Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol. 8, Iss. 22)
WATCH THE RECENT SCS RENEWAL LEVY COMMUNITY CONVERSATION
Confused about some of the talk in the community regarding the renewal levy for Strongsville City Schools? A virtual "Community Conversation" was held earlier this week, with the opportunity to learn the facts and clear up some of the misinformation about this renewal levy on the March ballot. Dr. Cameron Ryba (SCS Superintendent), Mr. George Anagnostou (SCS Treasurer), and Mr. Richard Micko (SCS Board President) presented renewal levy facts and information. If you missed it, this Community Conversation can be viewed at www.strongnet.org/scs-tv. If you have further questions you would like answered about the renewal levy, please click HERE. Additional information and facts about the SCS Renewal Levy can be found on the District website or by clicking HERE.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Did you know that Girls Wrestling is now a varsity sport at Strongsville High School? This is the first year for the Lady Mustangs Wrestling Team and they have made great strides in the first few weeks of competition. Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode to hear more about the newest addition to the varsity sports lineup at Strongsville High School!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JACKIE BIAS, RBT & M/I AIDE - EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL
Jackie Bias is in her 12th year working in our District. ‘Miss Jackie’ has lived in Strongsville for 17 years, with all 4 of her children graduating from Strongsville High School. She has worked in the cafeteria kitchens at Albion Middle School and Strongsville Middle School and is now a part of our preschool staff at Chapman Elementary. Jackie is a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and an M/I Aide, having earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education.
“Kids at our preschool are very willing and excited to learn new things, and that brings me so much joy. They remind me to have fun and I love seeing the world through their eyes. Their energy provides a fun and very active atmosphere. By being part of a preschooler’s early education, I also learn new things too!”
“We have such a wonderful and supportive group of teachers and aides at the preschool. The friendships I have made extend beyond the classroom.”
Thank you Miss Jackie for being part of the special preschool group that helps develop our Mini Mustangs! #ModelMustang
2024-2025 Cheerleading Tryouts
We are preparing for the 2024-2025 cheer season! We will have a parent/student-athlete meeting on Monday, February 12th at 6:30pm in the SHS Auditorium. During this meeting we will cover expectations, schedule and tryouts. We encourage anyone interested in cheering to attend as we will be making some adjustments to our guidelines that may accommodate more to try out than in past seasons. We are excited for next season and look forward to meeting you at the Monday, February 12th meeting. If you have any questions please feel free to email Coach Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org.
Click Here to Register for the 2024-2025 Cheerleading Tryouts
ONLINE REQUESTS FOR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN (2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR)
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2024-25 school year are now happening exclusively online. Click HERE for information on full day kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year.
A virtual informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarten students (2024-25 school year) was also recently held. This informational meeting can be watched on demand HERE.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULING INFORMATION FOR CURRENT 8TH GRADE STUDENTS & FAMILIES
Current 8th Grade students (SHS Class of 2028) and their families should have received information about upcoming deadline dates, as it relates to scheduling for next year. Please click HERE for a letter from the SHS Guidance Office outlining the important dates to remember over the next few weeks.
ORDER KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SHS SPRING MUSICAL
Doughnut lovers - here’s a treat for you, which also benefits the SHS Theatre Department. Order charitable, fresh to order, and perfectly glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts to support the upcoming SHS spring musical, Chicago: Teen Edition. From now until March 2, order a dozen (or more) doughnuts online HERE and 50% of orders will be donated back to the SHS Theatre Department. Orders MUST be made through the fundraising link and are NOT LIMITED to the local Middleburg Heights location - so please share with family & friends in other cities and states.
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING ALUMNI NIGHT - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9
SHS Wrestling Alumni Night will take place on February 9th at 7pm in the SHS Main Gym. Let’s pack the stands with wrestling alumni! All alumni will also receive free admission to the match - please register HERE.
“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.
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
Volunteer Opportunity for High School Students
A Special Wish Foundation Northeast Ohio is once again partnering with SouthPark Mall to host the Princess Ball event on Sunday, February 11th. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go towards granting a Big Wish for a deserving A Special Wish child in northeast Ohio. The event is in need of volunteers and looking for high school students to assist. Details are below:
Volunteer Schedule:
Registration: 7:00 am – 7:15 am
Shift Meeting + Station Assignment: 7:15 am – 7:45 am
Volunteer Shift: 7:45 am – 12:30 pm
*Total volunteer hours = 5.5 hours
To sign up for this volunteer opportunity, please email Robin at robin@aspecialwishneo.org – please include your preferred t-shirt size in the email to receive a volunteer t-shirt at registration.
The FBI Cleveland Future Agents in Training (FAIT) Academy
The FBI Cleveland Future Agents in Training (FAIT) Academy is now accepting applications for the 2024 session. The FAIT 2024 Academy is scheduled for June 10-13. FAIT is a 4-day program for high school rising seniors (Class of 2025), that live within the FBI Cleveland Division area of responsibility. FAIT is a chance for students learn about and receive an inside look into the FBI. Students selected for the FAIT Academy spend four interactive days at the FBI Cleveland Field Office and at a local offsite location in downtown Cleveland, participating in both classroom and hands-on activities. Classes offer insight into a number of topics and specialties including criminal, cyber threats, and terrorism. Students learn from special agents, intelligence analysts, and a variety of professional staff about investigative tactics that include gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving cases. After completing the class, students are more aware of challenges their communities face, and better understand how the FBI serves their community. Graduates are encouraged to serve as young ambassadors for the FBI.
Selections are competitive, as we receive hundreds of applications each year competing for 45 spots. Participants are selected based on eligibility requirements, an anonymous reading and scoring of their personal essay. Click HERE for additional information. Click HERE for an applicant checklist. Applications - click HERE - will only be accepted via email, as ONE submission by January 31, 2024, to fait.cv@fbi.gov.
Kiwanis ‘Read Around the World’ Event - Sat. 2/24
The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting its annual ‘Read Around the World’ event on Saturday, Feb. 24th at the Strongsville Community Library. Doors open at 10:00am and close at 12:30pm. The event is intended for preschoolers through 3rd graders and includes short skits, puppet shows, and face-painting. Each child visitor will enjoy refreshments and take home a new children’s book of their choice. All is free!
Join Strongsville Special Olympics + Volunteers Needed for Basketball Season
Join the Strongsville Special Olympics family! Strongsville Special Olympics has a number of sports opportunities for ages 8 and up. Participants can gain new sports skills, attend annual dances and picnics, and make lifelong friends! Email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com for additional information or click HERE.
Strongsville Special Olympics is seeking volunteers to help with their Basketball Skills Season. Students would supervise athletes as they travel around various stations, operate a skills station, and help encourage our athletes. The only training necessary is to be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude, and bring a smile! Our practices will be at the Strongsville Rec Center at 9 am on Sundays (1/7 - 2/18).
Please click here to volunteer and contact us at strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Youth Lacrosse - Spring Registration
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2024 season is now open for boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades. Indoor practices begin in mid-February and the outdoor season runs from late March through May. All experience levels welcome. All information is included on the registration site - click HERE.
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Battle Bots to Coding to Minecraft Engineers - there's something for kids ages 6-13. Visit treehouseberea.com to learn more or click HERE for the flyer about the available activities.
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.
*** 2024 CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE! ***
Graduating Seniors in the Class of 2024 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply.
Please visit the Chamber website at www.strongsvillechamber.com.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024.
UPCOMING EVENTS
February Business Luncheon
“Aerozone Alliance: Where Innovation Takes Flight”
Presented by Hrishue Mahalaha, & Mary Jo Schmidt, Aerozone Alliance
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
11:30am - 1:00pm
Registration is Open, please visit www.strongsvillechamber.com
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
March Business Luncheon State of the City Address, Presented by Mayor Thomas P. Perciak Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 11:15am - 1:00pm
Registration Opens February 17, 2024
2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 24 - July 27, 2024
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2024 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 Winter 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 on back in session in January! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration needed.
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.
Playdough Palooza. Ages 3 – 6. Saturday, February 3rd / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Do you like to squish? Pull? Roll? Join us for a center-based program starring Playdough. Dress for mess!
Teen Board Game Club. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, February 5th / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come join a monthly group where we learn and play a new game each month! Just stop in! No registration required!
How AI is Impacting our World. Monday, February 5th / 7:00 p.m. Integration and technology educator Gary Arnosk will cover a brief history of the inception of computers using speech-to-text and voice recognition, the employment of smart phones and digital assistants, and the development of augmented and virtual reality combining with the future of autonomous vehicles and ChatGPT.
Digital Navigators. Tuesday, February 6th / 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, February 7th / 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call for Appointment. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Our Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you or someone you know connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, February 6th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Lasagna Means I Love You by Kate O'Shaughnessy. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Garage Band Basics. Wednesday, February 7th / 7:00 p.m. Learn about the basics of Garage Band, available in our Recording Studios. We'll review the software and answer questions you may have. We will also review Studio Orientation materials so all participants will be free to use the Recording Studio after the program.
Saturday Crafter-Noon! Ages 3+ with Caregiver. Saturday, February 10th / 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!
CreativiTeen. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Wednesday, February 14th / 3:30 – 5:15 p.m. Drop-in to the TEEN AREA any time between 3:30 and 5:00 for a craft, technology demo, or other activity! No registration required. While supplies last.
Heartfelt Gingerbread House Program. Ages 3 – 6 with a caregiver. Wednesday, February 14th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Celebrate love and friendship by building a "Loving Home" out of graham crackers, frosting, and candy! We'll share a story or two and listen to songs to inspire our artistic talents.
Healthy Shopping 101. Thursday, February 15th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This workshop will focus on the beginner steps when starting your journey to clean eating and will teach you how to start where you are! We will focus on what healthy products you can purchase at your local grocery stores (e.g., Aldi, Save A Lot, Walmart). Roubideaux is the owner of Food with a Purpose. Registration is required and begins on January 15th at 9:00 a.m. Space is limited.
Kindergarten Countdown: Goal Setting. For children entering Kindergarten this Fall & their Caregivers. Friday, February 16th / 11:00 a.m. – Noon. Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. This session, we will focus on goal setting.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, February 17th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, February 26th / 7:00 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 session.
Minute to Win It Challenges. Ages 9 - 11. Monday, February 19th / 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. You have only 60 seconds to complete a variety of challenges to win it all. From stacking cups without using your hands to a marshmallow toss. Do you have what it takes?
Excel Advanced Methods and Tools. Tuesday, February 20th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Learn how to use some of the advanced functions available in Excel, including lookup, logical functions and conditional summary functions. Other topics include data validation, Goal Seek, Scenario Manager and Data Tables. Prerequisite: Excel Basics; Excel Functions Overview encouraged
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. 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://cuyahogalibrary.org/classes-events/computer-classes
Teen Craft Night: Rainbow Tassel Keychain. For Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, February 20th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Using macrame rope and embroidery thread, learn how to wrap and make a trendy rainbow tassel keychain.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 21st / 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 The Other Dr. Gilmer by Benjamin Gilmer. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, February 23rd / 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).
Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 24th / 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 is needed for this free event. Members of the Strongsville Kiwanis Club 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 26th / 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 are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Novel by Shelby Van Pelt. 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
Instagram: @strongsvillecs
Twitter / X: @strongsvillecs