Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol 8, Iss 8)
IN THIS ISSUE - September 29, 2023
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds With The Superintendent
New York Times Best-Selling Author Visits Surrarrer Elementary
Eat at Bibibop to Benefit the Fall Play at SHS (Tuesday, October 3)
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Allison DeVore, Intervention Specialist at Kinsner Elementary
Issue 14 (SCS Renewal Levy)
“Mustang Express” Royal Tea (Saturday, October 7)
PTA Reflections
SHS Teachers Collaborate for Global Lesson
“Here Comes the Bus” App for SCS Families
SCS Greet & Treat - Monday, October 23
Cleveland Cavaliers / Strongsville City Schools Night - Wednesday, November 22
DARE Halloween Dances for 5th-6th Grades & 7th-8th Grades
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
Wednesday, October 4
Parent-Teacher Conferences (9th - 12th Grades) / 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Strongsville High School
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Parent-Teacher Conferences (6th - 8th Grades) / 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School
Additional details will be communicated through your Principal’s weekly newsletter
Thursday, October 5
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Preschool) / 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Lunn Rd. & Chapman Locations
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Parent-Teacher Conferences (6th - 8th Grades) / 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Strongsville Middle School
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Parent-Teacher Conferences (K - 5th Grades) / 4:45pm - 7:45pm
Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, & Whitney
Additional details will be communicated through your Principal’s weekly newsletter
Wednesday, October 11
Parent-Teacher Conferences (Preschool) / 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Lunn Rd. & Chapman Locations
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Parent-Teacher Conferences (K - 5th Grades) / 4:45pm - 7:45pm
Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, & Whitney
Additional details will be communicated through your Principal’s weekly newsletter
Thursday, October 12 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Friday, October 13
NO SCHOOL
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Today is #OhioTechDay as we celebrate the many ways technology contributes to the growth and development of our students. How are some of our teachers integrating technology into their classrooms? Click HERE for this week’s episode to see the different ways technology plays a role in meaningful learning opportunities.
NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR VISITS SURRARRER ELEMENTARY
Surrarrer Elementary met a New York Times best-selling author at an assembly yesterday. John Patrick Green, author of many children's books including "The InvestiGators" series, stopped by Surrarrer to talk with our students about his "origin story" and his experiences in elementary school which led him to become an author and illustrator. Students were also able to ask questions at the end of his presentation. Surrarrer was one of only two local schools Mr. Green visited, combined with a stop at the Parma branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library, as part of a larger tour taking him to several eastern and midwestern states. THANK YOU Mr. Green for visiting Surrarrer!
EAT AT BIBIBOP TO BENEFIT THE FALL PLAY AT SHS (TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3)
On Tuesday October 3, Strongsville High School’s Theatre Program will be holding a fundraiser at Bibibop (15191 Pearl Rd.) from 10:30am to 9pm to help support its fall production of Trap by Stephen Gregg. Please consider grabbing a bowl to help recoup many of the funds necessary for props, set pieces, licensing rights, makeup, etc. 20% of the event sales will be donated to the SHS Theatre Program. You must mention the fundraiser during checkout (use code “BIBIFUNDRAISER” for online orders). Click HERE for the fundraiser flyer.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. ALLISON DEVORE, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Allison DeVore is an Intervention Specialist at Kinsner Elementary. Mrs. DeVore has worked in our District and at Kinsner for six years. She is a graduate of Strongsville High School and is working with students in the same halls as when she was in elementary school. Mrs. DeVore attended Kinsner, Center Middle School, and Strongsville High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.
“Growing up I always struggled with performing at my highest academic ability. It was always the teachers that put in the extra effort to encourage me that made a lasting impression. I've always wanted to be that difference maker for students that feel like I did. I love having the ability to make that impact. We have so many big personalities that come into Kinsner every day with a mix of entertainment and challenges to keep me on my toes.”
“Teaching at the same elementary school I went to is amazing. Kinsner was such a comfort zone for me, I take a lot of pride in being a part of that same experience for current students. I also get to see the teachers that gave me such a great foundation of education daily, but now as colleagues. My fourth and fifth grade team is a big reason why I love to come to work.”
Thank you Mrs. DeVore for making a difference with our students at Kinsner! #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.
“MUSTANG EXPRESS” ROYAL TEA (SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7)
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Royal Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - on Saturday, October 7 at Strongsville High School. To purchase advance tickets, click HERE - it will be a magical event at SHS on October 7!
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.
SHS TEACHERS COLLABORATE FOR GLOBAL LESSON
Strongsville High School teachers Mrs. Barba (Spanish III) and Mrs. Giaimo (English 10) collaborated on a unit for students to study how tone impacts the meaning and message of a work. The teachers combined their classes in the Media Center where sophomores and juniors had the opportunity to compare tone and message in three different mediums with South American influence - song, artwork, and poetry - giving the students different perspectives when studying it in their Spanish and English classes.
“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.
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 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
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 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