Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 32)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - April 21, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus
Surrarrer Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher Katie Hawk Earns Teacher of the Year Award
“Parenting with Calmness” Seminar - Wed. 4/26 - 7pm at Strongsville Middle School
Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations
Mustang Spotlight - Whitney Elementary 4th Grade Teacher Kim Errington
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders for the 2017-18 School Year
"Electrify Your Strings" Concert - TONIGHT (4/21) at Strongsville High School
Community Conversation with Superintendent Ryba at SouthPark Mall - Tues. 4/25
Strongsville High School Open House - Saturday, May 13 (4-6pm)
Strongsville Middle School Tennis Club
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters Golf Outing
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, April 24 - 7:00pm
10th Grade Academic Awards Night
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Tuesday, April 25 - 7:00pm
11th Grade Academic Awards Night
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Wednesday, April 26 - 7:00pm
All-City Band Concert (#1)
Strongsville High School Gymnasium
Wednesday, April 26 - 7:00pm
Love & Logic Parenting Seminar (Teaching Responsibility for Academic Success)
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Thursday, April 27 - 7:00pm
All-City Band Concert (#2)
Strongsville High School Gymnasium
Thursday, May 4 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Work Session
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, May 5 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
SHS Student Art Show
Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium & Cafeteria
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Muraski students are going "Ga-ga" over a new playground game! Through a generous grant by Strongsville PTA Council, Muraski's Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Rae Alexander was able to purchase a Ga-ga Pit. What is Ga-ga? It's a fast-paced dodgeball-like game enjoyed by students of all ages. Click HERE to see Muraski students in the Ga-ga Pit! [Want to learn the rules of the game? Click HERE!]
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN COLUMBUS
Over the past few weeks, Strongsville City Schools Administrators have traveled to Columbus and testified before the House Finance Subcommittee & Committee on Primary & Secondary Education. They have been able to share testimony regarding the impact of Governor Kasich’s proposed budget reductions on public schools around the state, which amounts to a $3.5 million reduction of state funding dollars for Strongsville City Schools in just one year. Superintendent Ryba’s full testimony may be found HERE.
Please make your voice heard and express your disappointment and opposition to the Governor’s proposed budget reductions. Your opinion matters and we encourage you to reach out to both State Representative Thomas Patton and State Senator Matt Dolan. Below are links to letters that can simply be printed, signed, and mailed. If email is preferred, the letters can be copied and sent to Representative Thomas Patton (rep07@ohiohouse.gov) and Senator Matt Dolan (dolan@ohiosenate.gov).
SURRARRER ELEMENTARY 2ND GRADE TEACHER KATIE HAWK EARNS TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Surrarrer Elementary School second grade teacher Mrs. Katie Hawk is the recipient of the first Sister Rita Mackert Teacher of the Year Award. This award has been established by the Strongsville Council of the Knights of Columbus to recognize an outstanding teacher in the Strongsville City School district. Mrs. Hawk is in her ninth year teaching and all have been with Strongsville City Schools. Mrs. Hawk is also a proud graduate of Strongsville High School and is teaching in the same elementary school where she went to school. Click HERE for the news release about this award.
“PARENTING WITH CALMNESS” SEMINAR - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 - 7PM - STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Don’t miss the final “Love & Logic” seminar for parents, courtesy of the SCS Guidance Department and the Strongsville Civic Group. The seminar, “Parenting with Calmness,” will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at Strongsville Middle School from 7-8pm. Click HERE for additional information and to RSVP.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
The Strongsville Athletic Department is accepting nominations for its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Former athletes, administrators, coaches or other supporters of Mustang athletics may be considered. Please use this FORM to submit your nomination today. If you prefer a paper copy of the form, print the nomination form using this LINK. The Hall of Fame committee meets annually and this year's class will be announced at an upcoming football game this fall. Thank you for taking the time to nominate a former Mustang.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - WHITNEY ELEMENTARY 4TH GRADE TEACHER MRS. KIM ERRINGTON
Mrs. Kim Errington is in her 17th year with Strongsville City Schools. Mrs. Errington teaches 4th grade at Whitney Elementary School and has been at Whitney throughout the majority of her career with SCS. Her undergraduate degree is from Bowling Green State University and she also has a graduate degree from Baldwin Wallace University.
When asked about what she likes best about working with her students, Mrs. Errington said, “I love when our students eyes light up because they have made a connection with something I already taught, or something they learned in another class, or in a previous year. Connecting those dots in their brains is the key to creating lifelong learners!”
“I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know my families over the years as I have taught brothers, sisters, and even nieces and nephews of former students! I enjoy supporting our PTA by attending and volunteering at their events, like BINGO, the Whitney Carnival, and the Art Show.”
Mrs. Errington’s talents extend beyond teaching the students in her classroom. She is involved in leadership teams, helping our District to continue to move forward. She is also a valuable resource for her colleagues, serving as the technology coach for Whitney Elementary.
Thank you Mrs. Errington for shaping the lives of our 4th graders at Whitney Elementary!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR
Please note the following immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health:
All students entering 7th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade:
One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4]
One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine
All students entering 12th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 12th grade:
Two (2) doses of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
* If the vaccine is administered on or after the student’s 16th birthday, only one (1) dose of MCV4 is required.
* If the student is in 12th grade and is 15 years of age or younger only one (1) dose of MCV4 is required.
7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2017-18 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Strongsville City Schools Health Services
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
“ELECTRIFY YOUR STRINGS” CONCERT TONIGHT (4/21) AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
The popular “Electrify Your Strings” concert is TONIGHT (Friday, 4/21) at Strongsville High School! Renowned violinist Haydn Vitera will be performing with the SMS and SHS Orchestras at each concert. There will be two shows – early show at 6:00 p.m. and the late show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for General Admission and $15.00 for Reserved Seating. Advanced tickets are available by clicking the links below:
LINK for 6pm show
LINK for 8pm show
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION AT SOUTHPARK MALL - TUESDAY, APRIL 25TH
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 25 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at SouthPark Mall. The focus will be on our District’s Student Services and Special Education services and offerings. This is an informal setting to have your questions answered. Andy Trujillo, our Director of Special Education, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY, MAY 13 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Don't miss your opportunity to see the newly renovated Strongsville High School! SHS will be open to the public on Saturday, May 13 from 4-6pm. It's your chance to see the refurbished auditorium, the brand new gymnasium and cafeteria areas, the renovated Media Center, and the upgraded classrooms. And make plans to stay for the performance of "FAME: The Musical!" by our SHS students. The musical starts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, and $10 for students.
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS CLUB
Strongsville Middle School, with the support of Strongsville High School and the SHS Girls & Boys Tennis teams, is starting a SMS Tennis Club. The club is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls and boys interested in having fun, learning how to play tennis, and exercising! The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15pm - 4:30pm beginning April 25th. Click HERE for more information and the required emergency medical form to participate.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
FORE! The Strongsville Athletic Boosters are hitting the links in their annual golf outing and invite all golfers (and even non-golfers) to participate and raise funds for Strongsville’s athletic program. This year’s outing is scheduled for Saturday, June 10th at Cossett Creek Golf Course in Brunswick. Registration and more details may be found HERE.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Polaris Safety Fair
The Polaris Criminal Justice Program is hosting a Safety Fair tomorrow (Saturday, April 22) from 11:00am - 3:00pm for kids in grades 3-5. Kids and parents will learn safety tips for home, school, and online. Great interactive activities are in store for all who attend! Click HERE for more information.
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance
The next Rockin’ at the Rec Dance is Friday, May 19 from 6:30pm-9:00pm. The theme for the May 19 dance is DARE, and is only open to CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th graders. This is the first opportunity for our 5th graders to experience Rockin’ at the Rec. Tickets will be on sale Wednesday (5/17) and Thursday (5/18) during lunch periods and Thursday (5/18) from 6-8:00pm at the Rec Center for $5. Tickets are also available for $10 at the door.
Rockin at the Rec is Council PTA's only fundraiser, and the funds raised go toward assemblies for all grade levels, grants for teachers/staff to purchase items that are used directly in the classrooms, as well as scholarships for graduating seniors. So, not only is this a fun activity for our middle schoolers each month, it is how we are able to give back to them during the school day, as well.
This is also a great opportunity for you to see what Rockin’ at the Rec is all about, and it only takes a couple of hours of your time to help. Please help support this worthwhile fundraiser by signing up for a shift using this LINK. Parent volunteers will receive a free ticket for their child.
A Journey Through American History
Take a ‘Journey Through American History’ at IceLand USA, courtesy of the Ice Theatre of Cleveland. Special performances are on Friday, May 5th at 7:00pm and Saturday, May 6th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm. For ticket information click HERE.
Arts in Strongsville Family Chalk Walk
The 7th Annual Arts in Strongsville Family Chalk Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 20th from 9:00am - 1:30pm at the Strongsville Commons (Corner of Route 82 & Route 42). Cash prizes will be awarded for various age categories! Click HERE to register for this event.
Strongsville Elementary Jump Rope Club - FREE Show
Don’t miss the amazing talents of the Strongsville Elementary Jump Rope Club! They will be performing at Strongsville High School on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00pm. These jumpers, with representatives from all of our District’s elementary schools, are ready to thrill audiences with their freestyle routines that showcase dance, gymnastics and acrobatic moves - all done while jumping rope! Special guests will be the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team, known throughout the USA and World for their championship jumping. This is a FREE show for all ages. Click HERE for the event flyer.
SHS Junior Optimist Club Health Fair
Don’t miss the upcoming Health Fair, hosted by the SHS Junior Optimist Club on Saturday, April 22nd from 1:30pm - 4:00pm at the Strongsville Library. The Health Fair features a nutritionist, yoga sessions, martial arts demonstrations, goodie bags, and prize raffles! Click HERE for the event flyer.
Girl Scout Daisy Garden Journey Program
Attention girls entering kindergarten in the fall - join the Daisy Garden Journey program! On four days in June (20, 22, 27, and 29) from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, girls will meet at the Strongsville Backyard Preserve for crafts, games, songs, and caring for the Girl Scout garden. Click HERE for additional information.
Ursuline College Volleyball Camps
Attention youth volleyball players - looking to sharpen your skills this summer? Ursuline College has several camps designed to improve skills for young athletes in grades K-9. Click HERE for more information on the youth volleyball camps offered by Ursuline College.
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 25th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades 1-6 will emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps will not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but will also be a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps will be directed by former Strongsville High School and Kent State University player Mike Klinzing who has more than 25 years of basketball camp experience.
The HEAD START BASKETBALL CAMPS will be held at Strongsville High School. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 12-16, June 19-23, June 26-30, & July 10-14, 2017. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $85. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register: http://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps
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.
All Chamber Day Golf Outing
Monday, May 8th - 11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
Register HERE
Business After Hours
Wednesday, May 10th - 5:30pm
SouthPark Mall
RSVP HERE
May Business Luncheon
Tuesday, May 16th - 11:30am
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Scholarship Awards & Military Student Recognition Luncheon
Luncheon Tickets are $20 / person
Visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to purchase tickets
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 2017 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. All events sponsored by our Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. 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 current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser - The Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
Princess and Knight Parade. Ages 3-6 years old with Family. Saturday, April 22nd from 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Once upon a time, Princesses and Knights came from far, far away to the land of Strongsville for a magical ball and parade held in honor of the queen. All in attendance are required to wear "formal dress." Listen to stories, do a craft, and learn manners are a must. Center based activities for the whole family.
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, April 24th. This month we will be discussing Being Mortal: Medicine & What Happens in the End by Atul Gawande. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Investing for Beginners. Monday, April 24th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
It’s Money Smart Week! Whether you’re approaching retirement age, just starting out on your own, or somewhere in the middle, you’ve begun to think about your financial future. The next step is to do something about it, but where do you begin? Financial planners from Skylight Financial Group will help you understand basic investing terms and explain how to build a portfolio.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, April 25th from 1:00 – 700 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.
Hearing Screenings. Thursday, April 27th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon.
Southwest General Community Nurses are hosting a free hearing screening which will be offered by ENT Health Services, Inc. from Southwest General Health Center. Please call 440-816-4037 for an appointment.
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