Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 5)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
At the end of last school year, Kinsner 3rd graders in Mrs. Yates’ class researched the effects of the “Garbage Patch” on our environment. They were recently recognized and rewarded for their classroom work and presentations they created by 4Ocean - an international organization dedicated to “the clean ocean movement.” Click HERE to see and hear more about the ways these students built their “Global” Model Mustang skills.
‘RUNNING WITH THE MUSTANGS’
‘Running with the Mustangs’ is a new video series to celebrate the “heartbeat of Strongsville High School.” This new series will highlight students, staff, and programs that make SHS a special and unique place. Click HERE for this week’s episode - including interviews with SHS Basketball Coaches (Coach Sapara and Coach Thall) and Varsity Girls Basketball Player Sidney B. about Unified Sports, and Varsity Girls Volleyball Players Payton B., Anna G., and Ella O. about their season.
SMS TEAMS UP WITH THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
Strongsville Middle School has teamed up with the Cleveland Browns - and their “Stay in the Game” initiative - for Attendance Awareness Month! Did you know that students who miss 1-2 days of school in a month are statistically more likely to become chronically absent? SMS staff and students will be participating in spirit days and other activities throughout September to build awareness about the importance of regular attendance.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. AMY DRLIK, BUS DRIVER - SCS TRANSPORTATION
Mrs. Amy Drlik is in her first year as a Bus Driver for Strongsville City Schools, but is very familiar with our community. Mrs. Drlik’s father is a graduate of Strongsville High School, she is a proud alumna (Class of ‘97), and her two daughters also recently graduated from SHS. Remembering the positive experience and relationship she had with ‘Ms. Penny’ - her bus driver who drove her to and from Drake Elementary School - Mrs. Drlik wants to have that same impact on students in our District.
“This year, I have had the privilege of being a driver for some of our students with special needs. I love to celebrate every accomplishment made on my bus, such as staying quiet over railroad crossings, being kind and welcoming to a new student, or that big one - letting go of Mom or Dad’s hand and taking that first big step onto the bus. I am always there to cheer the kids on and provide comfort when they need it.”
“The transportation staff at Strongsville City Schools is elite! I appreciate all of my supervisors, colleagues, and our mechanics for their support and guidance. I am so proud to be a part of this team!”
Thank you Mrs. Drlik for the care you show our students and making sure they get to and from school safely! #ModelMustang
HOMECOMING PARADE - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Make plans to enjoy the SHS Homecoming Parade on Thursday, September 26 at 6:30pm. Schools, clubs, and students will all be involved and marching to celebrate SHS Homecoming. The parade ends with a community event at Pat Catan Stadium! Show your community spirit and be a part of this very special celebration on Thursday, September 26!
VIEW YOUR STUDENT’S ONLINE ACTIVITY WITH BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Over the summer, the District expanded its partnership with Blocksi to include student content filtering and alerts. We no longer utilize SecURLy for these services. Click HERE to view an informational flier about joining the Blocksi Parent Portal to gain insights on your student’s online behavior with their scsmustangs account, as well as set parental controls beyond the school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley - Director of Instructional Technology - at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.
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 SCS Health Services website containing immunization forms
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.
REUNION INFORMATION FOR SHS CLASS OF 1984
The Class of 1984 is planning their 40th reunion celebration! If you are a member of this class, or know of individuals who graduated in 1984, 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
#foreveramustang
RIGHT AT SCHOOL
Right At School is once again providing care for SCS K-5 students before and after school at each of our elementary buildings. For more information on registering with Right at School for the 2024-2025 school year, 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
41st Annual Breakfast on the Covered Bridge
WHEN: Sunday, September 15 / 7:30am to 12:00pm
ADMISSION: Adult Donation: $12.00 Advance / $13.00 Day of Breakfast; Kids 10 & Under: $6.00 Advance / $7.00 Day of Breakfast
ADVANCE TICKET SALES: Tickets are available for purchase at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center or from any Strongsville City Club Member.
LOCATION AND PARKING: Walter F. Ehrnfelt Covered Bridge in the Cleveland Metroparks (The bridge is located at the corner of Whitney Road and Valley Parkway)
FREE Parking with Shuttle Bus from RTA Park-N-Ride
FREE Shuttle Bus to Covered Bridge and Back
https://www.strongsvillecityclub.com/breakfast-on-the-bridge
Arts in Strongsville - “The Day at the Chalet” - Sunday, September 15
“The Day at the Chalet” is a FREE EVENT for children sponsored by The Arts In Strongsville, a Strongsville non-profit dedicated to promoting the arts locally.
The event will be held at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet on Sunday, September 15th from 12:00pm - 4:00pm. There will be many free activities in which children may participate as well as entertainment provided by the Mustang Express, the Strongsville Marching band and several other acts. Food will be available at reasonable prices. There will also be area crafters displaying and selling their creations.
Come join us for a fun-filled afternoon!
Strongsville Historical Society Annual Harvest Festival
Saturday, September 28th / 11am-4pm (13305 Pearl Road)
There will be great live entertainment, wonderful crafts for sale, and demonstrations by weavers, spinners, and a rag rug maker. For the kids, there will be a farm animal petting zoo, children’s crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, a rope bridge, and a model railroad display. Food and refreshments will be available at a food tent and farmer’s market. All eight buildings will be open for peeks into the past 150 years. Take a chance and buy tickets for a Beautiful Quilt or the Under the Dome raffle! Free gate admission and parking.
Strongsville Rec Center - Upcoming Programs
Register now for great programs at the Strongsville Rec Center, including Mad Science featuring interactive activities exploring the world of science and Crayola Imagine Arts Academy. Click HERE for additional information on each of these opportunities. Register at strongsville.activityreg.com
Two Youth Lacrosse Opportunities
** Rec Center Youth Lacrosse Clinic - click HERE for additional information and register at:
https://strongsville.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs (Click on "2024 Fall" then "Sports-Youth" and then "Youth Lacrosse Clinic")
** Sunday Youth Lacrosse Clinics - FREE sessions every Sunday throughout the fall! Whether you’re an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills in the offseason or someone new wanting to try out this exciting sport, this clinic is perfect for you. Open to Grades 3-8 / Sundays (September 8 - October 20) / Girls 9am-10:30am; Boys 10:45am-12:15pm / at Strongsville Middle School Field / Questions: email: exec@stronglax.com
For Existing Players: Keep a stick in your hands and stay in top form! Our clinics provide an awesome opportunity to work on your game in a fun and relaxed environment. It’s a great way to maintain your skills and stay active, all for free!
For New Players: Curious about lacrosse? Bring a friend and come see what it’s all about! Our clinic offers a low-stakes, friendly atmosphere for trying out the sport. If you need equipment, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Strongsville Rotary StrongFest (Sat. 9/28)
The Rotary Club of Strongsville is excited to present the 3rd Annual StrongFest on Saturday, September 28th from 2:00pm - 7:00pm 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 by “Island Troy.” This fundraiser benefits local charities that The Rotary Club of Strongsville supports. Visit StrongFest.com for additional information and to purchase tickets.
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Coding to Robotics to Minecraft Engineers - there's lots of great STEAM based enrichment experiences for kids ages 6-12. 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September Business Luncheon
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 (11:30am – 1:00pm)
Get to Know Your Strongsville City Council, SCS Board of Education and Candidates
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Registration Opens: August 16, 2024
October Business Luncheon
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 (11:30am – 1:00pm)
City of Strongsville Update with Mayor Thomas Perciak
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Registration Opens: September 18, 2024
2024 Strongsville Community Business Expo
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Business to Business Networking: 4:00pm-5:00pm
Open to the Public, FREE to attend: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
To register your business to participate, visit: https://forms/strongville.org/business-expo-registration/
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November Business Luncheon
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
11:30am-1:00pm
Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 6, 2024
Strongsville Library
Please note the following September 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.
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
IN-PERSON Storytimes. 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 - 8:00 p.m.
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.
Play, Learn, & Grow. Ages 1 - 3 with a caregiver (Siblings from Birth - Age 5 also welcome) Thursday, September 5 - October 3rd / 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Boost your toddler’s brain through play! A 5-week series for caregivers and children ages 1 to 3. Connect with your kids, community experts & other families. Get information about your growing child.
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
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, September 14th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or on Monday, September 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.
Understanding Health Care Decisions. Monday, September 16th / 7:00 p.m. Learn what happens when you can't make your own health care decisions: Understand differences between Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will, and DNR documents. Additionally, an ethicist from the Center will speak on what happens during an Ethics Consultation Service at Cleveland Clinic. Health Care Power of Attorney forms and other literature will be available. Presented by Network for Connecting Communities & Bioethics (NCCB) from Cleveland Clinic .
Teen Craft Night: DIY Suncatchers. Teens in Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, September 17th / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Using simple paper and colored pencils, create your own beautiful suncatcher! You can color your own page or draw your own masterpiece! It's up to you! 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. The completed form must be returned to the program location.
Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, September 18th / 3:30 – 5:00 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, September 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 Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
How to Overcome a Broken Heart. Thursday, September 19th / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Dealing with the pain of a broken heart can be overwhelming. In this workshop, Life Coach Natalie Rudd, introduces the Grief Recovery Method, a powerful approach to healing emotional wounds and finding closure.
Blood Drive. Friday, September 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).
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, September 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 are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Berry Pickers: a Novel by Amanda Peters. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Bedtime Story Time. Ages 2 - 6 with a Caregiver. Tuesday, September 24th / 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. Wear your Pjs to the library and join us for bedtime stories and a snack.
Roadmap to College: College Admissions 101. Tuesday, September 24th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL EVENT. While some families are diving into the college process already, you may feel like you need more information about the process from the parent's perspective. The session will include information such as: How early should students start preparing for the college admissions process? What are the essential elements of a college application? How have testing policies evolved throughout the pandemic What can my student's PSAT scores tell me about testing? How to choose between the SAT and ACT? When is the best time to test? What are the best materials for students to prepare for the tests? What is new for the SAT and ACT in 2024? The Zoom link for this event will be emailed to registered attendees the day of the event.
Tree & Shrub Plant Healthcare. Thursday, September 26th / 7:00 p.m. Learn how to care for your local plant life in this informative presentation. Sean Fenton, certified arborist, will present an introduction on different pests and diseases commonly found on our Northeast Ohio Landscapes and how to navigate them.
Craft Supply Swap. Saturday, September 28th / 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Join us Saturday afternoon to swap your craft supplies! Participants may arrive at 1:00 to unload and display their materials. Exchange any unwanted arts and crafts supplies (yarn, needles, fabric, beads, and more) and take-home new supplies to start your next project. Contributions must be clean and sorted, with similar items together. The exchange starts at 2:00 p.m. and continues until all the materials are gone. Patrons may choose to leave any leftover materials to be taken to a donation center. You are welcome to attend the exchange even if you do not have craft items to donate. Registration is required. Limit of 2 boxes of supplies brought per person.
Fall Plant Swap. Monday, September 30th / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Calling all gardeners and plant lovers! Join us for this special plant swapping event. Please bring at least one indoor or outdoor healthy, pest-free, beautiful plant, cutting, or seeds. Bring as many as you would like - the more the merrier! The plants can be potted or bare root—as long as you’re prepared to part with them. If bare root, please bring plant in a pot, bag, or a cardboard box if possible. Please also label plants or seeds as best as you can with any information about the plant such as name, sun/shade/size, etc.) Tickets will be given to each attendee for a drawing.
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.scsmustangs.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