60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Medical Detectives is a course at Strongsville Middle School for 8th graders to explore their interest in the medical field. It’s one of the courses in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum at SMS. SMS has received national awards for its commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences as part of PLTW. Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode to hear more about the many ways this, and other courses, are also providing pathways for future learning at Strongsville High School.
WHITNEY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CREATIVELY LEARN TO CODE
Third grade students at Whitney Elementary recently participated in a fun activity to learn more about multiplication and division, how to code, and to also learn about the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Mrs. Ambroziak led the lesson, encouraging students to design their own parade route, and to utilize multiplication and division to program “Ozobots,” which introduced students to coding. Well done Whitney third graders!
3=FREE FOR LUNCHES THROUGHOUT OUR DISTRICT
Did you know that students who pack their lunch can still receive FREE food items at school? Even if you are sending your student to school with food from home, they are still able to receive a fruit, vegetable, and milk for FREE! It's convenient and saves money for families - just pack the main item for lunch and let SCS Food Services take care of the rest!
CREATE YOUR OWN ORNAMENTS - SHS YEARBOOK FUNDRAISER
The SHS Yearbook Club has partnered with AR Strongsville for a fundraiser this holiday season! Order your “to go” DIY Home Ornament Kits. These kits are $29.50/kit and produce 6 keepsake ornaments. There are also different themed sets available. The SHS Yearbook Club earns 25% for every kit purchased. Click HERE to order, visit www.arworkshop.com/strongsville, or call 440.268.8868 for additional information.
“TAILGATE RAFFLE” TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Strongsville Education Foundation is currently selling raffle tickets for a “Tailgate Package” - including a 55” Samsung LED 4K UHD Smart TV and two tickets to an upcoming Cleveland Browns game. The value of the entire package is over $1,000. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Winner will be chosen at random on 12/16/21 and will be notified by e-mail. All proceeds go to the Strongsville Education Foundation whose mission is to raise and disburse funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by Strongsville City Schools. Click HERE for additional information and to purchase your tickets.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. MEGAN SURSO, SPECIAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR FOR SCS
Mrs. Megan Surso is a Special Education Coordinator for our District. Mrs. Surso works with students at both Chapman and Whitney Elementary schools. In addition, her responsibilities include overseeing our Early Learning Preschool. She has been with Strongsville City Schools for five years and has been in education for sixteen years. Mrs. Surso received her undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and earned her graduate degree from Florida State University.
“I love watching our students grow both academically and socially and being right there with them to celebrate even the smallest successes - I absolutely love my job! I’m in a unique position at the preschool to be our student’s first experience with the district and am lucky to be able to follow some of my students to both Chapman and Whitney,” said Mrs. Surso.
Thank you Mrs. Surso for helping to make our Early Learning Preschool a special place and for the care and compassion you show to all the students you work with. #WeAreStrongsville
‘ROCKIN’ AT SMS’ WINTER FORMAL DANCE FOR 7TH-8TH GRADERS -12/10
7th & 8th grade students - don’t miss the upcoming ‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Winter Formal Dance on Friday, December 10 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm at Strongsville Middle School. Click HERE to purchase tickets in advance. ‘Rockin’ at SMS’ Dances are supported by Strongsville PTA Council. This dance is also in need of parent volunteers - if interested, click HERE for parent volunteer opportunities.
SHS THEATER CLASS PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” - 12/9 & 12/10
Don’t miss Mr. Jenkins’ high school ‘Beginning Theatre’ classes and their upcoming production of A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play on Thursday, December 9 and Friday, December 10 at 7pm (both nights). In the tradition of Reader's Theatre, students will have the scripts in front of them as they tell the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with some live sound effects. The objective is to capture the art of storytelling through voice, facial expressions, and gestures. It is free to the public, but donations will be accepted to support the theatre program and recoup funds used for licensing rights, specialized costumes, props, and sound effects.
SOLO ACADEMY ENROLLMENT FOR 2ND SEMESTER - 12/10 DEADLINE
The enrollment window to register for the SOLO Academy for the second semester is now open and will close on December 10, 2021. Click HERE to complete the enrollment survey. Who must complete this survey?
All current SOLO Academy students that want to enroll in the SOLO Academy or In-Person learning for the second semester MUST complete this survey - one per child. When completing the survey, you will either elect to remain in the SOLO Academy or elect to return to in-person learning. As a reminder, the decision that you make is for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year and you will not be able to make a change in placement until August 2022.
All current In-Person Learners that want to enroll in the SOLO Academy for the second semester MUST complete this survey - one per child. As a reminder, the decision that you make is for the remainder of the 2021-22 school year and you will not be able to make a change in placement until August 2022.
Enrollment in the SOLO Academy is at the discretion of Strongsville City Schools, based on academic and attendance criteria. If your child is not permitted to enroll in SOLO Academy for the second semester due to these criteria, you will be notified no later than December 10, 2021.
SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI NOMINATIONS
Know of a graduate of Strongsville High School who is an exceptional businessperson, community member, charitable volunteer, educator, etc.? We are now accepting nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni program. A new class will be inducted in April, 2022. Nomination forms can be found HERE and are due no later than January 15. #foreveramustang
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
Fun & Photos with Santa at the Strongsville Rec Center - Saturday, December 4
It is never too early to start planning your photos with Santa! Book your tickets now for Fun & Photos with Santa at the Strongsville Rec Center on Saturday, December 4th from 9:00am - 11:00am. Advance tickets will be sold for specific time slots. Purchase tickets at the Recreation Center Front Desk. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program - Saturday, December 4
Don’t miss this year’s nationwide "Hoop Shoot" free throw contest for 8-13 year old boys & girls. The local contest will be held TOMORROW (Sat. 12/4) from 12pm-2pm at the Berea Recreation Center (451 Front St.). There is no cost involved nor is there any pre-registration required. it is as simple as just showing up! Click HERE for additional event information.
STEAMing Through the Holidays at the Strongsville Recreation Center
Join us for this one day STEAM Class hosted by Challenge Island on Tuesday, December 14th from 5:45 – 7:15pm. The event is open for students in grades K-5. Register by calling the Rec Center front desk at 440-580-3260 or online at https://strongsville.activityreg.com.
Strongsville Lacrosse 2021 Registration Now OPEN!
Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport! Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2022 season is now open for boys and girls in grades 2nd-8th. Indoor practices begin mid-February and the outdoor season will run from late March through May. All experience levels are welcome. All information is included on the registration site at https://www.strongsvillelacrosse.com.
Dance Classes at Strongsville Recreation Center
Register now for a variety of dance classes at the Strongsville Recreation Department. Click HERE for additional information on classes offered and how to sign up!
School Crossing Guards Wanted
The Strongsville Police Department is now hiring school crossing guards. Interested individuals must be at least 18 years of age, of good moral character, and have the ability to remain outdoors in all types of weather conditions for up to one (1) hour. Starting pay is $12.75 per hour. For more information, please contact Lt. Michael Campbell at 440.580.3224 or click HERE for additional information.
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 to see additional details.
Chamber of Commerce December Holiday Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
11:30am - 1:00pm
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following December 2021 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events in order 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.
*The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed December 24 – 26th for the Christmas Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Monday, December 27th at 9:00 a.m.
*The Cuyahoga County Public Library and Administrative offices will be closed December 31st – January 1st for the New Year’s Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Sunday, January 2nd at 1:00 p.m.
Cuyahoga Works – Need help with your resume or interview skills? A Cuyahoga Works Career Counselor will be at the Strongsville Branch on Thursdays from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. to meet with individuals in need of job search assistance. For more information, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/Services/Cuyahoga-Works.aspx To schedule an appointment, please call (216) 475-2225.
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.
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 using the program Screenleap 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
Take & Make at Home Crafts! Stop into the Strongsville Branch to see what the current take-it and make-it craft of the month is for All Ages. Each month the Youth, Teen, and Adult Departments are offering free craft kits to take home while supplies last.
Studio Orientation. Virtual. Saturday, December 18th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. or Monday, December 27th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 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. These orientations will be held VIRTUALLY ONLY. Patrons 11 & up can participate in the orientation and must turn in the User Agreement form at the branch in order for the orientation to count. Register online to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Teen First Chapter Book Club. Virtual. Monday, December 6th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The Strongsville Teen librarian will read the first page of a few teen books of various genres. We will then discuss other books we have read and enjoyed. Registration and an e-mail address are required to receive the link to participate. A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program.
Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Virtual. Tuesday, December 7th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. In this virtual presentation, Sandra Deem from Deem Designs will help you get a new perspective on clutter. Learn why you have clutter and how it is holding you back from the life you were meant to live. An introduction to feng shui and the stagnant energy of clutter will give you added incentive to clear things out. Registration and an e-mail address are required to receive the link to participate. A meeting link will be emailed to registered participants approximately one hour prior to the start of the program.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Virtual. Wednesday, December 15th / 7:00 p.m. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion has gone VIRTUAL and will be live on Zoom at 7 p.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 Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
Holly Jolly Craft and Story. Virtual. For Children 3 & Up (one registration per child). Wednesday, December 15th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. Join us this special evening for three seasonal tales and create a craft for each story that is read. A few songs and rhymes will leave you feeling holly and jolly! 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.
Paint a Desk Pet. IN PERSON. Teens Grades 6 – 12. Monday, December 27th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Paint a desk pet rock to keep you company while you study or read. All supplies will be provided. Please wear clothing you don't mind getting paint on.
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