January 5, 2024

I hope this Newsletter finds you well as we prepare to head back to school tomorrow! Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day for Surrarrer as we rollout our new school wide expectations- PRIDE!

Pride is an acronym that stands for Prepared, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined and Engaged. By making this change, we will be aligned with all of the other elementary schools in the district who are already using PRIDE. All students will participate in a grade level assembly to learn more about PRIDE and what it looks like to show PRIDE throughout the day. More information will be shared in future newsletters.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Young

January

6th- Students return to school

6th- PBIS- PRIDE Kickoff!

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14th- Kindergarten Registration for the 25-26 school year begins

15th- PTA Meeting @ 9:30 am in the media center

16th- PTA Tobogganing

16th-ABCs Functions of Behavior @ SHS Media Center 6-7:30

Quick Guide for SCS Kindergarten Registration 2025-2026

Starting January 14th 2025, access the online registration on the district website by going to www.scsmustangs.org and clicking on Families section and then Kindergarten Registration. Note: this online registration is for ALL incoming kindergarten students (half day, full day and those coming from SCS Preschool Program). It is a new process, different from previous years. Once clicking on the Registration link, you will create an account by entering your email address and creating a password. If you have an account already from registering another child, you can use the same login for this process. At the time of registering, you will select half or full day kindergarten and submit all information and paperwork/records online, so please allow ample time to complete this process and have documents already collected (see next section). You will receive an email confirmation after you submit your registration.

After registering, if you selected full day kindergarten, submit a $300 deposit to the Treasurer’s Dept. by Friday, January 31st. This deadline is important to fully secure your child’s spot.

At the time of registration, you will be asked to upload or submit all required documentation to complete the registration process. Please have these assembled prior to starting registration. This includes:

• Student’s Certified Birth Certificate

• Student’s Immunization Records

• Proof of Residency - a current utility bill in the parent/guardian’s name (gas, electric, water, sewer, or cable), a lease signed by the parent/guardian and landlord, or a purchase agreement signed by the parent/guardian and seller. A cell phone bill is not acceptable.

• If the parent/guardian does not have one of these documents, a notarized residency affidavit (available on our website under families or during online registration) along with 2 documents from the parent/guardian and 2 documents from the homeowner will be needed. Please see the instruction page for a list of acceptable documents.

• Verification of legal custody/guardianship (only if child is not living with both his/her natural parents): Certified Copy of Court Order or Court Appointed Guardianship

• IEP or ETR if your child has one from previous schooling (not necessary if currently enrolled in Strongsville Preschool Program).

• Photo ID - Parent/Guardian state or federal issued photo ID (Must be valid).

Please note: while you are able to submit your registration without including all of the above documents, after completing your registration you are not able to log back in to add documents. Once registration is submitted, any additional documents must be submitted in an alternate way.

Documents can be submitted any one of the following ways:

• Upload the documents onto the registration site (preferred method and quickest; must be done at time of registration)

• Scan and email to mcox@scsmustangs.org (Please include STUDENT NAME & KDG REGISTRATION in the subject)

• Take a photo of the documents and email them to mcox@scsmustangs.org (PLEASE NOTE: Send medium size photos. For proof of residency, include the entire document showing company name, your name, address, and the due date)

• For after hours drop off: place documents in the safe drop box at the front of the Administrative Offices at 18199 Cook Avenue (Please be sure to place the documents in an envelope or staple them together.)

• Drop off documents in person - make an appointment to meet with registrar Mary Cox to drop off or make copies of documents in person

Registration Questions: Mary Cox, Mcox@scsmustangs.org (440) 572-7048

Financial Questions: Melissa LePage, MLepage@scsmustangs.org or (440) 572-7021

We’re excited to share our new math website, designed to support students in building their math fact knowledge through fun games and engaging activities at home. We encourage you to explore the site together and make math practice an enjoyable part of your routine! A big thank you to our math committee for their hard work in creating this valuable resource for our students.

Like to Math Website

Our winter session kicks off January 7th.

Free Fourth Grade History Pass for Ohio museums- Every fourth grade student in Ohio will have the opportunity to visit participating history-related museums and sites free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult through Aug. 31, 2025. The program aims to cultivate curiosity in young minds in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

*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

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.

Snowman Drop-in Craft for Adults. Friday, January 3rd / 10:00 a.m. - Noon.
It's cold outside but warm at our Library. Come for a fun drop-in and make a fun snowman out of a wooden cutout. This program is for our adult customers and is while supplies last.

Kindergarten Countdown: ABC's. For those entering Kindergarten in the Fall with a Caregiver. Friday, January 3rd / 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 ABC's.

Storytimes:
IN-PERSON Storytimes.
Strongsville Branch Library storytimes start up again in June! Storytimes are for Birth to Age 5 not yet in Kindergarten. No registration needed!
Baby & Me (Birth to 18 months with a Caregiver) - Mondays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. OR Thursdays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.
Preschool (Ages 3 - 5 not yet in Kindergarten with a Caregiver) - Mondays / 11:30 a.m. - Noon OR Tuesdays / 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. OR 11:30 a.m. - Noon

Toddler (Ages 19 - 35 months with a Caregiver) - Wednesdays / 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. OR 11:30 - 11:55 a.m.
Family - Thursdays / 7:00 p.m.

Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Teens Grades 6 - 12. Monday, January 6th / 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Do you like to craft? Do you know how to knit, crochet, or hand sew? Bring your own project and come hang out with other teens who also love to make things! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

Young at Heart. Tuesday, January 7th / 7:00 p.m.

A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Frindle

by Andrew Clements. No registration. Everyone Welcome!

Technology Training Class:

Windows 11 Lecture. Wednesday, January 8th / 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Learn how to use the newest operating system for PCs and tablets in this lecture-style class. Explore new features, including the redesigned Start menu, system requirements and updated interface.

Digital Navigators Drop-in. Thursday, January 9th / 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The Digital Navigators will be at the Strongsville branch for a drop-in on a first come first serve basis. 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.

Toddler Sensory Art Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, January 10th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.

Rubber Ducky Day Scavenger Hunt. All Ages with a Caregiver. Saturday, January 11th / 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Can you find all of the rubber ducks hidden around the library? Take the challenge and earn a small prize!

Revisit the Richfield Coliseum: 1974 - 1994. Monday, January 13th / 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Richfield Coliseum. Remember the first event with Frank Sinatra, the Miracle of Richfield, the Cleveland Force, rock 'n' roll concerts, Ali vs. Wepner and the circuses. We’ll view rare videos and audio clips. Prizes and a few surprises! Presented by local historian Gerry Nemeth.

Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, January 15th / 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.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, January 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 Middle of the Night by Riley Sager. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

Blood Drive. Friday, January 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).

Teen Chess Workshop. Saturday, January 18th / 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Join National Chess Expert, Damon Rucker to learn about the ins and outs of chess, chess strategy, and tactics! This program involves teaching kids the rules, strategies, and tactics of the game through structured, interactive lessons and practice sessions.

Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, January 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.

Teen Craft Night. Ages 9 - 11. Tuesday, January 21st / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Come join other teens for a fun and easy craft! 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.

School Age Craft. Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, January 23rd / 5:30 -7:00 p.m.

Try something new! Relax after school by creating a snowflake keychain using diamond art.

Music & Movement. Ages 3 - 5 with a Caregiver. Friday, January 24th / 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.

Spend a fun time moving to music and using props!

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, January 27th / 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 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

As a reminder, all school fees that have not been paid are now considered past due. To check the balance and pay outstanding school fees, go to Pay Schools Central by clicking HERE. In addition to Pay Schools Central, school fees can be paid by cash/check to your student’s building secretary or with the Treasurer's Office. If you have questions related to this, please contact the building secretary or Melissa LePage (mlepage@scsmustangs.org) within the Treasurer's Department. As we are approaching a new school year, as well as the start of fall sports, per Board of Education policy, the consequences for outstanding prior year school fees will prohibit students from participating in any school extracurricular activities (i.e., athletics, student council, school clubs, etc.), field trips, and school sanctioned dances / events that require a purchased ticket. For additional information on District Fee Collection Procedures and Consequences CLICK HERE.