60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
6th Grade Camp has been a tradition in our District for several years. But what happens when students are unable to head off-site to participate in activities? Our current 7th graders took that question and turned it into an opportunity to create Camp Global - a 6th grade camp experience within the walls of SMS, specifically designed for any student not traveling to an off-site camp. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see how this idea grew into a Project Based Learning opportunity in Mrs. Myers’ classroom, completely run by our current 7th graders to provide a memorable camp experience for our 6th graders.
SCS DRAFT MASTER FACILITIES PLAN - FEEDBACK SURVEY
On September 19, SCS held a virtual 'Community Conversation' to share the draft master facilities plan that was developed by a group of 60 parents, community members, and staff on our Elementary Facilities Planning Committee with guidance from 50 Key Communicators.
If you were unable to join the live Community Conversation, you can watch the recorded presentation on demand at tinyurl.com/91923BoxCast. After you have had the opportunity to view the update, please visit tinyurl.com/SCSFacilitiesPlanSurvey to complete a feedback survey to share your thoughts and insights on this draft facilities plan. The survey will be open through Friday, September 29th.
After the survey closes, the feedback will be analyzed and reviewed by the Elementary Facilities Planning Committee. On October 5th, this committee will meet to review the feedback and make any needed adjustments to the master facilities plan. On October 12th, the committee will recommend a final version of the facilities plan to the Strongsville Board of Education for consideration.
As Strongsville City Schools takes this next step in the planning process to put in place a vision for the facilities of SCS that can meet the needs of our learners today and into the future, your voice is a valued and critical component of this work. Thank you in advance for being a part of this engagement process!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. KRISTEN WELSH, RBT AT THE EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL
Mrs. Kristen Welsh has worked in our District for 8 years. She is in her 7th year at our Early Learning Preschool as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Mrs. Welsh is a resident of Strongsville and has two of her three children attending Strongsville City Schools. She is also a big fan of dogs - they have two at home (Bailey - Beagle / Sadie - German Shepherd) and currently are fostering 8 puppies! In her spare time, Mrs. Welsh also volunteers at the Berea Animal Shelter.
“I look forward to coming to the Preschool every day. I love teaching our littlest learners how to be ‘Model Mustangs.’ Each student is unique and learns in a different way. I love the challenge of figuring out how to teach each child according to their individuality. It’s such a good feeling when our students master a task and beam with pride!”
Thank you Mrs. Welsh for being part of a great team at our Early Learning Preschool, helping to build the foundation for our ‘Mini-Mustangs!’ #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.
SAVE THE DATE! 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.
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
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 STAMPEDE 2023 - TOMORROW (SATURDAY, 9/23)
GOH Run and the Strongsville High School Cross Country teams are hosting a youth fun run TOMORROW (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!
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.
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
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.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, October 3rd / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Shape of Thunder by Jamine Warga. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
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.
The British Coronation. Wednesday, October 11th / 7:00 p.m. Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with royal expert Julie Koenig; learn all about the customs and traditions dating back more than 1,000 years and the glorious spectacle of all the pomp and pageantry.
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