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Mustang Moments

Strongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 30)

Mustang Moments Strongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 30)
Mustang MomentsStrongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 30)

Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders. Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.

In This Issue - April 4, 2026 In This Issue - April 4, 2026

  • Important Dates to Remember

  • 60 Seconds with the Superintendent

  • Get the Latest Information About the SCS Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan at scsmustangs.org/f4f

  • Financial Fast Facts Newsletter

  • Mustangs Spring Team Shop - Now Open Through Sunday, April 5

  • Optimist Club Speech Contest Winners

  • THANK YOU for Attending The Model Mustang Experience

  • SHS Ceramics Students Collaborate with Brunswick Elementary Students

  • 6th Grade Camp Informational Night

  • Tri-M Talent Show at SHS - Saturday, April 18

  • SHS Distinguished Alumni Event - Friday, April 24

  • Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Alisa Bartel, English Language Arts Teacher at SHS

  • Family First Solutions Upcoming Study Skills Workshops & Parenting Workshops

  • New Feedback Link at www.scsmustangs.org

  • SHS Spring Musical - Playhouse Square Fundraiser

  • SCS Featured Job Postings - Join Our Team!

  • Livestream Mustang Athletics for FREE

  • Right at School

  • Stay Safe. Speak Up!

  • Community Events

Important Dates to Remember Important Dates to Remember

Friday, April 3 - Friday, April 10
NO SCHOOL
Spring Break

Thursday, April 23 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
SHS Science Night
Strongsville High School

Thursday, April 23 - 6:30pm
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting - Work Session*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Friday, April 24 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
SHS Distinguished Alumni Event
Encore Event Center (16808 Pearl Rd.)
Purchase event tickets HERE

This Week's Poll Question This Week's Poll Question

What is your favorite sign of Spring?

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Last Week's Poll Question: "What is your favorite Spring Break destination?"

37% Responded "Florida"

25% Responded "Staycation - Somewhere Close to Home"
18% Responded "A Cruise to Anywhere"
16% Responded "Overseas / Exploring a Different Country"
4% Responded "Arizona"

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60 Seconds with the Superintendent 60 Seconds with the Superintendent

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This past week, our District presented The Model Mustang Experience at Strongsville Middle School. This event highlighted our ‘State of the Schools’ and demonstrated how education is evolving to prepare today’s learners to be tomorrow’s leaders and thrive in their future. There were many hands-on activities with our SCS students, teachers, and staff - from preschool to high school - showcasing interactive experiences. Click HERE for more highlights from this fantastic event!

SCS Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan SCS Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan

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GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCS FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE FACILITIES PLAN AT SCSMUSTANGS.ORG/F4F

Strongsville City Schools has launched a webpage to provide families and community members with clear, factual information about our District’s long-range elementary facilities plan - the Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan - which is under consideration for the May 5, 2026 ballot.


This webpage (scsmustangs.org/f4f) offers an overview of the planning process, background information, and now includes drafts of the layouts of the buildings that will potentially be constructed at the Albion, Chapman, and Surrarrer properties. Also, you can find a PDF of our most Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page. If you have a question that is not on the list, just share it with us at feedback@scsmustangs.org.

Financial Fast Facts Newsletter Financial Fast Facts Newsletter

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Click HERE for this month's edition of the Financial Fast Facts Newsletter from our District's Treasurer, Mr. George Anagnostou. Over the last two school years, as part of our District's strategic plan, we have created monthly Financial Fast Facts to keep our community informed about Strongsville City Schools' finances. Past Financial Fast Facts can be found HERE.


This month’s newsletter features details about our District's February 2026 Financial Update. Since our District's fiscal year runs from July through June, February represents the completion of 66.67% (8 out of 12 months) of our fiscal year. This newsletter also answers a community question about our Bond Issue on the May 5 ballot.

Foundation for the Future Community Town Hall Meeting - Tuesday, April 14 Foundation for the Future Community Town Hall Meeting - Tuesday, April 14

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Mustangs Team Shop - Order Your Strongsville Gear Through TOMORROW (Sun. 4/5) Mustangs Team Shop - Order Your Strongsville Gear Through TOMORROW (Sun. 4/5)

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Looking to add to your "Green & White" wardrobe and get some updated Mustangs gear? Click HERE to visit our special, limited time Mustangs Team Shop for short-sleeve t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, and MORE! Personalized merchandise is also available. Hurry - this Team Shop closes TOMORROW (Sun. April 5) at 11:59pm!

Optimist Club Speech Contest Winners Optimist Club Speech Contest Winners

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Congratulations to this year's participants and winners in the local Optimist Speech Contest:
Aryana Katiyar (1st place)
Palak Jategaonkar (2nd place)
Danna Amawi & Samyutha Polaconda (3rd place-tie)
* The first and second place winners move on to compete in the zone level Optimist speech contest

The local contest was held in early March at the Strongsville Library. Students had to prepare a 4-5 minute speech on this year’s theme: “The Moment I Realized I Belonged - My Definition of Community.”

Best of luck to Aryana and Palak at the next level of this competition!


Coffee & Conversation with SCS Board Members Megan Haffner & Laura Wolfe-Housum Coffee & Conversation with SCS Board Members Megan Haffner & Laura Wolfe-Housum

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THANK YOU for Attending The Model Mustang Experience THANK YOU for Attending The Model Mustang Experience

THANK YOU to all who attended the recent “Model Mustang Experience” event at Strongsville Middle School. It was a great showcase of the incredible learning opportunities our students are engaged in from preschool to high school!
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SHS Ceramics Students Collaborate with Brunswick Elementary Students SHS Ceramics Students Collaborate with Brunswick Elementary Students

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Last year, a Baldwin Wallace student (Rose Olive) did her student observation at Brunswick’s Kidder Elementary School. This year, that same student is continuing her student-teaching experience in our District’s ceramics classes at SHS. Ms. Olive reached out to Brunswick for an art collaboration between their elementary students and our high school students. The Brunswick 3rd graders have created monster drawings which have been sent to SHS for the high school students to create 3D ceramic sculptures of these monster drawings!

6th Grade Camp Informational Night 6th Grade Camp Informational Night

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Attention families of current 5th graders - join us for a 6th Grade Camp Informational Parent Meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00pm in the SMS Auditorium. Meet the camp director & get registration information for the upcoming camp (September 25-27, 2026). Questions? Email us at SixthGradeCamp@gmail.com

Tri-M Talent Show at SHS - Saturday, April 18 Tri-M Talent Show at SHS - Saturday, April 18

The Strongsville High School Tri-M Music Honor Society is happy to present the first ever Strongsville High School Talent Show! The show will be in the High School Auditorium on Saturday, April 18th at 7:00pm and will showcase Strongsville students' diverse talents. No tickets are required, but donations are accepted. Come support and show your Mustang pride at this year's Talent Show!

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SHS Distinguished Alumni Event - Friday, April 24 SHS Distinguished Alumni Event - Friday, April 24

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Strongsville City Schools is proud to present our 2026 Strongsville High School Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 24th from 6pm-8pm at the Encore Event Center (16808 Pearl Rd.). We are celebrating the exceptional achievements of Susan Secoy Jensen ('79), Jim Kaminski ('83), Casey Krehbiel ('99), and Robert Butler ('00) - SHS graduates who have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities. Join us for an evening of recognition and connection. Purchase event tickets HERE. #foreveramustang

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Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Alisa Bartel, English Language Arts Teacher at SHS Mustang Spotlight - Mrs. Alisa Bartel, English Language Arts Teacher at SHS

Mrs. Alisa Bartel has taught in the English Language Arts Department at Strongsville High School for 28 years. Mrs. Bartel earned her undergraduate degree from Cleveland State University and the University of Akron and her graduate degree is also from Cleveland State. Her favorite all-time reads are Guided by Laura Lynne Jackson, Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, The Odyssey by Homer (Greek mythology), and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.


“The students are the best part of teaching! Each brings unique perspectives about the world around them to enhance our learning environment. Being an English and Speech teacher at the high school enables me to help students become better writers, communicators, speakers, and listeners.”


“My English colleagues at the high school are the most dedicated, collaborative, and empathetic group. We all work together well and truly care for each other and our students to bring them innovative experiences to make them more successful and resilient in their future endeavors.”


Thank you Mrs. Bartel for being part of an outstanding English Language Arts Department at Strongsville High School! #ModelMustang

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SHS Holiday Craft Fair - Vendors Wanted SHS Holiday Craft Fair - Vendors Wanted

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Want to be a Craft Fair Vendor? Click Here!

SMS Boys Golf Skills Clinics SMS Boys Golf Skills Clinics

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2026 SHS Lady Mustang Soccer Elite Camp 2026 SHS Lady Mustang Soccer Elite Camp

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Family First Solutions - Study Skills Workshops & Parenting Workshops Family First Solutions - Study Skills Workshops & Parenting Workshops

Family First Solutions, a partner with Strongsville City Schools providing mental health support services, presents several workshops in the upcoming months (see flyers below). Please email Carrie Jancar (cjancar@scsmustangs.org) to hold your spot in these study skills and parenting workshops.

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New Feedback Link at www.scsmustangs.org New Feedback Link at www.scsmustangs.org

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There’s a new feedback link at the bottom of our District’s webpage.
If you have questions, comments, or feedback about our website or about SCS in general - send an email to
feedback@scsmustangs.org

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SHS Spring Musical - Playhouse Square Fundraiser SHS Spring Musical - Playhouse Square Fundraiser

The SHS Theatre Department is collaborating with Playhouse Square to sell a block of tickets for the upcoming national tour of The Outsiders on Sunday May 3, 2025 at 6:30pm. Funds will go toward the mounting of SHS's spring musical, Anything Goes.

SHS FUNdraiser prices range from $37.50 - $117.50 (Regular prices range from $42.00 - $150.00)

SHS Theatre Department will receive $10 for every ticket sold. For those interested, all you need to do is visit the following website: Strongsville High School Fundraiser Night at The Outsiders There are instructions explaining how to purchase tickets. You must enter the promo code SHSMUSICAL in the purple box on the top left. That will open up the ticket purchase below when the web page refreshes. Then, you may purchase any seat offered on the seating chart. Thanks for supporting the SHS Spring Musical!

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SCS Featured Job Postings - Join Our Team! SCS Featured Job Postings - Join Our Team!

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Strongsville City Schools is looking for our next great team members! We are currently hiring for several positions in our District, including: Substitute - Bus Aide. Additional specifics for this role - Hours Available: 6:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Requirements: Must obtain an Aide Permit ($25 fee) from OHID. You will receive required training and a ride-along for orientation.

Substitutes will be notified in advance when coverage is needed. If you are interested in supporting students and being part of a great transportation team, please contact us (440.572.7060) for more information or apply on our website HERE.


You can see a full listing of available jobs in our District HERE.

Livestream Mustang Athletics for FREE! Livestream Mustang Athletics for FREE!

Thanks to the support of generous partners (see list below), FREE livestreaming has returned to SCS Athletics! Not only is it free, but coverage has doubled thanks to the addition of SMS livestreams. To tune in, fans can watch HERE or download the HUDL Fan app and search for Strongsville High School. The venues that will have events livestreamed include: Pat Catan Stadium (SHS), SHS Main Gymnasium, Serpentini Field at SMS, and SMS Main Gymnasium (not the back gymnasium).

  • Strongsville Athletic Boosters

  • Strongsville Football League

  • Buckeye Speech Path

  • Smooth Financial

  • Kona Ice

  • Infinium Wall Systems

  • Jim Carbone

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Right at School Right at School

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Right At School provides care for SCS K-5 students before and after school at each of our elementary buildings, with a variety of plan options ranging from once a week to all five days. RAS provides homework support, a fun-based curriculum including American Sign Language, crafts, games and fun activities, afternoon snack, and so much more! For more information on registering with Right at School, visit rightatschool.com. Should you have any specific questions, please contact Matt Urbin, RAS Area Manager (matt.urbin@rightatschool.com / 440.902.1302).

Stay Safe. Speak Up! Stay Safe. Speak Up!

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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 Community Events

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Treehouse Berea Programming

Treehouse Berea is offering many activities and opportunities for students! From Coding to Robotics to Game Design - there's lots of great STEAM based enrichment experiences for kids ages 6-12. Visit treehouseberea.com to learn more or click HERE for their current flyer about programming and activities!

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 at www.strongsvillechamber.com to register and see additional event info.


UPCOMING EVENTS

April Business Luncheon

“State of the Schools” Presentation
SCS Superintendent Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
11:30am – 1:00pm
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members: $30/pp


Strongsville Library

Please note the following April 2026 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 Library Administration and all branch locations of Cuyahoga County Public Library will be closed on Sunday, April 5th in observance of the Easter holiday. We will resume normal hours on Monday, April 6th at 9:00 a.m.


CCPL Program Guide The Cuyahoga County Public Library program guide is now digital! Want to find out about all the amazing library programs and resources happening around the system? You can view our Program information by going to cuyahogalibrary.org and click on Research & Discover to use the Press Reader resource here:

https://cuyahogalibrary.org/research-discover/resources-a-z/pressreader


English as a Second Language Classes by Aspire Greater Cleveland If you need to learn English or improve your language skills, we can help. Aspire Greater Cleveland offers FREE beginner, intermediate and advanced-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. Strongsville Branch will be hosting morning classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Please call 833.ASPIRE2 (1.833.277.4732) to register or visit

https://cuyahogalibrary.org/services/adult-education/aspire-greater-cleveland for more information.


Cuyahoga Works: Job & Career Services Schedule an individual career coaching session at the Strongsville Branch with one of our Career Services Coaches. Career Services Coaches are available by appointment on Tuesdays to help you discover your occupational interests, create an effective job search strategy, and prepare for job interviews. They can also provide tips that will help you develop top-notch resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Career Coaching is available by appointment ONLY! To schedule a FREE appointment at our branch, please call Cuyahoga Works Job & Career Services at (216) 475-2225 or email the team at Careers@cuyahogalibrary.org


IN-PERSON Storytimes
Storytimes are for Birth to Age 5 not yet in Kindergarten. No registration needed!

Baby & Me (Birth to 18 months with a Caregiver) - Mondays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m. OR Thursdays / 10:00 - 10:20 a.m.

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

Toddler (Ages 19 - 35 months with a Caregiver) - Wednesdays / 10:00 - 10:25 a.m. OR 11:30 - 11:55 a.m.

Family - Thursdays / 7:00 p.m.


Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Grades 6 - 12. Monday, April 6th / 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Do you like to craft? Do you know how to knit, crochet, or hand sew? Join us in the TEEN SPACE and bring your own project to hang out with other teens who also love to make things! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!


Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, April 6th / 7:00 p.m. 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.


Young at Heart. Tuesday, April 7th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Charlotte's Web by EB. White. Please call the branch to register.


Technology Training Class:

Inkscape Basics. Friday, April 10th / 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Learn how to create a vector design using this free open-source editor comparable to Adobe Illustrator.


Southwest General Health Talk: Aging Gracefully - Mental Wellness in Later Life. Tuesday, April 14th / 11:00 a.m. Join Jeffrey Riskin, LISW, from Southwest General Medical Group, Inc.- Behavioral Health, for an inspiring and down-to-earth discussion on maintaining emotional well-being as we grow older.


Beyond the Screen: Protecting Your Eyes in a Digital World. Tuesday, April 14th / 7:00 p.m. Kevin Walker, licensed Optician and Workstation Ergonomist, will address common issues like blue light exposure, eye fatigue, and eye strain, especially for those who spend time driving at night. He will demonstrate and explain the real-world advantages of using specialty tints and filters, along with simple ergonomic adjustments that can immediately relieve eye strain and make your daily screen time or driving more comfortable.


Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, April 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 The Unraveling of Julia by Lisa Scottoline. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.


Toddler Sensory & Art Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, April 17th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Engage your little one's senses, develop skills, and build brain connections through open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.


Blood Drive. Friday, April 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).


How to Multiply and Divide Perennials to Gain Free Plants. Monday, April 20th / 7:00 p.m. Shocked at the price of new perennial garden centers this year? Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will help you fight inflation by teaching you how to create new plants from those you already own. This presentation will focus on when and how to divide perennials, how to grow new plants from cuttings, propagating by "layering" and how to store and harvest your own seeds. Your garden and pocketbook will thank you for increasing your plant numbers without spending a dime.


Teen Tech: Scratch Coding. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, April 21st / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Learn about Scratch and code and design your own game! In order to participate in youth programs that could be considered harmful, Cuyahoga County Public Library requires parents to complete a Release & Hold Harmless Form.


What's "Cooking" After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, April 22nd / 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This month’s culinary creation will be - Spring Rolls. Registration is required. Spaces are limited. 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.


A Brief History of the Western Reserve. Wednesday, April 22nd / 7:00 p.m. In partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library and the Strongsville Historical Society, the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center (Speaker TBD) will discuss the fascinating history of the region and present some of the rarest treasures in the Western Reserve Historical Society's collection. This presentation is part of the Strongsville Historical Society’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.


Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 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 are always welcome. We welcome all adults interested in reading and discussing great books! Our next discussion title will be The Lion Women of Tehran: A Novel by Marjan Kamali. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.


Meet Author Amity Gaige. Wednesday, April 29th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Amity Gaige visits to discuss her latest novel, Heartwood: a Novel. Registration for this event is FREE. VIP tickets are also available for purchase. Each VIP ticket ($20+fees) includes: A paperback copy of Heartwood, VIP seating at the event, signing line priority, and a donation to the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation. To register for VIP, please visit Amity Gaige VIP Ticket Tickets, Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite For the free seating, registration is on our website or call (440) 238-5530.


Play, Learn, & Grow. Ages 1 - 3 with an adult caregiver. Thursday, April 30th / 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Boost your toddler’s brain through play! Join us for a 5-week series and connect with your kids, community experts, and other families, plus get information about your growing child.


67 Book Club. Grades 3 - 5. Thursday, April 30th / 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Lock in, chat. Forget brain rot! Instead, pick up a book at the library beginning the 1st of each month and join us in discussion and a light snack. Registration is required. Our next discussion title will be A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold.


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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.scsmustangs.org
Location: Strongsville City Schools, 18199 Cook Avenue, Strongsville, OH, United States
Phone: (440) 572-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/strongsvillecs
Instagram: @strongsvillecs

Twitter / X: @strongsvillecs

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