
Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 19)

Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
IN THIS ISSUE - January 10, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
The Strohigan - SHS Yearbook - Earns National Awards
Parent Mentor Workshops
Mustang Spotlight - Hannah Koehn, Intervention Specialist at Early Learning Preschool
SHS Key Club Volunteers at Cleveland Food Bank
College Credit Plus Informational Meeting - Wednesday, 1/29 (6pm)
Krispy Kreme Fundraiser for SHS Spring Musical
SCS is Hiring - School Nurses Needed!
SHS Families & Students - Inclusive Dance Team Opportunity
Order Your Mustangs Gear from “The Derby”
Mustangs Girls Youth Golf Camp
SHS PTA Super Bowl Squares Fundraiser
SHS Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser - Purchase Sgt. Clean Car Washes
HUDL TV Broadcasts - Utilize Promo Codes for Discounts to Watch SCS Athletic Events
View Your Student’s Online Activity With Blocksi Parent Portal
Right at School
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
TONIGHT (Friday, January 10)
SHS Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball Doubleheader (vs. Shaker Hts.)
Strongsville High School Main Gym
6:00pm - Boys Game
7:15pm - Girls Game
Monday, January 20
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Thursday, January 23 - 7:00pm (6:15pm - Executive Session)
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Wednesday, January 29 - 6:00pm
College Credit Plus Informational Meeting*
* LINK for virtual meeting (will become active on night of event); Recording of meeting will be made available following the event
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Strongsville Education Foundation supports our District in many ways, including awarding educational grants for SCS teachers and staff. A significant grant recently awarded to our District has brought Touch Math to our students and families. Click HERE to learn more about Touch Math and the impact it is having on classroom learning. Thank you Strongsville Education Foundation!
THE STROHIGAN - SHS YEARBOOK - EARNS NATIONAL AWARDS
Congratulations to the student staff of The Strohigan - the annual yearbook for Strongsville High School. The Strohigan yearbook staff has been awarded a First Class Award from the National Scholastic Press Association and a First Place Award from the American Scholastic Press Association for the second year in a row for the 2024 edition of the Strohigan ("It's A Vibe.") These two awards put the Strongsville Strohigan in the top tier of yearbooks from across the United States. Highlights of the book include high quality student photography, strong coverage of school events, and professional design.
The yearbook was put together under the leadership of current SHS senior Matthew Turski and recent Strongsville grad Lindsey Zawie. Other senior staff members include current students Vrunda Desai, Kadeja Awawda, Alana Zolnowski, Grace Svoboda, and SHS graduate Ari Chrobak. The Strohigan has been advised by SHS English Teacher Heather Keirn for the past two years.
To complete the book, students take photos at almost every student event, conduct thousands of interviews, design every page according to professional rules and guidelines, write every piece of copy, sell business ads to offset the cost to students and to provide tech resources to the staff, and market their book on social media. Staff leadership spends hours after school and in the summer to complete the book. It is truly a work of art and a work of heart.
The Strohigan staff would like to thank the teachers and staff members of SHS who have shown their support by allowing interviews of students during their classes, by providing supports and resources, and by their encouraging praise and kind words.
The Strohigan staff is currently at work on the 2025 edition - "No Filter."
PARENT MENTOR WORKSHOPS
Join Teresa Karsnak (Strongsville City Schools Parent Mentor), in partnership with Solutions Behavioral Consulting, for a series of parent mentorship trainings designed to provide tools and knowledge to understand and positively shape your child’s behavior. Three sessions are scheduled for January 16, January 30, and February 13 from 6:00pm -7:30pm in the Strongsville High School Media Center. If you plan to attend, please email tkarsnak@scsmustangs.org with your RSVP.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - HANNAH KOEHN, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT EARLY LEARNING PRESCHOOL
Miss Hannah Koehn has been working as an Intervention Specialist at our Early Learning Preschool for three years after earning her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University.
“I love working at the Early Learning Preschool and being able to foster an environment that helps students learn how fun school is. I am able to set up their educational foundation - it means a lot to me that this is their first experience of school and I want to make it a very positive learning environment. Being in Strongsville with such a large population of students allows great interactions and the opportunity for students to meet so many friends and families.”
Thank you ‘Miss Hannah’ for providing a great foundation for our Mini-Mustangs! #ModelMustang
SHS KEY CLUB VOLUNTEERS AT CLEVELAND FOOD BANK
The Strongsville High School Key Club, comprised of 9th-12th grade students, made a recent trip to the Cleveland Food Bank. Fifteen Key Club members helped prepare and pack meals that were given to individuals in need in the Cleveland area.
COLLEGE CREDIT PLUS INFORMATIONAL MEETING - WEDNESDAY, 1/29 (6PM)
An informational meeting regarding College Credit Plus will be held on Wednesday, January 29th at 6:00pm. This meeting will be virtual and presented by the SHS Counseling Department in conjunction with Cuyahoga Community College. If your student is interested in College Credit Plus and/or new to this program, important information will be shared. HERE is the link to the meeting (link will not be active until the night of the meeting) and is also posted on the main webpage for SHS. The meeting will also be recorded and posted within a week for any families that cannot attend the meeting at that time. Questions? Reach out to Tracy Davidson (SHS Counselor) at 440.572.7110 / tdavidson@scsmustangs.org.
KRISPY KREME FUNDRAISER FOR SHS SPRING MUSICAL
Calling all Doughnut lovers! The SHS Theatre Department has launched a GroupRaise Krispy Kreme Digital Dozen fundraising campaign to support their upcoming spring musical, Back to the 80's. From now until March 9, 2025, 50% of orders will be donated back to our cause when you purchase your doughnuts using our fundraising sales page. $15.00 per dozen!! Click HERE for charitable (so guilt-free), fresh to order (and perfectly glazed), dozens!!
Orders MUST be made through the website below and are NOT LIMITED to the local Middleburg Heights location. So please inform family & friends in other cities and states.
***Also, you can order as many dozens as you wish and use them throughout the year. For example, you could order 5 dozen and use one per month without worry of expiration***
SCS IS HIRING - SCHOOL NURSES NEEDED!
There are a number of different job openings for Strongsville City Schools. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Human Resources page at www.scsmustangs.org. Our District is also in need of school nurses. Please click the links below for additional information and to apply.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: (BOTH SHIFTS LISTED)
LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic - Immediate Need
https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1336280-294367.html
SAME POSITIONS - ADDITIONAL LISTING:
LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic
https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1335769-294367.html
Whitney:
LPN - Whitney Elementary School Clinic - Hiring Immediately
https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1371490-294367.html
SHS FAMILIES & STUDENTS - INCLUSIVE DANCE TEAM OPPORTUNITY
The Strongsville Athletic Department is excited to introduce an opportunity for students at SHS. The Inclusive Dance Team will be for students of all abilities and neurotypes who enjoy dancing, music, and expressing themselves through movement. No prior dance experience is necessary. This team will be a wonderful opportunity to dance, try something new, make new friends, experience the joy of dance and music, and have fun! Dance also offers many other benefits including helping to develop skills in the areas of coordination, self-esteem, balance, fitness, following directions, memory, rhythm and musicality, social connection, and teamwork. The Strongsville Athletic Department is pleased to introduce and gain interest for potential students interested in an inclusive dance team for students with and without disabilities to come together and promote school spirit.
Please click HERE and complete the registration form if you are interested in being part of this first ever group of talented students. There will be an informational meeting regarding all the details about this new group at a later date.
ORDER YOUR MUSTANGS GEAR FROM “THE DERBY”
Order awesome Mustangs Gear from ‘The Derby’ at Strongsville High School! ‘The Derby’ is a student operated spirit shop located in the SHS cafeteria, providing job training opportunities for students to develop skills necessary for future success - including independence, workplace readiness, job training, communication, problem solving, and leadership!
Check out ‘The Derby’ for items to add to your Strongsville wardrobe - made by SHS students. Items can be personalized and orders can be placed if the item is not available. Items can also be delivered to individual schools or picked up at the high school. SHS students can shop and order at ‘The Derby’ during lunch periods (10:00am - 1:30pm). All proceeds are given back to the Life Skills Employment Readiness Program for continued vocational training. Online orders can be placed using the QR code below or by clicking HERE. Contact thederbyshop@scsmustangs.org with any questions on custom apparel.
MUSTANGS GIRLS YOUTH GOLF CAMP
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.
SHS PTA SUPER BOWL SQUARES FUNDRAISER
The Strongsville High School PTA are selling Super Bowl squares as a fundraiser. There are 100 squares available ($10 per square) and no limit on how many an individual can purchase. Numbers will be assigned at random after the board is filled. Click HERE to purchase your Super Bowl squares.
SHS BOYS LACROSSE FUNDRAISER - PURCHASE SGT. CLEAN CAR WASHES
Purchase a Sgt. Clean car wash and help raise funds for the SHS Boys Lacrosse team! Platinum Car Wash (a regular $27 retail value) can be purchased for $15. Car washes can be ordered online, with a QR sent to your phone to redeem at Sgt. Clean. Click HERE to purchase your car wash and help the SHS Boys Lacrosse team!
HUDL TV BROADCASTS - UTILIZE PROMO CODES FOR DISCOUNTED PRICES TO WATCH SCS ATHLETIC EVENTS
Stream and watch SHS athletic events from the SHS Main Gym on the new HUDL TV. Simply search for Strongsville High School at fan.hudl.com or download the HUDL Fan app in your app store. Right now, you can utilize the following promo codes and receive special discounts for Mustang Athletics action on HUDL TV:
$5 Off All-Access Day Pass: Enjoy all Mustang games with a day pass for just $7.50 using the promo code Mustangs$5.
$100 Off Annual Pass: Get unlimited access to Mustang Athletics for the entire school year for just $95 with promo code Mustangs$100.
Both promo codes are reusable and valid through the Winter Sports season, so don't miss out! Catch every play, cheer on your favorite teams, and save while you stream. Stay tuned in and show your Mustang pride through HUDL TV!
VIEW YOUR STUDENT’S ONLINE ACTIVITY WITH BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Our District has 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.
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
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event - Saturday, 2/22
The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting their annual, free of charge, READ AROUND THE WORLD event on Saturday, February 22nd at the Strongsville Library from 10:00am - 12:30pm. This event is intended for preschool through 2nd grade students. Activities will include short skits, puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. Each child attendee will be able to select and take home a children’s book.
Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration - NOW OPEN
Registration is now open for Youth Spring Lacrosse! 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! This youth lacrosse opportunity is open to Grades 3-8 (2nd graders can play up to 3rd grade) for residents of Strongsville, Columbia Station, Grafton, North Royalton, and all Strongsville students. Indoor Skills & Conditioning starts Feb 22-23 at Manta Fieldhouse and 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 by clicking here! (Limited spots available).
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students in the month of January. From Coding to Robotics to Game Design - 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 current flyer about 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 at www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and see additional event info.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January Business Luncheon
“How to Hire And Retain Top Talent When It’s Hard To Find Good People”
Presented by Jennifer Osborn, President - TalentSENSE
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
11:30am – 1:00pm
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members: $30/pp
Registration is Open
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
February Business Luncheon
“State of the Strongsville City Schools Address”
Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, Superintendent - Strongsville City Schools
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
11:30am – 1:00pm
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members: $30/pp
Registration Opens Wednesday, January 22, 2025
March Business Luncheon
“State of the City Address”
Presented by Thomas P. Perciak, Mayor - City of Strongsville
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
11:15am* - 1:00pm
(*please note the start time adjustment)
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members $30/pp
Registration Opens Wednesday, February 19, 2025
82nd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - Saturday, July 26, 2025
Strongsville Library
Please note the following January 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
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 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.
Rubber Ducky Day Scavenger Hunt. All Ages with a Caregiver. Saturday, January 11th / 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Can you find all of the rubber ducks hidden around the library? Take the challenge and earn a small prize!
Revisit the Richfield Coliseum: 1974 - 1994. Monday, January 13th / 7:00 p.m. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Richfield Coliseum. Remember the first event with Frank Sinatra, the Miracle of Richfield, the Cleveland Force, rock 'n' roll concerts, Ali vs. Wepner and the circuses. We’ll view rare videos and audio clips. Prizes and a few surprises! Presented by local historian Gerry Nemeth.
Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, January 15th / 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, January 15th / 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 Middle of the Night by Riley Sager. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, January 17th / 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 Chess Workshop. Saturday, January 18th / 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Join National Chess Expert, Damon Rucker to learn about the ins and outs of chess, chess strategy, and tactics! This program involves teaching kids the rules, strategies, and tactics of the game through structured, interactive lessons and practice sessions.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, January 20th / 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. Ages 9 - 11. Tuesday, January 21st / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Come join other teens for a fun and easy craft! 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.
School Age Craft. Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, January 23rd / 5:30 -7:00 p.m. Try something new! Relax after school by creating a snowflake keychain using diamond art.
Music & Movement. Ages 3 - 5 with a Caregiver. Friday, January 24th / 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Spend a fun time moving to music and using props!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, January 27th / 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 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
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