Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 19)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - January 11, 2019
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SMS Earns “Overall A” & Momentum Awards from State of Ohio
Changes to Full Day Kindergarten Requests For 2019-20 School Year
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Cyndi Bailey, 1st Grade Teacher at Whitney Elementary
SHS Cantorum Performs National Anthem at Cavs Game
Harlem Wizards Coming to Strongsville - Thu. 1/31 - Tickets Available NOW!
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
“We Are Strongsville” - Mrs. Laub, 5th Grade Teacher at Muraski Elementary
FREE Saturday Morning Youth Football Skills Clinics (1/12-3/23)
SHS Swimming & Diving Team GCC Championship Meet Results
‘Mustang Bowl’ Returns to SHS
Strongsville Athletic Boosters “Night at the Races” - Sat. 2/9
New Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
Our District has 14 Instructional Tech Coaches. These staff members teach full time and, in addition, have been trained and are available in each building in our District to assist staff with questions on technology and to help them continue to integrate tech tools and resources into their classrooms.
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 1/11 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (5th - 8th Grade)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Thursday, January 17 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Kindergarten Informational Meeting
Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Road)
Monday, January 21
NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Thursday, January 24 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
Thursday, January 31 - 7:00pm
Harlem Wizards vs. SCS All-Stars
SHS Main Gymnasium
Advance Tickets Available HERE or in the
Main Office at Any School in Our District
Click HERE for a complete list of January events in our District
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This year, we have made changes to the process for registering incoming Kindergarten students for full day kindergarten. Registration for full day kindergarten will occur exclusively online, beginning Friday, January 18. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we meet up with Ms. Erin Green, SCS Director of Curriculum, and learn about next week’s Kindergarten registration procedures.
SMS EARNS “OVERALL A” & MOMENTUM AWARDS FROM STATE OF OHIO
Strongsville Middle School has been recognized with both the “Overall A” School Award and the Momentum Award from the State Board of Education.
The “Overall A” School Award recognizes schools that have earned an overall “A” on their state report card. Strongsville Middle School (SMS) joins 310 other schools in the state receiving this award. SMS is one of only 42 schools, and one of only 10 middle schools, to be recognized in Cuyahoga County.
The Momentum Award recognizes schools for exceeding expectations in student growth for the year. Recognized schools must earn straight A’s on all “Value Added” measures on their state report card. SMS is one of only 226 schools in the state to receive the Momentum Award. In addition, SMS is one of only 18 schools, and one of only 3 middle schools, to be recognized in Cuyahoga County.
CHANGES TO FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN REQUESTS FOR 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
Please note the following change for full day kindergarten requests for the 2019-20 school year - all full day kindergarten requests will occur online. Online requests will begin at 8:00am on Friday, January 18. There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students on Thursday, January 17 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at Muraski Elementary School (20270 Royalton Road). Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for 2019-20.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. CYNDI BAILEY, 1ST GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Cyndi Bailey, 1st grade teacher at Whitney Elementary, has spent her entire career working in Strongsville. Of her 30 years in our District, she spent 27 years at Drake Elementary and will finish her third, and final year, at Whitney Elementary - Mrs. Bailey is retiring at the end of this school year. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and also has a Masters degree from Baldwin Wallace University.
“First grade is the best because I get an opportunity to see so much growth and watch our class be proud of themselves and all of the hard work they put in to being the best they can be. It is extremely fulfilling to know that my students come to a place that they are excited to be part of each day. We are a family of learners and have fostered an environment of caring and kindness towards each other. We provide a place where they can take risks, learn from their mistakes, and respect the thoughts and feelings of others,” said Mrs. Bailey.
She adds, “I have had the pleasure to be in two wonderful buildings where I have worked with amazing people that are lifelong friends as well as respected colleagues. The dedication and commitment I see each day to do the best for our kids is remarkable. As a parent of a Strongsville graduate, and an educator in this community, I have seen first hand the quality education that our teachers provide for our students. As I close this chapter of my life, I could not have asked for a more fulfilling career and a better place to be than with Strongsville Schools.”
Thank you Mrs. Bailey for your dedication and the positive impact you have had on countless students in your career with Strongsville City Schools!
SHS CANTORUM PERFORMS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT CAVS GAME
We are proud of Cantorum - Strongsville High School’s select chamber choir - for representing our District at a recent Cleveland Cavaliers game. The group was invited to perform the National Anthem prior to the Cavs/Heat game on Wednesday, January 2. Fantastic job by this group of vocalists - click HERE for a video of their performance.
HARLEM WIZARDS COMING TO STRONGSVILLE - THU. 1/31 - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!
The Harlem Wizards basketball team is making a tour stop in Strongsville! Get ready for a fun-filled family event on Thursday, January 31 at 7pm in the Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium. Advance tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens (65+) and $12 for adults. Tickets are available in the main offices at any school in our District and also online at www.harlemwizards.com. We have an “all-star” team of SCS teachers, staff, and administrators ready to take on the Wizards - click HERE to see our “Fab 5” SMS Wellness Department getting ready for the big game!
SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS
Know of a graduate of Strongsville High School who is an exceptional businessperson, community member, charitable volunteer, educator, etc.? The deadline for nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni program has been extended until January 15. A new class will be inducted in April, 2019. Nomination forms can be found HERE. #foreveramustang
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” - MRS. LAUB, 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Look for “We Are Strongsville” videos throughout the year, as we visit with students, teachers, parents, and community members about what makes our District and community a special place to live, learn, and grow! Click HERE for a message from Muraski Elementary 5th grade teacher Mrs. Laub - “We Are Strongsville!”
FREE SATURDAY MORNING YOUTH FOOTBALL SKILLS CLINICS (1/12-3/23)
Join Mustangs Football Coach Lou Cirino and his staff for FREE Saturday morning youth football skills clinics! Beginning on Saturday, January 12 and continuing through March 23, boys and girls in grades 1-8 will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun, competitive environment. Clinics will be held every Saturday from 9:00am - 10:30am in the Auxiliary Gym at Strongsville High School. No registration necessary - we will see you on Saturdays!
SHS SWIMMING & DIVING TEAM GCC CHAMPIONSHIP MEET RESULTS
Congratulations to the Strongsville Mustangs Girls & Boys Swimming & Diving Teams for their excellent finishes in the Greater Cleveland Conference Championship last Saturday at Cleveland State University. The girls finished first overall, while the boys finished in third place. Included in the team accomplishments were these outstanding individual performances:
Andrew Arslanian - 100 Freestyle - Conference Champion
Jordyn Homoki, Ryley Mayberry, Lauren Vargo and Shaelyn Gadd - 200 Freestyle Relay Conference Champions
Ryley Mayberry, Jordyn Homoki, Shaelyn Gadd and Camille Merimee - 200 Medley Relay Conference Champions and set a new meet record (1:49.64)
Ian Cox, Chris Pichette, Jaden Zaleski and Andrew Arslanian - 400 Freestyle
Conference Champions and set a new meet record (3:16.94)
Jordyn Homoki - 100 Breaststroke (1:04.82) and 50 Freestyle (24.31)
Conference Champion and set meet records in both eventsRyley Mayberry - 100 Backstroke - Conference Champion
Shaelyn Gadd - 100 Butterfly - Conference Champion
Visit www.strongsvilleathletics.org for the very latest Mustangs Athletics news, schedules, scores, and MORE!
“MUSTANG BOWL” RETURNS TO SHS
The “Mustang Bowl” returns next week as our middle school green and white basketball teams will be tipping off against each other at Strongsville High School. Come cheer on the future of Strongsville basketball!
Wed. 1/16 - Boys 7th Grade Green vs. Boys 7th Grade White - 5:00pm (SHS Main Gym)
Wed. 1/16 - Boys 8th Grade Green vs. Boys 8th Grade White - 6:00pm (SHS Main Gym)
Sat. 1/19 - Girls 8th Grade Green vs. Girls 8th Grade White - 4:30pm (SHS Main Gym)
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS “NIGHT AT THE RACES” - SAT. 2/9
Join the Strongsville Athletic Boosters for their 2nd annual “Night at the Races” fundraiser on Saturday, February 9 from 6pm - Midnight at Michaud’s in Strongsville. Tickets are $45 each or $320 for a table of 8. Contact Ann Roff (karoff@att.net / 440.503.2890) to purchase your tickets. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Mustangs teams and student-athletes throughout our District.
NEW WEBPAGES TO REPORT FRAUD AND NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
There are two new pages on our District website for reporting fraud and non-resident students within our District. Our Fraud Hotline provides an avenue for individuals to anonymously report fraud, waste, and abuse within the Strongsville City School District. In addition, fraud can be reported to the Ohio Auditor of State at https://ohioauditor.gov/fraud/default.html.
Students of the Strongsville City School District must maintain residency in Strongsville. If you know of someone who is not a Strongsville resident, but continues to send their children to the Strongsville City Schools, please help us by calling and reporting to this number: 440-572-7048 You need not leave your name unless you so choose. A district official will investigate the situation based on your information. You may also email information to: notify@scsmustangs.org.
STAY SAFE. SPEAK UP!
Strongsville City Schools encourages students, teachers, staff, parents, and other members of our community to report any instances of potential violence, bullying, self-harm or any other issue where students may be at risk. The Stay Safe. Speak Up! link is located in the shortcuts along the right hand side on the homepage of the District website (www.strongnet.org). It can also be found on the homepage of each of our individual building websites. Reporting incidents can be made anonymously online or through a toll free number (1-866-listen2me / 1-866-547-8362).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our second session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, January 11, 18, 25 & February 1 & 8 at Muraski Elementary School, with instructors from the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team. We hope you are able to join us! Please click HERE to register or contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or Pam Evans at messageforpam@gmail.com for more information.
Strongsville Early Childhood PTA Preschool Prom
Join us Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 3:00pm-6:00pm at the Strongsville Middle School for our second annual Preschool Prom! A family friendly fundraiser with dinner, dancing, games and entertainment. Wear your fancy threads and smile for the photo booth! Play carnival games, win prizes, and visit our kid’s play area. Included in your price is one raffle ticket with an opportunity to win many fabulous prizes!! Bring Cash - Raffle tickets will also be sold at the event for more chances to win!! General Admission Tickets are $12 for children and $15 for adults (Children under 12 months are free). Purchase tickets online before February 3 at:
https://preschool-prom-february-9-2019-3-30p-6-00p-strongsville.cheddarup.com
Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Soup Supper
The Strongsville Historical Society invites you to a SOUP SUPPER on January 22, 2019 at the Walter Ehrnfelt Recreation and Event Senior Center in Strongsville. This event brings together Strongsville area folks for an evening of good company while warming their tummies with soup accompanied by bread and rolls, beverages and desserts. Supper begins at 6 PM. There is plenty of free parking. The cost is $10 per person. Make checks payable to the Strongsville Historical Society; attach a note with your name, phone number, and number of tickets requested. Send checks to the Strongsville Historical Society, 13305 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH, 44136.
Deadline to purchase tickets is January 18, 2019; a few tickets will be available at the door. Contact Jan Miller to make your reservations at 440-567-7222.
Strongsville Women’s League Game Night
Strongsville Women's League is hosting an evening of fun and assorted games at Wine Down and Sweets Café (14785 Pearl Rd.) on Wednesday January 30th from 7pm to 9pm. The event is free with snacks and beverages available for purchase. Ladies, bring a friend or two for a fun evening out!
NEO Flag Football League
Registration for the Spring 2019 session is now open and will close March 1st. Visit www.neoflag.net to register. Spring Divisions include: 1st-2nd Grades Combined, 3rd-4th Grades Combined, 5th-6th Grades Combined. Week one of this season will be the weekend of March 30th. The season concludes the weekend of May 5th and there are no games Easter weekend.
*Please register for the grade your child will be in during the 2018-2019 school year.
Preschool Open House
Local preschools and childcare centers will be standing by, ready to meet with you, at Strongsville Middle School on Tuesday, January 15th from 7:30pm-8:30pm. This is a great opportunity to explore your options and interview different schools, all in one evening!
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.
January Luncheon - at the Strongsville VFW
Tuesday, January 15
11:30am - 1:00pm
Strongsville VFW #3345 (17900 Strongsville Blvd.)
$20 per person
Strongsville Library
Please note the following January 2019 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our winter story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library or stop by the Children’s Desk for more information.
State of the Art Recording Studio Open to the Public!
The Strongsville Branch Library Audio and Video Recording Studios are now open to the public. Customers interested in using Garage Band, iMovie, and the Adobe Suite to create sound recordings, video recordings, and more are welcome to sign-up for studio time up to one week in advance. In order to use the studio, customers must first attend an orientation session. Drop-in orientations will be held on Tuesdays - Audio studio orientation from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Video studio orientation from 3:00-3:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Audio studio orientation from 9:30-10:00 a.m. and Video studio orientation from 10:00-10:30 a.m. No registration is needed. Please show up on time for these orientations. For more information on the studio and how to book studio time, please call (440) 238-5530.
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced users. Many of our classes offer Northstar Digital Literacy Certification. 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:
https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes.aspx
Here are the upcoming classes:
Saturday, January 12th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Excel 5.
Just4You Student Friends. Ages 10-18. Saturday, January 12th from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Get involved at the branch and connect with your community.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Sleep Well. Tuesday, January 15th at 10:00 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 Victoria Cho of PharmD. She will talk about ways to improve your sleep hygiene and discuss medications that may cause insomnia and medications that may help! Registration is requested. 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.
Good Morning, Strongsville Speaker Series: Keep Going - How to Stay Motivated. Wednesday, January 16th at 10:00 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 January speaker will be Wendy Zullo from LifeWorks of Southwest General to learn how to keep your fitness resolutions going strong. She will discuss ways to stay motivated all year long! Refreshments served.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, January 16th 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 Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead. 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!
Jungle Terry. All Ages! Wednesday, January 16th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us at the library for live animals and fun as we welcome the one and only Jungle Terry! Get close with a crocodile, slither with a snake or touch a turtle. Be prepared for a wild time.
Impacts of Sugar. Monday, January 21st at 7:00 p.m.
This program will be presented by Strongsville Heinen's Dietitian and Wellness Consultant, Debbie Piper RD, LDN. She will share information on the impact of sugar and its significance in your diet.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Wednesday, January 23rd from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m.
In just an hour of your time you can help save up to three lives. Make sure hospital patients get the treatment they need. Donate blood today. For more information or to make an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call the American Red Cross at (216) 431-3010.
Building Competition. Saturday, January 26th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Come for our Fifth Annual LEGO™ bricks competition. Official entry forms and rules are available starting Wednesday, January 2nd. Entry forms must be dropped off by the deadline date of Wednesday, January 23rd by 9 PM. Drop off your creation between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 26th. The public exhibition will be from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in these age categories: Preschool, grades K – 2, grades 3 – 4, grades 5 – 6, grades 7 – 12 and Family. See Children’s Staff for questions!
Sound Wave Art. All Ages! Saturday, January 26th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Frame a personally recorded sound wave. Using our Audio Recording Studio, participants will record themselves saying a short phrase that means something special to them or someone close. We will then print the sound wave of your simple recording and frame it to make a perfect and unique gift! No registration necessary, drop in while supplies last!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, January 28th at 2:30 p.m. Meets the 4th Monday of each month.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion title will be Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
DIY Face Masks. For Ages 12-18. Tuesday, January 29th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Pamper yourself and make a luxurious face mask using common household ingredients. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options. All participants must complete a Release & Hold Harmless form.
Family Paint Night. Wednesday, January 30th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Cherish time with your family by coming to our Family Paint Night! Create a joint painting where each family member will participate, creating an overall painting that will be meaningful for years to come! Registration is required and will open a month ahead of time - Please register as family units (one name per group).
Stay Connected with Strongsville City Schools
Strongsville High School * Muraski Elementary *
Strongsville Middle School * Surrarrer Elementary *
Chapman Elementary * Whitney Elementary *
Kinsner Elementary * Early Learning Preschool
Website: www.strongnet.org
Location: Strongsville City Schools, 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: (440) 572-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/strongsvillecs
Twitter: @strongsvillecs