Mustang Moments

Wednesday, February 26

Parent/Teacher Conferences (6th-12th Grades)
SCHOOL IN SESSION (Evening Conferences)

Thursday, February 27 - 7:00pm (6:15pm - Executive Session)
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE

Wednesday, March 26 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
SAVE THE DATE
The Model Mustang Experience/State of the Schools Event
Strongsville High School

Kinsner 3rd graders have been learning about Ancient Chinese holidays, customs, and the Lunar New Year. Their experiences have involved deeper learning on these subjects because of the collaboration between our teachers. Click HERE to learn more about how Kinsner third grade students were provided experiences in art, music, and physical education, along with their social studies and English classwork, to enrich their understanding of different cultures.

As part of the District's Strategic Plan our 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.

‘Running with the Mustangs’ is a video series to celebrate the “heartbeat of Strongsville City Schools.” This new series highlights students, staff, and programs that make SCS a special and unique place. Click HERE for this week’s episode - which includes members of the SHS Varsity Boys and Girls Swim and Dive teams, and two SHS students who are part of a leadership program raising funds and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Last week, all 8th grade students at SMS joined New York Times Best-Selling Author Alan Gratz for a virtual presentation about his books, and the inspiration behind many of the nineteen novels he has written for young adults. The virtual meet included the opportunity for our students to participate in a question and answer session.

Congratulations to Kinsner 5th grade students Molly Arndt and Meredith Rhodes for their recent awards in the annual Elks Americanism Essay Contest. This year's theme was "What Does Patriotism Mean To Me?" and the local Berea Elks Lodge (#1815) received a total of 692 essays from elementary and middle schools in our area.

The essays written by Molly and Meredith were then entered at the Ohio Elks Association (OEA) Northeast District level. Six Lodges in the District competed this year. Meredith also won at the District level and will be moving on to compete against 5th graders across the State of Ohio!

Special thanks to the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce for once again featuring SCS Superintendent Dr. Ryba and his annual ‘State of the Schools’ presentation.

This year's luncheon featured a panel discussion with students, teachers, and administrators explaining the ways our District is engaging in deeper learning, the career pathway opportunities for 9th-12th graders, and how we are building "Model Mustang" skills - innovative, resilient, collaborative, empowered, and global - in all of our students.

** We have another opportunity for our community to experience the ways our students are growing and learning through the development of Model Mustang skills. Don’t miss the “Model Mustang Experience” on Wednesday, March 26 from 6-8pm at Strongsville High School - an interactive event highlighting the great learning experiences happening throughout our District!

Mrs. Rosie Vukovic has worked in our District for 10 years. Mrs. Vukovic has been in education for 23 years, teaching English Language Learners (ELL). She is currently an EL teacher at Whitney, and has also worked at Drake and Surrarrer in the same role. Mrs. Vukovic earned her undergraduate degree from John Carroll University and her graduate degree from Cleveland State University. In addition to her in-classroom support of students, Mrs. Vukovic also is an advisor to Whitney’s Student Council. “Through my work with this student group, I have the unique opportunity to foster leadership skills among students while simultaneously strengthening our connection to the community. Together, we work towards creating a positive impact. This year we worked with Strongsville Fire to collect coats for needy families in West Virginia. We also foster relationships with our local community - our Student Council created and delivered Valentine’s Day cards for the residents at Kemper House. We celebrate the vibrant diversity that defines our Strongsville community.”

“I feel very lucky to be working with our English Language Learner (ELL) population. Growing up in a Croatian-speaking household, I have a unique understanding of the challenges that ELL students face. My early experiences navigating a bilingual environment have equipped me with the empathy and insight necessary to connect with my students on a deeper level. My passion for working with English language learners stems from the rich cultural interactions I have when learning about their country, language and customs. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they see their country’s flag hanging in our halls. Being creative is required in teaching, especially when teaching elementary students! Keeping our ELL students engaged when they do not speak or understand the language definitely keeps me on my toes! I appreciate that the ELL program allows me to build relationships with my students over multiple years where I get to see them grow into fluent English speakers. I feel I am helping make an impact on their lives. It’s a rewarding journey that inspires both my students and me.”

“Whitney is a great place to work! I get to work closely with the classroom teachers to make sure the needs of my ELL students are being met. Having ELL students in all the grades allows me the opportunity to learn what is expected of them at every grade level. Whitney is truly a diverse, welcoming school, that I am proud to call my family. I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community where we collaborate together to inspire and empower our students.”

Thank you Mrs. Vukovic for your passion, care, and continued efforts in the growth and development of Whitney students! #ModelMustang

Don’t miss the SHS Dance Team FREE Recruitment Clinic!

* Tuesday, March 4 from 6-8pm in the SHS Main Gym
* The Clinic is open to advanced level dancers in grades 6-11
* Participants will work on audition skills, meet the coach and team, receive feedback, and have the opportunity to perform with the SHS Dance Team at their end of year showcase!
* Register HERE today for this exciting opportunity! (Registration required)

For the 2nd straight year, the Mustangs Gymnastics team clinched the Greater Cleveland Conference Championship. The Lady Mustangs scored an overall score of 139 en route to their conference clinching title. Strongsville had student-athletes place on the podium (1st, 2nd. Or 3rd) for every event and SHS Junior Shayler Smith earned the honor of GCC Gymnast of the Year. The Mustangs will be competing in the District Meet this weekend at Hudson High School. Good Luck!

Attention local seventh and eighth grade girls! You're invited to take a deep dive into the construction field at the First Annual BuildHER event at Polaris. This hands-on construction workshop, sponsored by Henkel Corporation and Regency Construction Services, features fun, real-world lab activities taught by Polaris instructors and student leaders. BuildHER will take place on Saturday, March 1 from 9:00am-3:00pm at Polaris Career Center. The $25 event fee includes lab experiences, all class materials, a project to take home, a FREE t-shirt, a Polaris beanie hat, and lunch. Click HERE to register for this upcoming BuildHER event.

Join Teresa Karsnak (Strongsville City Schools Parent Mentor), in partnership with Solutions Behavioral Consulting, for a series of parent mentorship trainings designed to provide tools and knowledge to understand and positively shape your child’s behavior. The final session is scheduled for February 27 from 6:00pm -7:30pm in the Strongsville High School Media Center. If you plan to attend, please email tkarsnak@scsmustangs.org with your RSVP.

Don’t miss three different opportunities to help our SHS Theatre Department raise funds to support the upcoming Spring Musical - Back to the ‘80’s

Chipotle Fundraiser - On Tuesday March 4, order from the Strongsville Chipotle (15029 Pearl Rd.) from 5pm to 9pm. 25% of sales will be donated back to help recoup many of the expenses already put into props, set pieces, licensing rights, makeup, etc. You must mention this fundraiser during checkout and gift card purchases do not contribute to the cause. If you order online, include the code 6TYGRRE in the PROMO CODE section. (Please note that fundraiser online ordering is only valid through pickup during your fundraiser’s scheduled date, time, and assigned restaurant. Ordering delivery for fundraisers is not permitted at this time)

Playhouse Square Fundraiser - Purchase tickets (NOW through 3/1) for the upcoming tour of & Juliet on Sunday March 9, 2025 at 6:30pm. The jukebox musical stars SHS alum, Corey Mach, as Shakespeare. SHS FUNdraiser prices range from $32.50 - $107.50 and the SHS Theatre Department will receive $10 for every ticket sold. Please visit https://tickets.playhousesquare.org/g08 and follow the instructions on 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.

Thank you for your support of the SHS Theatre Department!

Strongsville High School Cheer will be holding tryouts for the 2025-2026 football & basketball season with Clinics on March 17th-19th from 4-6pm at SHS. Tryouts will take place on Thursday, March 20th starting at 4pm. A mandatory participant/parent meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 25th at 6pm in the SHS auditorium. If you have any questions feel free to contact Coach Orlosky at jorlosky@scsmustangs.org.

Ready..Set..Play! Whitney Elementary PTA is excited to launch a Dave & Buster’s Fundraising Campaign! Get a $20 Power Card and 50% of your purchase will be donated back to Whitney Elementary PTA! Whether it’s a family day or a fun date night, you can play games, win prizes, and have endless fun while supporting Whitney Elementary School! Here’s how it works in three easy steps:

1 - Purchase online via the campaign page: grouprai.se/davebusters54193s

2 - Redeem your Power Card at your nearest Dave & Buster’s (any location in the US!)

3 - Play and enjoy! (The Power Card never expires!)

There are a number of different job openings for Strongsville City Schools. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Human Resources page at www.scsmustangs.org. Our District is also in need of school nurses. Please click the links below for additional information and to apply.

MIDDLE SCHOOL: (BOTH SHIFTS LISTED)

LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic - Immediate Need

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1336280-294367.html

SAME POSITIONS - ADDITIONAL LISTING:

LPN - Strongsville Middle School Health Clinic

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1335769-294367.html

Whitney:

LPN - Whitney Elementary School Clinic - Hiring Immediately

https://psi-solutions.isolvedhire.com/jobs/1371490-294367.html

Order awesome Mustangs Gear from ‘The Derby’ at Strongsville High School! ‘The Derby’ is a student operated spirit shop located in the SHS cafeteria, providing job training opportunities for students to develop skills necessary for future success - including independence, workplace readiness, job training, communication, problem solving, and leadership!

Check out ‘The Derby’ for items to add to your Strongsville wardrobe - made by SHS students. Items can be personalized and orders can be placed if the item is not available. Items can also be delivered to individual schools or picked up at the high school. SHS students can shop and order at ‘The Derby’ during lunch periods (10:00am - 1:30pm). All proceeds are given back to the Life Skills Employment Readiness Program for continued vocational training. Online orders can be placed using the QR code below or by clicking HERE. Contact thederbyshop@scsmustangs.org with any questions on custom apparel.

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.

Purchase a Sgt. Clean car wash and help raise funds for the SHS Boys Lacrosse team! Platinum Car Wash (a regular $27 retail value) can be purchased for $15. Car washes can be ordered online, with a QR sent to your phone to redeem at Sgt. Clean. Click HERE to purchase your car wash and help the SHS Boys Lacrosse team! Funds raised will go to the Strongsville Athletic Boosters Boys Lacrosse account.

Stream and watch SHS athletic events from the SHS Main Gym on the new HUDL TV. Simply search for Strongsville High School at fan.hudl.com or download the HUDL Fan app in your app store. Right now, you can utilize the following promo codes and receive special discounts for Mustang Athletics action on HUDL TV:

• $5 Off All-Access Day Pass: Enjoy all Mustang games with a day pass for just $7.50 using the promo code Mustangs$5.

• $100 Off Annual Pass: Get unlimited access to Mustang Athletics for the entire school year for just $95 with promo code Mustangs$100.

Both promo codes are reusable and valid through the Winter Sports season, so don't miss out! Catch every play, cheer on your favorite teams, and save while you stream. Stay tuned in and show your Mustang pride through HUDL TV!

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 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). RAS has a current enrollment promotion through February 28th - the promotion is 25% off all fees through March 31st - click HERE for the special enrollment promotion flyer!

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).

Strongsville Rotary ‘Chili Open’ - Saturday, February 22

For over 30 years the last Saturday in February has become a great Northeast Ohio tradition. A day of food, drink, golf, games and our renowned live auction! The Rotary Club of Strongsville proudly hosts its 32nd Annual Chili Open Charity Golf Classic on Saturday, February 22 beginning at 10:00am from the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. SInce its inception in 1992, The Classic has raised over $2 million for various charities locally, nationally and internationally. This year, the primary charitable beneficiary is the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the LLS Greater Cleveland Student Visionaries of the Year. Visit chiliopen.com for additional event information and to purchase tickets!

Kiwanis “Read Around the World” Event - Saturday, 2/22

The Kiwanis Club of Strongsville is hosting their annual, free of charge, READ AROUND THE WORLD event on Saturday, February 22nd at the Strongsville Library from 10:00am - 12:30pm. This event is intended for preschool through 2nd grade students. Activities will include short skits, puppet shows, face painting, and refreshments. Each child attendee will be able to select and take home a children’s book.

Strongsville Community Theatre - “Love Letters” (February 22-23)
This year, Strongsville Community Theatre is celebrating 30 years of quality community theatre entertainment! In addition to our upcoming productions, we are pleased to announce that we have been instrumental in supporting the establishment of a drama club program at Strongsville Middle School. The club will be announcing its first production in the next couple of weeks.

Further exciting news is that SCT will sponsor a summer youth theater program under the direction of Liz Jones and Brenton Cochran. Details will be shared soon on the SCT website and Facebook page.

Performances of "Love Letters" will be featured at the SHS Little Theater on February 22-23. Saturday evening performance is at 8 pm; Sunday at 2 pm. Click HERE for the event flyer. "Love Letters" was the very first play that SCT performed back in 1995. We felt it fitting that we bring it back to begin our 30th year celebration. Our spring production is "Barbecuing Hamlet," a delightful farce of a community theater dealing with putting on the famous Shakespearean tragedy; however, they run into several "tragedies " of their own. Of course, the show must go on! We think you will be highly entertained by both of these special offerings as we kick off our 30th year.

Safe Sitter Class - Thursday, April 3

The Safe Sitter Program is designed to prepare students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to practice rescue skills like choking rescue and CPR! The Safe Sitter Class is scheduled for Thursday, April 3 from 9:00am - 1:30pm at the Safety Town Building next to the Rec & Senior Center. Click HERE for additional registration information.

‘Let’s Build Blocks’ Contest

The ‘Let’s Build Blocks’ student contest introduces children to building, using their hands and being creative - all which expands awareness of careers in construction. The contest is open to students in grades K-6 and will be held at the IX Center on Saturday, March 22 & Sunday, March 23. Click HERE for additional information.

Strongsville Optimist Club Reverse Raffle - Saturday, March 8
Celebrate 50 years of the Optimist Club of Strongsville at their annual “Reverse Raffle” event on Saturday, March 8 at 6pm at the Columbia Ballroom (24883 Royalton Rd.). Enjoy prizes, side boards, and more while supporting local children’s programs - the event’s Grand Prize is $3,000! Click HERE for additional information and to purchase tickets.

Strongsville Rec Department Youth Baseball, Softball, and T-Ball - NOW through March 11

Strongsville Rec Center - Fashion Class

Do you have a passion for fashion? Do you like being creative? How about having FUN with friends while you make something awesome?!?! Register for the upcoming Fashion Class at the Strongsville Recreation Center. The class will meet Tuesdays in February and March (2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25). Register at strongsville.activityreg.com or call 440.580.3260. Click HERE for the event flyer.

Youth Lacrosse Spring Registration - NOW OPEN
Registration is now open for Youth Spring Lacrosse! Beat the winter blues and register for Spring Lacrosse. Ready to play the fastest game on two feet? Whether you’re new or a returning player, our program offers a supportive environment to challenge and grow your skills. Compete against teams from across Northeast Ohio and experience the excitement of three local tournaments! This youth lacrosse opportunity is open to Grades 3-8 (2nd graders can play up to 3rd grade) for residents of Strongsville, Columbia Station, Grafton, North Royalton, and all Strongsville students. Indoor Skills & Conditioning starts Feb 22-23 at Manta Fieldhouse and Outdoor Season Kicks off early April with practices and games weekly. Jump in, make friends, and represent the Mustangs! Secure your spot today and be part of a community-driven program where everyone plays with pride. Register NOW by clicking here! (Limited spots available).

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 February 2024 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.

Read Around the World. Saturday, February 22nd / 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. The Strongsville Kiwanis Club sponsors this annual event for all ages. Each child attending can choose a new book to take home. No registration is needed for this free event. Members of Kiwanis will be available to read books to the children. The St. Joseph and John’s Builder's Club members will perform puppet shows throughout the event. There will also be face painting, storytelling, and light refreshments.

Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, February 24th / 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 Golden Gate by Amy Chua. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.

Meet Author Lisa Unger. Wednesday, February 26th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Lisa Unger visits to discuss her latest novel, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. Lisa Unger is a NYT and internationally bestselling author. Her books are published in 32 languages, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry.

Tiny Tots Playtime. Ages 2 and under with Adult Caregiver. Friday, February 28th / 11:00 a.m. - Noon. Come and experience free play with your tiny tot for fifteen minutes or an entire hour. We will have all types of toys for an enjoyable experience!

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