60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Kindergarten at Muraski Elementary looked a little different at the beginning of this school year. Instead of students being placed with a specific teacher right away, Mrs. Gaul and Ms. Northeim spent the first few days evaluating and observing students before assigning them to a classroom. Click HERE for this week’s episode and to hear more about the goals and reasoning behind this “Kindergarten Connections” program piloted at Muraski Elementary.
FACILITIES PLANNING UPDATE
Our Elementary Facilities Planning Committee (EFPC) is wrapping up its recommendations. An update will be provided to the Board of Education on the recommended master facilities plan at their September 14th meeting. After that meeting, there will be a community meeting for all staff, parents, and community members where we will share the details of the plan and offer an opportunity for Q&A. The specific date/time of that meeting will be shared shortly. After the community meeting, there will be an opportunity for stakeholders to offer feedback on the plan via a survey. That feedback will be reviewed and considered by the EFPC prior to making a final plan recommendation to the Board in early October. We look forward to sharing with our SCS community these plans and receiving feedback as we move forward in solidifying the vision for future facility needs in our District.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MISS HANNAH DUDRA, 5TH GRADE TEACHER AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Miss Hannah Dudra is beginning her second year at Muraski Elementary teaching 5th grade. Miss Dudra started her teaching career in Fairview Park, the District she grew up in, before coming to Strongsville. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University.
“The best part of working with our students is getting to know each of their personalities, while watching them set and achieve their goals. I love to provide students hands-on opportunities in the classroom, like passion projects and experiments, where they can challenge themselves and dive deeper into their individual interests. Creating memorable experiences where students learn and show their personalities is my favorite challenge! I also enjoy cheering on my students at their after school activities. Whether it’s attending sporting events, dance, concerts, or art shows I love to support students in their passions inside and outside of the classroom.”
“My favorite part about working at Muraski is the support and team spirit within the building. I love collaborating with my 5th grade team and learning from them every day. They are always looking for ways to improve our school and help our students. It's a caring community like this that makes school home for many students and Muraski a wonderful place to work!”
Thank you Miss Dudra for inspiring your 5th grade students to be their very best! #ModelMustang
“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.
SHS VARSITY BOYS GOLF TEAM TAKES 2ND PLACE IN RECENT GCC TOURNAMENT
The Strongsville High School Varsity Boys Golf Team competed in the 2nd Greater Cleveland Conference Tournament of the season yesterday at Quail Hollow Country Club in Concord. The team finished in 2nd place, 7 strokes behind Medina. Mustang golfers recorded the following 18-hole scores:
Dean Upholzer – 73*
Vinnie Borros – 78
Harrison LaBahn – 78
Connor Engstrom – 87
Nick Colagiovanni – 86
Carter Metheny – 97
* Dean was one shy of tournament winning score of 72
FIFTH GRADE BAND & ORCHESTRA
Attn: Fifth Grade Students & Families . . .
Beginning instrumental music classes for band and orchestra will start the week of Sept. 11. Within the first week of school, students will attend an instrument demonstration at their school given by the band and orchestra teachers. Afterward, they will bring home an informational letter and a student interest form that is to be returned to their homeroom teacher. Shortly after the demonstration, students will have the opportunity to touch, hold, and try their favorite options while being provided specific recommendations from the teachers. There will also be a beginning Band and Orchestra Informational Meeting for parents and students on Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. Don’t forget - when you see and hear the SHS Bands and Orchestras or Marching Mustangs, they all started playing in the fifth grade!
SHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME BANQUET - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
The Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce this year’s class of outstanding alumni:
Kelsey Bittinger (Volleyball) - SHS Class of 2014
Jason Januszewski (Wrestling) - SHS Class of 2001
Lindsey Thall (Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field) - SHS Class of 2018
Kyle Veris (Soccer) - SHS Class of 2001
Molly Washko (Swimming & Diving) - SHS Class of 2014
1998 Girls Soccer State Championship Team
Mike Knapik (SHS Track & Cross Country Coach)
Dan Martin - SHS Athletic Wall of Fame Inductee
The Class of 2023 will be inducted into the Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Dinner and ceremony begins at 5:00pm. Click HERE to purchase event tickets.
BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Over the summer, our district expanded the partnership with Blocksi to include student content filtering and alerts. We no longer utilize SecURLy for these services. CLICK HERE to view an informational flier about joining the Blocksi Parent Portal to gain insights on your student’s online behavior with their scsmustangs account and set parental controls beyond the school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley, Director of Instructional Technology at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.
JOIN STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
Please help support Strongsville High School student-athletes by joining the Athletic Boosters club. Membership information is available at https://www.strongsvilleathleticboosters.com/. Strongsville Athletic Boosters has donated over $800,000 to Strongsville City Schools Athletic Programs and provides incentives to SHS individual sports teams based on membership. There are different levels of membership, which provide great Athletic Boosters gear. Sign up today!
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 7TH & 12TH GRADES
Please note the following immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health.
All students entering 7th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade:
One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)
One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine
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All students entering 12th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 12th grade:
Two (2) doses of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
Incoming 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2023-24 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
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
Strongsville Special Olympics
Strongsville Special Olympics is a FREE adaptive sports program for individuals with special needs. This is all thanks to The Strongsville City Club - a very generous sponsor! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to make lasting friendships with other children in Strongsville. Soccer will be starting August 21st at 6:30 - click HERE for additional details. Please email us at strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com for more information - click HERE for an overview of the great opportunities available.
Breakfast on the Bridge - Sunday, September 17
The 40th Annual Breakfast on the Covered Bridge, presented by Strongsville City Club, will take place on Sunday, September 17 from 7:30am-12:00pm on the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Covered Bridge in the Cleveland Metroparks (corner of Whitney Rd. and Valley Parkway). For additional information and to purchase advance tickets, click HERE.
The Strongsville City Club Breakfast on the Covered Bridge is the major fundraising event for the Strongsville City Club. The club has been active in the city since 1968 and was organized for the purpose of promoting civic interest. Over the years, the City Club has supported numerous projects, and is the very proud sponsor of those extraordinary athletes involved in the year-round competitive Special Olympics Program. The Strongsville City Club was recognized this past year as the Best Supporting Organization of the Special Olympics in the State of Ohio.
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
September Business Luncheon
“Get to Know Your Strongsville City Council, SCS Board of Education, & Candidates”
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
4:00pm – 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm – 7:30pm Open to the Public / FREE (no admission fee for public to attend)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Strongsville City Schools” Address, presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
2023 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 1, 2023
Aviator Event Center & Pub, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH. 44135
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 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.
* The Administration Office and all Cuyahoga County Library Branches will be closed Sunday, September 3rd and Monday, September 4th for the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 5th at 9:00 a.m.
CCPL Fall 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/3479
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.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, September 5th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Town with No Mirrors by Christina Collins. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are back in session for the Fall. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration.
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.
Crafter-Noon! Ages 3+. Saturday, September 9th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. If you’re not sure what to do on a Saturday afternoon, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
SW General Health Talk: Stroke Prevention & Awareness. Tuesday, September 12th / 10:00 a.m. Join Maureen Moore, RN, BSN, SCRN, Stroke Coordinator, from the Primary Stroke Center at Southwest General, as she presents the signs and symptoms of stroke, shares prevention strategies, and introduces Southwest General’s Grey Matters Stroke Prevention and Circulation Circuit Programs.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. 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
Tuesday, September 12th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Computer Basics.
Blood Drive. Friday, September 15th / 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).
Toddler Fair. Ages 2 – 3 with caregiver. Friday, September 15th / 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Indoor and outdoor activities will engage your little one’s senses as they build brain connections using items you have in your home. No registration required.
Digital Navigators. September 18th & 19th. Call to make Appointment. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 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 and more. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch.
Teen Craft Night: Fairy Lanterns. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, September 18th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Teens! Come into the library for a little magic! Create a whimsical lantern that really lights up and showcases your own little fairy companion.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 20th / 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 Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Plant Swap. Thursday, September 21st / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Calling all gardeners and plant lovers! Join us for this special plant swapping event. Please bring at least one healthy, pest-free, beautiful plant, cutting, or seeds. Bring as many as you would like - the more the merrier! The plants can be potted or bare root—as long as you’re prepared to part with them. If bare root, please bring plant in a pot, bag, or a cardboard box if possible. Please also label plants or seeds as best as you can with any information about the plant such as name, sun/shade/size, etc.) Tickets will be given for each type of plant brought. Tickets will be randomly pulled to decide the order of selection for choosing your new plants.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, September 25th / 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 The Taking of Jemima Boone: Colonial Settlers, Tribal Nations, and the Kidnap that Shaped America by Matthew Pearl. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Meet Author J.A. Jance. Thursday, September 28th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author J.A. Jance visits to discuss her latest novel, Blessing of the Lost Girls. J. A. Jance is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 60 works of contemporary mystery across the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, and the Ali Reynolds series, as well as six interrelated thrillers about the Walker Family and one volume of poetry. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
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