Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2022-23 Vol 7, Iss 33)
Be The Difference
IN THIS ISSUE - April 21, 2023
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Jillian Puma, M/I Aide at Chapman Elementary School
SHS Senior Nick Dasher Earns Culinary Arts Gold Medal
Public Comment For Special Education Funding Plans (Fri. 4/28)
SHS Teen Idol - TOMORROW (Sat. 4/22)
SCS Quality Profile Mailed to Strongsville Community
SHS Spring Sport Student-Athletes Recognition
Alumni Virtual Focus Groups
Dine Out at Raising Cane’s & Support The Strongsville Education Foundation (Mon. 4/24)
New Audio Lab at SHS - Sign Up Now & Start Creating!
SHS Dance Team Tryouts
DARE Dance for 5th-6th Graders (Fri. 4/28)
Summer Sports Camps - Basketball, Cheer, Soccer, Volleyball - Register Now!
Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters Wing Ding (Sat. 4/29)
Strongsville Education Foundation “Jockeys & Juleps” Event (Sat. May 6th)
Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
TOMORROW (Saturday, 4/22) - 7:00pm
SHS Teen Idol
Strongsville High School Auditorium
$5 Students / $10 Adults
Thursday, April 27 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Friday, April 28 - 1:00pm
Public Comment For Special Education Funding Plans
Join the Virtual Meeting HERE or By Phone (828-515-4684 PIN: 135952054)
Friday, April 28 - 6:00pm-9:00pm
D.A.R.E. Dance for 5th-6th Graders
Michaud’s Event Center (16808 Pearl Rd.)
Tickets are $15 and only available pre-sale. Click HERE to purchase tickets
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Building innovation, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are some of the benefits of Makerspace. Students are introduced to many low-tech and high-tech items, allowing them to explore and grow. At Kinsner Elementary, teachers are also incorporating Makerspace into their classrooms and lessons in creative ways. Click HERE for this week’s episode to see more about the integration of Makerspace and the positive benefits.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JILLIAN PUMA, M/I AIDE AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Jillian Puma started as a substitute in our District in 2014. Mrs. Puma has been an M/I Aide at Chapman Elementary for six years. She is currently in training to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Mrs. Puma has lived in Strongsville for 20 years. She has a son who graduated from Strongsville High School (Class of ‘21) and two sons currently at the high school.
“I love working at Chapman Elementary! Every student is unique in their own special way, and each day is definitely a brand new adventure. The best part about my job is being able to watch my students learn and grow throughout the year. Our team at Chapman is amazing! I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most kind, compassionate, and empathetic aides and intervention specialists. We work together to make every day a great day for each student, and each other,” said Mrs. Puma.
Thank you Mrs. Puma for being part of a great team at Chapman Elementary! #BeTheDifference
SHS SENIOR NICK DASHER EARNS CULINARY ARTS GOLD MEDAL
Nick Dasher, a Strongsville High School senior and Polaris Culinary Arts student, earned a gold medal in the recent Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) regional culinary competition at the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center in downtown Cleveland. In this challenge, he had 60 minutes to prepare a two-course meal featuring a spinach salad with warm bacon vinaigrette dressing and an entrée with sauteed chicken breast with kalamata olives and tomatoes, classic rice pilaf and zucchini with fresh basil. His first place finish qualified him to compete this weekend in Columbus. Congratulations & Good Luck!
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING PLANS (FRI. 4/28)
Parents and other interested members of the public are invited to participate in a virtual meeting on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 1:00pm - 1:50pm to discuss the use of Special Education Funds within the Strongsville District, namely the Federally Funded Individuals with Disability Education Act, Part B. Participants will have an opportunity to provide input for the use of funds.
The link to gain access to the virtual meeting is: meet.google.com/men-qpiz-hyy or by phone (US) +1 828-515-4684 PIN: 135952054
SHS TEEN IDOL - TOMORROW (SAT. 4/22)
Don't miss this year's “Teen Idol” singing competition TOMORROW (Sat. 4/22) at 7pm in the SHS Auditorium. Based on the hit TV show, this competition also features local judges choosing the next winner in this annual event. Who will be voted this year's Teen Idol? Tickets will be available at the door - $10 general admission / $5 for students and senior citizens.
SCS QUALITY PROFILE MAILED TO STRONGSVILLE COMMUNITY
All Strongsville residents and businesses recently received this year’s Quality Profile, a district-wide mailing detailing the accomplishments of Strongsville City Schools. The Quality Profile recognizes the success of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators, both inside and outside of the classroom. THANK YOU to everyone in our community - we all make a difference in the growth and development of our students! If you missed it in your mailbox, or want to view it again, click HERE for this year’s Quality Profile.
SHS SPRING SPORT STUDENT-ATHLETES RECOGNITION
Congratulations to the following spring sport student-athletes for being recognized recently:
Madison Richel (Softball) - Cuyahoga County Softball Coaches Association Player of the Week (April 2-8) - Madison was 8 for 11 at the plate (.765 batting average), with a Double, Triple, 1 RBI, 4 Runs Scored, and 2 Stolen Bases
Param Oswal (Tennis) and Vinci Adams (Lacrosse) - Greater Cleveland Conference Players of the Month (March) - Param began the Spring 2023 GCC Season with a 3 set victory against Brunswick at second singles (6-4,4-6,6-2). In addition to beginning the conference season 1-0, he also picked up two non-conference victories over Berea-Midpark (6-3,6-2) and Twinsburg (6-4,6-2). Vinci was voted captain for the SHS Lacrosse Attack/Offense. He is typically guarded by the opponent’s best defensive player. Through the first 7 games of the season, Vinci had 27 goals and 6 assists.
ALUMNI VIRTUAL FOCUS GROUPS
Interested in providing feedback on the future direction of alumni outreach and events for Strongsville City Schools? We will be hosting virtual focus groups in the next few weeks. Let us know if you'd like to participate by completing this Google Form. Please respond by Wednesday, April 26th by 5PM. Specific dates/times of the virtual focus groups will be sent shortly after April 26th.
DINE OUT AT RAISING CANE’S & SUPPORT THE STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION (MON. 4/24)
Don’t miss your chance to dine out at Raising Cane’s in Strongsville (14356 Pearl Rd.) on Monday, April 24 from 4pm-10pm and support the Strongsville Education Foundation. 15% of event sales will be donated back to the Foundation and their mission of raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers and the community served by the Strongsville City Schools. Remember to mention Strongsville Education Foundation when ordering!
NEW AUDIO LAB AT SHS - SIGN UP NOW & START CREATING!
Did you know that we have an Audio Lab available on the 2nd floor of the SHS Media Center for our 9th-12th grade students? Click HERE for a promotional video created by Mr. Bent’s Sport Management class and featuring music created by students in the Audio Lab! This space features a professional grade workspace incorporating components found in recording studios across the country. Whether it’s vocals, guitars, keyboards, bass, drums or acoustic instruments - this lab has the tools you need for your project. The Audio Lab is open to recording "newbies" or someone who is experienced in audio production - we encourage you to unleash your talents for the world to hear! Click HERE for additional information and to reserve time in the Audio Lab to start creating! (** An experienced SHS staff member must be present to use the Audio Lab)
SHS DANCE TEAM TRYOUTS
SHS Dance Team Tryouts are next week! CLICK HERE to register for the upcoming SHS Dance Team tryouts (registration required). Clinics will be held on Wednesday 4/26 from 4-6pm and Tryouts will be held on Friday 4/28 at 5pm in the SHS Main Gym. The SHS Dance Team is open to current 8th through 11th grade students. Dancers will learn the audition material at the clinic and come prepared to perform it at the audition. This team is made up of the most highly skilled and trained dancers at SHS. They perform at home varsity boys’ basketball games and compete at the regional and state level in the categories of jazz, hip-hop, lyrical/contemporary, and pom. This year, they were named State 1st Runners Up in Lyrical, State 2nd Runners Up in Pom, and Grand Champions at the Ashland University Dance Competition. For more information about the team and tryouts, follow them on Instagram: @shsdance_team or click here for the full size flyer. Questions? Contact Coach Grimm at: mgrimm@scsmustangs.org
DARE DANCE FOR 5TH-6TH GRADERS (FRI. 4/28)
The Strongsville DARE Dance for 5th & 6th graders will be held on Friday, April 28 from 6pm-9pm at Michaud’s (16808 Pearl Rd.). Tickets are $15 and only available pre-sale. Click HERE to purchase tickets. This is a dress-up/formal dance - No Jeans, T-Shirts, or Shorts. Bring a box of Macaroni & Cheese for the Strongsville Food Bank and be entered into a grand prize drawing.
SUMMER YOUTH SPORTS CAMPS - BASKETBALL, CHEER, SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL - REGISTER NOW!
Basketball (June 5th - 7th) - For Boys in 1st-8th Grades & For Girls in 1st-6th Grades - Register HERE
Cheerleading (June 20th / 9am-12pm) For Boys & Girls in K-8th Grades - Click HERE to register
Soccer (July 10-13 / 9am-11:30am) For Boys Ages 6-11
Volleyball (June 12th - 14th / 11am-1pm) For Boys & Girls in 5th-8th Grades
STRONGSVILLE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS WING DING (SAT. 4/29)
Don’t miss the “Wing Ding” at Harvest Saloon on Saturday, April 29 (5-8pm) to benefit the Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters (SIMB). The event will feature food and drink, raffles, and lots of FUN! Tickets are $35 in advance and all proceeds from the night will benefit SIMB and their support of our instrumental music program. Click HERE for the event flyer.
STRONGSVILLE EDUCATION FOUNDATION “JOCKEYS & JULEPS” EVENT (SAT. MAY 6TH)
The Strongsville Education Foundation’s 7th Annual “Jockeys & Juleps” event will take place on Saturday, May 6th from 5:30pm-10:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Watch the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, followed by a “Night at the Races” fundraiser benefiting the Foundation. Enjoy food and drink, raffles, and MORE! 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, please click on the following links to access websites dedicated to each of our elementary school locations: Chapman, Kinsner, Muraski, Surrarrer, Whitney
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
Dine at Buffalo Wild Wings to Support Arts in Strongsville (Mon. 4/24)
Join Arts in Strongsville on Monday, April 24 from 4:00pm-9:00pm at the Strongsville Buffalo Wild Wings (8465 Pearl Rd.) and help raise money to support the events we bring to our community! Your support helps Arts in Strongsville provide events like the Chalk Walk (May 20, 2023) and Day at the Chalet (September 17, 2023). 15% of sales will be donated when you mention this fundraiser or show THIS FLYER.
Heartbeats Community Show
Don’t miss the Heartbeats Jump Rope Team perform a FREE community show at Strongsville High School on Saturday, April 22 (7pm). The Heartbeats Jump Rope Team was founded in 1992 to promote the sport of jump rope as fun, healthy, competitive, and entertaining for people of all ages. Bring the entire family for an exciting evening of fun-filled entertainment - you won’t believe your eyes! Click HERE for the event flyer.
Memorial Day at the Strongsville Historical Village
The Strongsville Historical Village will be open on Memorial Day from 12:00pm - 2:00pm for the public to visit the village’s buildings and grounds following the Memorial Day parade and service at the Freedom Trail. Visitors will be able to participate in many activities to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Kindness Camp - C’s the Day
A camp for kids in grades 1-7 dedicated to EMPOWERING kids to positively impact their communities through acts of kindness, INSPIRING kids to become leaders by growing in character, confidence and personal wellness, and CHALLENGING kids to practice mindfulness in thoughts, words, and actions with self and others.
WHEN: July 17-21 (1:00pm - 4:00pm) / WHERE: Albion Woods Picnic Area
Click HERE for additional information / Click HERE to register for the camp
Kids Running Camp - gOH Run!
When: Monday, July 17 - June 21 (9am-11am) / Where: Albion Woods Picnic Area in the MetroParks
Camp is for kids in KG-8th Grade; cost is $60 and includes a shirt, camp materials, daily prizes, awards, and lots of fun! Click HERE for additional information and to register!
Baldwin Wallace Summer Camp Programming
Baldwin Wallace is offering summer camp programming in a variety of areas, including STEM, music, theatre, arts, athletics, and education. For more information or to register, families can visit BW’s Division of Community Learning at https://dcl.bw.edu/divisions/ or click HERE.
Safety Town Registration
Parents of incoming Kindergarten students, don’t miss registering your children for Safety Town. Click HERE for additional information on Safety Town. Click HERE for a Parent Brochure. Click HERE for the registration link.
Safety Town Volunteers Needed
Calling all 6th-9th grade students! If you are interested in volunteering to help with this year’s Safety Town, signups begin on Monday, April 17 at 5pm. Click HERE for additional information. Students must be a Strongsville resident or attend school in Strongsville to be eligible to volunteer.
Strongsville Swim League
Splash, dive, and jump into FUN this summer by joining your local Strongsville Swim Team! This year’s summer swim season takes place May 30 - July 15. Deadline to register for the season is May 16. Visit the Strongsville Swim League website - https://strongsville.teampages.com - for additional information.
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
Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Hooley Pub & Kitchen (SouthPark Mall)
Thursday, May 18, 2023
5:30pm - 7:30pm
(21 & Over)
May Business Luncheon
Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Awards & Recognition of Students Entering the Military
Ehrnfelt Recreation Center
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 12 - July 15, 2023
Strongsville Library
Please note the following May 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 Administration Building and all Library Branches will be closed on Sunday, May 28th and Monday, May 29th in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 30th at 9:00 a.m.
All Together Now – 2023 Summer Reading Challenge – June 3rd through August 13th. Sign-up for our reading challenge beginning May 1st. To learn more, visit https://cuyahogalibrary.org/srp to register or check out our YouTube video for more information! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErqUzDPnN7s
Seed Library! To spread knowledge of local food systems, cultivate skills required for sustainable food production, and to help make seeds more accessible to those in the community, the Strongsville Branch Library has partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to offer a selection of different varieties of organic, open-pollinated, non-GMO vegetable, herb, & edible flower seeds. Please stop by the Strongsville Branch to pick-up your free seeds! Customers will be able to “check-out” 5 seed packets per month. Please call (440) 238-5530 for more information. This program sponsored by the Friends of Strongsville Branch Library. While supplies last.
Arranging Evan Hansen. Monday, May 1st / 7:00 p.m. Join us to learn about the hidden role of Broadway’s arrangers/orchestrators by examining the score of Dear Evan Hansen. Though composed by super team Pasek and Paul, Dear Evan Hansen was arranged by Alex Lacamoire, whose credits also include Hamilton, In the Heights, Bring It On: The Musical, 9 to 5, and the 2012 revival of Annie. Lacamoire’s signature sound permeates Dear Evan Hansen and directs the drama in subtle but important ways. “Arranging Evan Hansen” allows audiences to recognize Lacamoire’s contribution while enjoying the musical’s score at an even deeper level.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, May 2nd / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Welcome to Dweeb Club by Betsy Uhrig. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Ages 3 – 5 Years Old. Friday, May 5th / 11:00 a.m. – Noon. Join us as we introduce your young one to a festive Mexican holiday with snacks, lively activities, and Spanish words.
Saturday Crafternoon. Ages 3 and up. Saturday, May 6th / 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. If you’re not sure what to do on the first Saturday afternoon of the month, look no further! Create a one-of-a-kind craft in our storytime room. While supplies last.
Blood Drive. Friday, May 12th / 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).
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, May 13th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL OR Monday, May 22nd / 7 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 or in-person sessions.
Mom and Teen: Make Your Own Jewelry Set. Monday, May 15th / 7:00 p.m. Bring your mom and join us to make a matching wire wrapped ring and pendant set to celebrate Mother's Day. No experience required!
Computer Classes IN PERSON. 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
Wednesday, May 17th / 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Photoshop 2: Photo Retouching
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, May 17th / 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 Whisper Network: a Novel by Chandler Baker. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library
Grooving with Pete the Cat. Ages 3 – 8. Wednesday, May 17th / 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Children and their families are invited to an evening of fun stories, music and crafts inspired by Eric Litwin’s Pete the Cat. Get your groove on with Pete! It’s all good!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, May 22nd / 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 Dimestore: A Writer's Life by Lee Smith. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Southwest Health Talk: Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Diabetes. Tuesday, May 23rd / 10:00 a.m. Monica L. Kravetz MSN-Ed, RN, Diabetes Nurse Educator from Southwest General Health Center, will share simple tips to help you prevent Diabetes and take control of your health.
Down by the Old Mill Stream Run. Tuesday, May 23rd / 7:00 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Historian, Judy MacKeigan, will share this presentation on the history of the Mill Stream Run Reservation. Among the many features of Mill Stream Run Reservation are the first refrigerated toboggan chutes in the United States, old quarry lands turned into lakes, and Camp Cheerful, where people of all abilities can experience the joy of summer camp. Learn about this reservation and its long and interesting history. Program presented by the Strongsville Historical Society in partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library.
Calling All Pokemon Trainers! All Ages. Wednesday, May 31st / 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Bring your family, bring your friends, and explore more than 15 PokeStops and Gyms between the library and the Strongsville Rec Center. Drop a few lures, join in a raid, and catch ‘em all.
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