Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 37)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - May 25, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Muraski Elementary Attempts to Set World Record
SHS Named a 2018 U.S. News ‘Best High School’ & Earns ‘Silver’ Status in Annual Rankings
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Melissa Lazar, Kindergarten Teacher at Surrarrer Elementary
Early Release - Last Day of School (Wednesday, June 6)
Sports Physicals Offered on May 30th for Student-Athletes
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders for the 2018-19 School Year
Bus Drivers Wanted
SHS Names Carl Walcher Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
Nominate a Mustang for the Athletic Hall of Fame
Final Rockin’ At The Rec Dance for This School Year (Fri. 6/1 - at SMS)
Mustangs Boys Basketball Camp (July 9-13)
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
FREE College Recruiting Seminar - Tuesday, 5/29 at 7:00pm - SHS Auditorium
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
SHS is completing its second year of offering an Air Force Junior ROTC course to students. Co-taught by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) David Krempasky and Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Brad Buening, with a combined 60 years of military experience, the objectives of AFJROTC are to educate and train students in citizenship and life skills, promote community service, instill a sense of responsibility, and develop character and self-discipline through education and instruction.
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, May 28 - Memorial Day Holiday
NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, May 30 - 6:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Choir Concert
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, May 31 - 6:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Band Concert
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Friday, June 1 - 6:30pm-9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at the Rec’ Dance
For Incoming 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders
Theme: D.A.R.E.
This Dance Will Be Held at Strongsville Middle School
Sunday, June 3 - 1:00pm
Strongsville High School Commencement
Cleveland State University Wolstein Center
Last Day of School
Click HERE for Early Release Times
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The cornerstone of Strongsville High School’s music program, the Grand Piano, has been utilized for over 45 years. The Grand Piano accompanies 14 musical groups at SHS, as well as several local organizations utilizing the SHS Auditorium on a regular basis. Assisting more than 540 SHS music students per week, the Grand Piano is an important instrument is the SHS ‘fleet’ of instruments. In this week’s episode, we visit with Mr. Andy Hire, District Music Chair, as he outlines a fundraising campaign to replace the Grand Piano at SHS. Click HERE to learn more about the importance of this instrument and how you can donate.
MURASKI ELEMENTARY ATTEMPTS TO SET WORLD RECORD
This week at Muraski Elementary, art teacher Mrs. Harbart coordinated a Cleveland Cavaliers rally, which included over 500 portraits of Lebron James! The portraits were created by Muraski students to give a boost to our hometown team, as well as to attempt to set a world record of “Most Portraits of Lebron James.” Click HERE for the FOX 8 news story on this special event and the extraordinary artistic talents of our students at Muraski!
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL NAMED A 2018 U.S. NEWS ‘BEST HIGH SCHOOL’ & EARNS ‘SILVER’ STATUS IN ANNUAL RANKINGS
Strongsville High School has been named a 2018 U.S. News “Best High School” and awarded silver status in this annual nationwide ranking. U.S. News reviewed 20,000+ public high schools across the United States. Of the 313 Ohio schools earning a place on the list of ranked institutions, Strongsville was one of 111 schools earning silver status. U.S. News ranks Strongsville #95 in the state of Ohio.
The rankings compile and review school-specific data on enrollment, college readiness, student ethnicity, location, school type, and results of state assessments and Advanced Placement tests.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. MELISSA LAZAR, KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT SURRARRER ELEMENTARY
This week’s Mustang Spotlight features Mrs. Melissa Lazar, kindergarten teacher at Surrarrer Elementary school. Mrs. Lazar was grew up in Strongsville and attended Chapman Elementary, Albion and Center Jr. High, and graduated from Strongsville High School (Class of ‘97). Her mom is a retired Strongsville teacher, as well. Mrs. Lazar earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baldwin Wallace. This is her 15th year of teaching with Strongsville City Schools, having also worked at Chapman, Kinsner, Whitney, and Allen Elementary schools.
“I love welcoming our new students and families to Surrarrer. Kindergarten students grow so much in our year together - academically, socially, emotionally - I love to watch them learn to absolutely love school. The amount of learning that takes place this first year of school is so amazing and rewarding to me as a teacher. It pushes me each day to make our kindergarten experience the best I can provide for my eager learners,” says Mrs. Lazar.
She adds, “There are so many things I love about my role as a teacher. I love seeing the smiling faces of the students each day. I love watching the kids grow and progress through their years at Surrarrer. I love getting to know the kids and their wonderfully supportive families. I enjoy working with the families; we are a partnership working together to best meet the students' needs. I am so blessed to work with an amazing staff which collaborates and supports one another to do our best each and every day.”
Thank you Mrs. Lazar for providing a solid foundation of learning for our kindergarten students at Surrarrer!
EARLY RELEASE - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6)
Don’t forget, there are early release times for the last day of school (Wednesday, June 6). Please click HERE for specific details on when students will be dismissed on this day. As a reminder, there will be NO BREAKFAST or LUNCH served on June 6th.
SPORTS PHYSICALS OFFERED ON MAY 30TH FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES
Skip the hassle of waiting all summer for a doctor's appointment and get your son or daughter's sports physical completed at Strongsville High School on May 30th starting at 4:00pm. The cost is $20 and no insurance is needed. Pre-registration is required. Visit this LINK for the complete details and information on how to register for this event.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2018-19 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] vaccine
(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)
- 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
Only one (1) dose of MCV4 vaccine is required if either of the following conditions apply:
If the MCV4 vaccine is administered on or after the student’s 16th birthday, only one (1) dose of MCV4 vaccine is required.
If a student is in the 12th grade and is 15 years of age or younger, only one (1) dose of MCV4 vaccine is required.
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
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.
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.
SHS NAMES CARL WALCHER GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL COACH
Carl Walcher has been named head varsity girls basketball coach for Strongsville High School. Coach Walcher’s most recent position in his thirty two year coaching career has been the varsity assistant coach for the boys basketball team at Medina High School. He has held that position for five years. Prior to that, he was the head varsity girls basketball coach at Trinity High School and also spent time with the girls basketball programs at Normandy High School, Medina High School, and Valley Forge High School. Welcome Coach Walcher to the Mustangs Athletics family!
NOMINATE A MUSTANG FOR THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Nominations for the Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame are now being accepted. The class of 2018 will be inducted this fall at a home football game. Please use this LINK to submit your nomination today!
FINAL ROCKIN’ AT THE REC DANCE FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR (FRI. 6/1 - SMS)
The final ‘Rockin’ At The Rec Dance’ for this school year will be Friday, June 1st! This dance will be held at Strongsville Middle School, NOT at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. The dance takes place from 6:30pm - 9:00pm and is for incoming sixth, seventh and eighth graders. The theme for this dance is D.A.R.E.
Tickets will be on sale at designated times at all elementary schools (check your principal's email). They will also be available for purchase on Wednesday, May 30th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at SMS and on Thursday, May 31st during lunch periods (10:15am - 12:30pm) at SMS. We are also looking for chaperones and pop donations. Please click HERE if you are able to volunteer. Thank you for your support!
MUSTANGS BOYS BASKETBALL CAMP (JULY 9 - 13)
The Strongsville Mustangs Boys Basketball Camp is open to 3rd - 8th graders and will be held from July 9 - 13 at Strongsville High School. The camp is focused on teaching and reinforcing the fundamentals of basketball in a positive, healthy, and competitive atmosphere. Camp staff will include Middle School and High School coaches, as well as former and current SHS players. Click HERE for more details and registration information.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
Register now for the 5th Annual Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing. The outing will be held on Friday, June 15th at Bunker Hill Golf Course. 4-man scramble format with a shotgun start at 9:00am. $95 per golfer includes 18 holes with cart, breakfast, lunch, steak dinner, drink tickets, t-shirt, goody bag and more! The outing supports Strongsville students competing in all of our athletic programs. Register at:
https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com
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).
FREE COLLEGE RECRUITING SEMINAR - TUESDAY, 5/29 AT 7:00PM - SHS AUDITORIUM
The Strongsville High School athletic department is proud to announce that the acclaimed program "Guiding the College Bound Athlete" is coming to Strongsville High School's auditorium on Tuesday, May 29th at 7:00pm. This one hour program is FREE and will answer many of the questions families have about the college recruiting process. Additionally, all families in attendance will receive a FREE SAT/ACT prep DVD valued at $350 (s/h not included). For more information visit this LINK.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Rotary Duck Race & Kidsfest
Don’t miss the annual Strongsville Rotary Duck Race & Kidsfest on Saturday, June 2 from 11am - 3pm at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet in Strongsville. Plenty of kids activities, games, and prizes for the entire family! Click HERE to purchase ducks to benefit Strongsville Council PTA. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Kindness Camp
Make plans for this year’s ‘Kindness Camp” June 11-15 at the Metroparks WJ Green Picnic Shelter in Berea. 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.
gOH Run Kids Running Day Camp
Join us for the gOH Run Kids Running Day Camp June 11th - 15th from 9:00am-11:30am at the WJ Green Picnic Area in the Cleveland Metroparks. gOH Run is a newly formed nonprofit created to support running in our community. A large focus of the organization is to promote youth running as a lifelong habit for wellness and fitness. Camp Director is Rae Alexander who is retired PE teacher and a long time coach of track and cross country at many levels, including high school and middle school. Rae’s crew will include Bob Rooker, who is also an active retiree, and youth advocate. Volunteer high school and college age runners will also serve as team coaches and mentors for our young campers. Campers will participate in running activities each day, learn about healthy eating, proper warm up, racing, practice teamwork activities, play games, enjoy a refreshing snack, win prizes, and celebrate with a race on Friday. Campers will also get a t-shirt. Cost is $85 with a discount for additional family members who register together. Click HERE to register. Questions? Email us at gohrunwithus@gmail.com.
Summer Theatre Camp
Strongsville Community Theatre once again is offering a summer camp for kids in 2nd - 8th grade. This year's camp will run from June 11 to June 28, and will culminate in two performances of Disney's 101 Dalmations on June 29 & 30. Registration is now open. Registration materials are on the ‘Youth Theatre’ page of our website: www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.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.
All Chamber Day Golf Scramble
July 2, 2018 (rescheduled date from 5/14)
11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
CONGRATULATIONS to this year’s Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship winners! $50,000 in scholarships were awarded to very deserving students in the Class of 2018. Best of luck to all of our Strongsville students!
** Strongsville’s Annual Homecoming (July 25 - 28) **
Strongsville Library
Please note the following June 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.
* All branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 27th and Monday, May 28th in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 29th 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 story time sessions are in full swing for the Summer beginning in June! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
New 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.
Libraries Rock! Summer Reading Game.
Participants of all ages are encouraged to participate in our Summer Reading Game which runs from Saturday, June 2nd through Saturday, August 4th. Register to participate at http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Summer-Reading.aspx Registration prizes and game boards will be available at your local branch beginning June 2nd while supplies last.
Teen Volunteer Fair. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Saturday, June 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Get connected with local organizations that need your help this summer. Whether you need to fulfill a requirement or just want to contribute to the community, this fair is for you!
Rock-n-Roll History: The Cleveland Connection. Tuesday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Joel Keller, the "Doc of Rock and Roll" as he shares this presentation on Rock and Roll History. This mini-course traces Cleveland’s influence in the development of Rock and Roll music from the 1950’s to the present day. Important events in local Rock and Roll history will be discussed. Emphasis will be given to local musical performance venues, both past and present, Northeast Ohio musical groups and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Discuss & Design Millennials Book Discussion. Open to Adults ages 18-35. Wednesday, June 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Attention millennials! Are you looking for something fun and different to do with your friends? How about a book club with a twist? Read the bimonthly book and come discuss it as we design something that complements the title or book cover. Books will be available at the circulation desk for checkout. Our discussion for June 6th will be Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.
Diabetes Self-Management. Six week series runs Thursdays, June 7 – July 12th from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Are you an adult dealing with diabetes or have someone you know with diabetes? A representative from Fairhill Partners in association with Southwest General Hospital will be here to present this 6-week series on Diabetes Self-Management. Find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue sugar control discover better nutrition and exercise choices understand new treatment choices and learn better ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health. Set your own weekly goals and make a step-by-step plan to improve your health and your life. You must be able to attend all 6 sessions in order to register for this event.
Meet Author Dorothea Benton Frank! Thursday, June 7th at 7:00 p.m.
Meet Dorothea Benton Frank, the New York Times best-selling author of 19 novels including The Hurricane Sisters, All the Single Ladies, All Summer Long, and Same Beach, Next Year. Her latest book, By Invitation Only, is a mesmerizing Lowcountry Tale that roars with spirit, humor, and truth. Filled with a delightful cast of characters from two very different worlds, the sharp and deeply empathetic novel forces readers to reconsider their notions of what it means to be a Have or a Have Not. This event is FREE and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
Words for Dad. Saturday, June 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Father's Day is almost here! Record a special digital message for the father-figure in your life in a unique way by using our studio software. You can record your message in the audio studio or create a video of yourself in our green screen room. Save it on a flash drive or email the finished product to be saved for years to come! Makes for a one-of-a-kind heartfelt gift for the father-figure in your life! Please note, only one recording can occur at a time. Spots are available on a first come first serve basis during the allotted time period.
Let’s Learn Together Outside. For Children ages 3 – 5 with their caregivers. Wednesdays, June 13th, 20th, and 27th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The whole family will participate in learning about nature-based play within our community. Parents will learn tools and strategies they can use outside this program for engaging their children in learning through exploring nature.
Passport to Better Health - I Look Best in Candlelight: Skin & Eye Health. Thursday, June 14th 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. Our speaker this month is Ravi Berger, MD from Southwest General. Dr. Berger will talk about treatments available to improve the look and health of our skin and eyes. Sun worshippers welcome!
The Science of Paint: Let’s Get Messy! For children in Kindergarten and up with their Caregivers. Saturday, June 16th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join the chemists from AkzoNobel to learn about paint-making, color and the chemistry that binds it all together! Let’s explore ways to make colorful paints from everyday items. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participant you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return to program location at least one week prior to the program start date. The form and more information can be found here. www.cuyahogalibrary.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