Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 22)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - FEBRUARY 2, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
‘Digital Danger’ Presentation at Strongsville Middle School (Monday, Feb. 5 - 6:30pm)
PTA Founders Day Recognizes District’s Outstanding Individuals
College Credit Plus Informational Meetings
New York Times Bestselling Author Visits Strongsville High School
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Laurel Maher, Science Teacher at Strongsville High School
Community Spaghetti Dinner - Friday, February 23 (5-7pm)
SHS Wind Ensemble Performs at Severance Hall
State of the Schools Presentation - Available On Demand!
Free Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (1/27-3/24)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 5 - 6:30pm
“Digital Danger Project: Drawing the Line with Social Media”
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, February 8
Parent/Teacher Conferences (after school / hours vary by building)
* School Still in Session
** College Credit Plus Meeting - 6:30pm (SHS Auditorium)
Friday, February 9 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ at the Rec Dance (6th - 8th Graders)
Ehrnfelt Rec Center
Theme: Wear Red
Wednesday, February 14
Parent/Teacher Conferences (after school / hours vary by building)
* School Still in Session
** College Credit Plus Meeting - 6:30pm (SHS Auditorium)
Friday, February 16
Conference Comp Day - NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 19
President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
One of the our focuses this academic year, as part of the District’s ‘Strong Schools 2020’ Plan is to continue to improve student writing instruction at all grade levels. Dr. Lori Wilfong, a literary specialist and professor at Kent State University, has been working with our District in a ‘Writer’s Workshop’ approach for the benefit of both our teachers and students. Click HERE as we visit with Chapman Elementary first grade teachers Mrs. Raiff and Mrs. Frey and see this process in action.
‘DIGITAL DANGER’ PRESENTATION AT STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL (MONDAY, FEB. 5 - 6:30PM)
The Strongsville City Schools Counseling Department presents an upcoming event on Monday, February 5 at Strongsville Middle School that parents will not want to miss - ‘Digital Danger Project: Drawing the Line with Social Media.’ Do you feel like your child is engaging in increasingly risky online behavior? If you think your child is safe online, think again. Although technology is a wonderful tool, new digital dangers are emerging and prevention practices and policies are struggling to keep up. Join Officer Don Stanko, a Franklin County police officer, as he presents to parents about the newest digital dangers involving social media. The night will also include parenting tips on how to keep children safe in an ever-increasing digitally dangerous world.
PTA FOUNDERS DAY RECOGNIZES DISTRICT’S OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUALS
Congratulations to the following individuals who were recognized at the annual PTA Founder’s Day event, honoring the special people in our District going ‘above and beyond’ for our students:
Whitney Elementary - Mrs. Debbie Gonczy
Strongsville Middle School - Mrs. Joan Battle
Strongsville High School - Mrs. Sarah Pfeiler
Strongsville Early Learning Preschool - Mrs. Marie Palanca
Surrarrer Elementary - Mrs. Kathy Cebula
Strongsville PTA Council - Mr. Cameron Ryba
Muraski Elementary - Mrs. Stacie Hershkovitz
Kinsner Elementary - Mrs. Michelle Toohey
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA - Mrs. Kimberly Vacanti
Chapman Elementary - Mrs. Nikky Freeman
PTA Founder's Day Honorees
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
There will be College Credit Plus (CCP) informational meetings for those students interested in earning college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. The informational meetings, for both parents and students, will be held on both Parent Conference Days (February 8th and 14th) at 6:30 pm in the SHS Auditorium. Ohio’s College Credit Plus allows qualified students in grades 7-12 to earn college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities. Taking a college course from a public college or university through College Credit Plus is free. That means there is no cost for tuition, books or fees. If a student chooses to attend a private college or university, there may be costs. The college will admit you based on your college-readiness in one or more subject areas. Your school counselor can help you understand your options, deadlines, and how to proceed. You may not participate in the College Credit Plus program beyond your anticipated high school graduation date. If you fail a class or withdraw after 14 days, you will have to pay for the expenses. Students interested in doing this must have their intent form to their school counselor by April 3, 2018
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR VISITS STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
This week, in cooperation with the Strongsville branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, the SHS English Department brought New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp to the high school for a special presentation to students. In front of a packed auditorium, Ms. Nijkamp spoke about her life journeys, the inspiration for her novels, and answered questions from our students. Special thanks to the Strongsville Library and to our SHS English teachers for bringing this opportunity to our students.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LAUREL MAHER, SCIENCE TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
This week’s Mustang Spotlight features a Strongsville High School teacher who is helping students reach for the stars! Mrs. Laurel Maher is the Science Department Chair at SHS. Mrs. Maher also runs a ‘hidden gem’ at the high school - the planetarium. In her 23rd year with our District, she teaches Earth System Science and Astronomy to our high school students; and leads a specially designed program for all of the 5th graders in the District about stars, seasons, and planets, which incorporates their very own visit to the high school’s planetarium.
Mrs. Maher has earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baldwin Wallace University. She is also a resident of Strongsville and has two children in our school district.
“My favorite part of my job is the people that I get to interact with everyday. It could be a student stopping by to say ‘hi’ from a previous year, a co-worker that gives you a smile as you pass one another in the hallway, or a class full of students really engaged in the activity at hand. I am also extremely honored to represent 13 amazing science teachers as the Science Department Chair. They continue to amaze and inspire me with the things they are doing in their classrooms,” says Mrs. Maher.
She adds, “We have such amazing students here in Strongsville. I really enjoy seeing my students learn new things. I always strive to make my classes educational and fun at the same time.”
Thank you Mrs. Maher for providing our students ‘out of this world’ experiences on a daily basis!
COMMUNITY SPAGHETTI DINNER - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 (5-7PM)
Join us for a Community Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, February 23 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Strongsville High School. Bring the whole family for pasta - and stay for the Mustangs varsity basketball game vs. Solon at 7:30pm. Tickets are $7 for Ages 13 & Older, $5 for ages 6-12, & FREE for ages 5 & under. All proceeds from the Community Spaghetti Dinner benefit the Strongsville Athletic Boosters, in support of all of our student-athletes in the District. For advanced ticket information, please click HERE.
SHS WIND ENSEMBLE PERFORMS AT SEVERANCE HALL
Congratulations to Strongsville High School's Wind Ensemble for their recent performance at Severance Hall. Strongsville was one of a select group of local schools asked to participate in this full day of performances from talented musicians and groups throughout our area. What an honor to perform on the same stage as our internationally know Cleveland Orchestra!
STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - AVAILABLE ON DEMAND!
Did you miss the recent ‘State of the Schools’ Presentation delivered by Superintendent Cameron Ryba? The entire presentation can be viewed online and on demand HERE. The Strongsville City Schools YouTube Channel features this presentation, as well as concerts, Board of Education meetings, and other school events, to be viewed whenever it is convenient for your schedule.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (1/27-3/24)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! Beginning TOMORROW (Saturday, January 27) and continuing through March 24, boys and girls ages 7-14 will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Women’s League Carriage Museum Tour
Women who live or work in Strongsville are invited to a unique opportunity to experience a little known gem in Strongsville. Not generally open to the public, farm owner Cynthia Hossfeld will give a tour and historical presentation of her Horse Carriage Collection in her warm, beautiful barn museum. This free event, hosted by Strongsville Women’s League, will be held on Wednesday, February 7th at 7:00 p.m. The Carriage Collection is located at 11698 Handle Rd. in Strongsville. Light refreshments will be served following the tour. www.strongsvillewomensleague.org
Strongsville Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event
Join the Kiwanis Club of Strongsville on Saturday, February 24 from 10:00am - 12:30pm at the Strongsville Library for their “Read Around the World” event. The program and its activities are intended for preschool and K – 3rd graders. This is a FREE event for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.). Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books
Students from St. Joseph & 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 children’s stories
St. Joseph & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
Appearances of several characters from children’s literature in costumes.
Each child will have the opportunity to pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
Northeast Ohio Flag Football League
Attention youth football players - there’s a new opportunity waiting for you! The Northeast Ohio Flag Football League is coming to Strongsville for boys and girls ages 5-12. Endorsed by SHS Head Football Coach Lou Cirino, the spring league is now forming. Click HERE for additional information on the Northeast Ohio Flag Football League.
Family Resource Fair
Berea PTA Council is hosting a free event that is inclusive for all families (and all abilities). This Family Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, March 10 from 9am - 12pm at the Middleburg Hts. Community Center (16000 Baglet Rd.). The Fair will have over 55 exhibitors sharing resources for children. Families can expect to find resources including summer programs and camps, various activities including music, art, sports, and social groups, therapy and counseling services, and much more. By putting all these resources under one roof, we hope to help families explore options for their children. This fair has something for everyone regardless of their developmental needs. Click HERE for the event flyer or visit http://www.berea.k12.oh.us/resourcefair for additional information.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
The second session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club begins this month at Muraski Elementary School. Join us on Fridays from 5:00pm - 6:30pm for heart-pumping exercise and FUN! Click HERE for additional information.
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, including February 19 and March 30, is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
Strongsville Community Theatre - “Tribute to Broadway” Show
Strongsville Community Theatre announces a special benefit show on Friday, February 9th and Saturday, February 10th at the Strongsville Old Town Hall. It’s a “Tribute to Broadway” Show in support of the Strongsville Community Theatre. Hear some of your favorite vintage, as well as current, Broadway tunes performed by local and nearby talent. Make it a special night out and treat yourself to a pre-Valentine celebration and an evening of lighthearted fun and music. Performances are at 7:30pm each night. Visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or call 440.879.8817 for ticket information.
Preschool Prom
The “Under the Sea” Preschool Prom is scheduled for Sunday, February 11 from 3:30pm - 6:00pm at Strongsville Middle School. The Preschool Prom is a fun-filled, energetic dance geared for preschool-aged children and their families. Enjoy dinner, dancing, entertainment, raffles, and MORE! Click HERE for additional details and ticket information.
Case Western Reserve University Engineering Carnival
Make plans to attend the upcoming Case Western Reserve University Engineering Carnival. It’s a FREE event geared toward PreK - 8th grade students and their families. The Carnival happens on Saturday, February 3 from 11am - 3pm in the Thwing Building on the CWRU campus. Click HERE for more information and the event flyer.
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.
2018 Networking Night at the Great Big Home & Garden Show
February 8, 2018
4:00pm - 6:00pm
February Luncheon - Community Opiate Outreach Program
Presented by Strongsville Police Chief Mark Fender
February 20, 2018
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
April Luncheon - Recognizing This Year’s Class of SHS Distinguished Alumni
April 17, 2018
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
** Please Note Revised Dates for Strongsville’s Annual Homecoming (July 25 - 28)
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2018 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 Winter story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
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:
Monday, February 5th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. PowerPoint 101: Slideshow Creation
Tuesday, February 6th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Computers 101
Tuesday, February 6th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Internet 101: Basics
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, February 6th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meets the first Tuesday of the month (except where noted.) This is a book club for adults who love Childrens’ and teen books. Please register in person. The topic for the February discussion is...Orphan Train Girl by Christina Baker Kline. Ordered to perform community service helping an elderly woman, Molly, and embittered foster child, is welcomed by her ninety-one-year-old host who reveals her own past as an orphan while organizing personal mementos.
Passport to Better Health: Matters of the Heart. Thursday, February 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Southwest General Community Nurses present this evening speaker series designed for women. Talks will be held the second Thursday of each even month at 7 p.m. at Strongsville Branch Library. This month's talk will be presented by Amy Marke, RN from Southwest General. She will present a talk about women’s heart health. The community nurses will also perform BP/ glucose/ body fat & BMI screenings on all participants.
Wow Factor: 150 Years of Collecting Bold Clothes. Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Clevelanders use fashion to stand out in a crowd. Learn more about our city's trendsetters - who they were and where they shopped. Share in the images and stories that make up the Western Reserve Historical Society's current exhibit in the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing.
Chinese New Year Celebration. Grades K – 4. Saturday, February 7th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for a celebration of Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dog - with stories games and crafts.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Heart Healthy Eating. Tuesday, February 20th at 10:00 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 Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian at Southwest General Health Center. Take this opportunity to take care of your heart. Ms. Dunbar will discuss heart healthy eating. Learn how to enjoy a low sodium low fat low cholesterol lifestyle. She will also teach us to interpret food labels in relation to heart smart eating! Registration is requested. 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.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Wednesday February 21st 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.
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, February 21st. This month we will be discussing Lilac Girls: a Novel by Martha Hall Kelly. 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!
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 24th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a current book to take home and members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to them. The Sts. Joseph and John Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting storytelling and light refreshments. No registration needed for this free event.
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, February 26th. Our February discussion title will be Hidden Figures: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation Into Space by Margot Lee Shetterly. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
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