Mustangs in the Middle Newsletter
March 17, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
- March 26 - State of the Schools 6pm-8pm Strongsville HS
- March 31-April 4 - NO SCHOOL Spring Break
- State Testing Dates:
- April 15 & 16 - ELA Tests for 6th, 7th, 8th Grades
- May 1 - Science Test for 8th Grade
- May 5 & 6 - Math Test for 6th, 7th, 8th Grades
SMS Programs of Studies and Honors/Advanced Information
Attached are the SMS Programs of Study for the 2025-2026 School Year along with information about Honors/Advanced Classes.
FINANCIAL FAST FACTS VIDEO FROM OUR SCS TREASURER
As part of the District's Strategic Plan, SCS Treasurer George Anagnostou has been releasing monthly Financial Fast Facts.
Click HERE to view this month’s Financial Fast Facts video, explaining the Residential Effective Tax Rate and how Strongsville compares to nearby cities.
Girls Basketball Meeting
Attention all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade parents and girls interested in being a Lady Mustangs basketball player next season!
Please join Strongsville High School and Middle School coaches for a meeting on Monday 3/24 at 4:45 PM in the SMS cafeteria lower bowl area.
We will be discussing our girls basketball program, going over the various off-season activities and opportunities for the athletes, and giving instructions on how to stay “in-the-loop!”
For the 8th graders, there will be info to help as you transition from middle-school to the high school teams, and it will be a great chance for all to ask questions you may have.
Also, please note that SMS open gyms for SMS girls starts the next day and will go each Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 6 PM until the end of the school year.
This first set of open gyms will focus on skills and fundamentals, as well as learning how to compete to win!
See you there!!!!
Thanks again,
Darren Whitford
SMS Rocks! March Madness Spring Social
Friday, March 21st, 7-9pm @ SMS
Open to all 6th, 7th & 8th Graders
GET READY FOR THE MADNESS!!
All Strongsville 6th, 7th & 8th graders are invited to our exciting SMS Rocks! March Madness Spring Social. Students are encouraged to wear outfits inspired by their favorite teams or sports!!
TIME TO GET IN THE GAME!!
Enjoy open play activities in the main gymnasium including basketball, volleyball, corn hole & more! Take your shot at winning prizes in our 3-point shot contest!
BUZZER BEATER!!
Not into sports, we've got you covered! Come hang out with your friends and play a variety of fun minute-to-win-it games.
WHERE DO PLAYERS GO TO DANCE... THE BASKET "BALL"!!
Bounce to the beat and show off your slam dunk dance moves! A DJ will be playing your favorite tunes in our high energy dance party space.
TICKETS: $17
Ticket sales are ONLINE ONLY!! app.givebacks.gives/smsrocks-springsocial-2025
CONCESSIONS
Snacks, beverages, pizza & ice cream will be sold at the event.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Sign up to chaperone, run games, sell concessions or decorate: www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094DA4A82AA7FA7-55553237-smsrocks
This event is being organized by Strongsville Council PTA
PTA Pod Parents Update
Want to stay informed about all things PTA and how you can support our amazing school community? Opt in to receive updates and opportunities straight to your inbox! Click the link below to get started.
SMS Teacher and Students Win Championship
Congratulation to Mr. Muth (Assistant Coach) and three students, Alex Votruba, Ryan Ventura, and Landon Muth who won the Cleveland Suburban Hockey League Championship in the PeeWee A1 Division. They were the #1 seed and beat their rival #2 seed Parma 4-1.
They also won the regular season division title with an 11-1-2 record. Fantastic job!
Polaris Palooza
Some of our 8th grade students and staff participated in Polaris Palooza this past Friday. Students and schools from around the area came together for a hands on robotics competition. This competition brought out the best in our students were who being innovative, collaborative, and empowered to showcase their critical thinking and technology skills. Click on the link to view FOX 8 news coverage where our students and staff were on full display representing our school and community proudly.
2025 SMS Yearbooks
Parents, now is the time to order year books for this school year. The form that gives information to do that is below. The order deadline is April 3, 2025.
Ramadan Support
We understand that some of our students may be participating in Ramadan fasting. To support these students, we will be providing an alternative space in the Media Center during lunch. This space will offer a comfortable area away from food supervised by school staff.
Students observing Ramadan are welcome to use this space if they prefer not to be around food during meal times. Participation is completely optional. We believe this arrangement will help create an inclusive environment for all our students while respecting religious practices.
Additionally, Strongsville City Schools is pleased to offer take home meals to our students who observe Ramadan. Meals will be provided on school days only from March 1st-March 30th. One breakfast and one lunch per student. Meals must be ordered in advance and picked up by the student observing Ramadan. Meals will be charged according to the student's meal status (Free/ Reduced/ Paid). More information about the meal program can be found by clicking this Link.
Additionally, students who wish to observe their afternoon prayer will be provided with a designated space in the media center to do so from 1:30pm-1:45pm.
If you would like your child to participate in any of these services: media center during lunch, take home meals, or space for prayer please fill out the form below.
As always our school values and respects all religions, fostering an inclusive environment where all students feel supported. If any student wishes to practice their faith based requirements during the school day, please reach out to a staff member or school administrator for accomodations.
Paper Products Drive
Attention SMS Students and Families,
8th Grade Honors Fest
Congratulations to all the 8th grade orchestra students that participated in the OMEA District 4 Honors Orchestra the weekend of March 8! Your hard work, dedication, and musical talent truly shone through, and being selected for such a prestigious event is a huge accomplishment. We're incredibly proud of each of you for representing your school and community with such passion and skill. Keep up the amazing work- the future of music is in great hands with musicians like you!
Violins: Alex G, Tori S, Hope V, Vihaan Y
Violas: Kaustubh D, Jessie G
Cellos: Zach B, Jonah J, Charlie R
Basses: Parker D
Washington DC Trip 2025
Attention 7th grade families:
Registration for the 2025 8th Grade Washington DC Trip is open. Attached is the registration packet. Please follow all the steps in the Registration Protocol. You will need to make a gmail account because we will only communicate through that email and Google Classroom. If you have any questions, please reach out Haley LaBahn or Katie Hullibarger at DC2025trip@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Haley and Katie
Middle School Boys Golf Club
Who: For boys in grades 5th ,6th, 7th and 8th grades - will cap the number at 30 golfers. This is for
Strongsville City School students’ who may have a desire to play for the high school team and play in junior golf tournaments over the summer.
What: The Golf Camp is designed to develop the proper techniques in the golf swing as well as develop the skills for the short game and putting.
When: Wednesday’s April 30, May 7,14,21 from 6:00 -7:15 pm and Sunday’s April 27, May 4, skip May 11, May 18 from 5:00-6:15 pm. We will also meet on Monday May 19th from 5:00 - 7:00 so the players can play some holes- schedule is subject to change due to weather or conflicts with the country club. I will let you know as soon as possible if this occurs.
Where: Columbia Hills CC, 16200 E River Rd, Columbia Station, OH 44028. This is a country club so please wear proper golf attire (collared shirt and no jeans) and have your own clubs.
Cost: The cost will be $90. Please make checks payable to the Strongsville Athletic Boosters.
Camp Coaching Staff:
Directors: Coach Steve King, Head Boys Golf Coach
Coach Joe Yuska, JV Boys Golf Coach
Assistants: Strongsville High School Varsity Golf Players
Please feel free to email me at sking@scsmustangs.org or call/text me at (330) 241-0415
Steve King
Head Golf Coach
SMS Cheerleading Tryouts Information
Please click on the flyer below for more information.
Girls Youth Golf Camp
Join Strongsville High School Golf Team coaches and varsity golf players at the Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp! The camp is open to girls in 4th - 8th grades and focuses on developing the proper techniques in the golf swing, as well as improving skills for the short game and putting. The camp fee is $125 and will be held once a week in April and May from 6pm - 7pm at Valleaire Golf Club (6969 Boston Rd. / Hinckley). The Girls Youth Strongsville Golf Camp is open to golfers at any skill level. Click HERE for additional information and click HERE to register.
Cleveland Clinic Boot Camp
The Cleveland Clinic's Center for Nursing Career Exploration is proud to present the Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp!
Is your child interested in becoming a nurse?
The Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp offers students an opportunity to explore nursing through informative, immersive learning experiences. The boot camp includes hands-on nursing simulation, interactive skills sessions, engaging group activities, and collaborative learning opportunities!
REQUIREMENTS
» Be in 6th grade (or a higher grade) by the start of the upcoming academic school year
» Be interested in a nursing career
Check out our boot camp offerings by visiting our website:
Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp Website
Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp | Cleveland Clinic
Overview . The Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp is a community outreach program offered to middle and high school students. This educational boot camp offers nursing exploration opportunities to students by providing informative and immersive learning experiences.
Registration
To sign up to attend one of our sessions click on the link below.
Launchpad to Nursing Boot Camp Registration
We are coming to a location near you. Share with family and friends.
For questions, please contact nursingexploration@ccf.org
Thank you,
Center for Nursing Career Exploration Team
School Information
School Counselors
Mrs. Marozsan-6th grade
Mr. Greer- 7th grade
Mrs. Pietrocini- 8th Grade
School Information
Main Office: 440-572-7090
- Building Secretary: Mrs. Hallie Malloy
- 6th Grade Principal: Mrs. Tera Thomas
- 7th Grade Principal: Mr. Chris Howell
- 8th Grade Principal: Mr. Bryan Szczepanski
- Strongsville Middle School Principal: Mr. John Telloni
Student Attendance: 440-572-7090 option 2
- Mrs. Debra Cook
SCS Anonymous Reporting System
Parents/students have access to our anonymous reporting system. CLICK HERE to access. The more information shared when reporting, the better chance we have to investigate and support.