60 Seconds with the Superintendent
This week, Strongsville Middle School hosted all of the Polaris partner schools for “Polaris Palooza.” This event featured robotics competitions between the schools and showcased creativity and teamwork of all participants. Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about this fun event which provided hands on experience, building on what students have been learning in the classroom.
KINSNER ELEMENTARY GENEROUSLY DONATES TO UKRAINE FAMILIES
Thank you to the Kinsner community for their generosity and show of support for Ukrainian families. The school and community have held a clothing/dry goods drive over the past few weeks and collected over 400 articles of clothing, 362 pairs of socks, and hundreds of first aid supplies! Special thanks to Kinsner’s Student Council and Mrs. Goloja for organizing this effort!
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MR. CALEB BIEHL, SCHOOL COUNSELOR AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY
Mr. Caleb Biehl is in his first year with Strongsville City Schools as the School Counselor at Chapman Elementary School. Mr. Biehl earned his undergraduate degree from Youngstown State and his graduate degree from Kent State University. When he’s not at Chapman working with our students, Mr. Biehl enjoys outdoor activities, including mountain biking, kayaking, and camping and also being the best uncle to his five nephews and three nieces.
“The thing I like best working with the students of Chapman is that I never truly know what each day is going to bring. As the school counselor, I have the opportunity to work with all of the students in the building. Each day, each student brings a new challenge. This makes every day really exciting for me. I really love how much I get to interact with students and in so many different ways. I get to go into classrooms and I get to do individual and small group counseling. I work with families and local resources. All in an effort to make sure that our students are successful both in and out of school. I get to work with teachers to ensure that the needs of our students are being met on all fronts. I have such a wonderful team around me that I truly feel lucky and excited to come to work,” said Mr. Biehl.
Thank you Mr. Biehl for the impact you have already made on the students at Chapman Elementary in your first year in our District! #WeAreStrongsville
SHS STUDENTS ADVANCE TO REGIONAL COMPETITION IN OPTIMIST SPEECH CONTEST
Five Strongsville High School students participated in the first round of this year’s Optimist Speech contest: Nora Bacon, Brigid Fraser, Sanjana Katiyar, Aubrey Kocsis, and Anaya Daryapurkar. Congratulations to the following students who will be moving on to next month’s regional competition:
Aubrey Kocsis (1st Place)
Sanjana Katiyar (2nd Place)
Anaya Daryapurkar (3rd Place)
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!
“STATE OF THE SCHOOLS” PRESENTATION - WATCH IT ON DEMAND
The annual “State of the Schools” presentation was held recently. If you were not able to attend, Dr. Ryba’s presentation is available on demand. Visit our SCS TV website for a recording of the event, celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special!
SHS STUDENT-ATHLETES FINISH STRONG IN POSTSEASON COMPETITION
Congratulations to the following SHS student-athletes who finished their winter sports seasons with strong results in postseason competition:
Freshman Gianna Upchurch - placed 7th on bars at the state meet with a score of 9.15, earning her All-State Honors.
Senior Andrew Beten - earned 2022 State High Jump championship with a jump of 6’ 7”; placed 3rd in New York at the Nike Nationals Meet, with a jump of 6’7”
Senior Anthony Grecol - qualified for the State Wrestling Meet; won 1 of the 3 matches in which he competed
Strongsville Lacrosse Youth Days (4/2 & 4/9)
Join in the fun as everyone is invited to youth days at Strongsville High School Lacrosse matches in April. The girls event will be held on Saturday, April 2 and the boys event follows on Saturday, April 9. Enjoy the JV and Varsity SHS matches, along with youth games and activities for kids of all ages. Both events will be held on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Girls Varsity battles Bay High School at 12pm on 4/2, with family activities beginning at 10am. Boys Varsity takes on Perrysburg High School at 2pm on 4/9 and activities beginning at 12pm. Enjoy two great weekends of Mustangs spirit with Strongsville Lacrosse!
ATHLETIC BOOSTERS CALENDAR RAFFLE - WIN PRIZES THROUGHOUT APRIL!
The Strongsville Athletic Boosters will be selling Calendar Raffle tickets throughout the month of March. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased from an SHS student-athlete or HERE. Raffle drawings begin April 1st, with a winner chosen each day throughout the month of April! Over $3,500 in prizes will be given away! Proceeds benefit Strongsville's athletic program and student-athletes.
ROCKIN’ AT SMS DANCE (FRI. 4/1)
6th - 8th grade students are invited to attend the next “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance on Friday, April 1 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. The theme of this dance is “Pink Out.” Drinks and snacks will also be served! Buy tickets for this upcoming dance HERE.
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.
CLASS OF 2022 / SENIOR YARD BANNERS
Celebrate your senior with a graduation yard banner! The 5 ft. x 2.5 ft. banners come in three different designs and are perfect for celebrating members of the Class of 2022. Order yours today - click HERE for additional details. Proceeds benefit Strongsville Lacrosse.
‘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
Safety Town Registration
Registration for Strongsville Safety Town opens on March 21 for Strongsville residents and/or those who attend a Strongsville school and will be starting kindergarten this year. Registration will be online only - click HERE. Safety Town is not mandatory prior to entering kindergarten but is an excellent opportunity for the children to explore their community through class activities and field trips while learning important safety precautions. Weekly sessions begin on June 6. For more information, please see the “Parent Guide." Please direct specific questions to the Youth Program Coordinator: Marie McManus at the Strongsville Police Department: marie.mcmanus@strongsville.org or (440) 580-3257.
Strongsville Rec Center - Garage Sale
Come shop at the Strongsville Rec Center’s Annual Garage Sale on Saturday, March 19 from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Find great deals on gently used baby, kids, and maternity items, as well as toys, clothes, small furniture, and accessories. Early bird shopping beginning at 9am ($3 admission), shopping from 10am-12pm is FREE. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Right At School - Growing Along with Your Kids!
The kids we serve are the beating heart of ‘Right At School.’ As a member of our team, you’ll find no shortage of talented, passionate people ready to help you grow and succeed — all the while building a brighter future for children, families, and communities. We offer flexible scheduling options to fit into your schedule. Check out your opportunity to grow with us at https://www.rightatschool.com/careers/jobs/
Fun & Photos with the Easter Bunny - Strongsville Rec Center (Saturday, 3/26)
Come and join the fun with the whole family on Saturday, March 26 at the Strongsville Rec Center! Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny, make a craft, and enjoy a snack. Tickets are available at the Strongsville Rec Front Desk. Click HERE for the event flyer with additional details.
Strongsville Women’s League Art Contest
Strongsville Women’s League is holding an art contest for Strongsville residents currently enrolled in grades K-5th Grade. Have you ever thought about what makes your family yours? What are the traditions that create great memories year after year? This year the Strongsville Women’s League wants to know what makes your family unique. Please create an image which shows your favorite part of being you in your family. “My favorite tradition is…”. Entries will be accepted March 14 - April 14 and can be dropped off in the main office at any elementary school. There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes for grades K&1, 2&3, and 4&5 students. Artwork will be judged and prizes will be awarded on Friday, April 29. Good luck and have fun! Please contact Karen Burgund (kmbrona@aol.com) or Barb Toth (barbt4908@yahoo.com) with any questions or concerns. Click HERE for contest rules.
Spring Break STEAM Camps at the Strongsville Rec Center
Looking for activities for kids in grades K-5 during Spring Break? Register for this year’s STEAM camps at the Strongsville Rec Center (April 18-22) - call 440.580.3260 or visit strongsville.activityreg.com. Choose from a Harry Potter-themed camp or a “Slimetopia” camp. Click HERE for a flyer with more details on these interactive camps.
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 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.
April Business Luncheon - Sponsored by Hot Chicken Takeover*
“Camp Cheerful Update”
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 11:30am - 1:00pm
Camp Cheerful, 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville
*Picnic lunch provided by Hot Chicken Takeover
Registration Deadline: Friday, April 15, 2022 or when maximum seating capacity is reached
May Scholarship Luncheon
Recognition of Chamber Scholarship Winners and Students Entering the Military
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
Registration Deadline: Friday, May 6, 2022
Mark Your Calendar:
Strongsville 80th Annual Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 13th - Saturday, July 16th, 2022
Strongsville Commons
Sponsorship Opportunities & 50/50 Raffle Tickets available at the Chamber Office
Homecoming Festival Fireworks Display
Saturday, July 16th at Dusk
Viewable from the Strongsville Commons
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following March 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
In-person Toddler Storytime. Ages 19 – 35 months with caregiver. Wednesday, March 30th / 10:00 – 10:25 a.m. or 11:30 – 11:55 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Storytime Preschool Age 3-5. Tuesday, March 29th from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
In-person Preschool Storytime. Ages 3-5 (Not yet in kindergarten with caregiver.) Monday, March 28th from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. and Tuesday, March 29th from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
In-person Baby & Me Storytime. Birth – 18 months with caregiver. Thursday, March 31st / 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. Group is small and registration is required. Please register each child separately. Only the participating child and one caregiver will be admitted to the program (no siblings, please), due to social distancing space requirements. In-person programs may be held over Zoom if required by CDC and CCPL guidelines. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, March 31st 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, March 21st from 7:00 – 8:00 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 or in-person sessions.
Scout’s Playlist. Tuesday, March 22nd / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. In this virtual event Scout's Playlist, audience members will get to know the various personalities of Maycomb County through discussions of the contemporary music that Harper Lee's beloved characters would likely have listened to. We will listen to famous recordings and explore the historical, social, and political contexts for music representing Scout, Atticus, Calpurnia, Tom Robinson, and the Ewells. Presented by Stephanie Ruozzo, Education and Engagement Associate at Cleveland Opera Theater. Register online to receive the Zoom link to participate.
Celebrate National Goof Off Day. Ages 5 – 8. Thursday, March 24th / 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. IN PERSON. Enjoy goofy stories, make a goofy craft, and guess what--- you get to be GOOFY! Did you know that there really is a National Goof Off Day, which is on March 22? We will have lots of goofy fun!
Celebrate Unicorns. Ages 5 – 8. Saturday, March 26th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Join us over the rainbow for a magical celebration of all things unicorn. Come dressed in your rainbow finest to listen to unicorn stories, do a unicorn craft, and dance like a unicorn. Please register only the child attending.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 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 Island of Sea Women: a Novel by Lisa See. 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