Mustang Moments

Wednesday, September 29
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 9-12)
(Evening Conferences / School in Session)

Thursday, September 30
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades PreK-5)
(Evening Conferences / School in Session)

Tuesday, October 5
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 6-12)
(Evening Conferences / School in Session)

Wednesday, October 6
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades PreK-8)
(Evening Conferences / School in Session)

Thursday, October 7 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Did you know that earlier this year our Board of Education approved several new clubs and after school activities for our elementary schools? Each elementary school has been given an opportunity to develop extracurriculars based on student interest and feedback. Whether it be service learning, arts, athletics, STEM, or other creative offerings, students now have more opportunities to discover new interests and talents outside of the school day. Elementary activities add to the existing clubs and organizations found at SMS and SHS. Issue 68, the renewal levy for Strongsville City Schools on the November ballot, helps to support these extracurricular opportunities for our students. Clubs, organizations, and activities provide important growth opportunities for our students to develop life skills outside of the classroom.

Did you know that one of the fastest growing groups of students in our District are those students who are learning English for the first time? Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode, to hear about how co-teaching teams at the middle school and high school are providing valuable instruction, support, and resources to help our English Language Learners succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

Have questions about our District Operating Procedures for this school year? You can view a recorded presentation by Superintendent Ryba HERE and view the presentation slides HERE.

Each year, Polaris Career Center selects students representing their various programs of study to serve as Student Ambassadors. These Ambassadors are recommended by their instructors, and must meet the following criteria: maintain a “B” average, have a 95% or better attendance rate, and have no discipline issues. Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School students who were selected to be Polaris Student Ambassadors for the 2021-22 school year: Alexandria Beck (Criminal Justice), Audrey Barno (Cosmetology), Caleb Smith (Precision CNC Machining), Caroline Hickle-Zambo (Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management), Connor White (Construction Trades), Grace Botsch (Baking & Pastry Arts), Jeffrey Huston (Computer Networking Academy), Kyra Jo Savage (Exercise Science & Rehab Therapy), Landon McCahan (Computer Networking Academy), Layallee Odetallah (Medical Professions), LeAnne Hawk (Aeronautics), Mia Davis (Criminal Justice), Nicole Bodean (Computer Networking Academy), Roderic Miller (EMT/Fire Training), Seth VanHove (Construction Trades), Yanicia Miranda (Cosmetology)

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 Substitute Teacher & Non-Teaching Substitute. We are also currently accepting applications for the following: Substitute Custodian, Food Services, 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.

Congratulations to a record-setting number of SHS Band & Orchestra students for earning spots on several prestigious groups. Fifteen students were selected as members of the 2021 Northeast Regional Orchestra, which is an auditioned honors orchestra consisting of the best student musicians from Northeast Ohio. This select ensemble is sponsored by the Ohio Music Education Association, and will perform on Nov. 7, at E.J. Thomas Hall at the University of Akron.

2021 Northeast Regional Orchestra: Johnathan Carman (Percussion), Lauren Dunlap (Violin), Audrey Greer (Violin), Jacob Huber (Bass), Jocelyn Huber (Violin), Henry Joniak (French Horn), Sanjana Katiyar (Viola), Jade Lum (Violin), Delaney Merkle (Violin), Zach Rinas (Violin), Sofia Ruff (Cello), Amanda Shaffer (Viola), Lillian Vassel (Viola), Marissa Ventresca (Violin), Hunter Zadar (Violin)

Nine musicians from the Strongsville High School Symphony Orchestra were selected as members of the 2022 All-State Orchestra, making this the 18th year in a row an SHS Orchestra student has been selected for this elite ensemble. The All-State Orchestra consists of the best high school orchestra musicians from all of Ohio, and will perform at the 2022 Ohio Music Education Association’s Professional Development Conference at the Cleveland Convention Center in February.

2022 All-State Orchestra: Lauren Dunlap (Violin), Audrey Greer (Violin), Jacob Huber (Bass), Sunjana Katiyar (Viola), Alternate Delaney Merkle (Violin), Alternate Zach Rinas (Violin), Amanda Shaffer (Viola), Lillian Vassel (Viola), Alternate Marissa Ventresca (Violin)

Congratulations also to Abby Maher (Clarinet) for being selected as a member of the 2022 All-State Band! The All-State Band consists of the best high school band musicians from all over Ohio, and will perform at the 2022 Ohio Music Education Associations Professional Development Conference at the Cleveland Convention Center in February. Abby is a member of the Strongsville High School Marching Mustangs, Wind Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra.

We are very proud of all of our ‘Musical Mustangs!’

2021 Northeast Regional Orchestra Members

2022 All-State Orchestra Members

Abby Maher - 2022 All-State Band Member

Mrs. Barb Oltmanns grew up in a music household - she, along with her siblings, learned piano at an early age from her mom - and continues her passion for music by teaching students in our District. Mrs. Oltmanns earned her combination undergraduate degrees from Cuyahoga Community College and Baldwin Wallace University. She learned to play the Euphonium seven years ago, eventually earning a spot in the Cleveland Donauschwabische Blaskapelle, which is an authentic Swabian Brass Band. Mrs. Oltmanns stays busy outside of the classroom by playing with this group in multiple Oktoberfest celebrations every year.

Mrs. Oltmanns has taught band and choir in our District at both the elementary and middle school levels since 2002. “There are many things that I like about working with the students here in Strongsville, but I think that it is the diversity of the community and what each student ‘brings to the table’ that is the most interesting. So many students are very eager to learn and each day I do what I can to teach them something new. I like to get excited with my students and challenge them whenever possible to strive beyond where they think that they can go,” said Mrs. Oltmanns

“When you work in multiple buildings, sometimes it is difficult to feel a part of each building. The teachers that I have met during my years here in the district have gone out of their way to make me feel welcomed each and every time I set foot inside a school. This is also my first year of co-teaching in the District and it has been great to further build relationships with other teachers.”

Thank you Mrs. Oltmanns for sharing your passion for music and providing our students with great opportunities to showcase their musical talents! #WeAreStrongsville

Join Strongsville High School’s “Mustang Express,” for this fun family event on Saturday, October 16 (two performances - 12pm & 2pm). Kids of all ages are invited to spend the afternoon hanging out with their favorite Disney characters. A musical show will be followed by tea and cookies with your favorite characters. Bring your camera for royal photo opportunities! Click HERE for additional event information.

Get your “Musical Mustangs” gear and support the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters! Click HERE for the SHS Band & Orchestra Spirit Wear and Yard Sign store. Hurry - this special online store closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, October 3.

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).

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).

Trike & Bike Event (Sun. 9/26)

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Join the fight by registering your child for Strongsville’s 3rd Trike and Bike on September 26th at 9am at Volunteer Park. Kids will be able to create a personal fundraising page, and 100% of dollars raised will support life-saving pediatric cancer research at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. All participants will receive a Trike and Bike shirt and mask at the event. Click HERE for additional information and to register. Click HERE for the event flyer.

Strongsville Basketball League Tryouts (Sun. 10/3)
Tryouts for the Strongsville Basketball League will be held on Sunday, October 3 for boys and girls in grades 3-6. Tryouts will be held at Strongsville High School at the following times:

5pm - 6pm / 3rd Grade + 4th Grade (Boys and Girls)
6pm - 7pm / 5th Grade (Boys and Girls)
7pm - 8pm / 6th Grade (Boys and Girls)

A mandatory parent meeting will be held in the SHS cafeteria at 4:45pm. Tryouts will be closed to parents. OHSAA COVID-19 guidelines will be followed during the tryouts. Click HERE for the event flyer and additional information.

Girl Scouts Dance Party (Thu. 10/7)

Students in grades K-3 are invited to join the Girl Scouts at an “Animal Dance Party” on Thursday, October 7 from 6-7pm at the Strongsville Library (18700 Westwood Dr.). Click HERE for your FREE ticket to this event!

Halloween at Safety Town (Sat. 10/9) Kindergarten and 1st grade students and their families are invited to Halloween trick-or-treat fun at Strongsville Safety Town, presented by the Rotary Club of Strongsville and the Strongsville Police. The event will be held on Saturday, October 9 from 4-6pm. Register online by October 4. Click HERE for the event flyer.

Strongsville Recreation Youth Programs

Don’t miss your chance to participate in two great youth programs at the Strongsville Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. “Mad Science Sensational Senses” explores the wonderful world of science and runs from September 29 - November 3. Crayola’s “Imagine Arts Academy Artblazers” gives students a chance to unleash their creativity with a number of different art techniques. Two upcoming sessions are available. Click HERE for the flyer with additional information on both programs.

School Crossing Guards Wanted

The Strongsville Police Department is now hiring school crossing guards. Interested individuals must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and have the ability to remain outdoors in all types of weather conditions for up to one (1) hour. Starting pay is $12.75 per hour. For more information, please contact Lt. Michael Campbell at 440.580.3224 or click HERE for additional information.

Strongsville Community Theatre - “A Tribute to Broadway” (Oct. 29-30)
Join the Strongsville Community Theatre’s performance of “A Tribute to Broadway” on Friday, October 29 & Saturday, October 30 at the Strongsville Recreation and Senior Center (18100 Royalton Rd.). Seating is limited and tickets are available by reservation ONLY. Visit strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com to purchase tickets. This show is a fundraiser to benefit the scholarship program for high school students.

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.

October Business BREAKFAST

“State of the Schools” Presentation with Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Senior/Rec Event Center
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 7:15am* – 9:00am (Breakfast Buffet begins at 7:30am)
*Please note time adjustments
*Doors open at 7:15am

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