Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2017-18 Vol 2, Iss 4)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - September 8, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Susie Baraga, Intervention Specialist at Chapman
New Breakfast Menu Offerings at SHS
Two SHS Grads Earn Spots in OSU Band
Student Services Parent Support Meeting (Thu. 9/14)
Strongsville City Schools App
SMS Coordinates Cereal Drive for Strongsville Food Bank
Online School Forms - Updating Your Student’s Information
Elementary Nights at Home SHS Football Games
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders
Princess (& Prince) Tea, Hosted by SHS Mustang Express (Sat. 9/16)
SIMB Mattress Fundraiser (Sat. 9/9)
Fun Run at Strongsville Cross Country Invitational (Sat. 9/23)
Green & White Fridays
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri., 9/8)
Team Strongsville Community Tailgate - 5:00pm - 6:45pm
Varsity Football Game SHS vs. Canton Central Catholic - 7:00pm
Thursday, September 14 - 7:00pm
Student Services Parent Support Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Wednesday, September 20 - 7:00pm
‘Meet the Choirs’ Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, September 21 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
Strongsville Early Learning Preschool Multipurpose Room (19543 Lunn Road)
Friday, September 22
NO SCHOOL - Teacher Professional Development
Friday, September 29 - 7:00pm
Homecoming Football Game
SHS vs. Euclid
Saturday, September 30 - 7:00pm
Homecoming Dance
SHS Gymnasium
Click HERE for a complete listing of September events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Mustangs Football team returns home to Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium tonight (Fri. 9/8) to battle the Canton Central Catholic Crusaders at 7:00pm. Coach Lou Cirino is in his first year at Strongsville guiding the Mustangs football team. In this week’s episode, we hear from Coach Cirino on what Friday night football means to SHS and to the Strongsville community. Also included this week is information about the SHS Athletic Boosters Car Raffle! Click HERE for this week’s episode as “Friday Night Lights” returns to Strongsville!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. SUSIE BARAGA, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
In her 19th year working for Strongsville City Schools, Mrs. Susie Baraga has worked at every level in our District. She has been part of the staffs at Albion Middle School, Strongsville High School, Whitney Elementary School, and is now an Intervention Specialist at Chapman Elementary School. Mrs. Baraga’s undergraduate degree is from The University of Akron and she also has earned a graduate degree from Cleveland State University.
As an intervention specialist, Mrs. Baraga is responsible for managing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and making sure their academic needs are met by giving different strategies and methods for acquiring knowledge. She stays in close communication with parents and works cooperatively with general education teachers to assist with intervention strategies.
“It is amazing and wonderful to see my students grow as they learn new skills and have new experiences. There is nothing better than seeing my students’ faces light up as they are learning and overcoming challenges! I want each of my students to feel safe, enjoy school, and to have fun while learning,” said Mrs. Baraga.
She adds, “I love working at Chapman, because it is an inclusive building where the students naturally accept and help each other. I work with a great building staff and a fantastic team of special education staff members - including aides, intervention specialists, and therapists - who help our students succeed on a daily basis. It is a joy to be a part of the Chapman community!”
Thank you Mrs. Baraga for the care you show on a daily basis and for helping all of the students at Chapman find success!
NEW BREAKFAST MENU OFFERINGS AT SHS
“Don’t forget to eat your breakfast!” Our Food Services department is making it easier to remember this important meal of the day. Check out these new breakfast options for the upcoming week at Strongsville High School:
Mon. 9/11 - Turkey, Ham, Egg & Cheese Burrito
Tue. 9/12 - Cinnamon French Toast
Wed. 9/13 - Turkey, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bagel
Thu. 9/14 - Whole Grain Pancakes
Fri. 9/15 - Sausage & Egg English Muffin
Breakfast at the high school is $2.25 and includes fruit and milk to round out a well-balanced breakfast. Visit www.strongnet.nutrislice.com for breakfast and lunch menu options at all of our schools!
TWO SHS GRADS EARN SPOTS IN OSU BAND
Strongsville High School graduates Sydney Lynn Reik (Class of 2017) and Todd Andersen (Class of 2016) were recently selected as members of the 140th edition of The Ohio State University Marching Band. Congratulations to both Sydney and Todd on this prestigious honor! #foreveramustang
STUDENT SERVICES PARENT SUPPORT MEETING
Don’t miss your chance to meet with the Director and the staff of Student Services on Thursday, September 14 at 7:00pm at the SCS Administration Offices (18199 Cook Ave.). Two new Special Education Coordinators have recently started working in our District and this event will be an opportunity for parents to meet them, as well as the other staff in our District’s Student Services department. Click HERE for additional details.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS APP
Did you know that there is an app for Strongsville City Schools? Stay connected while you’re on the go with this FREE mobile app for both iPhone and Android smartphones! The app includes the latest news, information, and events happening in our District. It delivers real time school news to your smartphone for fast, up-to-date access. The app features include the ability to check your student’s grades, get calendar updates about District events, view the lunch menus, and see photos from school events. Search “Strongsville” in the iTunes App Store® or Google Play® to download this free app.
SMS COORDINATES CEREAL DRIVE FOR STRONGSVILLE FOOD BANK
Special shout out to Strongsville Middle School for organizing a cereal drive last week for the Strongsville Food Bank. The school collected over 500 boxes of cereal thanks to the generosity of SMS students and families.
ONLINE SCHOOL FORMS - UPDATING YOUR STUDENT’S INFORMATION
Please make sure you have updated your student’s information online. This process replaces the paper forms (Emergency Contacts, Medical Forms, etc.) sent home at the beginning of each school year. Even if there are no changes, you must still log in and confirm the information. Use the PowerSchool Parent Portal (PASS) to access the online information update form. Click HERE for instructions on how to get started and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
ELEMENTARY NIGHTS AT HOME SHS FOOTBALL GAMES
At home football games this season, we will be featuring an elementary school in our District. Be on the lookout for flyers coming home in the backpacks with a special ticket offer for the students at each school. Show your Mustang spirit on Friday nights this fall as we highlight the following schools:
Tonight (9/8) - Whitney Elementary Night (SHS vs. Canton Central Catholic)
Fri. 9/15 - Kinsner Elementary Night (SHS vs. Mentor)
Fri. 9/29 - Chapman Elementary Night (SHS vs. Euclid)
Fri. 10/13 - Surrarrer Elementary Night (SHS vs. Shaker)
Fri. 10/20 - Muraski Elementary Night (SHS vs. Elyria)
GO MUSTANGS!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOMING 7TH & 12TH GRADERS
A reminder for parents of incoming 7th and 12th grade students about immunization requirements:
7th Grade Immunization Requirements
12th Grade Immunization Requirements
PRINCESS (& PRINCE) TEA, HOSTED BY MUSTANG EXPRESS
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Princess (& Prince) Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express, appearing as your favorite Disney characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 3:30pm - on Saturday, September 16 at Strongsville High School. More event and registration information may be found HERE.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS MATTRESS FUNDRAISER
TOMORROW (Sat. 9/9), the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters will be holding their 10th Annual Mattress Fundraiser. The event will be held in the SHS Cafeteria from 10:00am - 5:00pm, with all proceeds directly benefitting the students in the band and orchestra programs. Many name brand mattresses of all sizes, types, and even custom shapes (for boats, RV's, etc.) will be available, with shipping options to anywhere in the United States. The Mattress Fundraiser features greatly reduced prices with full manufacturer warranties, and delivery and set-up, along with special discounts for SCS employees and local heroes (Police, Fire, and US Armed Forces members). Make plans to visit the one-day mattress showroom at SHS TOMORROW (Sat. 9/9) to benefit our students!
FUN RUN AT STRONGSVILLE CROSS COUNTRY INVITATIONAL
On your mark, get set, GO! Get ready for a fun run - open to students in grades K-6 - on Saturday, September 23rd at 8:30am at Strongsville High School. After the race, make plans to stay and cheer on the Mustangs Cross Country team as they compete against other high schools in the Strongsville Cross Country Invitational. Click HERE for the event flyer.
GREEN & WHITE FRIDAYS
Show your Mustang spirit and pride every Friday by wearing green and white! Remember to upload your pictures to social media and use #Green&WhiteFridays
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Team Strongsville Community Tailgate
TONIGHT (Fri. 9/8)
The Mustangs first home football game is TONIGHT (Fri. 9/8)! Plan to arrive early for the 5th annual Team Strongsville Community Tailgate. Enjoy food, fun, and a whole lot more from area businesses at this FREE, fun-filled, family-friendly kickoff to football season. The Community Tailgate will be held in the parking lot at the high school next to Pat Catan Stadium beginning at 5:00pm. Kickoff for the first Mustangs home game of the year (vs. Canton Central Catholic) is at 7:00pm. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Annual Breakfast on the Covered Bridge
Please join the Strongsville City Club for Breakfast on the Covered Bridge (Whitney Road), Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 7:30am to 12:30pm. Discounted tickets are available in advance. Go to www.strongsvillecityclub.org/breakfast_on_the_bridge/ to purchase tickets, get directions and learn more about the event or call Bill Ritchie at (440) 238-5770 for more information.
Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program
The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is for boys and girls in grades K-3 and will be held at the Strongsville Recreation Center. The Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program is designed to provide a positive and fun environment for kids to develop their basketball dribbling skills with individual attention given to each player. The Little Dribblers program will actively, creatively, and playfully engage players in ball handling skills and drills. The ultimate goal is to get your little dribbler comfortable and confident with a basketball in their hands, able to utilize both their right and left hand equally effectively. $25 Registration fee. Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click HERE to register.
Strongsville Community Theatre
Strongsville Community Theatre is looking for electricians, carpenters, artists, ushers, stage crew, tech staff, directors, musicians, actors, singers, dancers, and other volunteers! There are many opportunities to become involved with Strongsville Community Theatre. Interested in learning more? Click HERE or visit www.StrongsvilleCommunityTheatre.com for more information.
Anti-Bullying Workshops
Join Empowering Punch in efforts to “Battle the Bullying” epidemic in a 4-week anti-bullying program. Kids ages 13-18 are invited to attend and participate in this educational and optimistic event. Workshop sessions will be from 1-2pm on every Saturday in October. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
College Financial Aid Workshop
Need help or advice about financial aid for college? Need assistance in navigating FAFSA? Attend this upcoming workshop and receive guidance on college financial aid.
CWRU's Lifelong Learning Program (Substance Abuse - Confronting Addiction)
Join Case Western Reserve University for this series about the growing issue of the Substance Abuse Epidemic. So much remains unknown and misunderstood about substance abuse. And much of the public continues to remain blind to issues they choose not to see. Attend one or all of these sessions and discover what effect this epidemic has on our local communities. Visit http://case.edu/lifelonglearning/substance-abuse/ for additional information on this important series.
Strongsville Fastpitch Softball Tryouts
Tryouts for the 10U, 12U, 14U, and Varsity Fastpitch Softball travel teams will occur on September 16-17 from 10am - 12pm at the Youth Sports Park Fields (21255 West Lunn Road). Click HERE or visit www.strongsvillefastpitch.com or call Tom Lang at 440.539.9007 for additional information.
Girl Scouts
There is power in every GIRL - unleash it at Girl Scouts. Try new things, take on challenges, build community, and inspire others - all through Girl Scouts. Open Houses for Strongsville Girl Scouts are coming up soon in September. Click HERE for more specific information on open house events in September.
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 is happening NOW. Click HERE for additional details and registration information.
Solo Squares Square Dancing
Interested in Square Dancing? Solo Squares will be holding 3 FREE square dancing sessions on Mondays (9/11, 9/18, 9/25), from 7pm-9pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church (276 Bagley Rd. / Berea). All ages are welcome - singles and couples! Lessons will begin in October. Join us for a great family activity - full of fun, friendship, and great exercise - all set to music!
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 Luncheon (Q&A with Strongsville City Council & Board of Education)
Tuesday, September 19
11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Upcoming Events - Save the Dates!
October Luncheon - Tuesday, October 17th
Business & Community Expo - Wednesday, November 8th
November Luncheon - Tuesday, November 15th
Holiday Scholarship Dance - Friday, December 1st
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 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 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
Robotics! Learn Arduino. Teens ages 10-18. Monday, September 11th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Teach an Arduino controlled robot to follow a path using software and light sensors. Learn how to tweak the code and change the robot's direction.
ACT/SAT Practice Test. Teens grades 8 – 12. Tuesday, September 12th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Sylvan Learning will provide a practice ACT or SAT test for interested students. Registration is required. Can't make this date or want to try again? There will be another practice test on October 17th.
Play Learn and Grow. Ages birth to 3 years with Parent or Caregiver. Friday, September 15th from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Children will play with developmentally appropriate toys in a play group atmosphere while parents meet and learn from community health experts.
Friends of Strongsville Library Fall Book Sale. Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall book sale. The Friends members only preview will be from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Friends memberships will be available for $8.00 at the door and are good for one year. The book sale will then open to the public from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction, non-fiction, audio visual materials, magazines, & more!
Friends of Strongsville Library Fall Bag of Books Sale. Sunday, September 17th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. AND Monday, September 18th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Friends of Strongsville Branch Library will hold their annual fall book sale. The bag of books sale will be on Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bring your own reusable shopping bag that is no larger than 15x15 inches and fill it for only $1 dollar. Our plastic bags will be available at the sale if needed. The bag sale will conclude on Monday and will run from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fill a Friends' provided bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last!
Using a Resistance Band at Home: Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk. Tuesday, September 19th 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 Wendy Zullo from Lifeworks. Join Wendy Zullo to learn the proper way to safely use a resistance band for working out. She will demonstrate ways to utilize a resistance band for strengthening and stretching exercises at home. 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!
Why Does it Hurt?: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, September 20th 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 September speaker will be Robert Coale, MD, Orthopedics of Southwest General Hospital. Hear about the causes and problems that occur when your joints ache. Learn about advances in care, medications, rehab, and new surgery techniques. We will focus on the shoulder, finding the truth and dispelling the myths about your joints. Refreshments served.
Homework Mentor Open House. For School Age and their Families. Wednesday, September 20th from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Come meet the homework mentor to find out all about the help available to your child. The entire family is welcome.
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, September 20th. This month we will be discussing Dead Wake: the Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson. 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, September 23rd 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.
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, September 25th. Our September discussion title will be The Three Year Swim Club: the Untold Story of Maui's Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory by Julie Checkoway. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Money Matters: Fundamentals of Paying for College. Monday, September 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this important financial topic with speaker Jacki Medvick, Assistant Branch Manager of the Strongsville Citizens Bank. She will be speaking on the Fundamentals of Paying for College. Learn about the Financial Aid process and get an overview of the different options to pay for college. This new quarterly financial series is a collaboration with Citizens Bank and the Strongsville Branch Library. Every quarter, we will bring you a new Money Matters program to help you with your financial questions.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Tuesday, September 26th from 1:00 – 7:00 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 (216) 431-3010.
Three Penny Opera. Wednesday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m.
Join Cleveland Opera Theater to learn about Three Penny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper.) This lecture recital will detail the historical and musical significance this milestone of 20th century opera and music theater, as it rolls on unstoppably into the 21st. This presentation also features live musical examples from their upcoming production. Appropriate for both veteran opera-goers and novices alike, this is an opportunity to broaden your musical horizons.
Exploration Station: Magnets. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Friday, September 29th from 11:00 a.m. – Noon.
Children will explore and learn about magnets through play and hands-on learning.
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