60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
English Language Arts (ELA) teachers at Strongsville Middle School have been working with their honors students to incorporate learning opportunities, even beyond the classroom. Last week, an astrophysicist from NASA visited SMS to talk to the students about how nuclear energy and the development of the atomic bomb led to advances in space exploration. Click HERE for this week’s episode and hear how students’ curiosity and love for learning is driving experiences in the classroom.
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. Do you have something you wish to be covered during our “State of the Schools” event? Click HERE to submit a topic/question - the most frequent topics and questions will be addressed on March 1st. This form will be open and accepting responses until Wednesday, February 15th at 5:00pm.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JANICE HOCEVAR, MEDIA ASSISTANT AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Janice Hocevar has spent 18 years at all levels in our District. Mrs. Hocevar has worked with students at Strongsville High School, Drake Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and is currently the Media Assistant at Chapman Elementary. She and her family have called Strongsville “home” for 27 years - both of her children are proud graduates of SHS. Mrs. Hocevar earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Christian University.
“As a Media Assistant, I have a unique position allowing me to work with the entire student body at Chapman. I have the privilege to watch them grow and change each year. I love when I see students, past and present, outside of school. It makes me feel good when they are excited to see me - it affirms the positive connections I try to make every day with our students,” said Mrs. Hocevar.
“I have a great appreciation for our entire District, having been a part of so many different schools. I have made so many friends and worked with great colleagues along the way! It truly is wonderful to work with such dedicated and hard working teachers and staff. I cannot put a price on the relationships, with both students and staff, that I have made throughout the years with Strongsville City Schools!”
Thank you Mrs. Hocevar for making a positive impact with all of our students at Chapman Elementary! #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.
GIRLS YOUTH STRONGSVILLE GOLF CAMP
Join Strongsville High School Golf Team coaches and varsity golf players at the Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp! The camp is open to girls in 4th - 8th grades and focuses on developing the proper techniques in the golf swing, as well as improving skills for the short game and putting. The camp fee is $100 and will be held once a week in April and May from 6pm - 7pm at Valleaire Golf Club (6969 Boston Rd. / Hinckley). The Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp is open to golfers at any skill level. Click HERE for additional information and click HERE to register.
SHS HOCKEY TEAM RAISES $1,000 FOR CLEVELAND WILDCATS
Last Sunday, the SHS Mustangs Hockey team held a fun-filled exhibition match with The Cleveland Rockin' Wildcats. The Wildcats are members of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) and one of only 3 teams in Ohio participating in the ASHA. This program serves individuals with special intellectual or developmental needs through the sport of hockey. We are proud of our Mustangs and the team’s efforts to raise $1,000 for the Wildcats!
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).
ORDER FOOD AT BIBIBOP ON FEBRUARY 15 & SUPPORT SMS PTA
SMS PTA Day will be on Wednesday, February 15th from 10:30am to 9:00pm at BIBIBOP in Strongsville (15191 Pearl Rd.). This fundraiser for SMS PTA includes 20% on all orders that day when you show THIS FLYER or mention the fundraiser. If you order online, please remember to use the code BIBIFUNDRAISER so that your order will count toward SMS PTA!
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.
COFFEE FUNDRAISER FOR STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS
Please help support Strongsville’s Band and Orchestra students while staying caffeinated this winter! Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters is holding a coffee fundraiser. Order from the Driven Coffee website and 30% of your purchase will be donated to SIMB. Choose from bags of coffee, tea, K-cups, and other gourmet snacks. Hurry - this fundraiser ends on Monday, February 13. Online orders will be processed and delivered directly to your home address within 2 weeks!
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS - NIGHT AT THE RACES (SAT. 2/4)
Strongsville Athletic Booster’s 5th Annual “Night at the Races” will be held TOMORROW (Saturday, February 4) at 6:00pm at Michaud’s Catering Center (16808 Pearl Rd.). This fundraising event helps support many of the needs of Strongsville’s student-athletes, including the purchase of sports equipment, training room materials, transportation and hotels for out of town team travel, and other resources to enable our high school and middle school student athletes to compete and experience athletics at an elite level. Purchase your tickets now - before the event sells out! Individual tickets and tables of 8 are available. Click HERE for the event flyer. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
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. Visit chiliopen.org for additional information and to register.
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
February Business Luncheon*
“Polaris Career Center - The Future of Career-Technical Education”
Presented by Doug Miller, Director of Community Outreach, Polaris Career Center
Lunch will be prepared and served by award-winning students in the Polaris Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management Program.
Polaris Career Center - Savour Restaurant, 7285 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg Heights
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
* Limited seating, please register early.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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
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.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, February 7th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Breda's Island by Jessie Ann Foley, 2022. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Kulture Kids: Pushing Up the Sky. Ages 3-10 with Families. Saturday, February 11th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Come in for an afternoon in which Kulture Kids will present this Native American legend. The birds, animals and Native people boast, brag and call each other names. Can they learn to work together to solve a problem of a sky that is too low to the ground? Join in the telling of this Native American legend by becoming these creatures, singing and speaking the Mohawk language.
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
Monday, February 13th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 4.
Wednesday, February 22nd / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word 1.
Love and Friendship Tea Time. Ages 3-5 with an adult caregiver. Tuesday, February 14th / 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Let's celebrate love and friendship with stories, songs, a snack and a craft.
Southwest General Health Talk: Important Steps to Maintain a Healthy Heart. Wednesday, February 15th / 6:00 p.m. Join us for this special Southwest General Hospital Community Nurse sponsored Health Talk. Dr. Michael Deucher, from Cardiovascular Medicine Associates, Inc., will discuss what each person should know about their health to maintain good heart health. Topics will include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, exercise and eating healthy.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 15th / 7:00 p.m. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets at 7p.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 Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library
Blood Drive. Friday, February 17th / 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 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).
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