Mustang Moments

Friday, December 20

NO SCHOOL for Grades 6-12 (Records Day for Grades 6-12 staff)
School IN SESSION for Grades PreK-5th

Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3
NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Thursday, January 9 - 7:00pm

Strongsville Board of Education Meeting (Organizational/Work Session)*

SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Monday, January 20
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Over the past few years, Mrs. Tonya Barba has built a partnership with educators in El Salvador. Administrators and teachers from El Salvador have been visiting Strongsville to experience our classrooms, connect with our teachers, and interact with our students. It has grown beyond Mrs. Barba’s Spanish classes - last week our El Salvador guests experienced English classes, Business classes, Music classes, and even helped students make Pupusas in Food & Culinary class! Click HERE to learn more about the impact this special visit had on our staff and students at SHS.

As part of the District's Strategic Plan our Treasurer, George Anagnostou, has been releasing monthly Financial Fast Facts.

Click HERE to view this month’s Financial Fast Facts video, detailing the Five Year Forecast (November 2024 Update) for our District.

Mrs. Jenn Fathauer is the Cafeteria Manager at Whitney Elementary and has been a part of our District for 11 years. Prior to Whitney, Mrs. Fathauer also worked at Center Middle School and the new Strongsville Middle School.

“I really try my best to make the kitchen at Whitney a warm and welcoming place by decorating for the seasons and making sure we engage with each student. Whether it's giving a compliment on their outfit, a hug when they miss their mom, or just saying ‘have a good day’ in the morning, we really try to set them up for a positive day. I love working with Whitney students because, even though our interactions are brief, they really let us into their lives. They tell us about their families, vacations, friends, if they are having a tough day, or just what is on their mind. They always make us laugh. Whitney Elementary is an amazing place to work. Everyone in the school really works together as a team for the students. The principal, custodians, teachers, kitchen staff - everyone communicates well and works together for the kids. I always tell people this is the best job I have ever had and I truly mean it!”

Thank you Mrs. Fathauer for making Whitney’s cafeteria a great place for students to enjoy breakfast and lunch - and for fueling positive attitudes and mindsets, as well! #ModelMustang

Congratulations to Mustangs Basketball senior student-athlete Josh Byers for scoring his 1,000th career point during last week’s game vs. Cleveland Heights. Josh looks to continue to add to his career points total when the Mustangs battle their GCC rival Medina tonight (Friday, December 13) at Medina High School. Varsity tip off is at 7pm.

This is the first time we have had an academic calendar that contains two days when some students have school and others do not. Friday, December 20th is the first day this will occur. Only students in Grs. K-5 will attend school on Friday, December 20th. The last school day for students in Grs. 6-12 prior to winter break is Thursday, December 19th.

Need to burn off the remaining Winter Break energy? Join Strongsville families on Thursday, January 2 at Scene 75 in Brunswick. Purchase a three hour pass for just $20 and enjoy arcade games, inflatables, a 4D Theater, and much more! Tickets purchased for this event will also benefit the SMS Basketball program. Click HERE to purchase your tickets for this great night out!

Congratulations to the following SHS Band members for their performances this month in some outstanding venues and groups. SHS students who auditioned and were selected for the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, and performed recently at Severance Hall:

And a BIG shout out to the SHS Wind Ensemble for their outstanding performance at the 53rd Ohio Band Directors Conference held last weekend at The University of Akron. SHS was one of only three high school bands to be invited to perform! Also during the OBDC event, four of our SHS Band members auditioned and were accepted into the OBDC Honors Band under the direction of the esteemed Dr. Alfred Watkins:

Micah Docuyanan, Amelia Ragan, Leia Schnell, Holly Rasanow

There are a number of different job openings for Strongsville City Schools. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Human Resources page at www.scsmustangs.org. Our District is also in need of school nurses. Please click the links below for additional information and to apply.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: (BOTH SHIFTS LISTED)

LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic - Immediate Need

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1336280-294367.html

SAME POSITIONS - ADDITIONAL LISTING:

LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1335769-294367.html

Whitney:

LPN - Whitney Elementary School Clinic - Hiring Immediately

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1371490-294367.html

The Strongsville Athletic Department is excited to introduce an opportunity for students at SHS. The Inclusive Dance Team will be for students of all abilities and neurotypes who enjoy dancing, music, and expressing themselves through movement. No prior dance experience is necessary. This team will be a wonderful opportunity to dance, try something new, make new friends, experience the joy of dance and music, and have fun! Dance also offers many other benefits including helping to develop skills in the areas of coordination, self-esteem, balance, fitness, following directions, memory, rhythm and musicality, social connection, and teamwork. The Strongsville Athletic Department is pleased to introduce and gain interest for potential students interested in an inclusive dance team for students with and without disabilities to come together and promote school spirit.

Please click HERE and complete the registration form if you are interested in being part of this first ever group of talented students. There will be an informational meeting regarding all the details about this new group at a later date.

Order awesome Mustangs Gear from ‘The Derby’ at Strongsville High School! ‘The Derby’ is a student operated spirit shop located in the SHS cafeteria, providing job training opportunities for students to develop skills necessary for future success - including independence, workplace readiness, job training, communication, problem solving, and leadership!

Check out ‘The Derby’ for items to add to your Strongsville wardrobe - made by SHS students. Items can be personalized and orders can be placed if the item is not available. Items can also be delivered to individual schools or picked up at the high school. SHS students can shop and order at ‘The Derby’ during lunch periods (10:00am - 1:30pm). All proceeds are given back to the Life Skills Employment Readiness Program for continued vocational training. Online orders can be placed using the QR code below or by clicking HERE. Contact thederbyshop@scsmustangs.org with any questions on custom apparel.

The SHS Theatre Department is collaborating with Playhouse Square to sell a block of tickets for the upcoming tour of & Juliet on Sunday March 9, 2025 at 6:30pm. The jukebox musical stars SHS alum, Corey Mach, as Shakespeare. This fundraiser will go toward some of the expenses for SHS's spring musical. Purchasing tickets for the show at Playhouse Square is currently live and will remain open until 12/13/24. SHS FUNdraiser prices range from $32.50 - $107.50 and the SHS Theatre Department will receive $10 for every ticket sold. Please visit https://tickets.playhousesquare.org/g08 and follow the instructions on how to purchase tickets. You must enter the promo code SHSMUSICAL in the purple box on the top left. That will open up the ticket purchase below when the web page refreshes. Thank you for your support of the SHS Theatre Department!

Purchase a Sgt. Clean car wash and help raise funds for the SHS Boys Lacrosse team! Platinum Car Wash (a regular $27 retail value) can be purchased for $15. Car washes can be ordered online, with a QR sent to your phone to redeem at Sgt. Clean. Click HERE to purchase your car wash and help the SHS Boys Lacrosse team!

Stream and watch SHS athletic events from the SHS Main Gym on the new HUDL TV. Simply search for Strongsville High School at fan.hudl.com or download the HUDL Fan app in your app store. Right now, you can utilize the following promo codes and receive special discounts for Mustang Athletics action on HUDL TV:

• $5 Off All-Access Day Pass: Enjoy all Mustang games with a day pass for just $7.50 using the promo code Mustangs$5.

• $100 Off Annual Pass: Get unlimited access to Mustang Athletics for the entire school year for just $95 with promo code Mustangs$100.

Both promo codes are reusable and valid through the Winter Sports season, so don't miss out! Catch every play, cheer on your favorite teams, and save while you stream. Stay tuned in and show your Mustang pride through HUDL TV!

Our District has expanded its partnership with Blocksi to include student content filtering and alerts. We no longer utilize SecURLy for these services.

Click HERE to view an informational flier about joining the Blocksi Parent Portal to gain insights on your student’s online behavior with their scsmustangs account, as well as set parental controls beyond the school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley - Director of Instructional Technology - at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.

Right At School is once again providing care for SCS K-5 students before and after school at each of our elementary buildings. For more information on registering with Right at School for the 2024-2025 school year, 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).

Wreaths Across America - TOMORROW (Sat. 12/14)

Historical Society Christmas in the Village

Don’t miss the annual Historical Village Christmas this weekend (December 14-15) from 1:00pm - 4:00pm each day. It’s the time of year when the Strongsville Historical Village puts on its holiday best and invites one and all to visit the many different historic buildings. Visit with Santa in the Chapman House, take a special picture in front of the tree in the Lathrop House, shop in the Olds General Store, and step back in time in the Log Cabin. On Saturday, December 14th, make gingerbread houses with the Girl Scouts from 11:00am-4:00pm. FREE admission on all open house days!

Strongsville Rec Department - Winter Tennis Lessons

Register NOW for Winter Tennis lessons at the Strongsville Recreation Center. Lessons are designed for beginner to intermediate players with a focus on fundamental skill development. Through dynamic and engaging lessons, players will work with USPTA Certified Instructor Jamie Matic to master their tennis game. Click HERE for additional information.

A Leg Up Ballet Academy Presents “The Nutcracker” - TOMORROW (Sat. 12/14)

Join A Leg Up Ballet Academy as they present the timeless holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at Strongsville Middle School TOMORROW (Saturday, December 14). Our hard working students - many attend SCS - bring the story to life in our unique presentation of this classic story. Make The Nutcracker a part of your holiday traditions this year! Two showtimes: 1pm & 5pm. Click HERE for additional information and to purchase tickets in advance.

Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration - NOW OPEN
Registration is now open for Youth Spring Lacrosse! Beat the winter blues and register for Spring Lacrosse. Ready to play the fastest game on two feet? Whether you’re new or a returning player, our program offers a supportive environment to challenge and grow your skills. Compete against teams from across Northeast Ohio and experience the excitement of three local tournaments! This youth lacrosse opportunity is open to Grades 3-8 (2nd graders can play up to 3rd grade) for residents of Strongsville, Columbia Station, Grafton, North Royalton, and all Strongsville students. Indoor Skills & Conditioning starts Feb 22-23 at Manta Fieldhouse and Outdoor Season Kicks off early April with practices and games weekly. Jump in, make friends, and represent the Mustangs! Secure your spot today and be part of a community-driven program where everyone plays with pride. Register NOW by clicking here! (Limited spots available).

Treehouse Berea Programming

Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students in the month of January. From Coding to Robotics to Game Design - there's lots of great STEAM based enrichment experiences for kids ages 6-12. Visit treehouseberea.com to learn more or click HERE for the current flyer about available activities.

Strongsville Chamber of Commerce

UPCOMING EVENTS

December Holiday Luncheon

Featuring Holiday Music Provided by the SHS Women’s Chorale

Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center - 18100 Royalton Road / Strongsville

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

11:30am – 1:00pm

Please bring an unwrapped toy to support Operation Toy Soldier, benefitting children of active military members.

Strongsville Library

Please note the following December 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.

* The Library and Administration Office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, December 26th at 9:00 a.m.

*The Library and Administration Office will be closed on Tuesday, December 31st and Wednesday, January 1st for the New Year's Holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Thursday, January 2nd at 9:00 a.m.

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

Storytimes - Are on hiatus for the month of December. Winter Storytimes will resume in January. Please see program guide or website for details.

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.

Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, December 14th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, December 16th / 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.

A Wintery School Age Storytime. Primarily for grades 1 - 3 but all ages welcome. Saturday, December 14th / 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Warm up this chilly December afternoon with laughter from these silly stories and songs.

Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, December 18th / 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ignite your curiosity and creativity through this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on activities and exploration. Boost your problem solving and teamwork skills in this program.

Sewing Basics for Adults. Wednesday, December 18th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Learn the basics of using a sewing machine and get a hands-on opportunity to create a simple project. All materials and equipment are provided. No prior experience necessary. Registration is required.

Blood Drive. Friday, December 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).

Strongsville High School * Muraski Elementary *

Strongsville Middle School * Surrarrer Elementary *

Chapman Elementary * Whitney Elementary *

Kinsner Elementary * Early Learning Preschool

Website: www.scsmustangs.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