Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 34)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - May 5, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus
SHS National Art Honor Society Makes a Difference Overseas
SCS Elementary School “Food Fight”
Mustang Spotlight - SHS Economics & Social Studies Teacher Mike Sack
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing
Polaris Culinary Team Wins Back-to-Back National Championships
SHS Cantorum, Women’s Chorale, Wind Ensemble Perform Well at State Competition
SMS Students Recognized in Berea Elks Essay Contest
“Fame: The Musical!” Comes to SHS
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders for the 2017-18 School Year
Strongsville High School Community Open House - Saturday, May 13 (4-6pm)
Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame Nominations
Strongsville Instrumental Boosters Golf Outing
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 5/5) - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
SHS Student Art Show
Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium & Cafeteria
Thursday, May 11 - 7:00pm
Friday, May 12 - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 13 - 7:30pm
SHS Musical - “FAME - The Musical!”
SHS Auditorium
*Musical Includes Mature Themes (PG-13)
Friday, May 12 - 6:30pm
Chapman Talent Show
Chapman Gymnasium
Saturday, May 13 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
SHS Community Open House
Strongsville High School
Friday, May 19 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ at the Rec Dance
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Dance for CURRENT 5th, 6th and 7th graders
Theme: DARE
Tuesday, May 23 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
Strongsville Middle School
Click HERE for a complete listing of SCS events in the month of May
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The month of May signals many things in our District: Advanced Placement testing, Prom, Spring Music Programs at all levels, Senior recognitions. It also means an exciting time for our spring sports. Teams and individuals are competing and trying to qualify in the various end of the season tournaments, with the ultimate goal of making it to the State Finals. In this week’s episode, we visit with Athletic Director Andy Jalwan, Girls Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Bluemel, and Boys Track & Field Coach Chris Koval for updates on our spring athletic teams - click HERE.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD WITH STATE REPRESENTATIVES IN COLUMBUS
The legislators in Columbus have been listening, but we cannot stop delivering our message! Please take the time to contact our state representatives and make your voice heard. The impact of Governor Kasich’s proposed budget reductions on public schools around the state is real, and it amounts to a $3.5 million reduction of state funding dollars for Strongsville City Schools in just one year. Full details of the impact on Strongsville City Schools, as detailed by recent testimony in Columbus by Superintendent Ryba, may be found HERE.
Please share 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).
SHS NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY MAKES A DIFFERENCE OVERSEAS
Recently, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) partnered with the “Memory Project,” a non-profit organization inviting art students to create and donate portraits to youth around the world who have faced substantial challenges, such as neglect, abuse, loss of parents, violence, and extreme poverty.
A select group of eight NAHS members were matched to a foster care organization in Ukraine, where children have suffered tragedy due to the armed conflict in the eastern part of the country. Each member worked diligently over two weeks to craft portraits of these children that would remind them how valued and important they were and would offer them meaningful pieces of their personal history to retain in the future. For the students, it was a unique opportunity to creatively practice kindness and global awareness, ultimately culminating with seeing the children receive their portraits live. The project was chaired by SHS Senior Rubab Syed and guided by art teacher Kristi Trussa and Spanish teacher Tonya Barba-Minor. Click HERE to see a video recap of this project.
SCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “FOOD FIGHT”
Elementary schools in our District will soon be having a “food fight” to benefit the Strongsville Food Bank. Students at each of our elementary schools are encouraged to bring donations during the week of May 22 in a friendly competition of which school can collect the most food. The Strongsville Food Bank is in need of the following items: peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, tuna fish, canned fruit, and canned vegetables. We can’t wait to crown the winning school in this year’s “Food Fight.”
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - SHS SOCIAL STUDIES & ECONOMICS TEACHER MR. MIKE SACK
This week, Mr. Mike Sack, Economics & Social Studies Teacher at Strongsville High School, is in the Mustang Spotlight. Mr. Sack has been working with our students for 15 years - his one and only teaching job. Prior to the high school, he spent 25 years in the business world before becoming a teacher. Mr. Sack will be retiring at the end of this school year, after making a difference in so many students’ lives.
He has coached cross country and track at both the middle school and high school, is one of the faculty advisors for Rho Kappa (the National Social Studies Honor Society), helped start “The Buddy Club” (matching current students with new students at SHS to help with their transition), and most recently coached Strongsville’s Academic Challenge team, which won the week they appeared on the show.
“When it comes to the students, there isn't anything I haven’t liked about the experience. I have been so blessed to have discovered teaching and the best part is, and has been, the kids. Strongsville kids are awesome. I enjoy all of the A-HA moments that have happened everyday for me over the last 15 years. I love it when a student puts it all together and sees a connection to their lives. That's the greatest part of the job - knowing that you helped them,” said Mr. Sack.
He adds, “I am most proud of my work as a new teacher mentor. For the last 6 years, I have had a chance to positively influence and help develop 4 new teachers who will continue to contribute to our District’s success for years to come. By the way, the first teacher I mentored is now a mentor herself!”
Thank you Mr. Sack for the years you have spent with our District - our students have benefitted in so many ways with your transition to the classroom. Best of luck in your retirement!
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
Join the Strongsville Athletic Booster Club for their 4th Annual Golf Outing on June 10th. This year's outing will be held at Cossett Creek Golf Course in Brunswick. Follow this LINK for online registration or download this FORM for a hard copy. There are a limited number of foursomes available so reserve your spot today! You can hold a foursome by emailing sarahpfeiler@gmail.com or koulakadras@yahoo.com. This annual event is a hallmark fundraiser for the athletic booster club. The funds raised at this event help support the entire athletic program and your participation is appreciated. GO MUSTANGS!
POLARIS CULINARY TEAM WINS BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
SHS Senior Chris Hritz and SHS Junior Brandon Schieferle were among a team of five Polaris culinary students who recently won the National Championship at the 2017 National ProStart Invitational Culinary Team Competition in Charleston, South Carolina. It is the second straight year Polaris has brought home the National Championship trophy. Chris was also a member of last year’s winning team.
In this competition, teams were challenged to present a three course meal to a panel of certified chefs and exhibit comprehensive skills in creativity, communication, teamwork, organization, time management, skill level, safety and sanitation. They were given one hour and two butane burners to complete the task. No ovens or electrical appliances were permitted. The students also had to submit all recipes and financial information related to each dish.
SHS CANTORUM, WOMEN’S CHORALE, AND WIND ENSEMBLE PERFORM WELL AT STATE COMPETITION
Congratulations to the following music groups at Strongsville High School who earned the following at State Competition: Cantorum - Excellent Rating, Women’s Chorale - Superior Rating, Wind Ensemble - Superior Rating. We are proud of our students and their continued display of musical talent. Congratulations also goes out to our SHS directors Ms. Eicher, Mr. Hire, and Mr. King.
SMS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED IN BEREA ELKS ESSAY CONTEST
SMS sixth graders Maggie McGowan and Katelyn Milvet were recognized this week at a dinner hosted by the Berea Elks. Maggie and Katelyn both submitted winning entries in the annual Elks Americanism Essay Contest. Maggie’s essay also earned first place honors in the Northeast Ohio region. Congratulations to both Maggie and Katelyn and to their social studies teachers Mr. Mutti and Mrs. Goetz.
"FAME: THE MUSICAL!" COMES TO SHS
Don’t miss your opportunity to see the SHS Spring Musical - “Fame: The Musical!” Performances are Thursday, May 11 at 7:00pm, Friday, May 12 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, May 13 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Visit famestrongsville.brownpapertickets.com to purchase advance tickets. (Due to some mature situations within the story, parental guidance is recommended - PG13)
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.
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 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.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Education Foundation “Jockeys & Juleps”
The Strongsville Education Foundation invites you to the third annual “Jockeys & Juleps” event at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center on Saturday, May 6th at 5:30pm. Watch the Kentucky Derby and stay for a Night at the Races fundraiser featuring silent auctions, sideboards, and awards (for Best Hats!). Funds raised go directly back to Strongsville City Schools. 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.
KICK Diabetes 3v3 Soccer Tournament
Strongsville Soccer Organization presents the KICK Diabetes 3v3 Soccer Tournament on June 17 from 8:30am - 12:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Soccer Complex on Foltz Industrial Parkway in Strongsville. The tournament is open to girls ages 8-12 and all proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Click HERE for more information about registering a team for this worthwhile cause.
Strongsville Football League (SFL) Registration
Registration is now open for the Strongsville Football League (SFL)! SFL welcomes players in grades K-6 and cheerleaders in grades K-8. Join the league supported by Strongsville’s high school football program and its new varsity football coach, Lou Cirino. Click HERE for additional registration information or visit www.StrongsvilleFootballLeague.com.
C’s The Day Summer Camp
Make plans for the first “C’s the Day Summer Camp” June 19-23 at Albion Woods. The camp is open to students in grades 1-7 and focuses on opportunities to develop skills for balanced living and service. It’s a camp to also inspire caring, service, creativity and confidence and to encourage personal wellness, fitness, and promote healthy habits. Click HERE for the camp flyer or visit the camp WEBSITE.
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 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.
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 May 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 Cuyahoga County Public Library will be CLOSED in celebration of Memorial Day from Saturday, May 27th through Monday, May 29th. Regular hours resume on Tuesday, May 30th at 9:00 a.m.
Build a Better World: Summer Reading Program. Saturday, June 3rd – Saturday, August 5th. All Ages!
Save the Date! Our 2017 Summer Reading Game will begin on Saturday, June 3rd. Readers of all ages can register to participate. Pre-register starting Monday, May 1st. Registration prizes will be available at your local branch beginning June 3rd while supplies last. Read all summer long & have a chance to win some great prizes!
Summer Camps!
Registration for Summer Camps begins May 10th at 9 a.m. Make your plans and register early as space is limited. Check out the camp selections online at http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Summer-Reading/Summer-Camps.aspx
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.
Adult Coloring Workshop. Saturday, May 6th 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! 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!
Birding for Beginners Series. Saturdays, May 6, 13, & 20th from 2 – 3 p.m.
Learn the basics of birding and how to make your backyard a haven for wildlife. In this interactive series, Nancy Howell from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History will explain the basics of bird watching. You will learn how to read a field guide, what birds are likely to be seen in our area, where to see birds, and what to plant to attract birds to your yard. **Note: Week 3 of this series will be spent outdoors.
Developing a Career Action Plan. Monday, May 8th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Did you know that people, on average, change careers between 7-12 times throughout their lifetime? For this reason alone, it is important that job seekers can identify transferrable skills. This workshop is aimed at those making a career change and is a beginning step to identifying career interests, setting goals and making career planning decisions.
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 February upcoming classes:
Tuesday, May 9th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Computers 101
Tuesday, May 9th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Email 101
Monday, May 22nd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 201: Data Analysis
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Whole Food Nutrition For Good Health and Weight Loss. Tuesday, May 16th from 10:00 - 11:00 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 Wendy Zullo from Lifeworks. Eating real whole foods, those free from processing, additives and extra sugar can leave you feeling fuller and more satisfied. It can also ensure you meet your nutritional needs and help you lose weight!. 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! For more information call (440) 816-4037.
Weird Science: Physics of Roller Coasters. Grades 5 – 9. Tuesday, May 16th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Explore some fundamental physics concepts as you design and build model roller coasters.
Options for Hip & Knee Arthritis: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, May 17th from 10:00 – 11:00 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 May speaker will be Brett McCoy, MD of Orthopedics from Southwest General speaking on Hip & Knee Arthritis. He will discuss current approaches to hip and knee arthritis, from non-surgical to surgical options. Come learn how advances in technologies mean a quicker recovery and improved outcomes. Refreshments served.
Meet Author Mindy McGinnis. Wednesday, May 17th at 7:00 p.m.
Ohio author Mindy McGinnis will visit to talk about her dark and riveting contemporary YA novel, The Female of the Species. Upon its release, the book received starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly and has since topped numerous Best of 2016 lists, including School Library Journal and Seventeen. Mindy is also the author of the Edgar Award winner A Madness So Discreet, the post-apocalyptic duo Not a Drop to Drink and In a Handful of Dust, and Given to the Sea, which will be released later this year. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
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, May 17th . This month we will be discussing The Race for Paris: a Novel by Meg Waite Clayton. 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 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, May 20th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Just 4 U Student Friends and get involved at the Strongsville Branch and in your community. Pick up an application at the Teen Desk.
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, May 22nd. This month we will be discussing My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrick Backman. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, May 23rd 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.
Meet Author Craig Johnson. Wednesday, May 24th at 7:00 p.m.
Meet Craig Johnson, author of the New York Times bestselling Longmire series. In the latest novella, The Highwayman, Wyoming Sheriff Walt Longmire and longtime friend Henry Standing Bear embark on another adventure that pits them against a mysterious legend. Craig’s award-winning books are also the basis for the hit Netflix original series, Longmire. Books will be available for purchase and signing courtesy of Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry.
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