Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 15)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - November 30, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Changes to Full Day Kindergarten Requests For 2019-20 School Year
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. LeAnna Hagerich, Physical Education Teacher at Kinsner
Calamity/Snow Day Procedures
SHS English Teacher Kim Orr Named Ohio Lottery “Teacher of the Month”
Harlem Wizards Coming to Strongsville - Thu. 1/31 - Online Tickets Available NOW!
Muraski Elementary Students Compete in “Chopped” Writing Contest
SHS Varsity Hockey Team Wins Holiday Tournament
“We Are Strongsville” Videos - Mr. Lipowski, 6th Grade Science Teacher at SMS
SHS Senior Erin Sievers Becomes Worldwide Author
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
New Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Strongsville City Schools continues their partnership with Nancy Lowrie & Associates, LLC, (NLA), a counseling practice that specializes in child therapy, adolescent therapy, and family counseling. Their practice is located in Strongsville. All NLA therapists are Masters-level and licensed by the State of Ohio.
The shared goal of our district and NLA is to improve the overall well-being of students. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to receive additional support, in a confidential atmosphere during the school day. If you are interested in participating in this program at any time throughout the year, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or principal.
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, December 5 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Holiday Choral Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, December 6 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Holiday Orchestra Concert
SHS Auditorium
Monday, December 10 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Holiday Orchestra Concert
7th & 8th Grades
SMS Auditorium
Wednesday, December 12 - 6:30pm & 8:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Holiday Band Concerts
6:30pm (6th Grade + Jazz Band Green)
8:00pm (7th & 8th Grade + Jazz Band Green)
SMS Auditorium
Thursday, December 13 - 9:45am
Surrarrer Elementary Holiday Band & Orchestra Concert
Thursday, December 13 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Holiday Band Concert
SHS Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This is always a special time of year as our holiday band, orchestra, and choir concerts will take place over the next few weeks at each of our schools. We have an extremely talented group of students, led by an exceptional group of music teachers in our District. We hope that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy at least one of our holiday concerts. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we get a glimpse into the preparation for a few of our elementary school concerts.
CHANGES TO FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REQUESTS FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
Please note the following change for full day kindergarten requests for the 2019-20 school year - all full day kindergarten requests will occur online. Online requests will begin at 8:00am on Friday, January 18. There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students on Thursday, January 17 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Road). Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for 2019-20.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LEANNA HAGERICH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. LeAnna Hagerich is in this week’s ‘Mustang Spotlight.’ Mrs. Hagerich is the physical education teacher at Kinsner Elementary and is in her 32nd year of teaching at Strongsville City Schools. Before Kinsner, Mrs. Hagerich taught at Strongsville High School, Muraski, and Drake Elementary schools. Throughout her career, she has co-taught with almost every one of our elementary physical education teachers in our District, and has also coached SHS cheerleading and track. Mrs. Hagerich earned her undergraduate degree from Slippery Rock University and her graduate degree from Marygrove College.
When asked about her favorite part of teaching, Mrs. Hagerich said, “The best part of teaching elementary physical education, is that I have the opportunity to work with all of the students, not for just one year but for all six years. I have the opportunity to teach, mold, and shape their lives through physical fitness games and activities. I am able to provide them with ways to make healthful choices and to develop and refine the life skills needed throughout all their educational experiences. Each year, I watch as they develop and grow into individual “superstars,” each having their moment in the spotlight to shine. I have the chance to observe their trials and errors, their emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, and their passion for specific sports or activities. I have even had the privilege to guide some students down paths of success when they were most uncertain of their own abilities. But the best part of my job is that I get to play all day with my students - they keep me young at heart - laughter and an abundance of energy fills my gymnasium daily.”
Thank you Mrs. Hagerich for inspiring our students and helping them grow and develop through physical activity!
CALAMITY/SNOW DAY PROCEDURES
With the winter weather season upon us, it’s a good time to remind our District about the procedures for calamity / snow days, should inclement weather occur. Correspondence was emailed earlier this week to all families - if you missed it, please click HERE for the entire letter and outline of procedures for calamity / snow days.
SHS ENGLISH TEACHER KIM ORR NAMED OHIO LOTTERY “TEACHER OF THE MONTH”
Congratulations to Mrs. Kim Orr, English teacher at Strongsville High School, for recently being recognized as an Ohio Lottery “Teacher of the Month.” Mrs. Orr was nominated for the award by one of her peers, which included the following comments: “Mrs. Orr is someone who makes a difference in the lives of her students every day. She brings creativity and a love of theater to her classes. She is always available for her students and makes them feel comfortable. Mrs. Orr maintains excellent relationships with parents and peers. Mrs. Orr creates and modifies work that meets both the need of the students and the expectations of the curriculum and her fellow teachers.” Once again, congratulations on this recognition!
HARLEM WIZARDS COMING TO STRONGSVILLE - THU. 1/31 - ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
The Harlem Wizards basketball team is making a tour stop in Strongsville! Get ready for a fun-filled family event on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm in the Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium. Online tickets are now available HERE - click on the January calendar and the game on 1/31. Tickets make great holiday gifts for the family!
MURASKI ELEMENTARY STUDENTS COMPETE IN “CHOPPED” WRITING CONTEST
Mrs. Scaduto’s 3rd grade class at Muraski Elementary recently competed in a “Chopped” writing contest, facilitated by Mrs. Hawk, one of our District’s Elementary Literacy Coaches. The students were given “mystery ingredients” to include in essays about either Halloween or the fall season. Each student presented their essay in front of the class and were judged by Curriculum Director Mrs. Green, Elementary Literacy Coach Dr. Lawson, and School Resource Officer Ptl. Kubacki. Congratulations to Ayyan and Angel who were class winners of this writing contest!
SHS VARSITY HOCKEY TEAM WINS HOLIDAY TOURNAMENT
The Mustangs varsity hockey team traveled to Dublin, Ohio over the Thanksgiving break and competed in the annual Chiller Thanksgiving Classic Tournament. Congratulations to the Mustangs as they went 3-0 in tournament play, qualifying them for the championship. Strongsville battled Cleveland Heights, and earned the championship trophy with a 2-1 shootout win!
For all of the latest Mustangs information, schedules, and scores, visit
www.strongsvilleathletics.org.
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” VIDEOS - SMS 6TH GRADE TEACHER MR. LIPOWSKI
Look for “We Are Strongsville” videos throughout the year, as we visit with students, teachers, parents, and community members about what makes our District and community a special place to live, learn, and grow! Click HERE for a message from SHS Alumnus (Class of 1991), SHS Varsity Basketball Coach, and 6th grade science teacher at SMS, Mr. Lipowski - “We Are Strongsville!”
SHS SENIOR ERIN SIEVERS BECOMES WORLDWIDE AUTHOR
Strongsville High School senior Erin Sievers recently realized a lifelong goal of publishing a novel before graduation. Erin’s first book, “Broken Lights Can’t Shine” is now available on Amazon - and has been purchased by people all over the world, including the UK! The book was a two year process to write, with lots of reviews and editing suggestions from her classmates and teachers. Erin plans to major in Psychology and Creative Writing in college, and hopes to also continue her track and field career at this next level. She has always loved writing and creating stories, and is interested in the analysis of a good book. She wants to write more - “I’m excited to get another book out there.” Congratulations Erin on this fantastic accomplishment!
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, 2019. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
NEW WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two new 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
Head Start Basketball Holiday Camp
The Head Start Basketball Holiday Camp emphasizes the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camp focuses on skill development and is a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camp is 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 Holiday Camp will be held from 1:30—4:30 p.m. December 27 & 28 at the Hoop Guru Courthouse which is located at 1669 West 130th St., Hinckley, OH 44233, Building #5. In order to assure individual attention for each camper the camp will be limited to the first fifty applicants. The cost of the camp is $45. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register:
https://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps/807055-head-start-basketball-holiday-camp-west-2018
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our first session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club continues to be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, December 7, and 14 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.
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.
Annual Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 7
7:00pm - Midnight
Michaud’s
$50 per person
December Luncheon - Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 18
11:30am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
$20 per person
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to support Operation Toy Soldier
Strongsville Library
Please note the following December 2018 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.
*All Branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed December 23rd through December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Wednesday, December 26th at 9:00 a.m.
*All Branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed December 31st and January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Wednesday, January 2nd 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 on hiatus for the month of December. We will start up our Winter Storytime Sessions again after the New Year in January. 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 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.
Afternoon Etching for Adults. Monday, December 3rd / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Drop in to create a beautiful piece of etched glass for the holiday season! Staff will provide materials but patrons are welcome to bring in their own clear glass item as well since supplies are limited (ex. clear coffee mug, drinking glass, clear serving dish, etc.). This event is for adults only. No registration required. While supplies last.
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:
Thursday, December 6th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Word 1.
Friday, December 7th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Word 2.
Polar Express at the Library. For Families! Saturday, December 8th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Wear your pajamas to hear the story The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Enjoy cookies, make a craft, and take a themed family photo in front of our green screen! Registration is required. For families--- PLEASE only register the children.
Addiction Overcome. Monday, December 10th / 7:00 p.m.
Glenbeigh Alumni Coordinator, Pawley Bornstein, shares openly about his recovery from addiction. Prior to working at Glenbeigh, Bornstein was the host of the wildly popular “Maxwell Show” on WMMS-FM.
iMovie Basics. Wednesday, December 12th / 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Take our iMovie Basics course to get a more in-depth look at iMovie and what you can do with the software. We will go over various components of creating a personalized video that you can take away valuable points from to create your very own movie in your free time!
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, December 19th. For this month, we are reading Commonwealth by Ann Patchett. Books can be picked up at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, December 21st / 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