Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 31)

Inspiring and Empowering Today's Learners to Build Tomorrow's Leaders.
In This Issue - April 17, 2026
Important Dates to Remember
Get the Latest Information About the SCS Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan at scsmustangs.org/f4f
Financial Fast Facts Newsletter
Muraski 2nd Grade Students Make an Impact Through Service Learning Project Benefiting Strongsville Food Bank
SHS Junior Ben Hocevar Qualifies for Business Professionals of America National Competition
Mustang Spotlight - Kaitlin Richards & Bridget Smith, M/I Intervention Specialists at Muraski
Listen to the Latest Episode of the “Mustang Talks” Podcast
SCS ‘Foundation for the Future’ Community Town Hall is Available On Demand
Tri-M Talent Show at SHS - Saturday, April 18
Nine SHS Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on Signing Day
Virtual Parent Meeting - “Sexuality and Children with Disabilities” - Tuesday, April 28
ParentSquare Transition Begins June 1st
Summer Learning Opportunities (Grades 9-12)
New Feedback Link at www.scsmustangs.org
SCS Featured Job Postings - Join Our Team!
Livestream Mustang Athletics for FREE
Right at School
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Community Events
Important Dates to Remember
Thursday, April 23 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
SHS Science Night
Strongsville High School
Strongsville Board of Education Meeting - Work Session*
SCS Administrative Offices (18199 Cook Ave.)
* SCS Board of Education Meetings are live streamed HERE
Saturday, April 25 - 7:00pm SHS Teen Idol
Strongsville High School Auditorium
Who will be named this year’s “Teen Idol” in this annual singing competition?
This Week's Poll Question - HAPPY EARTH DAY (April 22)!
What is your favorite way to connect with nature?
Last Week's Poll Question: "What is your favorite sign of Spring?"
70% Responded "Warmer Weather"
18% Responded "Flowers Blooming"
7% Responded "Birds Returning"
5% Responded "Snow Disappearing"
SCS Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan
GET THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCS FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE FACILITIES PLAN AT SCSMUSTANGS.ORG/F4F
Strongsville City Schools has launched a webpage to provide families and community members with clear, factual information about our District’s long-range elementary facilities plan - the Foundation for the Future Facilities Plan - which is under consideration for the May 5, 2026 ballot.
This webpage (scsmustangs.org/f4f) offers an overview of the planning process, background information, and now includes drafts of the layouts of the buildings that will potentially be constructed at the Albion, Chapman, and Surrarrer properties. Also, you can find a PDF of our most Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of the page. If you have a question that is not on the list, just share it with us at feedback@scsmustangs.org.
Family Science Night - Thursday, April 23 / 6-8pm at Strongsville High School
Financial Fast Facts Newsletter
Click HERE for this month's edition of the Financial Fast Facts Newsletter from our District's Treasurer, Mr. George Anagnostou. Over the last two school years, as part of our District's strategic plan, we have created monthly Financial Fast Facts to keep our community informed about Strongsville City Schools' finances. Past Financial Fast Facts can be found HERE.
This month’s newsletter features details about our District's February 2026 Financial Update. Since our District's fiscal year runs from July through June, February represents the completion of 66.67% (8 out of 12 months) of our fiscal year. This newsletter also answers a community question about our Bond Issue on the May 5 ballot.
Foundation for the Future - Open House at Chapman Elementary - Thurs. April 30
Muraski 2nd Graders Make an Impact Through Donations to Strongsville Food Bank
Our 2nd grade students at Muraski Elementary have made a real difference in our community! Inspired by the compassionate legacy of Clara Barton and her work during the U.S. Civil War, our students collaborated to organize a collection for the Strongsville Food Bank.
Through this service learning project, our 2nd graders experienced firsthand the impact of helping others - just like the American Red Cross continues to do today. This project perfectly embodies three of our Model Mustang Competencies: being Global, Empowered, and Collaborative. We're so proud of our students for showing such compassion and community spirit!
SHS Junior Ben Hocevar - Business Professionals of America National Qualifier
SHS 11th grade Polaris student Ben Hocevar was among eight students from Polaris Career Center's Business Professional & Office Technology program to earn top honors at the Ohio Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference. Ben placed 4th in Intermediate Word Processing in this state competition. By finishing in one of the top spots in his category, Ben advances to the 2026 BPA National Leadership Conference in Nashville (May 6–10, 2026). Also competing at this state competition with Polaris were Strongsville Juniors Christian Schulz and Rohan Saini. Christian and Rohan finished 8th in the Global Marketing Team category.
Mustang Spotlight - Kaitlin Richards & Bridget Smith, Muraski Elementary
Kaitlin Richards and Bridget Smith are M/I Intervention Specialists at Muraski Elementary. Both have been in education for a few years, but this is their first year working in Strongsville City Schools. Mike Griffen, Principal at Muraski says this about Kaitlin and Bridget: “Both have been great additions to the Muraski staff, working hard to provide accessible and inclusive learning opportunities for our students with special needs. They are team players who have worked extremely hard to help our new programming at Muraski be very successful.
Kaitlin earned her undergraduate degree from Kent State University and is working on her Master’s Degree. Bridget earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Akron and her graduate degree from Bowling Green State University.
What do you like best about working with our students?
Kaitlin: “The best part about working with my students is watching them discover new skills every day and seeing them develop their own personality.”
Bridget: “I learn just as much from my students as they do from me. There are so many learning experiences we share as a classroom community. Having them show me what they need to be the most successful is a valuable experience that encourages my growth as an educator and builds our relationship.”
What do you like best about your role in our District?
Kaitlin: “What I like best about my job is the strong sense of collaboration and inclusion. Strongsville as a whole is a very supportive and team-oriented environment. Muraski has welcomed Miss Smith and me, along with our students, with open arms. It truly is an amazing place to work and to promote inclusion.”
Bridget: “I felt welcomed from the first day. The staff at Muraski will go out of their way to help you. I have been given all the tools I need to be successful, especially when starting in a new district - and that is thanks to the supportive team I work with every day.”
Thank you Kaitlin & Bridget for your continued work and creating a positive learning environment for your students at Muraski! #ModelMustang
Coffee & Conversation with SCS Board Members Richard Micko & Eric Wahl
Listen to the Latest Episode of the “Mustang Talks” Podcast
SHS Seniors Sophia Alfred and Emily Roueiheb are the creators of the “Mustang Talks” podcast. Click HERE to listen to their latest episode, where they interviewed several guests at the recent Model Mustang Experience event!
SCS ‘Foundation for the Future’ Community Town Hall is Available On Demand
This week, our District held a Community Town Hall that provided information about our Foundation for the Future facilities plan, which will appear on the May 5th ballot. If you were unable to attend the Town Hall, you can view a recording of the event HERE.
Tri-M Talent Show at SHS - TOMORROW (Saturday, April 18)
The Strongsville High School Tri-M Music Honor Society is happy to present the first ever Strongsville High School Talent Show! The show will be in the High School Auditorium TOMORROW (Saturday, April 18th) at 7:00pm and will showcase Strongsville students' diverse talents. No tickets are required, but donations are accepted. Come support and show your Mustang pride at this year's Talent Show!
Nine SHS Student-Athletes Make College Commitments on Signing Day
Congratulations to the following Strongsville High School student-athletes who announced their college commitments in a Signing Day event at SHS this week. These individuals will be continuing their academic and athletic careers at the college/university level:
Braelin Dally - Southwestern College (Football)
Alex Espay - Southwestern College (Football) *not pictured
Addison Heidenhoffer - Baldwin Wallace University (Softball)
Stacey Mraz - Centenary University (Basketball)
Jeramiah Petite - Lake Erie College (Football)
Michael Rusinko - Case Western Reserve University (Wrestling)
Kylee Sanuk - Miami University (Dance Team)
Greg Sisamis - Heidelberg University (Soccer)
Luke Slonaker - Baldwin Wallace University (Volleyball)
Strongsville Athletic Boosters Golf Outing - Friday, June 26th
Virtual Parent Meeting - “Sexuality & Children with Disabilities” - Tues. 4/28
Please join us for a virtual parent meeting on "Sexuality and Children with Disabilities." The meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28th from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. Katerine Antall, Human Sexuality Specialist from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be the featured presenter. To register, please email Teresa Karsnak at tkarsnak@scsmustangs.org by April 27th. A ZOOM link for the presentation will be sent to those who register.
ParentSquare Transition Begins June 1st
Starting Monday, June 1st, our district will begin using ParentSquare as our main communication tool instead of Remind. Remind will still be used through the end of this school year for class and group messages, but for summer classes, student groups, and teams may begin moving to ParentSquare during May. You may receive messages in Remind from your student’s teacher, coach, or advisor with directions for moving to ParentSquare. If you have questions, please contact Dave Binkley at (dbinkley@scsmustangs.org).
Strongsville Lacrosse - Register Now for Youth Teams
SHS Holiday Craft Fair - Vendors Wanted
Summer Learning Opportunities (Grades 9-12)
High School Credit Advancement - Physical Education/Health, Financial Literacy, Economics
Online physical education, health, financial literacy, and economics classes will be offered to qualifying students. Classes are asynchronous with required in-person orientation at SHS on June 3 at 9:00AM and final exams on June 29th and/or 30th. Registration will be open from Monday, April 13th - Friday, May 15th. The cost is $175/class and students may take a maximum of 2 courses. Registration and additional information can be found under the 'Find It Fast' tab at scsmustangs.org.
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. All students must also attend orientation at SHS on June 3rd at 10:00AM. Classes are $100/semester course. Online registration will be open from Monday, April 13th through Friday, May 29th.
Click Here for Additional Information on Both Summer Learning Programs
SMS Boys Golf Skills Clinics
2026 SHS Lady Mustang Soccer Elite Camp
New Feedback Link at www.scsmustangs.org
There’s a new feedback link at the bottom of our District’s webpage.
If you have questions, comments, or feedback about our website or about SCS in general - send an email to
feedback@scsmustangs.org
SCS Featured Job Postings - Join Our Team!
Strongsville City Schools is looking for our next great team members! We are currently hiring for several positions in our District, including: Substitute - Bus Aide. Additional specifics for this role - Hours Available: 6:00 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. & 1:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Requirements: Must obtain an Aide Permit ($25 fee) from OHID. You will receive required training and a ride-along for orientation.
Substitutes will be notified in advance when coverage is needed. If you are interested in supporting students and being part of a great transportation team, please contact us (440.572.7060) for more information or apply on our website HERE.
You can see a full listing of available jobs in our District HERE.
Livestream Mustang Athletics for FREE!
Thanks to the support of generous partners (see list below), FREE livestreaming has returned to SCS Athletics! Not only is it free, but coverage has doubled thanks to the addition of SMS livestreams. To tune in, fans can watch HERE or download the HUDL Fan app and search for Strongsville High School. The venues that will have events livestreamed include: Pat Catan Stadium (SHS), SHS Main Gymnasium, Serpentini Field at SMS, and SMS Main Gymnasium (not the back gymnasium).
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 Camps
Join your friends at Head Start Basketball Camp for our 34th 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 8-12, 2026 – Boys and Girls currently in grades 1-6 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm
June 15-19, 2026 – Boys currently in grades 1-6 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm
June 22-26, 2026 – Girls currently in grades 1-6 - 1:00 - 4:00 pm
July 6-10, 2026 – 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
Strongsville Historical Society - History of the Western Reserve In partnership with the Strongsville Library and the Strongsville Historical Society, the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center will discuss the fascinating history of the region and present some of the rarest treasures in the Western Reserve Historical Society’s collection. This presentation is part of the Strongsville Historical Society’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence – America250.
What: History of the Western Reserve
When: April 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Strongsville Branch Library (18700 Westwood Dr., Strongsville, OH)
Founded in 1962, the Strongsville Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the stories, artifacts, and traditions that define the community’s past. Through educational programs, events, and stewardship of the Historic Village, the Society works to ensure that Strongsville’s history remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.
The Strongsville Historical Village is available for tours every Wednesday April through October 10 a.m.-2 p.m. No reservations are needed. Each tour is approximately 90 minutes. Group tours are available by appointment – call (440) 572-0057 or email strongsvillehistoricaltours@gmail.com to schedule a group tour.
The Strongsville Historical Society & Village invites you to become a member, become a sponsor of our programs and events, or donate. Learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society & Village at www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org.
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 May programming and 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
April Business Luncheon
“State of the Schools” Presentation
SCS Superintendent Dr. Cameron Ryba
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
11:30am – 1:00pm
Members: $25/pp, Non-Members: $30/pp
Strongsville Library
Please note the following April 2026 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.
How to Multiply and Divide Perennials to Gain Free Plants. Monday, April 20th / 7:00 p.m. Shocked at the price of new perennial garden centers this year? Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will help you fight inflation by teaching you how to create new plants from those you already own. This presentation will focus on when and how to divide perennials, how to grow new plants from cuttings, propagating by "layering" and how to store and harvest your own seeds. Your garden and pocketbook will thank you for increasing your plant numbers without spending a dime.
Teen Tech: Scratch Coding. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, April 21st / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Learn about Scratch and code and design your own game! 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.
What's "Cooking" After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, April 22nd / 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This month’s culinary creation will be - Spring Rolls. Registration is required. Spaces are limited. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate, you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form.
A Brief History of the Western Reserve. Wednesday, April 22nd / 7:00 p.m. In partnership with the Strongsville Branch Library and the Strongsville Historical Society, the Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center (Speaker TBD) will discuss the fascinating history of the region and present some of the rarest treasures in the Western Reserve Historical Society's collection. This presentation is part of the Strongsville Historical Society’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, April 27th / 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 Lion Women of Tehran: A Novel by Marjan Kamali. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Meet Author Amity Gaige. Wednesday, April 29th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Amity Gaige visits to discuss her latest novel, Heartwood: a Novel. Registration for this event is FREE. VIP tickets are also available for purchase. Each VIP ticket ($20+fees) includes: A paperback copy of Heartwood, VIP seating at the event, signing line priority, and a donation to the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation. To register for VIP, please visit Amity Gaige VIP Ticket Tickets, Wed, Apr 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite For the free seating, registration is on our website or call (440) 238-5530.
Play, Learn, & Grow. Ages 1 - 3 with an adult caregiver. Thursday, April 30th / 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Boost your toddler’s brain through play! Join us for a 5-week series and connect with your kids, community experts, and other families, plus get information about your growing child.
67 Book Club. Grades 3 - 5. Thursday, April 30th / 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Lock in, chat. Forget brain rot! Instead, pick up a book at the library beginning the 1st of each month and join us in discussion and a light snack. Registration is required. Our next discussion title will be A Boy Called Bat by Elana K Arnold.
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