Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 22)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - February 1, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Carter Estrela Wins SMS National Geographic Bee
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Wayne Brooks, Head Custodian at Strongsville High School
Upcoming Family Literacy Nights at SMS & SHS
Harlem Wizards Game RESCHEDULED to Sunday March 31 at 4pm
Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Tue. 2/26 at 6:30pm
Elementary Nights at SHS Varsity Basketball Games
Yankee Candle Fundraiser to Benefit SHS Project Support
FREE Sunday Evening Youth Soccer Winter Skills (NOW through 3/10)
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Gonczy, Music Teacher at Whitney Elementary
FREE Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (NOW through 3/23)
Five Guys Fundraiser (Wed. 2/6) to Benefit Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters
Strongsville Middle School Golf Club
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 4 - 6:00pm
Board of Education Work Session
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Saturday, February 9 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Strongsville High School Winter Formal
SHS Gymnasium
Tuesday, February 12
Parent/Teacher Conferences (SHS & SMS)
Strongsville High School: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Strongsville Middle School: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, February 13 - 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Literacy Night
Wednesday, February 13
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK - 8th Grade)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:30pm
Strongsville Middle School: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Monday, February 18
NO SCHOOL
President’s Day
Wednesday, February 20 - 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Strongsville High School Literacy Night
Wednesday, February 20
Parent/Teacher Conferences (SHS)
Strongsville High School: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Thursday, February 21
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK - 5th Grade)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:30pm
Click HERE for a complete listing of February events in our District
DID YOU KNOW?
Our District is supported by a very strong PTA Council. During the 2017-18 school year, PTA members volunteered 12,460 hours. Their dedication to our District helps to make our classroom environments stronger and benefits our students, teachers, staff, and community. We appreciate all of their efforts, including their fundraising to provide grants to our classrooms and teachers. Thank you Strongsville PTA Council!
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
We have many courses that allow our students to explore both their creativity and potential career paths. Digital Photography II, taught by Mrs. Moon, is one of those classes. In addition to the important skills students are learning, Mrs. Moon is also providing an important life skill - the power of positive feedback - through an innovation grant she received from Dr. Ryba. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we hear about Digital Photography II and the impact it is having on students.
CARTER ESTRELA WINS SMS NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE
Last week, Strongsville Middle School students participated in the annual National Geographic Bee. Carter Estrela, a 7th grader on the Seekers team, finished in first place. He and runner up 7th grader Payton Swiger of the Discoverer team had a long, difficult battle in the Championship round to determine the school's champion. Carter’s next step is to take the state qualifying test. If he scores in the top 100 in the state, he will qualify for the State Bee for a potential spot in the national finals.
Congratulations to all of the SMS finalists who competed in this year’s SMS National Geographic Bee: Tyler Spring, Nora Bacon, Sarah Bamberger, Gavin Sikon, Payton Swiger, Caden McGreal, Matt Wilkison, Carter Estrela, Raina Sinha, and Will Grozan.
SMS National Geographic Bee Finalists
(Front Row, L to R): SMS Principal Mr. Deitrick, Carter Estrala, Payton Swiger
(Back Row, L to R): Gavin Sikon, Matt Wilkison, Raina Sinha, Sarah Bamberger,
Nora Bacon, Will Grozan
(not pictured): Tyler Spring, Caden McGreal
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. WAYNE BROOKS, HEAD CUSTODIAN AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. Wayne Brooks started his career with Strongsville City Schools on August 3, 1981. Mr. Brooks spent time at Allen Elementary, Albion Middle School, and Whitney Elementary, before becoming Head Custodian at Strongsville High School in December of 2007. He is also a graduate of Strongsville High School (Class of 1972).
“This job has given me the opportunity to watch students I knew as kindergarteners grow and become young adults. Hopefully along the way I have been able to help in some small way with that transition. It's a good feeling to know that what you do every day can have a positive impact on the students, staff, and community members here at the high school,” said Mr. Brooks.
Mr. Brooks’ family moved to Strongsville in 1967 after his Dad retired from the Navy. His perspective as a graduate, a community member, and a District employee is an advantage in his daily work. “I am proud to work with a great staff and be part of an elite district. I've met a lot of good people and have a lot of good friends here in Strongsville. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work and live in such a great place.”
Thank you Mr. Brooks for leading a team at Strongsville High School that takes great care of the facilities, as well as provides a safe and clean environment for the students, teachers, staff, and visitors from our community!
UPCOMING FAMILY LITERACY NIGHTS AT SMS & SHS
Join us for Family Literacy Nights! Literacy Nights will be held at SMS (Wed. 2/13) & SHS (Wed. 2/20). Students, parents and/or guardians are welcome to attend an evening of fun and engaging activities that will promote family literacy. Each elementary school will be hosting their own Family Literacy Nights, too - be looking for schedule announcements soon!
HARLEM WIZARDS GAME RESCHEDULED TO SUNDAY MARCH 31 AT 4PM
The world famous Harlem Wizards return to Strongsville on Sunday, March 31. This is a makeup date for the postponed originally scheduled January 31 event. The Wizards will appear in the Strongsville High School Main Gym to take on an "All-Star" team of teachers, staff, and administrators in our District. Gametime is 4:00pm (Doors open at 3:00pm).
Advance tickets are available at any of the main offices in our District ($10 for students & senior citizens / $12 for adults). If you already purchased tickets in advance for the originally scheduled 1/31 event, please hold on to your tickets, as they will be valid for admission on March 31. Unfortunately, no refunds are available on advance ticket purchases.
We hope to see a great crowd for the Harlem Wizards game on Sunday, March 31!
ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - TUE. 2/26 AT 6:30PM
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30pm at the Strongsville Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.). Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent, will provide an update on the present and future state of our District, followed by a Q&A session. This presentation is open to the public.
ELEMENTARY NIGHTS AT SHS VARSITY BASKETBALL GAMES
Make plans to cheer on the Strongsville High School Girls & Boys Basketball teams at upcoming SCS Elementary Nights on Wednesday, February 6 (Girls) and Friday, February 8 (Boys). All elementary students are encouraged to attend these games for family fun and entertainment, and to cheer on the SHS Mustangs Basketball teams!
YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT SHS PROJECT SUPPORT
A Yankee Candle fundraiser is currently available for Project Support at SHS. Project Support is a club dedicated to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to enter the Strongsville community and have valuable and fun experiences with typical peers. Project Support strives to have students build connections with typical peers and give them access to fun outings that they may otherwise not have. Log on to www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and enter the Group Number 999989521 in the "Start Shopping" box. The fundraiser runs through July 10th, so there is plenty of time to help support Project Support! Click HERE for more details!
FREE SUNDAY EVENING YOUTH SOCCER WINTER SKILLS (NOW THROUGH 3/10)
Join the Strongsville Lady Mustangs Soccer program for a weekly winter skills development opportunity. The skills sessions are open to girls ages 8-14 and are being held at Strongsville Middle School. These sessions are FREE and happen every Sunday from 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. GONCZY, MUSIC TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
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 Mrs. Gonczy, Music Teacher at Whitney Elementary - “We Are Strongsville!”
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (THROUGH 3/23)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! Every Saturday, continuing through March 23, boys and girls in grades 1-8 will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
FIVE GUYS FUNDRAISER (WED. 2/6) TO BENEFIT STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS
Help support the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters by making dinner plans at Five Guys. Visit the Strongsville Five Guys location (15171 Pearl Rd.) on Wednesday, February 6 between 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that up to 25% of the proceeds will be donated to SIMB.
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLF CLUB
FORE! Join the Strongsville Middle School Golf Club. This club is for boys and girls in grades 5-8 and designed to develop the proper techniques in the golf swing as well as develop the skills for the short game and putting. No skill level is needed to be a part of the club. Club dates are every Tuesday and Thursday from April 9th – May 29th (6:00pm - 7:30pm each day). Cost is $100 for this club, which will be led by the SHS Boys & Girls Golf Head Coaches and supported by SHS Varsity Golfers. Click HERE for additional information.
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
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event (Sat. 2/23)
The KIWANIS CLUB OF STRONGSVILLE is sponsoring its annual "READ AROUND THE WORLD" program on Saturday, February 23rd 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
Appearances of several costumed characters from children’s literature
Finally, each child can pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
“Newsies” Auditions (Sun. 2/10)
Auditions for “Newsies” are being held on Sunday, February 10 at the Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School beginning at 9:30am. Click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA Preschool Prom (Sat. 2/9)
Join us Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the Strongsville Middle School for our second annual Preschool Prom! A family friendly fundraiser with dinner, dancing, games and entertainment. Wear your fancy threads and smile for the photo booth! Play carnival games, win prizes, and visit our kid’s play area. Included in your price is one raffle ticket with an opportunity to win many fabulous prizes!! Bring Cash - Raffle tickets will also be sold at the event for more chances to win!! General Admission Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults (Children under 12 months are free). Purchase tickets online before February 3 at:
https://preschool-prom-february-9-2019-3-30p-6-00p-strongsville.cheddarup.com
Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Fashion Show & Luncheon (Sat. 3/9)
The Strongsville Historical Society presents its annual fashion show and luncheon on Saturday, March 9. The event takes place at Don’s Pomeroy House - doors open at 11:30am and the luncheon begins at 12:00pm. Tickets for the event are $40. Money raised from this luncheon will benefit the Historical Society. Funds raised at the luncheon this year are earmarked for the general preservation and restoration of the buildings in the Historical Village. There is also an extensive raffle at the luncheon, consisting of gift baskets and gift items, including gift cards from area stores, restaurants and salons and spas. Tickets for the raffle are $1 each. For information on the luncheon, reservations and tickets, contact Pam Hughes at 440-773-6605 or Gina Cathcart at 216-403-9226.
NEO Flag Football League
Registration for the Spring 2019 session is now open and will close March 1st. Visit www.neoflag.net to register. Spring Divisions include: 1st-2nd Grades Combined, 3rd-4th Grades Combined, 5th-6th Grades Combined. Week one of this season will be the weekend of March 30th. The season concludes the weekend of May 5th and there are no games Easter weekend.
*Please register for the grade your child will be in during the 2018-2019 school year.
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.
February Luncheon - at Camp Cheerful
Tuesday, February 19
11:30am - 1:00pm
Camp Cheerful (15000 Cheerful Lane)
$20 per person
Strongsville Library
***Please note the following February 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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our winter story time sessions are in full swing! 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.
The British Are Here! Monday, February 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Historical re-enactor David Zeih will present the life and times of a British soldier during the Revolutionary War. A question and answer session will be held after his presentation.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets the First Tuesdays of the month. A book club for adults who love Children and teen books. Please register in person. The topic for the next discussion is Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough. Her mother died when she was twelve, and Artemisia had a stark choice to make. She could become a nun or grind pigment for her father’s paints. She chose paint. By the time she was seventeen, Artemisia becomes one of early 17th century Rome’s most talented painters even though no one knows her name. After a tragic event, she must face another terrible choice: a life of silence or a life of truth, no matter the cost.
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 7th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. PowerPoint 1.
Friday, February 8th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Internet Basics.
Teddy Bear Tea Party. Ages 3 – 5 with a parent/caregiver. Friday, February 8th / 2:00 – 2:45 p.m.
Join us for a teddy bear tea party to celebrate love and friendship with stories, activities, crafts, and snacks. Bring your favorite stuffed animal!
Model Railroad Display. Saturday, February 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Stop by the Library to see a special model railroad display created by Members of the National Model Railroad Association’s Mid-Central Region Division 4. A step beyond “toy trains”, it consists of scenery, track-work, locomotives and rolling stock, giving a more realistic view of actual railroads. Division 4 members will be available to answer questions about the newest technologies and equipment, modeling techniques and many other things related to this fascinating hobby!
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, February 9th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Encore Entrepreneurs Series. Tuesdays, February 12th – March 19th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Our free 6-week workshop series can help you realize your dreams of starting and growing a successful business or owning a franchise. This series is led by local experienced business professionals who will lead a different topic each week.
Week 1 – Business Plan 1; Week 2 – Business Plan 2; Week 3 – Small Business Legalese; Week 4 – Know Your Customer; Week 5 – Where’s the Money?; Week 6 – Pricing for Profit.
Introduction to Reiki. Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Learn about the healing technique Reiki, including its benefits, how it is being used locally, and current research findings.
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