Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 33)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - April 28, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Make Your Voice Heard With State Representatives in Columbus
Career Tech Advisory Board Supporting SHS Students in Many Ways
Muraski Students “Get Healthy” & Raise Money for Strongsville Food Bank
Mustang Spotlight - Early Learning Preschool Special Education Aide Becky Wisniewski
SHS Junior John Spragg Selected for US Marines All-American Summer Program
Strongsville Polaris Students Earn State Awards
SHS Named “Best High School” & Earns Silver Award in Annual U.S. News Ranking
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
Donations Needed for “Boomer Baskets”
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, May 4 - 7:00pm
Board of Education Work Session
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Friday, May 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
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
We have many talented students in our District and some of our most talented and creative students are learning in the many art course offerings at Strongsville High School. A wide variety of 2-D & 3-D classes are enabling our students to explore their creativity. Advanced Placement courses are also available, giving students the opportunity to potentially earn college credit. Don’t miss your chance to see some of the great artwork from our high school students, as well as our middle school and elementary students, at the annual SHS Student Art Show, set for Friday, May 5th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm in the Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium. Want a preview of the art show and a look into some of the SHS art classes - 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).
CAREER TECH ADVISORY COUNCIL SUPPORTING SHS STUDENTS IN MANY WAYS
Thank you to all who have been a part of this year’s Career Technical Education Advisory Council. The council is made up of teachers, community members, and business partners who help to share workplace knowledge and resources with our high school students. The goal of the council is to ensure all aspects of career-technical education reflects the needs and current conditions of the workplace, so that our students continue to be career-ready upon graduation. Marketing, Industrial Technology, Family Consumer Science, and Connections students are the beneficiaries of this dedicated group, led by SHS Assistant Principal Mr. Brian Tumino.
MURASKI STUDENTS “GET HEALTHY” & RAISE MONEY FOR STRONGSVILLE FOOD BANK
This week, as part of “Every Kid Healthy Week,” Muraski students ran laps around the building and enjoyed great spring weather in their inaugural “Spring Fling.” The students were able to purchase colorful running ribbons, with proceeds benefitting the Strongsville Food Bank. Over $500 was raised! The event also included students receiving vegetable seed packets to plant at home. Thanks to the great support from Muraski Elementary School PTA and special thanks to Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Harbart, and Mrs. Zudell!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDE MRS. BECKY WISNIEWSKI
Mrs. Becky Wisniewski is a Special Education Aide at our Early Learning Preschool. Mrs. Wisniewski has been in our District for 11 years.
Mrs. Wisniewski earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cleveland State University. In her free time, she dabbles in photography and enjoys the game of baseball.
When asked about her interactions with the preschool students, Mrs. Wisniewski says, “My favorite thing about working with our students is making them laugh. Four year olds have a really good sense of humor!” She adds about her co-workers at the Early Learning Preschool, “I have never worked in an environment with such caring, compassionate people. I am thankful every day for them.”
Thank you Mrs. Wisniewski for contributing to a positive learning environment for our “Mini-Mustangs” and providing them a solid foundation for kindergarten!
SHS JUNIOR JOHN SPRAGG SELECTED FOR U.S. MARINES SEMPER FIDELIS ALL-AMERICAN PROGRAM
SHS Junior John Spragg will be attending the “Battles Won Academy” this summer in Washington, D.C., as part of his selection for the U.S. Marines Semper Fidelis All-American Program. John was nominated for this elite nationwide program by his baseball coach, Mr. Doug Cicerchi, and is one of only 95 high school juniors from the United States to be selected. Nominations were based on academics, community service, leadership positions, and athletics. The Academy will feature opportunities to network with peers, as well as hear keynote speeches and presentations from leaders in a wide variety of fields and industries. John says, “It’s a huge honor. It proves to me that hard work pays off. I am looking forward to being around incredible people and have the opportunity to learn and absorb as much as I can from Marines, and other students from across the country.” John is in the Criminal Justice program at Polaris and is involved in a number of school activities, including varsity football, varsity baseball, DARE Role Models, and Mustang Mentors Program. He is also a member of the National Tech Honor Society. Congratulations John!
STRONGSVILLE POLARIS STUDENTS EARN STATE AWARDS
Fifty-six Polaris students recently competed in the SkillsUSA State Competition in Columbus. SkillsUSA events give students the opportunity to display their skills in specific career-technical training areas. This year, hundreds of students from around Ohio competed in dozens of different contests. Congratulations to the following top 3 finishers from Strongsville High School:
David Asmody (Senior) - 1st Place* in Heating, Ventilating, & Air Conditioning
Casey Delventhal (Junior) - 3rd Place in Medical Terminology
*David has advanced to the national SkillsUSA competition in Louisville, Kentucky (June 19-24)
SHS NAMED “BEST HIGH SCHOOL” & EARNS SILVER AWARD IN ANNUAL U.S. NEWS RANKING
Strongsville High School has been named a 2017 U.S. News “Best High School” and awarded silver status in this annual nationwide ranking. U.S. News reviewed 28,496 public high schools across the United States. Of the 384 Ohio schools earning a place on the list of ranked institutions, Strongsville was one of 143 schools earning silver status. U.S. News ranks Strongsville #115 in the state of Ohio.
The rankings compile and review school-specific data on enrollment, college readiness, student ethnicity, location, school type, and results of state assessments and Advanced Placement tests. Of the over 28,000 schools reviewed, only 6,041 schools - one-fourth that U.S. News evaluated - were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals in this year’s rankings.
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.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR “BOOMER BASKETS”
Strongsville Girl Scout Junior Troop 70145 is collecting donations and making “Boomer Baskets” for brave kids fighting cancer, and their families. Baskets will be assembled and delivered to Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in the next few weeks. Donation boxes are in the Main Office areas at Surrarrer Elementary and Strongsville High School. Click HERE to see the items they are collecting.
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.
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 Elementary Jump Rope Club - FREE Show
Don’t miss the amazing talents of the Strongsville Elementary Jump Rope Club! They will be performing at Strongsville High School on Saturday, April 29 at 7:00pm. These jumpers, with representatives from all of our District’s elementary schools, are ready to thrill audiences with their freestyle routines that showcase dance, gymnastics and acrobatic moves - all done while jumping rope! Special guests will be the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team, known throughout the USA and World for their championship jumping. This is a FREE show for all ages. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Ursuline College Volleyball Camps
Attention youth volleyball players - looking to sharpen your skills this summer? Ursuline College has several camps designed to improve skills for young athletes in grades K-9. Click HERE for more information on the youth volleyball camps offered by Ursuline College.
Head Start Basketball Camps
The 25th annual Head Start Basketball Camps for boys and girls in grades 1-6 will emphasize the FUN-damentals of basketball with individual attention given to each camper. The camps will not only provide a fundamental base for each player, but will also be a fun and enjoyable experience for each and every camper! The camps will be 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 will be held at Strongsville High School. There are four weeks of camp to choose from: June 12-16, June 19-23,June 26-30, & July 10-14, 2017. Each camp runs from 1:30—4:30 p.m. The cost of the camp is $85. 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.
All Chamber Day Golf Outing
Monday, May 8th - 11:00am
Weymouth Country Club
Register HERE
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.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our current story time sessions are on hiatus for the month of May. We will resume story time sessions in June. Please call the library for more information about our Summer story time sessions.
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.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, May 2nd from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children’s and Teen books. Meets the first Tuesday evening of every month. Please register in person to pick up a copy of the book. Our next discussion will be Every Single Second by Tricia Springstubb. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children's Information desk and join us for a great discussion.
Pinkalicious: The Musical. Students in Grades K – 4 & Their Families. Wednesday, May 3rd from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, Pinkalicious the Musical is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament. Pinkalicious the Musical is about learning the power of self-control and the importance of moderation. After the show the actors will be there to answer questions and meet the audience. Presented by Brecksville Theater on the Square.
Your Utilities Tune-up! Thursday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m.
A representative from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio will be holding a workshop on all things utilities. NOPEC, Energy Choice, consumer protection tips, energy efficiency tips and much, much more. Bring your bills and any questions, complaints or concerns you have with your current utility services.
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