Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol. 8, Iss. 32)
BUS SAFETY VIDEO
At all times throughout the school year, but especially as we move into the spring months, we want to ensure all of our students that ride the bus have a safe and enjoyable experience. If your child rides a bus, please click HERE to watch a bus safety video we have put together. This covers bus safety from getting picked up at the bus stop, the ride to / from school, and getting dropped back off in the afternoon. By following the guidelines outlined in the video, we can make sure all of our students get to and from school safely.
TEXTBOOK / MATERIALS REVIEW OPPORTUNITY
Our Music (Grades K-5), Mathematics (Grades 6-8), English Language Arts (Grades 6-8), and Social Studies (Grades 7-8) textbook / materials adoption process is underway. If you wanted to review the materials, but were unable to make the available in-person dates, please click HERE and note that you would like to complete an online review. The online resources will be available for review through April 18th.
FAMILY SCIENCE NIGHT AT SHS - THURSDAY, APRIL 18
The Strongsville High School Science Department is pleased to announce the return of "Community Science Night". This year's date is Thursday, April 18th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Activities will be held at SHS in the Cafeteria, Main Gym, Media Center, Room 604, and the SHS Planetarium. There will be student displays, interactive activities, planetarium shows and science career presentations. "Punch Cards" will be available to attendees for prizes and a drawing for one special prize. Please consider bringing a nonperishable food donations for the Strongsville Food Bank.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. LINDSEY FROST, LUNCH & RECESS MONITOR AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Lindsey Frost is a Lunch and Recess Monitor at Muraski Elementary. Mrs. Frost has worked in our District since 2018. She is a resident of Strongsville and her children have all attended (or currently attend) Muraski. Mrs. Frost studied Early Childhood Development at both Ohio State University (Newark) and Central Ohio Technical College (Newark). Working with children has always been something she has wanted to do.
“I love that I get to be with our students during the fun part of their day. I really get to know them on a different level and try to keep an open mind to help them with advice and guidance. It takes time to earn kids’ trust and is important to do, so that they feel comfortable coming to me for advice or just to talk. It makes me feel good to know that I can help them and hopefully make a difference in their lives.”
“The staff at Muraski that I work alongside is amazing too. It makes my job easier knowing that I have a great support system. We all work so well together at Muraski and I’m lucky to be a part of this team.”
Thank you Mrs. Frost for being part of the daily growth and development of Muraski students! #ModelMustang
WATCH THE SHS “ACADEMIC CHALLENGE” TEAM ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27
Academic Challenge has returned this year as a student opportunity at SHS. Byron Bender, Carter Estrela, and Chloe Mance - and alternates Caleb Baker and Nathan Baker - are members of the team, who have been training throughout the year to compete in this legendary local trivia show. Don’t miss the Strongsville High School “Academic Challenge” team compete against Madison High School and Nordonia High School on Saturday, April 27 at 11:30am. The “Academic Challenge” episode airs on WEWS Channel 5. After April 27, the episode featuring Strongsville will also be available HERE. Special thanks to Mr. Scott, Math teacher at SHS, who serves as the advisor for Academic Challenge.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE FROM CITY OF STRONGSVILLE
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
SHS DANCE TEAM TRYOUTS
Click HERE to register for the upcoming SHS Dance Team tryouts (registration required). Clinics will be held on Monday, 4/22 from 6pm-8pm and Tryouts will be held on Friday 4/26 at 5pm in the SHS Main Gym - tryouts are open to current 8th through 11th grade students. Dancers will learn the audition material at the clinic and asked to come prepared to perform it at the audition. This team is made up of the most highly skilled and trained dancers at SHS. They perform at home varsity boys’ basketball games and compete at the regional and state level in the categories of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, and pom. This year, they were named State Champions in the category of Lyrical and placed in the top 5 in the state for Hip-hop, Pom, and Jazz. For more information about the team and tryouts, follow them on Instagram: @shsdance_team or click HERE for the flyer. Questions? Contact Coach Grimm at: mgrimm@scsmustangs.org
SHS JUNIOR TRISTEN NYE EARNS SPOT AT NATIONAL GYMNASTICS MEET
Congratulations to Strongsville High School Junior Tristen Nye! During Spring Break, Tristen competed in a Regional Men’s Gymnastics Meet in Champaign, IL. This Regional Meet included competitors from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Michigan. Tristen placed 1st on Parallel Bars, 3rd on Floor, 3rd on Pommel Horse, 3rd on High Bar, 3rd on Rings, 5th on Vault, and 2nd Overall. His overall finish allows him to continue his season at the National Meet in Daytona May 9-12. Tristen’s accomplishments at the Regional Meet has also secured his opportunity to compete Internationally in Prague, Czech Republic this June.
SENATE BILL 288 - "ERIN'S LAW"
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288, "Erin's Law," in January 2023, requiring school districts to implement curriculum for child sexual abuse and sexual violence prevention from grades K-12 starting in the 2023-2024 school year. The law mandates developmentally appropriate instruction for students in grades K-6.
Starting in late April to May, elementary school counselors will teach two lessons in classrooms using the Child Protection Unit within our Second Step curriculum. This was selected for its age-appropriate content and approval by the Department of Education and Workforce. These lessons aim to increase awareness of warning signs in relationships and to prevent abuse. Our school counselors will present the curriculum in a safe and age-appropriate manner during their regularly scheduled classroom counseling lessons.
Concepts in Grades K-1 include understanding stranger danger, creating boundaries, and knowing who trusted adults are. Concepts in Grades 2-3 include knowing that safe touches help you feel cared for and unsafe touches hurt your body/feelings. Concepts in Grades 4-5 include being responsible for your own safety, discussing ways to stay safe, creating boundaries, and understanding your body belongs to you.
Parents/guardians can opt-out their child from the child protection curriculum by signing a permission form and returning it to their child's teacher. If the form is not returned, your child will participate in the counselor's lessons.
If you wish to opt out, please return the K-3 opt-out permission form and/or the 4-5 opt-out permission form to your child’s teacher prior to April 15.
“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.
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
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 - presented the weekends of May 3-5 and May 10-12. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm; Sundays 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 Strongsville Special Olympics
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.
Youth Lacrosse - Spring Registration
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2024 season is now open for boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades. Indoor practices begin in mid-February and the outdoor season runs from late March through May. All experience levels welcome. All information is included on the registration site - 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
April Business Luncheon*
Hosted by Polaris Career Center
"Unlocking Potential: Leveraging Polaris Students as Interns and Strategies for Employee Retention" - Presented by Maureen Lehman, Director of Workforce Services
Polaris Career Center – Savour Restaurant, 7285 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg Heights
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
11:30am - 1:00pm
*Limited Seating; please register early
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
Registration Opens April 17, 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Business After Hours
Hosted by SouthPark Mall at The Hooley Kitchen & Pub, 500 SouthPark Center
Thursday, May 16, 2024
5:30pm-7:30pm
82nd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 24 - July 27, 2024
Sponsorship opportunities available. Please call the Chamber office at 440.238.3366.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 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
Seed Library! In order to spread knowledge of local food systems, cultivate skills required for sustainable food production, and to help make seeds more accessible to those in the community, the Strongsville Branch Library has once again partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to offer a selection of different varieties of organic, open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable, herb, & edible flower seeds. Please stop by to pick up your free seeds beginning on the first day of Spring, March 19th. Sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. Supplies are limited. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information or visit https://www.hummingbirdproject.org/seed-libraries to see all participating locations in Greater Cleveland. Please also save the date for a Master Gardeners presentation on April 18th and our Spring Plant Swap on April 25th.
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.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are in session! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration needed.
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.
Crafter-Noon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, April 13th / 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.
Teen Writing Workshop: Whipping Up a Great Story. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 15th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. How do you whip up a great story? Start with the best ingredients. Young adult mystery author JPC Allen will show teen writers how complex characters, vivid settings, gripping plots, and captivating themes can be mixed together to concoct stories readers will love. Through examples and writing prompts, teens have the chance to develop their own ingredients that will make their stories unique. Sponsored by the Strongsville Friends of the Library
Teen Craft Night: Yarn Art. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, April 16th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Using markers, yarn, and glue, "paint" a beautiful masterpiece on canvas board! The possibilities are endless! 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.
PowerPoint Basics. Wednesday, April 17th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Geared toward the beginner, this class offers an overview of Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program for designing creative presentations and slideshows. Create a simple presentation and learn how to add text, images and transitions to slides. Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using PowerPoint. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification.
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 Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 17th / 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 Friends like These by Kimberly McCreight. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
School Age Craft: Yarn Art. Ages 9 – 11. Thursday, April 18th / 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Take inspiration from famous art pieces or create your own yarn masterpiece on canvas. 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.
Embracing Life in Your Garden. Thursday, April 18th / 7:00 p.m. Not enough buzz in your garden? Bring your garden to life! In this presentation Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will offer tips and techniques for welcoming pollinators and other beneficials to your vegetable garden and landscape.
Blood Drive. Friday, April 19th / 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: All About Me. Friday, April 19th / 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 All About Me!
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. April 20th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, April 29th / 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.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 22nd / 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 The Wager: a Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Tech Night: Fun with Fabrication. Grades 6 – 12. Monday, April 22nd / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Take a look at a laser cutter up close, learn about what fabrication even is, and build your own structure using pre-cut pieces. 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.
Digital Navigators. Tuesday, April 23rd / 1:30 – 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, April 27th / 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Our 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.
Transformation of the Strongsville Fire Department: From Bucket Brigade to Fire and Emergency Services. Tuesday, April 23rd / 7:00 p.m. This presentation will include the evolution of the Fire department in Strongsville. From the bucket brigade efforts as early as 1820, to the volunteer firemen who organized the Strongsville Fire Protection Association in 1922, to the transformation into one of the most respected and accomplished fire departments in Cuyahoga County. We will discuss some of the biggest fire events within the Strongsville borders and highlight some of the founding fathers and leadership that helped shape the fire service into the great fire department that it is today. This special presentation, in partnership with the Strongsville Historical Society, will be presented by Guest speaker Lieutenant Brian Tomcany of Strongsville Fire and Emergency Services.
Southwest General Health Talk: Rotator Cuff Injury & Management. Wednesday, April 24th / 10:00 a.m. Daniel Kana, DO, from NOMS Southwest Orthopedics, will discuss the progression of Rotator cuff disease. Topics will include impingement, tendonitis, acute and chronic tears, and treatments including surgical repairs and reverse total shoulder replacement.
British Royal Scandals. Wednesday, April 24th / 7:00 p.m. Royal Expert Julie Koenig is joining us at Strongsville to discuss British Royal Scandals from the recent past. She'll shed light on Queen Elizabeth II's speech in 1992, Windsor Castle burning down, the day Diana died and the life of Princess Margaret. All are welcome!
Spring Plant Swap. Thursday, April 25th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Calling all gardeners and plant lovers! Join us for this special plant swapping event. Please bring at least one indoor or outdoor healthy, pest-free, beautiful plant, cutting, or seeds. Bring as many as you would like - the more the merrier! The plants can be potted or bare root—as long as you’re prepared to part with them. If bare roots, please bring plant in a pot, bag, or a cardboard box if possible. Please also label plants or seeds as best as you can with any information about the plant such as name, sun/shade/size, etc.) Tickets will be given for each type of plant brought. Tickets will be randomly pulled to decide the order of selection for choosing your new plants.
Play, Learn, & Grow, Ages 1 – 3. Tuesday, April 30th / 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.
Battle for the Ballot: Cleveland's Suffragist Movement. Tuesday, April 30th / 7:00 p.m. There is no complete record of the brave, often unmated women who fought for their right to vote and finally triumphed in 1920. Learn about a band of women who dedicated themselves to the public interest and grew into an organization that won the respect and confidence of the nation. This program will tell the story behind the Cleveland women who advocated for suffrage and went on to help establish the League of Women Voters. Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society.
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
Instagram: @strongsvillecs
Twitter / X: @strongsvillecs