Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 27)

Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
IN THIS ISSUE - March 14, 2025
Important Dates to Remember
60 Seconds with the Superintendent
SHS Gymnastics Finish 3rd in State Championship Meet
Don’t Miss the “Model Mustang Experience” - Wednesday 3/26
SHS Business Foundation Students Place First in Youth Entrepreneurship Contest
Mustang Spotlight - Matt Gaylord, M/I Aide at Surrarrer Elementary
SMS Students Represent Strongsville in Honors Orchestra
Chapman 2nd Graders Earn Reading Challenge Reward with Cavs Visit
SHS Female Wrestler Makes School History
SCS Annual Financial Report Available at scsmustangs.org
More than 150 SHS Students Participate in Mock Interview Event
Mustang Spotlight - Arlan Rohrbach, Bus Driver - SCS Transportation Department
SHS Spring Musical - “Back to the ‘80’s” - March 20-22
SHS Students Qualify for States in National History Day Competition
Order Your Mustangs Gear from “The Derby”
SHS Boys Lacrosse Fundraiser - Purchase Sgt. Clean Car Washes
HUDL TV Broadcasts - Utilize Promo Codes To Watch SCS Athletic Events
View Your Student’s Online Activity With Blocksi Parent Portal
Right at School
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday, March 20 - Saturday, March 22
SHS Spring Musical - “Back to the ‘80’s”
7:00pm Performances Each Evening
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets
Wednesday, March 26 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Model Mustang Experience/State of the Schools Event
Strongsville High School
Thursday, March 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
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Third grade students across our District recently worked on a project that inspired creativity and collaboration. Students had the opportunity to create an “Imaginary Friend”, stamp the image with gel pads funded by a Strongsville Education Foundation grant, and trade some of their images with students from different elementary schools. The project culminated in a mural currently displayed at SouthPark Mall. Click HERE to see the impressive artwork of our students!
SHS GYMNASTICS FINISH 3RD IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
The Lady Mustangs Gymnastics team placed 3rd at the recent OHSAA State Championship Meet. It was the highest finish by an SHS Gymnastics team in nearly 10 years! The Lady Mustangs finished with an overall score of 143.15 - just .5 points behind 2nd place Magnificat.
Strongsville also had 4 gymnasts compete in the individual competition. Here is how our gymnasts finished in the individual competitions:
Shayler S. - 14th in All-Around
Gianna U. - 19th in All-Around
Shayler S. and Lauren P. - tied for 9th on Beam
Shalyer S. - 27th on Floor
Lauren P. - 8th on Bars
Abby B. - 31st on Bars
DON’T MISS THE “MODEL MUSTANG EXPERIENCE” - WEDNESDAY 3/26
Don't miss the "Model Mustang Experience" on Wednesday, March 26 from 6pm-8pm at Strongsville High School. This FREE community event will highlight our ‘State of the Schools’ and show how education is evolving to prepare today’s learners to be tomorrow’s leaders and thrive in their future. Participate in hands-on activities with our SCS students, teachers, and staff, as they share their learning and work, showcasing the extraordinary ways our District is building "Model Mustangs!" Let's celebrate together the great work happening in our schools on Wednesday, March 26!
SHS BUSINESS FOUNDATION STUDENTS PLACE FIRST IN YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONTEST
On March 10th, 17 students from the SHS Business Foundation class, led by Mr. Vitale, participated in the "Celebrate Youth Entrepreneurship" event at the Parma Snow Library. The students listened to Dominique Waters, CEO of Akron Sneaker Academy, and how he was able to become a designer for brands like Nike, Tiffany, and Louis Vuitton. The students designed their own shoe, put together a pitch, and did a Shark Tank like presentation.
Connor Watson, Henry Schuld, Jeremiah Petite, Justin Hudges, Daniel Romero Kiselar, and Christian Smith took home 1st place with a perfect score from all 3 judges. Their idea was to partner with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who suffers from Leukemia. Their sneaker's red and pink color was chosen to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, with 25% of the profits being donated to the cause.
Congratulations to all students who were part of this great experiential learning experience.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - MATT GAYLORD, M/I AIDE AT SURRARRER ELEMENTARY
Mr. Matt Gaylord has worked as an Aide at Surrarrer Elementary for the past two years. Prior to Surrarrer, Mr. Gaylord subbed in our District and has experience in all of our buildings. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University. Mr. Gaylord is also a resident of Strongsville.
“I love being able to help our students overcome challenges they may have and become more self-sufficient and grow as learners. I like being part of Surrarrer’s team - it’s a place where people believe that any kid can learn and grow and we work together to help them get there. I have kids in Strongsville City Schools and I am glad to be part of a District that believes in its kids and gives them so many opportunities to flourish.”
Thank you Mr. Gaylord for being part of a great team at Surrarrer! #ModelMustang
SMS STUDENTS REPRESENT STRONGSVILLE IN HONORS ORCHESTRA
Congratulations to our 8th grade orchestra students that performed with the OMEA District 4 Honors Orchestra last weekend!
Violins: Alex G., Tori S., Hope V., Vihaan Y.
Violas: Kaustubh D., Jessie G.
Cellos: Zach B., Jonah J., Charlie R.
Basses: Parker D.
Mrs. Bravo, SMS Orchestra Director shared these thoughts: “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!”
CHAPMAN 2ND GRADERS EARN READING CHALLENGE REWARD WITH CAVS VISIT
Mrs. Gau’s 2nd grade class at Chapman participated in the CAVS Score Reading Challenge, a four-week competition where students read daily to track their minutes. Together, the 2nd graders logged an impressive 21,659 minutes, with their top reader contributing nearly 8,000 minutes!
As the top 2nd grade classroom in the challenge, they earned a special field trip to tour and play on the court at the CAVS training facility. Students explored the entire facility, had fun on the court with youth sports coaches, and even received snacks and swag from the team!
This incredible experience, hosted by the CAVS, was one the students won’t soon forget!
SHS FEMALE WRESTLER MAKES SCHOOL HISTORY
Congratulations to SHS sophomore Stella Januszewski! Stella became the FIRST EVER FEMALE wrestler to qualify for the State Tournament from Strongsville High School. Stella placed 8th in her weight class at the State Championship Meet and finished her historic season with an impressive record of 44-11.
SCS ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AVAILABLE AT SCSMUSTANGS.ORG
The Strongsville City School District's annual financial report for 2024 is now complete and can be inspected at the SCS Treasurer's office located in the Strongsville Administrative Offices at 18199 Cook Ave. / Strongsville, OH 44136. Additionally, the financial report is accessible online on our District website, www.scsmustangs.org, under the Treasurer's Department page.
MORE THAN 150 SHS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MOCK INTERVIEW EVENT
More than 150 SHS juniors and seniors recently had the opportunity to participate in a Mock Interview event. Over 40 local business professionals spent 15 minutes with interviewees/students, which included immediate feedback on their answers to the interview questions, eye contact, handshake, and other variables which make up a successful interview.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - ARLAN ROHRBACH, BUS DRIVER - SCS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. Arlan Rohrbach has been driving for our Transportation Department for seven years. A Strongsville resident since 1997, Mr. Rohrbach worked for 35 years in corporate leadership before retiring and starting to work with our District.
“Driving a bus for Strongsville City Schools has been a great way to spend some of my retirement hours. I love connecting with students - they are smart and inquisitive - and it is great to be able to watch them grow up through the years.”
“There is a lot of support as part of the SCS Transportation Department team. We are never alone on our Strongsville routes. Our managers, fellow drivers, mechanics - there’s always someone to help you. Even when we run into challenges, whether it’s bad weather, or a breakdown, or any other mishap, our team at Transportation always works together and is amazing!”
Thank you Mr. Rohrbach for safely getting our students to and from school on a daily basis! #ModelMustang
SHS SPRING MUSICAL - “BACK TO THE ‘80’S” - MARCH 20-22
Don’t miss the SHS Spring Musical - Back to the ‘80’s - a pop culture trip down memory lane. Back to the 80’s is a non-stop collection of music, movie, and TV Easter Eggs for all ages. The jukebox score includes a wide variety of popular hits such as “Video Killed the Radio Star,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Love Shack,” “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “The Time of My Life,” and many more. Click HERE to Purchase Tickets ($10 Adult General Admission / $7 Student, Child, Senior, and SCS Employee General Admission)
SHS STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR STATES IN NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COMPETITION
Strongsville High School students did an amazing job at the National History Day Competition last Saturday.
15 students (grades 9-12) have spent the last 6 months researching and creating projects to present to historic experts at the Cleveland History Center. They picked a topic, researched, created thesis arguments, and finally fine tuned their presentations (either museum exhibits, websites, or documentaries) showcasing how their topic connected to the early theme.
Our students had outstanding projects and 3 of the 7 projects will be representing Strongsville at the State Competition in Columbus on April 26th. SHS is one of the only schools that does this program voluntarily instead of through an honors or AP class which shows their outstanding dedication.
1st Place - Will Jevec (10th Grade, Exhibit)
Honorable Mention - Angelina Zheng & Annabelle Greenway (9th Grade, Exhibit)
Honorable Mention - Om Patel, Chaatwik Nettem, Hari Kumar (10th Grade, Documentary)
All 6 of the above students have advanced to the State Competition.
ORDER YOUR MUSTANGS GEAR FROM “THE DERBY”
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.
SHS BOYS LACROSSE FUNDRAISER - PURCHASE SGT. CLEAN CAR WASHES
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.
HUDL TV BROADCASTS - UTILIZE PROMO CODES FOR DISCOUNTED PRICES TO WATCH SCS ATHLETIC EVENTS
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!
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
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
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March Business Luncheon
“State of the City Address”
Presented by Thomas P. Perciak, Mayor - City of Strongsville
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
11:15am* - 1:00pm
(*please note the start time adjustment)
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members $30/pp
Registration Opens Wednesday, February 19, 2025
82nd Annual Strongsville Homecoming Festival
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 - Saturday, July 26, 2025
Strongsville Library
Please note the following March 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
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.
School Age Chess Workshop. Ages 8 - 10. Saturday, March 15th / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Join National Chess Expert, Damon Rucker to learn about the ins and outs of chess, chess strategy, and tactics! This class will teach students to love and excel at the game of chess. This program involves teaching kids the rules, strategies, and tactics of the game through structured, interactive lessons and practice sessions. Additionally, the social interaction and camaraderie during games contribute to the overall growth and cognitive development of children. Time allowing, the program will also include a tournament to foster healthy competition and critical thinking skills.
The Florist of Millionaire's Row. Monday, March 17th / 7:00 p.m. Explore the rich history of gardening through the life of Ella Grant Wilson, the celebrated Florist of Millionaires Row. Known for her exceptional work with Cleveland’s elite, Ella was instrumental in shaping horticultural practices of her time. This engaging talk blends her gardening expertise with her legacy as a pro-women advocate. Presented by the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Digital Navigator Appointments. Tuesday, March 18th / 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. OR Wednesday, March 19th / 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. OR Friday, March 21st / 10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch. Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help you – or someone you know – connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more.
Teen Sewing Basics. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, March 18th / 6:30 -8:00 p.m. Learn the basic parts and functions of a machine, practice basic stitches, and make a fun project! All materials and equipment are provided. No prior experience necessary. 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.
Blow off some S.T.E.A.M. After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, March 19th / 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ignite your curiosity and creativity through this exploration of all things STEAM. Discover the elements of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through hands on activities and exploration. Boost your problem solving and teamwork skills in this program.
Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, March 19th / 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 The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.
School Age Craft: Yarn Art. Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, March 20th / 5:30 -7:00 p.m. Try something new! Relax after school and get tangled up in this art project.
From Author's Mind to Library Shelves. Thursday, March 20th / 7:00 p.m. Join bestselling author, Julie Anne Hatcher, to get an insider's look at the book industry! She will pull back the industry curtain for a peek into the processes at work behind the scenes! From story concept to publication, you'll get an insider's look at the industry we love. Julie Hatcher is an award-winning and bestselling author of mystery and romantic suspense. She has published more than fifty novels under multiple pen names since her debut in 2013.Writing as Julie Anne Lindsey, Hatcher has earned many accolades for her work. Book sales and signing to follow.
Blood Drive. Friday, March 21st / 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).
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, March 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 Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. March 29th / 10:00 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.
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