ISSUE 14 (SCS RENEWAL LEVY)
On November 7, 2023 Strongsville City Schools will have a renewal levy on the ballot. Our District seeks the renewal of a 5.9 mill operating levy that was initially approved by voters in May 2019. This was the first time new operating money was authorized by the voters since November 2007.
Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a renewal on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues. The information on our website (https://www.strongnet.org/community/issue-14-renewal-levy) is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision. Have a question about Issue 14? Click HERE to submit your question about the SCS Renewal Levy.
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Want additional information about the upcoming SCS Renewal Levy? Click HERE for this week’s ‘60 Seconds’ episode and learn the facts about Issue 14.
MUSTANG EXPRESS HOSTS THE ANNUAL “BOO-TIFUL” SHOWCHOIR SHOWCASE
Don’t miss your chance to see some of the best area showchoirs, including our very own Mustang Express, at tomorrow’s (Sat. 10/28) “Boo-tiful” Showchoir Showcase. The performances begin at 7pm in the SHS Auditorium. Tickets will be sold at the door - $7 for adults / $5 for seniors and students.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL “GREET & TREAT” EVENT!
THANK YOU to all who attended this week’s “Greet & Treat” event at Pat Catan Stadium! It was great to see all of the unique costumes and the smiles as candy bags were filled. We greatly appreciate the donations many brought for the Strongsville Food Bank. Nearly $2,700 (cash and food donations) was delivered to the Food Bank following “Greet & Treat”. Click HERE for a folder of pictures from the event!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. KELLY ROSE, SHS ENGLISH TEACHER
Mrs. Kelly Rose has taught in the Strongsville High School English Department for 16 years. She earned her undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace and her graduate degree from Kent State. In addition to her work with students in the classroom, Mrs. Rose helps choreograph SHS musicals and for “Mustang Express” (the SHS Show Choir). She is also a co-advisor for The Society - the National English Honor Society chapter at SHS. This year, Mrs. Rose also created the new elective class, “Music and Literature.”
“Because I choreograph the high school’s musicals and Mustang Express in addition to teaching, I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to interact with the students in different environments. The enthusiasm that surrounds the theater department and the show choir is contagious and I often find myself re-energized after being around the kids! In the classroom, I find that most SHS students appreciate the challenge of a rigorous class – even if they’re resistant at first. Once we all get to know each other, I witness students who authentically care about becoming better readers, writers, and thinkers because they want to meet high academic expectations. They often express their appreciation later - whether that’s the end of the school year, the beginning of college, or a couple months into a career.”
“I have wonderful friends among the staff! Every single day I walk into the high school, my co-worker companions make me laugh, engage in intellectual conversation, and offer support when needed. I went into education hoping to impact young minds about why literature matters and how strong composition results in success. I currently find myself not only pursuing this, but genuinely enjoying the wit, compassion, and character of my fellow teachers.”
Thank you Mrs. Rose for the positive impact you are having on our high school students, both inside and outside of the classroom! #ModelMustang
SMS CAPTAINS TEAM HIGHLIGHTS STUDENTS IN A SPECIAL WAY
Every Thursday, 6th grade SMS students on the Captains Team take turns being in the spotlight. The chosen student sits in a seat facing away from the whiteboard behind them while their classmates take turns writing kind and positive things about them! Once everyone is done, the student turns around to read all of the wonderful things their classmates have to say about them. They love reading all of the positive notes and leave feeling empowered!
UPCOMING STATE TOURNAMENT ACTION FOR SHS FOOTBALL & GIRLS SOCCER
Don’t miss the upcoming postseason tournament action for both our SHS Football team and our SHS Lady Mustangs Soccer team.
Football: The Mustangs battle Canton McKinley TONIGHT (Fri. 10/27) at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Tom Benson Stadium in Canton. Kickoff is set for 7pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased HERE. After accessing the link, click on “Football”, then click on “Region 1” and then select the Mustangs game.
Girls Soccer: The Mustangs Girls Soccer team won their District Final last night, defeating Amherst-Steele 2-0, advancing to another “Sweet 16” in the State tournament. The next match for the Lady Mustangs is a Regional Semi-Final match against Highland at 7:00pm on Tuesday, October 31 at Brunswick High School. Click HERE for the remaining teams/matches in this postseason bracket.
JUNIOR DANCE TEAM CAMP
The SHS Dance Team presents the 6th Annual Junior Dance Team Camp on Wednesday, November 22 from 12pm - 3pm at Strongsville High School! The camp is open to dancers in grades K-8 and includes: learning a dance to perform at halftime of an upcoming SHS Varsity Basketball Game (Date TBD), a T-shirt, a snack, and a 3-hour clinic with the SHS Dance Team. Click HERE to register for the Junior Dance Team Clinic and HERE for additional information. Students must register prior to the event.
POLARIS EXPLORER CLUB
Registration for the NEW Polaris Explorer Club is now open! 4th, 5th and 6th graders are invited to explore Polaris through a series of FUN, hands-on, after-school classes starting this December. All activities will take place at Polaris and feature our AMAZING teachers! Classes include the following: Cleared for Takeoff, Crime Scene Investigators, Glamour Me, Holiday 3D Printing – CAD, Jewelry Junction, Sweet Holiday Kitchen, The Art of Cooking, Tiny House Workshop, and Tool Time
Winter Session:
December 5-6 and December 12-13 (4:30pm - 6:30pm)*
*Optional early drop-off at 4:00 p.m. features BONUS career exploration activities!
$60 fee includes 2 classes and materials
Click HERE to register. Priority registration for Polaris partner school district students (includes Strongsville) is currently happening. Open registration starts November 1st. Note: Some sessions are ACE funding eligible. For additional information, call 440.891.7666 or email DKarberg@polaris.edu.
PTA Reflections
Calling all Elementary Artists! PTA Council Reflections is starting a Reflections Club for all elementary students that will be meeting once a month.
What is Reflections? It is a program put on by the State and National PTA that provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students can create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme. The 2023-2024 Theme is "I am hopeful because . . ." Students can create in six categories. Those categories are Film Making, Choreography/Dance, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Literature.
This Elementary Reflections Club will meet September 18th, October 16th, and November 13th and 27th at the Strongsville Public Library, with the goal of giving students a chance to explore the art categories they can compete in. To sign up please click HERE - please know that space is limited and there is a cost of $5.00 per family for art supplies. Learn more about PTA Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.
“HERE COMES THE BUS” APP FOR SCS FAMILIES
"Here Comes The Bus" is an app for SCS families to track busing information and routes for their student(s), as well as real-time notifications.
The app and complementary website (www.herecomesthebus.com) - available on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or personal computer - enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus on its daily route.
Download the "Here Comes the Bus" app to monitor daily transportation information. Families that utilized the app last year will need to delete last year’s student information and add their current year information in order to receive the latest routing details and updates. Click HERE for additional information and instructions on utilizing the app for your student's bus routes.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / STRONGSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS NIGHT - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Start Thanksgiving Break with a special Strongsville City Schools Night at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavs battle the Miami Heat on Wednesday, November 22 - Tip off is at 7:30pm. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
RIGHT AT SCHOOL - BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE FOR SCS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAMILIES
Our District partners with the nationally recognized school enrichment provider, Right At School, to provide before- and after-school care for elementary students. Right at School offers before- and after-school care every weekday (Monday-Friday) at each of the elementary school buildings in our District. For additional program information and/or to enroll your student, please 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
First Evangelical Lutheran Church “Trunk or Treat” - Saturday, 10/28
First Evangelical Lutheran Church Strongsville welcomes everyone to join us on Saturday October 28th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm for our third annual “Trunk or Treat” event in our parking lot at 19419 Pearl Road. Its another opportunity to show off those adorable costumes and grab some extra Halloween Treats! Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck will be on hand for an additional cost. Can't wait to see you there!
Community Forum on Vaping - Tuesday, November 14
In the past year alone, Vaping among high schoolers has increased by 78%. How much do you know about this crisis? The Strongsville Women’s League is sponsoring a series of evenings for the community addressing important topics for our children. The first “Protect Our Children” event is being held Tuesday November 14th from 7:00pm - 8:30pm at the Strongsville Recreation Center. We are holding a forum on the myths about vaping and why it’s a concern. The evening will offer a panel of experts including school administration, local legal counsel, DARE Officer, and health experts discussing the concerns of Teen Vaping and how it is affecting our community. The forum will also include a time for questions from the audience. This event is open to all residents of Strongsville and surrounding communities.
Veteran’s Day Open House & New Military Exhibit Opening At The Strongsville Historical Society
What: Veteran’s Day Open House & New Military Display Opening
When: November 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Rd.)
Please join us at the Strongsville Historic Village on Veteran’s Day, November 11, from 1pm to 3pm for the grand opening of our new military exhibit in the Ebenezer Pomeroy House! Refreshments will be served and all buildings on the grounds will be open for guests to see during their visit. FREE PARKING & ADMISSION
Treehouse Berea Programming
Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students. From Battle Bots to Coding to Minecraft Engineers - there's something for kids ages 6-13. 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
November Business Luncheon "A Review of the State of Ohio’s Economic Development Success & the Role of the Ohio Department of Development” - Presented by Lydia Mihalik, Director State of Ohio Department of Development
Ehrnfelt Recreation & Senior Center (Event Center), 18100 Royalton Road
Thursday, November 16, 2023
11:30am – 1:00pm
Business After Hours Event
Jardine Funeral Home (15822 Pearl Rd.)
Wednesday, November 15
5:30pm - 7:30pm
FREE for Members / $10 for Future Members
2023 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 1, 2023
Aviator Event Center & Pub, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH. 44135
Strongsville Library
Please note the following November 2023 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.
**The Library and Administrative Offices will close at 5:30 on Wednesday, November 22nd and will remain closed on Thursday, November 23rd all day in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Friday, November 24th at 9:00 a.m.
CCPL Fall 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 Fall Program information here: https://www.pressreader.com/document/4050
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. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes are back in session for the Fall. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. No registration.
Preschool. Ages 3 – 5 not yet in kindergarten with caregiver / Mondays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon or Tuesdays at 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. or Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. – Noon.
Toddler. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver / Wednesdays at 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Baby & Me. Birth – 18 months with caregiver / Mondays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m. or Thursdays at 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.
Family. All ages with caregiver / Thursdays at 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Southwest General Health Talk: Meal Planning. Thursday, November 2nd / 10:00 a.m. Planning meals for the week can help save time and money, decrease the stress of cooking last minute, promote portion control, and avoid unhealthy options all while enjoying more variety. Join Judy Steffes, MS, RDN, LD, from Southwest General to learn how planning meals can benefit you and your family by providing balanced nutritious options.
Baby Toy Time. Ages 6 – 18 months. Friday, November 3rd / 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Drop in with your child for some quality play time with other children and our age-appropriate educational toys. Make friends and have fun! No registration required.
Crafter-noon! Ages 3+. Saturday, November 4th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. If you’re not sure what to do on a Saturday afternoon, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
CreativiTeen. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Wednesday, November 8th / 3:30 – 5:15 p.m. Drop-in to the TEEN AREA any time between 3:30 and 5:00 for a craft, technology demo, or other activity! No registration required. While supplies last.
Thanksgiving Turkeys in America. Thursday, November 9th / 7:00 p.m. Local nature speaker, Chuck Jakubchak, will share this presentation on the Thanksgiving holiday and focuses on turkeys, both wild and domesticated. Attendees will receive interesting insight regarding the history of Thanksgiving and the important role that turkeys play in the celebration of this holiday. A brief, humorous slide show precedes the actual presentation and helps set the tone for the program. Guaranteed to entertain and educate all that attend.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, November 11th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or Orientation with Green Screen Basics on Monday, November 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.
Qué Bueno Music Program. Monday, November 13th / 7:00 p.m. The Victor Samalot Duo will present Que Bueno, a musical performance taking the listener through the diversity of Latin music, which has inspired some of the most memorable songs of all time. Join Victor Samalot (guitar) and Bobbi Holt (bass guitar, vocals) to celebrate samba, bossa nova, Latin rock, and jazz. They will perform timeless selections from artists such as Santana, Santo and Johnny, Ritchie Valens, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Francisco Tarrega and Comsuelo Velazquez, along with selections written by Victor Samalot. A handout will be available before the performance. Q&A encouraged.
Young at Heart Book Discussion. Tuesday, November 14th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Teen Craft Night: Silicone Bead Keyring. Teens Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, November 14th / 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Calling all Teens! Join us to make a cute and trendy keyring using silicone beads, cord, and embellishments! Perfect for your car keys, house keys, or just to hold other keychains!
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, November 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 The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Computer Classes IN PERSON. 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
Friday, November 17th / 10:00 a.m. – Noon. Word Advanced Features.
Kindergarten Countdown: ABC’s. For children entering Kindergarten this Fall & their Caregivers. Friday, November 17th / 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 alphabet.
Teen Sewing Night. Teens in Grades 6 – 12. Tuesday, November 21st / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. FOR TEENS…Come in for a sewing night! Beginners welcome! This sewing class will review the basic parts of the sewing machine, basic sewing techniques, and allow teens to make a sleeping mask to take home!
Blood Drive. Friday, November 24th / 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, November 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 always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. 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