Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 3)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Do you remember your first day of 8th grade? How did your teachers set expectations for the upcoming year? The 8th Grade Dragons Team at SMS have established a tradition for their students to help build a positive culture from the first day of school. Click HERE to see and hear more about this 8th grade team making the “Dragons Pledge” for the upcoming school year.
SCS FOOD SERVICES INFORMATION + FREE/REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION
Click HERE for the Welcome letter from the SCS Food Services Department.
To determine eligibility for free / reduced lunch, as well as various additional state and federal program benefits inclusive of possible district student fees being waived, an application must be completed online at PaySchoolsCentral.com. HERE is a link with directions to apply.
It is important to note the following for those that qualify for Reduced Lunches in the 2024-2025 school year: The recently passed Ohio biennial budget includes a provision for the State to pay the meal charges for Reduced students ($0.30 for Breakfast and $0.40 for Lunch) effectively allowing them to eat for free. This will be in effect for the 2024-2025 school year.
CLICK HERE for the Free & Reduced Lunch Application.
CLICK HERE TO GET TO LUNCH MENUS FOR THE YEAR
SHS CERAMICS CLASS COMPETES IN “CLAY OLYMPICS”
Students in Mrs. Gary’s and Mrs. Ganim’s Ceramics Classes at SHS competed in their very own “Clay Olympics” this past week. Among the “Olympic Events” for teams of students were building the tallest tower and sculpting the largest bowl. These challenges taught students the different properties of clay and how to work with clay, lessons that they can build on for their upcoming projects this semester!
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - LAST WEEKEND TO SHOP (NOW THROUGH SUN. 9/1)
There are 3 days left to shop the “Back to School” online SCS Team Shop! Order NOW through 11:59pm on Sunday, September 1. Shop for lots of great Mustangs gear, including personalized items! Click HERE to access the complete selection of Mustangs clothing and accessories. A portion of sales will be donated back to Strongsville City Schools.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - TERESA BACISIN, CAFETERIA MANAGER AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Teresa Bacisin is beginning her second year as the Cafeteria Manager at Chapman Elementary School. Mrs. Bacisin has been in our District for eight years, having held roles as both Cafeteria Cook and Assistant Cafeteria Manager, before moving into her current position. Throughout her extensive career, she has worked in school kitchens for twenty three years!
“I enjoy working with all of our students at Chapman Elementary. Many begin their school day with me for breakfast. It’s fun to see the students in the halls as they wave and say ‘Hi Lunch Lady!’ There is a lot of pride and support from students, staff, and parents at Chapman. I love seeing the older kids helping the younger ones navigating our breakfast and lunch lines. My main goal at Chapman is to continue offering delicious meals to our students & staff.”
Thank you Mrs. Bacisin for providing Chapman students and staff the necessary nutrition options to help them be their very best every day at school! #ModelMustang
NEW SCS WEBSITE ADDRESS - WWW.SCSMUSTANGS.ORG
Over the summer, our District updated the Strongsville City Schools website address to www.scsmustangs.org to match our email addresses. While www.strongnet.org is still active for the time being, please update any bookmarks you have to this new address.
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.
SHS ROLE MODEL PROGRAM
Attention SHS Juniors and Seniors - Interested in being part of a Role Model program through the Strongsville Police Department? Meetings will be held at the high school in the Little Theater on September 3rd at 7:20am, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Interviews will occur between September 16th – 27th. Additional information for this program:
Students need to be in good standing at SHS and submit a background check
At the meeting on September 3rd, Role Model expectations will be discussed and applications will be handed out
Applications are due back NO LATER than Friday, September 13th. (There will be NO exceptions past this deadline)
Interviews will be held between September 16th – 27th
Role Models will be selected and notified September 30th
Once selected, there will be a meeting for activity sign-ups on either October 3rd (after school – 2:30 pm) OR October 4th (before school – 7:20 am) in the Little Theater
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
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.
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
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 (11:30am – 1:00pm)
Get to Know Your Strongsville City Council, SCS Board of Education and Candidates
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Registration Opens: August 16, 2024
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
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.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, September 3rd / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Superteacher Project by Gordon Korman. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
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
Word Basics. Monday, September 9th / 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Learn how to enter and format text and images, change line spacing, and copy and paste in Microsoft Word. Saving and printing tips will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Experience using a mouse or Computer Basics. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification.
Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Teens Grades 6 - 12. Monday, September 9th / 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Do you like to craft? Do you know how to knit, crochet, or hand sew? Bring your own project and come hang out with other teens who also love to make things! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Toddler Art & Sensory Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, September 13th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, September 14th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, September 23rd / 7:00 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 session.
Understanding Health Care Decisions. Monday, September 16th / 7:00 p.m. Learn what happens when you can't make your own health care decisions: Understand differences between Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and DNR documents. Additionally, an ethicist from the Center will speak on what happens during an Ethics Consultation Service at Cleveland Clinic. Health Care Power of Attorney forms and other literature will be available. Presented by Network for Connecting Communities & Bioethics (NCCB) from Cleveland Clinic .
Teen Craft Night: DIY Suncatchers. Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, September 17th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Using simple paper and colored pencils, create your own beautiful suncatcher! You can color your own page or draw your own masterpiece! It's up to you! In order to participate in youth programs that could be considered harmful, Cuyahoga County Public Library requires parents to complete a Release & Hold Harmless Form. The Release & Hold Harmless Form must be completed and returned one week prior to the start of the program. The completed form must be returned to the program location.
Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, September 18th / 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Ignite your curiosity and creativity through this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on activities and exploration. Boost your problem solving and teamwork skills in this program.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 18th / 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 The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
How to Overcome a Broken Heart. Thursday, September 19th / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Dealing with the pain of a broken heart can be overwhelming. In this workshop, Life Coach Natalie Rudd, introduces the Grief Recovery Method, a powerful approach to healing emotional wounds and finding closure.
Blood Drive. Friday, September 20th / 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).
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.
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