Mustang Moments

TONIGHT (Friday, May 10) - 6:00pm-9:00pm

Strongsville DARE Dance - for 7th & 8th grade students
Strongsville Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Road)
* Find More Dance Info and Purchase Advance Tickets HERE

Wednesday, May 15 - 6:00pm & 7:30pm
SMS Spring Orchestra Concert
6:00pm - 6th Grade / 7:30pm - 7th & 8th Grade
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium

Friday, May 17 - 6:00pm-9:00pm
Strongsville DARE Dance - for 5th & 6th grade students
Strongsville Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Road)
* Find More Dance Info and Purchase Advance Tickets HERE

Sunday, May 19 - 11:00am
Strongsville High School Commencement
Pat Catan Stadium
* Watch the Livestream HERE

Thursday, May 23 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting + SCS Retirement Recognition
Strongsville High School Auditorium
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Friday, May 24
Last Day of School + Early Release

Elementary School Art Shows are an end of the year tradition in our District. Muraski and Surrarrer hosted their events this past week. Both shows incorporated student artwork, musical performances, and also tied in with teachers and their classroom lessons. Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode to see the creativity and FUN at these two recent elementary art shows.

Congratulations to Nick Kelly (SMS Custodian) and Kim Weers (4th Grade Teacher at Kinsner) for being recognized at this week’s PTA Installation Luncheon. Nick earned this year’s “Helping Hands” award and Kim was named the “T in PTA” winner for our District. Both individuals were recognized for going above and beyond and providing support for students, staff, and our PTA through their work at SCS.

Six Strongsville High School Band and Orchestra students performed recently with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra at Severance Hall, as part of the most prestigious auditioned honor group in Ohio.

Fourteen SHS Band members represented our community at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in University Circle with the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, as part of the top auditioned band in the area with representatives from 34 different high schools. SHS Senior Abby Maher, who won their concerto competition, also performed a clarinet solo at this youth wind symphony concert.

Congratulations to the SMS Girls Track & Field team for their unbelievable season resulting in a Greater Cleveland Conference Championship. The girls team went undefeated throughout their season, earning victories against over 60 formidable opponents. In addition to their stellar performance in regular meets, the teams also shone brightly in three invitationals, where they outshined the competition and secured well-deserved triumphs. Cheers to the GCC Champions and their undefeated season!

(story and photos courtesy of Scott Mayberry)
As the photographer for Strongsville Athletics, I have had the opportunity to cover some pretty amazing athletes before they have gone off to achieve greatness in college. These past two weeks I was fortunate to cover games for Michigan State baseball and Ohio State softball and was also able to reconnect with a pair of Strongsville High School grads.

Jack Frank (Class of 2019) - in his final collegiate season - is the starting right fielder at Michigan State and is among the Big Ten leaders in batting average (.370), home runs (9) and stolen bases (17). The game I covered was against Ohio State and Frank continued his torrid streak, hitting 2 home runs and scoring 5 times as the Spartans won 17-12. Frank was named the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger of the Week, largely for his performance against Ohio State that weekend.

Next, I traveled to Ann Arbor to cover Ohio State vs. Michigan in softball. Michigan was on a 14-game win streak and undefeated at home coming into the weekend series. After Michigan took the first game, the Buckeyes, fueled by a 3-run home run by Strongsville High School grad Kirsten Eppele (Class of 2020), took the second game and ended the Wolverines streaks. On Sunday, Eppele topped Saturday’s performance by hitting 2 home runs and clinching the weekend series against Big Ten leader Michigan.

Mrs. Kim Orr has worked in our District for 25 years. Mrs. Orr is an Intervention Specialist at Strongsville High School and has been a co-teacher in both the English and Science Departments. She started her professional career in Accounting, but switched to education after 10 years. Mrs. Orr earned her Business Administration Degree from Cleveland State University and her teaching certification from the University of Akron. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education from Baldwin Wallace University.

“Through my years at Strongsville High School as an Intervention Specialist, I have had the privilege of co-teaching and collaborating with compassionate, dedicated, creative, and flexible co-teachers in the English department and most recently with Mrs. Ward in Science. Learning and working together, we are able to provide more individualized and multifaceted instruction to reach all of our students in the classroom. Also, I am very grateful for the close friendships and support of my colleagues in the Special Education department.”

“I love working with students and developing meaningful connections with them in fun and engaging ways. This builds rapport so that they know that I genuinely care about them. In addition, I love when they ask questions, and I am able to guide their understanding and empower them to be independent learners.”

Thank you Mrs. Orr for working with our students at Strongsville High School and helping them realize their passion and potential! #ModelMustang

To comply with HB 33, our District will be implementing a new ELA curriculum in Grs. K-5 in the 2025-2026 school year, with select staff piloting in 2024-2025. The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) has released a list of allowable core curricula from which to select. Based on a comprehensive audit performed by the District for K-5 ELA, as well as professional review and research / recommendations, the District is looking to adopt Amplify CKLA for Grs. K-5, which explicitly builds background knowledge utilizing a strong Science of Reading approach.

Any Strongsville parent/community member is welcome to preview the materials. Please visit the landing page of https://www.strongnet.org/ and scroll down to ‘District News’ for more information.

The Strongsville Middle School Unified Sports team received a special escort as they made their way to their final competition of the school year at Highland Middle School. Strongsville Police and Fire were at SMS this morning to provide a memorable escort for the two buses and our fantastic students. Unified Sports is a team sports program that brings people together. It eliminates barriers and stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way that engages the whole community. Unified Sports goes beyond sports training and competition to promote social inclusion and meaningful connections. Click HERE for the video of their departure from SMS with the support of our Strongsville police and fire department - THANK YOU for supporting our students!

As part of the Town Center project, construction has started on a roundabout that will replace the three-way stop where Zverina Lane, Westwood Drive, and Roe Lane meet near the library. All buildings in the area will still be easily accessible, but will only be accessed from one entrance. Please note that during this construction (expected to last about three months):

+ The Communications Center, Historical Village, and Strongsville Food Bank will be reachable from Zverina Lane (access from Pearl Road - across from SMS)

+ The Police Station, City Council Chambers, Mayor's Court, and Strongsville Library will be accessible from Westwood Drive (access from Pearl Road)

+ The Recreation and Senior Center will be accessible from Royalton Road, using the entrance to the Greens of Strongsville shopping center

+ The walkway from Pearl Road (across from SMS) to the Library and Rec Center will be closed throughout this construction period - SMS students will NOT be able to walk past the Communications Center/Food Bank to get to the Library or Rec Center

+ The paper and plastic recycling bins that are normally outside the Strongsville Food Bank have been moved to the Rec Center parking lot

Attention all incoming Strongsville Middle School sixth graders! Join us at Camp Y-Noah in Green, Ohio for Sixth Grade Camp - September 13-15. Cost is $215 per camper and covers all weekend expenses. Deadline to register and pay is May 31. Click HERE to visit the website for detailed information, registration and payment instructions and chaperone opportunities. Please email sixthgradecamp@gmail.com with any questions! Please note that this 6th grade camp event is being run by parent volunteers, not by SCS or PTA.

Celebrate your senior with a graduation yard banner! The 5 ft. x 2.5 ft. banners come in three different designs and are perfect for celebrating members of the Class of 2024. Order yours today - click HERE for additional details. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Lacrosse.

"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.

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.

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).

Arts in Strongsville Chalk Walk (Saturday, 5/11) POSTPONED

The Arts In Strongsville’s Chalk Walk event planned for tomorrow (Saturday • May 11) is being postponed due to weather. The forecast predictions show rain for several hours Saturday morning. The ground and pavement will be soaked. The temperature is expected to be in the 50s. These are not ideal conditions for this event. We will look to reschedule later in the summer. We hope to announce a makeup date soon.

Even though the rain has canceled the event, we invite you to chalk on your own (in your driveway, sidewalks, wherever!) and post your chalk masterpieces to our Facebook page – just search for Arts In Strongsville. We look forward to seeing you later in the year for this free, fun family event. Stay dry, Strongsville!

Strongsville Rotary KidsFest & Duck Race (Saturday, June 1)

Don’t miss the 11th annual Strongsville Rotary KidsFest and Duck Race on Saturday, June 1 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet in Strongsville. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, inflatables, and MORE! Duck Race begins at 2pm. FREE shuttle from the Strongsville Park-n-Ride. Click HERE for the event flyer.

Kindness Camp - C’s the Day (June 24-28)

A camp for kids in grades 1-7 dedicated to EMPOWERING kids to positively impact their communities through acts of kindness, INSPIRING kids to become leaders by growing in character, confidence and personal wellness, and CHALLENGING kids to practice mindfulness in thoughts, words, and actions with self and others.

Click HERE for additional information / Click HERE to register for the camp

Strongsville’s Annual Rib Burnoff - Looking for Sponsors!

Help support a fantastic community event - the annual Strongsville City Club Rib Burnoff (June 20-22) - by becoming an event sponsor. Several levels of sponsorship are available. Contact Terry Toth at 216.780.4114 / TerryToth12@yahoo.com or visit www.strongsvillecityclub.org and click on “Sponsorship Opportunities.” Click HERE for additional information on sponsorship specifics.

Baldwin Wallace STEM & STEAM Summer Classes & Camps

Baldwin Wallace University offers diverse PreK-12 STEM and STEAM programs throughout the summer. These hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics foster curiosity and critical thinking, nurturing a love for discovery. Visit bw.edu/dclSTEM or click HERE for additional information.

Summer Swim Team Signups

Calling all swimmers! It’s time for summer swim team signups! If your child enjoys swimming and wants to be part of a fun team this summer, check out your development or rec center pool for swim team information. Strongsville is one of the few communities that has summer swim league. Kids get to enjoy a fun and laid back competitive experience. Practices start 5/28 - and the first swim meet is 6/13. Each team will have 7 swim meets - on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There will be no meets the week of July 4th. Season ends with a city wide meet at the rec center on July 20th. Kids 5-18 are welcome to join. Kids must be able to swim across a pool unassisted. The Strongsville Swim League is restricted to Strongsville residents only. Sea Monkey Registration is open now and must be completed at the Rec Center. Other team registration varies by development - click HERE for more registration information.

Strongsville Community Theatre - “Our Town”

Strongsville Community Theatre presents the classic show OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder - THIS WEEKEND (May 10-12). Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; Sunday at 2 pm. Show location is the "Little Theater" at Strongsville High School (20025 Lunn Rd.), entering at Door D. Directing the show is Brenton Cochran, assisted by Amy McSweeny; stage managed by Michael Strama and assisted by Gabriella Burlinghouse. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 440-879-8817. Adults $12; Seniors/Veterans $10; Students w/ID $5. Visit strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or click HERE for the show flyer.

Join the Strongsville Special Olympics family! Strongsville Special Olympics has a number of sports opportunities for ages 8 and up. Participants can gain new sports skills, attend annual dances and picnics, and make lifelong friends! Email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com for additional information or click HERE.

Treehouse Berea Programming

Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Battle Bots to Robotics to Minecraft Engineers - there's something for kids ages 6-13. Visit treehouseberea.com to learn more or click HERE for the flyer about the available activities.

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

Business After Hours
Hosted by SouthPark Mall at The Hooley Kitchen & Pub (500 SouthPark Center)
Thursday, May 16, 2024
5:30pm-7:30pm
Free for Members; $10 for Future Members
Registration is Open: https://strongsvillechamber.chambermaster.com/events/

May Scholarship Luncheon
Recognition of 2024 Chamber Scholarship Recipients and Students Entering the Military
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
11:30am – 1:00pm (doors open at 11:15am)
Registration is Open: https://strongsvillechamber.chambermaster.com/events/

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

82nd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 24 - July 27, 2024
Sponsorship opportunities available! Please call the Chamber office at 440.238.3366.

56th Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, August 23, 2024
Shale Creek Golf Club, 5420 Wolff Road, Medina
Registration Opens Soon!

Strongsville Library

Please note the following May 2024 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 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

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 on hiatus for the month of May! Check back in June for our Summer Storytimes schedule.

Play, Learn, & Grow. Ages 1 - 3 with Caregiver. Tuesdays, April 30th through May 28th / 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.

Wine Cork Keychain Drop-in. Adults Ages 18 and up. Saturday, May 11th / 1:00 - 3:00 p.m Join us for an afternoon of crafting to create your very own wine cork keychain! This drop in event does not require registration. While supplies last.

Crafter-Noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, May 11th / 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.

A Gift for You: Revival & Revision of Company's Bobbie. Monday, May 13th / 7:00 p.m. Join us for a presentation on the iconic role of Bobbie in the musical COMPANY and how the gender switch challenges and reframes the story in the 2018 ‘revisal’. This program is in partnership with Playhouse Square production of “Company” and is part of the 2024 Cleveland Humanities Festival.

Mommy & Me Tea. For Preschoolers with a Caregiver. Tuesday, May 14th / 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Children can invite Mom or their favorite person to enjoy light refreshments, stories, and a craft! Registration is required.

Meet Author Parker Adams. Tuesday, May 14th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Parker Adams visits to discuss his latest thriller, The Lock Box. A signing will follow the event. Books will be available for purchase, courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, May 15th / 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 Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

Digital Navigator Drop-In. Thursday, May 16th / 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 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 and more.

Blood Drive. Friday, May 17th / 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: Water. Friday, May 17th / 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 - Water.

Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, May 18th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, May 20th / 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.

Canva Basics. Monday, May 20th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Canva makes graphic design easy. Learn to create social media content, flyers and infographics with this free and intuitive website. Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent experience. Preferred: An account with canva.com (bring your password!)

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

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, May 20th / 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 Yellowface: a Novel by Rebecca Kuang. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

Digital Navigator by Appointment. Tuesday, May 21st, Wednesday, May 22nd, and Friday, May 24th / 10:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 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 and more.

Teen Craft Night: Rock Painting. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, May 21st / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Using acrylic paint, design and decorate beautiful rocks. You can use your rocks to decorate a garden, adorn a bookshelf, or give them as a gift! 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.

School Age Craft: Rock Painting. Ages 9 – 11. Thursday, May 23rd / 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Paint a special rock for a friend, parent or to decorate your garden. You can be as creative as you'd like! Registration is required. 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.

Scavenger Hunt Day. All Ages. Saturday, May 25th / 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Stop by the children's desk during open hours to complete a scavenger hunt around the library for a small prize to celebrate National Scavenger Hunt Day!

Teen Sewing. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, May 28th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Learn the basics of sewing and make a fun project to take home! Sewing machines, sharp scissors, and needles will be used during this program. Beginners welcome!

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
Instagram: @strongsvillecs

Twitter / X: @strongsvillecs