Mustang Moments

Friday, February 17

NO SCHOOL
Staff Professional Development Day
Asynchronous Learning for Preschool and Half Day Kindergarten Students

Monday, February 20
NO SCHOOL (President’s Day)

Thursday, February 23 - 7:00pm

Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Wednesday, March 1 - 6:00pm
SCS "State of the Schools"
Presented by Dr. Cameron Ryba, SCS Superintendent
Strongsville Middle School Auditorium
* Watch the live stream HERE

Monday, March 13
NO SCHOOL (Staff Professional Development Day)

Strongsville Middle School students have had the opportunity to bowl and play basketball after school as part of their new intramurals program. Why are intramurals important and what skills are students developing while participating? Click HERE as we visit in this week’s episode with Assistant Athletic Director Jason Keppler and hear about the positive impact of intramurals.

The annual “State of the Schools” presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, March 1st at 6:00pm. This year’s event will be held at Strongsville Middle School and will also be livestreamed on SCS-TV. We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our District and all that makes Strongsville City Schools special. Do you have something you wish to be covered during our “State of the Schools” event? Click HERE to submit a topic/question - the most frequent topics and questions will be addressed on March 1st. This form will be open and accepting responses until Wednesday, February 15th at 5:00pm.

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court is once again celebrating Black History Month by displaying student artwork on the first floor of its downtown Cleveland building. Strongsville High School National Art Honor Society students, under the guidance of Ms. Trussa, have several tribute portraits on display. Click HERE for their amazing artwork. You can also see the artwork displayed on the first floor of the Cuyahoga County Justice Center (by the north windows) during normal business hours until the end of this month. SHS student artists who have tribute artwork in this gallery (and their portrait subjects): Leah Revilock (Martin Luther King, Jr.), Lola Morana (Muhammad Ali), Sarah Fleming (Jackie Robinson), Adonai Hawkins Prather (Langston Hughes), Emma Keeling (Malcolm X), Chloe Mance (Aretha Franklin), Vlad Dumych (Louis Armstrong), Hedya Sangam (Maya Wiley), Grace Telesz (RuPaul), Alexia Feier (Billy Porter), Maddie Zielinsky (Dominique Jackson), Ariana Potter (Billie Holiday), Riya Patel (Oprah Winfrey), Bethany Horn (Halle Bailey).

Congratulations to the junior and senior students in Strongsville High School’s DECA program, led by Mrs. Naymik. Every student in this two-year marketing program participates in the annual district marketing competition against students from other high schools. Finishing in the top three in either the individual or team events for their specific categories qualifies for the state competition. Out of the 84 SHS students who competed this year, 51 of them qualified to participate in the Ohio DECA State Competition. Click HERE for the news release, including a list of students headed to the state competition in March.

Congratulations to the Strongsville High School Dance Team who earned State Runner-Up honors at the recent State Championship. The team placed 2nd in the State in Lyrical (only .17 points away from 1st), 3rd in Pom, 6th in Hip-Hop, and 6th in Jazz. Congratulations to all 20 athletes on the team, student hip-hop choreographers Kelly Cunningham and Katie Sanuk, and Coach Mackenzie Grimm.

Mr. John McCart has worked in our District for 10 years. Mr. McCart started as a substitute bus driver, before being hired full time as a custodian at the former Albion Middle School. He has also worked at Strongsville High School and is currently a custodian at both Kinsner and Muraski Elementary. Mr. McCart earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Akron.

“Strongsville is a great school district. I appreciate our schools and their focus on academic achievement and community involvement. I like being part of the custodial team in our elementary buildings. I love seeing the smiling faces of our K-5 students every day. Custodians are truly the eyes and the ears of every building. We work to provide a safe environment for our staff and students. I truly enjoy working with everyone in our District,” said Mr. McCart.

Thank you Mr. McCart for your hard work and efforts at Kinsner and Muraski and for being a part of our fantastic custodial team in the District! #BeTheDifference

Enjoy a family-friendly fun night out at the Strongsville TGIFriday’s (18400 Royalton Rd.) on Wednesday, February 15 from 5:30pm - 8:30pm. The SHS Boys Varsity Basketball Team will be there, along with Magician Michael Mage, Blake the Balloon Artist, Face Tattoos, Raffles and more! 20% of sales that night will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Cal Klinzing, a member of the SHS Varsity Basketball team has been selected as this year’s Strongsville High School Student Visionary of the Year for LLS and its annual campaign. Cal’s goal is to raise $75,000 for LLS by Saturday, March 18. If you can’t make it to TGIFriday’s, you can also help Cal reach his goal by donating at his LLS fundraising page.

Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School student-athletes who announced their college commitments in a Signing Day event at SHS last week. These individuals will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the college/university level:

Taylor Bass - Baldwin Wallace University (Basketball); Ryan Gordon - Baldwin Wallace University (Baseball); David Hakaim - Siena Heights University (Football); Anna Hardink - College of Wooster (Basketball); Petar Janjetovic - Cleveland State University (Soccer); George Sisamis - Findlay University (Soccer); Colin Van Rooy - Fordham University (Football); Bailey Wallace - Otterbein University (Lacrosse); Justin Wypasek - Trine University (Basketball)

We are proud of your accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom and know that you will continue to positively represent SHS at the next level - CONGRATULATIONS!

Don’t miss the return of the Harlem Wizards to Strongsville on Tuesday, March 7 at 6:30pm. Watch the Wizards compete against a team of SCS All-Stars (Teachers & Staff) in the SHS Main Gymnasium. Proceeds from this night will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Purchase tickets online HERE.

Make plans to eat at City BBQ (17818 Royalton Rd.) on Saturday, February 18 from 11am - 8pm and help raise money for the Strongsville Education Foundation. Proceeds from dine in orders and online orders (use promo code “FUNDA”) will benefit the Strongsville Education Foundation, which is dedicated to raising and disbursing funds to support and foster creativity, innovation and outstanding achievement for the students, the teachers, and the community served by Strongsville City Schools.

Last weekend, Strongsville High School's Mustang Express placed first in their Division at the Walsh Show Choir Invitational. This talented group of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, under the direction of Ms. Eicher, advanced to the finals and finished 4th runner-up overall. Junior Lexi Weeden earned “Outstanding Performer” honors.

Don’t miss the Mustang Express performing during the FOX 8 Morning Show on Friday, February 24th!

Registration for Full Day Kindergarten is happening now for the 2023-24 school year! Click HERE for the Kindergarten Registration page on our District’s website for additional information.

Interested in trying out for next year’s cheerleading squads at Strongsville High School? Plan to attend a parent informational meeting on Monday, March 6 in the SHS Auditorium at 6:00pm. Tryouts will be held March 27-31. Click HERE to register for tryouts. Questions? Reach out to Coach Orlosky (jorlosky@scsmustangs.org).

SMS PTA Day will be on Wednesday, February 15th from 10:30am to 9:00pm at BIBIBOP in Strongsville (15191 Pearl Rd.). This fundraiser for SMS PTA includes 20% on all orders that day when you show THIS FLYER or mention the fundraiser. If you order online, please remember to use the code BIBIFUNDRAISER so that your order will count toward SMS PTA!

On Friday, February 24th, “SMS Rocks!” celebrates all things good with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Color Party! This dance for 6th-8th graders includes a friendly event attendance competition for a reward! Students should wear the following colors for their grade level - prizes will be awarded for the highest attending grade: 6th grade / purple; 7th grade / gold or yellow; 8th grade / green. SMS will be transported to New Orleans with festive decor, $1 snacks, eye masks for sale ($1 or $2), games, & henna hand art (free) - plus rockin’ tunes and prizes! All proceeds from SMS Rocks goes to Council PTA’s SHS Scholarships and SCS Grants. Purchase your tickets in advance ($12) online or during lunch periods on the following dates - 1/31, 2/1, 2/15, 2/16, 2/21. Tickets will also be available for $13 at the door on the night of the event. Volunteers are needed - click HERE to sign up.

Please help support Strongsville’s Band and Orchestra students while staying caffeinated this winter! Strongsville Instrumental Music Boosters is holding a coffee fundraiser. Order from the Driven Coffee website and 30% of your purchase will be donated to SIMB. Choose from bags of coffee, tea, K-cups, and other gourmet snacks. Hurry - this fundraiser ends on Monday, February 13. Online orders will be processed and delivered directly to your home address within 2 weeks!

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

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).

Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event (Sat. 2/25)

The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting their annual “Read Around The World” event on Saturday, February 25th at Strongsville Library. This FREE event runs from 10:00am - 12:30pm. The program is intended for preschool through 2nd graders. Activities include short skits, puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. Each child attending will have the opportunity to select and take home a children’s book.

The 30th Chili Open Charity Golf Classic (Sat. 2/25)
The 30th Chili Open Charity Golf Classic, presented by the Strongsville Rotary will be held on Saturday, February 25 from 10am-3pm at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The event includes food and beverages, outdoor golf, and live auctions. Proceeds from this event go to support Strongsville Rotary Charities, including many right here Strongsville, and including at least 13 scholarships to Strongsville students. Visit chiliopen.org for additional information and to register.

Strongsville Rec Basketball & Baseball League Signups

Attention Strongsville Youth Sports Parents - Strongsville Recreation is now taking registration for Baseball, Softball, T-Ball, and Junior Cavs Spring Youth Basketball. Click on the links below for additional information and registration details:

Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball (Registration: January 2nd – March 11th)

Junior Cavs Spring Basketball Leagues (Registration: January 26th – February 16th)

Families may also register at strongsville.activityreg.com or in person at the Recreation Center (18100 Royalton Rd.).

Sign Up NOW for the Junior Browns Flag Football League

Register NOW for the Junior Browns Flag Football League - a fun, competitive football opportunity for girls and boys in grades KG - 6th. Form teams with your friends and classmates! Participants will receive a reversible Cleveland Browns jersey and shorts. Games will be played on Serpentini Field at Pat Catan Stadium. Sign up at www.strongsvillefootballbackers.com.
Questions? Email juniorbrownsflagfootball@gmail.com.

Strongsville Youth Lacrosse - Registration for Spring Season NOW OPEN!

Come be a part of America’s fastest growing sport. Strongsville Youth Lacrosse has been growing since 2008 and registration for the 2023 spring season is now open for boys and girls in 2nd-8th grades! Indoor practices begin mid-February and the outdoor season runs from late March through May. All experience levels welcome. Specific registration information can be found at https://www.strongsvillelacrosse.com/.

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

February Business Luncheon*
“Polaris Career Center - The Future of Career-Technical Education”
Presented by Doug Miller, Director of Community Outreach, Polaris Career Center
Lunch will be prepared and served by award-winning students in the Polaris Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management Program.
Polaris Career Center - Savour Restaurant, 7285 Old Oak Blvd., Middleburg Heights
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
* Limited seating, please register early.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
March Business Luncheon
State of the City Address, Presented by Mayor Thomas P. Perciak
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road, Strongsville
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
11:15am - 1:00pm

2023 Strongsville Homecoming Festival
July 12 - July 15, 2023

2023 CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Graduating Seniors in the Class of 2023 who are residents of Strongsville are invited to apply. Please visit the Chamber website at www.strongsvillechamber.com.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2023 @ 4PM.

Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 2023 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 branches and administrative offices will be open normal hours on Monday, February 20th (Presidents Day)

IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library storytimes in-person are in full swing! Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays and stories. No registration needed!

Baby & Me. Birth to 18 months with Caregiver. Mondays / 10:00 – 10:20 a.m.; Thursdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.

Preschool. Ages 3-5 not yet in Kindergarten with Caregiver. Mondays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.; Tuesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays / 11:30 a.m. – Noon.

Toddler. 19 – 35 months with Caregiver. Wednesdays / 10:00 a.m. – 10:25 a.m.; Wednesdays / 11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.

Family. All Ages with Caregiver. Thursdays / 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Kulture Kids: Pushing Up the Sky. Ages 3-10 with Families. Saturday, February 11th / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Come in for an afternoon in which Kulture Kids will present this Native American legend. The birds, animals and Native people boast, brag and call each other names. Can they learn to work together to solve a problem of a sky that is too low to the ground? Join in the telling of this Native American legend by becoming these creatures, singing and speaking the Mohawk language.

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

Monday, February 13th / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Excel 4.
Wednesday, February 22nd / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Word 1.

Love and Friendship Tea Time. Ages 3-5 with an adult caregiver. Tuesday, February 14th / 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Let's celebrate love and friendship with stories, songs, a snack and a craft.

Southwest General Health Talk: Important Steps to Maintain a Healthy Heart. Wednesday, February 15th / 6:00 p.m. Join us for this special Southwest General Hospital Community Nurse sponsored Health Talk. Dr. Michael Deucher, from Cardiovascular Medicine Associates, Inc., will discuss what each person should know about their health to maintain good heart health. Topics will include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, exercise and eating healthy.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 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 Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library

Blood Drive. Friday, February 17th / 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, February 18th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL OR Monday, February 27th / 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.

Introduction to Crystals: Rocks or Magic? Thursday, February 23rd / 7:00 p.m. Is there really something special about crystals? Other than some are just stunning to the eye and look beautiful in jewelry? Some people believe they have powers or special properties. Come see for yourself if there is any science to this mystery. Go more in depth on their uniqueness and gain insight on their uses.

Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 25th / 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 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 Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

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