60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Strongsville City Schools once again participated in “Start with Hello” week across the District. At Muraski, Mrs. Schlueter (Counselor) and Mrs. Moon (Art Teacher) collaborated to provide all students with an opportunity to continue to build a positive culture at Muraski. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see how their teamwork is making a difference in the Muraski community.
SHS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Strongsville High School athletic program has been recognized as a 2023 recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Quality Program Recognition at the Exemplary Level. Strongsville High School is just the second Ohio school to achieve this recognition, since its inception in 2009. Streetsboro High School is the only other Ohio high school to earn this award (2021).
To be recognized as a Quality Program Exemplary High School, an athletic administrator must complete a thorough analysis of his/her program and present evidence of existing policies, practices, and procedures that meet suggested criteria within the ten Quality Program assessment categories. Through this recognition program, the NIAAA embraces local school innovation and vision that makes use of best practices in high school athletic programs.
Mr. Ziegler, Director of Athletics & Activities at Strongsville High School, will be presented this award at the 2023 NIAAA Annual Business Meeting, held during the NIAAA/NFHS National Conference, in December.
Congratulations to our Athletic Department and THANK YOU to our student-athletes, parents, coaches and staff, and the Strongsville community for being valuable participants in our Strongsville athletic programs!
FALL PLAY AT SHS (FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21)
Strongsville High School students will be performing Trap for the Fall Play on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. Based on a true story, Trap is a documentary-style thriller about a disaster that shook a town and left almost every audience member in a theater unconscious in Menachap, California. Using interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the investigators pursuing the case, a theater ensemble brings the story of the strange event to life. Tickets are $10 for General Adult Admission and $5 for General Student, Child, or District Employee Admission. Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance ** Parental discretion advised for children under 10
ISSUE 14 (SCS RENEWAL LEVY)
On November 7, 2023 Strongsville City Schools will have a renewal levy on the ballot. Our District seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.
Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a renewal on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues. The information on our website (https://www.strongnet.org/community/issue-14-renewal-levy) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 14? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy.
UNIFIED SPORTS AT SHS AND SMS
Recently, both SMS and SHS hosted Unified Sports Flag Football events. Unified Sports is a team sports program that brings people together. Unified Sports goes beyond sports training and competition to promote social inclusion and meaningful connections. Both SMS and SHS students enjoyed great events that included friendly competition, teamwork, and lots of smiles!
DO NOT USE YOUR CHROMEBOOK TO CHARGE YOUR PHONE!
A message to students and families from our Tech Department:
Please DO NOT use your Chromebook to charge your phone! Using your Chromebook as a charger for your phone can result in severe consequences:
1. Potential Damage: Charging your phone through your Chromebook can cause damage to both devices, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
2. Warranty Void: This action voids the manufacturer's warranty for your Chromebook, leaving you without its protection against unforeseen issues.
3. Optional District Insurance Void: It also voids the district insurance coverage for your Chromebook, which means you'll be responsible for any future damages or losses.
This cautionary notice comes in response to an increase in the number of student devices being turned in due to these issues. We want to ensure the longevity and functionality of your Chromebooks and, by extension, your learning experience.
“MUSTANG EXPRESS” ROYAL TEA (TOMORROW - SATURDAY, 10/7)
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Royal Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - TOMORROW (Saturday, October 7) at Strongsville High School. To purchase advance tickets, click HERE - it will be a magical event at SHS!
SHS PTA DONATION DRIVE
SHS PTA is hosting a soft goods donation drive (clothing, blankets, pillows, etc.) on Friday, October 20 and Saturday, October 21. There will be a truck parked at the high school collecting donated items on both days (10/20 from 3-5pm and 10/21 from 8-11:30am). The donated goods can be in any condition. SHS PTA will earn money based on the weight of what is collected. As part of the donation drive, PTA does need an estimate of how much will be collected. HERE is a sign up for an approximate number of bags (a standard garbage bag is fine!) individuals are donating. All money raised goes directly back to our SHS students and teachers to fund grants, Senior Scholarships, Senior Banner, PBIS, etc. Thank you for all of your support!
PTA Reflections
Calling all Elementary Artists! PTA Council Reflections is starting a Reflections Club for all elementary students that will be meeting once a month.
What is Reflections? It is a program put on by the State and National PTA that provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students can create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme. The 2023-2024 Theme is "I am hopeful because . . ." Students can create in six categories. Those categories are Film Making, Choreography/Dance, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Literature.
This Elementary Reflections Club will meet September 18th, October 16th, and November 13th and 27th at the Strongsville Public Library, with the goal of giving students a chance to explore the art categories they can compete in. To sign up please click HERE - please know that space is limited and there is a cost of $5.00 per family for art supplies. Learn more about PTA Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.
“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.
SCS GREET & TREAT - MONDAY, OCTOBER 23
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Monday, October 23 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items, especially peanut butter and jelly, pasta, and pasta sauces, for the Strongsville Food Bank and other local food pantries that evening. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 23!
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Start Thanksgiving Break with a special Strongsville City Schools Night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavs battle the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 22 - Tip off is at 7:30pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
DARE HALLOWEEN DANCES FOR 5TH-6TH GRADES & 7TH-8TH GRADES
Don’t miss this year’s DARE Halloween Dances for 5th-6th Grades and 7th-8th Grades! Dances will be held at Michaud’s Town & Country (16808 Pearl Rd.). There will be prizes for best costume and best makeup, lots of dancing, and tons of fun! Bring a box of cereal for the Strongsville Food Bank and be entered into special drawings too! Purchase tickets in advance beginning September 12th - tickets will NOT be available at the door. Parent Volunteers Needed - Information on volunteering at the DARE Dances can be found by clicking on the Dance links below.
Thursday, October 12th 6pm-9pm (5th & 6th Grade Students) - Purchase Tickets HERE
Friday, October 13th 6pm-9pm (7th & 8th Grade Students) - Purchase Tickets HERE
LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT? CONSIDER THIS JOB OPENING WITH SCS!
Are you interested in making an impact with students? Have you always wanted to be part of a school environment and have the chance to connect with and guide students? Strongsville City Schools has an opening that might be right for you. We are looking to fill the role of Special Education Aide/Attendant (RBT) at one of our elementary schools. If your passion is working with K-5 students, click HERE to find out more about this opportunity and other District openings, and to apply. Strongsville City Schools - Inspiring & Empowering Our Learners Today to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
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
Strongsville Special Olympics
Volunteers are needed for our Strongsville Special Olympics Athletes during their swim season. Volunteers would need to be good swimmers that would be willing to get in the water and help model swimming techniques that the coach provides. Most importantly, we ask that you provide enthusiasm and encouragement to our athletes. The swim season will take place from 9:30am - 11:00am at the Strongsville Rec Center. Our season will run from October 1st - December 5th. Please click here for a quick free background check and click here to sign up for a session. We greatly appreciate the support from our community! Questions? Please email strongsvillespecialolympics@gmail.com.
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
Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
4:00pm – 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm – 7:30pm Open to the Public / FREE (no admission fee for public to attend)
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Strongsville City Schools” Address, presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm (Doors open at 11:15am)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 1, 2023
Aviator Event Center & Pub, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH. 44135
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 2023 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 Fall 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 Fall Program information here: https://www.pressreader.com/document/4050
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 back in session for the Fall. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration.
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.
The British Coronation. Wednesday, October 11th / 7:00 p.m. Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III with royal expert Julie Koenig; learn all about the customs and traditions dating back more than 1,000 years and the glorious spectacle of all the pomp and pageantry.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, October 14th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or Monday, October 23rd / 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.
Lost Cemeteries of Cuyahoga County: Strongsville Edition with Author William G. Krejci. Tuesday, October 17th / 7:00 p.m. Local author William G. Krejci tracked down more than 50 displaced cemeteries throughout the Greater Cleveland area. Join us to discover the Revolutionary War veterans, famous scientists and illustrious dignitaries found beneath gas stations and grocery stores in this eerie history of Cuyahoga County’s forgotten dead. This program will share many of these incredible stories, but will also focus on those closer to Strongsville, including the long-forgotten Strongsville Baptist Church Burying Ground. Program presented by the Strongsville Historical Society in partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. 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, October 18th / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word Basics.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, October 18th / 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 The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, October 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).
Kindergarten Countdown: Colors. For children entering kindergarten next Fall and their caregiver. Friday, October 20th / 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 colors.
National Chemistry Week: The Healing Power of Chemistry. Grades 2 – 6. Saturday, October 21st / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 23rd / 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 always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Craft Night: Yarn Pumpkins. For Teens in grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, October 24th / 7:00 p.m. Come in and make miniature pumpkins using foam, wood, and yarn. Perfect to use as decorations for fall!
Elephant & Piggie Costume Storytime. All ages with a caregiver. Wednesday, October 25th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Come one, come all to a storytime featuring Mo Willem's popular characters- Elephant (also known as Gerald) and Piggie. You can even come dressed as one of this lovable pair.
AARP Social Security Basics. Monday, October 30th / 7:00 p.m. Do you understand how Social Security works? Have you wondered what the difference between full, early and delayed benefits are? This Social Security workshop focuses on building an understanding of the implications of Social Security claiming decisions. You will discover what Social Security is and you will also learn how to secure your benefits, as well as the future of Social Security. Build confidence in making a decision that is right for you! Registration is required. You must visit AARP at http://aarp.cvent.com/OHevents to register.
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