60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Sam Lawrence is the new Assistant Principal at Kinsner and Muraski Elementary Schools. Mr. Lawrence started a few years ago in our District as a school counselor and is using those experiences to further positively impact students and staff. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more from Mr. Lawrence and his excitement in continuing to make a difference in our District.
STATE REPORT CARD RESULTS EARN SCS SPOT IN TOP 5% OF OHIO SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Ohio recently released its State Report Card results for school districts and Strongsville City Schools has received ratings which places the district in the top five percent of school districts in Ohio. This is the first year of the new State Report Card, which measures six different components through a rating system of one to five stars. Strongsville City Schools results on the Ohio Department of Education website can be found HERE.
A detailed presentation of Strongsville City Schools’ State Report Card results will be delivered by Dr. Ryba and Mrs. Erin Green, Director of Curriculum, at the Thursday, October 13 Board of Education meeting. The meeting begins at 7:00pm and will be held at the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave. / Strongsville / 44136) and also live streamed at www.strongnet.org/scstv.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. IRIS JONES, BUS DRIVER / SCS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Mrs. Iris Jones has been a bus driver in our District for almost 28 years. Mrs. Jones will be retiring at the end of December, after many years of making connections with students on her routes.
“The kids have been my favorite part of driving a bus for Strongsville City Schools. They make me happy! I feel like I’ve developed a good rapport with the kids who ride my bus - including my own grandkids who are on my bus this year! The kids trust me and know that they are safe when riding with me. I hope that parents have that same feeling. Part of building those relationships with kids is to make them feel special. Whether it’s noticing a new outfit or hair cut, or just a friendly smile, my job is to pay attention to them and make sure that they see a happy face - first in the morning and last in the afternoon,” said Mrs. Jones.
“Our team of drivers goes above and beyond to make sure kids get to school safely and on time. With the recent challenges of sometimes being short on drivers, we cover for each other and have each other’s backs. I know that I can rely on my fellow drivers to help me out and I do the same - and that’s a really good feeling to have that trust among us.”
Thank you Mrs. Jones for your dedication to our District throughout your bus driving career. We appreciate the care you have shown to our students and your efforts to get them to and from school safely every day. #BeTheDifference
“GREET & TREAT” RETURNS TO PAT CATAN STADIUM (MON. 10/24)
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Monday, October 24 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items for the Strongsville Food Bank and other local food pantries that evening. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 24!
MUSTANG EXPRESS ROYAL TEA
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Royal Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - on Saturday, October 15 at Strongsville High School. Tickets are just $5 at the door - it will be a magical event at SHS on October 15!
THREE SHS SENIORS NAMED 'COMMENDED STUDENTS' IN 2023 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Strongsville High School seniors Gabriel Griffiths, Jennifer Nguyen, and Charles Parsons have been named 'Commended Students' in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. These three students are among the approximately 34,000 Commended Students from across the nation who are being recognized as part of the National Merit program. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of 1.5 million students who entered the 2023 Merit Program by taking the 2021 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.
PTA PROJECT REFLECTIONS / INFORMATIONAL MEETING (MON. 10/3)
Do you enjoy art, music and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films and taking photos? Then join us and have fun unleashing your inner artist with PTA Project Reflections! This year’s theme - “Show Your Voice” - calls for your own unique interpretation through the arts. Please come out to a parent/student informational meeting on Monday, October 3rd at 7pm at the Strongsville Library in the Conference room. This meeting is for elementary students and their parents. Questions? Feel free to contact Katie Drake at drake4jc@gmail.com
JOIN THE “SCS CREW”
Attention parents of SMS and SHS students: SCS Crew is looking for new members! The SCS Crew is a talented team of video production members! Students in SCS Crew have the opportunity to be a part of the team that records district events throughout the school year - sports, concerts, Board of Education meetings, SHS Commencement, and MORE - for YouTube and our Strongsville City Schools TV channel. Click HERE for a video about SCS Crew! Interested students should contact Scott Benson (440.572.7032 / sbenson@scsmustangs.org).
STRONGSVILLE STUDENTS EARN AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA AWARDS
Congratulations to SHS Senior Sophia Kuhar and SHS Class of 2022 Graduates Emily Adanitsch, Stephanie Burdick, Faith Lee, Edward Reed, and Sydney Wingler for earning the AP Capstone Diploma Award. AP Capstone is a College Board diploma program that's based on two yearlong AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research. Both courses prepare students for college and career success through the development of critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management skills. To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing. Approximately 14,100 students at participating AP Capstone™ schools around the world earned this distinction.
“ROCKIN’ AT SMS” DANCE - TONIGHT (FRI. 9/30)
Strongsville students in grades 6-8, don’t miss this year’s first “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance TONIGHT (Friday, September 30th) from 7:00pm - 9:30pm in the SMS Cafeteria. The theme for the dance is “Whiteout” - get ready to SHINE BRIGHT in WHITE! We can’t wait to get the school year ‘GLOWING’ with our awesome SMS kids and a fun filled night! Click HERE to purchase your tickets in advance. Volunteer opportunities are also available for parents - click HERE to sign up. Proceeds from “Rockin’ at SMS” Dances benefit SCS Council PTA Grant & Scholarship Funds.
PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE SHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
This year’s Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony for the Class of 2022 will be held on Saturday, October 22, beginning at 5:00pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Celebrate the accomplishments of: Jessica Carey (Roberts) (Girls Soccer) - SHS Class of 2004; Kyle Cobb (Boys Golf and Boys Basketball) - SHS Class of 2006; Cassie Martin (Girls Track & Field and Girls Basketball) - SHS Class of 2016; Deverin Muff (Boys Basketball and Boys Track & Field) - SHS Class of 2010; Nick Skully (Boys Basketball and Football) - SHS Class of 2001; Russ Jacques (SHS Football Coach); 1997 Boys Soccer State Championship Team; Bob Serpentini - SHS Athletic Wall of Fame Inductee. Purchase your tickets for the dinner & induction ceremony HERE. #foreveramustang
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 - Nicole Washington Essay Contest
Strongsville students in grades 7-12 have the opportunity to enter an essay contest and win cash prizes! The Nicole Washington Essay Contest, sponsored by Strongsville Women’s League encourages students to write about their differences and how it impacts daily life. Essays are due by 5pm on October 31, 2022. For additional contest details and essay prompts, please click HERE.Halloween at Safety Town (Saturday, October 8th)
Strongsville Kindergarten and 1st Grade Students are invited to attend Halloween at Safety Town for some trick-or-treat fun on Saturday, October 8th from 4-6pm. The event is free, but registration is requested - click HERE for the registration form. Halloween at Safety Town is presented by the Rotary Club of Strongsville and the Strongsville Police Department.
Strongsville Basketball League Tryouts - Sunday, October 9
The Strongsville Basketball League is looking for boys and girls in grades 3-6 to compete in the SBL. Tryouts will be held on Sunday, October 9 from 3pm - 7pm at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for additional tryout details.
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.
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Schools Address” Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
2022 Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
4:00pm - 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm - 7:30pm Open to Strongsville Community
Come learn more about the businesses in our vibrant local business community!
Click HERE to register your business to participate
Business After Hours - Hosted by Generations Senior Living
18960 Falling Water Road
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Members - Free; Future Members - $10
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November Business Luncheon
City of Strongsville - Economic Development Update
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
2022 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 2, 2022
NEW VENUE! The Aviator Event Center (formerly the 100th Bomber Restaurant)
20920 Brookpark Rd. / Cleveland
Seating is Limited! Reserve Your Table Early!
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 2022 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events 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.
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.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library has resumed storytimes in-person. 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. To check for in-person storytime availability, please check our schedule online or call (440) 238-5530.
Young at Heart Book Club. Tuesday, October 4th / 7:00 p.m. Register online. IN PERSON. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for this month’s discussion is You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly.
From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey - How American Gilded Age Heiresses Invaded the UK Aristocracy. Tuesday, October 4th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. Long before the British Invasion, the cash-strapped lords, viscounts, and dukes of Great Britain shifted their focus from hunting foxes and pheasants to more lucrative targets: cash-flush Gilded Age American socialites who were willing to trade their family’s money for an ancient title and often a chilly reception in the British aristocracy. Fans of “Downton Abbey” and “The Gilded Age” on television and film will delight as Anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans recounts the tales of some of the famously loaded young Americans who infused bank accounts of many stately homes, including close relatives of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. She will also give travel tips if you would like to create a Gilded Age tour for yourself. This event is virtual and will be held on Zoom. Please register online to receive a login.
Studio Orientation. Saturday, October 8th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. / VIRTUAL or Monday, October 17th 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.
Blood Drive. Wednesday, October 12th / 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. 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). 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).
Audiobook Narration 101. Ages 11 and up. Thursday, October 13th / 7:00 p.m. Join us in learning the basics of recording yourself reading a book or written work! We will review the software available in our Recording Studio and offer basic instructions to record audiobooks using our Recording Studio. We will also review Studio Orientation materials so all participants will be free to use the Recording Studio after the program.
Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabric. Grades 2 – 6. Saturday, October 15th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return to program location at least one week prior to the program start date. The form can be found at:
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Kids-Teens/Parents-and-Teachers/Parent-Options.aspx
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
Tuesday, October 18th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 3.
Wednesday, October 26th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 1.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, October 19th / 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 Klara and the Sun by Kazou Ishiguro. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Saturday, October 22nd / 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. Friends Preview 9am-10am Bag sale - Fill a bag for only $2! Buy a membership at the door to enter one hour early! All current members, renewals and new members purchased that morning at the friends’ preview receive a coupon for a CCPL reusable bag (available at the front desk.) The sale opens to the public at 10:00 a.m. Only $2 to fill a bag (bring your own bag that is no bigger than 15 x 15 inches) We will have bags for as long as they last. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction, non-fiction, audio visual materials, magazines & more!
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Sunday, October 23rd / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Fill a bag on Sunday for only $1.00! Please bring your own bag that is no bigger than 15 x 15 inches. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction, non-fiction, audio visual materials, magazines & more!
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Monday, October 24th / 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Friends bag of books sale will conclude on Monday. All remaining items - fill a bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 24th / 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 Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Presidents’ Wives from Ohio. Tuesday, October 25th / 7:00 p.m. The Strongsville Historical Society in partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library will present this living history presentation with the Presidents' Wives from Ohio. Join us to see actors in full costume, as they present the eight First Ladies of the Ohio Presidents of the United States. Those in attendance will enjoy as they tell some interesting and little told facts of the lives of each of the First Ladies. Registration is required.
Meet Author Shelley Shepard Gray. Thursday, October 27th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Shelley Shepard Gray visits to discuss her new inspirational romance novel, Happily Ever Amish. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry.
Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade. Ages 3 – 5. Monday, October 31st / 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Enjoy a friendly Halloween gathering with stories, music, and a craft. Costumes are encouraged. Then we'll parade through the library to collect goodies to take home!
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