Whitney Family Newsletter

March 22nd - Mother/Son Night Out

March 28th - Akron Zoo Assembly (PTA Sponsored) & PBIS Incentive Day!

March 29th - April 8th - Spring Break

Our grades K-5 music, 6-8 math, 6-8 English language arts and 7-8 social studies textbook/ materials adoption process is underway. Our professional staff at each level have thoroughly evaluated and vetted their top selections, based on eight months of committee work and professional development time allocated to the departments. Teachers reviewed and evaluated materials based on suitability, accuracy, and relevance in the context of the intended educational level and subject matter, assurance of academic quality and alignment to Ohio standards, ethical and cultural considerations, instructional design and pedagogical strategies employed in the materials.

Any Strongsville parent/community member may review the materials in person at the Strongsville Administrative Office during normal business hours, 8:00-4:00, from March 18 - March 28. We will have a survey to complete in order to provide input as we move through the adoption process. Please ensure you bring your license or state ID for building entry. Please use the linked Google form to sign up in advance, so we have materials ready. If you are not able to attend during the listed times, please fill out the survey and mark that you would like to complete an online review. The online resources will be available for review through April 18th.

Sign Up HERE to review textbooks/materials.

As you know, the solar eclipse is fast approaching on April 8th. As a district, we have done a few things to make this a special day even though we won’t have school on April 8th. First, through a collaboration between the PTA Council, Strongsville Education Foundation, and the District, we have purchased every student glasses for the eclipse. These will be sent home with students prior to Spring Break. Additionally, teachers will be providing a lesson to all students about the eclipse prior to Spring Break. As a special treat, our SHS National Honors Science students will be visiting all K-2 classrooms in the district throughout the month of March to read a book and have a discussion with students about the upcoming eclipse. Students in Grs. 3-4 will get to experience working with the SHS students on a hands-on eclipse activity. CLICK HERE for a flier that was put together for students or check out these additional resources - NASA Eclipse Information, Eclipse Over Cleveland. If you would like more information about what we are doing as a district or on the eclipse, please feel free to email our SHS Science Department Chair Laurel Maher (lmaher@scsmustangs.org).

Every Thursday in March, we will have a special theme for students and staff to dress up for:

March 21: College Spirit Gear

March 28: Destination and Vacation Spirit Wear

Looking to add to your "Green & White" wardrobe and get some updated Mustangs gear? Click HERE to visit our special, limited time Mustangs Team Shop for short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and MORE! Personalized merchandise is also available. Hurry - this Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3/31!

SHS Cheer will be hosting their annual Mustangs Cheer Camp for students in grades 1st-8th. Join our high school cheerleaders for a day of learning new chants, cheers, jumps. Cheer camp attendees will get to cheer with SHS cheerleaders on August 31st. Registration and payment due by May 1st. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more camp details. If you have questions please email Coach Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org

On March 19, 2024 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.

The information on our website (click HERE) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 25? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy. Click HERE to watch a recent “Community Conversation” hosted by Dr. Cameron Ryba (SCS Superintendent), Mr. George Anagnostou (SCS Treasurer), and Mr. Richard Micko (SCS Board President) where they discussed the facts about Issue 25.

Yearbooks for the 2023-2024 school year are ready to be odered! The deadline to order Whitney yearbooks is April 12th. We will not be placing a second order this year after the deadline so please make sure you get your orders in on time. I will keep this reminder in my Family Newsletter up until the deadline as a continious reminder. Thanks for your understanding.

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

Seed Library!

In order 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 once again 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 to pick up your free seeds beginning on the first day of Spring, March 19th. Sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. Supplies are limited. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information or visit https://www.hummingbirdproject.org/seed-libraries to see all participating locations in Greater Cleveland. Please also save the date for a Master Gardeners presentation on April 18th and our Spring Plant Swap on April 25th.

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.

Storytimes:
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are in session! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration needed.

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.

Teen Board Game Club. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 1st / 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Come join a monthly group where we learn and play a new game each month! Just stop in! No registration required!

Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, April 2nd / 7:00 p.m.

A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow. No registration. Everyone Welcome!

School Age Circuits and Makey Makey. Grades 1 – 3 with Adult Caregiver.
Wednesday, April 3rd / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Learn how to wire a basic circuit and create a hand-steadiness game using simple electronics. Registration is required.

Toddler Art & Sensory Play. For Ages 1 – 3 with Adult Caregiver. Friday, April 5th / 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, April 6th or April 20th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, April 29th / 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.

Solar Eclipse Viewing 2024. Monday, April 8th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the continental United States. Glimpse the full glory of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, visible only when the Sun’s disc is completely covered by the moon. The Strongsville Branch Library will set up an eclipse viewing area outside the Strongsville Branch Library. Join us for some fun eclipse activities and more. Open to All Ages! No registration required.

CreativiTeen. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Wednesday, April 10th / 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Drop-in to the TEEN AREA any time between 3:30 and 5:00 for a craft, technology demo, or other activity! No registration required. While supplies last.

Crafter-Noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, April 13th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
If you’re not sure what to do on the second Saturday afternoon of the month, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.

Teen Writing Workshop: Whipping Up a Great Story. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 15th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
How do you whip up a great story? Start with the best ingredients. Young adult mystery author JPC Allen will show teen writers how complex characters, vivid settings, gripping plots, and captivating themes can be mixed together to concoct stories readers will love. Through examples and writing prompts, teens have the chance to develop their own ingredients that will make their stories unique. Sponsored by the Strongsville Friends of the Library

Teen Craft Night: Yarn Art. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, April 16th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Using markers, yarn, and glue, "paint" a beautiful masterpiece on canvas board! The possibilities are endless! 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. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.

PowerPoint Basics. Wednesday, April 17th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Geared toward the beginner, this class offers an overview of Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program for designing creative presentations and slideshows. Create a simple presentation and learn how to add text, images and transitions to slides.

Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using PowerPoint

Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification.

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 Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 17th / 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 Friends like These by Kimberly McCreight. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

School Age Craft: Yarn Art. Ages 9 – 11. Thursday, April 18th / 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Take inspiration from famous art pieces or create your own yarn masterpiece on canvas. Registration is required.

Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. 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 it to the program location at least one week prior to the program’s start date. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.

Embracing Life in Your Garden. Thursday, April 18th / 7:00 p.m.
Not enough buzz in your garden? Bring your garden to life! In this presentation Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will offer tips and techniques for welcoming pollinators and other beneficials to your vegetable garden and landscape.

Blood Drive. Friday, April 19th / 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: All About Me. Friday, April 19th / 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 the topic All About Me!

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 22nd / 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 Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

Teen Tech Night: Fun with Fabrication. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 22nd / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Take a look at a laser cutter up close, learn about what fabrication even is, and build your own structure using pre-cut pieces. 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. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.

Digital Navigators. Tuesday, April 23rd / 1:30 – 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, April 27th / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Our 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.

Transformation of the Strongsville Fire Department: From Bucket Brigade to Fire and Emergency Services. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 p.m.
This presentation will include the evolution of the Fire department in Strongsville. From the bucket brigade efforts as early as 1820, to the volunteer firemen who organized the Strongsville Fire Protection Association in 1922, to the transformation into one of the most respected and accomplished fire departments in Cuyahoga County. We will discuss some of the biggest fire events within the Strongsville borders and highlight some of the founding fathers and leadership that helped shape the fire service into the great fire department that it is today. This special presentation, in partnership with the Strongsville Historical Society, will be presented by Guest speaker Lieutenant Brian Tomcany of Strongsville Fire and Emergency Services.

Southwest General Health Talk: Rotator Cuff Injury & Management. Wednesday, April 24th / 10:00 a.m.
Daniel Kana, DO, from NOMS Southwest Orthopedics, will discuss the progression of Rotator cuff disease. Topics will include impingement, tendonitis, acute and chronic tears, and treatments including surgical repairs and reverse total shoulder replacement.

British Royal Scandals. Wednesday, April 24th / 7:00 p.m.
Royal Expert Julie Koenig is joining us at Strongsville to discuss British Royal Scandals from the recent past. She'll shed light on Queen Elizabeth II's speech in 1992, Windsor Castle burning down, the day Diana died and the life of Princess Margaret. All are welcome!

Spring Plant Swap. Thursday, April 25th / 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 roots, 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.

Play, Learn, & Grow, Ages 1 – 3. Tuesday, April 30th / 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Boost your toddler’s brain through play! Join us for a 5-week series for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3. Connect with your kids and other families plus get answers about your growing child.

Battle for the Ballot: Cleveland's Suffragist Movement. Tuesday, April 30th / 7:00 p.m.
There is no complete record of the brave, often unmated women who fought for their right to vote and finally triumphed in 1920. Learn about a band of women who dedicated themselves to the public interest and grew into an organization that won the respect and confidence of the nation. This program will tell the story behind the Cleveland women who advocated for suffrage and went on to help establish the League of Women Voters. Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society.