Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 9)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - October 13, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SHS Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2017
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Becky Hopp, Kindergarten Teacher at Whitney Elementary
New Strongsville Athletics Website + Boys Basketball Pre-Season All-Star Game
‘Where I’m From’ Strongsville T-Shirt to Benefit SCS
Breakfast Options for Our Students
2nd Annual Greet & Treat (Thu. 10/26)
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
‘Junior Mustangs’ Basketball Program
SHS Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” (Sat. 10/21)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, October 18 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Orchestra Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, October 19 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Orchestra Concert
SMS Auditorium
Thursday, October 19 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, October 20
Early Release Day
Click HERE for Early Release Times
Wednesday, October 25 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Fall Choral Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, October 26 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
‘Greet & Treat’
Strongsville Middle School
Thursday, October 26 - 7:00pm
Kinsner Elementary 3rd Grade Music Program (“Bugz”)
Friday, October 27 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
D.A.R.E. Halloween Party (5th & 6th Graders)
Michaud’s
Click HERE for a complete listing of October events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
What’s cooking at Strongsville City Schools? There are many different food options our students have when it comes to both breakfast and lunch. Healthy, nutritious, and delicious foods are available every day in our District. Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ feature, where we visit with Chef Mike Nowosielski, Food Services Director and learn how he and his team of cafeteria workers are making meals unique at SCS.
SHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF 2017
The 32nd Annual SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction was held this week and six new members make up the Class of 2017. Congratulations to:
Colby Alexander - SHS Class of 2010 (Track and Field)
Gregg Coreno - SHS Class of 2004 (Soccer, Football, Track and Field)
Bruce Murphy - SHS Class of 2000 (Soccer)
Kristin Papushak-Hubbell - SHS Class of 1996 (Softball, Volleyball)
Aaron White - SHS Class of 2011 (Basketball)
Bob Jirik - Honorary Inductee
Also recognized at the induction ceremony was this year’s ‘Cappy Scholarship of Excellence.’ This scholarship is named for Bob Cappy, a longtime member of the HOF committee and the Strongsville community. Noah Trizzino (SHS Class of 2017) is this year’s recipient. Noah was a 4.0 student-athlete for the Mustangs and competed on both the basketball and baseball teams. He is currently studying at Kent State University.
Click HERE for the full story on the recent SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. BECKY HOPP, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Becky Hopp is one of our kindergarten teachers at Whitney Elementary School. After graduating from Baldwin Wallace with degrees in both early childhood education and special education, Mrs. Hopp taught in Florida and North Carolina, before returning to Northeast Ohio. She has worked at Whitney Elementary since 2013. Mrs. Hopp serves on the Building Leadership Team at Whitney, and is also the kindergarten representative for the District’s English Language Arts Committee.
Mrs. Hopp says, “I think being a kindergarten teacher at Whitney really is the best job, because I get to see the kids grow up from kindergarten to fifth grade. I feel very lucky to be able to be here and help the students learn. Whitney students are eager to learn and help one another. My classes are always interested in learning how to be the best Whitney citizen they can be by learning about and displaying their MUSTANG PRIDE. My kindergarten students want to learn about manners and how to put others first. Another thing I love about working with Whitney students is seeing them go from pre-readers to emergent readers by the end of the year. It is a challenge to set them up for success in their reading groups, but it is worth it because it is so amazing to see their confidence grow!”
She adds, “Whitney has a great sense of community among parents, teachers, and students. I truly believe that can be attributed to our leadership and collaboration among teachers and parents, especially our PTA! Students are always invited to take ownership of their learning everywhere they go at Whitney! We really have a lot of fun here at Whitney - our staff gets along and works together, setting positive examples for our students at Whitney!”
Thank you Mrs. Hopp for building confidence in our youngest students and developing young positive role models in our District!
NEW STRONGSVILLE ATHLETICS WEBSITE + BOYS BASKETBALL PRE-SEASON ALL STAR GAME
Visit the NEW Strongsville Athletics website: www.strongsvilleathletics.org
Featuring stories, information, schedules, and photo galleries, strongsvilleathletics.org is the best place to stay up to date about our Mustangs teams - including this STORY about senior basketball players Ali Awada, Bernie McGivern, and Omari Peek and their recent selection to the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association Pre-Season All-Star Basketball Showcase game.
‘WHERE I’M FROM’ STRONGSVILLE T-SHIRT TO BENEFIT SCS
Beginning on Tuesday, October 17, a limited edition Strongsville t-shirt will be available at ‘Where I’m From’ in SouthPark Mall. All of the proceeds from the sale of this shirt will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation, and specifically for the funding of field trips for students in kindergarten - eighth grade. The t-shirts retail for $29 and are a high quality, super soft, ultra comfortable tri-blend material and 100% made in the USA. Get your “Ville” t-shirts on October 17!
BREAKFAST OPTIONS FOR OUR STUDENTS
Did you know that breakfast is available to students in our District? There is something for everyone including mini-bagels, breakfast bars, muffins, yogurts, string cheese, cereals, fresh fruit and fruit juice. Why is it important for students to make eating breakfast a part of their regular morning routine? Some of the benefits of eating breakfast include: reducing stress levels, improving attention in the classroom, increasing energy levels, and fighting illnesses with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients found in healthy breakfast foods. Check out the many breakfast options at your school each morning!
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. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 26!
SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS
Know of a graduate of Strongsville High School who is an exceptional businessperson, community member, charitable volunteer, educator, etc.? We are now accepting nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni program. A new class will be inducted in April, 2018. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
JUNIOR MUSTANGS BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Sign up today for the “Junior Mustangs” basketball program! The Junior Mustangs program includes six Saturday morning skill sessions, instructed by SHS boys and girls basketball coaches and SHS student-athletes. It’s open to all youth basketball players in grades K-8. Click HERE for additional information and the Junior Mustangs registration form.
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
SMS PTA Flapjack Fundraiser
Strongsville Middle School PTA is holding a “Flapjack Fundraiser” at the Strongsville Applebee’s on Sunday, October 15 from 8:00am - 10:00am. Join us for a great breakfast, and help PTA raise money for programs to benefit our students! Tickets are $10 each and will be available during lunch periods at SMS next week or by contacting Nikky Freeman (jaja4mom@yahoo.com / 440.897.2643). Click HERE for the event flyer.
“Help & Hope Through Music” Benefit Concert
The Strongsville Community Band presents a benefit concert for victims of the recent hurricanes. The “Help & Hope Through Music” Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday, October 29th at 3:00pm in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium, featuring music reflecting the American spirit. There is no admission charge but concert goers will have an opportunity to make a donation to the hurricane relief efforts. All donations will go to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The afternoon will also include a performance by the Strongsville City Jazz Swing Band at 2:30pm in the SMS cafeteria
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers!! Our first session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, November 3, 10, 17, and December 8, and 15 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us!! Please contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or call/text 216-924-1475 for more 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.
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre features “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” - three actors parody Shakespeare’s entire canon in 97 minutes! Performances on October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, & 29. Visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com for ticket information. Click HERE for the event flyer!
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.
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 After Hours Event - Thursday, October 26th
Women in Business Meeting - Wednesday, November 1st
Business & Community Expo - Wednesday, November 8th
November Luncheon - Wednesday, November 15th
Holiday Scholarship Dance - Friday, December 1st
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 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.
The Science of Happiness. Mondays, October 2, 9, & 16th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In this 3-part series, Kim Langley will teach the how-to’s of happiness based on the work of respected researchers. Participants will learn the psychology of happiness and how to train your brain; what truly makes people happy and how to choose happiness; and practical and scientifically proven methods for improving attitude and increasing happiness. Come explore 12 Happiness Activities and which ones best fit you.
When Drugs Collide – Drug Interactions: Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk. Tuesday, October 17th 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 Dave Ferris from PharmD speaking Drug Interactions & When Drugs Collide. There are thousands of prescriptions, over the counter and herbal medicines on the market. How do these effect each other and how can interactions be avoided? Our speaker will discuss types of interactions , interaction verses side effect, and your role in prevention. 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!
ACT/SAT Practice Test. Teens grades 8 – 12. Tuesday, October 17th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Sylvan Learning will provide a practice ACT or SAT test for interested students. Registration is required.
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, October 18th. This month we will be discussing When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. 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!
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 October upcoming classes:
Saturday, October 21st / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access 101: Accelerated Class.
Monday, October 30th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. PowerPoint 101: Slideshow Creation.
Tuesday, October 31st / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Excel 101: Data Basics.
Tuesday, October 31st / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Excel 102: Sorting & Filtering.
Just 4 U Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, October 21st 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, October 23rd. Our October discussion title will be The Lake House: a Novel by Kate Morton. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Fun Fall Celebration. All Ages with Parent or Caregiver. Monday, October 23rd from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the fall season with a spooktacular fun show for the whole family featuring Mr. Zap and his Magical Friends. Come dressed in your favorite costume. Registration required.
Strongsville Historical Society Program: “Where Have All the Buggies Gone?” Tuesday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m.
The Strongsville Branch Library in collaboration with the Strongsville Historical Society present a stroll down memory lane to Strongsville in the 1860s, and relive early farm life. See how one family happily lived and survived on a large dairy farm, which was recognized in 1976 by the national Bicentennial as the only century farm remaining in Cuyahoga County owned by the same family. Carol Maatz will share family and local photos, history, and memorabilia in this fascinating presentation. A short Strongsville Historical Society meeting will precede the presentation.
National Chemistry Week: Chemistry Rocks! Grades 2 – 6. Thursday, October 26th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. We invite families to stay and participate.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, October 27th 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.
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