Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 20)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - January 18, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SCS Treasurer’s Office Earns Meritorious Budget Award for Third Straight Year
Full Day Kindergarten Registration for 2019-20 School Year is Now Available Online
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Emily Weir, Physical Education, Art, & Music Teacher at Strongsville Early Learning Preschool
Harlem Wizards Coming to Strongsville - Thu. 1/31 - Tickets Available NOW!
SHS Air Force JROTC Informational Night - Tue. 1/29 at 7:00pm
Elementary Nights at SHS Varsity Basketball Games
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Gizzi, 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at SMS
FREE Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (NOW through 3/23)
Mark Your Calendar for Annual “State of the Schools” Presentation - Tue. 2/26 at 6:30pm
Strongsville Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” - Sat. 2/9
New Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
We have 80 buses in our District, safely transporting students to and from school each day. More than 50 drivers are behind the wheel, including after school athletic events, field trips, etc. Last year, our buses traveled over 580,000 miles in daily routes!
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, January 21
NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Thursday, January 24 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Saturday, January 26 - 7:00pm
Women’s Empowerment Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Thursday, January 31 - 7:00pm
Harlem Wizards vs. SCS All-Stars
SHS Main Gymnasium
Advance Tickets Available HERE or in the
Main Office at Any School in Our District
Click HERE for a complete list of January events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
We have an “All-Star” roster of SCS teachers, staff, and administrators training for the upcoming basketball game against the world famous Harlem Wizards. Make plans to see the hilarious antics of the Wizards (and our SCS team) on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm in the SHS Main Gym. Tickets are available in the main offices of any of our school buildings or at www.harlemwizards.com. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we see some of the SCS basketball training that will hopefully lead to on court success!
SCS TREASURER’S OFFICE EARNS MERITORIOUS BUDGET AWARD FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR
Strongsville City Schools has earned the Meritorious Budget Award (MBA) for the 2018-19 budget year. It is the third straight year Strongsville has earned this recognition. Last year, Strongsville was one of only four school districts in the entire state to earn this recognition. This annual award is presented by the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) and recognizes the District’s commitment to sound fiscal management and budgetary policies.
FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Registration for full day kindergarten is now available online. Please visit www.strongnet.org and click on “Kindergarten Registration” in the shortcuts on the right hand side of the site. Or click HERE for the full day kindergarten request form.
After completing the online registration, a $300 deposit is due by 4:00pm on Wednesday, January 23. Your payment options for the deposit:
1. CHECK: Make checks payable to Strongsville City Schools and deliver or mail to the Treasurer's Office at 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH 44136
2. CREDIT CARD: Call the Treasurer's Dept. at 440-572-7021 to make a credit card payment with no additional fee
3. PAYFORIT.NET (https://www.payforit.net/): 3.9% fee if using a credit card, or $1.75 fee if paying from bank account
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. EMILY WEIR, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART, & MUSIC TEACHER AT STRONGSVILLE EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL
Mrs. Emily Weir is in her fourth year with our District. A graduate of the University of Mount Union, Mrs. Weir has spent time teaching physical education at Strongsville High School, Strongsville Middle School, Kinsner and Surrarrer Elementaries. This year, she not only is helping our preschool students develop healthy habits as their physical education teacher, but has also added art and music to the classes in which she leads our “Mini-Mustangs.”
“My favorite part of the day has always been greeting each student as they enter the building in the morning. This practice has allowed me to build amazing relationships with my students through hi-fives, friendly smiles, and a lot of laughter. Those relationships carry over into class where I can share my passion for health and wellness in a compassionate, collaborative, and mentally, emotionally, and physically rewarding environment. This year, teaching at the Early Learning Preschool, I have had the opportunity to share my fine arts side with my students as, in addition to physical education, I also teach art and music to my preschoolers. These students constantly encourage me to grow professionally and to try something new no matter how far outside of my comfort zone it may be. My students are the reason I’m excited to come to school each and every day,” said Mrs. Weir.
She adds, “I have had the unique opportunity to use my entire PreK-12 Health and Physical Education license while working in Strongsville. This broad range of experiences has allowed me to work with so many amazing teachers and staff in the district. Not only have these colleagues acted as mentors to me in my early teaching career, but many have also become great friends which makes working here feel like home!”
Thank you Mrs. Weir for taking on new professional challenges and helping our preschool students grow and develop, and preparing them for their next step into kindergarten!
HARLEM WIZARDS COMING TO STRONGSVILLE - THU. 1/31 - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
The Harlem Wizards basketball team is making a tour stop in Strongsville! Get ready for a fun-filled family event on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm in the Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium. Advance tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens (65+) and $12 for adults. Tickets are available in the main offices at any school in our District and also online at www.harlemwizards.com. We have an “all-star” team of SCS teachers, staff, and administrators ready to take on the Wizards - click HERE for a ticket order form.
SHS AIR FORCE JROTC INFORMATIONAL NIGHT - TUE. 1/29 AT 7:00PM
There will be an Air Force JROTC informational session at 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 29 at Strongsville High School in the "Little Theatre." A brief presentation about the program will be followed by a Q&A session. This class is co-taught by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) David Krempasky and Chief Master Sergeant (retired) Brad Buening who have over 60 years of combined military experience. This is not a class to attempt to recruit students to any branch of military service; instead, the class utilizes military values and principles to improve leadership skills, teach discipline, and help the young men and women of SHS become better citizens. So whether a student has an interest in the military or perhaps just wants to be part of something important here at the high school, our program might be a good fit.
ELEMENTARY NIGHTS AT SHS VARSITY BASKETBALL GAMES
Make plans to cheer on the Strongsville High School Girls & Boys Basketball teams at upcoming SCS Elementary Nights on Wednesday, February 6 (Girls) and Friday, February 8 (Boys). All elementary students are encouraged to attend these games for family fun and entertainment, and to cheer on the SHS Mustangs Basketball teams!
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. GIZZI, 7TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER AT SMS
Look for “We Are Strongsville” videos throughout the year, as we visit with students, teachers, parents, and community members about what makes our District and community a special place to live, learn, and grow! Click HERE for a message from SMS 7th grade social studies teacher Mrs. Gizzi - “We Are Strongsville!”
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (THROUGH 3/23)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! Every Saturday, continuing through March 23, boys and girls in grades 1-8 will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ANNUAL “STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - TUE. 2/26 AT 6:30PM
The annual SCS “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26 at 6:30pm at the Strongsville Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.). Dr. Cameron Ryba, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent, will provide an update on the present and future state of our District, followed by a Q&A session. This presentation is open to the public.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS “NIGHT AT THE RACES” - SAT. 2/9
Join the Strongsville Athletic Boosters for their 2nd annual “Night at the Races” fundraiser on Saturday, February 9 from 6pm - Midnight at Michaud’s in Strongsville. Tickets are $45 each or $320 for a table of 8. Contact Ann Roff (karoff@att.net / 440.503.2890) to purchase your tickets. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Mustangs teams and student-athletes throughout our District.
NEW WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two new pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
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
Strongsville Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration
Lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in the United States. Started by the Native Americans, it blends characteristics found in basketball, football and hockey into an exciting Spring sport. Registration is now open. New players are welcome at every grade. Drop in on one of our information nights, January 23 or 24th from 6-8:30pm at the Strongsville Middle School. http://www.strongsvillelax.com/
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our second session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, January 18, 25 & February 1 & 8 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA Preschool Prom
Join us Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the Strongsville Middle School for our second annual Preschool Prom! A family friendly fundraiser with dinner, dancing, games and entertainment. Wear your fancy threads and smile for the photo booth! Play carnival games, win prizes, and visit our kid’s play area. Included in your price is one raffle ticket with an opportunity to win many fabulous prizes!! Bring Cash - Raffle tickets will also be sold at the event for more chances to win!! General Admission Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults (Children under 12 months are free). Purchase tickets online before February 3 at:
https://preschool-prom-february-9-2019-3-30p-6-00p-strongsville.cheddarup.com
Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Soup Supper
The Strongsville Historical Society invites you to a SOUP SUPPER on January 22, 2019 at the Walter Ehrnfelt Recreation and Event Senior Center in Strongsville. This event brings together Strongsville area folks for an evening of good company while warming their tummies with soup accompanied by bread and rolls, beverages and desserts. Supper begins at 6 PM. There is plenty of free parking. The cost is $10 per person. Make checks payable to the Strongsville Historical Society; attach a note with your name, phone number, and number of tickets requested. Send checks to the Strongsville Historical Society, 13305 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH, 44136.
Deadline to purchase tickets is January 18, 2019; a few tickets will be available at the door. Contact Jan Miller to make your reservations at 440-567-7222.
Strongsville Women’s League Game Night
Strongsville Women's League is hosting an evening of fun and assorted games at Wine Down and Sweets Café (14785 Pearl Rd.) on Wednesday January 30th from 7pm to 9pm. The event is free with snacks and beverages available for purchase. Ladies, bring a friend or two for a fun evening out!
NEO Flag Football League
Registration for the Spring 2019 session is now open and will close March 1st. Visit www.neoflag.net to register. Spring Divisions include: 1st-2nd Grades Combined, 3rd-4th Grades Combined, 5th-6th Grades Combined. Week one of this season will be the weekend of March 30th. The season concludes the weekend of May 5th and there are no games Easter weekend.
*Please register for the grade your child will be in during the 2018-2019 school year.
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.
February Luncheon - at Camp Cheerful
Tuesday, February 19
11:30am - 1:00pm
Camp Cheerful (15000 Cheerful Lane)
$20 per person
Strongsville Library
Please note the following January 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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our winter story time sessions are in full swing! 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 Audio and Video Recording Studios are now 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.
Impacts of Sugar. Monday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m.
This program will be presented by Strongsville Heinen's Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Debbie Piper RD, LDN. She will share information on the impact of sugar and its significance in your diet.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Wednesday, January 23rd 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.
Building Competition. Saturday, January 26th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Come for our Fifth Annual LEGO™ bricks competition. Official entry forms and rules are available starting Wednesday, January 2nd. Entry forms must be dropped off by the deadline date of Wednesday, January 23rd by 9 PM. Drop off your creation between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26th. The public exhibition will be from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in these age categories: Preschool, grades K – 2, grades 3 – 4, grades 5 – 6, grades 7 – 12 and Family. See Children’s Staff for questions!
Sound Wave Art. All Ages! Saturday, January 26th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Frame a personally recorded sound wave. Using our Audio Recording Studio, participants will record themselves saying a short phrase that means something special to them or someone close. We will then print the sound wave of your simple recording and frame it to make a perfect and unique gift! No registration necessary, drop in while supplies last!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, January 28th at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
DIY Face Masks. For Ages 12-18. Tuesday, January 29th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Pamper yourself and make a luxurious face mask using common household ingredients. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options. All participants must complete a Release & Hold Harmless form.
Family Paint Night. Wednesday, January 30th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cherish time with your family by coming to our Family Paint Night! Create a joint painting where each family member will participate, creating an overall painting that will be meaningful for years to come! Registration is required and will open a month ahead of time - Please register as family units (one name per group).
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