Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 35)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - May 11, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Kinsner 3rd Grade Teacher Mrs. Lori Yates Named PTA Council’s Outstanding District Educator
SHS Sophomore Riya Bhatt Wins 1st Place in State at Optimist Club Speech Contest
Nominate a Mustang for the Athletic Hall of Fame
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Janet Dodosh, 2nd Grade Teacher at Kinsner Elementary
Upcoming SHS Dance Team Clinics and Auditions
Community Conversation - Technology & Education - Tue. 5/15, 6:30pm / SHS Media Center
SMS 6th Grade Science Teacher Mrs. Kathy Janke Earns Teacher of the Year Award
Sports Physicals Offered on May 30th for Student-Athletes
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Grade Students for the 2018-19 School Year
Bus Drivers Wanted
Kindergarten Early Entrance Testing
Strongsville High School Spring Musical - “The Wiz”
FREE Sports Nutrition Seminar - Tuesday, 5/22 at 7:00pm - SHS Gym
Mustangs Boys Basketball Camp (July 9-13)
SHS After Prom
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing
Community Conversations - Video On Demand
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Free College Recruiting Seminar - Tuesday, 5/29 at 7:00pm - SHS Auditorium
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Students at both our Middle School and High School will be receiving new textbooks. Students in Strongsville Middle School math classes will have new textbooks for the 2018-19 school year. Strongsville High School students enrolled in science courses will also receive new textbooks next year. Both new textbook adoptions will have online teaching components for students and teachers. These textbook adoptions align to the District’s textbook adoption schedule to keep current and relevant resources in the hands of our teachers and students.
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 5/11) & Tomorrow (Sat. 5/12) - 7:30pm Performances Each Night
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Click HERE to purchase tickets
Tuesday, May 15 - 6:30pm
Community Conversation (Technology & Education)
Strongsville High School Media Center
Click HERE to RSVP
Thursday, May 17 - 7:00pm
Senior Salute
Strongsville High School Auditorium
6th Grade D.A.R.E. Celebration Dance
Michaud’s (16808 Pearl Rd.)
$10 Pre-Sale Tickets Available 5/7 - 5/17
During SMS Lunch Periods
Dance Presented by the Strongsville Police Department
Saturday, May 19 - 7:00pm
Showtime! [Spring Choir Concert]
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Click HERE for a complete listing of May events throughout our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Amazing artists can be found throughout our District. Their talents have been on display throughout the last few weeks at various art shows at our schools. This week, Surrarrer Elementary held their art show, which featured a Caribbean theme and an ice cream social. Click HERE as we visit with Mrs. Solecki and a few of her 4th grade art students, as they recap their art show in this week’s episode.
KINSNER 3RD GRADE TEACHER MRS. LORI YATES NAMED PTA COUNCIL’S OUTSTANDING DISTRICT EDUCATOR
Mrs. Lori Yates, third grade teacher at Kinsner Elementary has been named Outstanding District Educator for the 2017-18 school year. This annual award is presented by Strongsville Council PTA and recognizes an instructor dedicated to the missions and purposes of PTA, such as promoting the welfare of children at home, school, and in the community. CONGRATULATIONS Mrs. Yates!
Click HERE for the entire press release highlighting Mrs. Yates’ achievement.
Click HERE to see the Channel 19 news story, following their visit to Mrs. Yates’ classroom this week.
SHS SOPHOMORE RIYA BHATT WINS 1ST PLACE IN STATE AT OPTIMIST CLUB SPEECH CONTEST
Congratulations to Strongsville High School sophomore Riya Bhatt who recently placed first in the state in the annual Optimist Club speech contest. Riya earned $3,500 as the top prize, after placing first in the local, zone, and regional competitions. This year’s theme was “Where Are My Roots of Optimism?” and her speech focused on visiting her grandfather in India and learning from him that “the simple things in life should be appreciated.” Thanks to Mrs. Stonitsch and Mrs. Bartel, English teachers at Strongsville High School, for overseeing this program and coaching our students in this annual contest.
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!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JANET DODOSH, 2ND GRADE TEACHER AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Janet Dodosh is a 2nd grade teacher at Kinsner Elementary. She has worked in our District for 20 years, teaching students at Zellers Elementary for 17 years before landing at Kinsner. A Bowling Green State University graduate, Mrs. Dodosh also lives in Strongsville and has raised three children. All three attended Strongsville City Schools. Mrs. Dodosh said, “All were very prepared for college and have done extremely well in their careers, thanks to a strong foundation in our school district.”
What does Mrs. Dodosh focus on with the students in her classroom? “On a daily basis, one of my goals is to engage, motivate, and inspire my students to develop a love and passion for learning. It's very gratifying to impart information and to ensure that the children understand both the lesson concepts and practical applications. A second goal is to be the type of teacher and role model that encourages students to strive for greatness and to reach their full potential everyday.”
“The positive, supportive, and collaborative culture at Kinsner is by far one of the things I like best about my job. The respectful and caring relationships among administrators, teachers, parents, & support staff fosters an environment where learning blooms,” adds Mrs. Dodosh.
Thank you Mrs. Dodosh for continuing to encourage that passion for learning in our 2nd graders at Kinsner!
UPCOMING SHS DANCE TEAM CLINICS AND AUDITIONS
Informational meeting for parents and students: Friday, May 18th at 4pm in the SHS cafeteria
See website for more information: https://www.strongnet.org/domain/91
Email contact: mcunningham@scsmustangs.org
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION - TECHNOLOGY & EDUCATION - TUE. 5/15, 6:30PM / SHS MEDIA CENTER
Don’t miss the next Community Conversation on Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30pm in the Strongsville High School Media Center. Join Vicki Turner, SCS Director of Instructional Technology, as she leads a discussion on our District’s continued efforts to integrate technology in the classroom. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to see the new Makerspace area at the High School. Please click HERE to RSVP for this Community Conversation.
SMS 6TH GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER MRS. KATHY JANKE EARNS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Strongsville Middle School sixth grade teacher Mrs. Kathy Janke is the recipient of this year’s Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award. This award has been established by the Strongsville Council of the Knights of Columbus to recognize an outstanding teacher in the Strongsville City School district.
Mrs. Janke is a science teacher on the Cruisers Team at SMS. She is completing her 28th year of teaching in Strongsville’s district. Her nomination form included the following comments: “Mrs. Janke makes learning come alive for her students. Her classroom is a space of hands on experiments, with students in the driver’s seat. She guides through inquiry and students are engaged and active in their learning. As a grade level Team Leader, Mrs. Janke ensures her teaching team creates opportunities for students to be recognized, receive assistance when needed, and feel a part of the Strongsville Middle School community.”
Click HERE for the entire news release about Mrs. Janke’s recognition.
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.
KINDERGARTEN EARLY ENTRANCE TESTING
Children turning 5 years of age after August 1, 2018, but on or before December 31, 2018, must meet the requirements of the early entrance assessment to be permitted to attend kindergarten this fall. Testing will be held in April and May. Please register for the screening by calling 440-572-7015.
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL - “THE WIZ”
Strongsville High School is proud to present ‘The Wiz’ for its spring musical. ‘The Wiz’ is a retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic 1900 children's novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the context of modern culture. The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Performances are Thursday, May 10 at 7pm, Friday, May 11 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, May 12 at 7:30pm in the SHS Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for students and $18 for adults - click HERE to purchase your tickets.
FREE SPORTS NUTRITION SEMINAR - TUESDAY, 5/22 AT 7:00PM - SHS GYM
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.
SHS AFTER PROM
This year’s After Prom (“Hollywood Nights”) will be held on Friday, May 25th from 11:30pm to 3:00am at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Rec Center. There will be food, prizes, tattoos, casino, inflatables, caricature artists, and games. All SHS juniors and seniors are able to purchase tickets for themselves and a guest. The cost is $20 (cash or checks made out to the SHS PTA). Tickets will be on sale in the cafeteria during lunch periods on May 17, 18, 21 and 22. Please contact Robin Micko at rcmicko@gmail.com with any questions.
We are also in need of adult volunteers - please sign-up by clicking HERE.
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
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS - VIDEO ON DEMAND
If you missed the recent Community Conversation on ‘Preparing Our Students for Life After SHS’, the complete presentation and video of the event is now on demand. This presentation featured SHS Principal Mark Smithberger, SHS Counselor Tara Brzuski, and Polaris Counselor Ned Barnett. Click HERE or visit the Superintendent’s page on the District website at https://www.strongnet.org/Page/12039, where you can find videos and slides from all of our recent Community Conversations.
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.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
The fourth 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! Don’t miss out!! Click HERE to register or contact dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or messageforpam@gmail.com for additional information.
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.
Arts in Strongsville Chalk Walk
The 7th annual Arts In Strongsville Chalk Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 from 9am - 1pm at the Strongsville Commons (corner of Rt. 42 & 82). Cash prizes will be awarded for judged categories in several age categories. Deadline to pre-register is May 14. Please click HERE for additional information and for a registration form.
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.
Community Seminar for a Safer Strongsville
The Strongsville Police Department will offer a safety class for residents aimed at protecting themselves from crime on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:00pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. The training will focus on raising awareness of your surroundings, protecting your property and identity, safety when traveling, home security, and identifying and reporting suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood. Register at tinyurl.com/safestrongsville or click HERE for additional information.
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
May 14, 2018
11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
May Luncheon - Scholarship Awards and Military Student Recognition
May 22, 2018
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
** Strongsville’s Annual Homecoming (July 25 - 28) **
Strongsville Library
Please note the following May 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. However, our story time sessions are on hiatus for the month of May. Sessions will resume 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.
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:
Saturday, May 12th / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Access 101: Accelerated Class.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, May 12th 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.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Workout & Nutrition Myths Debunked. Tuesday, May 15th 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 Wendy Zullo from LifeWorks of Southwest General. There is definitely an abundance of information available to us when it comes to exercise and nutrition. Ms. Zullo will help us sort through the most popular myths and separates fact from fiction on workout and nutrition. 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.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Healthy Summer Eating. Wednesday, May 16th at 10:00 a.m.
Please join us for our bi-monthly Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Each month we bring a special speaker of interest to seniors and residents of Strongsville. Our May speaker will be Amy Dunbar, registered dietitian from Southwest General Health Center. It's summer...Time to relax but don’t take a vacation from healthy eating. Join us as Ms. Dunbar discusses ways to improve summer eating. She will share tips about nutrition and how to buy fresh ingredients and cook them on the grill to ensure healthy eating this summer. Refreshments served.
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, May 16th. This month we will be discussing The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. 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!
Gross Motor Playdate. Ages 2 – 5 with a parent or caregiver. Friday, May 18th from 10:00 a.m. – Noon.
Join us at the library for some indoor gross motor play featuring bean bag toss, tunnels, a "grocery store" and other Toy Collection favorites.
Things Remembered Reading & Reception. Sunday, May 20th from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Join us to hear moving stories written by participants in the six-week writing class, Things Remembered: Memoir Inspired by Objects.
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, May 21st. PLEASE NOTE - DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY WE WILL MEET THIS MONTH A WEEK EARLY ON MAY 21st. Our May discussion title will be A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Meet Author Michael Goldberg: Beyond Silicon Valley. Monday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Beyond Silicon Valley: How One Online Course Helped Support Global Entrepreneurs by Michael Goldberg grew out of the Case Western Reserve University massive open online course (MOOC) launched on Coursera in 2014 and used Cleveland as a case study for supporting entrepreneurs. Beyond Silicon Valley profiles 20 people who have supported entrepreneurship in communities from around the world that face challenges unheard of in Silicon Valley—challenges like economic hardship, political strife, corruption or a cultural aversion to risk-taking. Through lessons learned from the MOOC, they’ve added vitality, creativity and high-paying jobs in towns and cities all over the world.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, May 22nd 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.
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