Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 18)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - December 17, 2021
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
2021-22 SCS District Operating Procedures
SMS Raises Over $11,000 in their Annual “SMS Gives Back” Event
View Winter Concerts on SCS-TV
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
Chapman Raises More Than $1,600 in a “Penny War” for the Strongsville Food Bank
Featured SCS “Job Of The Week”
Kindergarten Informational Meeting (2022-23) - Wed. 1/12 at 5:00pm
Create Your Own Ornaments - SHS Yearbook Fundraiser
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Lisa Dynda, Educational Aide at Kinsner Elementary
‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Dance (5th-6th grade) - TONIGHT (12/17)
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. 12/17) - 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
Monday, January 3
Students return to class
Thursday, January 6 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Wednesday, January 12 - 5:00pm
Kindergarten Information Meeting for the 2022-2023 School Year
* This meeting will be virtual - live stream HERE
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Some of the teachers in our District have started training in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers in Reading and Spelling). Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode to hear more about the ways this training is establishing a foundation for teachers in the ways that they provide reading instruction for our students.
2021-22 SCS DISTRICT OPERATING PROCEDURES
SMS RAISES OVER $11,000 IN THEIR ANNUAL “SMS GIVES BACK” EVENT
Strongsville Middle School held their annual “SMS Gives Back” event and raised more than $11,000 for 35 Strongsville families in need. Students and staff participated in a variety of ways through generous donations in this “spirit of giving” campaign, including a trip to Target by the 8th grade Dragons Team in which students purchased holiday gifts for families and wrapped the gifts at the Rec Center. Thank you to SMS students, staff, and PTA for their generosity!
VIEW WINTER CONCERTS ON SCS-TV
Wonderful winter concerts showcasing our instrumental and vocal groups were held over the past few weeks at all of our schools. If you missed a concert or wanted to see an encore performance, click HERE for all of the concerts you can watch “on demand” during winter break.
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!
CHAPMAN RAISES MORE THAN $1,600 IN A “PENNY WAR” FOR THE STRONGSVILLE FOOD BANK
The students and teachers at Chapman Elementary raised more than $1,600 for the Strongsville Food Bank in a “penny war” that occurred in the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. Congratulations to the Kindergarten classes who earned a pizza party, as they raised the most money in the competition. And THANK YOU to all of Chapman Elementary for giving back to the community in this special way!
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.
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATIONAL MEETING (2022-23) - WED. 1/12 AT 5:00PM
There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students (2022-23 school year) on Wednesday, January 12 at 5:00pm. The virtual informational meeting will be live streamed HERE.
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2022-23 school year will once again occur exclusively online. Online FDK requests will begin at 8:00am on Thursday, January 13. Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year.
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.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LISA DYNDA, EDUCATIONAL AIDE AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Lisa Dynda is an Educational Aide at Kinsner Elementary School. Mrs. Dynda has spent 10 years working in our District and has worked with students at Chapman, Zellers, Drake, and Center Middle School. She has lived in Strongsville almost her entire life and is a graduate of Strongsville High School. Both of her daughters are also SHS grads. Mrs. Dynda earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University.
“Working with students is my dream job. I love finding games that reinforce the skills we are practicing. My goal is to have students look forward to working with me because I always try to make learning fun. I am lucky enough to work with kindergarten through third grade,” said Mrs. Dynda.
“Kinsner is an amazing educational environment. I feel truly valued by the administrative staff, the teachers, and the students which makes me look forward to coming to work each day. Teamwork is a big part of Kinsner and we also enjoy getting together socially with luncheons and social hour breakfasts. PTA and the Kinsner parents also contribute to the feeling of appreciation working at Kinsner brings to the work week. It is a great place to work!”
Thank you Mrs. Dynda for being part of a great staff at Kinsner! #WeAreStrongsville
‘ROCKIN’ AT SMS’ WINTER DANCE (5TH-6TH GRADE) - TONIGHT (12/17)
TONIGHT (Fri. 12/17) - 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 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
Strongsville Lacrosse 2022 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 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 to see additional details.
January Business Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
“Protecting Your Small Business from Ransomware and Extortion” with Paul Sems, Trusted SEC
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
Registration Deadline: Friday, January 14, 2022
February Business Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
“Cuyahoga County Update” with Mike Gallagher
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
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.
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