Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 6)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
SHS Members of the Class of 2025 and participants in the school’s Leadership Council have been working on ways to further add to school pride and community spirit. Since last year, the students have been planning a Homecoming Parade involving school and clubs throughout our District. Click HERE to see and hear more about this exciting event happening next week!
SMS 8TH GRADERS CREATE COMMUNITY ARTWORK FOR SOUTHPARK MALL
SMS 8th graders have been working together to create an amazing, colorful, collaborative art display for SouthPark Mall. This beautiful display is located on the first level of the Mall, next to Dillard’s. SMS Art Teachers Mrs. Wray and Mrs. Valichnac collaborated on this project and hope to have future partnerships with other Strongsville locations to showcase the great talents and artwork of SMS students.
LADY MUSTANG VARSITY GOLF TEAM - GCC CHAMPS!
Congratulations to the SHS Girls Varsity Golf Team for their 1st place finish in the final Greater Cleveland Conference tournament of the season. Their first place finish earned the Mustangs a Conference Championship! Final scores for the six Mustang golfers (top 4 scores contributed to their Championship winning combined score of 351): Hannah Lee (79), Sydney Bass (88), Claire Elbert (91), Kanishka Badri (93), Hailey Yoon (94), and Kenzie Clayton (104).
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MELISSA GURCHENSKY, READING INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT KINSNER & MURASKI
Mrs. Melissa Gurchensky is a Reading Intervention Specialist at both Muraski and Kinsner Elementary Schools. Mrs. Gurchensky is starting her fourth year working in our District. She has been in education for seventeen years and earned her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and her graduate degree from Cleveland State University.
“Working with students in small groups, I get to build strong relationships with them. I love getting to know their interests and hearing them make personal connections to what we are learning. As a reading teacher, I love seeing the enthusiasm my students have for learning new things. The students I work with demonstrate resilience every day and it is so rewarding to see their confidence as readers grow.”
“The teachers and staff at both Muraski and Kinsner go above and beyond to ensure all students' needs are met. I work with two great intervention teams that are always willing to support each other by sharing resources, collaborating on lessons, or just talking through challenges that may arise. In my role, I also love being able to enter many different classrooms and see the amazing and fun lessons students are participating in each day. I am so lucky I get to work with people who are creative, flexible, positive, and above all else have a passion for helping students succeed.”
Thank you Mrs. Gurchensky for helping your students continue to grow and develop their love of learning! #ModelMustang
FAMILIES ENJOY “LITERACY ON THE LAWN” AT SURRARRER ELEMENTARY
Surrarrer families celebrated a beautiful evening this week with a “Literacy on the Lawn” event. Surrarrer families, students, teachers, and staff listened to books read by celebrity guest readers - Strongsville Fire Chief Jack Draves; Strongsville Police Officers Rick Anthony, Aaron Plut, and Brian Rossman; and Strongsville Librarian Janice Krusoczky. Special thanks to Surrarrer PTA and Books-a-Million for their book donations for all who attended and to Wal-Mart for donating free school supplies distributed at the event.
HOMECOMING PARADE - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Make plans to enjoy the SHS Homecoming Parade on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30pm. Schools, clubs, and students will all be involved and marching to celebrate SHS Homecoming. The parade route begins at the SCS Bus Garage, travels up Rademaker-Miller Lane toward SHS, heads out the SHS exit driveway toward Lunn Rd., travels west (left) on Lunn Rd., makes a left into the SHS Main Entrance, and finishes in front of Pat Catan Stadium. All are welcome to stay for the community event, immediately following the parade, in the parking lot next to Pat Catan Stadium. Show your community spirit and be a part of this very special celebration on Thursday, September 26!
VIEW YOUR STUDENT’S ONLINE ACTIVITY WITH BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Over the summer, the District expanded its 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, as well as set parental controls beyond the school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley - Director of Instructional Technology - at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.
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
________________________________________________________________________________________________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 2024-25 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the SCS Health Services website containing immunization forms
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.
REUNION INFORMATION FOR SHS CLASS OF 1984
The Class of 1984 is planning their 40th reunion celebration! If you are a member of this class, or know of individuals who graduated in 1984, please pass along this information:
Class of 1984 (40th reunion)
Saturday, September 28 / 7pm-11pm
Strongsville Brew Garden
$35/person in advance; $40/person at door (Includes entry, food, and soft drinks + cash bar)
Click HERE to register or find the Class of 1984 reunion information on their Facebook page
Email Jen Taliak Sanderson (jensan210@gmail.com) with any additional reunion questions
#foreveramustang
RIGHT AT SCHOOL
Right At School is once again providing care for SCS K-5 students before and after school at each of our elementary buildings. For more information on registering with Right at School for the 2024-2025 school year, 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 Historical Society Annual Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 28th / 11am-4pm (13305 Pearl Road)
There will be great live entertainment, wonderful crafts for sale, and demonstrations by weavers, spinners, and a rag rug maker. For the kids, there will be a farm animal petting zoo, children’s crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, a rope bridge, and a model railroad display. Food and refreshments will be available at a food tent and farmer’s market. All eight buildings will be open for peeks into the past 150 years. Take a chance and buy tickets for a Beautiful Quilt or the Under the Dome raffle! Free gate admission and parking.
Strongsville Rec Center - Upcoming Programs
Register now for great programs at the Strongsville Rec Center, including Mad Science featuring interactive activities exploring the world of science and Crayola Imagine Arts Academy. Click HERE for additional information on each of these opportunities. Register at strongsville.activityreg.com
Two Youth Lacrosse Opportunities
** Rec Center Youth Lacrosse Clinic - click HERE for additional information and register at:
https://strongsville.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs (Click on "2024 Fall" then "Sports-Youth" and then "Youth Lacrosse Clinic")
** Sunday Youth Lacrosse Clinics - FREE sessions every Sunday throughout the fall! Whether you’re an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills in the offseason or someone new wanting to try out this exciting sport, this clinic is perfect for you. Open to Grades 3-8 / Sundays (September 8 - October 20) / Girls 9am-10:30am; Boys 10:45am-12:15pm / at Strongsville Middle School Field / Questions: email: exec@stronglax.com
For Existing Players: Keep a stick in your hands and stay in top form! Our clinics provide an awesome opportunity to work on your game in a fun and relaxed environment. It’s a great way to maintain your skills and stay active, all for free!
For New Players: Curious about lacrosse? Bring a friend and come see what it’s all about! Our clinic offers a low-stakes, friendly atmosphere for trying out the sport. If you need equipment, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Strongsville Rotary StrongFest (Sat. 9/28)
The Rotary Club of Strongsville is excited to present the 3rd Annual StrongFest on Saturday, September 28th from 2:00pm - 7:00pm at the Strongsville Recreation Center. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our community - come and enjoy over 40 varieties of beer and wine from local, regional & national brands. Food trucks will also be there, plus live music by “Island Troy.” This fundraiser benefits local charities that The Rotary Club of Strongsville supports. Visit StrongFest.com for additional information and to purchase tickets.
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Coding to Robotics to Minecraft Engineers - there's lots of great STEAM based enrichment experiences for kids ages 6-12. 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
October Business Luncheon
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 (11:30am – 1:00pm)
City of Strongsville Update with Mayor Thomas Perciak
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Registration Opens: September 18, 2024
2024 Strongsville Community Business Expo
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Business to Business Networking: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Open to the Public, FREE to attend: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
To register your business to participate, visit: https://forms/strongville.org/business-expo-registration/
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November Business Luncheon
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
11:30am-1:00pm
Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 6, 2024 7:00p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Encore Event Center (formerly Michaud’s)
16808 Pearl Rd. / Strongsville
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 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 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 Program information by going to cuyahogalibrary.org and click on Research & Discover to use the Press Reader resource here:
https://cuyahogalibrary.org/research-discover/resources-a-z/pressreader
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Storytimes are for Birth to Age 5 not yet in Kindergarten. No registration needed!
Baby & Me (Birth to 18 months with a Caregiver) - Mondays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. OR Thursdays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.
Preschool (Ages 3 - 5 not yet in Kindergarten with a Caregiver) - Mondays / 11:30 a.m. - Noon OR Tuesdays / 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. - Noon
Toddler (Ages 19 - 35 months with a Caregiver) - Wednesdays / 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. OR 11:30 - 11:55 a.m.
Family - Thursdays / 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
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.
Play, Learn, & Grow. Ages 1 - 3 with a caregiver (Siblings from Birth - Age 5 also welcome) Thursday, September 5 - October 3rd / 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Boost your toddler’s brain through play! A 5-week series for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3. Connect with your kids, community experts & other families. Get information about your growing child.
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
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, September 23rd / 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 The Berry Pickers: a Novel by Amanda Peters. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, September 23rd / 7:00 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 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.
Bedtime Story Time. Ages 2 - 6 with a Caregiver. Tuesday, September 24th / 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Wear your Pjs to the library and join us for bedtime stories and a snack.
Roadmap to College: College Admissions 101. Tuesday, September 24th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL EVENT. While some families are diving into the college process already, you may feel like you need more information about the process from the parent's perspective. The session will include information such as: How early should students start preparing for the college admissions process? What are the essential elements of a college application? How have testing policies evolved throughout the pandemic What can my student's PSAT scores tell me about testing? How to choose between the SAT and ACT? When is the best time to test? What are the best materials for students to prepare for the tests? What is new for the SAT and ACT in 2024? The Zoom link for this event will be emailed to registered attendees the day of the event.
Tree & Shrub Plant Healthcare. Thursday, September 26th / 7:00 p.m. Learn how to care for your local plant life in this informative presentation. Sean Fenton, certified arborist, will present an introduction on different pests and diseases commonly found on our Northeast Ohio Landscapes and how to navigate them.
Craft Supply Swap. Saturday, September 28th / 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join us Saturday afternoon to swap your craft supplies! Participants may arrive at 1:00 to unload and display their materials. Exchange any unwanted arts and crafts supplies (yarn, needles, fabric, beads, and more) and take-home new supplies to start your next project. Contributions must be clean and sorted, with similar items together. The exchange starts at 2:00 p.m. and continues until all the materials are gone. Patrons may choose to leave any leftover materials to be taken to a donation center. You are welcome to attend the exchange even if you do not have craft items to donate. Registration is required. Limit of 2 boxes of supplies brought per person.
Fall Plant Swap. Monday, September 30th / 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 indoor or outdoor 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 to each attendee for a drawing.
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.scsmustangs.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