Whitney Family Newsletter
October 27, 2024
Important Dates to Remember
- October 28th - Strongsville Greet & Treat
- October 31st - Halloween Party & Parade (2:00-3:15)
- November 4th - Staff Professional Development Day - No School
- November 5th - Election Day - No School
- November 7th - PTA Meeting at 6:00
- November 15th - COSI Science Assembly - PTA Sponsored
- November 19th - Stoller Fundraiser Pick-Up 4-7
- November 21st - Jersey Mike's Dine to Donate Fundraiser 4-7
- November 26th - DARE Ice Skating Party
- November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break
Thank you, PTA!!!
A BIG thank you to PTA, especially Aaron Burke, who cooked dinner for the parent-teacher conference night last week. It was absolutely amazing! Aaron smoked over 40 pounds of meat inclucing chicken, ribs, lamb, and brisket. He also made a spicey rice to go with it. Along with that PTA provided mac n cheese, potato salad, biscuits, dessert, and much more. We are very spoiled here and very appreciate of all that PTA does to support the staff!
Farewell, Nurse Deb!
I would like to announce the departure of our school nurse, Nurse Deb. Her contributions to our school community have been appreciated, and she will be missed.
During this transition, we will have substitute nurses in place until a new hire is made. We thank Nurse Deb for her service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
SCS ANNUAL “GREET & TREAT” EVENT - MONDAY, 10/28
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Monday, October 28 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items, especially cereal, canned fruits, canned vegetables, and Macaroni & Cheese, for the Strongsville Food Bank and other local food pantries that evening. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 28!
Fall Parade & Party - October 31st (Repeat)
Parade
Weather permitting, we will have a short parade through our side parking lot starting at 2:00 pm. Families are welcome to line the parking lot to watch the parade. If you plan on attending, please walk/bike/carpool as space is limited. If you do plan on driving, you will need to arrive by 1:55 as we will be stopping incoming traffic at this point.
Classroom Parties
Our PTA sponsored Classroom parties will take place on Thursday, October 31 from 2:15-3:15 p.m. in the classrooms. Please remember that volunteers that have signed up in advance, will be admitted (This is organized through our PTA and head room parents). All volunteers must sign in with the office, present a photo ID prior to entering classrooms.
Costumes
Students are encouraged to dress up on this day. Please remember that even costumes MUST be appropriate. Students should wear their costumes, non-violent and simple in nature, to school. Look-a-like weapons (including, but not limited to, swords, guns, and knives) are NOT permitted. This should be a positive experience by encouraging fun and originality. Masks will not be permitted to be worn throughout the school day, but may be worn during the party.
Fall Classroom Party Food Reminders
Please make sure whatever food items you bring in for the Halloween party align with the SnackSafely Guidelines and are peanut free. We will have to check each food item in the office to ensure it meets the guidelines. We appreciate your help and support with this.
Attention Fall Party Volunteers: Student Sign Out Form
Please Return Model Mustang Signs by 10/31
We will be selecting our new Model Mustangs for October on Friday, November 1st. If your student received a Model Mustang of the Month sign in September, please return it to the office by Thursday, October 31st. Thank you!
No School for Students
November PTA Meeting
November PTA Meeting
Thursday, Nov 7, 2024, 06:00 PM
Whitney Elementary School, Whitney Road, Strongsville, OH, USA
Model Mustang Focus for November: Global
To be Global means to actively seek cultural understanding and embrace the rich tapestry of diversity that exists in our world. It involves recognizing and valuing the different perspectives, traditions, and experiences that shape individuals and communities.
A Global citizen acts with empathy and compassion, striving to understand others' feelings and viewpoints, and responding with kindness. This mindset fosters a sense of connection and respect among people from different backgrounds.
Additionally, being Global entails resolving conflicts peacefully, prioritizing dialogue and collaboration over discord. It involves working towards solutions that respect all parties’ rights and dignity.
Finally, a Global citizen demonstrates service not only to their local community but also to the larger global community. This commitment to service reflects an understanding that our actions can have far-reaching impacts, encouraging individuals to contribute positively to society and advocate for social justice and equality.
In essence, being Global is about cultivating a mindset that values understanding, compassion, and service, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and interconnected world.
Issue 53 - Operating Levy
Title One Services at Whitney
SEF Casino Night & Chamber Dance
School Fees Due
School Fee letters went out in early October. All fee payments are due by December 13, 2024. Please make checks payable for the full amount to STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS and include your child's name in the memo section. Send your fee payment, along with the bottom portion of this statement, to your child's teacher. If you have any questions, please contact the secretary at (440) 572-7180. You can also pay your fees online using your "PaySchools Central" account.
No More Donations Needed in the Clinic - Thank you!
Lost and Found - Items will be Donated on Monday 10/28
As a way to ensure coats and other items are not left behind, please make sure you write your child's name on their clothing items (especially their warm winder jackets).
Veterans Day - November 11th
Due to limited space, we have reached capacity for our Veterans Day event and the RSVP form is now closed. If you RSVP'd and can no longer attend please let our office know. Additionally, we are still looking for a few more volunteers and breakfast donations to help honor our Veterans. Click here if you would like to help out. Thank you!
DARE Ice Skating
Student Council Winter Coat Drive
Hat & Glove Donation Drive
Help us make this winter a little warmer for kids in need by donating to the Foodbank Sharing Tree! Please sign up for one or more items, and help us provide hats and gloves for children in our community. Donations are due by Monday, December 2nd. You can drop them off on my front porch (10530 Juniper Ct) or send them to school with your child, clearly labeled “PTA Sharing Tree.” Please make sure to label the hat and glove sets with the size or age group you purchased them for, so we can ensure they go to the right children when we turn them in. Thank you so much for your generosity and for helping keep kids warm this winter!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044CADA62DA2F85-52424514-sharing
Facts on the Upcoming Levy (Repeat)
School Counselor Connection: October Edition (Repeat)
Cold Weather is Coming - Please Have Students Dress Appropriately (Repeat)
24-25 Yearbook - Help Keep the Memories! (Repeat)
November 2024 Strongsville Branch Library 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
Kindergarten Countdown: Off to Work. For those entering Kindergarten in the Fall with a Caregiver. Friday, November 1st / 11:00 a.m. - Noon.
Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. This session, we will focus on sharing.
Storytimes:
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes start up again in June! 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 p.m.
Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Teens Grades 6 - 12. Monday, November 4th / 6:30 - 8:00 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!
Technology Training Class:
Word: Mail Merge and Inserting Objects. Wednesday, November 6th / 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Explore tools for organizing and adding visual interest to documents. Topics including creating and modifying tables, inserting and formatting images, and creating letters and mailing labels using the mail merge feature. Prerequisite: Word Basics
Word Advanced Features. Saturday, November 23rd / 10:00 a.m. - Noon.
Learn about the advanced formatting features available in Word, including tab stops, styles, headers and footers. We will also discuss using tracking capabilities and comments to collaborate on documents. Prerequisite: Word Basics
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.
Drop-In Sewing. Saturday, November 9th / 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Bring your unfinished project or a project that you want to begin here to the Strongsville Branch! We will have sewing machines available for usage, and staff will be there to assist. You must bring your own supplies and have sewing machine experience. No registration is required.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, November 12th / 7:00 p.m.
A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Tree Table.
by Lois Lowry. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Teen Sewing Night. Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Wednesday, November 13th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Sewing machines, sharp scissors, and needles will be used during this program. Come in for a sewing night! Beginners welcome! This sewing class will review the basic parts of the sewing machine, basic sewing techniques, and allow teens to make a project to take home! 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.
Digital Navigator at Strongsville Branch. Wednesday, November 13th from 1:00 - 6:30 p.m. OR Friday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. 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.
Moon Over Strongsville. Thursday, November 14th / 7 p.m.
Local speaker Chuck Jakubchak returns with this informative presentation on the moon over Strongsville. Our speaker will highlight the role that the full moon plays in our lives throughout the course of the year, with particular emphasis on the solstice. The presentation compares our sentiments about the full moon with those of Native American Indians and includes memorable photos. Anyone that enjoys looking at a moonlit sky should enjoy this program. The next full moon is Friday, November 15th!
Blood Drive. Friday, November 15th / 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).
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, November 16th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, November 25th / 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.
Name Game: Teen Writer's Workshop. Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, November 19th / 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Join Ohio Poet Laureate Kari Gunter-Seymour for fun writing exercises and a writer's workshop! “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” William Shakespeare uses this line in his play Romeo and Juliet to convey that the naming of things is irrelevant. Ohio Poet Laureate Kari Gunter-Seymour disagrees. Names are somewhat central to our identities, maybe even helping to shape our destinies to some extent. Some of us have nicknames, and some famous people (including Beyoncé) are known by mononyms. Many of us just answer to whatever trendy, retro, or unique names our parents happened to choose for us BUT in this workshop, we are going to consider alternative names for ourselves—serious, silly, make believe or possibly outrageous, building on prompts, she will provide to kick start our creative brain cells. All are welcome, no prior writing experience is required.
Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, November 20th / 4:30 – 5:30 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, November 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 Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
School Age Craft. Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, November 21st / 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Shake off the school day by getting artsy at the library! Registration is required. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return to program location at least one week prior to the program start date.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, November 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 are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.