Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2016-17 Vol I, Iss 23)
Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strongsville.
In This Issue - February 10, 2017
- Important Dates to Remember
- 60 Seconds with the Superintendent
- Mustang Spotlight - Whitney Elementary Intervention Specialist Andrea Zak
- Strongsville High School Mustang Express Places Fifth at Walsh Competition
- Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Opportunity for SHS Seniors
- “Love & Logic” Seminars
- Baroque Bassist Visits Strongsville Middle School
- 2017-18 Kindergarten Registration
- Community Conversation - Wed., 2/22 at Ehrnfelt Rec Center
- Lattes with The Lantern
- Strongsville Jump Rope Club
- Electrify Your Strings Concert
- SHS Athletic Boosters Upcoming Events
- Bus Drivers Needed
- Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TONIGHT (Fri., 2/10) - 6:30pm-9pm
Rockin’ At The Rec Dance (6th - 8th Grade)
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Theme: Wear Red!
Wednesday, February 15
Parent-Teacher Conference Day (Evening)
Thursday, February 16 - 7pm
Board of Education Meeting (NOTE LOCATION: SHS Media Center - 20025 Lunn Rd.)
Friday, February 17
Conference Comp Day - NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 20
President’s Day - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 22 - 5:30pm-7:30pm
Community Conversation
with Superintendent Cameron Ryba & Director of Curriculum Erin Green
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Saturday, February 25 - 12:30pm-2:30pm
Lattes with The Lantern
Fundraiser for the high school's newspaper club
SHS Cafeteria
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Polaris Career Center is inspiring middle and high school students to achieve career success. Strongsville City Schools and Polaris have had a long-standing partnership, with students involved in several programs and course offerings, preparing them for their next opportunity, be it college or career. In this week’s episode, we visit with students and staff at Polaris and hear about how Polaris is making a difference. Click HERE for our visit to Polaris Career Center.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - WHITNEY ELEMENTARY INTERVENTION SPECIALIST MRS. ANDREA ZAK
Mrs. Andrea Zak is an intervention specialist at Whitney Elementary School. As an intervention specialist, Mrs. Zak is responsible for managing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and making sure their academic needs are met by giving different strategies and methods for acquiring knowledge. She stays in close communication with parents and works cooperatively with general education teachers to assist with differentiated instruction and intervention strategies.
Mrs. Zak has been in our district for 6 years, having earned her undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace and her graduate degree from Walden University. As an undergraduate student, she also competed on BW’s tennis team and still holds the school record for most career wins.
When asked about what she enjoys most about working with our students, Mrs. Zak says, “I love helping to unlock students’ potential. It is such a wonderful feeling to see students persist and succeed.” She adds, “Every single day is a new and exciting journey with new challenges to overcome. I work with wonderful colleagues who are willing to collaborate and think outside of the box to give our students the very best.”
Thank you Mrs. Zak for helping our students realize their potential and being an important part of their development!
STRONGSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSTANG EXPRESS PLACES FIFTH AT WALSH COMPETITION
Last weekend, Strongsville High School Mustang Express placed fifth in the Walsh Jesuit Great Lakes Show Choir Competition. SHS Senior Jenna Gibson earned the award for “Best Individual Performer” and Strongsville also earned recognition for “Best Band” in the competition. Congratulations Mustang Express!
STRONGSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR SHS SENIORS
The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications from high school seniors who live in Strongsville for their annual scholarship awards. Applications will be accepted through March 1, 2017. Please click HERE for additional information.
LOVE & LOGIC SEMINARS
Three informative “Love & Logic” seminars for parents are coming soon to Strongsville City Schools, courtesy of the SCS Guidance Department and the Strongsville Civic Group:
Wednesday, March 15 “Power Struggles & Control Issues”
Wednesday, April 12 “Teaching Responsibility for Academic Success”
Wednesday, April 26 “Parenting with Calmness”
Each of the seminars will be held at Strongsville Middle School from 7-8pm. Click HERE for additional information and to RSVP.
BAROQUE BASSIST VISITS STRONGSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
This week, Sue Yelanjian, principal bassist from the world renowned Apollo's Fire: The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, was a special guest at Strongsville Middle School visiting the 7th grade Orchestra classes. The students have been learning about the Baroque era, and she brought her Baroque Bass to perform for the students, talk about the style, answer their questions, and coach the 7th grade bassists in a small group setting!
2017-18 KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten registration is happening next month in our District. According to State Law and District policy, any child who becomes five years old on or before August 1, 2017 is eligible for admission into the Strongsville School District's Kindergarten program this August.
Registration information can be picked up at the elementary building closest to your home. This enrollment package contains information regarding kindergarten registration, information about Safety Town, school transportation and helpful hints you can use to prepare your child for Kindergarten.
This year's registration will take place at the new Administrative Office at 18199 Cook Avenue. Registration time will be from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Dates for kindergarten registration are as follows:
Chapman Elementary - Monday, March 13
Kinsner Elementary - Tuesday, March 14
Muraski Elementary - Wednesday, March 15
Surrarrer Elementary - Thursday, March 16
Whitney Elementary - Friday, March 17
Additional information about kindergarten registration can be found HERE .
COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH SUPERINTENDENT RYBA AT EHRNFELT REC CENTER - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
Join Superintendent Ryba at the next Community Conversation on Wednesday, February 22 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. The focus will be on our District’s curriculum and the various opportunities our students have with courses in Strongsville City Schools. This is an informal setting to have your questions answered. Erin Green, our Director of Curriculum, will also be there to answer questions and provide additional insight.
LATTES WITH THE LANTERN
Strongsville High School’s newspaper club, The Lantern, is hosting a luncheon, quarter auction, and basket raffle to raise money to print issues for our student body, attend writing/design workshops and extra training, and more. During this event, attendees can applaud the achievements of our school clubs and learn from a speaker on how to transition into the working world of journalism.
Location and Time:
Saturday February 25th, 2017 at the high school cafeteria from 12:30-2:30pm.
Tickets:
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children and senior citizens. The ticket price includes lunch and there will also be bakery and coffee to fulfill the “Lattes” promise.
Activities:
There are over 25 prizes ready for you to win in the quarter auction! Bring your quarters and extra cash! There will also be a kid’s corner with face painting, coloring and newspaper hats.
We hope to have fun while celebrating the success of our students!
STRONGSVILLE JUMP ROPE CLUB - THIRD SESSION
The third session of the Strongsville Jump Rope Club will be held on four upcoming Fridays from 5:00pm - 6:30pm. Dates for this session are February 24, March 10, March 17, and March 24 at Muraski Elementary School. We hope you are able to join us! Please contact Dot Hepp at dot.hepp@roadrunner.com or call/text 216-924-1475 for more information.
ELECTRIFY YOUR STRINGS CONCERT - FRIDAY, APRIL 21
”Electrify Your Strings” is coming to Strongsville High School! Renowned violinist Haydn Vitera will be performing with the SMS and SHS Orchestras on Friday, April 21st. There will be two shows – early show at 6:00 p.m. and the late show at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for General Admission and $15.00 for Reserved Seating. Advanced tickets are available by clicking the links below:
http://strongsvilleorchearlyshow.brownpapertickets.com http://strongsvilleorchlateshow.brownpapertickets.com
This event SOLD OUT in 2014! For additional questions and information, please email: simborchestraparent@gmail.com. A direct link for ticket sales and volunteer opportunities is also available HERE.
SHS ATHLETIC BOOSTERS UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, March 12th
Flapjack Fundraiser at Strongsville Applebee's (8am-10am)
Tickets are only $10 for bacon, breakfast potatoes, juice, coffee, and of course flapjacks!
Saturday, June 10th
Annual Golf Outing at Cossett Creek in Brunswick
And visit https://strongsvilleboosters.membershiptoolkit.com/Home for more information on joining the Athletic Boosters!
BUS DRIVERS NEEDED
Applications are now being accepted for substitute bus drivers in our District. Please visit the Human Resources section of the Strongsville City Schools website (www.strongnet.org) or call 440.572.7060.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Kiwanis Club of Strongsville “Read Around the World” Event
Join the Kiwanis Club of Strongsville on Saturday, February 25 from 10:00am - 12:30pm at the Strongsville Library for their “Read Around the World” event. The program and its activities are intended for preschool and K – 3rd graders. This is a FREE event for children and their accompanying adult (parent, grandparent, etc.).
Activities include:
Children will be free to “browse” and “check out” our huge inventory of children’s books.
Students from St. Joseph & John's Elementary, Strongsville Middle School, and Strongsville High School will be available to read to your child from a book the child selects from our inventory of children's books.
Mr. Protiva, librarian in the children’s section, will be reading children’s stories.
St. Joseph & John’s students will be performing short skits based on children’s stories.
Strongsville Middle School students will be “face painting” throughout the morning.
Appearances of several characters from children’s literature in costumes.
Each child will have the opportunity to pick out his/her favorite new book to TAKE HOME!!!
Mustangs Rugby
Rookie Rugby Cleveland is a flag and tackle rugby league for boys and girls in grades 3-8. Mustangs Rugby focuses on rugby fundamentals, teamwork, fair play, fun and fast paced action for all to enjoy! No experience necessary. See the flyers below for more information.
3rd-6th Grade Mustangs Rugby Flyer
7th-8th Grade Mustangs Rugby Flyer
Taekwondo Classes
Taekwondo training builds mental and physical strength, while improving self esteem. Enroll now at TKD Academy and get 2 weeks free! Click HERE for more information.
Southwest General Safe Sitter Classes
Safe Sitter is a national program that teaches students a variety of skills they need to stay at home safely and/or to babysit. It is for young people 11-14 years of age. Instructors are certified through the Safe Sitter program and are employed through Southwest General. This class includes American Heart Association CPR, as well as American Academy of Pediatrics First Aid. Click HERE for more information on upcoming classes.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce
Please note the following events hosted by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Registration is required for all events. Please call 440.238.3366 to register or for more information. Those interested may also visit www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and to see more event information.
February Business Luncheon
Tuesday, February 21 - 11:30am - 1:00pm
Strongsville VFW #3345 - 17900 Strongsville Blvd.
$20 per person / Register by calling 440.238.3366 or at www.strongsvillechamber.com
State of the City Address with Mayor Perciak
Tuesday, March 14th – 11:30am – 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Recreation Event Center
Reservations are required! $20 per person. Seating is available for those who would like to attend but not have lunch. Register by calling 440.238.3366 or at www.strongsvillechamber.com
Transition Bootcamp
Introducing Transition Boosters 2017! These booster sessions are intended to provide information on the transition from school to adult life for youth with disabilities. Families, individuals with disabilities, educators, and other professionals are invited to attend these sessions at no charge. Please see this FLYER for additional details and session offerings.
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2017 events at the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration is required for most events. Please call (440) 238-5530 to register or for more information. All events sponsored by our Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. Customers may also visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org to register and to see more library event information.
Year-Round Story Times!
Cuyahoga County Public Library offers story time sessions year-round for children Birth to Age 5. Our current story time sessions are in full swing! Please call the library for more information about our Winter story time sessions.
Strongsville Branch Library Fundraiser
The Friends of the Strongsville Branch Library have partnered with local roaster Red Cedar Coffee to sell Library Lovers' Brew at the branch, with sales supporting the Library. Twelve-ounce bags of ground regular and decaf are $8.99 each. Stop in and pick up a special gift for yourself and a friend!
2017 Strongsville Branch Library Reading Challenge!
We challenge you to resolve to read in 2017! Adults 18 and over – stop in to the Strongsville Branch Library today to pick-up a Reading Challenge bookmark. Complete the 10 reading tasks and be entered to win a Kindle Fire courtesy of the Friends of Strongsville Library. Contest ends December 1, 2017. One entry per person.
Just 4 You Student Friends Volunteers. Ages 10-18. Saturday, February 11th from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Join Just 4 U Student Friends and get involved at the Strongsville Branch and in your community. Pick up an application at the Teen Desk.
Pre-Oscar Party. Monday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m.
You are invited to attend a pre-Oscar party to celebrate the upcoming 89th Academy Awards that will be televised on Sunday, February 26, 2017. Come hear David Moss, Fox 8’s Mossman, talk about the Oscars including the rules, 24 award categories, and nominated films. Participants will have an opportunity to predict who they think will win and enter a contest for free movie tickets.
Technology Training Classes
Beginning in 2017, Cuyahoga County Public Library will offer a new series of technology training classes for beginners to advanced users. We are also offering more evening classes. All classes are free. Registration begins 30 days before each class date. Classes are for adults age 18 and over. To see a full class list, descriptions, and to register, please visit:
http://cuyahogalibrary.org/Events/Technology-Training.aspx
Here are the February upcoming classes:
Tuesday, February 14th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Excel 201: Data Analysis
Tuesday, February 14th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Excel 202: Functions
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be on Wednesday, February 15th. This month we will be discussing The Good Lord Bird by James McBride. Copies of the book will be available at the check-out desk. Registration for this program is not needed. Join us for an evening of great discussion!
Sensory Storytime. Thursday, February 16th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a program geared for children who are developmentally at the preschool level and specifically designed for children with special needs and their families. The program incorporates a schedule board, double visuals and sensory opportunities for participants as well as socialization time following the program. Registration begins on Friday, February 3rd at 9:00 a.m.
Getting to Know Your Tablet. Thursday, February 16th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Do you have a Kindle Fire, iPad, or other tablet device and have no clue how to even turn it on? Are you looking for fun and useful apps you can download to your device? If so, than join us for this informational presentation on getting started with your tablet device. Library staff member, Amy Martin, will give you the basics and share tips on how to best utilize your device. All tablet users welcome. Bring your tablet if you want to follow along, but it is not required. This is not an in-depth instructional class, but more of a basic overview. Registration is requested and begins 30 days prior to the program date. When registering, please indicate which tablet or device you own so that we may customize the information for the majority of attendees.
Parkfit Mall Walkers Wellness Talk: "Stroke Awareness & Prevention" Tuesday, February 21st from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Our speaker this month will be Maureen Moore, RN, BSN stroke coordinator. She will discuss the signs and symptoms of strokes and share prevention strategies and introduce Southwest General’s new Grey Matters Stroke Prevention Program. The ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and South Park Mall in Strongsville. The Club provides an opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe, interesting and climate-controlled facility. Walk at the mall first, then come over to the Library for this informative wellness talk!
Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! Teens ages 10-18. Tuesday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Valentine's Day may be over, but there is still time for chocolate! Create your own chocolate pops and learn about the art of chocolate making. Parents/guardians must complete a Release and Hold Harmless form. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program’s effectiveness. More information can be found at cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join us for a reading celebration and activities sponsored by the Strongsville Kiwanis Club! Each child attending may choose a current book to take home and members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to them. The St. Joseph and John Builders' Club members will perform puppet shows. Light refreshments will also be available. No registration required.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Meets the 4th Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m.
New Members Welcome! Our next discussion will be held on Monday, February 27th. This month we will be discussing The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk. Join us for great conversation!
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