Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 4)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - September 3, 2021
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
2021-22 SCS District Operating Procedures
Local Author Inspires Surrarrer 1st Graders
Featured “SCS Job of the Week” + Additional Openings for Strongsville City Schools
New “Spirit Squad” to Debut at SHS Events
Mustang Spotlight - Ms. Sabrina Conner, Intervention Specialist at SMS
5th Grade - Beginning Band & Orchestra
Join the SCS Crew!
Immunization Requirements for 7th & 12th Graders (2021-22 School Year)
Join SHS Athletic Boosters
‘Right At School’ to Offer Before- & After-School Care in Our District for 2021-22
Join Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri. 9/3) - 7:00pm
SHS Varsity Football vs. Brecksville-Broadview Hts.
Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium
Monday, September 6 - NO SCHOOL
Labor Day Holiday
Wednesday, September 8 - 7:00pm
5th Grade Orchestra/Band Parent Meeting
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Thursday, September 16 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Our Food Services Department is working hard to bring students in our District healthy meals on a daily basis. What goes into providing breakfast and lunch to a District of this size? Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode, to hear from Donna Holland, our new Dining Services Director, about her goals in providing a variety of quality food choices to SCS students.
2021-22 SCS DISTRICT OPERATING PROCEDURES
LOCAL AUTHOR INSPIRES SURRARRER 1ST GRADERS
Special thanks to local author, Mrs. Carol Wulff, who visited Surrarrer Elementary last week and spoke to our first graders about the power of writing. Her message to students included that they should pursue their dreams (and be a writer if that’s what they’d like to do)! Mrs. Wulff also had the opportunity to read her book, William the What-If Wonder on His First Day of School, to students - and gave the first graders a preview of her next book being released soon!
FEATURED “SCS JOB OF THE WEEK” + ADDITIONAL OPENINGS FOR STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
Strongsville City Schools are hiring for a number of different positions in our District. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic workers who are interested in being a part of the growth and development of Strongsville students. Our featured 'SCS Job of the Week' is Sr. Technical Assistant (deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 7). We are also currently accepting applications for the following: Substitute Teachers, Substitute Support Staff, Food Services, Custodians, and Bus Drivers. All open positions currently available in our District can be viewed HERE. Start your SCS application HERE. Questions? Contact our Human Resources office at 440.572.7038 or 440.572.7037.
NEW “SPIRIT SQUAD” TO DEBUT AT SHS EVENTS
Our District is adding a new Spirit Squad - "Generation Spirit" - at Strongsville High School this year, in collaboration with Chick-fil-A Strongsville. Look for the cheer group at many of our high school athletic events! Special thanks to WKYC Channel 3 for highlighting our students - click HERE for the story that recently aired!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MS. SABRINA CONNER, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT SMS
Ms. Sabrina Conner, Intervention Specialist at Strongsville Middle School, has worked in our District for seven years. Ms. Conner’s undergraduate degree is from Bowling Green State University and she also has earned her graduate degree from Florida State University. As an Intervention Specialist, according to Ms. Conner, “My goal is to always make students feel comfortable, loved, appreciated, and heard.”
At SMS, a daily “Mustang Mini Market,” is staffed and operated completely by many of her students. The students take coffee, tea, and snack orders from staff and teachers, prepare the food and drinks, and then deliver throughout the building. “I love teaching my students job and life skills through Strongsville Middle School's Mustang Mini Market. Through the Market, my students learn how to use money, follow a schedule, build relationships and communicate effectively. They learn how to keep inventory and market their products. It provides my students with an essential opportunity to build on their strengths and support their future employment opportunities. I love exploring student strengths and building on those strengths to open doors,” said Ms. Conner.
Thank you Ms. Conner for helping to develop important skills in our students and preparing them for high school and beyond! #WeAreStrongsville
5TH GRADE - BEGINNING BAND & ORCHESTRA
All fifth grade students have the opportunity to learn to play an instrument and become a member of the Strongsville City Schools Band and Orchestra team. Our band and orchestra teachers will be meeting with the fifth grade classes over the next two weeks to demonstrate the awesome instruments students may choose to learn. They will also be providing information on how to become a Musical Mustang. All fifth grade students will be invited to join a special Beginning Band and Orchestra Google Classroom; be sure to check your student’s school email. The beginning band and orchestra parent meeting will take place in the Strongsville High School Auditorium, on Wednesday, Sept. 8th at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be livestreamed for those who can not attend. Beginning band and orchestra lessons will start the week of Sept. 13th. We are looking forward to meeting you! If you have any questions, please email your specific band/orchestra teacher.
JOIN THE SCS CREW!
Attention parents of SMS and SHS students: SCS Crew is looking for new members. The 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).
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR 7TH & 12TH GRADERS (2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR)
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
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 2021-22 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.
JOIN SHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS
The Strongsville Athletic Boosters is comprised of parent volunteers that raise funds and provide support to all of the Strongsville High School and Middle School athletic programs and student-athletes. Every dollar raised by the booster club is invested back into the student-athlete experience. We purchase uniforms, warm-ups, training equipment and other items to help our student-athletes perform to the best of their ability in representing Strongsville City Schools. Our ultimate success depends on the commitment of parents! Click HERE to join the Athletic Boosters for the 2021-2022 school year. Click HERE for additional details and benefits of joining Athletic Boosters.
‘RIGHT AT SCHOOL’ TO OFFER BEFORE- & AFTER-SCHOOL CARE IN OUR DISTRICT FOR 2021-22
Our District is excited to announce a partnership agreement with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students for the 2021-22 school year. Right at School will be offering before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional information, please visit their website dedicated to the newly established Strongsville Schools program (https://rightatschool.com/districts/Strongsville-oh).
JOIN STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB) Annual Membership Drive begins this week! Come join the fun, while benefiting our music students! Everyone's entered into a gift card raffle! Only $25 to join. New this year: Alumni membership. Click HERE for additional information and to join today!
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
Mustangs Lacrosse - FREE Skills Clinics
It’s that time of year again! Time for free lacrosse Fall skills clinics. These are for current players as well as kids who want to try out lacrosse as a new sport. We are also looking for donations of old equipment for new players to try the sport. Please contact us if you have some to borrow or spare. Please click HERE for more information.
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 to see additional details.
Business After Hours Networking Event*
Hosted by Generations Senior Living
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
5:30pm – 7:30pm
*Please note: registration for this event can be made by calling the Chamber office at 440.238.3366. No online registration available for this event.
Mark Your Calendars:
September Business Breakfast
“Get to Know Your Candidates” for Strongsville City Council and School Board
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 7:15am* - 9:00am (Breakfast Buffet begins at 7:30am)
*Please note time adjustments
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Schools” Presentation with Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 11:15am* – 1:00pm (Lunch served at 11:45am)
*Please note time adjustments
*Doors open at 11:15am 2021 Strongsville Business Expo Thursday, November 4, 2021
2021 Strongsville Business Expo
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Strongsville Library
***Please note the following September 2021 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order 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.
***All branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library and the Administration Building will be closed on Sunday, September 5th and Monday, September 6th for the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 7th.
Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.
English as a Second Language. IN PERSON Thursdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 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.
Computer Classes
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held VIRTUALLY using the program Screenleap 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/Virtual-Classes.aspx
Take & Make At Home Crafts!
Stop into the Strongsville Branch to see what the current take it and make it craft of the month is for All Ages. Each month the Youth, Teen, and Adult Departments are offering free craft kits to take home while supplies last.
Fall Into Health. Tuesday, September 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. CSU nursing students along with licensed RN will provide health screenings, one-on-one chronic disease education and general health education with the focus being overall health and wellness.
Young at Heart Virtual Book Discussion. Tuesday, September 7th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The next discussion title is Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley, 2021. Register online to receive the Zoom link for the discussion.
Zoom Virtual Preschool Storytime. Tuesdays, September 7th, 21st, and 28th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Toddler Storytime. Wednesday, September 22nd and 29th from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, September 8th, 22nd, and 29th from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursdays, September 9th, 23rd, and 30th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Virtual Studio Orientation. Saturday, September 11th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or Monday, September 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 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 in order to use the spaces. These orientations will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch in order for the orientation to count. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Galaxy in a Jar. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. IN PERSON - Monday, September 13th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Learn about the universe while creating your own galaxy to take home in a mason jar. Registration for this in-person event begins August 9th at 9:00 a.m.
Colorful Shrubs Through the Seasons. Tuesday, September 14th / 7:00 p.m. With a bit of planning, you can create a welcoming and colorful landscape year round. The key is to plant perennials and shrubs that bloom at all different times of the year. The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will introduce you to combinations of perennials, shrubs, and even small trees to achieve this effect. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 15th / 7:00 p.m. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion has gone VIRTUAL and will be live on Zoom at 7 p.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 Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
First Page Book Club. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Monday, September 20th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. The Strongsville Teen librarian will read the first page of a few teen books of various genres. We will then discuss other books we have read and enjoyed. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Southwest General Health Talk: You May Be Losing More Sleep. Tuesday, September 21st / 10:00 a.m. Everyone has an occasional restless night, but if sleepless nights are persistent, it can affect your health! A Southwest General Pharmacist will discuss ways to improve your sleep hygiene! Learn about medications that may cause insomnia and medications that may help. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Six Wives of Henry VIII. Thursday, September 23rd / 7:00 p.m. Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived. These were the fates of the six wives of Henry the VIII. Susan Cannavino will talk about each woman's personality, personal life and circumstances, as well as Henry the VIII's. You will be transported back to 16th century British court life. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
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