Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 2)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - August 24, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
#MustangsFirstDay
Join the SCS Crew
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Julia Williams, Guidance Counselor at SHS
Calling All 5th Grade Musicians!
Mustangs Team Shop (through Aug. 26)
Chipotle Fundraiser for the SEA Senior Scholarship Program (Mon. 8/27, 4-8pm)
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders for the 2018-19 School Year
SHS Golf Student-Athlete Matt Nimsuwan Sets 9-Hole School Record
Unified Classroom is Coming Soon!
Important Update for SHS Football Reserved Seat Ticket Sales
Chipotle Fundraiser for the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (8/28, 4-8pm)
Athletic Boosters Membership Drive
Bus Drivers Wanted
Team Strongsville Tailgate & 1st Mustangs Football Game - Tonight (Fri. 8/24)
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
We are excited to welcome three elementary literacy coaches to our District. Mr. Steve Owens will be working with Kindergarten and 1st grade, Mrs. Katie Hawk will be teaming up with 2nd and 3rd grade, and Mrs. Lynne Lawson will be collaborating with 4th and 5th grade. Our three elementary coaches are being funded by a $1.2 million grant recently awarded to Strongsville City Schools by the Ohio Department of Education. We also are pleased to have Mrs. Carol McKnight as our secondary literacy coach. She will be working with 6th - 12th grade students and teachers. Our four literacy coaches will be partnering with teachers and students across the District to continue to develop ways to strengthen reading and writing skills at all of our grade levels.
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, August 27
Elementary Open Houses
Tuesday, August 28 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Strongsville Middle School Open House (6th Grade)
Wednesday, August 29 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Strongsville Middle School Open House (7th & 8th Grade)
Thursday, August 30 - 6:30pm - 8:50pm
Strongsville High School Open House
Monday, September 3
NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
Thursday, September 6 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, September 7 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (for 6th - 8th graders)
Theme: Mustangs Spirit Wear
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The kickoff to the Mustangs football season is tonight (Fri. 8/24) on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium at 7:00pm. The Mustangs battle the Titans from Berea-Midpark. This season, we are once again highlighting our elementary schools with Surrarrer Elementary in the spotlight for tonight’s game. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we share in the excitement leading up to the game!
#MUSTANGSFIRSTDAY
It was a memorable first day (and first week) for our students - we welcomed a freshman class of 538 students at the high school; it was a ‘Principal’s First Day’ at Chapman for Ms. Moore; and Indians mascot Slider and Cavs mascot Moondog welcomed students arriving at Muraski - just to name a few highlights! We hope that your students made a smooth transition into another school year. We look forward to more memorable days throughout the upcoming year and celebrating many successes and achievements.
JOIN THE SCS CREW!
Attention parents of middle school and high school students:
SCS Crew is looking for new members. The Crew is a talented team of video production members! Students in SCS Crew have the opportunity to be a part of the team that records district events throughout the school year - sports, concerts, Board of Education meetings, SHS Commencement, and MORE - for YouTube and our Strongsville City Schools TV channel. Interested students should contact Scott Benson (440.572.7032 / sbenson@scsmustangs.org). Click HERE for a video about SCS Crew!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JULIA WILLIAMS, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AT STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Mrs. Julia Williams works with our high school students as a counselor and the Department Chair for our Guidance Department. Mrs. Williams has spent 31 years in our District, having worked at both Center Jr. High (before it was a middle school!) and the high school. She frequently runs into parents of current students who remember her as their guidance counselor. Originally from North Carolina, Mrs. Williams earned her undergraduate degree from A&T State University and her graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. She spent time early in her career as a home economics teacher in Baltimore and as a special education aide in Brunswick before arriving in Strongsville. She has lived in our community for 35 years and currently has three granddaughters attending Strongsville City Schools.
“Every one of our students is different and I usually learn something from them every day. Working with our students and getting to know their families is what I enjoy most about my role as their guidance counselor,” said Mrs. Williams.
Thank you Mrs. Williams for the years you have spent helping our students through high school and guiding them as they prepare for life after SHS!
CALLING ALL 5TH GRADE MUSICIANS!
Did you know that students who play an instrument perform better academically and make better social decisions than those who don’t?
Within the next few weeks, students will have the opportunity to become a member of the Strongsville City Schools nationally recognized band and orchestra programs! Our team of instrumental music specialists will visit each elementary school and demonstrate the instruments offered in the fifth grade band and orchestra. A few days following the demonstration, each student will have the opportunity to try the instruments and be sized by our expert staff.
An informational meeting for all interested fifth grade students and parents will take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 7:00 pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. If you are unable to attend, please email your school’s band and/or orchestra teacher.
Beginning band and orchestra lessons will start the week of September 17th!
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP (THROUGH AUG. 26)
Great back-to-school Mustangs gear is now available! Visit https://strongsville2018.itemorder.com and choose from short and long sleeve t's, hoodies, sweatshirts, golf shirts, 1/4 zip jackets, and baseball caps. Items are available for order through Sunday, August 26. GO MUSTANGS!
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER FOR THE SEA SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM (MON. 8/27, 4-8PM)
Help support the Strongsville Education Association Senior Scholarship Program by making dinner plans at Chipotle. Visit the Strongsville Chipotle (15029 Pearl Rd.) on Monday, August 27th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 50% of the proceeds wil6l be donated to this scholarship program.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADE STUDENTS FOR THE 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR
Please remember, 7th & 12th grade students have to meet immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health. 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2018-19 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
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.
SHS GOLF STUDENT-ATHLETE MATT NIMSUWAN SETS 9-HOLE SCHOOL RECORD
Congratulations to Strongsville High School golf student-athlete Matt Nimsuwan who recently broke the 9-hole school record. Matt’s five under par score of 30 on the front nine earned him a first place individual finish and helped Strongsville to a 6th place finish (out of 19 teams) at ‘The Tradition’ tournament at Brookledge Golf Club in Cuyahoga Falls.
For additional Mustangs athletics news, schedules, photos, and more, visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org
UNIFIED CLASSROOM IS COMING SOON!
Powerschool (PASS) has new resources for parents that are accessible through its new Unified Classroom. Powerschool's Unified Classroom will be replacing the traditional Parent Portal. Unified Classroom is filled with helpful, new features such as attached assignments and enhanced communication tools. Parents will be receiving more information, including parent access instructions, within the next couple of weeks.
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR SHS FOOTBALL RESERVED SEAT TICKET SALES
Please note the following change for reserved seat tickets for Mustangs football games this season. Reserved tickets will NOT be sold at the ticket windows on the night of home football games. For those fans interested in purchasing reserved seat tickets, please visit the Athletic Office at the high school from 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. For additional questions, contact the Athletic Department at 440.572.7102.
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER FOR THE STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS (TUE. 8/28, 4-8pm)
Help support the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters by making dinner plans at Chipotle. Visit the Strongsville Chipotle (15029 Pearl Rd.) on Tuesday, August 28th between 4:00pm and 8:00pm. Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause to make sure that 33% of the proceeds will be donated to SIMB.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
This year's Strongsville Athletic Boosters membership drive is underway! Show your support of our athletic programs by becoming a booster member. This year, car magnets, stadium blankets, chairs, and student shout-outs are available for different membership levels! Join online: https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/Join
Contact Laura Housum, Membership Chair, at lhousum@gmail.com with any questions.
BUS DRIVERS WANTED
Applications are now being accepted for substitute bus drivers in our District. We are looking for motivated, energetic, part-time professional substitute drivers. This position features great pay, flexible hours, and is very rewarding. Requires CDL Class B, SP Endorsement, with training available. Please visit the Human Resources section of the Strongsville City Schools website (www.strongnet.org) or call 440.572.7060.
TEAM STRONGSVILLE TAILGATE & 1ST MUSTANGS FOOTBALL GAME - TONIGHT (FRI. 8/24)
The Strongsville Mustangs varsity football team plays its first home game of the season tonight (Fri. 8/24) at 7pm. The Mustangs battle the Titans from Berea-Midpark on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Don't miss the Team Strongsville Community Tailgate beginning at 5pm in the parking lot next to the stadium. Click HERE for more information on this great event to kickoff the first Mustangs home game.
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
SHS Alumni Golf Challenge
Join us for the 2nd annual Strongsville Alumni Golf Challenge. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 25th at 9:00am. Golfers will tee off at Pine Brook Golf Links (11043 Durkee Rd. / Grafton). $100 for golf and lunch. Contact Bill Matthesen at 440.219.7386 for registration information.
Brain Aneurysm Awareness 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Walk
Lisa Colagrossi (SHS Class of 1983) passed away suddenly three years ago from a brain aneurysm. Her family has established the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation to raise awareness about aneurysms. On Saturday, September 15, runners and walkers will join to help raise funds for brain aneurysm research and patient resources. The event takes place at the South Mastick Picnic Area in the Rocky River Reservation of the Metroparks (Fairview Park) and begins at 8:30am (registration at 7:30am). Register at www.hermescleveland.com/roadracing/events/aneurysmawareness.asp and make sure to mention the Lisa Colagrossi Foundation in the “How Did You Hear About Us” section of the registration form.
Head Start 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 on three consecutive Saturdays (September 8, 15, & 22) from 12 - 1 pm.
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.
Please contact Mike Klinzing at 216.392.4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more information or click the following link to register:
https://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps/762694-head-start-basketball-little-dribblers-program---fall-2018
FREE Square Dance Lessons
Solo Squares cordially invites you to join us for 3 free square dance lessons on Mondays: September 10th, 17th, & 24th from 7-9pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (276 Bagley Rd. / Berea). All ages are welcome + singles & couples are welcome! Come & see what square dancing is like! It’s a wonderful, wholesome family activity! It’s fun, friendship, & exercise, set to music! Questions? call Diane (440-779-8379) or Brenda (216-281-3958), or send an email to: bethf56@aol.com
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.
September Luncheon - “Get to Know Your City Council & School Board”
Tuesday, September 18
11:15am - 1:00pm
Location: TBD
$20 per person
Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, September 21
9:00am - 5:30pm
Shale Creek Golf Club
$110 per golfer
Deadline for Registration - September 11
Strongsville Library
Please note the following August 2018 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 on hiatus for the month of August. Check back in September for our Fall Storytime sessions. 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.
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, August 27th. Our next discussion title will be The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Chronic Disease Self-Management. Series runs Thursdays, August 30th through October 4th from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
A representative from Fairhill Partners in association with Southwest General Hospital will present this 6-week series on Chronic Disease Management. If you are an individual living with a long lasting health condition this series will help you gain confidence in your ability to manage symptoms and understand how your health affects your life. You must be able to attend all 6 sessions to register for this event.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, August 31st 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.
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