Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2022-23 Vol 7, Iss 25)
Be The Difference
IN THIS ISSUE - February 17, 2023
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SCS State of the Schools Presentation - Wed. March 1 at 6pm
Optimist Club of Strongsville Essay Contest Winners
Kinsner Teddy Bear Project with SMS
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Emily Angelo, Title I Teacher at Muraski Elementary
SHS Junior Cal Klinzing’s Campaign to Raise Money for LLS
Strongsville City Schools Athletic Open House (Mon. 3/6)
SHS Music Students Compete in OMEA Contest
SHS Dance Team - 2x Grand Champions!
Harlem Wizards Return to Strongsville (Tues. 3/7)
Support the Strongsville Education Foundation by Dining at City BBQ (Sat. 2/18)
Strongsville City Schools Night with the Cleveland Cavaliers
Register for 2023-24 Full Day Kindergarten NOW
SHS Cheer Tryouts
SMS Rocks! - Mardi Gras Dance (Fri. Feb. 24)
Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Monday, February 20
NO SCHOOL (President’s Day)
Thursday, February 23 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Wednesday, March 1 - 6:00pm
SCS "State of the Schools"
Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, SCS Superintendent
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
* Watch the live stream HERE
Monday, March 13
NO SCHOOL (Staff Professional Development Day)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
A flood that occurred at the high school late last school year provided an opportunity for our Maintenance Department to collaborate with Intervention Specialists to create a new space for SHS students to learn life skills. Click HERE to see what is included in the new space and how our students are preparing for life after SHS.
SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - WED. MARCH 1 AT 6PM
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00pm. This year’s event will be held at Strongsville Middle School and will also be livestreamed on SCS-TV. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special.
OPTIMIST CLUB OF STRONGSVILLE ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the following SHS students who recently competed in the Optimist Club of Strongsville’s Essay Contest: Aubrey Kocsis (12th grade) earned 1st place, Ava Seuffert (11th grade) took 2nd place, and Nehal Jategaonkar (11th grade) finished in 3rd place. This year’s essay prompt was “Everyday Hero That Brings Out the Optimist in You.” Aubrey’s essay will compete at the District level competition. Congratulations!
KINSNER TEDDY BEAR PROJECT WITH SMS
Recently, Mrs. Dlouhy’s Kindergarten class at Kinsner Elementary collaborated with Mrs. Delahunty’s Family & Consumer Science class at the Middle School. The kindergarteners colored, designed, and gave personalities to teddy bears on paper. The class then sent the bears to the middle school students. Using their new sewing, stitching, and mending skills, the middle schoolers turned these paper bears into real teddy bears! These bears are now the new “reading buddies” for Mrs Dlouhy’s class, and the students have been encouraged to take their new teddy bears on adventures as they read books each night!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. EMILY ANGELO, TITLE I TEACHER AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Emily Angelo has been a Title I Teacher at Muraski Elementary School for two years. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baldwin Wallace University. Mr. Griffen, Principal at Muraski, says this about Mrs. Angelo: “Emily has single-handedly transformed our Title 1 Reading Program at Muraski. She's an expert in the area of reading instruction, working to help students make gains in the area of reading each and every day. But most of all, she builds relationships with kids that help them understand that with hard work, they can learn, grow, read, and do hard things.”
“As a Title I Teacher at Muraski, I have the opportunity to share my passion for reading with students every day and make reading fun! One of the best parts about working with students at Muraski is seeing their growth from the beginning to the end of the school year. Students are consistently acquiring more phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. They work so hard to practice their reading skills and to achieve their learning goals. We celebrate their growth and are excited and proud of their accomplishments,” said Mrs. Angelo.
“I love collaborating with the team at Muraski Elementary. We work together to create a positive learning environment for our students. The positive relationships built with the Muraski staff allows us to better communicate student needs and therefore support and achieve student learning goals. This year, I have worked with multiple staff members to create a literacy spirit week for our students, which will take place at the end of the month. I am very excited to watch the students and staff take part in it. It will be such a fun way to bridge my passion for reading with my love of seeing student engagement.”
Thank you Mrs. Angelo for sharing your passion of reading with our students at Muraski and providing valuable opportunities for learning and growing. #BeTheDifference
SHS JUNIOR CAL KLINZING’S CAMPAIGN TO RAISE MONEY FOR LLS
SHS Junior Cal Klinzing has been selected as this year’s Strongsville High School Student Visionary of the Year for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) annual campaign. Cal’s goal is to raise $75,000 for LLS by Saturday, March 18. LLS has a longstanding mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. You can help Cal reach his goal by donating at his LLS fundraising page. Be on the lookout for other community activities in the next month to contribute to his campaign and raise money for this very worthwhile cause.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS ATHLETIC OPEN HOUSE (MON. 3/6)
Make plans to attend the first-ever SCS Athletic Open House on Monday, March 6 from 5:00pm - 6:00pm in the Main Gym at Strongsville High School. This event is open to any student attending SMS or the District’s elementary schools and their families. The Open House will highlight and showcase what Strongsville Athletics has to offer students athletically as well as academically. SHS teams and coaches will be present to highlight upcoming events at games, to discuss their programs with parents and students, as well as providing summer camp information for all ages. Please make sure you stop by and connect with the Athletic Boosters during this event as well to learn how to get involved with supporting our athletic teams.
For questions about this upcoming event, please contact the High School Athletic Department or email Denny Ziegler (dziegler@scsmustangs.org), SHS Athletic Director.
SHS MUSIC STUDENTS COMPETE IN OMEA CONTEST
Congratulations to the Strongsville High School Band, Orchestra, and Choral students who participated in the Ohio Music Education Association's District 4, Solo & Ensemble Contest at North Ridgeville High School last Saturday. SHS student musicians entered over 100 events ranging from solos to small instrumental ensembles. Nearly all earned the highest ratings of Superior (I) and Excellent (II). Congratulations to all of our very talented musicians!
SHS Dance Team - 2x Grand Champions!
The SHS Dance Team was named Grand Champions for the second year in a row at the Ashland University Cheer and Dance Competition last weekend! The team also brought home first place in all four entered categories and the award for Best Choreography for their student-choreographed hip-hop routine choreographed by Kelly Cunningham and Katie Sanuk. Congratulations to all 20 dancers on the team and their coach Mackenzie Grimm!
HARLEM WIZARDS RETURN TO STRONGSVILLE (TUES. 3/7)
Don’t miss the return of the Harlem Wizards to Strongsville on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30pm. Watch the Wizards compete in a fun-filled basketball game against a team of SCS All-Stars (Teachers & Staff) in the SHS Main Gymnasium. Proceeds from this night will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Purchase tickets online HERE.
SUPPORT THE STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION BY DINING AT CITY BBQ (SAT. 2/18)
Make plans to eat at City BBQ (17818 Royalton Rd.) on Saturday, February 18 from 11am - 8pm and help raise money for the Strongsville Education Foundation. Proceeds from dine in orders and online orders (use promo code “FUNDA”) will benefit the Strongsville Education Foundation, which is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers, and the community served by Strongsville City Schools.
STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS NIGHT WITH THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Strongsville City Schools Community Night is set for Wednesday, March 15th when the Cleveland Cavaliers battle the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Click HERE to purchase tickets for a great night of basketball in downtown Cleveland!
REGISTER FOR 2023-24 FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN NOW
Registration for Full Day Kindergarten is happening now for the 2023-24 school year! Click HERE for the Kindergarten Registration page on our District’s website for additional information.
SHS CHEER TRYOUTS
Interested in trying out for next year’s cheerleading squads at Strongsville High School? Plan to attend a parent informational meeting on Monday, March 6 in the SHS Auditorium at 6:00pm. Tryouts will be held March 27-31. Click HERE to register for tryouts. Questions? Reach out to Coach Orlosky (jorlosky@scsmustangs.org).
SMS ROCKS! - MARDI GRAS DANCE (FRI. FEB. 24)
On Friday, February 24th, “SMS Rocks!” celebrates all things good with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Color Party! This dance for 6th-8th graders includes a friendly event attendance competition for a reward! Students should wear the following colors for their grade level - prizes will be awarded for the highest attending grade: 6th grade / purple; 7th grade / gold or yellow; 8th grade / green. SMS will be transported to New Orleans with festive decor, $1 snacks, eye masks for sale ($1 or $2), games, & henna hand art (free) - plus rockin’ tunes and prizes! All proceeds from SMS Rocks goes to Council PTA’s SHS Scholarships and SCS Grants. Purchase your tickets in advance ($12) online or during lunch periods on the following dates - 1/31, 2/1, 2/15, 2/16, 2/21. Tickets will also be available for $13 at the door on the night of the event. Volunteers are needed - click HERE to sign up.
RIGHT AT SCHOOL - BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR SCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILIES
Our District partners with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students. Right at School offers before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional program information, please click on the following links to access websites dedicated to each of our elementary school locations: Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, Whitney
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
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event (Sat. 2/25)
The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting their annual “Read Around The World” event on Saturday, February 25th at Strongsville Library. This FREE event runs from 10:00am - 12:30pm. The program is intended for preschool through 2nd graders. Activities include short skits, puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. Each child attending will have the opportunity to select and take home a children’s book.
The 30th Chili Open Charity Golf Classic (Sat. 2/25)
The 30th Chili Open Charity Golf Classic, presented by the Strongsville Rotary will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 10am-3pm at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The event includes food and beverages, outdoor golf, and live auctions. Proceeds from this event go to support Strongsville Rotary Charities, including many right here Strongsville, and including at least 13 scholarships to Strongsville students. Visit chiliopen.org for additional information and to register.
Easter Eggstravaganza (Sat. 3/25)
First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Strongsville presents their Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, March 25th from 9am -11am. There will be breakfast, a craft to complete, and eggs to hunt for! Ticket prices are as follows: FREE for 2 and under, $8.00 for ages 2-12, $10 for anyone over 13 years old. Everyone attending the event must have a ticket to attend. Purchase tickets with this link: https://firstchurch.ticketspice.com/first-church-eggstravaganza
Strongsville Rec Basketball & Baseball League Signups
Attention Strongsville Youth Sports Parents - Strongsville Recreation is now taking registration for Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, and Junior Cavs Spring Youth Basketball. Click on the links below for additional information and registration details:
Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball (Registration: January 2nd – March 11th)
Junior Cavs Spring Basketball Leagues (Registration: January 26th – February 16th)
Families may also register at strongsville.activityreg.com or in person at the Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Rd.).
Sign Up NOW for the Junior Browns Flag Football League
Register NOW for the Junior Browns Flag Football League - a fun, competitive football opportunity for girls and boys in grades KG - 6th. Form teams with your friends and classmates! Participants will receive a reversible Cleveland Browns jersey and shorts. Games will be played on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Sign up at www.strongsvillefootballbackers.com.
Questions? Email juniorbrownsflagfootball@gmail.com.
Strongsville Youth Lacrosse - Registration for Spring Season NOW OPEN!
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport. Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2023 spring season is now open for boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades! Indoor practices begin mid-February and the outdoor season runs from late March through May. All experience levels welcome. Specific registration information can be found at https://www.strongsvillelacrosse.com/.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following upcoming events hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for all events. Please call 440.238.3366 for more information or to register. Those interested in the following events may also visit the Chamber website (www.strongsvillechamber.com) to register and see additional event info.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March Business Luncheon
State of the City Address, Presented by Mayor Thomas P. Perciak
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
11:15am - 1:00pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 12 - July 15, 2023
2023 CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Graduating Seniors in the Class of 2023 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply. Please visit the Chamber website at www.strongsvillechamber.com.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2023 @ 4PM.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2023 presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. 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 Library branches and administrative offices will be open normal hours on Monday, February 20th (Presidents Day)
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes in-person are in full swing! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. No registration needed!
Baby & Me. Birth to 18 months with Caregiver. Mondays / 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.; Thursdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Preschool. Ages 3-5 not yet in Kindergarten with Caregiver. Mondays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.; Tuesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. 19 – 35 months with Caregiver. Wednesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.; Wednesdays / 11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Family. All Ages with Caregiver. Thursdays / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held in-person as well as some VIRTUALLY 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
Wednesday, February 22nd / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word 1.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, February 18th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL OR Monday, February 27th / 7 p.m. IN PERSON. 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. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch for the orientation to count. Register online to attend the virtual or in-person sessions.
Introduction to Crystals: Rocks or Magic? Thursday, February 23rd / 7:00 p.m. Is there really something special about crystals? Other than some are just stunning to the eye and look beautiful in jewelry? Some people believe they have powers or special properties. Come see for yourself if there is any science to this mystery. Go more in depth on their uniqueness and gain insight on their uses.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 25th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 27th / 2:30 p.m. The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration is required. New members always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
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