Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 29)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - March 25, 2022
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SHS Senior Caroline Niederhausen Performs with Contemporary Youth Orchestra
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Teresa Karsnak, Parent Mentor for Strongsville City Schools
Mustangs Team Shop - Order NOW Through Sunday, March 27th
SHS Spring Musical - “The Addams Family” (April 7-9)
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
SHS Cheerleader & Mascot Tryouts + Mandatory Parent Meeting
SHS Junior Mackenzie Schulz Raises $85,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Six SMS Students Earn Places in OMEA Honors Orchestra
Strongsville Lacrosse Youth Days (4/2 & 4/9)
SHS Craft Fair (Sat. 3/26)
Order Dinner from Chipotle to Benefit the SHS Theatre Department (Wed. 3/30)
Rockin’ At SMS Dance (Fri. 4/1)
Kindergarten Registration Information (2022-23 School Year)
Senior Banners - Strongsville Lacrosse Fundraiser
‘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
Saturday, March 26 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
Craft Fair
Strongsville High School
Friday, April 1 - 6:30pm - 9:00pm
“Rockin’ at SMS”
Dance for 6th, 7th, & 8th Graders
Theme: “Pink Out”
Purchase tickets HERE
Thursday, April 7 - Saturday, April 9 - 7:00pm
“The Addams Family” - SHS Spring Musical
SHS Auditorium
$10 Adults / $7 Students, Seniors, SCS Employees
General Admission Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door or in advance HERE
Thursday, April 14 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
April 15 - April 22
NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
As “March Madness” continues on the basketball court, Ms. Tabar’s 3rd grade class is involved in a “Career Madness” bracket. Her students are learning about several different careers through videos and in-person visits to her classroom. Students are then voting on their favorite careers to complete their “Career Madness” bracket. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about this interesting way students are learning about different career opportunities.
SHS SENIOR CAROLINE NIEDERHAUSEN PERFORMS WITH CONTEMPORARY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to SHS Senior Caroline Niederhausen for performing recently as one of three Contemporary Youth Orchestra's concerto competition winners. Caroline is a member of Strongsville's Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Pep Band, Jazz Ensemble, Show Choir Band, and Pit Orchestra. She has been accepted to the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and plans to double major in trumpet performance and music education. Learn more about this incredible orchestra at www.cyorchestra.org.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. TERESA KARSNAK, PARENT MENTOR AT STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS
Mrs. Teresa Karsnak is the Parent Mentor for our District, supporting families, staff, and students in the area of Special Education at all of our buildings. Mrs. Karsnak has been working in our District for twenty years. Mrs. Karsnak earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University. She is a resident of Strongsville, and her three children graduated from Strongsville High School. Away from work, Mrs. Karsnak enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially with her five grandkids, collecting beach glass, reading, and volunteering at a dog rescue.
“The families that I work with are learning how to navigate the special education system and to be an advocate for their children. It is so rewarding to see families and staff working together as a team to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. I love seeing the students learn, grow, and be a valued part of the school community. I want to see the community of Strongsville City Schools continue to grow, as we work together to embrace all students no matter their abilities, race, or religion,” said Mrs. Karsnak.
Thank you Mrs. Karsnak for all of your efforts in providing valuable support and resources to many families in our District! #WeAreStrongsville
MUSTANGS TEAM SHOP - ORDER NOW THROUGH SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH
Looking to add to your Strongsville Mustangs 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 - Team Shop closes at 11:59pm on Sunday, 3/27!
SHS SPRING MUSICAL - “THE ADDAMS FAMILY” (APRIL 7-9)
Strongsville High School is proud to present The Addams Family Musical. The staff, cast, and crew are excited to bring these classic characters back to life. Come join Gomez struggle with his keeping a secret from Morticia, Wednesday bringing a "normal" boy and his parents home for dinner, Pugsley and Grandma bonding over potions, Uncle Fester meeting the girl of his dreams, and Lurch...being Lurch.
Performances are Thursday April 7, Friday April 8, and Saturday April 9 at 7pm in the Main Auditorium at SHS. Tickets can be purchased with cash at the door or online HERE. [$10 for Adults / $7 for Students, Seniors, and SCS Employees]
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 CHEERLEADER & MASCOT TRYOUTS + MANDATORY PARENT MEETING
SHS Cheerleading and Mascot Tryout Clinics for the 2022-23 school year will be held April 4th - April 7th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm each day. Tryouts will follow on April 8th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Please note: prior to tryouts, there will be a mandatory Parent Meeting on March 28th at 6pm in the SHS auditorium. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact SHS Cheer Coach Jen Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.
SHS JUNIOR MACKENZIE SCHULZ RAISES $85,000 FOR THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY
Congratulations to SHS Junior Mackenzie Schulz, who recently completed a fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Her seven week campaign raised $85,000! Mackenzie finished as one of just seven school representatives (from a total of 30) who raised more than $50,000 in this annual fundraising campaign for LLS.
SIX SMS STUDENTS EARN PLACES IN OMEA HONORS ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to the following 8th grade Orchestra students who were accepted into the OMEA District 4 Honors Orchestra: Samyutha Polaconda, Christina Ong, Roni Herron, Justin Olszen, Christopher Fler, and Luke Slonaker. These students joined elite musicians from six other school districts to form the ensemble and had the opportunity to work with esteemed educator and conductor, Dr. Kathleen Horvath from Case Western University.
Strongsville Lacrosse Youth Days (4/2 & 4/9)
Join in the fun as everyone is invited to youth days at Strongsville High School Lacrosse matches in April. The girls event will be held on Saturday, April 2 and the boys event follows on Saturday, April 9. Enjoy the JV and Varsity SHS matches, along with youth games and activities for kids of all ages. Both events will be held on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Girls Varsity battles Bay High School at 12pm on 4/2, with family activities beginning at 10am. Boys Varsity takes on Perrysburg High School at 2pm on 4/9 and activities beginning at 12pm. Enjoy two great weekends of Mustangs spirit with Strongsville Lacrosse!
SHS CRAFT FAIR (SAT. 3/26)
Strongsville High School will be hosting a Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, March 26th from 9am - 2pm. Come shop from over 60 local crafters & vendors who will have handmade and unique gifts! Admission is only $1. All proceeds from the event will benefit SHS Cheerleading.
ORDER DINNER FROM CHIPOTLE TO BENEFIT THE SHS THEATRE DEPARTMENT (WED. 3/30)
The cast and crew of the SHS Spring Musical - The Addams Family Musical - will be holding a Chipotle fundraiser on Wednesday, March 30 from 5-9pm at the Strongsville location (15029 Pearl Road) to help raise money for the SHS Theatre Department and ensure the ability to produce a spring musical every year. Money will be used for purchasing rights to produce, paint/lumber/hardware for set pieces, specialty props, set decor/furniture, makeup, rental of sound equipment, lighting equipment, music, etc. All you have to do is mention Strongsville High School's Theatre Department at the register or use code 38JGV7R before checkout in the 'promo' field for online orders and 33% of sales will be donated to this cause. Click HERE for the promo flyer.
ROCKIN’ AT SMS DANCE (FRI. 4/1)
6th - 8th grade students are invited to attend the next “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance on Friday, April 1 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. The theme of this dance is “Pink Out.” Drinks and snacks will also be served! Buy tickets for this upcoming dance HERE.
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.
CLASS OF 2022 / SENIOR YARD BANNERS
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 2022. Order yours today - click HERE for additional details. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Lacrosse.
‘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
Safety Town Registration
Registration for Strongsville Safety Town is now open for Strongsville residents and/or those who attend a Strongsville school and will be starting kindergarten this year. Registration is online only - click HERE. Safety Town is not mandatory prior to entering kindergarten but is an excellent opportunity for the children to explore their community through class activities and field trips while learning important safety precautions. Weekly sessions begin on June 6. For more information, please see the “Parent Guide." Please direct specific questions to the Youth Program Coordinator: Marie McManus at the Strongsville Police Department: marie.mcmanus@strongsville.org or (440) 580-3257.
Right At School - Growing Along with Your Kids!
The kids we serve are the beating heart of ‘Right At School.’ As a member of our team, you’ll find no shortage of talented, passionate people ready to help you grow and succeed — all the while building a brighter future for children, families, and communities. We offer flexible scheduling options to fit into your schedule. Check out your opportunity to grow with us at https://www.rightatschool.com/careers/jobs/
Strongsville Women’s League Art Contest
Strongsville Women’s League is holding an art contest for Strongsville residents currently enrolled in grades K-5th Grade. Have you ever thought about what makes your family yours? What are the traditions that create great memories year after year? This year the Strongsville Women’s League wants to know what makes your family unique. Please create an image which shows your favorite part of being you in your family. “My favorite tradition is…”. Entries will be accepted March 14 - April 14 and can be dropped off in the main office at any elementary school. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for grades K&1, 2&3, and 4&5 students. Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Friday, April 29. Good luck and have fun! Please contact Karen Burgund (kmbrona@aol.com) or Barb Toth (barbt4908@yahoo.com) with any questions or concerns. Click HERE for contest rules.
Spring Break STEAM Camps at the Strongsville Rec Center
Looking for activities for kids in grades K-5 during Spring Break? Register for this year’s STEAM camps at the Strongsville Rec Center (April 18-22) - call 440.580.3260 or visit strongsville.activityreg.com. Choose from a Harry Potter-themed camp or a “Slimetopia” camp. Click HERE for a flyer with more details on these interactive camps.
Safe Sitter Class (Tues. 4/19)
Register now for the Safe Sitter Class scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 from 9am - 1:30pm in the Safety Town Building at the Strongsville Recreation Center complex. The class is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Click HERE for registration information.
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.
April Business Luncheon - Sponsored by Hot Chicken Takeover*
“Camp Cheerful Update”
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 11:30am - 1:00pm
Camp Cheerful, 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville
*Picnic lunch provided by Hot Chicken Takeover
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 15, 2022 or when maximum seating capacity is reached
May Scholarship Luncheon
Recognition of Chamber Scholarship Winners and Students Entering the Military
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 6, 2022
Mark Your Calendar:
Strongsville 80th Annual Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 13th - Saturday, July 16th, 2022
Strongsville Commons
Sponsorship Opportunities & 50/50 Raffle Tickets available at the Chamber Office
Homecoming Festival Fireworks Display
Saturday, July 16th at Dusk
Viewable from the Strongsville Commons
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following March 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
In-person Toddler Storytime. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver. Wednesday, March 30th / 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Preschool Age 3-5. Tuesday, March 29th from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
In-person Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5 (Not yet in kindergarten with caregiver.) Monday, March 28th from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, March 29th from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
In-person Baby & Me Storytime. Birth – 18 months with caregiver. Thursday, March 31st / 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, March 31st from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Celebrate Unicorns. Ages 5 – 8. Saturday, March 26th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Join us over the rainbow for a magical celebration of all things unicorn. Come dressed in your rainbow finest to listen to unicorn stories, do a unicorn craft, and dance like a unicorn. Please register only the child attending.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 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 Island of Sea Women: a Novel by Lisa See. 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