Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2022-23 Vol 7, Iss 7)
Be The Difference
IN THIS ISSUE - September 23, 2022
Important Dates to Remember 60 Seconds with the Superintendent Chapman 4th Graders Learn Coding with Indi Cars Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Jamie Yonkof, 1st Grade Teacher at Whitney Elementary Strongsville Hosts Unified Sports Flag Football Tournament Mustang Express Royal Tea Strongsville Stallion Stampede - Saturday, September 24 16 SHS Students selected as Polaris Ambassadors Join the “SCS Crew” SHS Freshman Archit Singh Earns Gold Medal In Taekwondo “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance - Fri. 9/30 Purchase Tickets to the SHS Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications For 2022-23 School Year Right at School - Before & After School Care for SCS Elementary School Families Stay Safe. Speak Up! Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, September 29 - 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 9-12)
Friday, September 30 - 7:00pm - 9:30pm
‘SMS Rocks’ Back to School Dance (Grades 6-8)
Location: Strongsville Middle School Cafeteria
Theme: Whiteout
Purchase Your Tickets in Advance HERE
Wednesday, October 5
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 9-12) 3:15pm - 6:15pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 6-8) 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, October 6
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK) 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades K-5) 4:45pm - 7:45pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades 6-8) 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 12
Parent/Teacher Conferences (PreK) 3:45pm - 6:45pm
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Grades K-5) 4:45pm - 7:45pm
Thursday, October 13 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Two of our math teachers at Strongsville High School are implementing innovative ways to deliver lessons in their classrooms. Mrs. Hoslar and Mrs. Diedrick are helping to foster engaged learning and making an impact with their Algebra I students. Click HERE for this week’s episode to learn more about their classes and how students are reacting to this change to their traditional math experiences.
CHAPMAN 4TH GRADERS LEARN CODING WITH INDI CARS
Mrs. Kuntz's 4th Grade class at Chapman worked with Sphero Indi cars this week. With the help of Ms. Tabar (Chapman 3rd Grade Teacher and Technology Coach) and Mr. Binkley (SCS Director of Instructional Technology), they learned elements of coding, through creatively solving challenges and puzzle patterns - all by directing their car through the use of colored squares. Awesome innovative (& FUN) technology in the classroom! #BeTheDifference #TheModelMustang
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. JAMIE YONKOF, FIRST GRADE TEACHER AT WHITNEY ELEMENTARY
Mrs. Jamie Yonkof is in her eleventh year at Strongsville City Schools. Mrs. Yonkof worked one year at Drake Elementary and has now spent the last nine years as a first grade teacher at Whitney Elementary. She earned her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and also has a Master’s Degree from Graceland University.
“My favorite part of teaching first grade is teaching students to read. We begin the year with the very basics, and by the end of the year, students are reading fluently. Seeing a child’s excitement when everything starts to come together and they are reading books they never thought they could read is an amazing feeling! Being a reader opens up a whole world for them to explore and I try to pass on my love of books to my students. I also love how my students inspire me to learn and grow. First graders are very curious and we work together to find answers to their questions and solve problems. Each day brings a new challenge and another opportunity to encourage my students to be lifelong learners,” said Mrs. Yonkof.
“Whitney is a wonderful place to teach because we all work together as a team to do what is best for our students. Everyone has a positive attitude and is always willing to help each other. Our students know that all of the adults in the building are here to make sure they have a great day and can do their best learning!”
Thank you Mrs. Yonkof for instilling a love of reading in your first grade students! #BeTheDifference
STRONGSVILLE HOSTS UNIFIED SPORTS FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Yesterday, seven area high schools joined Strongsville in a Unified Sports Flag Football tournament on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Unified Sports is a team sports program that brings people together. It eliminates barriers and stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in a fun way that engages the whole community. Unified Sports goes beyond sports training and competition to promote social inclusion and meaningful connections. Spirit Squads and SHS students were also there to cheer the players on the field! #BeTheDifference #WeAreStrongsville
MUSTANG EXPRESS ROYAL TEA
Attention kids of all ages, don’t miss the upcoming Royal Tea, hosted by Mustang Express (Strongsville High School’s Show Choir)! This fun family event will feature an exciting musical show, performed by members of Mustang Express appearing as your favorite characters! Don’t forget to wear your Princess (& Prince) attire, as there will be photo opportunities following the show. Choose from two shows - 12:00pm & 2:00pm - on Saturday, October 15 at Strongsville High School. Tickets are just $5 at the door - it will be a magical event at SHS on October 15!
Strongsville Stallion Stampede - Saturday, September 24
GOHRun and the Strongsville High School Cross Country teams are hosting a youth fun run on Saturday, September 24 at Strongsville High School's Cross Country course. The Strongsville Invitational will take place before the youth races, so arrive early to see the high school student-athletes compete. The Fun Run is FREE. We will accept donations of non perishable food items for the Strongsville Food Bank and donations toward GOHRun youth running events. There will be two races starting at 12:30PM for our younger runners (K-2) who will race 800 meters on grass. The older group (3-6) will race one mile at 12:50PM. Runners must check in and pick up their race bib/tag for timing and results. Wear the bib on the front of your shirt. Check in will be at the tennis courts at the east end of the stadium. Click HERE to register for the Strongsville Stallion Stampede on Saturday, September 24.
16 SHS STUDENTS SELECTED AS POLARIS AMBASSADORS
Congratulations to 16 Strongsville High School students who were recently selected as Polaris Career Center Student Ambassadors for the 2022-23 school year! These students will represent Polaris at recruitment related events and help promote Polaris to potential students. Student ambassadors must maintain a “B” or above in all Polaris classes, maintain 95% attendance, have no excessive tardies or major discipline issues, and have an instructor recommendation.
Keanu Bindel (Aeronautics), Nicolas Buhtoiarov (Criminal Justice), Catherine Springer (Cosmetology), Sarah Rider (Cosmetology), Elizabeth Riddle (Cosmetology), Genesis Diaz (Cosmetology), Deliah Urzycki (Construction Trades), Nick Dasher (Culinary Arts), Allison Walsh (EMT/Fire), Lynda Stricko (EMT/Fire), Marissa Masola (Medical Professions), Zach Monyak (Precision CNC Machining), Hannah Odetallah (Pre-Nursing), Jayanna Evans (Pre-Nursing), Sarah Ren (Pre-Veterinary Science), Hunter Mantynen (Welding Technology)
JOIN THE “SCS CREW”
Attention parents of SMS and SHS students: SCS Crew is looking for new members! The SCS Crew is a talented team of video production members! Students in SCS Crew have the opportunity to be a part of the team that records district events throughout the school year - sports, concerts, Board of Education meetings, SHS Commencement, and MORE - for YouTube and our Strongsville City Schools TV channel. Click HERE for a video about SCS Crew! Interested students should contact Scott Benson (440.572.7032 / sbenson@scsmustangs.org).
SHS FRESHMAN ARCHIT SINGH EARNS GOLD MEDAL IN TAEKWONDO
Congratulations to Archit Singh, Strongsville High School freshman who recently earned a GOLD MEDAL in Kyorugi (Taekwondo Sparring) in the Cadet division at WT President’s Cup Pan American Competition. Over 900 athletes from 39 countries gathered in Jacksonville, FL for this event in mid-August. This event also awards points to the World Taekwondo (G2) ranking. His results in this competition earned Archit a wildcard entry for the 2023 Pan American Junior and Cadet Championships!
“ROCKIN’ AT SMS” DANCE - FRI. 9/30
Strongsville students in grades 6-8, don’t miss this year’s first “Rockin’ at SMS” Dance on Friday, September 30th from 7:00pm - 9:30pm in the SMS Cafeteria. The theme for the 9/30 dance is “Whiteout” - get ready to SHINE BRIGHT in WHITE! We can’t wait to get the school year ‘GLOWING’ with our awesome SMS kids and a fun filled night! Click HERE to purchase your tickets in advance. Volunteer opportunities are also available for parents - click HERE to sign up. Proceeds from “Rockin’ at SMS” Dances benefit SCS Council PTA Grant & Scholarship Funds.
PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE SHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
This year’s Strongsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony for the Class of 2022 will be held on Saturday, October 22, beginning at 5:00pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Celebrate the accomplishments of: Jessica Carey (Roberts) (Girls Soccer) - SHS Class of 2004; Kyle Cobb (Boys Golf and Boys Basketball) - SHS Class of 2006; Cassie Martin (Girls Track & Field and Girls Basketball) - SHS Class of 2016; Deverin Muff (Boys Basketball and Boys Track & Field) - SHS Class of 2010; Nick Skully (Boys Basketball and Football) - SHS Class of 2001; Russ Jacques (SHS Football Coach); 1997 Boys Soccer State Championship Team; Bob Serpentini - SHS Athletic Wall of Fame Inductee. Purchase your tickets for the dinner & induction ceremony HERE. #foreveramustang
FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
After two years of free meals for all students in our District, through a federal government program, we will be transitioning back to free, reduced, and paid statuses for student meals. If you believe your family may qualify for free or reduced price school meals, we encourage you to complete a Free & Reduced-Price Meal Application online, which may be found HERE. The online form must be completed by Friday, September 30, 2022. If your situation should change as a result of lower income or increased family size, you may complete a new form at any time during the school year.
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
Strongsville Historical Society - Harvest Festival & 60th Anniversary Celebration
What: Harvest Festival & 60th Anniversary Celebration
When: September 24, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Strongsville Historic Village / 13305 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH
Enjoy demonstrators sharing their unique skills, a farmer’s market, food & refreshments provided by food truck-style vendors, a petting zoo, and children’s games. All buildings will be open for peeks into the past 150 years. FREE ADMISSION!
The Strongsville Historical Society and Historic Village invites you to become a member by calling 440-572-0057. Family, corporate, student, senior and individual memberships are available. Please learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society by going to www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org. Also, visit and follow our Facebook page for more information.
Baldwin Wallace Tech Camp - Programming Self-Driving Robots (September 29)
Baldwin Wallace University is hosting BW Tech Camp – Programming Self-Driving Robots on September 29 at 5:30 p.m. The camp is designed for students ages 12 to 17 and attendees will work in pairs. Parents are welcome to team with their student for this fun, hands-on camp. During the two-hour camp, students will learn how to program a robotic vehicle using an Arduino. They will learn how to control the robot’s speed, direction and motors, along with using sensors to allow the robot to detect obstacles and avoid them. The camp is free, but registration is required as space is limited. To register, please visit https://tinyurl.com/2rnsvvyy. The camp will be held in the Austin E. Knowlton Center, located at 370 Front Street, Berea, on the Baldwin Wallace campus. Brought to you by the Baldwin Wallace Division of Community Learning. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Halloween at Safety Town (Saturday, October 8th)
Strongsville Kindergarten and 1st Grade Students are invited to attend Halloween at Safety Town for some trick-or-treat fun on Saturday, October 8th from 4-6pm. The event is free, but registration is requested - click HERE for the registration form. Halloween at Safety Town is presented by the Rotary Club of Strongsville and the Strongsville Police Department.
Strongsville Basketball League Tryouts - Sunday, October 9
The Strongsville Basketball League is looking for boys and girls in grades 3-6 to compete in the SBL. Tryouts will be held on Sunday, October 9 from 3pm - 7pm at Strongsville High School. Click HERE for additional tryout details.
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.
October Business Luncheon
“State of the Schools Address” Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
2022 Strongsville Community Business Expo
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
4:00pm - 5:00pm Business to Business Networking
5:00pm - 7:30pm Open to Strongsville Community
Come learn more about the businesses in our vibrant local business community!
Click HERE to register your business to participate
Business After Hours - Hosted by Generations Senior Living
18960 Falling Water Road
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Members - Free; Future Members - $10
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
November Business Luncheon
City of Strongsville - Economic Development Update
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
11:30am - 1:00pm
2022 Chamber Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 2, 2022
NEW VENUE! The Aviator Event Center (formerly the 100th Bomber Restaurant)
20920 Brookpark Rd. / Cleveland
Seating is Limited! Reserve Your Table Early!
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 2022 events being held on ZOOM virtually and presented by the Strongsville Branch Library. Registration and an email address are required for all events 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.
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.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library has resumed storytimes in-person. 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. To check for in-person storytime availability, please check our schedule online or call (440) 238-5530.
Young at Heart Book Club. Tuesday, October 4th / 7:00 p.m. Register online. IN PERSON. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for this month’s discussion is You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly.
From Uptown Girls to Downton Abbey - How American Gilded Age Heiresses Invaded the UK Aristocracy. Tuesday, October 4th / 7:00 p.m. VIRTUAL. Long before the British Invasion, the cash-strapped lords, viscounts, and dukes of Great Britain shifted their focus from hunting foxes and pheasants to more lucrative targets: cash-flush Gilded Age American socialites who were willing to trade their family’s money for an ancient title and often a chilly reception in the British aristocracy. Fans of “Downton Abbey” and “The Gilded Age” on television and film will delight as Anglophile and former U.K. resident Claire Evans recounts the tales of some of the famously loaded young Americans who infused bank accounts of many stately homes, including close relatives of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana. She will also give travel tips if you would like to create a Gilded Age tour for yourself. This event is virtual and will be held on Zoom. Please register online to receive a login.
Studio Orientation. Saturday, October 8th from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. / VIRTUAL or Monday, October 17th 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.
Blood Drive. Wednesday, October 12th / 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. 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). 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).
Audiobook Narration 101. Ages 11 and up. Thursday, October 13th / 7:00 p.m. Join us in learning the basics of recording yourself reading a book or written work! We will review the software available in our Recording Studio and offer basic instructions to record audiobooks using our Recording Studio. We will also review Studio Orientation materials so all participants will be free to use the Recording Studio after the program.
Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabric. Grades 2 – 6. Saturday, October 15th / 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return to program location at least one week prior to the program start date. The form can be found at:
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/Kids-Teens/Parents-and-Teachers/Parent-Options.aspx
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
Tuesday, October 18th / 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Word 3.
Wednesday, October 26th / 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 1.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, October 19th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Our Wednesday Evening Book Discussion meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Strongsville Branch Library. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be Klara and the Sun by Kazou Ishiguro. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Saturday, October 22nd / 10:00 – 3:00 p.m. Friends Preview 9am-10am Bag sale - Fill a bag for only $2! Buy a membership at the door to enter one hour early! All current members, renewals and new members purchased that morning at the friends’ preview receive a coupon for a CCPL reusable bag (available at the front desk.) The sale opens to the public at 10:00 a.m. Only $2 to fill a bag (bring your own bag that is no bigger than 15 x 15 inches) We will have bags for as long as they last. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction, non-fiction, audio visual materials, magazines & more!
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Sunday, October 23rd / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Fill a bag on Sunday for only $1.00! Please bring your own bag that is no bigger than 15 x 15 inches. Lots of books for sale - for all ages! Fiction, non-fiction, audio visual materials, magazines & more!
Friends of Strongsville Branch Library – Fall Bag of Books Sale! Monday, October 24th / 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Friends bag of books sale will conclude on Monday. All remaining items - fill a bag with books for only 50 cents! While Supplies Last!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 24th / 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 Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Presidents’ Wives from Ohio. Tuesday, October 25th / 7:00 p.m. The Strongsville Historical Society in partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library will present this living history presentation with the Presidents' Wives from Ohio. Join us to see actors in full costume, as they present the eight First Ladies of the Ohio Presidents of the United States. Those in attendance will enjoy as they tell some interesting and little told facts of the lives of each of the First Ladies. Registration is required.
Meet Author Shelley Shepard Gray. Thursday, October 27th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Shelley Shepard Gray visits to discuss her new inspirational romance novel, Happily Ever Amish. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac’s Backs – Books on Coventry.
Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade. Ages 3 – 5. Monday, October 31st / 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Enjoy a friendly Halloween gathering with stories, music, and a craft. Costumes are encouraged. Then we'll parade through the library to collect goodies to take home!
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