Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol 8, Iss 10)
IN THIS ISSUE - October 13, 2023
Important Dates to Remember 60 Seconds With The Superintendent SHS Marching Mustangs to Appear on FOX 8 Morning Show (Friday, 10/20) Fall Play at SHS (Friday, October 20 - Saturday, October 21) Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Allison Johns, Monitor at Chapman Elementary School Issue 14 (SCS Renewal Levy) SHS Senior Vinnie Borros Qualifies for State in Golf DO NOT use your Chromebook to charge your phone! State Tournament Brackets for Volleyball & Soccer SHS PTA Donation Drive + Dairy Queen Fundraiser PTA Reflections “Here Comes the Bus” App for SCS Families SCS Greet & Treat - Monday, October 23 Cleveland Cavaliers / Strongsville City Schools Night - Wednesday, November 22 Looking to Make an Impact? Consider This Job Opening with SCS! Strongsville Education Foundation - Casino Night Fundraiser - Saturday, November 11 Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families Stay Safe. Speak Up! Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Friday, October 20 & Saturday, October 21 - 7:00pm
SHS Fall Play - “Trap”
Strongsville High School Auditorium
$10 - General Adult Admission / $5 - General Student, Child, or District Employee Admission
Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance
** Parental discretion advised for children under 10
Monday, October 23 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
SCS “Greet & Treat” Event
Pat Catan Stadium
An outdoor family-friendly trick or treat event
Accepting donations for the Strongsville Food Bank (especially in need of Peanut Butter & Jelly + Pasta & Sauce)
Tuesday, October 24 - 7:00pm
SMS Fall Orchestra Concert
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Wednesday, October 25 - 7:00pm
SHS Fall Choral Concert
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Thursday, October 26 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Saturday, October 28 - 7:00pm
“Boo-tiful” Show Choir Invitational
Strongsville High School Auditorium
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
This year, Strongsville High School students have enjoyed a daily SONO Bar (Latin Food) option at lunch. A very popular food choice, even outside of school, students can build tacos, nachos, and burritos with their favorite fillings. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see how our Food Services Department continue to grow and develop their menus for our students.
SHS MARCHING MUSTANGS TO APPEAR ON FOX 8 MORNING SHOW (FRIDAY, 10/20)
Don’t miss our very own “Marching Mustangs” on next Friday’s (October 20) FOX 8 Morning Show and “Kickin’ It With Kenny”. The Band will be performing throughout the morning beginning at 6:55am!
FALL PLAY AT SHS (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21)
Strongsville High School students will be performing Trap for the Fall Play on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. Based on a true story, Trap is a documentary-style thriller about a disaster that shook a town and left almost every audience member in a theater unconscious in Menachap, California. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theater ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life. Tickets are $10 for General Adult Admission and $5 for General Student, Child, or District Employee Admission. Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance ** Parental discretion advised for children under 10
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. ALLISON JOHNS, MONITOR AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Allison Johns has been a monitor at Chapman Elementary for almost one year. Mrs. Johns started working in our District last November. When not working with our students at Chapman, she is a Girl Scout Troop Leader and also assists in coaching for the Strongsville girls youth lacrosse program. Mrs. Johns earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.
“At Chapman Elementary, I am continually working to make connections and build relationships with students. They teach me through open communication and help me understand the best ways to help and support them. This also leads to more opportunities for me to make a greater impact. It is so rewarding to see the students grow and progress! I really enjoy working with other staff members at Chapman and learning from their experiences. There is great support for each other at our building.”
Thank you Mrs. Johns for being part of a fantastic team at Chapman! #ModelMustang
ISSUE 14 (SCS RENEWAL LEVY)
On November 7, 2023 Strongsville City Schools will have a renewal levy on the ballot. Our District seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.
Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a renewal on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues. The information on our website (https://www.strongnet.org/community/issue-14-renewal-levy) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 14? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy.
SHS SENIOR VINNIE BORROS QUALIFIES FOR STATE IN GOLF
Congratulations to SHS Senior Vinnie Borros who qualified earlier this week for the State Golf Meet. Vinnie shot a 77 at the District Meet and qualified for the State Tournament after winning a 4-golfer playoff. Good luck to Vinnie!
DO NOT USE YOUR CHROMEBOOK TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE!
A message to students and families from our Tech Department:
Please DO NOT use your Chromebook to charge your phone! Using your Chromebook as a charger for your phone can result in severe consequences:
1. Potential Damage: Charging your phone through your Chromebook can cause damage to both devices, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
2. Warranty Void: This action voids the manufacturer's warranty for your Chromebook, leaving you without its protection against unforeseen issues.
3. Optional District Insurance Void: It also voids the district insurance coverage for your Chromebook, which means you'll be responsible for any future damages or losses.
This cautionary notice comes in response to an increase in the number of student devices being turned in due to these issues. We want to ensure the longevity and functionality of your Chromebooks and, by extension, your learning experience.
STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKETS FOR VOLLEYBALL & SOCCER
Postseason OHSAA tournaments begin next week for our SHS varsity volleyball and soccer teams.
Volleyball: The Mustangs Volleyball team (#16 seed) battles Amherst-Steele at 7:30pm on Tuesday, October 17 at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for their Sectional/District tournament bracket.
Boys Soccer: The Mustangs Boys Soccer team (#14 seed) takes on Valley Forge at 6:00pm on Tuesday, October 17 at Foltz Field (15677 Foltz Industrial Parkway). Click HERE for their Sectional/District tournament bracket.
Girls Soccer: The Mustangs Girls Soccer team (#2 seed) faces the winner of the Cleveland Hts./Elyria first round matchup. The Lady Mustangs begin their tournament run at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 19 at Foltz Field (15677 Foltz Industrial Parkway). Click HERE for their Sectional/District tournament bracket.
SHS PTA DONATION DRIVE + DAIRY QUEEN FUNDRAISER
SHS PTA is hosting a soft goods donation drive (clothing, blankets, pillows, etc.) on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. There will be a truck parked at the high school collecting donated items on both days (10/20 from 3-5pm and 10/21 from 8-11:30am). The donated goods can be in any condition. SHS PTA will earn money based on the weight of what is collected. As part of the donation drive, PTA does need an estimate of how much will be collected. HERE is a sign up for an approximate number of bags (a standard garbage bag is fine!) individuals are donating. All money raised goes directly back to our SHS students and teachers to fund grants, Senior Scholarships, Senior Banner, PBIS, etc.
SHS PTA is also partnering with Strongsville Dairy Queen for the “Cakes for a Cause” fundraiser through Saturday, October 21. Purchase a coupon for $20 - good for an 8” ice cream cake. Buy as many as you would like, the coupons do not expire (Strongsville location only). Purchase coupons online HERE or contact Lauren Friedberg (friedberg.lauren@gmail.com) if you prefer to pay with cash or check.
SHS PTA thanks you for your continued support!
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.
SCS GREET & TREAT - MONDAY, OCTOBER 23
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Monday, October 23 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 peanut butter and jelly, pasta, and pasta sauces, 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 23!
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.
LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT? CONSIDER THIS JOB OPENING WITH SCS!
Are you interested in making an impact with students? Have you always wanted to be part of a school environment and have the chance to connect with and guide students? Strongsville City Schools has an opening that might be right for you. We are looking to fill the role of Special Education Aide/Attendant (RBT) at one of our elementary schools. If your passion is working with K-5 students, click HERE to find out more about this opportunity and other District openings, and to apply. Strongsville City Schools - Inspiring & Empowering Our Learners Today to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION CASINO NIGHT FUNDRAISER - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Join the FUN at Casino Night - a fundraiser for The Strongsville Education Foundation. Enjoy table games, food, and drinks on Saturday, November 11 from 7pm - 10:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Purchase tickets HERE (link also includes information for raffle prize donations and other sponsorship opportunities).The mission of the Strongsville Education Foundation is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools.
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
First Evangelical Lutheran Church “Trunk or Treat” - Saturday, 10/28
First Evangelical Lutheran Church Strongsville welcomes everyone to join us on Saturday October 28th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm for our third annual “Trunk or Treat” event in our parking lot at 19419 Pearl Road. Its another opportunity to show off those adorable costumes and grab some extra Halloween Treats! Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will be on hand for an additional cost. Can't wait to see you there!
Strongsville Special Olympics
Volunteers are needed for our Strongsville Special Olympics Athletes during their swim season. Volunteers would need to be good swimmers that would be willing to get in the water and help model swimming techniques that the coach provides. Most importantly, we ask that you provide enthusiasm and encouragement to our athletes. The swim season will take place from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Strongsville Rec Center. Our season will run from October 1st - December 5th. Please click here for a quick free background check and click here to sign up for a session. We greatly appreciate the support from our community! Questions? Please email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com.
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
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)
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)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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 October 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/4050
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.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, October 14th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or Monday, October 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.
Lost Cemeteries of Cuyahoga County: Strongsville Edition with Author William G. Krejci. Tuesday, October 17th / 7:00 p.m. Local author William G. Krejci tracked down more than 50 displaced cemeteries throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Join us to discover the Revolutionary War veterans, famous scientists and illustrious dignitaries found beneath gas stations and grocery stores in this eerie history of Cuyahoga County’s forgotten dead. This program will share many of these incredible stories, but will also focus on those closer to Strongsville, including the long-forgotten Strongsville Baptist Church Burying Ground. Program presented by the Strongsville Historical Society in partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. 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
Wednesday, October 18th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word Basics.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, October 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 Midnight Library by Matthew Haig. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, October 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).
Kindergarten Countdown: Colors. For children entering kindergarten next Fall and their caregiver. Friday, October 20th / 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 colors.
National Chemistry Week: The Healing Power of Chemistry. Grades 2 – 6. Saturday, October 21st / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 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 always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Craft Night: Yarn Pumpkins. For Teens in grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, October 24th / 7:00 p.m. Come in and make miniature pumpkins using foam, wood, and yarn. Perfect to use as decorations for fall!
Elephant & Piggie Costume Storytime. All ages with a caregiver. Wednesday, October 25th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Come one, come all to a storytime featuring Mo Willem's popular characters- Elephant (also known as Gerald) and Piggie. You can even come dressed as one of this lovable pair.
AARP Social Security Basics. Monday, October 30th / 7:00 p.m. Do you understand how Social Security works? Have you wondered what the difference between full, early and delayed benefits are? This Social Security workshop focuses on building an understanding of the implications of Social Security claiming decisions. You will discover what Social Security is and you will also learn how to secure your benefits, as well as the future of Social Security. Build confidence in making a decision that is right for you! Registration is required. You must visit AARP at http://aarp.cvent.com/OHevents to register.
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