Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 21)
ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE BY SHS MUSTANG EXPRESS AT NORO SHOW CHOIR COMPETITION
Mustang Express (SHS Show Choir) had another incredible showing at the North Royalton (NORO) Show Choir Competition! The group advanced to the finals and earned 5th place out of 13 schools - a great accomplishment in a very competitive field.
Congratulations to Noah Siemer, who took home the “Best Performer” award, and to all of the talented singers, dancers, and band members who made the performance memorable.
Up next: the Walsh Competition on February 7 - good luck to our Mustang Express!
#FOREVERAMUSTANG - NOMINATIONS FOR SHS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Know an SHS graduate that has accomplished great things? We are looking to recognize alumni that have made a significant impact in their professional career and/or in their community and are currently accepting nominations for the SHS Distinguished Alumni - Class of 2026. Fill out THIS FORM to nominate a deserving SHS graduate for this honor. This year’s selected class of Distinguished Alumni will be recognized at a special event in April 2026.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF CURRENT 8TH GRADE STUDENTS
Meeting About Course Info/Scheduling for 2026-27 School Year - We invite you to a presentation on Monday, February 2nd from 6:00pm - 7:00pm in the Strongsville High School Auditorium. During this presentation, high school counselors will go over scheduling information with parents and answer questions. For your reference, you can view the SHS Program of Studies 2026-2027. It is also available on the Strongsville High School webpage (under the “Find It Fast” tab at the top of the page).
College Credit Plus Online Meeting - There will be a College Credit Plus (CCP) online meeting on Thursday, February 5th at 6:00 pm for students and parents. The link is posted at the bottom of the high school's main webpage. Students interested in earning college and high school credits at the same time by taking college courses from community colleges or universities for free, should attend this virtual meeting. If you cannot attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted about a week later. Students interested in participating in the CCP program next year must have their letter of intent form completed online by April 1, 2026. (This form will not be available until after this meeting takes place and you will be able to find it online on the SHS Guidance Webpage)
General Enrollment Information - All students who are not currently students at Strongsville City Schools must complete the enrollment information before course requests can be put into our system. For information and instructions on enrolling a student, visit https://www.strongnet.org/departments/student-services/enroll. Please, note: Finalizing student enrollment for the high school will begin sometime in March. Students will submit their course requests after their enrollment is finalized.
SCS SUPERINTENDENT DECISION MAKING FOR CALAMITY DAYS
In addition to the calamity day information on our website, please make note of this decision making as it relates to calamity days:
If the forecast is calling for snow or ice, Dr. Ryba will predominantly make the decision in the morning due to the variability of weather.
If the forecast is calling for cold temperatures, Dr. Ryba will predominantly make the decision the night before due to the predictability of temperatures staying consistent.
The overall goal is to provide enough notification that gives our District stable information to make a sound decision, and parents as much time as possible to make plans should school be cancelled.
SCS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT JOB FAIR
Are you looking for a meaningful job with great benefits, free training, and a schedule that aligns with school hours? Join our transportation team and play a vital role in safely getting students to and from school each day. Don’t miss the upcoming Transportation Department Job Fair - Saturday, March 7 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the SCS Transportation Offices (Building 3 - Support Services Complex on Rademaker-Miller Lane). Stop by to learn more about the available positions, meet our team, ask questions, and start the application process. Our transportation staff will be on hand to walk you through requirements and explain how drivers are supported from day one. Drive a school bus with one of our trained staff and get a feel of what it's like to be behind the wheel! If you enjoy working with children, value safety, and want a job that truly matters, we would love to meet you! Drive with purpose. Drive with us.
For more information call Kathy or Monica at 440-572-7060 or apply online at www.scsmustangs.org/departments/hr
SHS WRESTLING - ALUMNI NIGHT (THU. 2/12 - 6PM)
We’re excited to invite all Strongsville Wrestling Alumni back to the mat for Strongsville Wrestling Alumni & Senior Night on February 12th at 6:00pm. This night is all about celebrating our current seniors and the legacy built by those who came before them. Let’s pack the stands with former wrestlers and their families to show our seniors what Strongsville Wrestling is all about and make this a night to remember.
Alumni will receive FREE admission, so bring your family, reconnect with old teammates, and help create an unforgettable atmosphere for our wrestlers. After the event, we’ll reunite and continue the night at The Local, sharing stories, laughs, and Strongsville wrestling memories.
We can’t wait to see you back in the stands and part of this special evening!
#FOREVERAMUSTANG - ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS - MICHAEL LaMARCA, OWNER/CEO, MASTER PIZZA FRANCHISE GROUP
Michael LaMarca (SHS Class of 1997) never thought that pizza would take him around the world, but his passion and dedication have led to him owning and managing 14 Northeast Ohio Master Pizza locations and earning national recognition for his pizza-making craft. What kinds of experiences and lessons learned while at SHS helped shape his career pathway? Click HERE for his alumni spotlight video.
Do you know an alumni in our Strongsville community (parent, community member, etc.) that would like to be highlighted? Please send an email with the SHS Graduate's name and contact information to dfoust@scsmustangs.org
NEW FEEDBACK LINK AT WWW.SCSMUSTANGS.ORG
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
SCS FEATURED JOB POSTINGS - JOIN OUR TEAM!
Strongsville City Schools is looking for our next great team members! We are currently hiring for several positions in our District, including the following positions: Bus Driver, Substitute - Bus Aide
Don’t forget about the upcoming Transportation Department
Job Fair on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00am - 12:00pm at the Transportation Offices (Rademaker-Miller Lane).
You can see a full listing of available jobs in our District HERE.
RIGHT AT SCHOOL
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!
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
Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event (Saturday, February 28)
The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting their annual READ AROUND THE WORLD event on Saturday, February 28th at the Strongsville Library from 10:00am - 12:00pm. This FREE EVENT is intended for pre-schoolers through 2nd graders. Activities include short skits, puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. Each child attending will select and take home a children's book. No pre-registration required - all free of charge!
Strongsville Women’s League Fundraiser - Sunday, February 15
Strongsville Women's League is a civic group that has been involved in many service projects benefitting our community for decades. Want to join them for a social event that helps raise money for their continued efforts? Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 15th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Slim & Chubby's. $40 per person includes food and drinks. There will also be raffles, baskets, and fun games throughout the event! Click HERE for the event flyer. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
Strongsville Rec Center - Brixology
Learn the basics of engineering in a fun and engaging way! Open to kids ages 5-12. Brixology happens on Wednesdays (2/4-2/25) from 5:45pm - 6:45pm. Register online (strongsville.activityreg.com) or by phone (440.580.3260). Click HERE for additional information.
Strongsville Optimist Club - Reverse Raffle (Saturday, 3/7)
The Strongsville Optimist Club is hosting its annual fundraiser - a Reverse Raffle - on Saturday, March 7th. The group is looking for Table Sponsors ($150), Event Sponsors ($300 or $500) and/or participants. Your name (or company name) will be included in printed materials, on social media, and throughout our event. In-kind donations are needed as well, and we can arrange pick-up. Click HERE to purchase sponsorships and/or tickets to the event or click HERE for additional information.
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 the current flyer about February 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
February Business Luncheon, Hosted by Altenheim Senior Living
Guest Presenter - Paul Psota, CEO - Altenheim Senior Living
Altenheim Shurmer Meeting Center (entrance off Shurmer Rd.)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
11:30am – 1:00pm
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members: $30/pp
Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
CMIT Solutions (17999 Foltz Parkway, Suite 101)
Tuesday, February 24
5:30pm - 7:30pm
21+ Only, Please
FREE for Members, $10 for Future Members
Strongsville Library
Please note the following February 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.
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, February 2nd / 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!
Young at Heart. Tuesday, February 3rd / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is Forever by Judy Blume. Please call the branch to register.
Free Spirited Cocktails: Inspiration for the Sober Curious. Wednesday, February 4th / 7:00 p.m. Meet Molly Cheraso, owner of Verbena Free Spirited, Cleveland's first non-alcoholic bar. Learn the story behind her shop, what's new in the NA industry, how to build the perfect mocktail, and more! Free samples will be provided.
Kindergarten Countdown: Emotional Intelligence. For Children entering Kindergarten next Fall & a Caregiver. Friday, February 6th / 11:00 a.m. - Noon. Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. This session, we will focus on emotional intelligence.
Technology Training Class:
Canva Basics. Monday, February 9th / 10:00 a.m. - Noon. Create designs and graphics for print or digital media with this free website. Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent experience. Preferred: Account with Canva.com (bring your password!).
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, February 9th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON OR Saturday, February 28th / 10 a.m. VIRTUAL 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 session.
Southwest General Hospital Health Talk: Discovering Balance. Wednesday, February 11th / 10:00 a.m. Join Southwest General physical therapist, Eran Shiloh, for an engaging talk on vestibular health and how physical therapy can help with dizziness, balance problems, and other vestibular issues. Learn how targeted therapy can restore stability, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Whether you’re experiencing vestibular challenges, yourself or supporting someone who is, this session will offer valuable insights and practical strategies.
iMovie Basics. Wednesday, February 11th / 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Learn the basics of iMovie, an Apple video editing software available in our Audio and Video Recording Studios. We'll review the software and answer questions you may have. We will also review Studio Orientation materials so all participants will be free to use the Recording Studio after the program.
Music and Movement. Ages 3 - 5 years old with Caregiver. Friday, February 13th / 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Join in on some fun activities with exciting songs and props. Let's move to the beat!
Teen Tech: Arduino Coding. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, February 17th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Learn how to code with Arduino and turn on an LED light. In order to participate, this program requires parents to complete a Release & Hold Harmless Form.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, February 18th / 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 All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett. 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, February 20th / 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, February 20th / 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).
National Engineer's Week: Action Contraption. Grades 2 - 5. Saturday, February 21st / 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Build an Action Contraption, test the action contraption, compete for a fully functioning mechanical process that transfers energy to ring the bell. Registration is required.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 23rd / 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 Correspondent: a Novel by Virginia Evans. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
What's "Cooking" After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, February 25th / 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This month’s culinary creation will be - Making Hummus. 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.
"As the Stage Turned: Cleveland's Front Row Theatre" - with author Jeannie Emser Schultz. Wednesday, February 25th / 7:00 p.m. Cleveland’s Front Row Theatre was the stage for the world’s top entertainers for 19 years. Jeannie Emser Schultz, the venue’s former director of marketing and publicly, will peel back the curtain with stories of your favorite performers. Her book, As the Stage Turned: A Front Row Theatre Memoir, is a behind-the-scenes journey of celebrities, show business and Cleveland memories. A book signing and sales will follow this presentation.
Kiwanis Read Around the World. All Ages. Saturday, February 28th / 10:00 a.m. - Noon. The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration required.
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