Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 39)
Our Kids. Our City. Our Future.
IN THIS ISSUE - June 7, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
District Communications Survey
Technology Information for Graduating Seniors
Makerspace Summer Camps
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. John Garczynski, 2nd Shift Custodian at Whitney Elementary
SHS Commencement + Class of 2019 Top 5%
“The ‘Ville” Shirts Now Available at Where I’m From at SouthPark Mall
SHS Track & Field Has Several Top 5 Finishers in State Meet
Immunization Requirements for Incoming 7th & 12th Graders
“Heard Around Town” Makes Debut on SCS Website
SCS Summer School Information
Strongsville Athletics Summer Youth Camps
Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, August 9 - Wednesday, August 14
Kindergarten Screenings
All Screenings Held at SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Sign Up for Screening Appointments HERE
Monday, August 19
First Day of School
Grades 1-9 + Kindergarten Orientation
Tuesday, August 20
First Day of School
Kindergarten + Grades 10-12
Wednesday, August 21
First Day of School
Early Learning Preschool
DID YOU KNOW?
This week, some of our teachers are participating in a workshop to help them develop ‘project based learning’ for their students and classrooms. What is project based learning (PBL)? PBL is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. Thank you to our teachers who are developing themselves, in order to help their future students grow.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Congratulations to the Class of 2019! We are proud of the accomplishments of this class both inside and outside of the classroom. We look forward to hearing about your successes as you begin this next part of your journey. Click HERE for a recap of the 121st commencement ceremony for Strongsville High School.
DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY
A District Communications Survey was recently emailed to families in our District. If you have not already done so, please consider taking a few minutes to fill out this SURVEY and provide your feedback on how we can continue to improve our District communications.
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION FOR GRADUATING SENIORS
Congratulations to the SHS Class of 2019! Please visit this page on our website for important technology information: www.strongnet.org/Page/12397
Please note that you must export your data and files from your “SCS Mustangs” account within one year of graduation. Files will be automatically deleted after one year.
MAKERSPACE SUMMER CAMPS
Attention incoming 4th and 5th graders - make plans to attend one of the SCS Makerspace Camps coming in August! Camps are being held at each of the elementary schools during the first few weeks of August. From Ozobots to Green Screens to Rasberry Pi - these camps provide an opportunity for students to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills in our District’s Makerspaces. Click HERE for registration information and the event flyer.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. JOHN GARCZYNSKI, 2ND SHIFT CUSTODIAN AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mr. John Garczynski is completing his 6th year working for Strongsville City Schools. He has spent the majority of his time as the second shift custodian at Whitney, but has experience in almost every other building in our District. After spending more than 30 years working for the State of Ohio, Mr. Garczynski wanted to “give back” to a community and school district that has meant a great deal to his family. His family has called Strongsville “home” since 2000 and both of Mr. Garczynski’s daughters graduated from Strongsville High School.
“There is a special place in my heart for Whitney Elementary, because both of my daughters had great experiences here. It is a perfect fit for me to be working here and giving back to a school that has meant so much for our family - and is right down the street from where our family has called home,” said Mr. Garczynski.
He added, “This is a good place to work. All of my co-workers bring something different to the table, whether that is past work experience or their personality. We all gel together to get things done.”
Thank you Mr. Garczynski for being part of a great team at Whitney Elementary! #WeAreStrongsville
SHS COMMENCEMENT + CLASS OF 2019 TOP 5%
Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Strongsville celebrated its 121st Commencement last week honoring the many achievements of this class. Student Council President Saksha Krishnan, Phi Beta Kappa recipient Benjamin Blickle, and Senior Class President Lindsey Homa, all presented speeches to the graduates. This year’s entire ceremony can be viewed on the Strongsville City Schools channel on YouTube - click HERE.
This year’s Top 5% of the Class of 2019:
Mohammed Abusway - Columbia University (Operations Research)
Anna Barrett - New York University (Acting/Musical Theater)
Madeline Blakley - Carnegie Mellon University (Psychology & Biological Science)
Connor Bowman - College of William & Mary (Computer Science)
Rama Coimbatore – Purdue University (Engineering)
Christopher Cosma – The Ohio State University (Computer Science)
Adam Deloof – Virginia Tech (Computer Science)
Skylar Haberman – University of Akron (Biomedical Engineering)
Erin Horvath – Miami University (Biomedical Engineering)
Shrina Jasani – The Ohio State University (Biomedical Science)
Jake Jeske - University of Dayton (Chemical Engineering)
Melanie Klaben – Butler University (International Business & Mgmt. Information Systems)
Saksha Krishnan - The Ohio State University (Neuroscience)
Kristen Lemr - Case Western Reserve University (Nursing)
Saaya Morton – Emory University (Public Health)
Atia Najjar - Cleveland State University (Philosophy)
Lauren Novak - University of Akron (Mechanical Engineering)
Riley Ogrean – The Ohio State University (Molecular Genetics)
Matthew Pfeiler – The Ohio State University (Accounting)
Lauren Sapienza – University of Dayton (Biology)
Raghav Shah - The Ohio State University (Neuroscience)
Erin Sievers - Ashland University (Psychology)
Cole Ventresca - Undecided (Undecided)
Joseph Wyler – The Ohio State University (Civil Engineering)
SHS Class of 2019 - Top 5%
“THE ‘VILLE” SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE AT 'WHERE I’M FROM' AT SOUTHPARK MALL
'Where I’m From,' local retailer at SouthPark Mall, has created another limited edition of their popular “The ‘Ville” shirt. The t-shirt is available NOW at SouthPark Mall. All proceeds from “The ‘Ville” t-shirt sales will be donated to the Strongsville Education Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools.
SHS TRACK & FIELD HAS SEVERAL TOP 5 FINISHERS IN STATE MEET
Congratulations to our Mustang track & field student-athletes who finished in the top 5 in their respective events at last weekend’s State Meet:
Emilia Lesniak - 1st Place/STATE CHAMPION - High Jump (5’9”)
Erin Sievers - 3rd Place - Pole Vault (12’)
Joe Gillette - 5th Place - 100m Dash (10.96 sec.)
Jack Malczewski, Tyler Housum, Jack Mott and Matt Malloy - 5th Place - 4x800 Relay
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INCOMING 7TH & 12TH GRADERS FOR THE 2019-2020 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] vaccine
(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)
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
Incoming 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2019-20 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.
“HEARD AROUND TOWN” MAKES DEBUT ON SCS WEBSITE
Have you heard something that you want more clarification about concerning Strongsville City Schools? Share your questions with us, we're happy to provide information to clear up any misconceptions! Visit the new “Heard Around Town” link on the main page at www.strongnet.org or click HERE to submit your question.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS SUMMER SCHOOL INFORMATION
For students in grades 2-3 (on RIMPs only):
June 10th – 28th / Monday-Thursday / 9:00am-11:30am / at Muraski Elementary School
By invitation only (no cost; no transportation provided)
Letters were mailed home if your child qualified
For students in grades 7-12:
June 10th – July 3rd / Monday-Thursday / 7:30am - 11:30am or 12:00pm - 4:00pm dependent on course schedule at Strongsville High School
$175 per course / ($225 non-resident)
Only 2 courses offered for credit advancement
Physical Education (7:30-11:30 a.m.)
Health (12:00-4:00 p.m.)
In addition, SCS will offer Middle School and High School courses online for credit recovery (June 10th - July 3rd) Monday through Thursday (AM).
Registration forms will be available on the district website in the coming month. The summer school coordinator is Mr. Steve Diedrick: sdiedrick@scsmustangs.org
Click HERE for complete summer school information.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETICS SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS
Several youth sports camps are being offered this summer by our SHS coaches. Click the links below for registration information:
Boys Basketball Team Camp - for players in grades 8-11. Click HERE for more info.
Boys Basketball Youth Camp - for players in grades 3-8. Click HERE for more info.
Girls Basketball Camp - for players in grades 6-12. Click HERE for more info.
Girls Basketball Camp - for players in grades 7-8. Click HERE for more info.
Boys Soccer Camp - for players in grades K-5. Click HERE for more info.
WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two 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
2019 Team Strongsville Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grants
The Team Strongsville Kelly Kinney Pay It Forward Grants are available to students ages 3-18 who live in Strongsville or go to school in Strongsville. Please consider applying for a grant to put GOOD into the world. Don’t forget - deadline to apply is June 10, 2019. Click HERE for the form to apply.
Strongsville Football League
Sign up NOW for the Strongsville Football League (SFL). The SFL has several divisions for participants in grades K-7th grade. The cheerleading program features opportunities for students in grades K-8. Visit www.strongsvillefootballleague.com for additional information and to register!
Strongsville Relay for Life
Participants unite for the annual American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life of Strongsville to help beat our biggest rival - cancer. The Relay For Life movement inspires the community to celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change. This year’s Relay for Life event takes place at Pat Catan Stadium (Strongsville High School) on Saturday, June 8th beginning at 1:00pm through Sunday, June 9th at 6:00am.
To register visit: www.relayforlife.org/strongsville
Have questions? Send an email to: strongsvillerelay@gmail.com
Interested in volunteering? Register at: Sign Up Genius
Blood Drive to Support Strongsville Food Bank
Don’t miss your opportunity to save lives and make a meaningful contribution to the Strongsville Food Bank. A blood drive will be happening at the Strongsville Food Bank on Friday, June 7 from 2:30pm - 5:30pm. For every unit of blood donated, a non-perishable food item will be donated to the Food Bank.
Cornhole Tournament at Strongsville Rib Burnoff
The Strongsville City Club is sponsoring a Cornhole Tournament during this year’s Strongsville Rib Burnoff. The tournament will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 1pm - 5pm (registration begins at 12pm) and is open to all ages. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Special Olympics and other charitable groups. Click HERE to register and for additional details
Kindness Camp - C’s the Day
A camp for kids in grades 1-7 dedicated to EMPOWERING kids to positively impact their communities through acts of kindness, INSPIRING kids to become leaders by growing in character, confidence and personal wellness, and CHALLENGING kids to practice mindfulness in thoughts, words, and actions with self and others.
WHEN: June 17-21 (1:00pm - 4:00pm)
WHERE: Albion Woods Picnic Area
Click HERE for additional information and to register for the camp.
Teen Driving ROAD-eo
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop for parents and teen drivers on Saturday, June 29th from 10:30am - 12:30pm at Strongsville Safety Town (18100 Royalton Rd.). Click HERE for additional event details - register at https://teenroadeo19.eventbrite.com
Kids Running Camp - gOH Run!
When: Monday, June 17 - June 21 (9am-11am)
Where: Albion Woods Picnic Area in the MetroParks
Camp cost is $50 and includes a shirt, camp materials, daily prizes, awards, and lots of fun!
There is a $10 discount for additional children from the same family.
Click HERE to register!
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 27th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades K-8 emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but are also a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps are 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 are held at the Strongsville Rec Center. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 10-14, June 17-21, June 24-28, & July 8-12, 201. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $95. 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.
Business After Hours (100th Bomb Group Restaurant)
Thursday, June 27 - 5:30pm
RSVP at www.strongsvillechamber.com
77th Homecoming Festival - “Hometown Pride”
July 17th - 20th
Homecoming Parade - July 17th at 6:30pm
Fireworks Display - July 20th at 10:00pm
Strongsville's 77th Annual Homecoming Festival will take place July 17th-20th on the Strongsville Commons, at the corner of Pearl and Royalton Roads. Festival hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 3pm – Close, and Saturday 12 Noon – Close. This year’s festival theme is “Hometown Pride” and will feature rides, games, music & entertainment, food and more. The event is sponsored by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce, with support and sponsorship from many local businesses. This year’s event kicks off with the Homecoming Parade at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday July 17th . The festival wraps up on Saturday, July 20th with the 50/50 raffle drawing following the entertainment. The “Hometown Pride” Strongsville fireworks display, viewable from the Commons, will begin at 10 p.m. Admission is free; individual ride tickets will be available to purchase, or an all-day ride wristband can be purchased for $20.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following June 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.
Grand Slam Summer Reading Game! Saturday, June 1st – August 3rd.
All ages are invited to play our summer reading game for a chance to earn prizes. Register to play at our local branch or online. Sponsored by the Cleveland Indians, Chipotle, and Mitchell’s Ice Cream. For more information and to play, visit ccplsummerreading.org.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our summer 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 has Audio and Video Recording Studios 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.
iMovie Basics. Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn the basics of using the iMovie software on our Video Studio mac. We will be going over the software as a group, step-by-step. The session will also count as an orientation so participants will be able to use our studio in the future.
Soundwave Art for Teens. Teens ages 12 – 18. Saturday, June 8th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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 unique gift or dorm decoration. No registration necessary, drop in while supplies last!
Family Storytime Extravaganza. Wednesday, June 12th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Help us kick-off this summer with a fun, highly interactive family storytime as presented by Mr. P!
How to Boost Your Mental Health. Thursday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Mental and Emotional well-being is essential to overall health. Dr. Dipali Desai, Family Medicine physician from Southwest General, will discuss how depression can affect your physical well-being, she will talk about current research and guidelines, and about diagnosis and treatment of depression. She will also explore ways to help you cope with the stresses of life, overcoming challenges, building healthy relationships, and recovering from life’s setbacks and hardships.
Get Trapped in a Video Game. Ages 7 – 12. Saturday, June 15th from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Dustin Brady will talk about how his favorite games inspired scenes from the books to show children how they can turn their own passions into stories. He will then use popular video games to teach storytelling techniques that children can use to bring their stories to life. Finally, the group will work together to create a completely original video game story. Dustin Brady writes books for kids who hate reading. He is the author of ten children’s books, including the bestselling Trapped in a Video Game series. Sponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Library.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: My Heart Skips a Beat for You. Tuesday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m.
Join us the third Tuesday of each month for this special wellness talk sponsored by Southwest General Hospital. Were you ever told you have an irregular heartbeat? Does your heart beat really fast and skips beats? Come learn about the symptoms and treatment of atrial fibrillation from Southwest General’s Victoria Cho, pharmD! 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.
Preschool Carnival. Tuesday, June 18th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Step right up and join us for a Preschool Carnival! It’s time to clown around for an hour. Enjoy some fun games and challenging activities. Registration required.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m.
Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome!
For this month, we are reading The Immortals by Chloe Benjamin. Books can be picked up at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, June 24th at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Inside Addiction. Tuesday, June 25th / 7:00 p.m.
Marlene Kurz, LPCC-S from Southwest General’s Oakview Behavioral Health will discuss the development and progression of opioid dependence.
Podcasting Basics. Wednesday, June 26th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Have a story to tell and want to share it with the world? Learn the basic steps to record, edit, and share audio content and stories in a podcast format in this hands-on session. No previous recording experience necessary. Registration is required.
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