Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 17)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - December 10, 2021
Important Dates to Remember
2021-22 SCS District Operating Procedures
Surrarrer 5th Graders Give 1st Graders “Monster” Surprise
SHS Chamber Strings to Perform with Cavani String Quartet
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
Featured SCS “Job Of The Week”
Holiday Basket Raffle to Benefit Muraski Elementary
Create Your Own Ornaments - SHS Yearbook Fundraiser
“Tailgate Raffle” to Raise Money for the Strongsville Education Foundation
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Dawn Herron, 5th Grade Teacher at Muraski Elementary
Upcoming ‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Dances
SHS Theater Class Presents “A Christmas Carol” - TONIGHT (12/10)
SOLO Academy Enrollment for 2nd Semester - Deadline TODAY (12/10)
SHS Distinguished Alumni Nominations
‘Right At School’ to Offer Before- & After-School Care in Our District for 2021-22
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 12/10) - 7:00pm
SHS Beginning Theater Class Presents “A Christmas Carol” (A Radio Play)
Strongsville High School Auditorium
FREE Performance (Donations Accepted)
TONIGHT (Fri. 12/10) - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Formal Dance for 7th-8th Graders
Strongsville Middle School
Click HERE to purchase tickets
Click HERE for parent volunteer opportunities
Wednesday, December 15 - 6:30pm
SHS Holiday Band Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Watch the Live Stream HERE
Friday, December 17 - NO SCHOOL
Staff Professional Development Day
Friday, December 17 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Semi-Formal Dance for 5th-6th Graders
Strongsville Middle School
Click HERE to purchase tickets
Monday, December 20 - Friday, December 31 - NO SCHOOL
Winter Break
2021-22 SCS DISTRICT OPERATING PROCEDURES
SURRARRER 5TH GRADERS GIVE 1ST GRADERS “MONSTER” SURPRISE
Surrarrer's 1st graders recently read "monster" stories to support their Social Emotional Learning. After reading about the worry monster, the love monster, etc. they drew a monster of their own in Mrs. Solecki’s art class. Those monster drawings were secretly transformed into stuffed toy monsters by Surrarrer's 5th graders, with the help of Mrs. Solecki. This past week, the 5th graders have been visiting 1st grade classrooms to deliver their creations!
SHS CHAMBER STRINGS TO PERFORM WITH CAVANI STRING QUARTET
The Strongsville High School Chamber Strings have been invited to perform on Tuesday, December 14 in a side-by-side concert at Severance Hall with the Cavani String Quartet, a professional string quartet that has been in existence for over 30 years. They will be performing a special project called "Beethoven and Beyond," collaborating with a select few high school groups in a celebration of this revolutionary composer. As a preview, the Cavani String Quartet recently performed with our Chamber Strings during last week’s SHS Orchestra Winter Concert. Click HERE for ticket information for Tuesday’s concert at Severance Hall.
3=FREE FOR LUNCHES THROUGHOUT OUR DISTRICT
Did you know that students who pack their lunch can still receive FREE food items at school? Even if you are sending your student to school with food from home, they are still able to receive a fruit, vegetable, and milk for FREE! It's convenient and saves money for families - just pack the main item for lunch and let SCS Food Services take care of the rest!
FEATURED “SCS JOB OF THE WEEK”
Strongsville City Schools are hiring for a number of different positions in our District. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic workers who are interested in being a part of the growth and development of Strongsville students. Our featured 'SCS Job of the Week' - Substitute Teachers across our District! Per recent state legislation, SCS will sponsor temporary Substitute Teacher licensure to individuals holding less than a bachelor's degree for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year. Ideal candidates are those with any post secondary coursework in the area of education or those with experience working with children in a group setting. Education majors who might be home on Winter Break are encouraged to apply, as well. Questions? Contact our Human Resources office at 440.572.7038 or 440.572.7037 or visit www.strongnet.org.
HOLIDAY BASKET RAFFLE TO BENEFIT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Purchase tickets to win one of four different baskets, featuring “Family Night” and “Date Night” themes, being raffled by Muraski PTA. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and can be purchased by clicking HERE. The raffle drawing will occur on Thursday, December 16.
CREATE YOUR OWN ORNAMENTS - SHS YEARBOOK FUNDRAISER
The SHS Yearbook Club has partnered with AR Strongsville for a fundraiser this holiday season! Order your “to go” DIY Home Ornament Kits. These kits are $29.50/kit and produce 6 keepsake ornaments. There are also different themed sets available. The SHS Yearbook Club earns 25% for every kit purchased. Click HERE to order, visit www.arworkshop.com/strongsville, or call 440.268.8868 for additional information.
“TAILGATE RAFFLE” TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Strongsville Education Foundation is currently selling raffle tickets for a “Tailgate Package” - including a 55” Samsung LED 4K UHD Smart TV and two tickets to an upcoming Cleveland Browns game. The value of the entire package is over $1,000. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Winner will be chosen at random on 12/16/21 and will be notified by e-mail. All proceeds go to the Strongsville Education Foundation whose mission is to raise and disburse funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by Strongsville City Schools. Click HERE for additional information and to purchase your tickets.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. DAWN HERRON, 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Dawn Herron is a 5th grade teacher and has spent her entire 27 year SCS career teaching at Muraski Elementary. Mrs. Herron is a graduate of Strongsville High School and received her undergraduate degree from Union College and her graduate degree from Baldwin Wallace University. She enjoys attending extra curricular activities of both current and former students and having the opportunity to see them shine outside of the classroom.
“I love to see the diversity that each student brings to the start of each new school year. Being able to be part of their growth throughout the year, seeing their creative minds develop, and witnessing their problem solving in action each day makes my job special. It is always a new experience,” said Mrs. Herron.
“I enjoy collaborating with the fifth grade team at Muraski and focusing on the needs of our students. We have the privilege to learn, teach, and grow with all 87 of our unique fifth graders.”
Thank you Mrs. Herron for being part of a great staff at Muraski and continuing to help our fifth grade students at Muraski grow and develop, and prepare for middle school! #WeAreStrongsville
UPCOMING ‘ROCKIN’ AT SMS’ WINTER DANCES
TONIGHT (Fri. 12/10) / 6:30pm - 9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Formal Dance
** For 7th & 8th grade students
Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance
Friday, December 17 / 6:30pm - 9:00pm
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Semi-Formal Dance
** For 5th & 6th grade students
Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Dances are supported by Strongsville PTA Council
SHS THEATER CLASS PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” - TONIGHT (12/10)
Don’t miss Mr. Jenkins’ high school ‘Beginning Theatre’ classes and their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play TONIGHT (Fri. 12/10) at 7pm. In the tradition of Reader's Theatre, students will have the scripts in front of them as they tell the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with some live sound effects. The objective is to capture the art of storytelling through voice, facial expressions, and gestures. It is free to the public, but donations will be accepted to support the theatre program and recoup funds used for licensing rights, specialized costumes, props, and sound effects.
SOLO ACADEMY ENROLLMENT FOR 2ND SEMESTER - DEADLINE TODAY (FRI. 12/10)
The enrollment window to register for the SOLO Academy for the second semester is now open and will close TODAY (Fri. 12/10). Click HERE to complete the enrollment survey. Who must complete this survey?
All current SOLO Academy students that want to enroll in the SOLO Academy or In-Person learning for the second semester MUST complete this survey - one per child. When completing the survey, you will either elect to remain in the SOLO Academy or elect to return to in-person learning. As a reminder, the decision that you make is for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year and you will not be able to make a change in placement until August 2022.
All current In-Person Learners that want to enroll in the SOLO Academy for the second semester MUST complete this survey - one per child. As a reminder, the decision that you make is for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year and you will not be able to make a change in placement until August 2022.
Enrollment in the SOLO Academy is at the discretion of Strongsville City Schools, based on academic and attendance criteria. If your child is not permitted to enroll in SOLO Academy for the second semester due to these criteria, you will be notified no later than December 10, 2021.
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, 2022. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than January 15. #foreveramustang
‘RIGHT AT SCHOOL’ TO OFFER BEFORE- & AFTER-SCHOOL CARE IN OUR DISTRICT FOR 2021-22
Our District is excited to announce a partnership agreement with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students for the 2021-22 school year. Right at School will be offering before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional information, please visit their website dedicated to the newly established Strongsville Schools program (https://rightatschool.com/districts/Strongsville-oh).
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. Click HERE for additional Stay Safe. Speak Up! Information on the District’s website. Reporting incidents can be made anonymously online or through a toll free number (1-866-listen2me / 1-866-547-8362).
COMMUNITY EVENTS
STEAMing Through the Holidays at the Strongsville Recreation Center
Join us for this one day STEAM Class hosted by Challenge Island on Tuesday, December 14th from 5:45 – 7:15pm. The event is open for students in grades K-5. Register by calling the Rec Center front desk at 440-580-3260 or online at https://strongsville.activityreg.com.
Strongsville Lacrosse 2021 Registration Now OPEN!
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2022 season is now open for boys and girls in grades 2nd-8th. Indoor practices begin mid-February and the outdoor season will run from late March through May. All experience levels are welcome. All information is included on the registration site at https://www.strongsvillelacrosse.com.
Dance Classes at Strongsville Recreation Center
Register now for a variety of dance classes at the Strongsville Recreation Department. Click HERE for additional information on classes offered and how to sign up!
School Crossing Guards Wanted
The Strongsville Police Department is now hiring school crossing guards. Interested individuals must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and have the ability to remain outdoors in all types of weather conditions for up to one (1) hour. Starting pay is $12.75 per hour. For more information, please contact Lt. Michael Campbell at 440.580.3224 or click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following December 2021 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order for us to send you the Zoom invitation. 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.
*The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed December 24 – 26th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Monday, December 27th at 9:00 a.m.
*The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed December 31st – January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Sunday, January 2nd at 1:00 p.m.
Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.
English as a Second Language. IN PERSON Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Aspire Greater Cleveland is once again teaching IN-PERSON classes to help non-native speakers learn English and validate their skills. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. If you are interested in attending these ESOL classes, please call Aspire at 833.277.4732 to register.
Computer Classes Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held in-person as well as some VIRTUALLY using the program Screenleap which requires a web browser and an internet connection. There is no additional software to download. Google Chrome is the recommended browser. A valid email address is required for registration. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the class at least an hour before the start time. Registration opens 30 days before the start of the class and closes prior to the start of the class. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit
https://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes/2021-Virtual-and-In-Person-classes.aspx
Take & Make at Home Crafts! Stop into the Strongsville Branch to see what the current take-it and make-it craft of the month is for All Ages. Each month the Youth, Teen, and Adult Departments are offering free craft kits to take home while supplies last.
Studio Orientation. Virtual. Saturday, December 18th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or Monday, December 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Have you ever thought about recording your own music, making a video, digitizing memories and more? The Strongsville Branch Library is home to both Audio and Video Recording studios that can help you do just that! You must go through an orientation to use the spaces. These orientations will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch in order for the orientation to count. Register online to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Virtual. Wednesday, December 15th / 7:00 p.m. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion has gone VIRTUAL and will be live on Zoom at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Holly Jolly Craft and Story. Virtual. For Children 3 & Up (one registration per child). Wednesday, December 15th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Join us this special evening for three seasonal tales and create a craft for each story that is read. A few songs and rhymes will leave you feeling holly and jolly! Registration and an email address are required to participate. A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join. Provided materials for this program are recommended for all participants. Please specify your preferred branch location for material pick up when registering. A staff member will contact you prior to the event when materials are available. Registration closes a week before the event to ensure delivery of materials.
Paint a Desk Pet. IN PERSON. Teens Grades 6 – 12. Monday, December 27th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Paint a desk pet rock to keep you company while you study or read. All supplies will be provided. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting paint on.
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