Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 35)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - May 12, 2017
Important Dates to Remember 60 Seconds with the Superintendent Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus Mrs. Kim Kaminski Awarded Outstanding District Educator by Strongsville Council PTA SCS Elementary School “Food Fight” Mustang Spotlight - SMS Assistant Custodian Marty Brickner Community Use of Strongsville Middle School Track Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing Attention students: SHS Job Fair - Wednesday, May 17 University of Notre Dame Performance at SMS - Monday, May 15 “Fame: The Musical!” Comes to SHS Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders for the 2017-18 School Year Strongsville High School Community Open House - Saturday, May 13 (4-6pm) Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations Strongsville Instrumental Boosters Golf Outing
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Friday, May 12) - 7:30pm
TOMORROW (Saturday, May 13) - 7:30pm
SHS Musical - “FAME - The Musical!”
SHS Auditorium
*Musical Includes Mature Themes (PG-13)
TONIGHT (Friday, May 12) - 6:30pm
Chapman Talent Show
Chapman Gymnasium
TOMORROW (Saturday, May 13) - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
SHS Community Open House
Strongsville High School
Monday, May 15 - 7:00pm
University of Notre Dame Band Performance
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Friday, May 19 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ at the Rec Dance
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Dance for CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th graders
Theme: DARE
Tuesday, May 23 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
Strongsville Middle School
Click HERE for a complete listing of SCS events in the month of May
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville Council PTA is a dedicated group of parents supporting our District. They volunteer countless hours to make our schools an even better place for staff and students. We appreciate the work of the Strongsville Council PTA and their contributions to our District. Click HERE for this week’s episode highlighting this special group.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN COLUMBUS
The legislators in Columbus have been listening, but we cannot stop delivering our message! Please take the time to contact our state representatives and make your voice heard. The impact of Governor Kasich’s proposed budget reductions on public schools around the state is real, and it amounts to a $3.5 million reduction of state funding dollars for Strongsville City Schools in just one year. Superintendent Cameron Ryba made a return visit to Columbus this week to testify before the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education. His full testimony may be found HERE.
Please share 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).
MRS. KIM KAMINSKI AWARDED OUTSTANDING DISTRICT EDUCATOR BY STRONGSVILLE COUNCIL PTA
Mrs. Kim Kaminski, third grade teacher at Kinsner Elementary has been named Outstanding District Educator for the 2016-17 school year. This annual award is presented by Strongsville Council PTA and recognizes an instructor dedicated to the missions and purposes of PTA, such as promoting the welfare of children at home, school, and in the community. In addition, recognized individuals must demonstrate a united effort between educators and the public so that children have the highest advantages in physical, mental, and social education.
Mrs. Kaminski is in her 27th year of education - and she has spent her entire career with Strongsville City Schools! A graduate of Baldwin Wallace, her student teaching assignments were at Chapman and Strongsville High School. She has also worked at Drake and Zellers in our District. The press release regarding this award may be found HERE. Congratulations Mrs. Kaminski!
SCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “FOOD FIGHT”
Elementary schools in our District will soon be having a “food fight” to benefit the Strongsville Food Bank. Students at each of our elementary schools are encouraged to bring donations during the week of May 22 in a friendly competition of which school can collect the most food. The Strongsville Food Bank is in need of the following items: peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, tuna fish, canned fruit, and canned vegetables. We can’t wait to crown the winning school in this year’s “Food Fight.”
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT CUSTODIAN MR. MARTY BRICKNER
A familiar face around Strongsville Middle School, Mr. Marty Brickner, Assistant Custodian, is this week’s Mustang Spotlight. This is Mr. Brickner’s third year with our District, having also spent time in support services, as well as Center Middle School and our Administrative offices. Mr. Brickner is a lifelong Strongsville resident and attended Allen Elementary and Albion Junior High before graduating from Strongsville High School (Class of ‘77). He owned his own plumbing and maintenance business and also worked at Baldwin Wallace University before coming to our District.
“We have a strong team at the Middle School,” said Mr. Brickner. “We have done away with the old saying ‘that’s not my area’ and have the mindset that the whole building is ‘our area.’ We support each other and take great pride in the upkeep of this new facility. Our teaching staff deserves a lot of credit. They are very conscientious in working with us and collaborating in making Strongsville Middle School a safe, clean, and inviting environment for our students.”
He adds, “When we are able to provide this type of environment, the students see this when they walk in the doors each morning - and I believe this helps them and hopefully makes their day a little bit better, right from the start.”
Thank you Mr. Brickner for the care and pride that you display on a daily basis in making sure our students, teachers, and staff always have a welcoming place to learn, grow, and develop!
COMMUNITY USE OF STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK
As the weather turns warmer in Northeast Ohio, we encourage our community to make use of our track and synthetic turf facilities at Strongsville Middle School. If doing so, we ask that you please observe the following guidelines:
When fields and tracks are not in use by a Strongsville athletic team or other school-related programming, these facilities are available for use by the community.
Please note: If a Strongsville Middle School class is utilizing the field / track area, the community is asked to refrain from use at that time and instead enjoy the use of these facilities when not occupied by studentsStrongsville Middle School turf field and track areas are open during daylight hours.
We encourage any community member to call the athletic department to reserve a time or to check availability.
Prohibited items include: tobacco products, sunflower seeds, colored drinks, chewing gum; no smoking is allowed; no open flames of any kind; no sharp objects or glass of any kind; no pets allowed; no metal cleats; no motorized vehicles; no golf equipment of any kind.
As always, your cooperation and understanding is greatly appreciated when utilizing our District’s facilities.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
Join the Strongsville Athletic Booster Club for their 4th Annual Golf Outing on June 10th. This year's outing will be held at Cossett Creek Golf Course in Brunswick. Follow this LINK for online registration or download this FORM for a hard copy. There are a limited number of foursomes available so reserve your spot today! You can hold a foursome by emailing sarahpfeiler@gmail.com or koulakadras@yahoo.com. This annual event is a hallmark fundraiser for the athletic booster club. The funds raised at this event help support the entire athletic program and your participation is appreciated. GO MUSTANGS!
ATTENTION STUDENTS: SHS JOB FAIR - WEDNESDAY, MAY 17
Strongsville High School students who are looking for a summer job should make plans to attend the SHS Job Fair on Wednesday, May 17. Signups are currently underway for ten minute interview sessions with various local businesses. Click HERE to reserve your interview time**. The Job Fair will be held in the SHS Main Gymnasium. Should you have additional questions please contact Ms. Hussong in the Guidance Office.
**Students may only attend an interview during their lunch period, study hall, or a class where the teacher has approved an absence.
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME BAND PERFORMANCE AT SMS - MONDAY, MAY 15
Don’t miss the opportunity to see the oldest college band in the United States - the University of Notre Dame Band! They will be performing, as part of their national tour, at Strongsville Middle School on Monday, May 15 at 7:00pm in the SMS Auditorium.
"FAME: THE MUSICAL!" COMES TO SHS
There are still ways to enjoy the talents of our students in the SHS Spring Musical - “Fame: The Musical!” Performances are TONIGHT (Friday, May 12) at 7:30pm, and TOMORROW (Saturday, May 13) at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Visit famestrongsville.brownpapertickets.com to purchase advance tickets. (Due to some mature situations within the story, parental guidance is recommended - PG13)
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
Please note the following immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health:
All students entering 7th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade:
One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4]
One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine
All students entering 12th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 12th grade:
Two (2) doses of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
* If the vaccine is administered on or after the student’s 16th birthday, only one (1) dose of MCV4 is required.
* If the student is in 12th grade and is 15 years of age or younger only one (1) dose of MCV4 is required.
7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2017-18 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
Strongsville City Schools Health Services
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 HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, MAY 13 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Don't miss your opportunity to see the newly renovated Strongsville High School! SHS will be open to the public TOMORROW (Sat. 5/13) from 4-6pm. It's your chance to see the refurbished auditorium, the brand new gymnasium and cafeteria areas, the renovated Media Center, and the upgraded classrooms. And make plans to stay for the performance of "FAME: The Musical!" by our SHS students. The musical starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $10 for students. (Due to some mature situations within the story, parental guidance is recommended - PG13)
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
The Strongsville Athletic Department is accepting nominations for its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Former athletes, administrators, coaches or other supporters of Mustang athletics may be considered. Please use this FORM to submit your nomination today. If you prefer a paper copy of the form, print the nomination form using this LINK. The Hall of Fame committee meets annually and this year's class will be announced at an upcoming football game this fall. Thank you for taking the time to nominate a former Mustang.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Upcoming Event at Cleat’s to Benefit Handloser Family
Cleat’s will be hosting an event on Friday, June 2 from 7:00pm - 10:00pm for food, friendship, fun, and most importantly to help the Handloser family. Tommy Handloser is a Strongsville High School senior who is currently battling a rare form of lymphoma. Food, drinks, silent auction items, ticket bag raffles, side boards and good times guaranteed! All donations raised will go to offset medical expenses for the Handloser family and are tax deductible. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Carwash Benefiting the SHS Football Team
The Mustangs varsity football team is having a carwash fundraiser on Sunday, May 21st from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Cuyahoga Landmark Marathon Station (12966 Prospect Ave.). Get your vehicle clean and support our Mustangs football team! Click HERE for additional details.
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance
The next Rockin’ at the Rec Dance is Friday, May 19 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The theme for the May 19 dance is DARE, and is only open to CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th graders. This is the first opportunity for our 5th graders to experience Rockin’ at the Rec. Tickets will be on sale Wednesday (5/17) and Thursday (5/18) during lunch periods and Thursday (5/18) from 6-8:00pm at the Rec Center for $5. Tickets are also available for $10 at the door.
Rockin at the Rec is Council PTA's only fundraiser, and the funds raised go toward assemblies for all grade levels, grants for teachers/staff to purchase items that are used directly in the classrooms, as well as scholarships for graduating seniors. So, not only is this a fun activity for our middle schoolers each month, it is how we are able to give back to them during the school day, as well. This is also a great opportunity for you to see what Rockin’ at the Rec is all about, and it only takes a couple of hours of your time to help. Please help support this worthwhile fundraiser by signing up for a shift using this LINK. Parent volunteers will receive a free ticket for their child.
KICK Diabetes 3v3 Soccer Tournament
Strongsville Soccer Organization presents the KICK Diabetes 3v3 Soccer Tournament on June 17 from 8:30am - 12:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Soccer Complex on Foltz Industrial Parkway in Strongsville. The tournament is open to girls ages 8-12 and all proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Click HERE for more information about registering a team for this worthwhile cause.
Strongsville Football League (SFL) Registration
Registration is now open for the Strongsville Football League (SFL)! SFL welcomes players in grades K-6 and cheerleaders in grades K-8. Join the league supported by Strongsville’s high school football program and its new varsity football coach, Lou Cirino. Click HERE for additional registration information or visit www.StrongsvilleFootballLeague.com.
C’s The Day Summer Camp
Make plans for the first “C’s the Day Summer Camp” June 19-23 at Albion Woods. The camp is open to students in grades 1-7 and focuses on opportunities to develop skills for balanced living and service. It’s a camp to also inspire caring, service, creativity and confidence and to encourage personal wellness, fitness, and promote healthy habits. Click HERE for the camp flyer or visit the camp WEBSITE.
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.
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
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.
May Business Luncheon
Tuesday, May 16th - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Scholarship Awards & Military Student Recognition Luncheon
Luncheon Tickets are $20 / person
Visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to purchase tickets
Women in Business Breakfast
Wednesday, May 24 - 7:30am
Strongsville Holiday Inn
Guest speaker and financial advisor Bear Rupert will lead the discussion about “Women & Investing”
Tickets are $20 / person
Visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to purchase tickets
Strongsville Library
Please note the following May 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 Memorial Day from Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, May 30th at 9:00 a.m.
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 on hiatus for the month of May. We will resume story time sessions in June. Please call the library for more information about our Summer story time sessions.
Build a Better World: Summer Reading Program. Saturday, June 3rd – Saturday, August 5th. All Ages!
Save the Date! Our 2017 Summer Reading Game will begin on Saturday, June 3rd. Readers of all ages can register to participate. Pre-register starting Monday, May 1st. Registration prizes will be available at your local branch beginning June 3rd while supplies last. Read all summer long & have a chance to win some great prizes!
Summer Camps!
Registration for Summer Camps begins May 10th at 9 a.m. Make your plans and register early as space is limited. Check out the camp selections online at http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Summer-Reading/Summer-Camps.aspx
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.
Birding for Beginners Series. Saturdays, May 6, 13, & 20th from 2 – 3 p.m.
Learn the basics of birding and how to make your backyard a haven for wildlife. In this interactive series, Nancy Howell from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will explain the basics of bird watching. You will learn how to read a field guide, what birds are likely to be seen in our area, where to see birds, and what to plant to attract birds to your yard. **Note: Week 3 of this series will be spent outdoors.
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 May’s upcoming classes:
Monday, May 22nd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 201: Data Analysis
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Whole Food Nutrition For Good Health and Weight Loss. Tuesday, May 16th 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 Wendy Zullo from Lifeworks. Eating real whole foods, those free from processing, additives and extra sugar can leave you feeling fuller and more satisfied. It can also ensure you meet your nutritional needs and help you lose weight!. 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.
Weird Science: Physics of Roller Coasters. Grades 5 – 9. Tuesday, May 16th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Explore some fundamental physics concepts as you design and build model roller coasters.
Options for Hip & Knee Arthritis: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Serie. Wednesday, May 17th from 10:00 – 11:00 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 May speaker will be Brett McCoy, MD of Orthopedics from Southwest General speaking on Hip & Knee Arthritis. He will discuss current approaches to hip and knee arthritis, from non-surgical to surgical options. Come learn how advances in technologies mean a quicker recovery and improved outcomes. Refreshments served.
Meet Author Mindy McGinnis. Wednesday, May 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Ohio author Mindy McGinnis will visit to talk about her dark and riveting contemporary YA novel, The Female of the Species. Upon its release, the book received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly and has since topped numerous Best of 2016 lists, including School Library Journal and Seventeen. Mindy is also the author of the Edgar Award winner A Madness So Discreet, the post-apocalyptic duo Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, and Given to the Sea, which will be released later this year. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
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, May 17th. This month we will be discussing The Race for Paris: a Novel by Meg Waite Clayton. 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!
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, May 20th 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.
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, May 22nd. This month we will be discussing My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrick Backman. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, May 23rd 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.
Meet Author Craig Johnson. Wednesday, May 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Meet Craig Johnson, author of the New York Times bestselling Longmire series. In the latest novella, The Highwayman, Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire and longtime friend Henry Standing Bear embark on another adventure that pits them against a mysterious legend. Craig’s award-winning books are also the basis for the hit Netflix original series, Longmire. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry.
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