60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
PTA plays a vital role in our District. From volunteering to fundraising to awarding scholarships, there are countless ways that our PTA groups at each building support our students and staff. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see the collaboration at Whitney with PTA, just one example of the amazing work these special groups continue to accomplish in our District.
SHS SENIOR EARNS $10,000 AERONAUTICS SCHOLARSHIP
Andrew Dorminey, a Strongsville senior in the Polaris Aeronautics program, was recently awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA). Andrew was one of only 80 scholarship recipients in the entire country! This award will go toward some of the costs associated with flight time, as he works to complete the flight hours necessary enabling him to apply for his full private pilot license. Andrew is looking at universities to further his education in the aeronautics field and is excited to see where these opportunities land him. Congratulations, Andrew!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. MICHELLE MOTELESKI, 4TH GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Michelle Moteleski has taught for 18 years in our District. Mrs. Moteleski teaches 4th grade at Whitney Elementary and has also worked at Drake Elementary during her time with SCS. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Ashland University. Mrs. Moteleski is a graduate of SHS and is also a current resident of our community. Both of her children are also SHS graduates.
“I love the excitement our fourth graders have about “switching classes” for the first time! They feel so grown up and eager to learn. I enjoy seeing our fourth graders grow and become independent thinkers throughout the school year. They show us how they can problem solve, collaborate with each other, and display resilience on challenging tasks. Seeing students engaged in lessons and asking questions is very rewarding. We have a positive classroom community where students show their Mustang PRIDE on a daily basis. It’s wonderful to witness students being inclusive with their classmates and show empathy towards each other. I know after fourth grade our students will continue to learn, challenge themselves, and accomplish their future goals!”
“We have a great team at Whitney with dedicated teachers, staff, and families collaborating together to provide a positive learning environment for our students. As educators, we are always learning and trying new strategies in the classroom to help our students be successful. I am lucky to witness this on a daily basis and work with such devoted co-workers at Whitney.”
Thank you Mrs. Moteleski for positively impacting the 4th graders at Whitney Elementary! #ModelMustang
PTA Reflections
Calling all Elementary Artists! PTA Council Reflections is starting a Reflections Club for all elementary students that will be meeting once a month.
What is Reflections? It is a program put on by the State and National PTA that provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students can create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme. The 2023-2024 Theme is "I am hopeful because . . ." Students can create in six categories. Those categories are Film Making, Choreography/Dance, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Literature.
This Elementary Reflections Club will meet September 18th, October 16th, and November 13th and 27th at the Strongsville Public Library, with the goal of giving students a chance to explore the art categories they can compete in. To sign up please click HERE - please know that space is limited and there is a cost of $5.00 per family for art supplies. Learn more about PTA Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.
“HERE COMES THE BUS” APP FOR SCS FAMILIES
"Here Comes The Bus" is an app for SCS families to track busing information and routes for their student(s), as well as real-time notifications.
The app and complementary website (www.herecomesthebus.com) - available on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or personal computer - enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus on its daily route.
Download the "Here Comes the Bus" app to monitor daily transportation information. Families that utilized the app last year will need to delete last year’s student information and add their current year information in order to receive the latest routing details and updates. Click HERE for additional information and instructions on utilizing the app for your student's bus routes.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Start Thanksgiving Break with a special Strongsville City Schools Night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavs battle the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 22 - Tip off is at 7:30pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
HELP SUPPORT SMS PTA BY PURCHASING A “CASH CALENDAR”
The SMS PTA “Cash Calendar” fundraiser is going strong. The goal is to sell 700 entries and SMS PTA is just about half way to the goal! Anyone who buys an entry has an opportunity to win cash EVERY DAY in October. Please click HERE to help SMS PTA support our students and staff!
DARE HALLOWEEN DANCES FOR 5TH-6TH GRADES & 7TH-8TH GRADES
Don’t miss this year’s DARE Halloween Dances for 5th-6th Grades and 7th-8th Grades! Dances will be held at Michaud’s Town & Country (16808 Pearl Rd.). There will be prizes for best costume and best makeup, lots of dancing, and tons of fun! Bring a box of cereal for the Strongsville Food Bank and be entered into special drawings too! Purchase tickets in advance beginning September 12th - tickets will NOT be available at the door. Parent Volunteers Needed - Information on volunteering at the DARE Dances can be found by clicking on the Dance links below.
Thursday, October 12th 6pm-9pm (5th & 6th Grade Students) - Purchase Tickets HERE
Friday, October 13th 6pm-9pm (7th & 8th Grade Students) - Purchase Tickets HERE
SHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME BANQUET - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
The Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce this year’s class of outstanding alumni:
Kelsey Bittinger (Volleyball) - SHS Class of 2014
Jason Januszewski (Wrestling) - SHS Class of 2001
Lindsey Thall (Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field) - SHS Class of 2018
Kyle Veris (Soccer) - SHS Class of 2001
Molly Washko (Swimming & Diving) - SHS Class of 2014
1998 Girls Soccer State Championship Team
Mike Knapik (SHS Track & Cross Country Coach)
Dan Martin - SHS Athletic Wall of Fame Inductee
The Class of 2023 will be inducted into the Strongsville Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Strongsville’s Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Dinner and ceremony begins at 5:00pm. Click HERE to purchase event tickets.
STRONGSVILLE STAMPEDE 2023 (SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23)
GOH Run and the Strongsville High School Cross Country teams are hosting a youth fun run on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Strongsville High School's Cross Country course. There will be two races starting at 12:30pm for our younger runners (grades K-2) who will race 800 meters on grass. The older group (grades 3-6) will race on a one mile course at 12:50pm. Runners and families - please report directly to the starting line near the tennis courts at SHS. The Stampede Fun Run is FREE. CLICK HERE to register in advance for the Fun Run. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Strongsville Food Bank and donations toward GOH Run youth running events will be accepted on the day of the race.
The Strongsville High School Cross Country Invitational Meet takes place before the youth races, so arrive early to see the high school student-athletes race!
BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Over the summer, our district expanded the 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 and 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 2023-24 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.
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 and/or to enroll your student, please 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 Special Olympics
Strongsville Special Olympics is a FREE adaptive sports program for individuals with special needs. This is all thanks to The Strongsville City Club - a very generous sponsor! This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to make lasting friendships with other children in Strongsville. Soccer will be starting August 21st at 6:30 - click HERE for additional details. Please email us at strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com for more information - click HERE for an overview of the great opportunities available.
Breakfast on the Bridge - Sunday, September 17
The 40th Annual Breakfast on the Covered Bridge, presented by Strongsville City Club, will take place on Sunday, September 17 from 7:30am-12:00pm on the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Covered Bridge in the Cleveland Metroparks (corner of Whitney Rd. and Valley Parkway). For additional information and to purchase advance tickets, click HERE.
The Strongsville City Club Breakfast on the Covered Bridge is the major fundraising event for the Strongsville City Club. The club has been active in the city since 1968 and was organized for the purpose of promoting civic interest. Over the years, the City Club has supported numerous projects, and is the very proud sponsor of those extraordinary athletes involved in the year-round competitive Special Olympics Program. The Strongsville City Club was recognized this past year as the Best Supporting Organization of the Special Olympics in the State of Ohio.
Strongsville Historical Society Harvest Festival & 200th Anniversary of the Baldwin House
The Annual Harvest Festival will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Strongsville Historic Village. This year is also the 200th Anniversary of the Baldwin House located within the Strongsville Historical Village! We will celebrate this anniversary at the Harvest Festival.
What: Harvest Festival & 200th Anniversary of the Baldwin House
When: September 30, 2023 (11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Where: Strongsville Historic Village
13305 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH
Enjoy demonstrators sharing their unique skills, food & refreshments, Kona Ice, Boy Scout demonstrations, a petting zoo, and children’s crafts. Visit the model railroad display in the basement of the Baldwin House, and other buildings that will be open for peeks into the past 200 years. FREE ADMISSION!
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
“Get to Know Your Strongsville City Council, SCS Board of Education, & Candidates”
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
4:00pm – 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm – 7:30pm Open to the Public / FREE (no admission fee for public to attend)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Strongsville City Schools” Address, presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
2023 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 1, 2023
Aviator Event Center & Pub, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH. 44135
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2023 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 Fall 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 Fall Program information here: https://www.pressreader.com/document/3479
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.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are back in session for the Fall. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration.
Preschool. Ages 3 – 5 not yet in kindergarten with caregiver / Mondays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon or Tuesdays at 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver / Wednesdays at 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Baby & Me. Birth – 18 months with caregiver / Mondays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. or Thursdays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Family. All ages with caregiver / Thursdays at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Digital Navigators. September 18th & 19th. Call to make Appointment. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you – or someone you know – connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch.
Teen Craft Night: Fairy Lanterns. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, September 18th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Teens! Come into the library for a little magic! Create a whimsical lantern that really lights up and showcases your own little fairy companion.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 20th / 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 Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Plant Swap. Thursday, September 21st / 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 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 for each type of plant brought. Tickets will be randomly pulled to decide the order of selection for choosing your new plants.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, September 25th / 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 always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Taking of Jemima Boone: Colonial Settlers, Tribal Nations, and the Kidnap that Shaped America by Matthew Pearl. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Meet Author J.A. Jance. Thursday, September 28th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author J.A. Jance visits to discuss her latest novel, Blessing of the Lost Girls. J. A. Jance is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 60 works of contemporary mystery across the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, and the Ali Reynolds series, as well as six interrelated thrillers about the Walker Family and one volume of poetry. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
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