Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 23)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - February 11, 2022
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
2021-22 SCS District Operating Procedures
Chapman Students Build Gingerbread Houses to Learn About Circuits
Mustang Spotlight - Mr. John Henry, Coordinator of Special Education
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
SHS Students Advance in National Shakespeare Competition
“State of the Schools” Presentation (Wed. 2/23)
60 DECA Students Qualify for State Competition
FREE Drive Through COVID-19 Testing at Pat Catan Stadium (Sat. 2/12)
15 SHS Student-Athletes Announce College Commitments on Signing Day
Kindergarten Registration Information (2022-23 School Year)
SHS Athletic Boosters - Night at the Races (Sat. 2/19)
‘Magic Gives Back’ Event (Sun. 4/10)
‘Right At School’ to Offer Before- & After-School Care in Our District for 2021-22
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Tuesday, February 15 - 6:30pm
Strongsville Board of Education Special Meeting / Retreat
Polaris Career Center
Friday, February 18
Remote/Asynchronous Day for Students
Professional Development Day for SCS Staff
Monday, February 21
NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day
Wednesday, February 23 - 6:30pm
“State of the Schools” Presentation
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
Click HERE to submit topics/questions you would like to see addressed - form will be open until February 11 at 5pm
Thursday, February 24 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
DID YOU KNOW?
Two recognitions happened at last night’s Board of Education Meeting. Dr. Cameron Ryba, SCS Superintendent received the Exemplary Leadership Award for this region from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators. Dr. Ryba was recognized for his commitment to his profession, his innovative mindset, the example he sets for his peers, and his community involvement. Mr. George Anagnostou, SCS Treasurer, received the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for the 2020-21 budget year. Mr. Anagnostou and his team earned the award for the third straight year, which recognizes the District’s financial integrity.
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Strongsville City Schools has an excellent Maintenance Department. This team does not hesitate when it comes to tackling both planned and unplanned projects. Our Maintenance Department features a variety of skill levels and expertise, which allows them to handle many projects in-house. Click HERE to see one of the recent projects this department has taken on which will result in an annual cost savings for our District.
2021-22 SCS DISTRICT OPERATING PROCEDURES
CHAPMAN STUDENTS BUILD GINGERBREAD HOUSES TO LEARN ABOUT CIRCUITS
Chapman students, under the guidance of Mrs. Nosan, recently built gingerbread houses to learn more about electric currents. The project also gave students the opportunity to apply real world math problems and scientific ideas.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. JOHN HENRY, COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AT SMS, MURASKI, & KINSNER
Mr. John Henry is in his fifth year working in our District and has spent a total of twenty four years in education. Mr. Henry is a Coordinator of Special Education at Strongsville Middle School, Kinsner Elementary, and Muraski Elementary. He has earned his undergraduate degree from Kent State University and his graduate degree from Cleveland State University.
“Having the ability to work with students and watch them grow and develop is the best part of my job. I also enjoy collaborating with teachers and going the extra mile to help our students. Based on my role in Student Services, I have the unique opportunity to support students and families throughout our District. On any given day, I could be in any building or surrounding private school where a Strongsville resident attends. This has provided me with a wide connection to the Strongsville community,” said Mr. Henry.
Thank you Mr. Henry for your continued partnership with students and families in our District to ensure they receive the support services they need. #WeAreStrongsville
3=FREE FOR LUNCHES THROUGHOUT OUR DISTRICT
Did you know that students who pack their lunch can still receive FREE food items at school? Even if you are sending your student to school with food from home, they are still able to receive a fruit, vegetable, and milk for FREE! It's convenient and saves money for families - just pack the main item for lunch and let SCS Food Services take care of the rest!
SHS STUDENTS ADVANCE IN NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION
Last week, Strongsville High School participated in the 2022 English-Speaking Union (ESU) National Shakespeare Competition. Students submitted a recorded performance of a classic Shakespearan monologue. Three local actors, directors, and educators judged the performances and came to a consensus on the winners. SHS 11th graders Avery Scullin and Aubrey Kocsis will perform at the Cleveland Branch competition where a winner will be chosen to advance to the National competition in NYC. Congratulations to the Top 5 winners from SHS:
1st - Avery Scullin
2nd - Aubrey Kocsis
3rd - Caleb Webb
4th - Charlie Parsons
5th - Maya Elmouhawesse
“STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION (WED. 2/23)
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM. This year’s event will be held at Strongsville Middle School and will also be livestreamed on our SCS TV website. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special. Do you have something you wish to be covered during our “State of the Schools” event? Click HERE to submit a topic/question - the most frequent comments and feedback will be addressed on February 23rd. This form will be open and accepting responses until Friday, February 11th at 5:00 PM.
60 DECA STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR STATE COMPETITION
Congratulations to students in Strongsville High School’s DECA program, led by Mrs. Naymik. Every student in this two-year marketing program participates in a district marketing competition against students from other high schools in addition to the marketing classes they take. Due to the pandemic, these students participated in the DECA District Competition virtually, taking a test and submitting a video of their role play presentation to the judges for grading. Both scores were factored into their final score. The top four individuals and the top three teams in each event earned a spot to compete at the state level. Out of the 91 students at Strongsville High School who competed, 60 of them qualified to participate in the Ohio DECA State Competition. Click HERE for the complete list of students headed to the state competition in March.
FREE DRIVE THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING AT PAT CATAN STADIUM (SAT. 2/12)
Strongsville City Schools, SAMP Health, and Nurse Practitioners Health Services have partnered to help reduce the stress on our hospitals with a FREE ($0 out of pocket costs) drive through COVID-19 testing opportunity at Pat Catan Stadium on Saturday, February 12 from 10:00am - 4:00pm. For entrance to the testing site, please access Rademaker-Miller Lane from Pearl Rd. Make sure you have a photo ID and your medical/health insurance card. PCR and Rapid Tests will be available. Click HERE for additional details.
15 SHS STUDENT-ATHLETES ANNOUNCE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS ON SIGNING DAY
Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School student-athletes who announced their college commitments in a Signing Day event at SHS this week. These individuals will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the college/university level:
Ethan Boyd - Otterbein University (Football)
Kyler Cubbison - Baldwin Wallace University (Soccer)
Fiona Dadas - Ashland University (Lacrosse)
Fergus DeLeon - University of Mount Union (Soccer)
Anthony Gentile - University of Dayton (Football)
William Hryszko - Kent State University (Football)
Braedon Kennedy - University of Mount Union (Soccer)
Ryan Krempa - Ashland University (Football)
Jacob Lloyd - Centre College (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Stephanie Mraz - Baldwin Wallace University (Softball)
Thomas Redella - Baldwin Wallace University (Soccer)
Dylan Reid - John Carroll University (Football)
Jillian Rymer - University of Mount Union (Swimming)
Shelby Topor - Cleveland State University (Softball)
Megan Yanke - Ursuline College (Lacrosse)
Click HERE for a video featuring each of the student-athletes’ thoughts on their athletic careers at SHS.
We are proud of your accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom and know that you will continue to positively represent SHS at the next level - CONGRATULATIONS!
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION (2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR)
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2022-23 school year are currently being accepted online. Parents interested in FDK should complete this request form. Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year.
SHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS - NIGHT AT THE RACES (SAT. 2/19)
Don’t miss the 4th Annual “Night at the Races” fundraising event, benefiting Strongsville Athletic Boosters. “Night at the Races” is scheduled for Saturday, February 19 at Michaud’s Event Center - doors open at 6pm, dinner is at 7pm. It’s a fun night of food, beverages, and horse racing! Tickets are available now for $50 each or $360 for a table of 8. Please contact Stephanie Kunovich at 440.429.7954 or skuno14@yahoo.com to order tickets or click HERE. Horses are also available for purchase for $25 each. Winning horses for each race wins $50! To purchase horses, please email shsathleticboosters@gmail.com or click HERE. Call Strongsville Athletic Boosters President Keith Housum at 440.382.1824 with any questions about this upcoming event.
‘MAGIC GIVES BACK’ EVENT (SUN. 4/10)
Make plans for the entire family to attend the ‘Magic Gives Back’ event on Sunday, April 10 at 3pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. This exciting show features the unbelievable magic and stunning illusions of world-famous Rick Smith, Jr. Initial proceeds from this event will go toward the Kinsner Elementary PTA. If over 600 tickets are sold, additional proceeds will benefit Strongsville Council PTA. Invite friends and win prizes, including a backstage “Meet & Greet” and an Oculus Quest 2 - click HERE for details. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
‘RIGHT AT SCHOOL’ TO OFFER BEFORE- & AFTER-SCHOOL CARE IN OUR DISTRICT FOR 2021-22
Our District is excited to announce a partnership agreement with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students for the 2021-22 school year. Right at School will be offering before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional information, please visit their website dedicated to the newly established Strongsville Schools program (https://rightatschool.com/districts/Strongsville-oh).
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 Spring Soccer - Register NOW!
Registration for the spring season of Strongsville Soccer is happening now for boys and girls ages 4-14. Registration deadline is March 5th, with games scheduled to begin on April 2nd. Click HERE for additional information or visit strongsvillesoccer.com.
Junior Browns Flag Football League
Register now for the Junior Browns Flag Football League. There are competitive divisions for grades KG - 6th grade. Games will be played on Sundays beginning in late March at Pat Catan Stadium. Visit strongsvillefootballbackers.com to register. Questions? Email lcirino@scsmustangs.org or jtrusnik@gmail.com. Click HERE for additional details.
Strongsville Lacrosse 2022 Registration Now OPEN!
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2022 season is now open for boys and girls in grades 2nd-8th. Indoor practices begin mid-February and the outdoor season will run from late March through May. All experience levels are welcome. All information is included on the registration site at https://www.strongsvillelacrosse.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 to see additional details.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Application is now available online. Please visit the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce website (www.strongsvillechamber.com) for details. Graduates of the Class of 2021 and graduating seniors in the Class of 2022 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply. Applications must be received by the Chamber no later than March 1, 2022.
February Business Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
“Cuyahoga County Update” with Mike Gallagher
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following February 2022 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order for us to send you the Zoom invitation. 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.
Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.
English as a Second Language. IN PERSON Thursdays & Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Aspire Greater Cleveland is once again teaching IN-PERSON classes to help non-native speakers learn English and validate their skills. Students must attend an ESOL/Citizenship orientation session before beginning ESOL or citizenship classes. If you are interested in attending these ESOL classes, please call Aspire at 833.277.4732 to register.
Computer Classes 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
Zoom Virtual Toddler Storytime. Wednesday, February 16th and 23rd from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Preschool Age 3-5 Storytime. Tuesday, February 15th and 22nd from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, February 16th and 23rd from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, February 17th and 24th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Studio Orientation. Saturday, February 12th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or Monday, February 28th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. 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. These orientations will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY. 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 receive the Zoom link to participate.
Teen DIY Print Making. Saturday, February 12th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. IN PERSON. Learn to make greeting cards for your friends with Styrofoam. All supplies will be provided. Wear clothes you don't mind getting paint on. Due to COVID-19, there is limited seating so 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 to the program location at least one week prior to the program start date. The form and more information can be found here. Learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Valentine’s Day Storytime. Monday, February 14th / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. VIRTUAL. Join us virtually for stories about kindness and caring. Children can create a home heart craft to share with their own valentine! Ages 4 & up with a parent/caregiver to help with the craft.
Future Proof Your Photo Memories. Tuesday, February 15th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. In this virtual presentation, certified photo organizer, Lisa Griffis, will present the seven steps of photo organizing and how to accomplish them so you can create your own visual legacy. Registration and an email address are required to receive the Zoom link to participate. A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 16th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion has gone VIRTUAL and will be live on Zoom at 7 p.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 Memorial Drive : a daughter's memoir by Natasha Trethewey. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Blood Drive. Friday, February 18th / 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 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, February 28th / 2:30 p.m. IN PERSON. The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration required. New members always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Lost Man by Jane Harper. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
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