Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2021-22 Vol 6, Iss 36)
We Are Strongsville
IN THIS ISSUE - May 20, 2022
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Watch Spring Concerts On Demand
SHS Physics Students Learn at Cedar Point
SOLO Academy Enrollment
Students Will Be Keeping Their District Chromebook This Summer
Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Deb Kuntz, Fourth Grade Teacher at Chapman Elementary
“Rockin’ on SMS Field” Dance (Fri. 5/27)
Camp Discovery at Polaris
3=Free for Lunches Throughout Our District
Free & Reduced Price Meal Applications for 2022-23 School Year
Mustangs Cheer Camp
Kindergarten Registration Information (2022-23 School Year)
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Annual Golf Outing (Fri. 7/1)
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, May 26 - 7:00pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
Strongsville High School Auditorium (20025 Lunn Rd.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Friday, May 27
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Click HERE for the Early Release Schedule
Friday, May 27 - 6:00pm-8:30pm
“Rockin’ on SMS Field” Dance (5th - 8th Grade Students)
Theme: Wear Your Favorite Sports Jersey or T-Shirt
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets in Advance
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the "Model Mustang" skills our District is focusing on is "Empowered." What does that look like in the classroom? An example of empowered learning can be found with Mrs. Kearney's students at Kinsner Elementary. "As we focus on new skills, students provide peer feedback to help each other grow. This peer feedback is used to help students accomplish their weekly goals. Students are asked to reflect on the peer feedback and think of how they can incorporate it into their future learning goals," says Mrs. Kearney.
At the end of each week, students also are given the opportunity to provide feedback to Mrs. Kearney. This feedback helps her evaluate the teaching and student learning from the week. In addition to giving students a voice in their learning, students also have decision-making power. Students choose how they will show their learning in the classroom. By giving students the power to choose, they take ownership of their learning.
#TheModelMustang #WeAreStrongsville
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
Last week, the Strongsville High School Academic & Social Advancement Program (ASAP) held a grand opening of their "Growing the Mustang Mindset Learning Garden." ASAP students have been working on the Learning Garden for a little over 2 years. They have had to pivot and adjust due to the pandemic. They've planted seeds, harvested vegetables, cooked in class, and worked to answer "How can we successfully manage the growth and responsibility of both the garden and ourselves?" In addition to their garden continuing to grow, the ASAP students will continue to grow through this hands on learning experience! Click HERE for this week’s episode to hear more about this learning garden.
WATCH SPRING CONCERTS ON DEMAND
There have been a number of concerts happening throughout our District over the past couple of weeks featuring our extremely talented students. Did you miss a concert or two, or do you want to re-watch a performance? All of our concerts are available on demand - click HERE to access any of the recorded broadcasts or to watch any of the remaining livestreams.
SHS PHYSICS STUDENTS LEARN AT CEDAR POINT
The Strongsville High School physics teachers - Mrs. McGrath, Mrs. Van Kerkhove, and Mrs. Mattox - were able to provide the first capstone physics trip since before the pandemic. Seventy five physics students (enrolled in general physics, AP Physics 1, and AP Physics C - Mechanics) returned to their annual capstone field trip to Cedar Point. As part of this experience, students worked in groups to investigate the physics behind different rides that were discussed in class throughout the year. This is an amazing opportunity for the students to experience real world application of physics - and have fun while they are doing it!
SOLO ACADEMY ENROLLMENT
For next school year, the online SOLO Academy will be offered to students in Grades 6-12 only. If you wish to enroll your student in SOLO for the first semester of next school year, click HERE to complete the enrollment form. Please note that starting next year, students in Grades 6-12 who are doing SOLO Academy and not meeting requirements for minutes / assignments will be directed to report to school on designated days to receive interventions and support. This will not be optional, should the students struggle with mandated progress. All information about next year’s SOLO Academy program can be found HERE. The commitment for enrollment is one semester, minimally. Please complete the enrollment form by May 27th for consideration into the program. Please note that SOLO Academy is different that the learning academy that SHS runs with Ms. Walz, and students who are part of that program next year do not need to complete the enrollment form above.
STUDENTS WILL BE KEEPING THEIR DISTRICT CHROMEBOOK THIS SUMMER
Students in Grades 3-8 will be keeping their Chromebooks over the summer break. Students will be responsible for keeping the Chromebooks and their cases in working order for use next year. If your student does experience any issues with their Chromebook over the summer, please click HERE or visit bit.ly/scssummertechticket to submit a Tech Ticket. A Tech Department member will contact you within two business days to assist. If your student is leaving the district over the summer, they will need to turn in their Chromebook on the last day of school. Please click HERE or visit bit.ly/2022scsexit to submit your student’s name to inform our department to collect the Chromebook. If you have any questions, please contact SCS Director of Instructional Technology Dave Binkley at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MRS. DEB KUNTZ, FOURTH GRADE TEACHER AT CHAPMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Mrs. Deb Kuntz is a fourth grade teacher at Chapman Elementary School and has been teaching for 19 years in our District. Mrs. Kuntz has also worked at Allen Elementary and Kinsner Elementary. Her undergraduate degree is from Baldwin Wallace and she also has earned a graduate degree from Mary Grove College. A Strongsville resident since 1987, Mrs. Kuntz has two sons who both graduated from Strongsville High School (“Their time at Strongsville High School helped them become the young men they are today!”)
“I really enjoy getting to know my students each year. It's fun to see how they learn and mature from the beginning of the year until the end of the school year. Also, I enjoy the relationships I build with students and families. This is a meaningful part of being a teacher. It's great when you can connect with a family, have siblings from families, and really have a relationship with students and families to support each other. As a teacher, I have a chance to teach so many skills even beyond academics. I enjoy guiding students as they grow, and I try to be a role model for them. I enjoy teaching 4th grade, the students are independent, but still not fully grown up. There is a sense of family in our class, we are working together to learn, grow, accept, and support each other, and that is really special,” said Mrs. Kuntz
Thank you Mrs. Kuntz for being part of the special Chapman Elementary community! #WeAreStrongsville
“ROCKIN’ ON SMS FIELD” DANCE (FRI. 5/27)
The last “Rockin’ at SMS” dance of the school year will take place on the SMS Football Field from 6:00pm - 8:30pm on Friday, May 27th. The theme of the dance is “Wear your favorite sports jersey or T-shirt.” This dance is open to any 5th-8th grade student that lives in Strongsville. Students should enter and exit by the bleachers. Some rules for this dance: no backpacks, no heels of any kinds/flats or tennis shoes ONLY, no gum. There will be concessions available. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online. There will also be a minimal amount of tickets available at the door.
Click HERE to purchase advance tickets online. Click HERE to sign up for parent volunteer opportunities.
CAMP DISCOVERY AT POLARIS
Polaris Career Center is hosting its very own summer camp - Camp Discovery! The fun-filled learning camp runs June 13-16. Camp Discovery is open to students entering 6th-8th grades and live in one of the Polaris partner school district communities. Click HERE to register or click HERE for the event flyer.
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!
FREE & REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
After two years of free meals for all students in our District, 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, which will be available on our District website (www.strongnet.org) beginning Tuesday, July 5, 2022. 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.
MUSTANGS CHEER CAMP
SHS Cheer is excited to announce Mustangs Cheer Camp for students in grades 1st-8th. Join the high school cheerleaders for a day of learning new chants, cheers, jumps. Cheer camp attendees will get to cheer with SHS cheerleaders at the first Varsity Football home game on August 19th. Scan the QR code on this flyer for more camp details. If you have questions please email Coach Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org.
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.
STRONGSVILLE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS ANNUAL GOLF OUTING - FRI. 7/1
“Tee it up” at the annual Athletic Boosters Golf Outing on Friday, July 1 at Bunker Hill Golf Course. The outing includes 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the course, prizes, raffles, and MORE. Register your foursome at birdease.com/sab2022. Click HERE for the event flyer.
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 Rotary KidsFest & Duck Race (Sat. 6/4)
Make plans to enjoy this year’s KidsFest and Duck Race, presented by the Strongsville Rotary, on Saturday, June 4 from 11am - 3pm at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet. Enjoy pony rides, inflatables, face painting, food, and much more! Duck race begins at 2pm. Visit strongsvilleduckrace.com for additional details or click HERE for the event flyer.
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: June 13-17 (1:00pm - 4:00pm)
WHERE: Albion Woods Picnic Area
Click HERE for additional information / Click HERE to register for the camp
Strongsville Soccer Registration (Fall 2022)
Registration for Strongsville’s Fall Soccer league is happening now through July 20 for boys and girls ages 4-14. Visit strongsvillesoccer.com or click HERE for additional registration information.
Mighty Mites Lacrosse Summer Program
Don’t miss your chance to join the “Mighty Mites” Lacrosse Summer Program (May 22 - July 17) for kids in grades K-2. There are both Beginner and Intermediate classes available. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
Strongsville Historical Society Presents The Great Big Yard Sale
Experience the The Great Big Yard Sale on June 23-24, 2022 on the beautiful lawns of the Strongsville Historic Village (13305 Pearl Rd.) from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Thursday, 6/23 and 9:00am to 2:00pm on Friday, 6/24. Items for the sale include: small furniture, clothing, household miscellaneous items and antiques, tapes & CDs, and many other treasures - most items have been donated by members for this sale. The General Store will also be open with some special sale items along with the regularly stocked items. This is a cash only sale with garage sale prices with all proceeds going to the Strongsville Historical Society. There is no entrance fee and ample free parking. Call 440-572-0057 or visit our website at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org for more information.
"Crossroads of the Nation: Strongsville's Development Boom from Horses to Highways"
Join the Strongsville Historical Society and history student, Jamie Miles, for a special presentation on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Strongsville Old Town Hall (18825 Royalton Rd.). Strongsville is widely known for its identity as a bustling, business-centric community. Today, only small pockets of evidence survive showing its origins as the small farming township that it remained into the mid-20th century. Ever wonder how this rapid transformation took place? This presentation will explore the impact that advances in transportation have had on the city, its landscape, and its built environment. This is a free program open to the public. 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.
Attention cheerleaders, dancers, and gymnasts - Looking for SFL Cheer Captains!
The Strongsville Football League is hiring cheer captains for the 2022 football season. We are looking for high school cheerleaders, dancers, or gymnasts with cheer experience to teach cheerleading to kids in grades K through 6. This is not just a part-time seasonal job but it is an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills which are necessary to gain acceptance into many honor societies and colleges. And, for those who may be considering a future career working with children, this is a great way to test the waters. The captains will create and teach cheers, chants, a dance; attend practices and games, and create an inclusive environment of fun for ALL! Captains will now earn $10 per hour, and those who apply by May 15th and are selected for the 2022 season, will receive a special bonus gift in their first paycheck! Interviews will begin in June. Click HERE for the flyer with more information! Applications can be found at: http://www.strongsvillefootballleague.com or click HERE. Applications should be returned via email to SFLcheer411@gmail.com
Strongsville Football League Registration
Register now for the upcoming season of the Strongsville Football League. Cheerleading, flag, padded flag, and tackle teams for Grades 1-8 will be competing in the fall. Register at www.strongsvillefootballleague.com or click HERE for the flyer with additional information.
Baldwin Wallace Sports Camps
Baldwin Wallace University’s Athletics Department hosts a variety of sports camps, clinics and programs for young athletes in grades 3-12. Whether your child is a beginner, playing recreationally, or preparing for collegiate sports, BW Sports Camps can help them improve their game! Learn more at https://dcl.bw.edu/divisions/athletic-camps/ or click HERE for an informational flyer. Brought to you by the Baldwin Wallace Division of Community Learning.
Baldwin Wallace Summer Arts Programs
Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School invites youth to campus during the summer for focused music study and immersive dance training. Through the camps and college prep programs, students experience hands-on instruction from BW Conservatory and guest faculty, make new friends along the way, and experience the beauty of BW’s campus. If you have any questions about the summer offerings, please contact Julia Morreale at 440-826-2448, or click HERE for additional information.
Baldwin Wallace Youth Adventure Camp
Registration is now open for Baldwin Wallace’s Youth Adventure Sport Camp where campers will Learn, Explore and Play on campus! The full-day camp will take place July 18-21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for campers in 3rd through 8th grade. Each day will be filled with activities ranging from kayaking and paddle boarding, to hiking, survival skills, archery, team games, racquetball, badminton, birdie golf, ultimate Frisbee, swimming, skills drills, disc golf, slacklining, yoga and more! Click HERE for additional information.
GOH Run Kids Summer Camps
GOH Run is a nonprofit created to support running in our community, Don’t miss the summer running camps offered which help build character, confidence, wellness, and encourage fun opportunities for fitness. Click HERE for additional information and to register.
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.
Business After Hours at SouthPark Mall
Live 360 Degree Studio / 500 SouthPark Center
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
5:30pm - 7:30pm
June Business Luncheon
Strongsville Economic Development Update
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 11:30am - 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road
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
54th Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, August 26, 2022
Shale Creek Golf Course
Strongsville Library
* Please note the following May 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.
**All Branches and Administrative offices of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed on Sunday, May 29th and Monday, May 30th for the Memorial Day Holiday. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 31st at 9:00 a.m.
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
Strongsville Branch IN-PERSON classes:
Saturday, May 21st / 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Windows 10.
IN-PERSON Storytimes. Strongsville Branch Library has resumed some Spring 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.
Zoom Virtual Preschool Storytime. Age 3-5. Tuesday, May 24th and 31st from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Zoom Virtual Family Storytime. Thursday, May 26th from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. Join us for rhymes, songs, fingerplays, and stories. You must register online to receive the Zoom link.
Stomp, Chomp, & Roar. Ages 3 - 5. Saturday, May 21st / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Come explore DINOSAURS! Stories, center-based hands-on activities, and a craft will be presented. WARNING! You will get messy!
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, May 23rd / 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 Finding Dorothy: a Novel by Elizabeth Letts. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Sewing Basics for Teens and Tweens. Grades 5 – 12. Monday, May 23rd / 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. IN-PERSON. Learn basic sewing skills and make your own sunglasses case. Participants will learn to identify machine components, thread a needle and will have the opportunity to experiment with different stitch styles. Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture program's effectiveness. More information can be found at www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options. All participants must complete a Release & Hold Harmless form. Registration is required and will open one month before the program date.
Women in Jazz with Hip to That. Tuesday, May 24th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON. Join the Hip to That trio for an immersive concert experience featuring jazz music performed and/or written by women. The band will not only perform the music but discuss the impact these women made on the genre and characteristics of their performances and work. Space is limited to allow for social distancing. Registration is required.
Blood Drive. Thursday, May 26th / 1:00 – 7:00 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).
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