Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 15)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - November 22, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SMS Art Teacher Karen Schindler Earns Teacher of the Year Award
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Tammy Ray, Food Services Department Secretary
2020-21 Kindergarten Informational Meeting + Full Day Requests
Mustangs Team Shop - Last Weekend to Order!
Early Learning Preschool Open House + Peer Intent Form
Junior Dance Team Clinic - Wednesday, 11/27
First Friday Parent Education Series
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Wednesday, November 27 - Friday, November 29
NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)
Wednesday, December 4 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Choral Winter Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, December 5 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Orchestra Winter Concert
SHS Auditorium
Friday, December 6 - 10:00am
“First Friday Parent Education Series”
Early Learning Preschool (19543 Lunn Rd.)
Topic: Facilitating Fine Motor Skills
Tuesday, December 10 - 6:30pm & 8:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Band Winter Concert
6:30pm - 6th Grade / 8:00pm - 7th & 8th Grade + Jazz Band Green
SMS Auditorium
Wednesday, December 11 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Orchestra Winter Concert (7th & 8th Grade)
SMS Auditorium
Thursday, December 12 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Thursday, December 12 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Band Winter Concert
SHS Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Student Advisory Council, made up of fourteen students - two representatives from each grade (6th-12th) - meet with Superintendent Ryba on a regular basis throughout the school year. They provide student perspectives and feedback to help our District continue to grow in many ways. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit with a few students and Dr. Ryba to hear more about the impact this Council has on our District.
SMS ART TEACHER KAREN SCHINDLER EARNS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Mrs. Karen Schindler, Strongsville Middle School Art Teacher, was recognized this past week in Columbus as the Ohio Art Teacher of the Year for Northeast Ohio by The Ohio Art Education Association. Mrs. Schindler has worked in our District for 32 years. In addition to fostering the creativity in our middle school students as part of art classes, she has also worked collaboratively with our music teachers to design a course in art and music production and oversees several student extracurricular groups including film animation club, art club, stamping club, and a comic club. “Mrs. Schindler stands out due to her love and passion for art education and doing all that is necessary for the betterment of children,” Superintendent Dr. Cameron Ryba said. “Mrs. Schindler is a leader. She is a leader in advancing her department, she is a leader in advancing her curriculum, and she is a leader in advocating for students.” Congratulations Mrs. Schindler!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. TAMMY RAY, FOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT SECRETARY
Mrs. Tammy Ray is the secretary for our Food Services Department. Mrs. Ray has been in our District for twelve years, having spent over ten years working in the cafeteria at Strongsville High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and has been a twenty-five year resident of Strongsville. Both of her sons attended Strongsville City Schools.
“It's very fulfilling to help our Food Services Department run smoothly. Whether it’s answering questions from parents, assisting the managers with deliveries and equipment, or helping with the financial aspects of operating the kitchens, I really look forward to coming to work each day,” says Mrs. Ray.
“Our Cafeteria Managers do an exceptional job of providing the students, teachers, and staff with nutritional, delicious meals on a daily basis. Our entire Cafeteria Staff works very hard to maintain a wonderful friendly atmosphere in the kitchens for everyone. Our Food Services Director provides them all the tools they need to make this happen. It truly is a team effort and it is a pleasure to work with everyone on our great Food Services staff.”
Thank you Mrs. Ray for being an integral part of our Food Services Department and helping to deliver great food choices to our students, teachers, and staff on a daily basis. #WeAreStrongsville
2020-21 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATIONAL MEETING + FULL DAY REQUESTS
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2020-21 school year will once again occur exclusively online. Online FDK requests will begin at 8:00am on Friday, January 17. There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students on Thursday, January 16 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Road). Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for 2020-21.
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - LAST WEEKEND TO ORDER
Avoid the "Black Friday" crowds and get a jump on your holiday shopping. Visit https://strongsville-wn19.itemorder.com/sale and shop for the Strongsville fan on your holiday list. Choose from T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and MORE! Many of the items can be personalized with name, number, and favorite sport. Delivery of items before the holidays! HURRY - the Mustangs Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 24! #WeAreStrongsville
EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE + PEER INTENT FORM
For families considering enrolling their student in the Early Learning Preschool, please plan to attend an Open House at our Lunn Road location (19543 Lunn Rd.) on Friday, January 17 from 9:30am - 11:00am. Can't make this Open House? Call 440.572.7046 for a personal tour of our school.
Already decided on our Early Learning Preschool? Please click HERE for the 2020-21 Preschool Peer Intent Form. Online applications will be accepted beginning on Thursday, January 16, 2020. In-person applications will be accepted beginning at 9:30am on Friday, January 17, 2020. Lottery drawing will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
JUNIOR DANCE TEAM CLINIC - WEDNESDAY, 11/27
The Strongsville High School Dance Team is hosting their third annual "Junior Dance Team Clinic" on Wednesday, November 27th. The fundraiser will consist of 2 separate dance clinics this year, one for 1st-5th graders from 10:30am-1:00pm and one for 6th-8th graders from 1:00-3:30pm in the SHS gym. Participants will perform at a home SHS basketball game and receive a Junior Dance Team t-shirt. To register please see this flyer or fill out this Google Form.
FIRST FRIDAY PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
Join the staff from Strongsville Early Learning Preschool for our “First Friday Parent Education Series.” We are excited to provide information on relevant topics to parents of young children (birth to age 5) with teams of our own in-house experts. Each session will include information, resources, and a question and answer session. The next session is Friday, December 6th from 10:00am - 11:00am at the Early Learning Preschool (19543 Lunn Rd.) with a discussion on “Facilitating Fine Motor Skills.” All residents of Strongsville are encouraged to attend (We kindly ask that you leave your children at home during these sessions as we do not provide childcare.) If you are unable to attend, you will be able to watch a replay on our website: www.strongnet.org. Click HERE for additional information and upcoming event dates and topics.
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, 2020. Nomination forms can be found HERE
and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
“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
Cavs Academy Youth Basketball Camp
Cavs Academy, the only official youth basketball program of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is coming to the Strongsville Recreation Center on Saturday, November 30th from 9am - 12pm! Learn from our experienced Cavs Academy coaches in the areas of shooting, passing, defense, ball-handling and participate in live games! Open to boys and girls, ages 7-17 (all skill levels welcome!). All athletes receive an exclusive Cavs Academy Classic Edition dri-fit shooting shirt, 50th Season Celebration Spalding basketball and ticket to a Cavs game! Click HERE to register!
Girl Scouts “Decorate & Take” Gingerbread Houses
Girl Scout Troop 70870 is hosting a “decorate and take” gingerbread house event on Saturday December 14th and Sunday December 15th from 2-5pm at the Strongsville Historical Village’s Christmas in the Village. This is a family fun event that is free but donations for the historical village are welcome.
“Believe Day” Event at Macy’s/SouthPark Mall - Friday, December 6
Please join us on Friday, December 6th from 11:00am - 2:00pm at Macy’s SouthPark Center for “National Believe Day!”. There will be holiday story-telling, sing alongs, crafts, and MORE! Cards to Santa can also be written - Macy’s will make a donation to the Make A Wish Foundation for all cards filled out during “National Believe Day.” Please RSVP to Mary Jo at
440.846.7000 x1521 by December 3rd. All age groups are welcome!
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre presents “Home for the Holidays” - December 6, 7, & 8 at Strongsville High School’s Little Theater. Performance times - Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 3pm.
Tickets are $15 each and available at http://www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com/ or by calling 440.879.8817. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Presents Victorian Christmas Teas
Enjoy tea in the beautifully restored Lathrop House in the Strongsville Historic Village (just North of Rte. 82) on Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm. Enjoy tantalizing teas, sumptuous sandwiches, designer desserts, boutique baskets and engaging entertainment completing this year’s holiday theme. While you’re here, peruse the Historic Village that is decked out in vintage Christmas décor. Parking is free.
This event will sell out quickly, so make your reservations NOW. Tickets cost $25 each with the proceeds supporting the efforts of the Strongsville Historical Society. Call Debbie for reservations and tickets at 440-572-4967.
Allison Rose Foundation - Yellow Brick Road Celebration
The Allison Rose Foundation is hosting its 2nd annual fundraiser, the Yellow Brick Road Celebration, on Saturday, January 25, 2020 from 7:00pm - 11:00pm at the Embassy Suites in Independence. We are raising funds to contribute to the new Cleveland Clinic Food Allergy Center of Excellence, and to expand our educational curriculum, create additional awareness campaigns, contribute to research and advocate for change to save lives. Visit https://www.allisonrosefoundation.org/ourevents/ to register and for additional details about this event.
D.A.R.E. Family Ice Skating Party
Don’t miss the D.A.R.E. Ice Skating Party for families on Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at OBM Arena (15381 Royalton Rd.). Skate with the D.A.R.E. Officers and win great prizes! Click HERE for the event details.
Ski/Snowboard Club for Strongsville Students
Winter is right around the corner and the Ski/Snowboard Club is looking for interested students to join. Please contact Shad Nye at 440-985-8890 or visit www.bmbw.com/club-program (club login name - strongelem / password - wish4snow) for more information. Click HERE for registration information.
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.
51st Annual Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 6th, 7pm - Midnight
Michaud’s Towne & Country
Strongsville Library
Please note the following December 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.
*All Library Branches and Administration will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Thursday, December 26th at 9:00 a.m.
*All Library Branches and Administration will be closed on Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Thursday, 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 times are on hiatus for the month of December. We will resume Winter Storytimes in January of 2020. 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.
Ohio Means Jobs. Tuesdays / 9 – 5:30 p.m.
An Ohio Means Jobs Employment Specialist is available for job placement and individualized job planning services. Please call ahead to confirm the Job Specialist's availability.
What is a DO and Osteopathic manipulative treatment? Tuesday, December 3rd / 7:00 p.m.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a series of hands-on techniques used by osteopathic doctors to help diagnose illness or injury and facilitate your body’s natural tendency toward self–healing. Ashley C. Fuentes, MS, DO of Southwest General, will discuss osteopathic medicine & the many benefits of OMT.
Great Lakes Puppet Theater. Saturday, December 7th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
The magic of puppetry and classic storytelling will come alive with Great Lakes Puppet Theater's performance of Little Red Riding Hood and The Shoemaker and the Elf. Sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Library.
Teen Craft Buffet. For Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Monday, December 9th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Ever wonder what we do with leftover materials from library craft programs? Now’s your chance to find out! All materials will be provided. Just bring your creative ideas.
Winter Pajama Party. All Ages with Parent or Caregiver. Thursday, December 12th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us for a snuggly wuggly Pajama Storytime. All should wear your comfy pjs as we read nighty night stories, do a small craft, and relax with cookies and milk.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, December 14th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Holly Jolly Singalong with the Cleveland Fleaharmonics. Tuesday, December 17th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Come join the Cleveland Fleaharmonics Ukulele Ensemble for a merry evening of music and fun. We’ll be sharing lots of favorite songs - Deck the Halls, Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bell Rock, and many more! If you play the ukulele, you are invited to bring your instrument and join the band!
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, December 18th / 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 Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira Lee. 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 20th / 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