ELEMENTARY MATH TEXTBOOK REVIEW
As part of our ongoing District textbook cycle, our elementary math (K-5) textbooks are due to be reviewed and updated if needed. Our current textbook, Go Math! (2015) is no longer technologically supported and will soon be outdated. These current texts are consumables that are ordered yearly, and our subscription contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is expiring. Therefore, we are moving forward with a K-5 math adoption for the 2022-2023 school year.
Through a comprehensive review with a dedicated team of K-5 teachers, the committee reviewed six publishers/series, attended two vendor presentations of the top two choices, and unanimously ranked EnVision Math (copyright 2020) published by Savvas (previously Pearson) as the best match for our District. There was a structured process the committee used to compare Ohio math standards to the text, analyze the rigor of the standard compared to content and skill sets taught in the texts, and used a comprehensive rubric to provide feedback on 30 key points of data regarding the different series. Additionally, edreports ratings on all of the series were reviewed to determine how experts rated the series with alignment to standards. The next step in the process was sharing this series with the other K-5 math teachers in the District to get additional feedback and questions/concerns to address and/or further research.
We would now like to open the review process to vested parents/community members to review and provide feedback on the potential new math textbook series, as rated against a rubric. This will take place on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022 between the hours of 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM at the administrative building (18199 Cook Avenue) in Room 15. If you are interested and wish to preview the EnVision math texts at that time, we will have each grade level series available to review and provide you with rubrics to garner your feedback.
THREE SHS PRE-NURSING STUDENTS SELECTED FOR CLEVELAND CLINIC’S ASPIRE NURSE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Congratulations to Hannah Odetallah, Jayanna Evans, and Ravin Nickels for earning spots in the ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program. All three students are SHS juniors and in the pre-nursing program at Polaris. ASPIRE is a 12-week enrichment program sponsored by Cleveland Clinic and the Howley Foundation in collaboration with the Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing and is designed for high school juniors interested in pursuing careers in nursing. The program focuses on providing participants with career information and critical skill sets to support their pathway through higher education, nursing school and beyond. They are part of a very select group - this year, over 100 students applied but only 28 were admitted into the program!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. BRENDA SMITH, 3RD GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Brenda Smith is a third grade teacher at Whitney Elementary. Mrs. Smith is in her 25th year teaching in our District and has spent her entire teaching career at Whitney! She earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and also has a Masters in Education from Baldwin Wallace University. Mrs. Smith is a Strongsville resident and has two children currently at Strongsville High School.
“No matter how long I've been doing this, each day is a new day filled with big and small accomplishments from my third graders. I try to encourage my students to reach their potential and find out what works best for them to learn. Everyone learns differently, and it's up to me to do my best to motivate them and to also help them to be proud of themselves. I love showing students that learning can be fun! Building relationships with my kids and watching them learn and grow is the greatest reward,” said Mrs. Smith.
“I work with the best group of teachers at Whitney who truly put kids first each and every day! We try to create the best learning experience by collaborating with positivity because that directly reflects in our students.”
Thank you Mrs. Smith for your work in positively impacting so many elementary students throughout your career at Whitney! #WeAreStrongsville
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!
HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER AT FIVE GUYS TO BENEFIT SIMB (TUE. 2/22)
Help support the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters by making lunch or dinner plans at Five Guys. Visit the Strongsville Five Guys location (15171 Pearl Rd.) on Tuesday, February 22 between 11:00am and 8:00pm. Bring in this FLYER, show it on your smartphone, or simply mention SIMB and 25% of your purchase will be donated to this group who supports our SMS and SHS instrumental music programs. *When using the app or ordering online, please put the word “fundraiser” after your name.
“STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION (WED. 2/23)
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:30 PM. This year’s event will be held at Strongsville Middle School and will also be livestreamed on our SCS TV website. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special.
FEATURED SCS “JOB OF THE WEEK”
Strongsville City Schools are hiring for a number of different positions in our District. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic workers who are interested in being a part of the growth and development of Strongsville students. Our featured 'SCS Job of the Week' - AV Communications / IT Field Technician. All open positions currently available in our District can be viewed HERE. Questions? Contact our Human Resources office at 440.572.7038 or 440.572.7037 or visit www.strongnet.org.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION INFORMATION (2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR)
Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) requests for the 2022-23 school year are currently being accepted online. Parents interested in FDK should complete this request form. Please click HERE for complete information on kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year.
‘MAGIC GIVES BACK’ EVENT (SUN. 4/10)
Make plans for the entire family to attend the ‘Magic Gives Back’ event on Sunday, April 10 at 3pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. This exciting show features the unbelievable magic and stunning illusions of world-famous Rick Smith, Jr. Initial proceeds from this event will go toward the Kinsner Elementary PTA. If over 600 tickets are sold, additional proceeds will benefit Strongsville Council PTA. Invite friends and win prizes, including a backstage “Meet & Greet” and an Oculus Quest 2 - click HERE for details. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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
Safe Sitter Class (Tues. 4/19)
Register now for the Safe Sitter Class scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 from 9am - 1:30pm in the Safety Town Building at the Strongsville Recreation Center complex. The class is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Click HERE for registration information.
Strongsville Spring Soccer - Register NOW!
Registration for the spring season of Strongsville Soccer is happening now for boys and girls ages 4-14. Registration deadline is March 5th, with games scheduled to begin on April 2nd. Click HERE for additional information or visit strongsvillesoccer.com.
Junior Browns Flag Football League
Register now for the Junior Browns Flag Football League. There are competitive divisions for grades KG - 6th grade. Games will be played on Sundays beginning in late March at Pat Catan Stadium. Visit strongsvillefootballbackers.com to register. Questions? Email lcirino@scsmustangs.org or jtrusnik@gmail.com. Click HERE for additional details.
Mighty Mites Lacrosse
Do you have a Kindergarten - 2nd grader that wants to learn to play lacrosse? Register for the Mighty Mites Lacrosse program at the Strongsville Rec Center. Mighty Mites takes place on Sundays from March 6 - April 10 and is coached by the SHS Lacrosse coaches and players. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
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.
Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Application is now available online. Please visit the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce website (www.strongsvillechamber.com) for details. Graduates of the Class of 2021 and graduating seniors in the Class of 2022 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply. Applications must be received by the Chamber no later than March 1, 2022.
March Business Luncheon
Ehrnfelt Rec/Senior Center
“State of the City” Address, presented by Mayor Perciak
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
* Doors Open at 11:15am
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following February 2022 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.
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 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
Zoom Virtual Toddler Storytime. Wednesday, February 23rd from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Preschool Age 3-5 Storytime. Tuesday, February 22nd from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Baby & Me. Wednesday, February 23rd from 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, February 24th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Studio Orientation. Monday, February 28th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. 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 for the orientation to count. Register online to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 28th / 2:30 p.m. IN PERSON. The Monday Afternoon Book Discussion meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Library on the 4th Monday of each month. No registration required. New members always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Lost Man by Jane Harper. 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.strongnet.org
Location: Strongsville City Schools, 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: (440) 572-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/strongsvillecs
Twitter: @strongsvillecs