Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 23)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - FEBRUARY 9, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Kindergarten Registration Week (3/19 - 3/23)
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Ruthann Franczak, SCS Coordinator of Payroll & Benefits
SHS Mustang Express Reaches Finals in Recent Competition
FREE Family Movie Night for the Community at SHS (Thu. 2/15 - 7:00pm)
College Credit Plus Informational Meeting (Wed. 2/14 - 6:30pm)
Family First Night - Monday, March 12
SHS Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on National Signing Day
Community Spaghetti Dinner - Friday, February 23 (5-7pm)
Strongsville Polaris Students Make TV Appearance with Super Appetizers
Good Luck to SCS Winter Sports Athletes in their Postseason Tournaments
State of the Schools Presentation - Available On Demand!
Free Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (Through 3/24)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 2/9) 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
Friday, February 23 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Community Spaghetti Dinner
Strongsville High School
Click HERE for an online listing of February events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our 4th grade students at Surrarrer Elementary have replaced their Valentine’s Day parties with a service learning project that gives back to their fellow students. Recently, ‘Replay for Kids’ visited Surrarrer and helped the 4th graders adapt toys for students with special needs. They also donated toys and batteries - paying it forward for other schools to participate in similar projects. Click HERE as we visit with Mrs. Corell and the Surrarrer 4th graders to hear more about these students making a difference!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION WEEK (3/19 - 3/23)
Strongsville City Schools Kindergarten Registration Packets for the 2018-19 academic year are now available and can be picked up at the elementary building closest to your home. This enrollment package contains information regarding kindergarten registration, information about Safety Town, school transportation, and helpful hints you can use to prepare your child for kindergarten.
Please note the following kindergarten registration dates and times - all registration will take place at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.) from 8:00am - 12:00pm on the following dates:
Chapman Elementary Kindergarten Students - Monday, March 19, 2018
Kinsner Elementary Kindergarten Students - Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Muraski Elementary Kindergarten Students - Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Surrarrer Elementary Kindergarten Students - Thursday, March 22, 2018
Whitney Elementary Kindergarten Students - Friday, March 23, 2018
Please bring the following documentation for registration:
Student's Birth Certificate
Student's Immunization Records
Proof of Residency - One of the following: tax bill, mortgage coupon, gas, electric or sewer/water bill, insurance policy on dwelling, or a signed rental or purchase agreement
Verification of legal custody/guardianship (only if child is not living with both his/her natural parents): Certified Copy of Court Order or Court Appointed Guardianship
* All of the appropriate items listed above must be provided in order to enroll your child
If you have any questions, please call Sue Kochheiser, SCS Registrar, at (440) 572-7048. Kindergarten is mandatory in Ohio. According to State Law and District policy, any child who becomes five years old on or before August 1, 2018 is eligible for admission into the Strongsville School District's Kindergarten program this August.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. RUTHANN FRANCZAK, SCS COORDINATOR OF PAYROLL & BENEFITS
Mrs. Ruthann Franczak, Coordinator of Payroll & Benefits for Strongsville City Schools, is in this week’s Spotlight. Mrs. Franczak has been with our District for 11 years, after spending 20+ years in Human Resources and Marketing with the Jacobs Group. She graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Business Administration.
Mrs. Franczak is one of the first people to meet new SCS employees, as she helps guide individuals through the details of their benefits. She also is responsible for the District’s payroll and any worker’s compensation claims.
She says, “I really enjoy what I do and working with our employees is a pleasure. I have been working in employee benefits for over 35 years, and even though it has become a bit challenging during the last several years, I feel like my expertise is of great help to our staff. I love the fact that I have a lot of interaction with our employees - we have an outstanding team in our District!”
Thank you Mrs. Franczak for all that you do for the employees at Strongsville Schools!
SHS MUSTANG EXPRESS REACHES FINALS IN RECENT COMPETITION
Congratulations to Strongsville High School’s Mustang Express for reaching the finals in their recent competition at Walsh. Our showchoir has a number of upcoming competitions to build on this recent success. Good luck!
FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (THU. 2/15 - 7PM)
Don’t miss an opportunity for a FREE family movie night at Strongsville High School on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00pm. The Strongsville High School Football Team is presenting this opportunity and inviting all community members to enjoy this event. ‘Remember the Titans’ will be the movie shown in the SHS Auditorium. *This movie is rated PG for thematic elements and some language
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS INFORMATIONAL MEETING
There will be a College Credit Plus (CCP) informational meeting 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 meeting, for both parents and students, will be held on Parent Conference Day (February 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
FAMILY FIRST NIGHT (MONDAY, MARCH 12)
Mark your calendars for Family First Night - Monday, March 12. Family First Night is a night for your family to spend time together. Whether it is eating dinner at the same table, creating a family activity or outing, or having a game night, Family First Night is about putting other activities and events on hold and getting back to the basics of family relationships. No homework or after school activities are scheduled for this night, giving families an uninterrupted night to spend quality time together. Should your family want a “night out,” the Strongsville High School Media Center will be hosting activities from 6-7:30pm. Click HERE for the event flyer and to RSVP.
SHS STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
Congratulations to the following Strongsville Mustang student-athletes who recently made the commitment on National Signing Day to continue their studies and athletic careers at the following universities:
Baseball
Mitch Midea - John Carroll University
Girls Basketball
Marnae Holland - Shawnee State University
Football
Tommy Zacharyasz - Mercyhurst University
Ryan Keating - University of Minnesota
Girls Lacrosse
Hannah Searles - Capital University
Boys Soccer
Trevor Hamm - Baldwin Wallace University
Cammy Bly - College of Wooster
Vanessa DiNardo - University of Cincinnati
Caitlin Jurcago - Baldwin Wallace University
Shannon Narolewski - Robert Morris University
Sabrina Ortenzi - Kent State University
Nora Potter - Ferris State University
Lauren Rakytiak - Kent State University
Ally Sidloski - University of Cincinnati
Track & Field
Jocelyn Knauss - Ohio University
Ariana Moran - University of St. Francis
Strongsville Mustang Student-Athletes
Make Commitments to Universities
on National Signing Day
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. If you plan to attend, please click HERE to purchase tickets in advance.
STRONGSVILLE POLARIS STUDENTS MAKE TV APPEARANCE WITH SUPER APPETIZERS
We are proud of Natalie Turchyn and Brandon Schieferle, Strongsville High School seniors who are students in the nationally-recognized Polaris culinary program. Last week, they also had the opportunity to showcase their cooking skills and brought ‘Super Bowl’ appetizers to Channel 19. Click HERE to see the segment.
GOOD LUCK TO SCS WINTER SPORTS ATHLETES IN THEIR POSTSEASON TOURNAMENTS
We wish the following teams ‘GOOD LUCK’ in their upcoming postseason tournaments:
SMS Boys Basketball - GCC Tournament (week of 2/12)
SMS Girls Basketball - GCC Tournament (week of 2/12)
SHS Swimming & Diving - OHSAA Sectional Diving Championships (2/10); OHSAA District Swimming Championships (2/17); OHSAA State Swimming Championships (2/23-2/24)
SHS Girls Basketball - #1 Seed in Elyria Catholic District (2/22 - 7pm at SHS)
SHS Gymnastics - OHSAA Sectional Championships (2/18); OHSAA District Championships (2/24)
SHS Hockey - Baron Cup (2/10 - 7:30pm vs. Rocky River)
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 (through 3/24)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! These clinics are happening now and continue through March 24 - where boys and girls ages 7-14 have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics are 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
Team Strongsville Night at SHS Boys Basketball Game (Friday, February 16)
It’s Team Strongsville Night at the Friday, February 16th SHS Boys Basketball game vs. Shaker Hts. All proceeds from student tickets sold that evening will be donated to the ‘Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grant Program.’ This program has funded 24 grants over the past 3 years totaling more than $8,000 for student-led service projects. Visit http://bit.ly/kkgrant for additional information and applications for the ‘Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grant Program.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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