ISSUE 14 (SCS RENEWAL LEVY)
On November 7, 2023 Strongsville City Schools will have a renewal levy on the ballot. Our District seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.
Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a renewal on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues. The information on our website (https://www.strongnet.org/community/issue-14-renewal-levy) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 14? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The national PTA Reflections contest gives students of all ages the opportunity to share their creativity in many different art and multimedia formats. This year’s theme is “I am hopeful because . . . “ Our local PTA is holding Reflections Workshops at the Strongsville Library to give students some thought starters on what to create. Click HERE for this week’s episode to learn more about the PTA Reflections program. Visit https://www.ohiopta.org/reflections for additional information and how to enter.
SHS EARNS SPOT ON AP SCHOOL HONOR ROLL
Congratulations to Strongsville High School for earning Silver distinction on the AP School Honor Roll! We are so proud of the 157 SHS students who also earned AP Scholar Awards based on their AP Exam results from last spring. Click HERE for the District’s news release and for a complete list of students and their achievements.
FALL PLAY AT SHS (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21)
Strongsville High School students will be performing Trap for the Fall Play on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. Based on a true story, Trap is a documentary-style thriller about a disaster that shook a town and left almost every audience member in a theater unconscious in Menachap, California. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theater ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life. Tickets are $10 for General Adult Admission and $5 for General Student, Child, or District Employee Admission. Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance ** Parental discretion advised for children under 10
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. DAWN EVANGELISTA, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - TREASURER’S OFFICE
Mrs. Dawn Evangelista has been with our District over 25 years. Mrs. Evangelista started as a substitute, working with students with special needs at Whitney Elementary and also as a Recess Aide at Allen Elementary. She also worked as a Special Education Aide at Chapman Elementary and as a secretary in the District’s Human Resources Department, before beginning her current role - as Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer - in March 2005. Mrs. Evangelista lived in Strongsville for 34 years, until recently moving to her “retirement home” in Medina - she will be retiring from our District in December, 2023. All four of her children attended Strongsville City Schools (K-12).
“Working for Strongsville City Schools has been a wonderful experience and has helped develop me into the person I am today. The learning opportunities are endless although sometimes exasperating. At times I felt like I was too old to have to learn “this stuff”, but our Administrative Team pushes each of us to be the best we can be and I am very appreciative of them. Of course, we are never too old to learn! I have been so fortunate to have worked with and have met so many amazing people - teachers, staff, students, and parents. I will truly miss them.”
“The Treasurer’s Office staff work really well together which makes coming to work enjoyable. Each day brings new challenges. We have to adhere to laws and policies that sometimes makes the Treasurer’s Office not the most popular department in the District. I try to keep a positive mindset and help the office staff, teachers, and parents to the best of my ability. I feel truly happy when I am successful in helping others.”
“I really enjoyed working with the students during the first few years of my time at Strongsville City Schools. My years as a Special Education Aide will always be near and dear to my heart and I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. But my background is secretarial and for the past 18 years, I have been where I belong as Administrative Assistant to the Treasurer. It is bitter sweet that my time at SCS is coming to an end, but I am looking forward to this new phase of my life – retirement!”
Thank you Mrs. Evangelista for all that you have done and given to our District. We wish you nothing but the best in retirement, along with lots of happiness and new memories! #ModelMustang
STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKETS FOR SHS SOCCER
SHS Girls and Boys Soccer each won their first postseason tournament matches. Their playoff journeys continue this weekend and early next week:
Boys Soccer: The Mustangs Boys Soccer team (#14 seed) beat Valley Forge 2-0 this week. Their next tournament match is against the Wadsworth Grizzlies at 7:00pm on Saturday, October 21 at Art Wright Stadium (280 Grandview Ave.) in Wadsworth. Click HERE for their Sectional/District tournament bracket.
Girls Soccer: The Mustangs Girls Soccer team (#2 seed) defeated Cleveland Hts. 8-0 in their first round matchup. The next match for the Lady Mustangs is against Cleveland St. Joseph Academy at 6:00pm on Monday, October 23 at Foltz Field (15677 Foltz Industrial Parkway). Click HERE for their Sectional/District tournament bracket.
SHS PTA DONATION DRIVE + DAIRY QUEEN FUNDRAISER
SHS PTA is hosting a soft goods donation drive (clothing, blankets, pillows, etc.) TOMORROW (Saturday, October 21). There will be a truck parked at the high school collecting donated items from 8-11:30am. The donated goods can be in any condition. SHS PTA will earn money based on the weight of what is collected. As part of the donation drive, PTA does need an estimate of how much will be collected. HERE is a sign up for an approximate number of bags (a standard garbage bag is fine!) individuals are donating. All money raised goes directly back to our SHS students and teachers to fund grants, Senior Scholarships, Senior Banner, PBIS, etc.
SHS PTA is also partnering with Strongsville Dairy Queen for the “Cakes for a Cause” fundraiser through Saturday, October 21. Purchase a coupon for $20 - good for an 8” ice cream cake. Buy as many as you would like, the coupons do not expire (Strongsville location only). Purchase coupons online HERE or contact Lauren Friedberg (friedberg.lauren@gmail.com) if you prefer to pay with cash or check.
SHS PTA thanks you for your continued support!
PTA Reflections
Calling all Elementary Artists! PTA Council Reflections is starting a Reflections Club for all elementary students that will be meeting once a month.
What is Reflections? It is a program put on by the State and National PTA that provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students can create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme. The 2023-2024 Theme is "I am hopeful because . . ." Students can create in six categories. Those categories are Film Making, Choreography/Dance, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Literature.
This Elementary Reflections Club will meet September 18th, October 16th, and November 13th and 27th at the Strongsville Public Library, with the goal of giving students a chance to explore the art categories they can compete in. To sign up please click HERE - please know that space is limited and there is a cost of $5.00 per family for art supplies. Learn more about PTA Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.
“HERE COMES THE BUS” APP FOR SCS FAMILIES
"Here Comes The Bus" is an app for SCS families to track busing information and routes for their student(s), as well as real-time notifications.
The app and complementary website (www.herecomesthebus.com) - available on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or personal computer - enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus on its daily route.
Download the "Here Comes the Bus" app to monitor daily transportation information. Families that utilized the app last year will need to delete last year’s student information and add their current year information in order to receive the latest routing details and updates. Click HERE for additional information and instructions on utilizing the app for your student's bus routes.
SCS GREET & TREAT - MONDAY, OCTOBER 23
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Monday, October 23 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items, especially peanut butter and jelly, pasta, and pasta sauces, for the Strongsville Food Bank and other local food pantries that evening. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 23!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Start Thanksgiving Break with a special Strongsville City Schools Night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavs battle the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 22 - Tip off is at 7:30pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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 and/or to enroll your student, please click HERE.
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
First Evangelical Lutheran Church “Trunk or Treat” - Saturday, 10/28
First Evangelical Lutheran Church Strongsville welcomes everyone to join us on Saturday October 28th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm for our third annual “Trunk or Treat” event in our parking lot at 19419 Pearl Road. Its another opportunity to show off those adorable costumes and grab some extra Halloween Treats! Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will be on hand for an additional cost. Can't wait to see you there!
Strongsville Special Olympics
Volunteers are needed for our Strongsville Special Olympics Athletes during their swim season. Volunteers would need to be good swimmers that would be willing to get in the water and help model swimming techniques that the coach provides. Most importantly, we ask that you provide enthusiasm and encouragement to our athletes. The swim season will take place from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Strongsville Rec Center. Our season will run from October 1st - December 5th. Please click here for a quick free background check and click here to sign up for a session. We greatly appreciate the support from our community! Questions? Please email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.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
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Strongsville City Schools” Address, presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
Business After Hours Event
Jardine Funeral Home (15822 Pearl Rd.)
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm - 7:30pm
FREE for Members / $10 for Future Members
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 1, 2023
Aviator Event Center & Pub, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH. 44135
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 2023 events 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.
CCPL Fall Program Guide The Cuyahoga County Public Library program guide is now digital! Want to find out about all the amazing library programs and resources happening around the system? You can view our Fall Program information here: https://www.pressreader.com/document/4050
English as a Second Language Classes by Aspire Greater Cleveland. If you need to learn English or improve your language skills, we can help. Aspire Greater Cleveland offers FREE beginner, intermediate and advanced-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. Strongsville Branch will be hosting morning classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Please call 833.ASPIRE2 (1.833.277.4732) to register or visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/services/adult-education/aspire-greater-cleveland for more information.
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are back in session for the Fall. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration.
Preschool. Ages 3 – 5 not yet in kindergarten with caregiver / Mondays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon or Tuesdays at 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver / Wednesdays at 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Baby & Me. Birth – 18 months with caregiver / Mondays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. or Thursdays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Family. All ages with caregiver / Thursdays at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, October 23rd / 7:00 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. 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 session.
National Chemistry Week: The Healing Power of Chemistry. Grades 2 – 6. Saturday, October 21st / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 23rd / 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 Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Craft Night: Yarn Pumpkins. For Teens in grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, October 24th / 7:00 p.m. Come in and make miniature pumpkins using foam, wood, and yarn. Perfect to use as decorations for fall!
Elephant & Piggie Costume Storytime. All ages with a caregiver. Wednesday, October 25th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Come one, come all to a storytime featuring Mo Willem's popular characters- Elephant (also known as Gerald) and Piggie. You can even come dressed as one of this lovable pair.
AARP Social Security Basics. Monday, October 30th / 7:00 p.m. Do you understand how Social Security works? Have you wondered what the difference between full, early and delayed benefits are? This Social Security workshop focuses on building an understanding of the implications of Social Security claiming decisions. You will discover what Social Security is and you will also learn how to secure your benefits, as well as the future of Social Security. Build confidence in making a decision that is right for you! Registration is required. You must visit AARP at http://aarp.cvent.com/OHevents to register.
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