Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2022-23 Vol 7, Iss 31)
Be The Difference
IN THIS ISSUE - March 31, 2023
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Chapman Elementary Science Fair
SCS Spring Break Scavenger Hunt
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Candace Savage, M/I Aide at Strongsville Middle School
Dine Out in Strongsville & Support 3 Great Fundraisers
New Audio Lab at SHS - Sign Up Now & Start Creating!
SCS State of the Schools Presentation - Watch it On Demand!
SHS Spring Musical - Final Performance of “Bye, Bye Birdie” (Sat. 4/1)
Strongsville Boys Golf Camp for Middle School Student-Athletes
Strongsville Summer Youth Soccer Camp - Register Now
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters Wing Ding (Sat. 4/29)
Strongsville Education Foundation “Jockeys & Juleps” Event (Sat. May 6th)
Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Saturday, April 1 - 7:00pm
SHS Spring Musical - “Bye Bye Birdie”
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Purchase Advance Tickets HERE or at the door on event night
($10 for Adult General Admission / $7 for Students/Seniors/SCS Employees)
Wednesday, April 5 - 7:00pm
All-City Choir Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Watch the live stream HERE
Thursday, April 6 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Friday, April 7 - Friday, April 14
NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
8th grade English Language Arts students at Strongsville Middle School just completed a unit learning about the Holocaust. In addition to a book study of “The Diary of Anne Frank” and engaging students in group projects and discussions, our ELA teachers were able to bring Mrs. Helen Marks to SMS as a guest speaker. Mrs. Marks is a Holocaust survivor and was able to share her story of how she stayed hidden with another family, as her parents worked to keep her safe from the Nazis. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about the impact of Mrs. Marks’ visit with our SMS students.
CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FAIR
Chapman Elementary hosted its annual Science Fair this week. 3rd-5th graders shared their hypotheses, data collections, analysis, and conclusions for projects ranging from "Soda Explosion" to "Which Sunscreen Protects Best" to "Magic Wands" to "Using Fruits & Vegetables as Power Sources" - Great job by all of our Chapman Scientists! Click HERE for a folder of pictures from the event.
SCS SPRING BREAK SCAVENGER HUNT
Looking for some fun family activities during Spring Break? Check out the signs at these Strongsville businesses and participate in the SCS Spring Break Scavenger Hunt: Ehrnfelt Rec Center, Heinen’s, Giant Eagle Market District, OBM Arena, Donut Scene, Donatos Pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, and the Strongsville Library. Each location has different activities to accomplish. Scan the QR Code after completing the activities and be entered for prizes!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. CANDACE SAVAGE, M/I AIDE AT STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mrs. Candace Savage has worked at Strongsville City Schools for nine years. Mrs. Savage started in our District in a substitute role and is now an M/I Aide at Strongsville Middle School. She is also training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). A resident of Strongsville for almost 19 years, Mrs. Savage has had 3 of her 4 children graduate from Strongsville High School. Her husband is also an employee of Strongsville City Schools.
“I love working with our students at the Middle School because each day is never the same and it makes it adventurous. I get to experience how much our students grow from the first day of 6th grade to the last day of 8th grade. It is amazing to see how much they grow and accomplish in just three short years,” said Mrs. Savage.
“What I like best about the Middle School is being able to work alongside our amazing Intervention Specialists. They are not just there to do their job, but they are there for the students and whatever needs they might have. They put our students' needs first before theirs and it makes working with someone like that very easy. It's important to work as a team and not as one!”
Thank you Mrs. Savage for the positive work you are doing to support our students at Strongsville Middle School! #BeTheDifference
DINE OUT IN STRONGSVILLE & SUPPORT 3 GREAT FUNDRAISERS
Don’t miss your chance to dine out in Strongsville and support 3 great fundraisers in the next few weeks. Remember to mention the name of the benefitting organization when ordering!
SHS M.I.L.E. (Mustang Inclusive Learning Environment) - Wednesday, April 5 (4pm-8pm) / Chipotle (15029 Pearl Rd.) - 33% of event sales will be donated back to support the SHS M.I.L.E. Program (supports Unified Sports, the high school’s coffee shop - developing experiences and job skills for our students - and additional community outings. (use code 6Q83VNA for online orders)
SMS PTA - Thursday, April 20 (4pm-7pm) / Jersey Mike’s (13309 Pearl Rd.) - 20% of sales will be donated back to SMS PTA
Strongsville Education Foundation - Monday, April 24 (4pm-10pm) / Raising Cane’s (14356 Pearl Rd.) - 15% of event sales will be donated back to the Strongsville Education Foundation
NEW AUDIO LAB AT SHS - SIGN UP NOW & START CREATING!
Did you know that we have an Audio Lab available on the 2nd floor of the SHS Media Center for our 9th-12th grade students? Click HERE for a promotional video created by Mr. Bent’s Sport Management class and featuring music created by students in the Audio Lab! This space features a professional grade workspace incorporating components found in recording studios across the country. Whether it’s vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums or acoustic instruments - this lab has the tools you need for your project. The Audio Lab is open to recording "newbies" or someone who is experienced in audio production - we encourage you to unleash your talents for the world to hear! Click HERE for additional information and to reserve time in the Audio Lab to start creating! (** An experienced SHS staff member must be present to use the Audio Lab)
SCS STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND!
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation was held recently. Dr. Ryba spoke about the various ways our District is investing in our students and staff, provided initial details on the District’s Strategic Plan, and presented an in-depth look at the challenges our District faces with our elementary schools due to projected increases in enrollment. A recording of the presentation is now available to view on demand - visit the SCS-TV page on the District website.
SHS SPRING MUSICAL - “BYE BYE BIRDIE” (SAT. 4/1)
Strongsville High School is proud to present the musical theatre classic - Bye Bye Birdie. Captivating audiences for over 60 years, Bye Bye Birdie explores the themes of love conquering adversity, youthful naivete, the dangers and demise of celebrity, and the struggles of growing up too early or too late. Come watch Albert and Rosie attempt to keep rock star Conrad Birdie (an Elvish Presley type) in the public eye as they travel to the suburban Sweet Apple, Ohio to allow a lucky girl “one last kiss” from Conrad before he enters the Army.
Their FINAL Performance is TOMORROW (Saturday 4/1) at 7pm in the Strongsville High School Main Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door or in advance HERE. ($10 for Adult General Admission / $7 for Students/Seniors/SCS Employees)
STRONGSVILLE BOYS GOLF CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES
5th-8th grade boys have the opportunity to develop their golf skills at the Strongsville Middle School Golf Camp. The camp will be held on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout April and May and is designed develop the proper techniques in the golf swing as well as develop the skills for the short game and putting. Camp Directors and Instructors include the SHS Boys Varsity and JV Coaches, as well as current members of the SHS Boys Golf Team. Click HERE to register for this upcoming camp.
STRONGSVILLE SUMMER YOUTH SOCCER CAMP - REGISTER NOW
Improve your soccer skills - dribbling, juggling, passing and shooting - at the Strongsville Youth Summer Camp for boys ages 6-11. The camp will be held July 10-13 from 9-11:30am each day at the Foltz Soccer Complex (Fields 1-3). Former Ohio State Buckeye, Professional Soccer Player, and current SHS Boys Head Coach Kyle Veris will lead the camp with current SHS Boys Soccer players also providing instruction. Click HERE for the camp flyer.
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS WING DING (SAT. 4/29)
Don’t miss the “Wing Ding” at Harvest Saloon on Saturday, April 29 (5-8pm) to benefit the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB). The event will feature food and drink, raffles, and lots of FUN! Tickets are $35 in advance and all proceeds from the night will benefit SIMB and their support of our instrumental music program. Click HERE for the event flyer.
STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION “JOCKEYS & JULEPS” EVENT (SAT. MAY 6TH)
The Strongsville Education Foundation’s 7th Annual “Jockeys & Juleps” event will take place on Saturday, May 6th from 5:30pm-10:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Watch the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, followed by a “Night at the Races” fundraiser benefiting the Foundation. Enjoy food and drink, raffles, and MORE! Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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, please click on the following links to access websites dedicated to each of our elementary school locations: Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, Whitney
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
Heartbeats Community Show
Don’t miss the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team perform a FREE community show at Strongsville High School on Saturday, April 22 (7pm). The Heartbeats Jump Rope Team was founded in 1992 to promote the sport of jump rope as fun, healthy, competitive, and entertaining for people of all ages. Bring the entire family for an exciting evening of fun-filled entertainment - you won’t believe your eyes! Click HERE for the event flyer.
Safety Town Registration
Parents of incoming Kindergarten students, don’t miss registering your children for Safety Town. Click HERE for additional information on Safety Town. Click HERE for a Parent Brochure. Click HERE for the registration link.
Strongsville Women’s League Art Contest for K-5th Grade Students
ATTN: K-5th Grade Students - Have you ever dreamed of what Strongsville could look like in the future? We would like you to share your vision in a drawing. Dream about an area in Strongsville and what it will be like in the future. Strongsville Women’s League is holding an art contest for Strongsville residents currently in Kindergarten through Grade 5. It doesn’t matter which school you attend (public, private, or home), you must live in Strongsville and create your image on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper. We are accepting entries beginning March 17 until April 17. Drop your artwork off in your school office drop box labeled Strongsville Women’s League Art entries. There will be first, second, and third place prizes in each group of K-1, grades 2-3, and grades 4-5 students. Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Friday April 21, 2023. Parents of the winners will be contacted by email the week of April 17. Good luck and have fun! Please contact Karen Burgund (kmbrona@aol.com) or Mindy Shirilla (mindyshirilla@sbcglobal.net) with any questions or concerns. Click HERE for official contest rules.
Strongsville Swim League
Splash, dive, and jump into FUN this summer by joining your local Strongsville Swim Team! This year’s summer swim season takes place May 30 - July 15. Deadline to register for the season is May 16. Visit the Strongsville Swim League website - https://strongsville.teampages.com - for additional information.
Strongsville Rec Center - Spring Break STEAM Learning Adventures
Register for Spring Break classes at the Strongsville Rec Center (April 11-13) featuring two Challenge Island activities. Road Trip USA Camp and Slime Squad Camp are open to kids of all ages. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
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
April Business Luncheon
What To Look For When Choosing A Senior Living Community
Generations Senior Living of Strongsville (18960 Falling Water Road)
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 12 - July 15, 2023
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 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.
*The Administration Building and all Library Branches will be closed on Sunday, April 9th in honor of the Easter Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Monday, April 10th at 9:00 a.m.
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes in-person are in full swing! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. No registration needed!
Baby & Me. Birth to 18 months with Caregiver. Mondays / 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.; Thursdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Preschool. Ages 3-5 not yet in Kindergarten with Caregiver. Mondays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.; Tuesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. 19 – 35 months with Caregiver. Wednesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.; Wednesdays / 11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Family. All Ages with Caregiver. Thursdays / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Seed Library!
To spread knowledge of local food systems, cultivate skills required for sustainable food production, and to help make seeds more accessible to those in the community, the Strongsville Branch Library has partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to offer a selection of different varieties of organic, open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable, herb, & edible flower seeds. Please stop by the Strongsville Branch to pick-up your free seeds! Customers will be able to “check-out” 5 seed packets per month. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information. This program sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Saturday Crafter-noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, April 1st / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. If you’re not sure what to do on the first Saturday afternoon of the month, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, April 4th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Two Degrees by Alan Gratz, 2022.No registration. Everyone Welcome!
British Royal Weddings: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and her family. Wednesday, April 5th / 7:00 p.m. Explore all the pomp and ceremony, all the details about the royal weddings of: Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip of Greece & Denmark, her sister Princess Margaret, and her children, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Our British-born presenter, Julie Koenig, is a keen observer and lifelong student of the British monarchy. She is well-versed in the colorful history and traditions of the British royal family.
Writing Life’s Stories: Memoir Writing Series. Thursdays, April 13th – May 18th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Each session of this six-week memoir class includes writing basics, writing exercises, voluntary read-alouds, and homework. We will shake loose all sorts of story ideas, advance our skills, and gain insight by listening to one another's work. This series will cover the topics of challenges, family tales, sense of place, friendship, cultural influences, and personal soundtrack. Presented by author and editor, Laura Grace Weldon. Laura Grace Weldon is a writer, editor, and the author of four books. Her articles, essays and poetry have appeared in a range of commercial and literary publications.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. Cuyahoga County Public Library offers computer classes for beginners to advanced. Classes are currently being held in-person as well as some VIRTUALLY which requires a web browser and an internet connection. There is no additional software to download. Google Chrome is the recommended browser. A valid email address is required for registration. Registrants will receive an email with a link to join the class at least an hour before the start time. 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://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Computer-Classes/2021-Virtual-and-In-Person-classes.aspx
Monday, April 3rd / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 3.
Saturday, April 22nd / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Publisher.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, April 15th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL OR Monday, April 24th / 7 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 or in-person sessions.
Welcome to my Pad! Ages 3 – 6 with a Caregiver. Saturday, April 15th / 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Immerse yourself in frog culture with stories, trivia, and a craft.
Pompom Wreath. Teens Ages 11 – 18. Monday, April 17th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Learn two different ways to make easy pompoms and turn them into a decorative wreath!
Design Tips for Planning a Gorgeous Perennial Garden. Tuesday, April 18th / 7:00 p.m. Cuyahoga County Master Gardeners will present on planning a gardening bed. They will introduce elements of landscape design to help you plan a spectacular, low maintenance perennial bed or border. Sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 19th / 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 Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library
Tree Planting. Thursday, April 20th / 6:00 p.m. A presentation by professional arborist, speaker, and educator, Alan Siewert. Program co-sponsored by the city of Strongsville Natural Resources Division and the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, April 21st / 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, April 24th / 2:30 - 4 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 All the Flowers in Paris by Sarah Jio. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Roughing it: When Strongsville was a Frontier Town. Tuesday, April 25th / 7:00 p.m. Former Strongsville Historical Society Historian, Valerie Mattingley, will share this special look at Strongsville as a frontier town. This presentation is not about names and dates and buildings. It is a collection of events that paint a picture of life in the woods and dirt, with wild animals around. We will touch on why people came here, what the journey was like, what it took to hack a town out of the wilderness, how people made a living, and what they did for fun. This program is sponsored by the Strongsville Historical Society.
Preschool Science: Dinosaurs. Ages 3 – 5 with a caregiver. Wednesday, April 26th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Exploration Station - Dinosaurs Come explore dinosaurs together at hands-on activity stations where you can learn science and math concepts as you play!
A Life in Rock 'n' Roll: The Photography of Pat Johnson. Thursday, April 27th / 7:00 p.m. Nationally known rock 'n' roll photographer Pat Johnson will share his experiences photographing rock legends. Blue Collar Photographer by Pat Johnson captures a lifetime of shooting music and musicians – a smoke enshrouded Grace Slick, a candid and relaxed David Bowie, a silhouette framed by a full moon of Yoko Ono, a scowling Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys, a straightforward portrait of Tupac Shakur. These iconic shots helped define the oeuvre of the musicians and an entire era of classic rock music. Pat Johnson will share his life in rock 'n' roll. His work is currently housed in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. A book signing will follow the event.
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