60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Our Food Services Department provides healthy choices for breakfast and lunch throughout our District. They continue to look for options that make their menus fresh and exciting. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see an innovative way that our Food Services team is introducing new foods to students and to hear about the new equipment in our kitchens, resulting in more efficient preparation of menu items.
MRS. HOLLI MYERS RECOGNIZED AS 2023 OUTSTANDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EDUCATOR FOR OHIO MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Congratulations to Mrs. Myers who received the “Outstanding English Language Arts Educator Award” (Middle School Category) from the Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (OCTELA). Mrs. Myers, who teaches 6th Grade ELA at our Middle School, was chosen from all nominees throughout Ohio and was selected as this year’s top award winner for all Middle Schools. This annual OCTELA award recognizes excellence inside and outside of the classroom through leadership and advocacy for the Language Arts and focused efforts to improve student learning. Congratulations again Mrs. Myers for this well-deserved recognition!
SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND!
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation was held this past week. Dr. Ryba spoke about the various ways our District is investing in our students and staff, provided initial details on the District’s Strategic Plan, and presented an in-depth look at the challenges our District faces with our elementary schools due to projected increases in enrollment. A recording of the presentation is now available to view on SCS-TV.
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.
SHS KEY CLUB ASSISTS WITH ANNUAL KIWANIS EVENT
Special thanks to the SHS Key Club and club advisor Mrs. Brzuski for assisting with the Strongsville Kiwanis annual “Read Around the World” event last weekend at the Strongsville Library. The event saw 120 kids participate, with the Key Club students helping with set up, the distribution of refreshments, face painting, and clean up.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. MEGAN MURPHY, M/I AIDE AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Megan Murphy is an M/I Aide at Whitney Elementary School. Mrs. Murphy is in her second year working in our District. She earned her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and is working on her Intervention Specialist license from Franklin University. Mrs. Murphy also lives in Strongsville and has two children at Chapman Elementary.
“I love working with students because every day is a new adventure. On any given day I have the opportunity to watch the students I work with grow and become amazing humans. I love my job as an MI aide because I get to work with individuals and small groups of students. It is so rewarding to spend extra time building relationships with students and to find creative strategies to help them learn a concept that may be challenging. Also, I have the opportunity to talk students through their issues so they feel valued and safe. I love being a member of the Whitney family. There is a genuine camaraderie at our school and I feel so honored to be a part of it,” said Mrs. Murphy.
Thank you Mrs. Murphy for making strong connections with our students at Whitney 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 few weeks 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.
PARENT SUPPORT MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 23
Come learn all that “Connecting for Kids” can offer you and your child! Connecting for Kids is a resource that provides education and support for families with a concern about their child. They can help with many types of concerns - from understanding a new diagnosis to family challenges like divorce, behaviors, anxiety, ADHD, and many others. They offer free services and programs to any family who has a child/children between birth-12 years old. For more info please see : https://www.connectingforkids.org
A member of Connecting for Kids will be joining us on Thursday, March 23 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Strongsville Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.). They will share information about all of their services, programs and resources. They offer individual family support as well as many group activities and programs.
Please RSVP to SCS Parent Mentor Teresa Karsnak (tkarsnak@scsmustangs.org) by March 21st.
SCS NOW HIRING! COORDINATOR OF PAYROLL & BENEFITS
Join our team! Strongsville City Schools is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Coordinator of Payroll and Benefits, due to an upcoming retirement. If you are a payroll and/or benefits professional and looking for your next great opportunity, please click HERE to apply.
SHS INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS EARN SUPERIOR RATINGS AT OMEA CONTEST
Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School instrumental groups - Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings, and String Orchestra - all earning Superior (I) ratings at the Ohio Music Education Association's State Orchestra Contest held last week. The Superior rating is the highest rating a performing ensemble may earn. Proud of our talented student instrumentalists as they continue to perform and showcase their talents at the highest level of competition!
STRONGSVILLE OPTIMIST CLUB - REVERSE RAFFLE EVENT TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Join the Strongsville Optimist Club at their annual Reverse Raffle Night to benefit the Optimist scholarship fund. The event will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 6pm-11pm at the Columbia Ballroom. Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
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!
SAVE THE DATE - STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION “JOCKEYS & JULEPS” EVENT (SAT. MAY 6TH)
The Strongsville Education Foundation’s 7th Annual “Jockeys & Juleps” event will take place on Saturday, May 6th from 5:30pm-10:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Watch the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, followed by a “Night at the Races” fundraiser benefiting the Foundation. Enjoy food and drink, raffles, and MORE! Click HERE to purchase tickets.
SHS CHEER & MASCOT TRYOUTS
Interested in trying out for next year’s cheerleading squads or being “Marty the Mustang” 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).
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
Strongsville Women’s League Art Contest for K-5th Grade Students
ATTN: K-5th Grade Students - Have you ever dreamed of what Strongsville could look like in the future? We would like you to share your vision in a drawing. Dream about an area in Strongsville and what it will be like in the future. Strongsville Women’s League is holding an art contest for Strongsville residents currently in Kindergarten through Grade 5. It doesn’t matter which school you attend (public, private, or home), you must live in Strongsville and create your image on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper. We are accepting entries beginning March 17 until April 17. Drop your artwork off in your school office drop box labeled Strongsville Women’s League Art entries. There will be first, second, and third place prizes in each group of K-1, grades 2-3, and grades 4-5 students. Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Friday April 21, 2023. Parents of the winners will be contacted by email the week of April 17. Good luck and have fun! Please contact Karen Burgund (kmbrona@aol.com) or Mindy Shirilla (mindyshirilla@sbcglobal.net) with any questions or concerns.
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 Swim League
Splash, dive, and jump into FUN this summer by joining your local Strongsville Swim Team! This year’s summer swim season takes place May 30 - July 15. Deadline to register for the season is May 16. Visit the Strongsville Swim League website - https://strongsville.teampages.com - for additional information.
Strongsville Spring Soccer Registration
It’s the final weekend to register for Spring Soccer! The spring season is open to boys and girls ages 4-14. Register at strongsvillesoccer.com by Sunday, March 5. Click HERE for a flyer with additional information.
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 Rec Center - Spring Break STEAM Learning Adventures
Register for Spring Break classes at the Strongsville Rec Center (April 11-13) featuring two Challenge Island activities. Road Trip USA Camp and Slime Squad Camp are open to kids of all ages. 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 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
Strongsville Library
Please note the following March 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.
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.
Seed Library Coming Soon! To spread knowledge of local food systems, cultivate skills required for sustainable food production, and to help make seeds more accessible to those in the community, the Strongsville Branch Library has partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to offer a selection of different varieties of organic, open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable, herb, & edible flower seeds. Please stop by to pick-up your free seeds beginning in the Spring! Customers will be able to “check-out” 5 seed packets per month. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information. This program sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Spring into Organic Lawn Care. Thursday, March 2nd / 6:00 p.m. A presentation by Mel Hauser, member of the Rocky River Watershed Council and Community Outreach Manager for Good Nature Organic Lawn Care. Program co-sponsored by the city of Strongsville Natural Resources Division and the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Saturday Crafter-noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, March 4th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. If you’re not sure what to do on the first Saturday afternoon of the month, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, March 7th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh, 2022 No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Cleveland’s Millionaire’s Row. Wednesday, March 8th / 7:00 p.m. The incredible affluence and astounding extravagance of Euclid Avenue’s “Millionaires’ Row” have fascinated Clevelanders for more than a century. Within these stately mansions, United States Presidents enjoyed dinners and discussions with powerful politicians and influential industrial and banking leaders. Join us for this presentation by local author, Alan Dutka, on Cleveland’s Millionaires' Row.
3D Design Basics. Thursday, March 9th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Our Library Innovation Centers have 3D printers. Have you ever wanted to design and print a 3D object? Join us for an educational evening learning about the basics of 3D design. Space is limited and registration is required. Basic computer skills are required.
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
Friday, March 10th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Word 2.
Sounds of the Bagpipes. Monday, March 13th / 7:00 p.m. Get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with melodies played by local bagpiper Colin Donahue! Mr. Donahue will narrate the rich history of the highland bagpipes, one of the world’s oldest folk instruments, and will perform some fun and popular pipe tunes!
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, March 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 Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
“Dirty” Garden Secrets. Thursday, March 16th / 6:00 p.m. Speaker Chuck Jakubchak will speak on the components of good garden soil and the things you can do to enhance your garden space. Program co-sponsored by the city of Strongsville Natural Resources Division and the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, March 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, March 18th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL OR Monday, March 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.
Spring Equinox Storytime. Ages 3 – 5 with Caregiver. Monday, March 20th / 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Spring into the Strongsville Branch to celebrate the Spring Equinox with stories and songs! Wear old clothes. We will dye hard-boiled eggs to take home!
Paper Wall Hanging. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, March 20th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Use decorative paper and other odds and ends to construct an embellishment for your wall.
Maintaining Your Home’s Exterior. Tuesday, March 21st / 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. From identifying problem spots and checking the home over each season - your home needs some maintenance. This presentation helps with finding out more about your home's materials, and advice on when to look over the various parts that keep your home secure, warm, and dry. This presentation comes from the Heritage Home Program, part of the Cleveland Restoration Society www.heritagehomeprogram.org
Young Tree Pruning. Thursday, March 23rd / 6:00 p.m. A presentation by professional arborist, speaker, and educator, Alan Siewert. Program co-sponsored by the city of Strongsville Natural Resources Division and the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Toy Time! Ages 0 – 5 with Caregiver. Friday, March 24th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Drop in with your child for some quality play time with other children and our educational toys! Make friends, read books, and have fun! No registration required.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 27th / 2:30 - 4 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 Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Meet Author Julie Carrick Dalton. Tuesday, March 28th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Julie Carrick Dalton visits to discuss her latest novel, The Last Beekeeper. As a journalist, Julie Carrick Dalton has published more than a thousand articles in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Orion Magazine, Electric Literature, and other publications. A Tin House and Bread Loaf alum, and graduate of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator, Dalton holds a master’s degree in literature and creative writing from Harvard Extension School. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of writing fiction in the age of climate crisis. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
Essential Oils Basics. Wednesday, March 29th / 7:00 p.m. Learn what aromatherapy is and how plant essential oils such as Peppermint, Rosemary, and more work for human medicinal application. Participants will make a product to take home. All materials will be provided. Registration required.
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