September 3
NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
Thursday, September 6
Surrarrer Elementary Picture Day
Thursday, September 6 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, September 7 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (for 6th - 8th graders)
Theme: Mustangs Spirit Wear
Monday, September 10
Strongsville High School Picture Day
Kinsner Elementary Picture Day
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our custodial staff and maintenance department had a busy summer. Several major projects were completed, as a direct result of the cost efficiencies and savings in managing the bond dollars for the middle school construction project and the renovations at the high school. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear from Mr. Steve Breckner, SCS Operations Manager, about the summer projects completed at our facilities by our maintenance department.
BOOK DONATION IN MEMORY OF MRS. PLESKOVIC
Last week, Scholastic Books visited the middle school and donated 160 books in honor of SMS Language Arts Teacher, Mrs. Melinda Pleskovic. Mrs. Pleskovic had a true passion for her students and a life-long love of reading and learning. Special thanks to Scholastic Books and SCS Director of Curriculum Ms. Erin Green for coordinating this donation.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OPERATING LEVY FAQ’S
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy on the ballot in November. The proposed 7.9 mill continuous operating levy will generate approximately $11.3 million annually for our District. The last operating levy for our District was passed in 2007. If passed, this operating levy will cost $23 per month for a $100,000 home. Click HERE for additional information on this proposed levy.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. JAY MUTTI, 6TH GRADE TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mr. Jay Mutti, 6th grade teacher on the Admirals team at Strongsville Middle School, is in his 24th year of teaching in our District. Mr. Mutti has worked at Whitney and Surrarrer Elementary schools, as well as SMS. A resident of our community, all five of his children have attended Strongsville City Schools. “We are so pleased with the social and academic skills they have attained at Strongsville Schools to prepare them for their next step in life,” said Mr. Mutti.
Mr. Mutti received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and his graduate degree from Cleveland State University. Outside of the classroom, he also has been able to help students give back to the community through the SMS Builder’s Club.
When asked what he likes best about working with his students, Mr. Mutti responded, “I enjoy building relationships with my students and their families. It is such a pleasure to watch students grow and develop into well rounded, independent individuals. Seeing students actively engaged in lessons and having fun while learning makes this job so meaningful.” He added this about the teachers he works with, “I have been truly blessed to have taught with excellent staffs at all of the schools that I have worked. I have been able to build friendships and learn from the very best. Everyone in this district is so supportive and willing to go out of their way to help.”
Thank you Mr. Mutti for being an important part of the growth and development of our 6th graders at Strongsville Middle School!
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE MUSICIANS!
Did you know that students who play an instrument perform better academically and make better social decisions than those who don’t?
Within the next few weeks, students will have the opportunity to become a member of the Strongsville City Schools nationally recognized band and orchestra programs! Our team of instrumental music specialists will visit each elementary school and demonstrate the instruments offered in the fifth grade band and orchestra. A few days following the demonstration, each student will have the opportunity to try the instruments and be sized by our expert staff.
An informational meeting for all interested fifth grade students and parents will take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 7:00 pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. If you are unable to attend, please email your school’s band and/or orchestra teacher.
Beginning band and orchestra lessons will start the week of September 17th!
SHS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
The Strongsville High School Girls Cross Country team had a strong showing in their first meet of the year at Berkshire last weekend. They finished 4th out of 14 teams. Leading the way for the Mustangs was Megan Vapenik who finished in 7th place with a time of 20:51. Following close behind was Marquis Globokar in 8th place with a time of 20:58. Joining Megan and Marquis were Amani Najjar, Meghan Monahan, Emily Adanitsch, Lane DiSalvo, Sydney Wingler, and Rachel Clifford. The girls will be competing again tomorrow (Sat. 9/1) at the Kenston Invitational. GO MUSTANGS!!
For additional Mustangs athletics news, schedules, photos, and more, visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR
Please remember, 7th & 12th grade students have to meet immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health. 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2018-19 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS MATTRESS FUNDRAISER
The Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters are holding their 10th annual mattress fundraiser at Strongsville High School on Saturday, September 8th from 10am-5pm. Mattresses of all sizes and name brands are available - save up to 50% off retail prices! Every purchase benefits the Strongsville music program. Click HERE for more information.
SHS GRAD ANTHONY GALLAS (CLASS OF ‘06) ELECTED TO KSU ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME
Congratulations to Anthony Gallas (SHS Class of ‘06), one of nine individuals being inducted into this year’s Kent State University Varsity "K" Athletics Hall of Fame class. Anthony is Kent State's career leader in runs batted in (224) and is tied for the career lead in home runs (49). A two-time All-MAC First Team selection, he also earned All-American honors as a senior. Signing as a free agent with the Cleveland Indians, he earned all-star selections in three different leagues over eight seasons in the minors. Anthony was also inducted into Strongsville’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. He was captain of the Strongsville High School 2006 state championship baseball team and was named Pioneer Conference baseball player of the year in 2005 and 2006. #foreveramustang
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SHS FOOTBALL RESERVED SEAT TICKET SALES
Please note the following change for reserved seat tickets for Mustangs football games this season. Reserved tickets will NOT be sold at the ticket windows on the night of home football games. For those fans interested in purchasing reserved seat tickets, please visit the Athletic Office at the high school from 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. For additional questions, contact the Athletic Department at 440.572.7102.
MUSTANG EXPRESS PRINCESS (& PRINCE) TEA
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Princess (& Prince) Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite Disney characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 3:30pm - on Saturday, September 15 at Strongsville High School. More event and registration information may be found HERE.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
This year's Strongsville Athletic Boosters membership drive is underway! Show your support of our athletic programs by becoming a booster member. This year, car magnets, stadium blankets, chairs, and student shout-outs are available for different membership levels! Join online: https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/Join
Contact Laura Housum, Membership Chair, at lhousum@gmail.com with any questions.
JOIN THE SCS CREW
Attention parents of middle school and high school students:
SCS Crew is looking for new members. The Crew is a talented team of video production members! Students in SCS Crew have the opportunity to be a part of the team that records district events throughout the school year - sports, concerts, Board of Education meetings, SHS Commencement, and MORE - for YouTube and our Strongsville City Schools TV channel. Interested students should contact Scott Benson by phone or email (440.572.7032 / sbenson@scsmustangs.org). Click HERE for a video about SCS Crew!
BUS DRIVERS WANTED
Applications are now being accepted for substitute bus drivers in our District. We are looking for motivated, energetic, part-time professional substitute drivers. This position features great pay, flexible hours, and is very rewarding. Requires CDL Class B, SP Endorsement, with training available. Please visit the Human Resources section of the Strongsville City Schools website (www.strongnet.org) or call 440.572.7060.
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
Brain Aneurysm Awareness 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Walk
Lisa Colagrossi (SHS Class of 1983) passed away suddenly three years ago from a brain aneurysm. Her family has established the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation to raise awareness about aneurysms. On Saturday, September 15, runners and walkers will join to help raise funds for brain aneurysm research and patient resources. The event takes place at the South Mastick Picnic Area in the Rocky River Reservation of the Metroparks (Fairview Park) and begins at 8:30am (registration at 7:30am). Register at www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/aneurysmawareness.asp and make sure to mention the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section of the registration form.
Breakfast on the Covered Bridge
Please join the Strongsville City Club for Breakfast on the Covered Bridge (Whitney Road), Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Discounted tickets are available in advance. Go to www.strongsvillecityclub.org/breakfast_on_the_bridge/ to purchase tickets, get directions and learn more about the event.
Head Start 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 on three consecutive Saturdays (September 8, 15, & 22) from 12 - 1 pm.
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.
Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216.392.4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register:
https://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps/762694-head-start-basketball-little-dribblers-program---fall-2018
FREE Square Dance Lessons
Solo Squares cordially invites you to join us for 3 free square dance lessons on Mondays: September 10th, 17th, & 24th from 7-9pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (276 Bagley Rd. / Berea). All ages are welcome + singles & couples are welcome! Come & see what square dancing is like! It’s a wonderful, wholesome family activity! It’s fun, friendship, & exercise, set to music! Questions? call Diane (440-779-8379) or Brenda (216-281-3958), or send an email to: bethf56@aol.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.
September Luncheon - “Get to Know Your City Council & School Board”
Tuesday, September 18
11:15am - 1:00pm
Location: TBD
$20 per person
Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, September 21
9:00am - 5:30pm
Shale Creek Golf Club
$110 per golfer
Deadline for Registration - September 11
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2018 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 visitwww.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
**All Library branches and administrative offices will be closed Sunday, September 2nd through Monday, September 3rd in honor of the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 4th.
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 back in session for September! 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 Audio and Video Recording Studios are now 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.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, September 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets the First Tuesdays of the month. A book club for adults who love Children and teen books. Please register in person. The topic for the next discussion is Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. An old red oak tree tells how he and his crow friend, Bongo, help their human neighbors get along after a threat against an immigrant family is carved into the tree's trunk.
Stop Motion Animation Workshop. For Teens ages 10-14. Wednesday, September 5th from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of stop motion animation and create a short video using 3D objects. Please bring a favorite toy or object from around the house and your creativity. 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.
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
Here are the upcoming classes:
Saturday, September 8th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Word 1.
Tuesday, September 11th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Email Basics.
Tuesday, September 11th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Internet Basics.
Wednesday, September 12th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Computer Basics.
Just4You Student Friends. Saturday, September 8th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and in your community and participate in volunteer opportunities at the library.
The Great American Read: The Wisdom of Comedy. Wednesday, September 12th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
We will be discussing Catch 22 by Joseph Heller, The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift, and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. You do not need to have read these titles to join the discussion. This book discussion will be led by David Huston from Siegal Lifelong Learning at Case Western Reserve University. To see the list of America's 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey) visitwww.pbs.org/the-great-american-read.
Toddler Fair. Ages 19-35 months with a caregiver. Friday, September 14th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Enjoy hands-on sensory activities using common household objects.
Fall Friends of Strongsville Library Book Sale Member’s Preview & Book Sale. Saturday, September 15th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Book Sale Open to the Public from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall 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.
Fall Friends of Strongsville Library Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, September 16th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. AND Monday, September 17th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The bag of books sale will begin 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. The bag sale will conclude on Monday. Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Functional Fitness for Older Adults. Tuesday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Join Wendy Zullo from LifeWorks of Southwest General to learn about this area of fitness that is often overlooked but is very important, especially for seniors. She will discuss what functional fitness is and what types of exercises are included. Registration is requested. 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.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Orthopedic Update. Wednesday, September 19th at 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. Our September speaker will be Ray Shijo, PT and one of Southwest General’s Orthopedic Surgeons. Join us to learn about orthopedic issues and their treatments. Refreshments served. Registration is requested. Register here or call (440) 238-5530 for more information.
Homework Mentor Open House. Wednesday, September 19th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Come meet the homework mentor to find out all about the homework help available to your child at the Library. The entire family is welcome.
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, September 19th. For this month, we are reading The Bear & the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. 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!
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 24th. Our next discussion title will be Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickham. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Fall Perennial Exchange. Wednesday, September 26th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Swap your perennials with your local Strongsville neighbors! Bring in plants that you would like to "swap" with others! You will receive 1 ticket for every "species" you bring in. Tickets will be picked at random which will permit the picking of plants! A great program to get something new for your home! Please arrive early (6:30pm-7:00pm) to set out your plants, the raffle will start promptly at 7:05pm and will run until we are out of plants.
App-ily Ever After Digital Storytime. For Families! Wednesday, September 26th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Come in and experience a completely digital interactive storytime in our recently renovated storytime room. View kids’ early literacy apps in action.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, September 28th from 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.
Introduction to Arduino for Adults. Saturday, September 29th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Like to experiment with electronics and tinker with technology? Learn how to build and program electronic circuits using Arduino Uno in this introductory class. All equipment will be provided. Participants must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program’s effectiveness. More information can be found atcuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
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