Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 6)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - September 21, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Operating Levy FAQ’s + Voter Registration Information
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Karen Figush, Bus Aide
Volley for Kailee Event - Thursday, October 4
‘Start With Hello’ Week
Fun Run for Strongsville Students in Grades K-6 (TOMORROW - Sat. 9/22)
“Save The Dates” for Two October Events
SCS Wellness Fair - Sat. 10/20 (10:30am - 1:30pm)
Win a 2018 Chevy Cruze!
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Strongsville Middle School features a “Medical Detectives” class for our 8th grade students. This course is one of the Polaris “Project Lead the Way” classes available to our middle school students, helping them explore different careers. The hands-on class is taught by Ms. Behenna, Ms. Gasparro, and Mrs. DeLong, giving students the opportunity to learn to solve mysteries based on the body (DNA, fingerprints, etc.).
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, September 24 - Friday, September 28
‘Start with Hello’ Week
Wednesday, October 3 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
** Please note this change in date
Wednesday, October 3
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 6 - 12)
SMS: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
SHS: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Thursday, October 4
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades PK - 8)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:45pm
SMS: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday, October 9
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 9 - 12)
SHS: 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Wednesday, October 10
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades PK - 5)
Preschool: 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Elementary Schools: 4:45pm - 7:45pm
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy on the ballot in November. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as Superintendent Cameron Ryba answers some frequently asked questions about this proposed levy for our school district.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS OPERATING LEVY FAQ’S + VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Strongsville City Schools has an operating levy on the ballot in November. The proposed 7.9 mill continuous operating levy will generate approximately $11.3 million annually for our District. The last operating levy for our District was passed in 2007. If passed, this operating levy will cost $23 per month for a $100,000 home. Click HERE for additional information on this proposed levy.
Click HERE if you would like to register to vote or update your voter registration information.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. KAREN FIGUSH, BUS AIDE
Mrs. Karen Figush, Bus Aide for Strongsville City Schools, is in this week’s Mustang Spotlight. Mrs. Figush has worked in our District for 25 years. Prior to her role as Bus Aide, she also worked in the cafeteria at Surrarrer Elementary, Center Middle School, and Strongsville High School. Her current responsibilities on daily transportation routes have her working with our students with special needs. She works closely with our drivers, aides, and teachers to make sure that the students are comfortable and happy while traveling to and from school.
“I treat all of my students like they are my own children. Kindness and respect are important values in everything that I do. I handle my responsibilities and interactions in the same way I would want to be treated, or the way I would want my own daughter to be treated,” said Mrs. Figush.
She adds, “One of the favorite aspects about my job is being able to greet parents and students with a big smile and a nice ‘Hello’ every day. I know that can make a big difference.”
Thank you Mrs. Figush for your enthusiasm and positive energy that you pass along to our students every single day!
VOLLEY FOR KAILEE EVENT - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
The SHS volleyball teams will be honoring the memory of Kailee Mayher with a “Volley for Kailee” night on Thursday, October 4th at their home match versus the Medina Bees. This event includes a serving contest, basket raffles, and a bake sale - with all proceeds benefiting the Kailee Mayher Scholarship Fund. On court events will occur between the JV and Varsity matches (at approximately 6:00pm). Click HERE for the event flyer. Special t-shirts are also being sold for this event - click HERE for the order form.
Let’s fill the gym with blue!
“START WITH HELLO” WEEK
HELLO!
Strongsville City Schools are joining hundreds of other schools from across the United States in participating in Start With Hello Week, September 24-28. Social isolation is an overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. Start With Hello Week brings attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school. Throughout the week, there will be lessons and activities in all of our schools (grades PK-12) to bring further awareness and education about the signs and signals of social isolation.
We encourage everyone in our community to participate. HERE is a Start with Hello sign to display at your home and/or at your workplace. You can also use the tag #HelloStrongsville on social media for this important initiative. This is a fantastic reminder about the power of a simple "Hello" and what a difference that can make in our daily lives. #HelloStrongsville
FUN RUN FOR STRONGSVILLE STUDENTS IN GRADES K-6 (TOMORROW - SAT. 9/22)
Don’t miss the annual ‘Fun Run’ for Strongsville students in grades K-6 TOMORROW (Sat. 9/22) at 8:45am at Strongsville High School. This is a FREE event and prizes and ribbons will be given to participants. Families are encouraged to stay after the race to cheer on the Mustangs Cross Country teams as they compete at 10:00am in the Vertical Runner Invitational.
“SAVE THE DATES” FOR TWO OCTOBER EVENTS
Mark your calendars for two annual events hosted by our District in October:
Tuesday, October 23 - 6:30pm
State of the Schools Presentation by Superintendent Cameron Ryba
Monday, October 29 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
“Greet & Treat” Family Event
Strongsville Middle School
SCS WELLNESS FAIR - SAT. 10/20 (10:30AM - 1:30PM)
Don’t miss the Strongsville City Schools Wellness Fair on Saturday, October 20 from 10:30am - 1:30pm. The fair will include healthy food and drink samples, health screenings, fitness instruction and demonstrations raffles and prizes, and MORE! Hosted by the SMS Wellness Team, this fair will feature healthy living tips for the entire family! Click HERE for the event flyer.
WIN A 2018 CHEVY CRUZE!
The Athletic Boosters are once again holding their annual car raffle to benefit the Strongsville athletic program. Tickets are $20 each and available from student-athletes or at Strongsville Middle School. Only 3,000 tickets will be sold for the chance to win a 2018 Chevy Cruze, courtesy of Serpentini Chevrolet. Get your tickets before they are all sold out! Drawing will be held at the final home football game of the season (Fri. 10/26 vs. Brunswick).
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 Recreation Center Fall Enrichment Classes
Computer Programing, Yoga, The Money Game, Winter Day Camp… just to name a few. The Strongsville Recreation center is now enrolling for their fall enrichment classes. Click HERE to check out all of our programs to see which ones are best for you. Call the front desk at 440-580-3260 to enroll today or visit https://www.activityreg.com/ for online registration.
Empowering Punch ‘Pump & Run’ Event
Don’t miss the Empowering Punch “Pump & Run” 5K event on Sunday, October 7 at SouthPark Mall. The event benefits Autism Speaks. Click HERE for additional information about this event.
Strongsville Basketball League (Grades 3-6)
The Strongsville Basketball League is for boys and girls in grades 3-6 who are interested in participating on a travel team. These teams will also serve as “feeder” teams for the SMS & SHS basketball programs. Details will be coming soon on a tryout date - click HERE for additional information about the “future of Mustang youth travel basketball.”
Strongsville Historical Society Old Fashioned Chicken Dinner
On Saturday, September 22, 2018, beginning at 4:30pm and ending at 6:30pm, the Strongsville Historical Society will sponsor an Old Fashioned Chicken Dinner to be held at the Strongsville United Methodist Church on the corner of Webster Road and Royalton Road. The dinner includes chicken, sides, rolls, beverage and dessert. A great deal at $12 for adults, $6 for 5-10 year olds, under 5 years are free. Please call the Janet Noss at 440-783-1449 for tickets and reservations. Tickets go fast for this event so order early. Visit us at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org and on Facebook.
Strongsville Historical Society Cow Pie Lottery
The Strongsville Historical Society is offering its annual Cow Pie Lottery in conjunction with its Harvest Festival. Only 800 tickets will be sold at $5.00 each. On Sunday, September 30th, at the Strongsville Historical Society Harvest Festival, ticket numbers will be placed randomly on each square in a grid then we wait to see on which square Mrs. Camille the cow will "doo-doo". The square with the majority of the 'cow pie' in it wins! The four adjacent squares also each win a prize! Contact the Strongsville Historical Society at 440-572-0057 to purchase your tickets.
Strongsville Historical Society Annual Harvest Festival
September 29 and September 30, 2018 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Annual Harvest Festival on the beautiful grounds of the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Road) will celebrate the following activities: Cow Pie Lottery, Classic Car Display and parade, Farm Animals, Old-Time Craft demos, Children’s Hands-On Crafts 1-4pm, Entertainment, Food Tent and Farmer’s Market. We welcome back our Model Railroaders in the Baldwin House. Bobbie Dorr, resident artist, will be there with a sale and demo of watercolors plus a coloring opportunity for children. Check out the Boy Scouts and try your balance skills on the Rope Walk. Plus, we will have a blacksmith on-site Sunday demonstrating his skills. Collectible Barbie Dolls will also be for sale. Try your skill at Corn Hole. All eight buildings will be open for peeks into the past 150 years. FREE GATE ADMISSION. Free parking. All proceeds go to the restoration of the buildings. Call 440-572-0057 for questions. Visit us at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org and on Facebook.
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.
October Luncheon - “State of the Schools” with Superintendent Cameron Ryba
Wednesday, October 17
11:30am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
$20 per person
Business After Hours Event at Altenheim Therapy Rehab Center
Thursday, October 25
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Strongsville Community Business Expo
Thursday, November 1
5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 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 visitwww.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 back in session for September! 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.
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 24th. Our next discussion title will be Carrying Albert Home by Homer Hickham. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Fall Perennial Exchange. Wednesday, September 26th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Swap your perennials with your local Strongsville neighbors! Bring in plants that you would like to "swap" with others! You will receive 1 ticket for every "species" you bring in. Tickets will be picked at random which will permit the picking of plants! A great program to get something new for your home! Please arrive early (6:30pm-7:00pm) to set out your plants, the raffle will start promptly at 7:05pm and will run until we are out of plants.
App-ily Ever After Digital Storytime. For Families! Wednesday, September 26th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Come in and experience a completely digital interactive storytime in our recently renovated storytime room. View kids’ early literacy apps in action.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, September 28th from 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.
Introduction to Arduino for Adults. Saturday, September 29th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Like to experiment with electronics and tinker with technology? Learn how to build and program electronic circuits using Arduino Uno in this introductory class. All equipment will be provided. Participants must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program’s effectiveness. More information can be found atcuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
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