Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2023-24 Vol. 8, Iss. 38)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Congratulations to the SHS Class of 2024! We are proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to hear about your continued success in “life after SHS.” Click HERE for this week’s episode to see some highlights of the recent commencement ceremony honoring this special class.
SHS CLASS OF 2024 COMMENCEMENT PICTURES
We had an amazing day on Sunday, May 19 celebrating Strongsville High School’s Class of 2024! This class made their mark on SHS and they will not be forgotten. They are a special class - we are excited to see and hear about their continued accomplishments as they begin their “life after SHS” journey. Click HERE for a folder of pictures from Commencement. Families of the Class of 2024 - be on the lookout for an email from Lifetouch with information on how to order your official Commencement photos.
SHS MARKETING PRINCIPLES CLASS PITCHES IDEAS TO LOCAL BUSINESS
The Strongsville High School “Marketing Principles” class (11th graders) engaged in a hands-on / real-life project for their final exam. The class partnered with “Nourishing Nook” - a new local business - to create marketing campaigns. The students divided into groups of 2-3 and competed against each other as they presented to Nourishing Nook’s owner. The teams of students researched and created different elements to their marketing plan including a SWOT analysis, brand positioning statement, target markets, customer profiles, marketing budgets, and promotional ideas and suggestions to generate business.
SMS STUDENT HARRISON FRYE RECEIVES NATIONAL AUTISM ADVOCACY & ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Congratulations to SMS student Harrison Frye, the recipient of the 2024 Milestones National Autism Conference Autistic Advocacy & Achievement Award! This award is given to an autistic individual who has worked to advocate on behalf of the autism community or achieved excellence in accomplishing personal goals or milestones. The Award’s Executive Committee was very impressed with his nomination, submitted by SMS Intervention Specialist Mrs. Arsenault who says "Harrison continues to promote positive change and is a true role model in our school. Not only does he encourage others to make good choices but he exemplifies all of Strongsville City Schools Model Mustang competencies: global, empowered, innovative, collaborative, and resilient."
SURRARRER 3RD GRADE TEACHER ALLYSE BIALOSKY NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Surrarrer Elementary 3rd Grade Teacher Allyse Bialosky who recently received the Sister Rita Mackert “Teacher of the Year” Award by the Strongsville Knights of Columbus. This annual award is named after Sister Rita Mackert, a lifelong educator who taught in Strongsville for over 50 years, and is awarded to a teacher who goes above and beyond for students each and every day. This was part of the nomination for Allyse: “In everything she does, her love for children is amazingly apparent. She continues to create experiences for her students that are relevant, engaging and create a classroom of critical thinkers and problem solvers. Miss B, as she is known by her students, works around the clock to be sure her students have all the resources and materials needed to help them be successful. She takes her 3rd grade content and makes it come alive for her students and constantly challenges herself to provide experiences for her students that they will remember.” Congratulations Allyse on this well-deserved recognition!
PTA REFLECTIONS CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to the following students, recognized at last week’s Board of Education Meeting, for their outstanding entries in the last two years of PTA’s Reflections contest:
2022-2023
Ewan Kerns (Muraski Elementary) was awarded Honorable Mention in Visual Arts at the Intermediate Level in the State Reflections Competition.
Ashoka Kerns (Strongsville Middle School) was awarded the Award of Excellence in Film in the Middle School Division for at the State Reflections Competition.
2023-2024
Claire Palmer (1st Grade at Kinsner Elementary) was awarded Honorable Mention in the Primary Division in the Visual Arts Category at the State Reflections Competition.
Ewan Kerns (4th Grade at Muraski Elementary) was awarded the Award of Excellence in Visual Arts in the Intermediate Division for State Reflections Competition. Ewan was also awarded the Award of Excellence in the Intermediate Level at the National Reflections Competition.
SCS-TV SUMMER VIDEO CLINICS
Be on the lookout for upcoming dates for the return of the SCS-TV Summer Video Clinics. SMS and SHS students who are interested in video and audio productions and would like to be a part of livestreaming District events, including concerts and sporting events, are encouraged to participate. Details will be coming soon!
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
________________________________________________________________________________________________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 2024-25 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.
WHITNEY ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL KATIE HAWK HONORED WITH EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARD
Whitney Elementary Principal Katie Hawk was honored recently by the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio and received an “Excellence in Education Award.” Katie was among both educators and students recognized at the ESC’s annual awards ceremony. As part of her nomination, this was said about her - “Through her innovative methods, personalized support, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, she has significantly reduced barriers and fostered a sense of belonging for students with disabilities in various environments. With a relentless focus on student success and well-being, Katie truly embodies excellence in education and serves as an inspirational role model for principals everywhere.”
REUNION INFORMATION FOR SHS CLASS OF 1984 & 2004
Two special SHS class reunions are being planned this summer. The Class of 1984 celebrates their 40th reunion and the Class of 2004 celebrates their 20th reunion. If you are a member of either class, or know of individuals who graduated in 1984 or 2004, please pass along this information:
Class of 1984 (40th reunion)
Saturday, September 28 / 7pm-11pm
Strongsville Brew Garden
$35/person in advance; $40/person at door (Includes entry, food, and soft drinks + cash bar)
Click HERE to register or find the Class of 1984 reunion information on their Facebook page
Email Jen Taliak Sanderson (jensan210@gmail.com) with any additional reunion questions
Class of 2004 (20th reunion)
Saturday, August 3 / 6pm
Around The Corner (Lakewood)
Click HERE to join their Facebook page and receive updates about this event
Link to Purchase Tickets Coming Soon
#foreveramustang
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
STRONGSVILLE 6TH GRADE CAMP - SEPTEMBER 13-15 AT CAMP Y NOAH
Attention all incoming Strongsville Middle School sixth graders! Join us at Camp Y-Noah in Green, Ohio for Sixth Grade Camp - September 13-15. Cost is $215 per camper and covers all weekend expenses. Deadline to register and pay is May 31. Click HERE to visit the website for detailed information, registration and payment instructions and chaperone opportunities. Please email sixthgradecamp@gmail.com with any questions! Please note that this 6th grade camp event is being run by parent volunteers, not by SCS or PTA.
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 Sandlot Baseball Program / Strongsville Rec Center
Baseball players ages 9-16 - don’t miss out on this opportunity! Strongsville Recreation Center’s Sandlot Baseball League returns for another summer of fun, baseball, and camaraderie. Sandlot Baseball – played just as it was in backyards and on playgrounds back in the 50’s and 60’s – has been an important part of our community for many years. It’s a low-key, low-cost morning (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm) and is being led by Alex Topor, a rising junior at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for additional information on this Summer Sandlot Baseball program.
Strongsville Rotary KidsFest & Duck Race (Saturday, June 1)
Don’t miss the 11th annual Strongsville Rotary KidsFest and Duck Race on Saturday, June 1 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet in Strongsville. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, inflatables, and MORE! Duck Race begins at 2pm. FREE shuttle from the Strongsville Park-n-Ride. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Kindness Camp - C’s the Day (June 24-28)
A camp for kids in grades 1-7 dedicated to EMPOWERING kids to positively impact their communities through acts of kindness, INSPIRING kids to become leaders by growing in character, confidence and personal wellness, and CHALLENGING kids to practice mindfulness in thoughts, words, and actions with self and others.
Click HERE for additional information / Click HERE to register for the camp
A Leg Up Ballet Academy Presents “Sleeping Beauty” (Saturday, June 1)
Don’t miss “Sleeping Beauty” - a performance by A Leg Up Ballet Academy - on Saturday, June 1st at Strongsville Middle School. The performance includes many students from Strongsville City Schools! Show times are at 1pm and 5pm. Advance tickets ($20) can be purchased HERE. Tickets will also be available at the door ($25).
Strongsville’s Annual Rib Burnoff - Looking for Sponsors!
Help support a fantastic community event - the annual Strongsville City Club Rib Burnoff (June 20-22) - by becoming an event sponsor. Several levels of sponsorship are available. Contact Terry Toth at 216.780.4114 / TerryToth12@yahoo.com or visit www.strongsvillecityclub.org and click on “Sponsorship Opportunities.” Click HERE for additional information on sponsorship specifics.
Baldwin Wallace STEM & STEAM Summer Classes & Camps
Baldwin Wallace University offers diverse PreK-12 STEM and STEAM programs throughout the summer. These hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics foster curiosity and critical thinking, nurturing a love for discovery. Visit bw.edu/dclSTEM or click HERE for additional information.
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.
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.
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
82nd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 24 - July 27, 2024
Sponsorship opportunities available! Please call the Chamber office at 440.238.3366.
56th Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, August 23, 2024
Shale Creek Golf Club, 5420 Wolff Road, Medina
Registration Opens Soon!
Strongsville Library
Please note the following June 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.
Adventure Begins at Your Library: Summer Reading Challenge!
June 1 - July 31. Visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/srp to register to participate and for more information. Read books, win great prizes all summer long!
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.
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.
Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Teen Grades 6 – 12. Monday, June 3rd / 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 Book Discussion. Tuesday, June 4th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The next title for discussion is Sometime in Summer by Katrina Leno, Please call the branch to register.
Southwest Health Talk: Total Joint Replacement. Thursday, June 6th / 6:00 p.m. In this special Southwest General Health Talk, Physician Louis Keppler, MD from NOMS Healthcare Orthopedics will discuss Total Joint Replacement and his surgical approach. Discussion Points will include: Who is a candidate, will insurance cover this surgery, and what does the healing process entail.
Summer Fun for Everyone STEAM Family Storytime. Thursdays, June 6th through July 25th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The entire family can join us for a storytime focused on science, technology, engineering, art, or math, along with activities to make the stories come to life.
Summer Fun for Everyone. Grades 1 – 6. Fridays, June 7th through July 26th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Beat the summer slide and get a running start into next school year at Cuyahoga County Public Library. This summer we are expanding our FREE summer programs for students. Registration is no longer required. Just drop in and enjoy reading, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities.
Southwest Health Talk: Options for Hip & Knee Arthritis. Tuesday, June 11th / 10:00 a.m. In this special Southwest General Health Talk, Dr. Lika, DO, orthopedics, will discuss current approaches to hip and knee arthritis, from non-surgical to surgical options. Learn how advances in technologies mean a quicker recovery and improved outcomes.
Southwest General FREE Osteoporosis Screenings. Tuesday, June 11th / 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Osteoporosis affects more than 28 million Americans and is a condition when bone strength weakens and is susceptible to fracture. It usually affects the hip, wrist, or the spine. Are you at risk for fractures? Come for a Free Screening. Provided by the Southwest General Community Nurse. No appointment necessary.
Excel Basics. Wednesday, June 12th / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This session will introduce spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Topics covered include entering data, using autofill, and performing calculations using formulas and functions. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification. (Prerequisite: Word Basics or experience using Excel.)
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
CreativiTeen. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Wednesday, June 12th / 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Drop-in to the TEEN AREA any time between 3:30 and 5:00 for a craft, technology demo, or other activity! No registration required. While supplies last.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, June 15th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, June 24th / 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: Watercolor Paintings. Tuesday, June 18th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Come in and learn about watercolors! We will practice some techniques and then look for inspiration to create our own watercolor masterpieces! 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. The Release & Hold Harmless Form must be completed and returned one week prior to the start of the program. You may drop the completed form off in person, send it by fax or email a copy to the attention of the Branch Manager at the program location.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, June 19th / 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 Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Kindergarten Countdown: Off to School. Thursday, June 20th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. 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 going off to school.
Blood Drive. Friday, June 21st / 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).
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, June 24th / 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 Measure: a Novel by Nikki Erlick. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Teen Fabrication: Layered Canvas. Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, June 25th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Do you know what a laser cutter is? Have you ever wanted to see one in action? Then come to our Layered Canvas Program! Use laser cut cardboard, paint it fun colors, and construct it into a cool layered image! 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.
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