Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2019-20 Vol 4, Iss 16)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - December 6, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Jeremy Jenkins, English & Drama Teacher at SHS
SCS-TV Returns - Live Streaming of Winter Concerts
2020-21 Kindergarten Informational Meeting + Full Day Requests
SCS Quality Profile Mailed to Strongsville Community
Early Learning Preschool Open House + Peer Intent Form
SHS Junior Shelby Sallee Earns All-American Recognition
“SMS Gives Back” Holiday Spirit Wear Fundraiser
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
“Heard Around Town” on SCS Website
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
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 - 10:00am
Surrarrer Band/Orchestra/Choir Winter Concert
Surrarrer Gymnasium
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
Friday, December 13 - 1:30pm & 2:10pm
Whitney Band/Orchestra/Choir Winter Concert
Whitney Gymnasium
Friday, December 13 - 2:15pm
Chapman Band/Orchestra/Choir Winter Concert
Chapman Gymnasium
Friday, December 13 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Semi-Formal Dance (7th & 8th Grade)
SMS Gymnasium
Saturday, December 14 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Semi-Formal Dance (5th & 6th Grade)
SMS Gymnasium
Click HERE for a list of all December events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
A group of teachers were trained in Project-Based Learning (PBL) last summer and are currently incorporating this teaching method in their classrooms. What is PBL and how does it enhance the learning and build skills for our students? Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit with Erin Green, SCS Director of Curriculum, and some of our teachers to hear more about the benefits of PBL.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. JEREMY JENKINS, ENGLISH & DRAMA TEACHER AT SHS
Mr. Jeremy Jenkins is in his second year as a full time teacher at Strongsville High School, teaching English and Drama. Mr. Jenkins received his undergraduate degree in English and Theatre from Cumberland University in Tennessee. He also has earned his Post-Baccalaureate Integrated Language Arts teaching license from Cleveland State University. Mr. Jenkins has been an actor in the Northeast Ohio community since 2008, having performed in over 70 productions throughout the region. He also recently led the SHS production of “Alice In Wonderland.”
“Our students bring a depth of knowledge and analysis to discussions on thematic topics, whether it be in the classroom or during theatre rehearsal,” said Mr. Jenkins. “Sometimes they make connections in literature or drama that I had never considered. Theatre is where I found my place and strengthened my confidence. I am so thrilled to help this community's young people do the same.”
He adds about teaching in Strongsville, “Strongsville has one of the strongest and most supportive teaching staff I have encountered. Everyone is so willing to help out and collaborate.”
Thank you Mr. Jenkins for bringing your passion, excitement, and experience to Strongsville. We look forward to seeing our students learn and grow through theatre and drama, both inside and outside of the classroom. #WeAreStrongsville
SCS-TV RETURNS - LIVE STREAMING OF WINTER CONCERTS
SCS-TV is back as a streaming network. If there is an upcoming winter concert you cannot physically attend, a live stream is now available! Visit https://www.strongnet.org/Page/12692 or watch on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/scstv.strongsvillecityschools.3. Concerts are also archived for watching on demand!
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.
SCS QUALITY PROFILE MAILED TO STRONGSVILLE COMMUNITY
All Strongsville residents and businesses recently received this year’s Quality Profile, a district-wide mailing detailing the accomplishments of Strongsville City Schools. The Quality Profile recognizes the success of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators, both inside and outside of the classroom. THANK YOU to everyone in our community - we all make a difference in the growth and development of our students! If you missed it in your mailbox, or want to view it again, click HERE for this year’s Quality Profile.
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.
SHS JUNIOR SHELBY SALLEE EARNS ALL-AMERICAN RECOGNITION
Congratulations to Strongsville High School junior Shelby Sallee for earning All-American recognition from the United Soccer Coaches Association. Shelby is one of only 58 girls nationwide to receive this honor. For the 2019 season, Shelby also was named the Greater Cleveland Conference Player of the Year and Greater Cleveland Coaches Association Player of the Year. She was 1st Team All Conference, 1st Team Greater Cleveland, and 1st Team All Ohio. She had 24 goals and five assists this season and is currently #8 in goals scored all-time for Strongsville girls soccer. Shelby is the 15th Lady Mustang Girls Soccer player to receive All-American recognition. Congratulations Shelby!
“SMS GIVES BACK” HOLIDAY SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER
The Voyager Team at Strongsville Middle School has created t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, as part of the “SMS Gives Back” annual fundraiser. All proceeds from sales of this spirit wear will go directly to families in need in our community. Click HERE and order by December 17th to receive your spirit wear in time for the holiday.
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
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.
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.
Strongsville Historical Society Presents Christmas In The Village
The gift of an Olde Fashioned Christmas is waiting for you at the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday, December 7 & 8 and 14 & 15. Christmas in the Village takes place from 2pm - 5pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet visitors each day. Mrs. Claus will have a little treat for our youngest visitors and Santa will have candy canes for all. Most of the buildings and the grounds will be open each day where you can enjoy decorations in the style that covers the 150 years the Village represents.
While you’re there, visit the Olds General Store where Merchant Marty will be open with gifts for all ages. Remember, the Olds General Store is your local connection for Strongsville-themed goods. Parking is free.
Visit www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org to learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society and Historic Village. This is a FREE event but donations are delightfully welcome.
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
December Holiday Luncheon
Tuesday, December 17 - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Enjoy a performance by the SHS Chamber Strings
Bring a new unwrapped toy for Operation Toy Solider
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.
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