Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 5)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - September 15, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Nine SHS Students are National Merit Semi-Finalists
Online School Forms - Updating Your Student’s Information
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Leslie Wise, 4th Grade Teacher at Kinsner
SHS Boys Cross Country Team Takes First Place
New Strongsville Athletics Website
‘Fill the Bus’ for the Strongsville Food Bank (Fri. 9/29)
The Mustang Cafe at Strongsville High School
2016-17 Ohio School Report Card Results
Princess (& Prince) Tea, Hosted by SHS Mustang Express (Sat. 9/16)
Fun Run at Strongsville Cross Country Invitational (Sat. 9/23)
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Tomorrow (Sat., 9/16)
Princess (& Prince) Tea, Hosted By Mustang Express
Shows at 12:00pm & 3:30pm
SHS Auditorium
Wednesday, September 20
‘Meet the Choirs’ Concert - 7:00pm
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, September 21
Board of Education Meeting
Strongsville Early Learning Preschool Multipurpose Room (19543 Lunn Road)
Friday, September 22
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development
Saturday, September 23 - 8:30am
Fun Run at Strongsville Cross Country Invitational (Grades K-6)
Pat Catan Stadium
Friday, September 29
Homecoming Football Game
SHS vs. Euclid - 7pm
+ ‘Fill the Bus’ for the Strongsville Food Bank
Saturday, September 30
SHS Homecoming Dance - 7:00pm
Click HERE for a complete listing of September events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Can a pier bridge constructed with less than one ounce of index card paper support over 20 pounds of textbooks? That was the big question this week in Mrs. Nosan’s classes at Chapman Elementary. Students worked through the scientific process to test their predictions. Click HERE to see how their pier bridges held up to the weight of their textbooks!
NINE SHS STUDENTS ARE NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS
Congratulations to Strongsville High School’s NINE National Merit Semifinalists: Christina Fogwell, Jacqueline Foley, James Foley, Erika Lee, Satya Nayagam, Shyam Polaconda, Hannah Schmidt, Suraj Srinivasan, Rosemary Zaleski.
This year, Strongsville has the 15th most Semifinalists in the state and the 3rd most in Cuyahoga County. About 1.6 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of National Merit Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are among the highest scoring entrants in each state.
Congratulations to this group of students as they now will compete for National Merit Finalist status and scholarship opportunities.
SHS National Merit Semifinalists (L to R):
Shyam Polaconda, Erika Lee, Satya Nayagam, Christina Fogwell, Rosemary Zaleski,
Hannah Schmidt, James Foley, Jacqueline Foley, Suraj Srinivasan
ONLINE SCHOOL FORMS - UPDATING YOUR STUDENT’S INFORMATION
Please make sure you have updated your student’s information online. This process replaces the paper forms (Emergency Contacts, Medical Forms, etc.) sent home at the beginning of each school year. Even if there are no changes, you must still log in and confirm the information. Use the PowerSchool Parent Portal (PASS) to access the online information update form. The deadline to complete this task was September 8, 2017.
The Information Update form must be completed prior to your child receiving report cards, transcripts, parking permits, participation in extracurricular activities, attending dances, and field trips, as well as participation in commencement activities.
Click HERE for instructions on how to get started and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LESLIE WISE, 4TH GRADE TEACHER AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Leslie Wise, one of our fourth grade teachers at Kinsner Elementary, is in this week’s “Mustang Spotlight.” Mrs. Wise is in her 29th year of teaching in Strongsville City Schools. She has been a part of the Kinsner staff ever since the building opened in 1998. Mrs. Wise earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and also has a Master’s Degree from Marygrove College.
“My class this year is so eager to learn - they are excited to be in the classroom every single day,” says Mrs. Wise. “They are so eager to learn new things and it makes me happy when they have an ‘AHA’ moment and everything comes together and makes sense. It's truly awesome!”
She adds, “I love teaching at Kinsner because we are like a family. There is an incredible team effort and everyone is supportive from our Principal Mr. Marino, to each and every teacher, aide, and staff member in the building.”
Thank you Mrs. Wise for being part of a fantastic team at Kinsner and helping our fourth graders achieve great things on a daily basis!
SHS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM TAKES FIRST PLACE
Picking up right where they left off last season, the Mustangs Boys Cross Country team recently took FIRST PLACE in the Pat Ritchie Invitational at Walsh Jesuit High School. Well done - we look forward to hearing about more successful meets this fall!
NEW STRONGSVILLE ATHLETICS WEBSITE
Visit the NEW Strongsville Athletics website - www.strongsvilleathletics.org
Featuring stories, information, schedules, and photo galleries, strongsvilleathletics.org is the best place to stay up to date about our Mustangs teams - including this STORY about the volleyball team’s recent victory against Mentor, putting them atop the Greater Cleveland Conference with an undefeated conference record and an 11-1 overall mark!
‘FILL THE BUS’ FOR THE STRONGSVILLE FOOD BANK - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Bring a non-perishable or monetary donation to the Strongsville/Euclid varsity football game on Friday, September 29 and help us “Fill the Bus” for the Strongsville Food Bank.
The Food Bank is especially in need of the following items: canned soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, toilet paper, and boxes of Kleenex.
Look for the Strongsville School Bus in front of Pat Catan Stadium on Friday, October 28th - let’s fill it for the food bank!
THE MUSTANG CAFE AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
The Mustang Café is once again open on the second floor of the SHS media center. This popular spot offers a wide variety of cappuccino, coffee and assorted beverages and snacks. New this year - join the coffee loyalty program - purchase 9 coffees and the 10th is free!
2016-17 OHIO SCHOOL REPORT CARD RESULTS
This week, The Ohio Department of Education released 2016-17 School Report Card results for districts. Districts and individual schools were graded on six components for the 2016-2017 school year. Districts and schools receive A-F grades on each of the six components. These grades are based on the state assessments administered to students in grades 3-12 each spring. As a District, Strongsville City Schools received the following:
Achievement: C
Gap Closing: D
K-3 Literacy: C
Progress: B
Graduation Rate: A
Prepared for Success: C
Even with the state increasing the passage rate required for each tested area, Strongsville’s grades remained the same from last year’s report card except for Gap Closing which improved from a grade of “F” in 2015-16 to this year’s grade of “D”.
For specific results of Strongsville schools, and other districts, please visit: reportcard.ohio.gov. For additional information about the Strongsville City School District, please visit:
https://www.strongnet.org/Page/214
PRINCESS (& PRINCE) TEA, HOSTED BY MUSTANG EXPRESS
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Princess (& Prince) Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express, appearing as your favorite Disney characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 3:30pm - on Saturday, September 16 at Strongsville High School. More event and registration information may be found HERE.
FUN RUN AT STRONGSVILLE CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL
On your mark, get set, GO! Get ready for a fun run - open to students in grades K-6 - on Saturday, September 23rd at 8:30am at Strongsville High School. After the race, make plans to stay and cheer on the Mustangs Cross Country team as they compete against other high schools in the Strongsville Cross Country Invitational. Click HERE for the event flyer.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Community Forums on Drug & Alcohol Awareness
In an ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic, the Strongsville community is encouraged to attend upcoming Drug & Alcohol Awareness Community Forums. The Community Forums are FREE and will be held at Strongsville's Ehrnfelt Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Rd.) on September 19th & 26th, 2017, at 6:30pm. Each date is part of a series on addiction awareness, interdiction, and treatment, and will be presented by a diverse panel of practitioners:
September 19: Available Resources From Family Support Groups and Recovery Groups
September 26: Addiction and the Criminal Justice and Health Care Systems
The Community Forums are sponsored by Mayor Tom Perciak, the City of Strongsville, the Strongsville faith community, and local businesses. Click HERE for additional information.
Annual Breakfast on the Covered Bridge
Please join the Strongsville City Club for Breakfast on the Covered Bridge (Whitney Road), Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Discounted tickets are available in advance. Go to www.strongsvillecityclub.org/breakfast_on_the_bridge/ to purchase tickets, get directions and learn more about the event or call Bill Ritchie at (440) 238-5770 for more information.
Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is for boys and girls in grades K-3 and will be held at the Strongsville Recreation Center. The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is designed to provide a positive and fun environment for kids to develop their basketball dribbling skills with individual attention given to each player. The Little Dribblers program will actively, creatively, and playfully engage players in ball handling skills and drills. The ultimate goal is to get your little dribbler comfortable and confident with a basketball in their hands, able to utilize both their right and left hand equally effectively. $25 Registration fee. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click HERE to register.
Mustangs Youth Rugby
Teams are starting to form for the fall season of Mustangs Youth Rugby. Rugby participation is open to 4th - 6th graders in flag and 7th - 8th graders for tackle. Visit www.rookierugby.com or click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre is looking for electricians, carpenters, artists, ushers, stage crew, tech staff, directors, musicians, actors, singers, dancers, and other volunteers! There are many opportunities to become involved with Strongsville Community Theatre. Interested in learning more? Click HERE or visit www.StrongsvilleCommunityTheatre.com for more information.
Anti-Bullying Workshops
Join Empowering Punch in efforts to “Battle the Bullying” epidemic in a 4-week anti-bullying program. Kids ages 13-18 are invited to attend and participate in this educational and optimistic event. Workshop sessions will be from 1-2pm on every Saturday in October. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
College Financial Aid Workshop
Need help or advice about financial aid for college? Need assistance in navigating FAFSA? Attend this upcoming workshop and receive guidance on college financial aid.
CWRU's Lifelong Learning Program (Substance Abuse - Confronting Addiction)
Join Case Western Reserve University for this series about the growing issue of the Substance Abuse Epidemic. So much remains unknown and misunderstood about substance abuse. And much of the public continues to remain blind to issues they choose not to see. Attend one or all of these sessions and discover what effect this epidemic has on our local communities. Visit http://case.edu/lifelonglearning/substance-abuse/ for additional information on this important series.
Strongsville Fastpitch Softball Tryouts
Tryouts for the 10U, 12U, 14U, and Varsity Fastpitch Softball travel teams will occur on September 16-17 from 10am - 12pm at the Youth Sports Park Fields (21255 West Lunn Road). Click HERE or visit www.strongsvillefastpitch.com or call Tom Lang at 440.539.9007 for additional information.
Girl Scouts
There is power in every GIRL - unleash it at Girl Scouts. Try new things, take on challenges, build community, and inspire others - all through Girl Scouts. Open Houses for Strongsville Girl Scouts are coming up soon in September. Click HERE for more specific information on open house events in September.
Southwest General Safe Sitter Classes
Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized program, developed by a pediatrician, designed to teach both boys and girls, ages 11 -14, how to be safe and responsible sitters. Registration for upcoming classes is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration 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.
Business Luncheon (Q&A with Strongsville City Council & Board of Education)
Tuesday, September 19
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!
October Luncheon - Tuesday, October 17th
Business & Community Expo - Wednesday, November 8th
November Luncheon - Tuesday, November 15th
Holiday Scholarship Dance - Friday, December 1st
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2017 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.
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! Please call the library for more information about our Fall story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser - the Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
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
Friends of Strongsville Library Fall Book Sale. Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall book sale. The Friends members only 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!
Friends of Strongsville Library Fall Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, September 17th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. AND Monday, September 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall 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. 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!
Using a Resistance Band at Home: Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk. Tuesday, September 19th 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. Join Wendy Zullo to learn the proper way to safely use a resistance band for working out. She will demonstrate ways to utilize a resistance band for strengthening and stretching exercises at home. 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!
Why Does it Hurt?: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, September 20th 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 September speaker will be Robert Coale, MD, Orthopedics of Southwest General Hospital. Hear about the causes and problems that occur when your joints ache. Learn about advances in care, medications, rehab, and new surgery techniques. We will focus on the shoulder, finding the truth and dispelling the myths about your joints. Refreshments served.
Homework Mentor Open House. For School Age and their Families. Wednesday, September 20th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Come meet the homework mentor to find out all about the help available to your child. The entire family is welcome.
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, September 20th. This month we will be discussing Dead Wake: the Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. 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!
Just 4 U Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, September 23rd 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.
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, September 25th. Our September discussion title will be The Three Year Swim Club: the Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Money Matters: Fundamentals of Paying for College. Monday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this important financial topic with speaker Jacki Medvick, Assistant Branch Manager of the Strongsville Citizens Bank. She will be speaking on the Fundamentals of Paying for College. Learn about the Financial Aid process and get an overview of the different options to pay for college. This new quarterly financial series is a collaboration with Citizens Bank and the Strongsville Branch Library. Every quarter, we will bring you a new Money Matters program to help you with your financial questions.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, September 26th 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.
Three Penny Opera. Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Join Cleveland Opera Theater to learn about Three Penny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper.) This lecture recital will detail the historical and musical significance this milestone of 20th century opera and music theater, as it rolls on unstoppably into the 21st. This presentation also features live musical examples from their upcoming production. Appropriate for both veteran opera-goers and novices alike, this is an opportunity to broaden your musical horizons.
Exploration Station: Magnets. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Friday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. – Noon.
Children will explore and learn about magnets through play and hands-on learning.
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