Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 11)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - October 27, 2017
Important Dates to Remember 60 Seconds with the Superintendent Services for Mrs. Melinda Pleskovic Mustang Spotlight - Mr. Keith Simak, Interim Maintenance Foreman SHS Lady Mustangs Soccer Team Advances to Sweet 16 SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations ‘Where I’m From’ Strongsville T-Shirt to Benefit SCS Lil’ Ghouls and Goblins Make ‘Greet & Treat’ a Success SHS Orchestra Students Earn Regional Recognition Breakfast Coloring Contest for Elementary Students ‘Junior Mustangs’ Basketball Program Mr. Mark Smithberger, SHS Principal, Inducted into Ashland University Athletic Hall of Fame Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 10/27) - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
D.A.R.E. Halloween Party (5th & 6th Graders)
Michaud’s
Saturday, October 28 - 7:00pm
“Boo-tiful” Showchoir Showcase
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, November 2 - 6:00pm
Powder Puff Football Game (SHS Juniors vs. SHS Seniors)
Proceeds benefit Kailee Mahyer Scholarship Fund
Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium
Thursday, November 2 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Work Session
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Tuesday, November 7 - NO SCHOOL
Election Day / Professional Development
National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
SHS Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Strongsville community continues to find strength from each other. Click HERE for a message from Superintendent Cameron Ryba, as we all find ways to comfort and support one another in this difficult time for our Strongsville City Schools family.
SERVICES FOR MRS. MELINDA PLESKOVIC
Strongsville City Schools lost a beloved colleague, teacher, and friend this week, Mrs. Melinda Pleskovic. Our District continues to send thoughts to the Pleskovic family during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Pleskovic:
Friends received TODAY (Fri. 10/27) from 3:00pm - 8:00pm at the A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home (18149 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts.)
Funeral service - Saturday October 28, 2017 at 10:00am at St. Paul Lutheran Church
(276 E. Bagley Rd., Berea)
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. KEITH SIMAK, INTERIM MAINTENANCE FOREMAN
This week’s Mustang Spotlight features Mr. Keith Simak, our District’s Interim Maintenance Foreman. Mr. Simak has been a member of the Maintenance Department for over seven years.
After working for a number of years with a family-owned home renovation company, Mr. Simak first joined Strongsville City Schools as a third shift custodian at the high school. His passion for sports led to a varsity coaching position with the high school wrestling team from 1999-2009 and a 7th grade football coaching position with Center Middle School from 2005-2007.
“We are fortunate in Strongsville to have a very experienced Maintenance Department. This is an advantage for our District, because we are able to take on larger projects which other school districts would bid out to third party vendors and companies,” said Mr. Simak. “It gives me a sense of pride to drive through our District or walk through a building and know that I had a hand in completing these projects.”
He adds, “I am fortunate to work in our department with other hard-working knowledgeable individuals. My favorite part of the job is that we are doing something different every day. We could be pouring concrete one day, and working on an electrical panel the next day. Throughout my day, I really enjoy problem solving and learning new skills.”
Thanks Mr. Simak for being part of a team that keeps our District running smoothly on a daily basis!
SHS LADY MUSTANGS SOCCER TEAM ADVANCES TO SWEET 16
The Strongsville High School Lady Mustangs Soccer Team has advanced to the ‘Sweet 16’ in the state playoffs. The team defeated Medina 3-0 last night in the District Finals. Next game for the Lady Mustangs is on Tuesday, October 31 at Brecksville/Broadview Hts. High School. They take on Avon High School at 7:00pm. GOOD LUCK MUSTANGS!
Congratulations SHS Lady Mustangs Soccer Team
District Champions!
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, 2018. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
‘WHERE I’M FROM’ STRONGSVILLE T-SHIRT TO BENEFIT SCS
Limited edition Strongsville t-shirts are now available at ‘Where I’m From’ in SouthPark Mall. All of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation, and specifically for the funding of field trips for PreK - 5th and 7th grade students. The t-shirts retail for $29 and are a high quality, super soft, ultra comfortable tri-blend material and 100% made in the USA. Adult and youth sizes are available, both in-store and online at: https://whereimfrom.com/product-category/the-ville-fundraiser/
Get your “Ville” t-shirts today!
LIL’ GHOULS & GOBLINS MAKE ‘GREET & TREAT’ A SUCCESS
More than 400 students and their families enjoyed a night of safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating at Strongsville Middle School this week. Special thanks to our teachers, staff, student organizations and clubs, booster organizations, and community businesses who handed out treats to those who attended. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
SHS ORCHESTRA STUDENTS EARN REGIONAL RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following SHS Symphony Orchestra students selected as members of the Ohio Music Education Association's 2017 Northeast Region Orchestra. This select honors orchestra is comprised of the best high school musicians from all of Northeast Ohio. Mikayla Balzer (Cello), Matthew Ong (Cello), Alex Romero-Kiselar (Cello), Christina Fogwell (Viola), Stephanie Vento (Viola), Charlie Lin (Violin), Christopher Lindamood (Violin), and Kevin Tan (Violin).
BREAKFAST COLORING CONTEST FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Elementary school students - don’t miss your chance to win a FREE ICE CREAM TREAT each week during the month of November. Students purchasing a breakfast will have the chance to enter a coloring contest. Two winning pictures will be selected each week, with winners receiving a FREE ICE CREAM TREAT of their choice. Breakfast is served at 8:50am in all elementary buildings. Start your day off the right way and don’t forget to enter the coloring contest!
JUNIOR MUSTANGS BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Sign up today for the “Junior Mustangs” basketball program! The Junior Mustangs program includes six Saturday morning skill sessions, instructed by SHS boys and girls basketball coaches and SHS student-athletes. It’s open to all youth basketball players in grades K-8. Click HERE for additional information and the Junior Mustangs registration form.
MR. MARK SMITHBERGER, PRINCIPAL AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, INDUCTED INTO ASHLAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Congratulations to Strongsville High School Principal Mark Smithberger, who was recently inducted into the Ashland University Athletic Hall of Fame. Mr. Smithberger was a left-handed pitcher at Ashland from 1999-2002, and continues to rank as one of the top hurlers in Eagle baseball history. He is tied for first in Ashland and GLIAC history in career wins (37), and is the program's all-time leader, as well as the GLIAC's all-time leader, in innings pitched (358 1/3). He also is third among all Eagle pitchers in career strikeouts (299), and fifth in all-time appearances (68). Mr. Smithberger was a member of a pair of College World Series teams (1999 and 2002). CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations Mr. Smithberger on Your Induction Into
Ashland University's Athletic Hall of Fame
COMMUNITY EVENTS
“Help & Hope Through Music” Benefit Concert
The Strongsville Community Band presents a benefit concert for victims of the recent hurricanes. The “Help & Hope Through Music” Benefit Concert will be held on Sunday, October 29th at 3:00pm in the Strongsville Middle School Auditorium, featuring music reflecting the American spirit. There is no admission charge but concert goers will have an opportunity to make a donation to the hurricane relief efforts. All donations will go to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The afternoon will also include a performance by the Strongsville City Jazz Swing Band at 2:30pm in the SMS cafeteria.
“A Leg Up Ballet Academy” Grand Opening
Don’t miss the grand opening of Strongsville’s newest ballet academy. “A Leg Up Ballet Academy” opens on Sunday, October 29 with a grand opening celebration from 12pm - 3pm featuring raffles and prizes. “A Leg Up Ballet Academy” is located at 14777 Pearl Road.
Chapman PTA Fundraiser
Chapman PTA is having their annual wing ding fundraiser November 11th at Mulligans Bar and Grille from 6-9 pm. Tickets are $25 a person and includes all you can eat pizza, wings, salad, pasta and three drink tickets. There are tons of awesome baskets and silent auctions! Come have some fun and support Chapman Elementary! Please contact Nikky Freeman (440) 897-2643 or Michelle Thall (440) 522-1610 for additional information.
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers!! Our first session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held Fridays, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, November 3, 10, 17, and December 8, and 15 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us!! Please contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or call/text 216-924-1475 for more information.
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre features “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” - three actors parody Shakespeare’s entire canon in 97 minutes! Performances on October 27, 28, & 29. Visit www.strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com for ticket information. Click HERE for the event flyer!
Southwest General Safe Sitter Classes
Safe Sitter is a nationally recognized program, developed by a pediatrician, designed to teach both boys and girls, ages 11 -14, how to be safe and responsible sitters. Registration for upcoming classes (November 7, and December 28) is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
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.
Women in Business Meeting - Wednesday, November 1st
Business & Community Expo - Wednesday, November 8th
November Luncheon - Wednesday, November 15th
Holiday Scholarship Dance - Friday, December 1st
Strongsville Library
Please note the following November 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.
** All branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22nd and remain closed on November 23rd in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 24th 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 time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Fall 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.
Technology Training Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library is offering a new series of technology training classes for beginners to advanced users. We are also offering more evening classes. 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
http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Technology-Training.aspx
Here are the November upcoming classes:
Thursday, November 2nd / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Excel 201: Data Analysis.
Thursday, November 2nd / 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Excel 301: Advanced Functions.
Thursday, November 30th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. PowerPoint 201: Objects.
Antique Appraisals. Thursdays, November 2nd from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Bring your favorite antique or collectible to the library and have it appraised by local antiques and estate expert, Jason Adams. Please bring only ONE item for evaluation (no swords or firearms.) If your item is too large or if you have a collection of some sort you would like to have evaluated, you may bring a picture instead. Even if you don't have an item to share, all are welcome to experience this entertaining presentation. A brief discussion on the current antiques & collectibles market will also take place after the evaluations if time allows.
Adult Coloring Workshop. Saturday, November 4th from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Coloring is not just for kids anymore! Research suggests that coloring is one of the best ways for adults to reduce stress & relax. Our Adult Coloring Workshops have returned! We will meet the 1st Saturday of each month from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Materials and different coloring pages will be provided each month, or participants are welcome to bring their own. We will have a quiet space for adults who want to join others who love to color! Registration is not required. Stop in once or join us each month to relax, de-stress, & color!
Teen Study Skills. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, November 7th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Learn how to study and get good grades! Presented by Sylvan Learning.
Mo Willems Fan Fun Party. Ages 3-8 with a Parent or Caregiver. Saturday, November 11th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Are you a fan of that pigeon who wants to drive the bus? Love Piggie and Elephant? You're invited to learn a little bit about the author Mo Willems, hear some hilarious stories, and do some hands-on activities and crafts.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children’s and Teen books. Meets the first Tuesday evening of every month except where noted. Please register in person to pick up a copy of the book. Our next discussion will be your choice. Please bring in your favorite titles from 2017 to share and talk about with the group.
Healthy Holiday Eating: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m.
Please join us for our bi-monthly Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Each month we bring a special speaker of interest to seniors and residents of Strongsville. Our November speaker will be Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian from Southwest General Hospital. One of the excitements of the season is the great food of the holidays. Wondering how you can enjoy your holiday festivities that will not sabotage your year of healthy eating? Join our speaker as she discusses ways to eat healthy this holiday season. Refreshments served.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
Our next discussion will be on Wednesday, November 15th. This month we will be discussing The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Just 4 U Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, November 18th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Join this group of teen volunteers to get involved in the library and your community. Stop by the Teen Desk for an application.
GI Health & Diet: Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk. Tuesday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest Hospital. Our speaker this month will be D. Newton Muthunayagam MD, from Westside Gastroenterology speaking on GI Health & Diet. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and SouthPark Mall in Strongsville. The Club provides an opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe, interesting and climate-controlled facility. Walk at the mall first, then come over to the Library for this informative wellness talk!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, November 24th 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.
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, November 27th. Our November discussion title will be They May Not Mean to But They Do: a Novel by Cathleen Schine. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
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