Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 26)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - March 3, 2017
- Important Dates to Remember
- 60 Seconds with the Superintendent
- State Testing (AIR Tests) for 3rd-10th Graders Is Online This Year
- Mustang Spotlight - Strongsville Middle School Media Specialist Joan Battle
- 2017-18 Kindergarten Registration + Early Entrance Testing
- SHS Swimmers Earn All-Ohio Recognition
- SHS Welcomes New Varsity Football Head Coach Lou Cirino
- College Credit Plus Registration
- Download the NEW Strongsville City Schools App
- SHS Wind Ensemble Performs With University of Akron
- Family First Night - Monday, March 13
- “Love & Logic” Seminars
- Whitney Elementary’s “Jump Rope for Your Heart” Raises Over $3,000
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, March 6 - 7:00pm
Meet Strongsville High School's
New Varsity Football Head Coach Lou Cirino
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Tuesday, March 7 - 7:00pm
“Don’t Be A Victim” Self-Defense Workshop
Strongsville High School Main Gymnasium
Thursday, March 9 - 7:00pm
Friday, March 10 - 7:00pm
Saturday, March 11 - 3:00pm
Strongsville Middle School Musical
“Singin’ In The Rain Jr.”
SMS Auditorium
$5 Tickets At The Door (Senior Citizens FREE)
Friday, March 10
Early Release Date
(Click HERE for Early Release Schedule)
Friday, March 10 - 6:30pm-9:00pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Graders)
Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Rec Center
Theme: St. Patrick's Day - Wear Green!
Monday, March 13
Family First Night
NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our high schools students have many wonderful opportunities, both in and out of the classroom, to prepare themselves for college and eventual careers. One of the SHS course offerings, DECA, is an example of our students gaining “real life” experience and helping them determine potential career paths. Click HERE for this week’s episode, as we visit with DECA teacher Ms. Jessica Frenchik and some of her students preparing for their upcoming competition.
STATE TESTING (AIR TESTS) FOR 3RD - 10TH GRADERS IS ONLINE THIS YEAR
In a few weeks, students in 3rd-10th grade will be taking Ohio’s mandated state tests (AIR tests) in English Language Arts (reading/writing) and Math. Certain grade levels will also be taking other subject areas, as well. An important reminder that all tests will be online this year, as mandated by the State of Ohio. Please click here for additional information on upcoming AIR tests.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA SPECIALIST MRS. JOAN BATTLE
Mrs. Joan Battle is in her fourth year working for Strongsville City Schools. She has been the media specialist at both Albion and Center Middle Schools and now works at Strongsville Middle School.
An educator for 20 years, Mrs. Battle began as an Early Intervention Specialist with the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She also worked in Elyria Schools as a Media Specialist and Technology Teacher. In addition to her Media Specialist responsibilities at SMS, she also oversees the new Makerspace area.
Mrs. Battle earned her undergraduate degree from Ashland University. She also has a Master’s Degree from Kent State University and is finishing a second Master’s Degree from Baldwin Wallace University.
“The best part of working with our middle school students is to experience their energy and creativity, which is really exemplified in the new Makerspace area. I strive to support and encourage our students to find new solutions to problems, in order to contribute to making the world a better place,” said Mrs. Battle. She adds, “Our middle school students believe they can do anything, and it is exciting to facilitate their knowledge and skills so they can make their dreams come true. Our students are helpful and compassionate, and work well together.”
Thank you Mrs. Battle for inspiring our students to explore their creativity and helping them achieve things they might not have thought possible!
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.
SHS SWIMMERS EARN ‘ALL-OHIO’ RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following members of the SHS Varsity Swim Team who earned “All-Ohio” recognition based on their results at last week’s OHSAA State Meet in Canton:
Julia Newbould - 50 Freestyle (11th in State), 100 Freestyle (10th in State)
Julia Newbould, Serena Stout, Emily Kahn, Shaunna Jones - 200 Freestyle Relay (10th in State)
Julia Newbould, Serena Stout, Emily Kahn, Shaunna Jones - 400 Freestyle Relay (15th in State)
Congratulations on an outstanding season!
SHS WELCOMES NEW VARSITY FOOTBALL HEAD COACH LOU CIRINO
This week, Strongsville’s Board of Education unanimously approved the hiring of Lou Cirino as the new Mustangs Varsity Football Head Coach. Mr. Cirino has been West Geauga High School’s head coach since 2010. West Geauga’s varsity teams have amassed a 46-25 record during his tenure as head coach. West Geauga qualified for the OHSAA playoffs in three of his seven seasons, including 2015 when the team won its opening round game and was one of the final 16 in the Division III football playoffs. That same year, he earned recognition as both Chagrin Valley Conference Coach of the Year and AP Northeast Ohio Lakes All-District Coach of the Year. Mr. Cirino was also named Ohio Division III State Coach of the Year in 2013.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Mr. Cirino spent time as an assistant coach with the Buckeyes from 2004-2006. He also has a Master’s Degree from Cleveland State University. In the classroom, Mr. Cirino teaches social studies at West Geauga High School and was named its High School Teacher of the Year in 2009 and 2014. He will be joining the SHS teaching staff in the Social Studies department beginning with the 2017-18 academic year.
The community is invited to meet Coach Cirino on Monday, March 6th at 7pm in the SHS Auditorium. Click HERE for additional information.
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.
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.
SHS WIND ENSEMBLE PERFORMS WITH UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
The Strongsville High School Wind Ensemble recently accepted an invitation to perform at The University of Akron. Students had the opportunity to work with Dr. Terry Austin from The University of Virginia Commonwealth as their clinician. The applied faculty from the School of Music worked with the students in sectionals. The day culminated with an evening performance that featured the SHS Wind Ensemble, North Royalton Symphonic Winds, Twinsburg Concert Band, and The University of Akron Symphonic and Concert Bands. Congratulations to The Wind Ensemble on a great performance!
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.
LOVE & LOGIC SEMINARS
Three informative “Love & Logic” seminars for parents are coming soon to Strongsville City Schools, courtesy of the SCS Guidance Department and the Strongsville Civic Group:
Wednesday, March 15 - “Power Struggles & Control Issues”
Wednesday, April 12 - “Parenting with Calmness”
Wednesday, April 26 - “Teaching Responsibility for Academic Success”
Each of the seminars will be held at Strongsville Middle School from 7-8pm. Click HERE for additional information and to RSVP.
WHITNEY ELEMENTARY’S “JUMP ROPE FOR YOUR HEART” RAISES OVER $3,000
This year, Whitney Elementary collected a total of $3,325.25 for “Jump Rope For Your Heart”, an annual fundraiser benefitting the American Heart Association. The students were able to surpass the school goal of $3,000 and beat last year's total by more than $250. Congratulations to the students at Whitney and to Physical Education Teacher Mr. Hoffland!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Upcoming SHS PTA & After Prom Events
Tuesday, March 7 (7pm) - “Don’t Be A Victim” Self-Defense Workshop
SHS Main Gymnasium
Click HERE for the event flyer
Wednesday, March 8 (5-8pm) - Fundraiser at Five Guys for SHS After Prom
Bring this FLYER to Five Guys (15171 Pearl Rd.) and up to 25% of your bill will be donated to SHS After Prom.
Olmsted Performing Arts Musicals
Olmsted Performing Arts has two upcoming musicals for the entire family (click below for additional information):
Snoopy The Musical - March 24-26 at The Parma Snow Library Auditorium
The Little Mermaid - April 21-23 at The Elyria High School Performing Arts Center
To purchase tickets, call 440.973.4363 or visit www.opatickets.com
Cleveland Youth Rowing Association
Cleveland Youth Rowing Association would like to invite students to come check out rowing. Come by, learn more, and jump in! No experience necessary. Practices held Monday through Friday 4:45-7pm at The Foundry (1831 Columbus Road in The Flats). Please reach out with any questions to lsummers@clevelandfoundry.org or check our website for more middle and high school rowing opportunities: cyrarowing.org
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
Transition Bootcamp
Introducing Transition Boosters 2017! These booster sessions are intended to provide information on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities. Families, individuals with disabilities, educators, and other professionals are invited to attend these sessions at no charge. Please see this FLYER for additional details and session offerings.
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.
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