Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2018-19 Vol 3, Iss 14)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
IN THIS ISSUE - November 16, 2018
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Strongsville Education Foundation & SouthPark Mall “For Goodness Sake” 11/15-11/25
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. DeNeen Russo, Intervention Specialist at Chapman Elementary
Mustangs Team Shop - Online NOW Through Sun. 11/25
SHS Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on National Signing Day
Strongsville Basketball League Fundraiser at Chipotle
5th & 6th Grade Semi-Formal Dance at SMS - Friday, 11/30
“We Are Strongsville” Videos - Mrs. Hopp, Kindergarten Teacher at Whitney Elementary
Junior Dance Team Clinic - Wednesday, November 21
Harlem Wizards Coming to Strongsville - Save the Date - 1/31/19
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
New Webpages to Report Fraud and Non-Resident Students
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
DID YOU KNOW?
This week, Strongsville Middle School celebrated “Inclusive Week.” The week provided students with opportunities to participate in the spirit of unity at SMS. Each day had a different theme and students were encouraged to think about ways they can become more inclusive in their lives both at school and at home. The week culminated in a special guest speaker visiting SMS this morning. Justin Bachman, a nationally known speaker who grew up in Solon and attends Syracuse University, shared his “Living Loud” story with our students about his struggles and triumphs dealing with his differences from others. He delivered impactful messages about tolerance, acceptance, and embracing our differences. Read more about Justin on his website.
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, November 20 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Strongsville D.A.R.E. Ice Skating Party
Open to all students & families
Strongsville OBM Arena
Wednesday, November 21 - Friday, November 23
NO SCHOOL
Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 30 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
5th & 6th Grade Semi-Formal Dance at SMS
Wednesday, December 5 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Choral Concert
SHS Auditorium
Thursday, December 6 - 7:00pm
Strongsville High School Orchestra Concert
SHS Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Visitors to many of our elementary schools and to our Athletic Department at the high school will soon notice new entryways and access to the buildings, funded by savings from the recent bond issue projects (SMS construction and SHS renovation). Secure vestibules are being constructed for the continued safety of our students, teachers, and staff throughout the District. Click HERE for this week’s episode, which includes an interview with Mr. Steve Breckner, SCS Operations Manager, as he highlights these projects. The new entryways will be completed by the time students return from Winter Break in January.
STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION & SOUTHPARK MALL “FOR GOODNESS SAKE” 11/15-11/25
The Strongsville Education Foundation is participating in the “For Goodness Sake” shopping event happening at SouthPark Mall from November 15 - November 25. By shopping at SouthPark and registering your receipts, The Foundation has an opportunity to earn up to $5,000! Click HERE for the simple step-by-step instructions - your shopping at SouthPark can make a difference!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. DENEEN RUSSO, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
Mrs. DeNeen Russo has been teaching and supporting our students at Chapman Elementary for 20 years. As an Intervention Specialist, Mrs. Russo is responsible for managing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and making sure their academic needs are met by giving different strategies and methods for acquiring knowledge. She stays in close communication with parents and works cooperatively with general education teachers to assist with intervention strategies.
“Learning in my classroom is a two way street. We all learn from each other every day. In my room we are all about having fun and learning, of course. Seeing my students learn new skills and master things they have been working so hard on is the best feeling. Sometimes I am just amazed at my students’ determination to learn new things everyday,” said Mrs. Russo.
She added, “Chapman Elementary staff is my second family. I could never have such a fun and awesome classroom if it wasn't for the staff in my room. We work as a team everyday! We are all here to celebrate the good times and work through the rough patches. At Chapman Elementary, we are all about ‘Seeing the Able, Not the Label!’”
Thank you Mrs. Russo for being a fantastic member of the Chapman Elementary family and for helping our students grow and develop in many ways in your classroom.
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - ONLINE NOW THROUGH SUN. 11/25
The Mustangs Team Shop is now available online through Sunday, November 25th. Shop for the latest gear - t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jackets, and more - for all of the Mustangs fans on your holiday list!
Click HERE for the online team shop (or visit https://mustangswinter18.itemorder.com)
HURRY - the online shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, November 25th!
SHS STUDENT-ATHLETES MAKE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School student-athletes who participated in this week’s National Signing Day. These individuals will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the college/university level:
Regan Draganic - The Ohio State University (Rowing)
Jack Frank - Michigan State University (Baseball)
Emilia Lesniak - Mississippi State University (Track & Field)
Matt Nimsuwan - Malone University (Golf)
We are proud of your accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom and know that you will continue to positively represent SHS at the next level - CONGRATULATIONS!
STRONGSVILLE BASKETBALL LEAGUE FUNDRAISER AT CHIPOTLE
Don’t miss your chance to support the Strongsville Basketball League by visiting Strongsville’s Chipotle (15029 Pearl Rd.) on Sunday, November 18th between 5pm - 9pm. Mention this FLYER, so that 33% of the proceeds of your order will be donated back to the SBL.
5TH & 6TH GRADE SEMI-FORMAL DANCE AT SMS - FRIDAY, 11/30
5th and 6th grade students are invited to attend a semi-formal dance at Strongsville Middle School on Friday, November 30th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Tickets to the dance are $10 and available at your student’s individual school.
The dance is still in need of volunteer parent chaperones and donations of soda. Please click HERE if you would like to volunteer or donate.
“WE ARE STRONGSVILLE” VIDEOS - WHITNEY KINDERGARTEN TEACHER MRS. HOPP
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 Mrs. Hopp, Kindergarten Teacher at Whitney Elementary - “We Are Strongsville!”
JUNIOR DANCE TEAM CLINIC - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The Strongsville High School Dance Team is hosting their second annual "Junior Dance Team Clinic." The dance clinic is for students in Preschool through 8th grade on Wednesday, November 21st from 1-4 pm in the SHS gym. Participants will perform at a home SHS basketball game and receive a Junior Dance Team t-shirt. To register, please fill out this Google Form or click HERE for the event flyer.
HARLEM WIZARDS COMING TO STRONGSVILLE - SAVE THE DATE - 1/31/19
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. Tickets will be available soon - make your plans to be there!
SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS
Know of a graduate of Strongsville High School who is an exceptional businessperson, community member, charitable volunteer, educator, etc.? We are now accepting nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni program. A new class will be inducted in April, 2019. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than December 15. #foreveramustang
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
The Money Game at the Strongsville Rec Center - Saturday, 11/17
Don’t miss your chance to participate in the The Money Game® TOMORROW (Sat. 11/17) at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center from 2:30pm - 4:30pm. This event is open to youngsters (ages 10 – 16 years old) and helps them build their financial literacy skills. How old were you when you learned to pay bills, create a budget, reconcile a bank account, pay off credit cards, or realize that taxes are deducted from your income? The Money Game®, provides an opportunity for participants to learn how to make, manage and multiply their money wisely so they can grow up financially free.
Call the Recreation Center front desk (440-580-3260) to register or online at https://www.activityreg.com/
Strongsville Jump Rope Club
Welcome back jumpers! Our first session of Strongsville Jump Rope Club continues to be held on Fridays, 5:00 – 6:30pm, December 7, and 14 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 D.A.R.E. Ice Skating Party
Don’t miss the annual Strongsville DARE Ice Skating Party for all students and families in Strongsville. Skate with the DARE officers on Tuesday, November 20th from 6-9pm at OBM Arena in Strongsville. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Rotary “Don’t Be A Victim” Workshop
Don’t miss a FREE self-defense clinic for women and teenage girls, presented by the Strongsville Rotary. The clinic will be on Thursday, November 29th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Register at www.dontbeavictim.info. Click HERE for more event details.
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.
Annual Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 7
7:00pm - Midnight
Michaud’s
$50 per person
December Luncheon - Holiday Celebration
Tuesday, December 18
11:30am - 1:00pm
Holiday Inn - Strongsville
$20 per person
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to support Operation Toy Soldier
Strongsville Library
Please note the following November 2018 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.
All Branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21st and will be closed all day on Thursday, November 22nd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 23rd.
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 in full swing for the Fall! 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.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: Your Menopause Questions Answered. Tuesday, November 20th 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 Katherine McDowell, MD of Southwest General. She will discuss hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and changes in your sex life that can happen with menopause. She will also discuss what you can do about them to improve your overall well-being. 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.
American Red Cross Blood Drive. Friday, November 23rd 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.
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, November 26th. Our next discussion title will be A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
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