Whitney Family Newsletter
Week of April 22nd
Updates from Mrs. Hawk
Please note that our 5th graders will be taking their ELA state test on April 23rd and 24th. If you could please have the students get a good night's sleep and healthy breakfast we would greatly appreciate it!
Congratulations, Mrs. Soja!
Mrs. Brenda Soja has been a part of Strongsville City Schools for 22 years. Mrs. Soja has worked at our Preschool and Drake, Kinsner, and Zellers elementary schools. She has been at Whitney Elementary for 13 years where she is currently a Special Education Aide. Mrs. Soja is also a resident of Strongsville, with both of her sons having attended kindergarten through graduation from SHS in our District.
“In my role, I work mostly with the younger grades. I love when something clicks after they get something we have been working on. It is great connecting with our Whitney students, and I feel very appreciated when they thank me personally, by writing thank you notes or drawing pictures. The things that they say are priceless.” “Whitney is like my family. Our staff always comes together and supports each other on both a professional and personal level. I absolutely love working with my special education co-workers. We really work well and gel as a team. I also enjoy being a member of the ‘Sunshine Committee’ at Whitney!”
Thank you Mrs. Soja for all of your work to help support our students at Whitney Elementary! #ModelMustang
Upcoming Spirit Days
- Friday, April 26th: PBIS Incentive Day Wear Blue for Autism week
- Friday, May 3rd: 4th Grade OST Wear Star Wars: "May the 4th be with you"
- Friday, May 10th: Dress like a teacher
- Friday, May 17th: Field Day (Wear colors)
Attention 3rd Grade Families
The 3rd Grade Field trip to the Strongsville Historical Society has been moved to May 20th. We will use the permission slips that have already been sent in. If there is a reason that your student can not attend on the 20th please let their teacher know.
Singing in the Ville Camp
Polaris Family Career Night & Job Fair
Student Withdrawls for the 24/25 School Year
Please submit this form if your student(s) will not be returning to Chapman for the upcoming 2024/2025 school year. Submit a separate form for each student not returning.
SHS Science Fair (Repeat)
The Strongsville High School Science Department is pleased to announce the revival of the "Community Science Night". This year's date is Thursday, April 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Activities will be held in the Cafeteria, Main Gym, Media Center, Room 604, and the SHS Planetarium. There will be student displays, interactive activities, planetarium shows and science career presentations.
We will have "Punch Cards" for prizes and a drawing for one special prize.
We are asking for nonperishable food donations that will be delivered to the Strongsville Food Bank.
Dan Foust and Principals, Please include in your weekly newsletter.
Autism Acceptance Week (Repeat)
PTA Fundraiser - April 24th (Repeat)
Strongsville Swim League (Repeat)
Calling all swimmers! Time for summer swim team signups! If your child enjoys swimming and wants to be apart of a fun team this summer check out your development or rec center pool for swim team information. Strongsville is one of the few communities that has summer swim league.Kids get to enjoy a fun and laid back competitive experience. Practices start 5/28. And the first swim meet is 6/13. Each team will have 7 swim meets that are on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. There will be no meets the week of 4th of July. Season ends with a city wide meet at the rec center on July 20th.
Kids 5-18 are welcome to join. Kids must be able to swim across a pool unassisted. The Strongsville Swim League is restricted to Strongsville residents only. Sea Monkey Registration is open now and must be completed at the Rec Center. Other team registration varies by development follow this link for more information. It will be updated soon! http://www.strongsvilleswimleague.com
Financial Fast Facts (Repeat)
State Testing Dates (Repeat)
The following our dates for scheduled testing for the Spring versions of the Ohio State Tests. If you know that your child won't be present for specific testing dates, please let your child's teacher know, so we can plan accordingly, making sure we are within our testing window:
3rd Grade Assessments
ELA - April 18th & 19th
Math - May 6th & 7th
4th Grade Assessments
ELA - April 16th & 17th
Math - May 2nd & 3rd
5th Grade Assessments
ELA - April 23rd & 24th
Math - April 30th & May 1st
Science - May 7th & 8th
Whitney Talent Show - May 21st (Repeat)
The Whitney Talent Show is on Tuesday, May 21st. Please click this link for an informational video from Mrs. Ambroziak. The Google Form is the application to try out for the Talent Show. The Form MUST be completed by April 10th. Thank you!
SHS Mustangs Cheer Camp (Repeat)
SHS Cheer will be hosting their annual Mustangs Cheer Camp for students in grades 1st-8th. Join our high school cheerleaders for a day of learning new chants, cheers, jumps. Cheer camp attendees will get to cheer with SHS cheerleaders on August 31st. Registration and payment due by May 1st. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more camp details. If you have questions please email Coach Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org
April 2024 Strongsville Library Information
CCPL Program Guide
The Cuyahoga County Public Library program guide is now digital! Want to find out about all the amazing library programs and resources happening around the system? You can view our Program information by going to cuyahogalibrary.org and click on Research & Discover to use the Press Reader resource here:
https://cuyahogalibrary.org/research-discover/resources-a-z/pressreader
Seed Library!
In order to spread knowledge of local food systems, cultivate skills required for sustainable food production, and to help make seeds more accessible to those in the community, the Strongsville Branch Library has once again partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to offer a selection of different varieties of organic, open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable, herb, & edible flower seeds. Please stop by to pick up your free seeds beginning on the first day of Spring, March 19th. Sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. Supplies are limited. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information or visit https://www.hummingbirdproject.org/seed-libraries to see all participating locations in Greater Cleveland. Please also save the date for a Master Gardeners presentation on April 18th and our Spring Plant Swap on April 25th.
English as a Second Language Classes by Aspire Greater Cleveland.
If you need to learn English or improve your language skills, we can help. Aspire Greater Cleveland offers FREE beginner, intermediate and advanced-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. Strongsville Branch will be hosting morning classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Please call 833.ASPIRE2 (1.833.277.4732) to register or visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/services/adult-education/aspire-greater-cleveland for more information.
Storytimes:
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are in session! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration needed.
Preschool. Ages 3 – 5 not yet in kindergarten with caregiver / Mondays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon or Tuesdays at 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver / Wednesdays at 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Baby & Me. Birth – 18 months with caregiver / Mondays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. or Thursdays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Family. All ages with caregiver / Thursdays at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Teen Board Game Club. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 1st / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Come join a monthly group where we learn and play a new game each month! Just stop in! No registration required!
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, April 2nd / 7:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
School Age Circuits and Makey Makey. Grades 1 – 3 with Adult Caregiver.
Wednesday, April 3rd / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Learn how to wire a basic circuit and create a hand-steadiness game using simple electronics. Registration is required.
Toddler Art & Sensory Play. For Ages 1 – 3 with Adult Caregiver. Friday, April 5th / 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, April 6th or April 20th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, April 29th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON
Have you ever thought about recording your own music, making a video, digitizing memories and more? The Strongsville Branch Library is home to both Audio and Video Recording studios that can help you do just that! You must go through an orientation to use the spaces. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch for the orientation to count. Register online to attend the virtual session.
Solar Eclipse Viewing 2024. Monday, April 8th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the continental United States. Glimpse the full glory of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, visible only when the Sun’s disc is completely covered by the moon. The Strongsville Branch Library will set up an eclipse viewing area outside the Strongsville Branch Library. Join us for some fun eclipse activities and more. Open to All Ages! No registration required.
CreativiTeen. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Wednesday, April 10th / 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Drop-in to the TEEN AREA any time between 3:30 and 5:00 for a craft, technology demo, or other activity! No registration required. While supplies last.
Crafter-Noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, April 13th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
If you’re not sure what to do on the second Saturday afternoon of the month, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
Teen Writing Workshop: Whipping Up a Great Story. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 15th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
How do you whip up a great story? Start with the best ingredients. Young adult mystery author JPC Allen will show teen writers how complex characters, vivid settings, gripping plots, and captivating themes can be mixed together to concoct stories readers will love. Through examples and writing prompts, teens have the chance to develop their own ingredients that will make their stories unique. Sponsored by the Strongsville Friends of the Library
Teen Craft Night: Yarn Art. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, April 16th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Using markers, yarn, and glue, "paint" a beautiful masterpiece on canvas board! The possibilities are endless! In order to participate in youth programs that could be considered harmful, Cuyahoga County Public Library requires parents to complete a Release & Hold Harmless Form. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
PowerPoint Basics. Wednesday, April 17th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Geared toward the beginner, this class offers an overview of Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program for designing creative presentations and slideshows. Create a simple presentation and learn how to add text, images and transitions to slides.
Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using PowerPoint
Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification.
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Registration opens 30 days before the start of the class and closes prior to the start of the class. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/classes-events/computer-classes
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 17th / 7:00 p.m.
Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets at 7p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Friends like These by Kimberly McCreight. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
School Age Craft: Yarn Art. Ages 9 – 11. Thursday, April 18th / 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Take inspiration from famous art pieces or create your own yarn masterpiece on canvas. Registration is required.
Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return it to the program location at least one week prior to the program’s start date. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Embracing Life in Your Garden. Thursday, April 18th / 7:00 p.m.
Not enough buzz in your garden? Bring your garden to life! In this presentation Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will offer tips and techniques for welcoming pollinators and other beneficials to your vegetable garden and landscape.
Blood Drive. Friday, April 19th / 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 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 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Kindergarten Countdown: All About Me. Friday, April 19th / 11:00 a.m. – Noon.
Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. This session, we will focus on the topic All About Me!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 22nd / 2:30 p.m.
The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration is required. New members are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Tech Night: Fun with Fabrication. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 22nd / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Take a look at a laser cutter up close, learn about what fabrication even is, and build your own structure using pre-cut pieces. In order to participate in youth programs that could be considered harmful, Cuyahoga County Public Library requires parents to complete a Release & Hold Harmless Form. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Digital Navigators. Tuesday, April 23rd / 1:30 – 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, April 27th / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Our Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you or someone you know connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment.
Transformation of the Strongsville Fire Department: From Bucket Brigade to Fire and Emergency Services. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
This presentation will include the evolution of the Fire department in Strongsville. From the bucket brigade efforts as early as 1820, to the volunteer firemen who organized the Strongsville Fire Protection Association in 1922, to the transformation into one of the most respected and accomplished fire departments in Cuyahoga County. We will discuss some of the biggest fire events within the Strongsville borders and highlight some of the founding fathers and leadership that helped shape the fire service into the great fire department that it is today. This special presentation, in partnership with the Strongsville Historical Society, will be presented by Guest speaker Lieutenant Brian Tomcany of Strongsville Fire and Emergency Services.
Southwest General Health Talk: Rotator Cuff Injury & Management. Wednesday, April 24th / 10:00 a.m.
Daniel Kana, DO, from NOMS Southwest Orthopedics, will discuss the progression of Rotator cuff disease. Topics will include impingement, tendonitis, acute and chronic tears, and treatments including surgical repairs and reverse total shoulder replacement.
British Royal Scandals. Wednesday, April 24th / 7:00 p.m.
Royal Expert Julie Koenig is joining us at Strongsville to discuss British Royal Scandals from the recent past. She'll shed light on Queen Elizabeth II's speech in 1992, Windsor Castle burning down, the day Diana died and the life of Princess Margaret. All are welcome!
Spring Plant Swap. Thursday, April 25th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Calling all gardeners and plant lovers! Join us for this special plant swapping event. Please bring at least one indoor or outdoor healthy, pest-free, beautiful plant, cutting, or seeds. Bring as many as you would like - the more the merrier! The plants can be potted or bare root—as long as you’re prepared to part with them. If bare roots, please bring plant in a pot, bag, or a cardboard box if possible. Please also label plants or seeds as best as you can with any information about the plant such as name, sun/shade/size, etc.) Tickets will be given for each type of plant brought. Tickets will be randomly pulled to decide the order of selection for choosing your new plants.
Play, Learn, & Grow, Ages 1 – 3. Tuesday, April 30th / 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Boost your toddler’s brain through play! Join us for a 5-week series for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3. Connect with your kids and other families plus get answers about your growing child.
Battle for the Ballot: Cleveland's Suffragist Movement. Tuesday, April 30th / 7:00 p.m.
There is no complete record of the brave, often unmated women who fought for their right to vote and finally triumphed in 1920. Learn about a band of women who dedicated themselves to the public interest and grew into an organization that won the respect and confidence of the nation. This program will tell the story behind the Cleveland women who advocated for suffrage and went on to help establish the League of Women Voters. Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society.