Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 25)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - February 24, 2017
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Download the New Strongsville City Schools Mobile App
College Credit Plus Registration
Mustang Spotlight - Strongsville High School Counselor John Young
Strongsville Middle School Winter Sports Recap
Jacob Weber, SMS 7th Grader, on the Cover of “Parenting Special Needs” Magazine
Polaris Culinary Team Achieves State Title
2017-18 Kindergarten Registration + Early Entrance Testing
Members of SHS Swim Team Head to State
Community Use of SHS/SMS Tracks
Family First Night - Monday, March 13
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Opportunity for SHS Seniors
SHS Basketball Cheerleader Fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings
Lattes with The Lantern
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TOMORROW (Sat.2/25) - 12:30pm-2:30pm
Lattes with The Lantern
Fundraiser for the high school’s newspaper club
SHS Cafeteria
Tuesday, February 28 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Winter Band Concert #1
SHS Auditorium
Wednesday, March 1 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Winter Band Concert #2
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, March 2 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (Administrative Offices - 18199 Cook Ave.)
Monday, March 13
Family First Night
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Students at Strongsville Middle School have made a successful transition to their new school. In this week’s edition of “60 Seconds With the Superintendent” we visit with students and teachers on the 6th grade Vikings team to learn about what makes their team special. Click HERE to meet the Vikings!
DOWNLOAD THE NEW STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS MOBILE APP
Strongsville City Schools is excited to introduce our new app for both iPhone and Android smartphones! Stay connected while you’re on the go with this FREE mobile app that will bring you the latest news, information, and events happening in our District. The app 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 schedules for our athletic teams, 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.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS REGISTRATION
College Credit Plus provides students with the opportunity to take college classes offered by any Ohio public college or university, or from any participating private postsecondary institution, at SHS, on the college or university campus, or online. The program allows students to explore college interests sooner and to earn college credits toward a degree before graduating from high school. It is free to families when students take courses offered by Ohio public colleges and universities.
Students are now able to notify the high school’s main office of their interest to participate, and must declare their intent to participate by April 1. This includes students who participated in the first and/or second year of College Credit Plus.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR MR. JOHN YOUNG
Mr. John Young is in his 15th year as a school counselor with Strongsville City Schools. Having earned an undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of Akron, and another graduate degree from John Carroll University, he has spent 25 years in education. Earlier in his career, Mr. Young spent time at both Brunswick High School and Parma Senior High School as a social studies teacher.
Mr. Young is currently a member of the guidance staff at Strongsville High School and also serves as the liaison counselor to Polaris Career Center and the AP Coordinator for our district. Working with our students on a daily basis is the highlight of his job. “We truly have great kids in Strongsville. Hearing how each student strives to be the best version of themselves and watching them achieve their true potential makes my job gratifying, each and every day,” said Mr. Young. He also enjoys conducting Senior Interviews, an opportunity to talk with students about their goals and dreams once they graduate from SHS.
He adds, “I also enjoy working with our outstanding school counselors, teachers, administrators, and support staff who make my job enjoyable. Working with this team has allowed time to effectively meet with students. Through good communication provided by our parents, teachers, students and other staff members, we are able to best meet the needs of our students. Every day, they go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students. The truth is, they can never be thanked enough for all that they do.”
Thank you Mr. Young for helping our students develop their future plans and setting them up for success after SHS!
STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER SPORTS RECAP
The Strongsville Middle School Mustangs winter sports teams achieved great success in their first seasons as a combined middle school. Congratulations on the accomplishments of the following teams and to all of the student-athletes!
Girls Basketball
7th Grade (White) - Season Record: 15-4 (2nd Place in the GCC Tournament)
7th Grade (Green) - Season Record: 9-7
8th Grade (White) - Season Record: 19-0 (GCC Tournament Champions)
8th Grade (Green) - Season Record: 6-10
Boys Basketball
7th Grade (White) - Season Record: 10-9 (3rd Place in the GCC Tournament)
7th Grade (Green) - Season Record: 11-7
8th Grade (White) - Season Record: 13-6 (2nd Place in the GCC Tournament)
8th Grade (Green) - Season Record: 12-5
Wrestling
Season Record: 20-6 in Duals; Finished 2nd in Conference
JACOB WEBER, SMS 7th GRADER, APPEARS ON THE COVER OF “PARENTING SPECIAL NEEDS” MAGAZINE
Jacob Weber, a 7th grader at Strongsville Middle School appears on the cover of the January/February edition of “Parenting Special Needs” Magazine. Jacob competes on the Cleveland Rockin’ Wildcats, one of only four special needs hockey teams in the state of Ohio. He is the goalie for the Wildcats and loves “all things hockey.” Keep up the great work on and off the ice Jacob!
Click HERE for this issue of “Parenting Special Needs” Magazine.
POLARIS CULINARY TEAM ACHIEVES STATE TITLE
Polaris Career Center’s Chef Training program competed in the 2017 ProStart Invitational Competition in Columbus, Ohio, last weekend. This annual event, presented by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), allows students from programs around the state to showcase their culinary talents. For the eighth straight year, Polaris took top honors in the Culinary Team event and will represent Ohio at the national competition in Charleston, South Carolina, on April 28-30, 2017. During this real-world challenge, the Polaris team had to present a three course meal to a panel of certified chefs and exhibit comprehensive skills in creativity, communication, teamwork, organization, time management, culinary skill, safety and sanitation. They only had one hour and two butane burners to complete the task. No ovens or electrical appliances were permitted. The students also had to submit all recipes and financial information related to each dish. The championship team included the following students: Chris Hritz, senior, Strongsville High School; Therese Napier, senior, North Olmsted High School; Brandon Schieferle, junior, Strongsville High School; Ryan Karallus, junior, Berea-Midpark High School; and Cheyenne Yates, junior, North Olmsted High School. Congratulations to this team and good luck at the national competition!
2017-18 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION + EARLY ENTRANCE TESTING
Kindergarten registration is happening next month in our District. According to State Law and District policy, any child who becomes five years old on or before August 1, 2017 is eligible for admission into the Strongsville School District's Kindergarten program this August. There is a convenient three step process to register your kindergarten student:
Pick up a registration information packet at the elementary building closest to your home. This packet contains specific details regarding kindergarten registration, information about Safety Town, school transportation and helpful hints you can use to prepare your child for Kindergarten.
Complete the online pre-registration form at:
http://www.strongnet.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=42Register in person at the District’s Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Avenue) from 8am-12pm on the following dates:
Chapman Elementary Monday, March 13
Kinsner Elementary Tuesday, March 14
Muraski Elementary Wednesday, March 15
Surrarrer Elementary Thursday, March 16
Whitney Elementary Friday, March 17
Early Entrance Testing: Children turning 5 years of age after August 1st, 2017 but on or before December 31, 2017 must meet the requirements of the early entrance assessment to be permitted to attend kindergarten this fall. Testing will be held in April and May. Please register for the screening by calling (440) 572-7015.
MEMBERS OF SHS SWIM TEAM HEAD TO STATE MEET
Congratulations to the SHS Varsity Swim Team and best of luck as they send 8 girls and 4 boys to the OHSAA State Meet in Canton this weekend. The girls team captured the District Title - their 5th in the last 6 years! Our SHS student-athlete state qualifiers include:
Julia Newbould - 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay Shaunna Jones - 200 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay Serena Stout - 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay
Emily Kahn - 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay
Lauren Stajcar - 200 Medley Relay
Jordyn Spencer - 200 Medley Relay
Megan Pederson - 200 Medley Relay
Hannah Ogrean - 200 Medley Relay
Kyle Mattson - 200 Freestyle Relay
Garrett Green - 200 Freestyle Relay
Michael Whitehead - 200 Freestyle Relay
Ian Cox - 200 Freestyle Relay
Good Luck Mustangs!
COMMUNITY USE OF SHS/SMS TRACKS
As the weather turns warmer in Northeast Ohio, we encourage our community to make use of our track and synthetic turf facilities at Strongsville Middle School and Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium (SHS). In doing so, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:
When fields and tracks are not in use by a Strongsville athletic team or other school-related programming, these facilities are available for use by the community.
Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium is for use by permission only, but Strongsville Middle School is open during daylight hours.
We encourage any community member to call the athletic department to reserve a time or to check availability.
Prohibited items at both venues include:
Tobacco Products
Sunflower seeds
Colored drinks
Chewing Gum
No Smoking is allowed
No open flames of any kind
No sharp objects or glass of any kind
No pets allowed
No metal cleats
No motorized vehicles
- No golf equipment of any kind
FAMILY FIRST NIGHT - MONDAY, MARCH 13
Mark your calendars for Family First Night - Monday, March 13. Family First Night is a night for your family to spend time together. Whether it is eating dinner at the same table, creating a family activity or outing, or having a game night, Family First Night is about putting other activities and events on hold and getting back to the basics of family relationships. No homework or after school activities are scheduled for this night, giving families an uninterrupted night to spend quality time together. Should your family want a “night out,” Strongsville Middle School will be hosting activities from 6-8pm. Click HERE for the event flyer and to RSVP.
STRONGSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SHS SENIORS
The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from high school seniors who live in Strongsville for their annual scholarship awards. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2017. Please click HERE for additional information.
SHS BASKETBALL CHEERLEADER FUNDRAISER AT BUFFALO WILD WINGS - TODAY (FRI. 2/24)
Show your Mustangs spirit and make plans to visit the Strongsville Buffalo Wild WIngs (8465 Pearl Rd.) today (Fri. 2/24). Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier and 20% of your total bill will be donated to the SHS Basketball Cheerleaders.
LATTES WITH THE LANTERN
Strongsville High School’s newspaper club, The Lantern, is hosting a luncheon, quarter auction, and basket raffle to raise money to print issues for our student body, attend writing/design workshops and extra training, and more. During this event, attendees can applaud the achievements of our school clubs and learn from a speaker on how to transition into the working world of journalism.
Location and Time:
TOMORROW (Sat. 2/25) at the high school cafeteria from 12:30-2:30pm.
Tickets:
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children and senior citizens. The ticket price includes lunch and there will also be bakery and coffee to fulfill the “Lattes” promise.
Activities:
There are over 25 prizes ready for you to win in the quarter auction! Bring your quarters and extra cash! There will also be a kid’s corner with face painting, coloring and newspaper hats.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Kiwanis Club of Strongsville “Read Around the World” Event
Join the Kiwanis Club of Strongsville tomorrow (Sat. 2/25) from 10:00am - 12:30pm at the Strongsville Library for their “Read Around the World” event. The program and its activities are intended for preschool and K – 3rd graders. This is a FREE event for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.).
Activities include:
- Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books
Students from St. Joseph & John's Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville High School will be available to read to your child from a book the child selects from our inventory of children's books.
Mr. Protiva, librarian in the children’s section, will be reading children’s stories.
St. Joseph & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories.
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning
- Appearances of several characters from children’s literature in costumes.
- Each child will have the opportunity to pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
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.
Saturday March 4, 2017: 10 - 11 am
Saturday, March 11, 2017: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 18, 2017: 10 - 11 am
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. Visit www.headstartbasketball.com to register for the Head Start Basketball Little Dribblers Program.
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.
State of the City Address with Mayor Perciak
Tuesday, March 14th – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Event Center
Reservations are required! $20 per person. Seating is available for those who would like to attend but not have lunch. Register by calling 440.238.3366 or at www.strongsvillechamber.com
Strongsville Library
Please note the following March 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 current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter 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 Here are the March upcoming classes:
Thursday, March 2nd / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Word 101: Basics
Thursday, March 2nd / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 201: Tables & Images
Thursday, March 2nd / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Word 202: Mail Merge
Adult Coloring Workshop. Saturday, March 4th 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!
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Ages 5-7 with Parent or Caregiver. Saturday, March 4th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 113th birthday of Dr. Seuss with stories as well as other activities. Program cosponsored by the Friends of the Strongsville Library. Intended for children ages 5 - 7 with a caregiver. Registration required.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, March 7th 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 Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk. Pick up a copy of the book at the Children's Information desk and join us for a great discussion.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Book Sale. Saturday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Friends member 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! For more information, call (440) 238-5530.
Friends of Strongsville Library Spring Bag of Books Sale.
The bag of books sale will be on Sunday, March 12th 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, March 13th 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!
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, March 11th 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.
Treat Yourself: Body & Mind. Grades 5-9. Tuesday, March 14th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Life is stressful! School, homework, friends, family, and activities--sometimes it can just be too much! Learn more about stress and different ways to cope. We will also make a lavender sugar scrub that is perfect for relaxing in the bath.
National Nutrition Month: Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series. Wednesday, March 15th 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 March topic will be on fitting healthy Nutrition into your lifestyle. March is National Nutrition Month®; take some time to learn about a healthy lifestyle. Come join Amy Dunbar, Registered Dietitian at Southwest General Health Center, and learn about healthy food choices and physical activity habits and how to fit into our lifestyles. Refreshments served.
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, March 15th. This month we will be discussing H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald. 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!
Folded Book Sculptures Workshop. Wednesday, March 15th, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us for a workshop on the art of folded book sculptures led by local artist and art instructor from Lorain County Community College Gene Epstein. Using books which have been rescued from the recycling bin, we will form beautiful book sculptures by simply folding the pages in sequence. Many examples and instruction sheets will be available. Books for folding will be provided, or bring along one of your own.
Build It! – A Preschool S.T.E.A.M. program. Ages 3 – 5 with parent or caregiver. Saturday, March 18th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Explore various S.T.E.A.M. concepts as you build amazing structures with a wide variety of blocks and other construction toys.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: "Ways to Cope with Everyday Anxiety" Tuesday, March 21st 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 Marlene Kurz speaking on ways to cope with anxiety. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and South Park 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.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Wednesday, March 22nd from 1:00 – 8:00 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.
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, March 27th. This month we will be discussing My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
Creative Gardening in Containers. Monday, March 27th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Big yard, small yard, no yard - - Come learn how to garden creatively in containers. There is no limit to what you can grow: herbs, vegetables, annuals and perennials. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will share with you what you need to know to get started and successfully garden in contains through the seasons.
Heinen’s Healthy Living Seminar: Probiotics. Thursday, March 30th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Debbie Piper, wellness consultant and a Registered Dietitian at the Strongsville Heinen's store, will discuss probiotics. What are they? Where do they come from, and how do you incorporate them into a nutritious diet plan?
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