Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2024-25 Vol. 9, Iss. 26)
60 SECONDS WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
Currently, our District serves students with moderate and intensive (M/I) needs at Chapman and Surrarrer Elementary Schools. In an effort to provide more M/I students with the opportunity to attend their home school, our District will be adding M/I classrooms at Muraski Elementary for the 2025-26 school year. Click HERE to learn more about the benefits and positive impact of having M/I classrooms at our elementary schools.
SHS SWIMMERS & DIVER COMPETE AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP MEET
Two Mustang Swimmers and one Diver competed at last weekend’s OHSAA State Championship Meet. Myla Rose, the Mustangs lone qualifier for diving, finished 25th in the state!
Owen Weiss and Estelle Friedrich represented Strongsville swimming at the state meet. Owen finished 18th in the 200M Free and 27th in the 500M Free. Owen missed the finals of the 200M Free at the state meet by .07. Estelle placed 32nd in the 500M Free. Both Owen and Estelle were 3 time state qualifiers during their swimming career at SHS.
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 SENIOR CHLOE WEILAND EARNS FULL PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP TO WALSH UNIVERSITY
Congratulations to SHS Senior Chloe Weiland, who is in the Dental Assisting program at Polaris. Chole has been awarded the Walsh University Presidential Honors Scholarship - a FULL tuition scholarship! She plans to attend Walsh University this fall, majoring in Biology and Pre-Dental, with her sights set on becoming a dentist.
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.
WHITNEY 2ND GRADERS RECEIVE POSTCARDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Mrs. Bova, Mrs. Laux, and Mrs. McKinley, 2nd grade teachers at Whitney, have been working with students on building awareness of the world around them. This is the second year the teachers have brought the “Hearts Around America” project to their students. Students have reached out to family and friends to gather Valentine’s cards. Through the power of social media, the hallway outside of their classrooms has been transformed into a mural of cards. To date, Whitney has received 144 cards from 34 states and 15 countries (Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Scotland, U.K, Netherland, Germany, Italy, Uganda, U.A.E, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Australia, India). California is the farthest state and Australia is the farthest country to have sent cards to students. In the process, they are learning state abbreviations and also working with Mrs. Lewis in the Media Center to create presentations with quick facts and images about the states and countries that have connected with Whitney.
MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT - KATIE MUST, INTERVENTION SPECIALIST AT MURASKI ELEMENTARY
Ms. Katie Must is in her first year as an Intervention Specialist at Muraski Elementary. Ms. Must has also worked as a long-term substitute at both Surrarrer Elementary and Strongsville Middle School. She earned her undergraduate degree in Special Education from the University of Akron. Mr. Griffen, Principal at Muraski, had this to say about her: “Ms. Must works with our 4th and 5th grade students with Special Needs at Muraski, but she provides support for so much more. Ms. Must is dedicated, kind, and supportive of all students, making it a priority not only to teach students academic skills and content, but also support their social emotional learning. She has a positive attitude, is flexible, and makes Muraski a better place.”
Ms. Must says, “I love watching my students grow in their learning, as well as their social relationships, throughout the school year. Seeing my students gain confidence in themselves academically and emotionally is so rewarding! I love how supportive everyone is of one another at Muraski - students and teachers included. As soon as I walked into Muraski for the first time, I felt comfortable and at home here.”
Thank you Ms. Must for your dedication to the students at Muraski! #ModelMustang
”BUILD-HER” EVENT AT POLARIS - EMPOWERING GIRLS IN CONSTRUCTION
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 TOMORROW (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.
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS GOLF CAMP
Join SHS golf coaches and student-athletes at the upcoming middle school boys golf club for boys in grades 5th - 8th grades taking place in April and May (see schedule below) at Columbia Hills Country Club (16200 E. River Rd. / Columbia Station). 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. 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.
Golf Camp Schedule*:
Wednesdays - April 30, May 7, May 14, May 21 (6:00pm - 7:15pm)
Sundays - April 27, May 4, May 18 (5:00pm - 6:15 pm)
Monday, May 19 (5:00pm - 7:00pm)
* Schedule is subject to change due to weather or conflicts with the country club.
Click HERE for additional information and to register for the upcoming camp.
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). 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!
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
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
Don’t miss sign ups for youth baseball, softball, and t-ball happening now through March 11th. Summer leagues are for ages 4-18. Register at strongsville.activityreg.com. Click HERE for additional information.
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 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.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Saturday, March 1st or March 29th / 10:00 a.m. VIRTUAL or Monday, March 10th / 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.
Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Teens Grades 6 - 12. Monday, March 3rd / 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Do you like to craft? Do you know how to knit, crochet, or hand sew? Bring your own project and come hang out with other teens who also love to make things! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
Young at Heart. Tuesday, March 4th / 7:00 p.m. A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson. No registration. Everyone Welcome!
Meet the Author Susanna Kearsley. Tuesday, March 4th / 7:00 p.m. Join us when author Susanna Kearsley visits to discuss her latest historical novel, The King's Messenger. New York Times, and USA Today and Globe and Mail bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, often in twin-stranded stories that interweave present and past. Her award-winning novels are published in translation in more than 25 countries. She lives near Toronto. Registration for this event is FREE. VIP tickets are also available for purchase. Each VIP ticket ($30) includes: A copy of The King's Messenger; VIP seating at the event; Signing line priority; A donation to the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation. Additional books will be available for purchase courtesy of Mac's Backs - Books on Coventry. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations for individuals with hearing, visual or mobility impairments, please email events@cuyahogalibrary.org. To purchase VIP tickets go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/susanna-kearsley-vip-ticket-tickets-1056633111079? aff=oddtdtcreator
Technology Training Class:
Illustrator Basics. Wednesday, March 5th / 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. The Library offers FREE computer classes that cover digital literacy basics, Windows, Microsoft Office programs, digital imaging and cloud computing. Design a logo using the various shape, drawing and text tools available in Adobe Illustrator.
Planning a Universal Orlando/Epic Universe Vacation. Wednesday, March 5th / 7:00 p.m. Universal Orlando Resort, known for its parks - Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay water park, will be adding a 4th park in 2025, Epic Universe. This new park will bring to life popular franchises in 5 distinct worlds: Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Island of Berk and Celestial Park. Travel advisor, Karli Keene, will discuss vacation planning for Universal including hotels, ticket types, packages, parks, itinerary planning and more. Karli is an affiliate of ET Family Travel Agency, an award-winning, Universal Orlando Resort U-Preferred Platinum travel agency.
Kindergarten Countdown: Making Choices. For those entering Kindergarten in the Fall with a Caregiver. Friday, March 7th / 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 making choices.
Toddler Sensory Art Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, March 14th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Engage your little one’s senses, develop skills, and build brain connections though open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.
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.
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