Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 32)
Our Kids. Our City. Our Future.
IN THIS ISSUE - April 19, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Watch it ON DEMAND
Issue 4 - SCS Operating Levy on May 7 Ballot
SCS Summer School Information
“The ‘Ville” Shirts Now Available at Where I’m From at SouthPark Mall
“The Lantern” Recognized at Ohio Scholastic Media Association Competition
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Laura Lamberty, AP Computer Science Teacher at SHS
Bus Safety Awareness - Wednesday, May 1st
SHS Teen Idol - Fri. 4/26 at 7pm
SMS Vaccination Clinic - Tue. 4/30
Kirsten Eppele Named CCSCA Softball Player of the Week
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Gerber, Elementary School Counselor
Graeley & Co. Featuring SHS Graduation Merchandise
SHS Science Fair - Thu. 4/25 6-8pm
PayForIt Transition to PaySchools Central
SHS Flag Corp Tryouts
Strongsville Football Backers Annual Mulch Sale
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, April 22
NO SCHOOL (Professional Development Day for Teachers & Staff)
Thursday, April 25 (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Family Science Night
Strongsville High School
Friday, April 26 - 7:00pm
Teen Idol
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Purchase Advance Tickets HERE
DID YOU KNOW?
Our District is one of only nine schools in the entire state to be recognized as a Google for Education Reference District. Google for Education Reference Districts are districts that demonstrate excellence and thought leadership through the innovative use of technology to drive impact and positive learning outcomes.
This past week, Strongsville hosted several districts from around the state at a Google for Education Tour stop. This event provided an opportunity for SCS teachers and administrators to share how we are utilizing the many Google tools and resources to make our classrooms the very best learning environments.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
How do you make unicorn slime? That was just one of the many experiments and research projects Chapman Elementary students investigated at their recent science fair. Dr. Sarah Binkley, chemistry professor at Baldwin Wallace University and Chapman mom, coordinated this fantastic event. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about our elementary students and their interest in science.
ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is now available to watch ON DEMAND. This presentation includes updates on the present and future state of our District from
Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent.
Click HERE for the presentation slides
Click HERE for the entire recorded presentation
ISSUE 4 - SCS OPERATING LEVY ON MAY 7 BALLOT
Issue 4 is the 5.9 mill, five year limited operating levy for Strongsville City Schools on the upcoming ballot in May. Funds generated from this operating levy will provide financial stability for our District through the 2026-2027 school year. Looking for more information about Issue 4? Click HERE for additional facts about Issue 4.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
For students in grades 2-3 (on RIMPs only):
June 10th – 28th / Monday-Thursday / 9:00am-11:30am / at Muraski Elementary School
By invitation only (no cost; no transportation provided)
Letters were mailed home if your child qualified
For students in grades 7-12:
June 10th – July 3rd / Monday-Thursday / 7:30am - 11:30am or 12:00pm - 4:00pm dependent on course schedule at Strongsville High School
$175 per course / ($225 non-resident)
Only 2 courses offered for credit advancement
Physical Education (7:30-11:30 a.m.)
Health (12:00-4:00 p.m.)
In addition, SCS will offer Middle School and High School courses online for credit recovery (June 10th - July 3rd) Monday through Thursday (AM).
Registration forms will be available on the district website in the coming month. The summer school coordinator is Mr. Steve Diedrick: sdiedrick@scsmustangs.org
Click HERE for complete summer school information.
“THE ‘VILLE” SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE AT 'WHERE I’M FROM' AT SOUTHPARK MALL
'Where I’m From,' local retailer at SouthPark Mall, has created another limited edition of their popular “The ‘Ville” shirt. The t-shirt is available NOW at SouthPark Mall. All proceeds from “The ‘Ville” t-shirt sales will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools.
“THE LANTERN” RECOGNIZED AT OHIO SCHOLASTIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION COMPETITION
The Lantern, Strongsville High School’s student-run magazine, won 16 awards at the recent Ohio Scholastic Media Association competition last week at Kent State University. Students submitted work from the past year to be judged by journalism teachers and journalists from all over Ohio.
The Lantern staff, led by Bailey Klingbeil, Munira Odetallah, and Erin Sievers, made some incredible changes this year. They switched from a newspaper to magazine format, which allows more room for creativity and design elements. The staff has published four issues, with a fifth edition coming out in May.
Congratulations to the following individual award winners:
Superior Review (2 awards) - Kristin Johnson
Excellent News Feature - Khizzer Ahmed
Excellent First Person Narrative - Erin Sievers
Excellent Sports Coverage/News - Jack Berney
Honorable Mention Personality Profile - Jenna Lusk
Honorable Mention Personality Profile - Jack Berney
Honorable Mention News Feature - Faith Lee
Honorable Mention Alternative Copy - Malini Gaddamanugu & Nadira Sry
Honorable Mention First Person Narrative - Allie Davidson
Honorable Mention Commentary - Crystel Tohme
Honorable Mention Sports Coverage/News - Bilal Haider
Honorable Mention News Photo - Joanne Munshower
Honorable Mention Opinion Page Layout - Erin Sievers
Honorable Mention Opinion Page Layout - Bailey Klingbeil
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LAURA LAMBERTY, AP COMPUTER SCIENCE TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mrs. Laura Lamberty has been a teacher in our District for 32 years - all at Strongsville High School. Mrs. Lamberty currently teaches Pre-Calculus and AP Computer Science courses. She has earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kent State University.
“I especially love working with our Juniors and Seniors at Strongsville High School. You can see how serious they are taking their education and how much they appreciate your help and guidance. It’s also great to stay in touch with our students and see their progress in terms of their education, their careers, and their lives after they graduate from Strongsville High School,” said Mrs. Lamberty.
She added, “Nelson Mandela was quoted as saying that “Education is the most powerful weapon for changing the world" and I strongly believe in that statement. I also believe that through education, we make many friendships. I love my job at Strongsville High School because I get to work with many of my friends, and also have the opportunity to make new friends each year.”
Thank you Mrs. Lamberty for preparing our students for success on the Advanced Placement exams, and also for life after Strongsville High School! #WeAreStrongsville
BUS SAFETY AWARENESS DAY - WED. MAY 1ST
Let’s recognize all of our drivers and transportation staff on Wednesday, May 1st for our District’s Bus Safety Awareness Day. It takes all of us - parents, students, drivers, and our entire community - to ensure that our students get to and from school safely each day. We hope that everyone takes the time to thank our bus drivers and transportation staff on Wednesday, May 1st for the important job that they do in our District!
SHS TEEN IDOL - FRI. 4/26 AT 7PM
From classical to country. From pop to rock. 15 talented high school performers will dazzle you on Friday, April 26 at Strongsville High School. Show starts at 7:00pm. Purchase tickets online HERE ($6 in advance / $10 day of show). Come out and support our talented singers and the Strongsville Choral Boosters.
SMS VACCINATION CLINIC - TUE. 4/30
The Ohio Department of Health requires all students to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade: one (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine and one (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine. 7th grade students will need to show proof of having received the Meningococcal vaccine and the Tdap vaccine before returning to school for the 2019-20 school year.
On April 30, 2019, in partnership with Health Heroes, a vaccination clinic will be offered at Strongsville Middle School from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 p.m. Health Heroes Vaccination Clinic is completely voluntary and is offered to ALL 6th grade students at NO COST to families, regardless of their insurance coverage.
If you wish for your child to participate, please COMPLETELY fill out and sign the 2018-2019 Vaccine Consent Form (Consent forms are also available at Strongsville Middle School main office). These forms need to be returned to the Strongsville Middle School Clinic by April 25th, 2019 to secure vaccine doses for your student.
Click HERE for the letter with complete information.
KIRSTEN EPPELE NAMED CCSCA SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kirsten Eppele, SHS junior and shortstop on the varsity softball team, was recognized last week by the Cuyahoga County Softball Coaches Association as Softball Player of the Week. Kirsten batted .706 (12 for 17) with 8 doubles, 1 triple, and 2 home runs. She also had 15 RBI and scored 11 runs. On defense, Kirsten made 12 putouts and had 15 assists. She will be continuing her academic and athletic career at the University of Akron.
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. GERBER, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Mrs. Gerber, Elementary School Counselor, knows the importance our District places on social-emotional support for our students and how that differs from other school districts. Click HERE for more of her thoughts on this vital part of our District. #WeAreStrongsville
GRAELEY & CO. FEATURING SHS GRADUATION MERCHANDISE
Planning a graduation party for a Strongsville Mustang? Having an end of the year party for your student? Check out local retailer Graeley & Co. and their new Strongsville-themed party merchandise HERE. Proceeds from the sale of these items benefit the Strongsville Education Foundation.
SHS SCIENCE FAIR - THU. 4/25 6-8PM
Make plans to attend this year's SHS Family Science Night. Gather your spouses, kids, grandkids and neighbors for a night of learning, activities, fun and student recognition. The event will be held at Strongsville High School on Thursday, April 25th from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Student work from Science, Art, Polaris, and Industrial Technology will be on display. Baldwin Wallace will be back with their "Brain Game" Station. There will also be interactive learning stations and prizes for everyone! Those attending SHS Family Science Night are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Strongsville Food Bank. Click HERE for the event flyer.
PAYFORIT TRANSITION TO PAYSCHOOLS CENTRAL
PayForIt has upgraded their online payment platform to PaySchools Central. Strongsville City Schools is transitioning from PayForIt to PaySchools Central. Although this upgrade is intended to be seamless, you will have to register with PaySchools Central, using a desktop or laptop computer with your PayForIt credentials. The auto-replenishment feature in PayForIt will not be activated in PaySchools Central until you login to PaySchools Central for the first time. Once registered, you will be able to use the PaySchools Mobile App, which will need to be downloaded from your app store.
Please login to PaySchools Central to transition your PayForIt account to PaySchools Central. All current PayForIt account balances will transfer over to your PaySchool Central account once this process is complete.
The complete step by step instructions are available by clicking the link here.
Please contact the Treasurer’s Office at 440-572-7021 or devangelista@scsmustangs.org if you have any questions or need assistance.
SHS FLAG CORP TRYOUTS
Who? Any student in grades 8-11 interested in becoming a member of the SHS Flag Corp and wants to perform with the Marching Mustangs!
When? Mon. April 29th, Wed. May 1st, Mon. May 6th
Where? SHS Main Gymnasium
Click HERE for more information and to complete the registration form
STRONGSVILLE FOOTBALL BACKERS ANNUAL MULCH SALE
Looking to spruce up your yard this spring? The Strongsville Football Backers can help! Their annual mulch sale will have your yard looking the “best on your block.” Click HERE for the flyer with additional order information.
WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
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).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our fourth session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, April 26 & May 3, 10, 17, & 24 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Kids Running Camp - gOH Run!
When: Monday, June 17 - June 21 (9am-11am)
Where: Albion Woods Picnic Area in the MetroParks
Camp cost is $50 and includes a shirt, camp materials, daily prizes, awards, and lots of fun!
There is a $10 discount for additional children from the same family.
Click HERE to register!
IX Indoor Amusement Park
Don’t miss the FINAL weekend of this year’s IX Indoor Amusement Park. Discount coupons to enjoy fun for all ages can be found HERE.
Strongsville Women's League Bike Drive - Sat. May 11 (9am-2pm)
Have your kids outgrown their bikes from last year? Do you have a bike you haven't ridden in years? Do you have a bunch of bike parts, a bike rack or other bike accessories lying around and taking up space? Spring is the perfect time to clean out your garage! The Strongsville Women's League is collecting bikes to donate to the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op (1840 Columbus Rd., Cleveland, OH 44113). Bring your bikes and bike parts to the Strongsville Middle School parking lot on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Bikes can be any type, size and in any condition. We're also accepting bicycle-related items (i.e. wheels, parts and accessories, books and videos, tools, car racks, bike-specific clothing, etc.).
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 27th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades K-8 emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but are also a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps are 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 are held at the Strongsville Rec Center. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, & July 8-12, 201. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $95. 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
Great Lakes Science Center - Camp Curiosity
Register NOW for Camp Curiosity at the Great Lakes Science Center. Camp Curiosity takes place this summer, beginning June 3 featuring Legos, rockets, experiments, robots, and MORE! Visit GreatScience.com/camps to register or click HERE for the event flyer.
Healthy Kids Running Series
Don’t miss the “Healthy Kids Running Series” - April 28, May 5, 12, 19, & June 2 at the Westlake Recreation Department (28955 Hilliard Blvd.). All races begin at 2pm. Register for the full series or individual races at healthykidsrunningseries.org or click HERE for 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.
Business After Hours
Wednesday, April 24
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Sparkling Waters Spa & Salon (19820 West 130th St.)
21 & Over, please - RSVP at www.strongsvillechamber.com
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 2019 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. 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 Spring story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
State of the Art Recording Studio Open to the Public!
The Strongsville Branch Library has Audio and Video Recording Studios 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.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 22nd at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion title will be The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Word War II: Life on the Home Front. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
In honor and remembrance of the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Strongsville Historical Society, in partnership with the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, presents a program about World War II and what life was like on the home front during the war. The presentation will include a slide show and collection of artifacts. Guests are invited to bring artifacts that they would like to display and share with those in attendance. Light refreshments will be provided at this free event. All are welcome! Event held in the Large Meeting Room at Strongsville Branch Library.
Green Screen Workshop. For Teens ages 10-18. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn about chroma-key technology by experimenting with a green screen and create a miniature green screen of your very own. This program fulfills some requirements of the Girl Scout Junior Entertainment Technology badge. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Screen Printing. Wednesday, April 24th / 7:00 – 8:45 p.m.
Get creative and screen print a tote bag at the Strongsville library! We will provide the supplies! Sponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Library Branch. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Who Dun’it? For grades 2 – 3. Saturday, April 27th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Test your reading and detective skills to help us solve a mystery! We’ll tell you a little bit about what has happened. Then, with a few clues and witnesses, you can reveal the true culprit of our crime. Will YOU figure out who dun’it?
round the Block: Blockchain Technology Information Session. Monday, April 29th / 7:00 p.m.
Big things are happening in Northeast Ohio with the momentum around blockchain technology and influx of community support and innovation. Blockchain technology is set to disrupt nearly every industry, allowing for secure, real-time, fully-transparent transactions of data and value. Join us for an info session with a representative from Flashstarts to learn more about blockchain and how the organization is supporting local efforts. Students, startup founders, investors, corporate partners, and any community members interested in learning more about these efforts are encouraged to attend. For more info and to register visit http://www.flashstarts.com/infosessions/
Success with Succulents. Tuesday, April 30th / 7:00 p.m.
Succulents can be more than “Hens and Chicks”. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will introduce you to many unusual varieties, teach you how to grow and care for them, and help you to design interesting planters.
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