The Muraski Tribune: Issue 12

Good Morning Muraski Families,

I was playing Jenga with my wife and our kids a few hours before writing this, and she said something that stuck with me. She said, "You know starting on Wednesday, were pretty much in the holiday season." That hit me. Kind of hard if I tell the truth. On Wednesday, we will already be in November, rolling through months of the school year so quickly. Today, we seem to rush through so much in our lives. One trip to Costco and this is evident. They've had holiday decorations out for over a month, which will quickly be replaced by the latest spring attire.

I mention this because I want to remind you all, as my wife reminded me, that although we are so busy, especially during the upcoming season, press pause. Enjoy the time that you have together. Some times we rush through the day to day routines, just to have some peace and quiet; but, in doing so, we forget how special the board games, books, and bedtime routines really are. Even when they involve an occasional tantrum here and there. Take your time going through the next few months, as the magic that exists during this time only lasts for so many years with your kids. Although Costco might be rushing us through the seasons, we all can slow down with our family and friends, and our children at home and school.

We had a great last week and continue to create incredible memories for our students alongside all of you. The Halloween parties and parade were so much fun, as were the PBIS Incentives that were planned by our teachers.

Let's have a great week!

Sincerely,

Mike Griffen

There will be a Title I virtual meeting held Wednesday, November 15th at 4:00 PM. If interested in participating to learn more about laws and programming of Title I, please log in on that date and time, using this link.

Polaris Explorer Club. Attention 4th, 5th and 6th graders! You’re invited to explore Polaris through a series of FUN, hands-on after-school classes starting this December. All activities will take place at Polaris and feature our AMAZING Polaris teachers! Classes include the following: Cleared for Takeoff; Crime Scene Investigators; Glamour Me; Holiday 3D Printing – CAD; Jewelry Junction; Sweet Holiday Kitchen; The Art of Cooking; Tiny House Workshop; Tool Time. Priority registration for Polaris partner school district students opens on October 23rd. Open registration starts November 1st. Note: Some sessions are ACE funding eligible. You can also visit our website landing page at Polaris Explorer Club | Polaris Career Center.

Winter Session:
December 5-6 and 12-13
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Optional early drop-off at 4:00 p.m. features BONUS career exploration activities!

$60 - fee includes 2 classes and materials

REGISTER HERE: https://explorerclub-2023.cheddarup.com/REGISTER HERE

Join the FUN at Casino Night - a fundraiser for The Strongsville Education Foundation. Enjoy table games, food, and drinks on Saturday, November 11 from 7pm - 10:30pm at the Ehrnfelt Recreation Center. Purchase tickets HERE (link also includes information for raffle prize donations and other sponsorship opportunities).The mission of the Strongsville Education Foundation 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 the Strongsville City Schools.

Calling all Elementary Artists! PTA Council Reflections is starting a Reflections Club for all elementary students that will be meeting once a month.

What is Reflections? It is a program put on by the State and National PTA that provides students an opportunity for recognition and access to the arts which boosts student confidence and success in the arts and in life. Each year, students can create and submit original works of art in response to a student-created theme. The 2023-2024 Theme is "I am hopeful because . . ." Students can create in six categories. Those categories are Film Making, Choreography/Dance, Visual Arts, Music Composition, and Literature.

This Elementary Reflections Club will meet September 18th, October 16th, and November 13th and 27th at the Strongsville Public Library, with the goal of giving students a chance to explore the art categories they can compete in. To sign up please click HERE - please know that space is limited and there is a cost of $5.00 per family for art supplies. Learn more about PTA Reflections at PTA.org/Reflections.

To determine eligibility for free / reduced lunch, as well as various additional state and federal program benefits inclusive of possible district student fees being waived, an application must be completed online at PaySchoolsCentral.com. HERE is a link with directions to apply.

It is important to note the following for those that qualify for Reduced Lunches in the 23-24 school year: The recently passed Ohio biennial budget includes a provision for the State to pay the meal charges for Reduced students ($0.30 for Breakfast and $0.40 for Lunch) effectively allowing them to eat for free. This will be in effect for the 23-24 and the 24-25 school years.

As a reminder, all school fees that have not been paid are now considered past due. To check the balance and pay outstanding school fees, go to Pay Schools Central by clicking HERE. In addition to Pay Schools Central, school fees can be paid by cash/check to your student’s building secretary or with the Treasurer's Office. If you have questions related to this, please contact the building secretary or Dawn Evangelista (devangelista@scsmustangs.org) within the Treasurer's Department. As we are approaching a new school year, as well as the start of fall sports, per Board of Education policy, the consequences for outstanding prior year school fees will prohibit students from participating in any school extracurricular activities (i.e., athletics, student council, school clubs, etc.), field trips, and school sanctioned dances / events that require a purchased ticket. For additional information on District Fee Collection Procedures and Consequences CLICK HERE.

Over the summer, the district expanded our partnership with Blocksi to include student content filtering and alerts. We no longer utilize SecURLy for these services. CLICK HERE to view an informational flier about joining the Blocksi Parent Portal to gain insights on your student’s online behavior with their scsmustangs account and set parental controls beyond the school school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley, Director of Instructional Technology at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.

Email: mgriffen@scsmustangs.org
Website: https://muraski.strongnet.org/
Location: Muraski Elementary School, Royalton Road, Strongsville, OH, USA
Phone: 440-572-7160
Twitter: @MuraskiPrin