Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 24)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - February 14, 2020
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Lisa Hunter, 5th Grade Teacher at Whitney Elementary
SCS State of the Schools Presentation - Wednesday, March 4
SHS Dance Team Qualifies for State Competition
“We Are Strongsville” - Mr. Griffen, Principal at Muraski Elementary
Elementary Boundaries
SHS Wind Ensemble to Perform with Baldwin Wallace Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Kindergarten Registration Information for 2020-21
Mustangs Spring Run & Wellness Fair - Saturday, April 18
Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations
SMS PTA Fundraiser - Saturday, March 7
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 2/14) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Grade)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Rd.)
Theme: “Pink Out”
Monday, February 17
NO SCHOOL (Presidents’ Day)
Wednesday, February 19
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Grades 9 - 12)
Late Afternoon/Evening Conferences - School Still in Session
** 6pm - Wellness & Healthy Choices Dealing with Stress & Anxiety -
School/Community Forum / SHS Auditorium
Thursday, February 20
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Grades PreK - 5)
Late Afternoon/Evening Conferences - School Still in Session
Thursday, February 20 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Monday, February 24 - 6:00pm
5th Grade Parent Night - Introduction to Strongsville Middle School
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Did you know that our District begins instrumental music classes in 5th grade? 5th Grade Orchestra is one of the opportunities offered to students at each of our elementary schools. Students learn the basics - posture, care of the instrument, scales and notes, etc. - which builds a foundation for more opportunities at SMS and eventually at SHS. Click HERE for this week’s episode as we stop in at Muraski and Kinsner to visit with Mr. Hire and Ms. Rogers and their 5th grade musicians.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LISA HUNTER, 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Lisa Hunter is a 5th grade teacher at Whitney Elementary School. Mrs. Hunter has taught for 29 years in our District - all at Whitney! A graduate of Kent State University, she has appreciated being part of the Whitney “family” her entire teaching career.
“I consider my Whitney family to be a great support system. They have encouraged, guided, and listened many times throughout my career. Some colleagues have moved to different schools or retired, but they will always be family to me. I feel so blessed to work for Strongsville City Schools,” says Mrs. Hunter.
“My favorite moments are when students get engaged and excited about their learning. I love those ‘Aha!’ moments when they understand something for the first time or make connections on a deeper level. My students are always my ‘kids’ so I love hearing about what they are doing throughout their years here in Strongsville and beyond. I keep pictures of all of my classes on a wall in my room to remind me of how important each child is.”
Thank you Mrs. Hunter for providing students at Whitney Elementary a positive learning environment and preparing them for middle school and beyond! #WeAreStrongsville
SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
You are invited to the upcoming SCS State of the Schools presentation on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm. The first portion of the presentation will be held in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium. Following this presentation by Dr. Ryba and a Q&A, small discussion groups will be formed to begin outlining the next strategic plan for our District. All are invited to attend and participate. This week, the Strongsville community received this LETTER with additional information about the Wednesday, March 4 State of the Schools event. Please RSVP to dfoust@scsmustangs.org if you plan to attend the State of the Schools presentation.
SHS DANCE TEAM QUALIFIES FOR STATE COMPETITION
Congratulations to the SHS Dance Team - the team qualified for States this past weekend and will be competing on February 29 at the state competition in Pickerington. Good Luck Mustangs!
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MR. GRIFFEN, PRINCIPAL AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
ELEMENTARY BOUNDARIES
From SCS Superintendent, Dr. Ryba:
Over the past few weeks I have received a steady flow of emails regarding rumors that the district is looking to change elementary enrollment boundaries for the 2020-21 school year. This is just a rumor. However, the district is beginning a study to look at our current and future elementary enrollment to determine if any boundary adjustments are needed at a later date. You can click HERE to read some questions/responses on this topic recently posted on our website’s Heard Around Town page.
SHS WIND ENSEMBLE TO PERFORM WITH BALDWIN WALLACE SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE
Don't miss the opportunity to see (& hear) Strongsville High School's Wind Ensemble perform with the Baldwin Wallace Symphonic Wind Ensemble TONIGHT (Fri. 2/14) at 7:00pm at Baldwin Wallace University’s Gamble Auditorium. Click HERE for more concert information, including the LIVE stream of the concert!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR 2020-21
Kindergarten Registration dates for the 2020/2021 school year are as follows:
Kinsner Elementary - Friday, March 13 (8:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 3:30pm)
Please note that this is a change in date for Kinsner’s registration
Chapman Elementary - Monday, March 16 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Muraski Elementary - Wednesday, March 18 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Surrarrer Elementary - Thursday, March 19 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
Whitney Elementary - Friday, March 20 (8:00am - 12:00pm)
** REGISTRATION ON ALL DATES WILL OCCUR AT THE SCS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES (18199 COOK AVENUE)
Parents need to complete the online registration on the SCS website (www.strongnet.org) - or by clicking HERE. Please note: Registration opens on Monday, February 10 and should be completed by Thursday, March 12.
This year, registration packets will be available online for all students who do not attend the Early Learning Preschool (SELP) on Lunn Road or at Chapman Elementary School. SELP students will receive their information through SELP, and they do not need to do an online registration OR attend registration in March.
MUSTANGS SPRING RUN & WELLNESS FAIR - SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Join us on Saturday, April 18 for the Mustangs Spring Run (5K) & Wellness Fair at Strongsville High School. Following the 5K race, the SCS Wellness Fair will take place from 10am - 1pm - a FREE event that helps promote health and wellness with the help of local vendors, activities, and MORE! Click HERE to register online or download the registration form HERE.
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame are now being accepted. The Class of 2020 will be inducted this fall. Please use this LINK to submit your nomination today!
SMS PTA FUNDRAISER - SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Please join SMS PTA for a “Big Night Out!” at Harvest Saloon on Saturday, March 7 from 5-8pm! There will be food, drinks, 50-50 raffles, and amazing baskets! Tickets are pre-sale only - please click HERE to purchase your tickets. Purchase “early bird tickets” (before February 21) and receive 10 free premium raffle tickets! The “Big Night Out” benefits Strongsville Middle School PTA Grants & Programs for our students and teachers at SMS.
“HEARD AROUND TOWN” ON SCS WEBSITE
Have you heard something that you want more clarification about concerning Strongsville City Schools? Share your questions with us, we're happy to provide information to clear up any misconceptions! Visit the new “Heard Around Town” link on the main page at www.strongnet.org or click HERE to submit your question.
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
Strongsville Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic - Saturday, February 29
The Strongsville Rotary Club invites you to a day of fun, food, drink, prizes and even a little golf (if you like) on Saturday, February 29 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. With the generous support of area businesses, the Chili Open Golf Classic, organized by the Rotary Club of Strongsville, has raised more than $2 million for charity since 1992.
The all-volunteer event has become a February tradition in Northeastern Ohio, drawing nearly 1,000 golfers who tee off into blasts of frigid air, putt across frosty greens and warm up in a hall full of hot food and sizzling activities, like the action-packed celebrity auction, PLUS a Grand Prize Raffle - this year is a dugout loge for 10 at an Indians game, hourly 50/50 drawings and a whole lot more! All this for only $29! Doors open at 10:00am.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go to support these 8 different charities: Achievement Centers / Camp Cheerful, Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio, Applewood Centers, Ben Curtis Family Foundation, Leadership Mission International, Santa's Hideaway, Santa PICsU, The Lantern.
Come, enjoy the fun and help support these great charities. You can learn more & buy tickets online at chiliopen.com/register.htm or purchase tickets at the door the day of the event.
Engineering Challenges Carnival
Join Case Western Reserve University students for a fun-filled day of hands-on STEM-based activities and demonstration on Saturday, February 15 from 11am - 3pm on CWRU’s campus. The carnival is free and open to the public - no registration is required - Pre-K to 8th grade students and their families are welcome. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Junior Browns Spring Flag Football League
Join the Junior Browns Spring Flag Football League! Divisions for boys and girls in 1st - 6th grade. Games on Sundays, beginning April 5th. Click HERE for more information or visit www.strongsvillefootballbackers.com to register.
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event - Saturday, 2/22
The KIWANIS CLUB OF STRONGSVILLE is sponsoring its annual "READ AROUND THE WORLD" program on Saturday, February 22nd from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM at the Strongsville Community Library. Members of Kiwanis believe that the sooner a child gets interested in reading, the better the chance they have for success in school. The program and its activities are intended for PRE-SCHOOL and K – 3rd graders. There is NO ADMISSION CHARGE for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.). Cookies and beverages will also be available at NO CHARGE. Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books.
Students from St. Joe's & 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 a couple brief children’s stories. He is outstanding!
St. Joe’s & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories.
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
Finally, each child can pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
Founder’s Day Program (Tues. Feb. 25) - "If Walls Could Talk: The General Store"
The Strongsville Historical Society invites you to our annual Founder's Day Program on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 7pm at Strongsville Old Town Hall, 18825 Royalton Rd. Every year the Strongsville Historical Society holds a Founder’s Day Program to continue its mission to discover, collect, record, preserve and interpret the history of the Strongsville, Ohio area through these programs that inspire, stimulate and educate the community. Join us in this endeavor.
This year's program, presented by Valerie Mattingley, is called "If Walls Could Talk: The General Store". The historic village has a general store that once served an out-of-the-way corner of Strongsville. Of course, there were other such stores scattered around. If those walls could talk, what would they tell us about life in such communities? Come hear what they provided...what they meant to the people they served, in the actual words of people who used the Olds General Store! Light refreshments will be provided at this free event. All are welcome!
The Strongsville Historical Society and Historic Village invites you to become a member by calling 440-572-0057. Please learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society by visiting www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org.
SCT Singers - “A Tribute to Broadway” (Sat. 3/14 - 2pm & 7:30pm)
Swing back to the Big Band Era with the SCT Singers - on stage and performing with a live swing band. This fundraiser for the Strongsville Community Theatre takes place on Saturday, March 14 with two shows (2:00pm & 7:30pm) at the Strongsville Recreation & Senior Center. Visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or call 440.879.8817 to purchase tickets.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following upcoming 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 in the following events may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see additional event information.
February Business Luncheon - Polaris Career Center’s Savour Restaurant
*Limited Seating for this Event
Tuesday, February 18 - 11:30am
Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the award winning students in the Polaris Chef Training Program.
March “State of the City” Luncheon with Mayor Thomas P. Perciak
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, March 10, 2020 - 11:15am* – 1:00pm (Lunch served at 11:45am)*
*Please note time adjustments
“Women in Business” Committee Hosted Event – “Navigating the Senior Care Continuum” Panel Discussion
Generations Senior Living of Strongsville
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 - 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Open to the Public; All are welcome.
April “SHS Distinguished Alumni” Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 - 11:30am – 1:00pm
Mark Your Calendar:
2020 Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 15th – Saturday, July 18th
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2020 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 story times are in full swing for Winter. 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.
ESOL Classes. Thursdays & Fridays / 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland provides free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at Strongsville Branch Library. Classes will be every Thursday and Friday through June 12th, 2020. Interested Students must attend the ESOL/Citizenship orientation session on February 20th before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. For more info, call 833.ASPIRE2 or visit aspiregreatercleveland.org.
Teen Light Painting. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, February 17th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Learn how to take long-exposure photographs of a moving light source. Please bring a flash drive to save your images. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options. Registration is required and begins January 17th.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Taking Diabetes to Heart. Tuesday, February 18th / 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. In adults with diabetes, the most common causes of death are heart disease and stroke. Join Amy Marke, RN, BSN from Southwest General’s Heart and Vascular Institute to learn how to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. 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.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 19th / 7:00 p.m.
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome! For this month, we are reading The Gown by Jennifer Robson. 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!
Podcasting Series. Wednesdays, February 19th & 26th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Have a story to tell and want to share it with the world? Learn the basic steps to record, edit, and share audio content and stories in a podcast format in this hands-on session. Our first week we will do an overview on the world of Podcasts with the second week being a hands-on workshop creating one! No previous recording experience necessary.
Southwest Memory Screenings. Thursday, February 20th / 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Are you saying "Sorry, I forgot" a little too often? It's normal to forget a name from time to time. It's not normal to keep forgetting days of the week, or when to pay bills or take medicine. Join us for a free screening by the Community Nurses and see if you should consider seeing a doctor. Reservations are required. To register for an appointment, please call (440) 816-4037.
ESOL/Citizenship Orientations. Thursday, February 20th and Friday, February 28th / 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Aspire Greater Cleveland provides free ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and citizenship classes at Strongsville Branch Library. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. For more information and to register, please call 833.ASPIRE2 or visit aspiregreatercleveland.org.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, February 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.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. Saturday, February 22nd / 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 24th / 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be The Library Book by Susan Orlean. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great discussion!
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced users. Many of our classes offer Northstar Digital Literacy Certification. 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 https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes.aspx
Here are the upcoming classes:
Thursday, February 27th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word 1.
Thursday, February 27th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Word 2.
Friday, February 28th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Word 3.
Saturday, February 29th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Word Review.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale – Members Only Preview. Saturday, February 29th / 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The Friends member preview will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friends memberships will be available for $8.00 at the door and are good for one year. The book sale will then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction non-fiction audio visual materials magazines & more! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale. Open to the Public. Saturday, February 29th / 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The Friends member preview will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friends memberships will be available for $8.00 at the door and are good for one year. The book sale will then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction non-fiction audio visual materials magazines & more! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, March 1st / 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The bag of books sale will be on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your own reusable shopping bag that is no larger than 15x15 inches and fill it for only $1 dollar. Our plastic bags will be available at the sale if needed. For more information call (440) 238-5530.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale. Monday, March 2nd / 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual spring book sale. The bag sale will conclude on Monday and will run from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last! For more information call (440) 238-5530.
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