Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 27)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - March 11, 2022
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Mary Marconi, Building Secretary at Kinsner Elementary
Mustangs Team Shop - Order NOW Through Sunday, March 27th
SHS Musical Groups Earn Superior Ratings at OMEA Competition
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
SHS Cheerleader & Mascot Tryouts + Mandatory Parent Meeting
“State of the Schools” Presentation - Watch It On Demand
Mr. Jenkins - SHS English, Drama, & Theatre Teacher - Appears on THEDTalk Podcast
Support SIMB Through Fundraisers with Dairy Queen
Strongsville Lacrosse Youth Days (4/2 & 4/9)
SHS Craft Fair (Sat. 3/26)
Athletic Boosters Calendar Raffle - Win Prizes Throughout April!
Rockin’ At SMS Dance (Fri. 4/1)
Kindergarten Registration Information (2022-23 School Year)
Senior Banners - Strongsville Lacrosse Fundraiser
‘Magic Gives Back’ Event (Sun. 4/10)
‘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
Monday, March 14
Asynchronous Day for Students / Professional Development Day for Staff
Wednesday, March 16 & Thursday, March 17 - 7:00pm
All-City Orchestra Concerts
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Watch the live stream HERE
Monday, March 21 & Tuesday, March 22 - 6:30pm
All-City Band Concerts
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Watch the live stream HERE
Wednesday, March 23 - 7:00pm
All-City Choral Festival
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Watch the live stream HERE
Thursday, March 24 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Strongsville PTA held their annual ‘Founder’s Day’ celebration last week, recognizing ten individuals who have made significant contributions of their time and talents to Strongsville City Schools. Click HERE for this week’s episode recapping this special night.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. MARY MARCONI, BUILDING SECRETARY AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Mary Marconi has worked in our District for 20 years, spending time at several elementary schools, Albion Middle School, and Strongsville High School, before landing in her current position as Building Secretary at Kinsner Elementary. A resident of our community, both of Mrs. Marconi’s daughters graduated from Strongsville High School. If you’re driving around our city, you may see Mrs. Marconi walking her dog - a favorite free time activity for her!
“I love interacting with the students and their parents. I enjoy watching them start in kindergarten and leave for the middle school as young adults. They bring such enthusiasm and wonder and teach me something new each day. I absolutely love what I do and am fortunate to have the best of all worlds, interacting with students, parents, and staff. Each group has its unique challenges, but it keeps me busy! I get to be a ‘mom’ to over 600 students and staff! Kinsner is very welcoming and I am blessed every day to be here,” said Mrs. Marconi.
Thank you Mrs. Marconi for all that you do for the students, families, and staff at Kinsner! #WeAreStrongsville
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - ORDER NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH
Looking to add to your Strongsville Mustangs wardrobe and get some updated Mustangs gear? Click HERE to visit our special, limited time Mustangs Team Shop for short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and MORE! Personalized merchandise is also available. Hurry - Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3/27!
SHS MUSICAL GROUPS EARN SUPERIOR RATINGS AT OMEA COMPETITION
Congratulations to the SHS Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Treble Choir, and Cantorum - all groups earned Superior ratings at last week’s OMEA competition. With the Superior ratings, these talented musicians qualified for the upcoming state competition!
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!
SHS CHEERLEADER & MASCOT TRYOUTS + MANDATORY PARENT MEETING
SHS Cheerleading and Mascot Tryout Clinics for the 2022-23 school year will be held April 4th - April 7th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each day. Tryouts will follow on April 8th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Please note: prior to tryouts, there will be a mandatory Parent Meeting on March 28th at 6pm in the SHS auditorium. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact SHS Cheer Coach Jen Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.
“STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation was held recently. If you were not able to attend, Dr. Ryba’s presentation is available on demand. Visit our SCS TV website for a recording of the event, celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special!
MR. JENKINS - SHS ENGLISH, DRAMA, & THEATRE TEACHER - APPEARS ON THED TALK PODCAST
Mr. Jenkins, English, Drama, and Theatre teacher at Strongsville High School, was recently interviewed for a “THED Talks” podcast. This podcast series features theatre teachers and theatre education students from around the country. The episode covered a variety of topics including creating a culture of community, designing new curriculum, and recognizing and celebrating the impact of theatre teachers. The podcast can be found on Apple iTunes, Spotify, or by following this link.
SUPPORT SIMB THROUGH FUNDRAISERS WITH DAIRY QUEEN
Dairy Queen has teamed up with Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB) to raise money for the instrumental programs in our District. Students involved in the instrumental music programs at SHS will be selling coupons for Blizzards at $5.00 (regular price of $5.29) or cakes at $20.00 (regular price of $25.99). Dairy Queen is generously donating 50% of all sales to benefit SIMB. Click HERE for the flyer with all of the details. And don’t miss your chance to enjoy some frozen treats at DQ on Tuesday, March 15th from 4pm-9pm. Mention SIMB or show THIS FLYER - 20% of sales will go to SIMB.
Strongsville Lacrosse Youth Days (4/2 & 4/9)
Join in the fun as everyone is invited to youth days at Strongsville High School Lacrosse matches in April. The girls event will be held on Saturday, April 2 and the boys event follows on Saturday, April 9. Enjoy the JV and Varsity SHS matches, along with youth games and activities for kids of all ages. Both events will be held on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Girls Varsity battles Bay High School at 12pm on 4/2, with family activities beginning at 10am. Boys Varsity takes on Perrysburg High School at 2pm on 4/9 and activities beginning at 12pm. Enjoy two great weekends of Mustangs spirit with Strongsville Lacrosse!
SHS CRAFT FAIR (SAT. 3/26)
Strongsville High School will be hosting a Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, March 26th from 9am - 2pm. Come shop from over 60 local crafters & vendors who will have handmade and unique gifts! Admission is only $1. All proceeds from the event will benefit SHS Cheerleading.
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CALENDAR RAFFLE - WIN PRIZES THROUGHOUT APRIL!
The Strongsville Athletic Boosters will be selling Calendar Raffle tickets throughout the month of March. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from an SHS student-athlete or HERE. Raffle drawings begin April 1st, with a winner chosen each day throughout the month of April! Over $3,500 in prizes will be given away! Proceeds benefit Strongsville's athletic program and student-athletes.
ROCKIN’ AT SMS DANCE (FRI. 4/1)
6th - 8th grade students are invited to attend the next “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance on Friday, April 1 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. The theme of this dance is “Pink Out.” Drinks and snacks will also be served! Buy tickets for this upcoming dance HERE.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION (2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR)
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2022-23 school year are currently being accepted online. Parents interested in FDK should complete this request form. Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year.
CLASS OF 2022 / SENIOR YARD BANNERS
Celebrate your senior with a graduation yard banner! The 5 ft. x 2.5 ft. banners come in three different designs and are perfect for celebrating members of the Class of 2022. Order yours today - click HERE for additional details. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Lacrosse.
‘MAGIC GIVES BACK’ EVENT (SUN. 4/10)
Make plans for the entire family to attend the ‘Magic Gives Back’ event on Sunday, April 10 at 3pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. This exciting show features the unbelievable magic and stunning illusions of world-famous Rick Smith, Jr. Initial proceeds from this event will go toward the Kinsner Elementary PTA. If over 600 tickets are sold, additional proceeds will benefit Strongsville Council PTA. Invite friends and win prizes, including a backstage “Meet & Greet” and an Oculus Quest 2 - click HERE for details. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
‘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 Rec Center - Garage Sale
Come shop at the Strongsville Rec Center’s Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, March 19 from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Find great deals on gently used baby, kids, and maternity items, as well as toys, clothes, small furniture, and accessories. Early bird shopping beginning at 9am ($3 admission), shopping from 10am-12pm is FREE. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Right At School - Growing Along with Your Kids!
The kids we serve are the beating heart of ‘Right At School.’ As a member of our team, you’ll find no shortage of talented, passionate people ready to help you grow and succeed — all the while building a brighter future for children, families, and communities. We offer flexible scheduling options to fit into your schedule. Check out your opportunity to grow with us at https://www.rightatschool.com/careers/jobs/
Strongsville Women’s League Art Contest
Strongsville Women’s League is holding an art contest for Strongsville residents currently enrolled in grades K-5th Grade. Have you ever thought about what makes your family yours? What are the traditions that create great memories year after year? This year the Strongsville Women’s League wants to know what makes your family unique. Please create an image which shows your favorite part of being you in your family. “My favorite tradition is…”. Entries will be accepted March 14 - April 14 and can be dropped off in the main office at any elementary school. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for grades K&1, 2&3, and 4&5 students. Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Friday, April 29. Good luck and have fun! Please contact Karen Burgund (kmbrona@aol.com) or Barb Toth (barbt4908@yahoo.com) with any questions or concerns. Click HERE for contest rules.
Safe Sitter Class (Tues. 4/19)
Register now for the Safe Sitter Class scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 from 9am - 1:30pm in the Safety Town Building at the Strongsville Recreation Center complex. The class is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Click HERE for registration information.
Junior Browns Flag Football League
Register now for the Junior Browns Flag Football League. There are competitive divisions for grades KG - 6th grade. Games will be played on Sundays beginning in late March at Pat Catan Stadium. Visit strongsvillefootballbackers.com to register. Questions? Email lcirino@scsmustangs.org or jtrusnik@gmail.com. Click HERE for additional details.
Mighty Mites Lacrosse
Do you have a Kindergarten - 2nd grader that wants to learn to play lacrosse? Register for the Mighty Mites Lacrosse program at the Strongsville Rec Center. Mighty Mites takes place on Sundays from March 6 - April 10 and is coached by the SHS Lacrosse coaches and players. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
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.
March Business Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
“State of the City” Address, presented by Mayor Perciak
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
* Doors Open at 11:15am
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following March 2022 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.
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 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
Strongsville Branch in-person classes:
Tuesday, March 15th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Internet Basics.
Wednesday, March 16th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Word 1.
In-person Toddler Storytime. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver. Wednesday, March 30th / 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Preschool Age 3-5. Tuesday, March 15th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, March 29th from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
In-person Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5 (Not yet in kindergarten with caregiver.) Monday, March 28th from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, March 29th from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, March 16th from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
In-person Baby & Me Storytime. Birth – 18 months with caregiver. Thursday, March 31st / 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, March 17th and 31st from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Studio Orientation. Saturday, March 12th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. / VIRTUAL or Monday, March 21st from 7:00 – 8:00 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.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, March 16th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Strongsville Branch Library. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Matrix by Lauren Groff. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, March 18th / 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 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 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Scout’s Playlist. Tuesday, March 22nd / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. In this virtual event Scout's Playlist, audience members will get to know the various personalities of Maycomb County through discussions of the contemporary music that Harper Lee's beloved characters would likely have listened to. We will listen to famous recordings and explore the historical, social, and political contexts for music representing Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and the Ewells. Presented by Stephanie Ruozzo, Education and Engagement Associate at Cleveland Opera Theater. Register online to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Celebrate National Goof Off Day. Ages 5 – 8. Thursday, March 24th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. IN PERSON. Enjoy goofy stories, make a goofy craft, and guess what--- you get to be GOOFY! Did you know that there really is a National Goof Off Day, which is on March 22? We will have lots of goofy fun!
Celebrate Unicorns. Ages 5 – 8. Saturday, March 26th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Join us over the rainbow for a magical celebration of all things unicorn. Come dressed in your rainbow finest to listen to unicorn stories, do a unicorn craft, and dance like a unicorn. Please register only the child attending.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 28th / 2:30 p.m. IN PERSON. The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration required. New members always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Island of Sea Women: a Novel by Lisa See. 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