• January 20th - No School - MLK Day
• January 24th - Comfy Cozy Day (No PJ's)
• January 31st - Mismatch Day
• February 6 - PTA Meeting at 6:00
• February 20 - Conference Night

Part of becoming a strong reader is our language development and that includes vocabulary. Vocabulary is all around us - it’s in what we read, what we write, and what we say! Here are some ideas you could try at home for students in any grade:

• Use images! Pictures, GIFs, and illustrations that represent a word will help your child make connections. For example, using emojis to show different emotions.

• Act it out! You and your child can act out words they are learning - think Charades!

• Draw it! Your child could draw a picture to show the meaning of a word. You could even play Pictionary! These drawings could be saved in a notebook or folder to review later.

• Matching Game! Write the word on a slip of paper and the definition on the other. Repeat for the rest of the words. Turn them over and try to match the word to the correct definition.

• Would You Rather? This is great for words that are synonyms or antonyms (words that mean about the same thing or opposites). For example, you could ask your child “Would you rather be silly or funny?” or “Would you rather a garden flourish or wither?” Make sure you always ask why! You could also turn this into a writing activity with a notebook.

• Forehead Sticky Notes (like Hedbandz)! Write words on sticky notes and put one on each person’s forehead. Others give clues to the word like the definition or related words, so the person can guess the word on their forehead.

We would like to hear about how you feel about your student's school experience. We will use your answers to find ways we can improve our school. You do not have to answer all of the questions. The survey is anonymous - nobody will know that your answers came from you. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Please complete this survey by February 20th.

Students in grades 3-5 will be taking the Student Climate Survey the week of February 10-14, 2025. If you do not want your student to participate, please complete the opt out form linked below by February 7, 2025. Please contact Mrs. Hawk with questions.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and active involvement in your child's educational journey. Your partnership is invaluable to us.

Conference Details:
• Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
• Time: 4:45 PM - 7:45 PM
• Format: Teacher-requested conferences

Important Notes:

1. This round of conferences will be conducted by teacher request only.
2. Not all families will be scheduled for meetings during this session.
3. If you have not been contacted but wish to request a conference, please follow the sign-up process outlined below.

Conference Sign-Up Process:

1. Email your child's homeroom teacher and/or the teacher whom you wish to request a conference with. The teacher will provide you with a time slot and confirm your scheduled conference time with you.

If you experience any difficulties with the sign-up process, please contact our school office at (440) 572-7180 or email Mrs. Trimper at gtrimper@scsmustangs.org.

Preparing for the Conference:
• Review your child's recent assignments and grades
• Note any questions or concerns you'd like to discuss
• Encourage your child to share their thoughts about their progress with you

We look forward to continuing our collaboration to ensure your child's academic success and overall well-being. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's progress, strengths, and areas for growth.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Join Strongsville High School Golf Team coaches and varsity golf players at the Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp! The camp is open to girls in 4th - 8th grades and focuses on developing the proper techniques in the golf swing, as well as improving skills for the short game and putting. The camp fee is $125 and will be held once a week in April and May from 6pm - 7pm at Valleaire Golf Club (6969 Boston Rd. / Hinckley). The Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp is open to golfers at any skill level. Click HERE for additional information and click HERE to register.

Winter weather is here! Please make sure students of all grade levels have a complete change of clothes in their backpacks ( shirt, pants, socks and underwear). This will help avoid a mid-day phone call home for students who get wet or muddy during recess. Thank you in advance.

Registration Open

Beat the winter blues and register for Spring Lacrosse

Ready to play the fastest game on two feet? Whether you’re new or a returning player, our program offers a supportive environment to challenge and grow your skills. Compete against teams from across Northeast Ohio and experience the excitement of three local tournaments!

Who Can Join?

• Grades 3-8 (2nd graders can play up to 3rd grade)

• Open to residents of Strongsville, Columbia Station, Grafton, North Royalton, and all Strongsville students

Season Highlights:

• Indoor Skills & Conditioning: Starts Feb 22-23 at Manta Fieldhouse

• Outdoor Season: Kicks off early April with practices and games weekly

Jump in, make friends, and represent the Mustangs! Secure your spot today and be part of a community-driven program where everyone plays with pride.

Register Now! Limited spots available.

Register Today by clicking here!

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.

Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services
Schedule an individual career coaching session at the Strongsville Branch with one of our Career Services Coaches. Career Services Coaches are available by appointment on Tuesdays to help you discover your occupational interests, create an effective job search strategy, and prepare for job interviews. They can also provide tips that will help you develop top-notch resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Career Coaching is available by appointment ONLY! To schedule a FREE appointment at our branch, please call Cuyahoga Works Job & Career Services at (216) 475-2225 or email the team at Careers@cuyahogalibrary.org

Storytimes:
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.
Family - Thursdays / 7:00 p.m.

Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, February 1st / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or Monday, February 17th / 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 Knit & Crochet Club. Teens Grades 6 - 12. Monday, February 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!

Digital Navigator Appointments. Tuesday, February 4th / 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. OR Wednesday, February 5th / 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. OR Friday, February 7th / 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you – or someone you know – connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more.

Young at Heart. Tuesday, February 4th / 7:00 p.m.

A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Lake House by Sarah Beth Durst. No registration. Everyone Welcome!

Audiobook Narration Basics. Wednesday, February 5th / 7:00 p.m.
Join us to learn how you can use our Recording Studios for Audiobook Narration. We will cover the basics of what Audiobook Narration is, as well as what software is available in our Studios that patrons can use. We will also review the Studio Orientation Materials during the program. Registration is required.

Kindergarten Countdown: Art of Celebration. For those entering Kindergarten in the Fall with a Caregiver. Friday, February 7th / 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 the art of celebration.

Technology Training Class:

PowerPoint Basics. Saturday, February 8th / 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Geared toward the beginner, this class offers an overview of Microsoft PowerPoint, a software program for designing creative presentations and slideshows. Create a simple presentation and learn how to add text, images and transitions to slides. Prerequisite: Word Basics or some experience using PowerPoint. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment.

PowerPoint: Advanced Features. Friday, February 21st / 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
For those already familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint, build on what you know to take your presentation to the next level. Topics include using slide master and adding animations, hyperlinks, videos and sound. Prerequisite: PowerPoint Basics

Southwest Health Talk: Stroke Prevention & Awareness. Tuesday, February 11th / 10:00 a.m.
Join us for this special Southwest General Health Talk. Maureen Moore, RN, BSN, SCRN, Stroke Coordinator, from the Primary Stroke Center at Southwest General, will present the signs and symptoms of stroke, share prevention strategies, and discuss Southwest General’s Grey Matters Stroke Prevention and Circulation Circuit Programs.

Toddler Sensory Art Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, February 14th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.

Blood Drive. Friday, February 14th / 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).

Teen Craft Night: Foam Printmaking. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, February 18th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Using foam and a Cricut, make fun stamps to use to screen print on bags! 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.

Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, February 19th / 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Ignite your curiosity and creativity through this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on activities and exploration. Boost your problem solving and teamwork skills in this program.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 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 The Art Thief by Michael Finkel. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

School Age Craft: Screen Printing Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, February 20th / 5:30 -7:00 p.m.

Try something new! Relax after school by learning how to screen print your own design.

Easy Cheesy Treat. Ages 3 - 5 with a Caregiver. Friday, February 21st / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Bring your child with you while you learn how to make a spreadable curd cheese. A big mouse will read to the children and help them make a craft. Everyone will sample the cheese on bread and take home the recipe!

Read Around the World. Saturday, February 22nd / 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration is needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 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 Golden Gate by Amy Chua. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

Meet Author Lisa Unger. Wednesday, February 26th / 7:00 p.m.

Join us when author Lisa Unger visits to discuss her latest novel, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. Lisa Unger is a NYT and internationally bestselling author. Her books are published in 32 languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.

Tiny Tots Playtime. Ages 2 and under with Adult Caregiver. Friday, February 28th / 11:00 a.m. - Noon.
Come and experience free play with your tiny tot for fifteen minutes or an entire hour. We will have all types of toys for an enjoyable experience!