60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Welcome Mr. Bryan Szczepanski, new Assistant Principal at Strongsville Middle School. Mr. Szczepanski’s primary responsibilities will be working with 8th graders and the 7th grade Pioneers and Seekers teams. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more from Mr. Szczepanski and his excitement about joining the SMS administrative team.
FORMER MUSTANGS GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH EARNS COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
Congratulations to Coach Dawn Thall, former Strongsville High School varsity girls basketball coach, for earning national recognition as the Varsity Brands School Spirit Coach of the Year. Coach Thall is also a graduate of SHS and a member of the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Congratulations on this award and helping make Strongsville shine with this recognition!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. ROBIN HOLDEN, 3RD GRADE TEACHER AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Robin Holden is in her 31st year as an elementary teacher in our District. Mrs. Holden has taught at Surrarrer and Muraski, but has spent the majority of her years at Chapman, where she currently teaches third grade. Her mom was also a Strongsville elementary for 24 years and they even worked together for a few years. Mrs. Holden earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University and also has a Master’s Degree from Baldwin Wallace University.
“I love to see my students’ faces when they understand a new concept. Making connections with them is the best part of my day! My favorite time of year is our “Right to Read” Celebration because our staff always performs a play on the stage and the whole school is involved in a common reading goal,” said Mrs. Holden.
Mrs. Holden has been a resident of Strongsville for most of her life, and attended Allen Elementary, Albion Jr. High, and is a graduate of Strongsville High School. “My favorite memories from Allen were the sports carnival, performing in plays, and the egg drop off the roof - which I won one year! I love being a part of the Strongsville community, recognizing and saying ‘Hi’ to students and families outside of the classroom and around town. And catching up with those who were my students and finding out how their lives have changed since elementary school!”
Thank you Mrs. Holden for your efforts to help our third graders at Chapman continue to grow and develop! #BeTheDifference
JOIN THE “SCS CREW”
Attention parents of SMS and SHS students: SCS Crew is looking for new members! The SCS Crew is a talented team of video production members! Students in SCS Crew have the opportunity to be a part of the team that records district events throughout the school year - sports, concerts, Board of Education meetings, SHS Commencement, and MORE - for YouTube and our Strongsville City Schools TV channel. Click HERE for a video about SCS Crew! Interested students should contact Scott Benson (440.572.7032 / sbenson@scsmustangs.org).
POWERSCHOOL UPDATES
The PowerSchool Portals have been updated for the 2022-2023 school year. With this update to PowerSchool, parents will need to reset their passwords.
You can now access the PowerSchool Parent Portal through this new URL: https://ps-st.metasolutions.net/public/. You can also find the new Parent Portal link on our District’s website using the PowerSchool Link or through the “Powerschool For Families” link under the “Families” link. Please follow the instructions HERE to access your Parent Portal.
PowerSchool's dashboard provides parents and students with easy access to the following important information: Class Schedules, Grades, Attendance, Fees, Report Cards, Transportation
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS MATTRESS FUNDRAISER - TOMORROW (SAT. 8/27)
The Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB) are pleased to announce their 13th annual Mattress Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be held TOMORROW (Saturday, August 27th), from 10am-5pm in the SHS Cafeteria. The high school’s cafeteria will be converted into a showroom featuring all makes, models, sizes, and types of mattresses - even custom sizes for RV’s and boats! Mattresses can be delivered anywhere in the USA. You will find the same quality and service of the box mattress retailers at greatly reduced prices. This annual fundraiser generates funds that support the Strongsville Band and Orchestra students and program.
“HERE COMES THE BUS” APP
'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 - 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 about the app.
FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
After two years of free meals for all students in our District, through a federal government program, we will be transitioning back to free, reduced, and paid statuses for student meals. If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced price school meals, we encourage you to complete a Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application online, which may be found HERE. The online form must be completed by Friday, September 30, 2022. If your situation should change as a result of lower income or increased family size, you may complete a new form at any time during the school year.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 7TH & 12TH GRADES
Please note the following immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health.
All students entering 7th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade:
One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)
One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine
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All students entering 12th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 12th grade:
Two (2) doses of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
Incoming 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2022-23 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
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, please click on the following links to access websites dedicated to each of our elementary school locations: Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, Whitney
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
Strongsville Rotary StrongFest (Sat. 8/27)
The Rotary Club of Strongsville is excited to present the inaugural StrongFest, presented by Sheiban Jewelers, on Saturday, August 27th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm at the Strongsville Recreation Center. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our community - come and enjoy over 40 varieties of beer and wine from local, regional & national brands. Food trucks will also be there, plus live music with “Jump The Gun.” This fundraiser will benefit The Strongsville Town Center Initiative Project and other local charities that The Rotary Club of Strongsville supports. Click HERE for additional information and to purchase tickets.
Girl Scouts - Animal Dance Party!
Make plans to join the Girl Scouts on Tuesday, September 6 from 6-7pm at the Strongsville Library for an Animal Dance Party! All future Girl Scouts in grades K-5 are invited. Information will also be provided at the event on troop openings. Click HERE for additional information and how to register for the event.
Princess Ball - Sunday, September 11
The 6th Annual Princess Ball which will take place on Sunday, September 11th at SouthPark Mall between 8:00 am and 11:00 am. The event takes place in the mall's food court area. There will be 10+ Fairytale Princesses provided by Second Star to the Right. Each princess will have a customized station and will be available for a meet-and-greet. Please be ready to snap adorable photos of your kids with the Fairytale Princesses. Fox 8's Kristi Capel will be the host for this morning event! Click HERE to purchase tickets for the event. Please note, that all attendees will need a ticket to enter except children 2 years of age and under. 100% of the proceeds will benefit A Special Wish Northeast Ohio, a local organization dedicated to granting the wishes of Northeast Ohio children battling life-threatening illnesses.
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.
September Business Luncheon “Get to Know your City Council and School Board”
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
2022 Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
4:00pm - 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm - 7:30pm Open to Strongsville Community
Come learn more about the businesses in our vibrant local business community!
Click HERE to register your business to participate
October Business Luncheon “State of the Schools Address” Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2022 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 2, 2022
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 2022 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events 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.
*All branches and the Administrative offices of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed on Sunday, September 4th and Monday, September 5th for the Labor Day Holiday. We will resume normal Library hours on Tuesday, September 6th at 9:00 a.m.
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.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library has resumed storytimes in-person. 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. To check for in-person storytime availability, please check our schedule online or call (440) 238-5530.
Young at Heart Book Club. Tuesday, September 6th / 7:00 p.m. Register online. IN PERSON. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for this month’s discussion is Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech, 2018.
Discuss & Design Millennial Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 7th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. This meeting will be held virtually on ZOOM. Attention millennials born between 1981 – 1996. Are you looking for something fun and different to do with your friends? How about a book club with a twist? Discuss & Design (Millennial Book Discussion) will be meeting monthly virtually, alternating between children's, teen, and adult books. We discuss the assigned book and design something that complements the title, subject, or book cover. Maker kits will be available as a part of this program and can be mailed to a branch near you for pick up! Our September title will be The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton. Registration and an email address are required to participate. A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program. You will need a device with audio and/or video and an internet connection to join. Provided materials for this program are recommended for all participants. Please specify your preferred branch location for material pick up when registering. A staff member will contact you prior to the event when materials are available. Registration closes a week before the event to ensure delivery of materials.
Studio Orientation. Saturday, September 10th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. / VIRTUAL or Monday, September 19th from 7:00 – 8:00 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 or in-person sessions.
Plan Your Walt Disney World Vacation. Tuesday, September 13th / 7:00 p.m. Karli Keene is a travel concierge with ET Family Travel, specializing in all things Disney and beyond. She will explain the process of planning a Disney vacation, including when to go, where to stay, making dining reservations, booking Genie+ reservations (formerly known as FastPass), using MagicBands, Disney "extras" like character experiences, saving money, and so much more!
A Dawg Pound Presentation. Thursday, September 15th / 7:00 p.m. Calling all Cleveland Browns fans for this fun and interactive presentation on the history of the Cleveland Browns! Author, Marty Gitlin, who covered the Browns as a sportswriter for nearly three decades as an award-winning journalist, hosts this wonderful program. He will cover the most interesting and greatest teams, players, and events in the history of the storied franchise. Marty will tell engaging stories and play exciting game highlights. He will cover the entire history of the Browns from their birth in 1946 to today. Included are legends such as Paul Brown, and Bernie Kosar, triumphs such as the championships of the 1950's and 1964, devastating playoff defeats of the 1980's and the loss of the team in 1995 following decades of frustration after its return.
Toddler Fair. Ages 2 – 3 Years Old. Friday, September 16th / 11:00 a.m. – Noon. Indoor and outdoor activities will engage your little one’s senses as they build brain connections using items you have in your home.
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
Tuesday, September 20th / 10:00 a.m. Noon. Word 2.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, September 21st / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Strongsville Branch Library. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, September 26th / 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 Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Blood Drive. Friday, September 30th / 10:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. 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). 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).
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