Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 37)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Congratulations to the SHS Class of 2025! We are proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to hear about your continued success in “life after SHS.” Click HERE for this week’s episode to see some highlights of the recent commencement ceremony honoring this special class.
SHS CLASS OF 2025 COMMENCEMENT PICTURES
We had an amazing day on Saturday, May 24 celebrating Strongsville High School’s Class of 2025! This class made their mark on SHS and they will not be forgotten. They are a special class - we are excited to see and hear about their continued accomplishments as they begin their “life after SHS” journey. Click HERE for a folder of pictures from this year’s Commencement.
Families of the Class of 2025 - be on the lookout for an email from Lifetouch with information on how to order your official Commencement photos.
APPLICATIONS FOR STRONGSVILLE BOARD OF EDUCATION OPEN POSITION
The Strongsville Board of Education seeks applicants to fill the unexpired term of board member Mrs. Sharon Kilbane, who resigned at Wednesday’s (May 21) Board Meeting, effective end of day May 31, 2025.
According to Ohio law, people serving on Ohio school boards must be 18 years old, district residents and registered voters. Interested applicants can download the application HERE (https://tinyurl.com/SCSBoardApp), visit the district website at www.scsmustangs.org (main page under ‘District News’) to access an online application, or pick up a paper version of the application in the lobby of the SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Avenue). Applicants are required to include a cover letter of intent, a resume, and the completed application, which can either be submitted electronically to SCS Treasurer George Anagnostou (ganagnostou@scsmustangs.org) or dropped off in the mailbox outside of the SCS Administrative Offices. Electronic submissions must contain the signature of the applicant on the application.
The deadline for applications is Monday, June 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Invitations will be extended to specific candidates, with interviews scheduled to take place during a special Board Meeting on Thursday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m. The recommended candidate will be voted upon by the Board at their June 12, 2025 regularly scheduled Board meeting.
The newly appointed Board member will serve until December 31, 2025. If the appointed member desires to continue serving, he or she must run in the next general Board election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
SCS EARNS 12TH STRAIGHT ‘BEST COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION’ RECOGNITION
SMS 8TH GRADE AWARDS CEREMONY PICTURES
Last week, SMS held an awards ceremony for our 8th grade students. Academic recognitions and “Student of the Year” awards were presented. Click HERE for a folder of pictures from this event.
SCS COMMUNICATIONS SURVEY
We are striving for the most efficient ways to communicate information to our District. We value your feedback and want to continue to improve communication from Strongsville City Schools. Please take a few minutes to click HERE and complete this communications survey. Your responses will help us to continue to ensure efficient and meaningful communication from our District.
SCS FEATURED JOB POSTINGS - SMS OPPORTUNITIES (MATH TEACHER, ELA TEACHER, M/M INTERVENTION SPECIALIST)
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 at Strongsville Middle School: Math Teacher, English Language Arts Teacher, and M/M Intervention Specialist.
You can see a full listing of available jobs HERE.
DELTA MATH - SUMMER ENRICHMENT FOR STUDENTS (GRADES 6-12)
For students (Grades 6-12) who would like to keep up with their math skills over the summer . . .
Delta Math has various practice sets for grade levels 6-12 including SAT practice tests.
Click HERE for directions on how to gain access to the Delta Math practice sets.
SMS RELAY TEAM TAKES 3RD PLACE IN TRACK & FIELD STATE MEET
Congratulations to the SMS 4x200 Relay Team for finishing in 3rd place overall at the OHSAA 7th & 8th Grade Track & Field State Meet last Saturday in Hilliard, OH. Carleigh Cliche, Addison Eichenberger, Kasey Jungeberg, and Sami Schulz ran a relay time of 1:49.03!
Other State Meet Qualifiers included:
Sami Schulz / Open 100m (Finished 19th - with a time of 12.87) & 200m Dash (Finished 10th - with a time of 26.67)
Addison Eichenberger / 100m Hurdles (Finished 15th - with a time of 16.37)
Mariah Flenoury - Qualified, but unable to participate
#FOREVERAMUSTANG - ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS
We have many Strongsville High School graduates working throughout our District. Did their SCS education prepare them well? What was the motivation to return to the same District that they grew up in? For answers to those questions and more . . .
Click HERE for a visit with Mr. Jake Bokar / SHS Class of 2015 and current SMS 8th Grade Math Teacher
Click HERE for a visit with Mrs. Laura (Parker) Gaba / SHS Class of 1987 and Mrs. Alana (Caraboolad) Bendetta / SHS Class of 2005 and current SHS French Teachers
* We will be featuring SHS alumni throughout next school year. 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
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ENTERING 7TH & 12TH GRADES
Please note the following immunization requirements from the Ohio Department of Health:
All students entering 7th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 7th grade:
* One (1) dose of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
(A second dose of meningococcal vaccine will be required prior to entry into the 12th grade)
* One (1) dose of Tdap [tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis] vaccine
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All students entering 12th grade need to receive the following immunizations prior to entering 12th grade:
* Two (2) doses of Meningococcal [MCV4] vaccine
Incoming 7th and 12th graders will need to show proof of having received these vaccines before they can return to school for the 2025-26 school year (exemptions are provided for under law, call for more information).
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 7th graders
Click HERE for the form to confirm immunizations for 12th graders
Section 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised Code states that students who do not provide documentation of this immunization will be excluded from school on the 15th day after entrance, until proof is provided.
SECONDARY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES - SUMMER 2025
Based on our experiences with summer learning over the last few years, we are making some changes this summer. Overall, we are not seeing the impact of summer learning on our students in Grs. K-7 and attendance has been diminishing each year. Therefore, we will not be continuing with a summer learning option for students in those grades. However, we will continue to offer summer learning opportunities for students currently enrolled in Grs. 8-11. Summer learning for these students will be held from June 2 - June 26, 2025. Click HERE for our Summer Learning FAQs.
High School Credit Recovery Classes. Online credit recovery classes will be offered for current high school students who need to retake a course. Classes are online with required in-person tutoring and final exams on June 25th and 26th. Online registration will be open from Monday, April 21st through Monday, June 2nd. Registration and program information can be found HERE.
SCS FOOD SERVICES - FEEDBACK SURVEY
The SCS Food Services department is interested in gathering both student and parent feedback about your experiences with breakfast and lunch in our District, in order to continue to meet the needs and wants of our students and families. Click on the specific links below to help Food Services plan for future school years.
Elementary School Parents - Food Services Survey
SMS / SHS Parents - Food Services Survey
VIEW YOUR STUDENT’S ONLINE ACTIVITY WITH BLOCKSI PARENT PORTAL
Our District has expanded its 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, as well as set parental controls beyond the school. If you have any questions, contact Dave Binkley - Director of Instructional Technology - at dbinkley@scsmustangs.org.
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
Strongsville Rotary KidsFest & Duck Race (Saturday, June 7)
Don’t miss the 12th annual Strongsville Rotary KidsFest and Duck Race on Saturday, June 7 from 11:00am - 3:00pm at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet in Strongsville. Enjoy pony rides, face painting, inflatables, and MORE! Duck Race begins at 2pm. FREE shuttle from the Strongsville RTA Park-n-Ride. Click HERE for the event flyer or visit StrongsvilleDuckRace.com
A Leg Up Ballet Academy Presents Coppelia (Saturday, May 31)
Don't miss the next performance by A Leg Up Ballet Academy - Coppelia. Two shows at 1pm & 5pm on Saturday, May 31 at Strongsville Middle School. Purchase advance tickets HERE. See the event flyer HERE.
Summer VBS at First Lutheran Church
Join us June 23rd through June 26th from 9 AM - 12 PM at First Lutheran Church in Strongsville for a fun filled Summer Vacation Bible School adventure. Children Pre K - 5th Grade are welcome to attend. The cost is $30.00 per student. Additional details and registration information available at www.firstchurchalive.org
Strongsville Optimist Golf Outing (Friday, August 1)
The Strongsville Optimist Club is hosting their annual golf outing on Friday, August 1 at Mallard Creek Golf Course (34500 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station). Shotgun start at 9am, 4-person scramble, and includes 18 holes+cart, lunch, and dinner. Click HERE for additional registration information. Click HERE for sponsorship and donation information.
42x82 Summer Youth Training Camp at Strongsville Rec Center
Don’t miss the 42x82 Summer Youth Training Camp at the Strongsville Rec Center for kids ages 11-15. The camp is held on Mondays and Fridays beginning June 2. Click HERE for the flyer with additional information. Sign up at the Rec Center or email marissa.mcnabb@strongsville.org for more information.
Strongsville United Methodist Church - Summer Bash (Sunday, June 1)
Don’t miss the “Summer Bash” event at Strongsville Methodist Church on Sunday, June 1 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. Families and children of all ages are welcome! Click HERE for the event flyer.
C’s the Day Kindness Camp (June 9-13)
C’s the Day Kindness Camp - from June 9-13 - is open to kids in grades 1-7. This camp inspires caring, service, creativity, and confidence and strives to motivate kids toward personal wellness, healthy habits, and the spread of kindness. All campers receive a t-shirt with their registration. Camp Director is Margaret Bosela Klinzing. Questions? Contact us at mbosela14@gmail.com Click HERE to register for this upcoming camp.
Head Start Basketball 2025 Summer Camps
Join your friends at Head Start Basketball Camp for our 33rd summer! Now's the time to register so you don't miss out on a great week of basketball skill development, games, contests, and fun. Click the link to get registered! https://headstartbasketball.leagueapps.com/camps
Head Start Basketball Camps are held at the Strongsville Recreation Center
June 16-20, 2025 – Boys and Girls currently in grades 1-6 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
June 23-27, 2025 – Boys currently in grades 1-6 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
July 7-11, 2025 – Girls currently in grades 1-6 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
July 14-18, 2025 – Boys and Girls currently in grades 1-6 (1:00 – 4:00 pm)
Contact Camp Director Mike Klinzing at 216-392-4059 or headstartbasketball@usa.net for more 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 available 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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
83rd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - Saturday, July 26, 2025
Strongsville Commons
Firework Display on Saturday, July 26th at Dusk
57th Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Friday, August 22, 2025
Shale Creek Golf Club
5420 Wolff Road, Medina
9:30am – 6:00pm
Registration is Open
Strongsville Library
Please note the following June 2025 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
Color Our World: Summer Reading Challenge June 2 - July 31 Visit http://ccplsummerreading.org to register to participate and for more information. Take the Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win great prizes!
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.
Meet Author Hampton Sides. Monday, June 2nd / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Hampton Sides visits to discuss his latest book, The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.
Young at Heart. Tuesday, June 3rd / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is After Life by Gayle Forman. Please call the branch to register.
Summer Fun for Everyone. Grades 1 - 6. Thursdays, June 5 - July 24th / 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Drop in for reading, art, science, technology, engineering and math challenges. No registration required.
Summer Fun for Everyone STEAM Family Storytime. All Ages. Thursdays, June 5th - July 24th / 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. This summer we are expanding our FREE summer programs for students. Registration is no longer required. Just drop in and enjoy reading, science, technology, engineering, arts and math activities. It's summer fun for everyone!
Kindergarten Countdown: Off to School. For those entering Kindergarten in the Fall with a Caregiver. Friday, June 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 going off to school.
Technology Training Class:
Excel Basics. Monday, June 9th / 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Library offers FREE computer classes that cover digital literacy basics, Windows, Microsoft Office programs, digital imaging and cloud computing. Learn the essentials of Excel. Topics include entering data, using autofill and performing calculations using basic formulas and functions. Prerequisite: Computer Basics or equivalent experience.
Google Apps Basics. Monday, June 30th / 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Explore Google’s web-based apps: Docs, Sheets and Slides. Organize files in the cloud using Google Drive. Prerequisite: Computer Basics/equivalent experience. Preferred: Google account with password.
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in The Twilight Zone. Monday, June 9th / 7:00 p.m. Enjoy a performance by Sara Showman and Mark Dawidziak as they explore the lessons from this iconic TV show.
Southwest General Hospital Bone Density Screening. Tuesday, June 10th / 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join us for this free osteoporosis screening. A nurse from Southwest General will conduct bone density screenings on a first come first served basis. No appointment needed.
Planning a Disney Cruise. Tuesday, June 10th / 7:00 p.m. Travel advisor, Karli Keene, will discuss the Disney Cruise ships, what's included in your cruise, what's extra, itinerary planning, tips and more. Karli is an affiliate of ET Family Travel Agency, an award-winning, Disney Earmarked Platinum travel agency.
Teen Craft Night: Craft Free for All. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, June 17th / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Using miscellaneous art and craft supplies, come in and create whatever you can think of! The sky (and your imagination) is the limit! 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.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, June 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 Knife: Meditations after an Attempted Murder by Salman Rushdie. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
Blood Drive. Friday, June 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).
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, June 21st VIRTUAL OR Monday, June 23rd / 7:00 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 session.
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