Mustang Moments
Strongsville City Schools News (2025-26 Vol. 10, Iss. 10)
CHAPMAN 2ND GRADE STUDENTS CELEBRATE THE FALL SEASON READING “PUMPKIN JACK”
At Chapman Elementary, the library staff and second grade teachers teamed up for some fall fun and literature. They read “Pumpkin Jack” by Will Hubble - a story about a young boy who carves a pumpkin for Halloween and then leaves it out in the garden. After watching it decay over the winter he is rewarded with a new pumpkin plant in the spring.
After Mrs. Hocevar (Chapman Media Assistant) read the book to the students, each second grade classroom then set up a “garden” of their own. In it they placed a carved pumpkin to observe over the winter months. Fingers crossed for some gruesome decay - followed by sprouts in the spring!
SHS SOPHOMORE MALLORY KOCH COMPETES AT STATE TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to SHS Sophomore Mallory Koch who became the first Strongsville girls tennis player to qualify for the OHSAA State Tennis Tournament since 1991! Here are some of Mallory’s highlights on her postseason journey:
Mallory finished 2nd in singles at the Sectional Tournament to advance to the District Tournament - not losing a match until the Sectional Final, in which she faced the #1 seed from Hudson
At the District Tournament, Mallory finished 5th to qualify for the State Tournament by defeating players from Green, Avon, and Jackson High School
Mallory was one of 16 Division 1 student-athletes to qualify for the State Tournament, played at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio - one of the premier tennis facilities in the nation and home to the ATP/WTA Cincinnati Open
Mallory finished her season in the first round of the state tournament against last year's State Tournament runner-up from Olentangy Berlin in a 6-3, 6-1 loss. She won the most games off of this opponent during the postseason
Mallory finished the season with a 31-6 record and was the Girls Tennis Player of the Year in the Greater Cleveland Conference. She was also part of the SHS Girls Tennis conference championship team - the first conference championship for Strongsville girls tennis since 1990!
SHS MARCHING MUSTANGS PERFORM AT “THE SHOE” IN COLUMBUS
Congratulations to our “Marching Mustangs!” This past weekend, the talented SHS Marching Band performed at the prestigious Ohio State Buckeye Invitational held at Ohio Stadium (“The Shoe”). They were one of 44 invited high school bands, and had the opportunity to showcase their dedication, precision, and outstanding musical performance on a grand stage!
The Marching Mustangs also had the chance to reconnect with three SHS alumni, who are part of the rich tradition of the Ohio State University band. Shoutout to SHS grads Sean Bauman, who recently dazzled fans by dotting the "I" in the iconic Script Ohio during the Texas game, Michael Trepke (current OSU Band member), and Joey Wyler (SHS and OSU grad and former OSU band member).
What an incredible experience for our Mustangs - honoring tradition, excellence, and Mustang pride all in one unforgettable weekend. Go Mustangs!
VISIT SCSMUSTANGS.ORG - SEE THE REFRESHED LOOK
We’re excited to announce that scsmustangs.org has a fresh new look with updated pages for each individual school. We’ve incorporated valuable feedback from our families and have made improvements to navigation, content clarity, and the overall user experience. We hope you find that it is easier to find the information you are looking for! We invite you to explore the updated pages and will have opportunities for you to share additional feedback in the next few weeks.
SCS “GREET & TREAT” - THU. 10/30
The Strongsville City Schools annual “Greet & Treat” event will be held at Strongsville High School’s Pat Catan Stadium on Thursday, October 30 from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Dress up in your best Halloween costume and collect candy and treats in an outdoor, family-friendly atmosphere. We will also be accepting donations of non-perishable items (especially tuna fish, peanut butter, squeeze jelly, and Macaroni & Cheese) for the Strongsville Food Bank that evening. We hope to see lots of families at this year’s “Greet & Treat” on October 30!
FINANCIAL FAST FACTS - WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE COVERED?
As part of our District's Strategic Plan, SCS Treasurer George Anagnostou has created a monthly “Financial Fast Facts” series. Click HERE to view past Financial Fast Facts topics.
Is there a topic about our District’s finances that you’d like more information about? Would you like to have a specific question answered about finances for Strongsville City Schools? We’d like to hear from you - and will include answers to submitted questions and focus on topics you’d like to know more about in upcoming Financial Fast Facts videos. Click HERE to provide feedback and questions through a brief Google Form survey.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS / SCS NIGHT (SUN. 11/23 AT 6:00PM)
Don’t miss a special Strongsville City Schools Night with the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The Cavs battle the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, November 23 - Tip off is at 6:00pm. For families that purchase tickets, SCS students will be entered into a drawing to be part of special events that evening. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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 the following positions: Substitute Bus Driver, Substitute - Bus Aide
You can see a full listing of available jobs in our District HERE.
#FOREVERAMUSTANG - ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT VIDEOS
Jason Hoag (Class of 2001) is a Top 500 Realtor in our area and grew up in the “Christmas Light House” in Chandler Commons. He and his wife have three boys attending school in our District - two at Kinsner and one at SMS. What kinds of experiences and lessons learned while at SHS helped shape his career pathway? Click HERE for his alumni spotlight video.
Do you know an alumni in our Strongsville community (parent, community member, etc.) that would like to be highlighted? Please send an email with the SHS Graduate's name and contact information to dfoust@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
Halloween at Safety Town - Presented by Strongsville Rotary and Strongsville Police
This special Halloween event will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Strongsville Safety Town. Click HERE to register your Kindergarten and 1st Grade students by October 15th. Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Historical Society Trick or Treat - Saturday, October 18
What: Old-Fashioned Safe Trick-or-Treat in the Village
When: October 18 at 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Strongsville Historical Village (13305 Pearl Road)
Strongsville Historical Society is hosting the 17th annual Trick-or-Treat in the Strongsville Historical Village for children ages 6 and younger. Admission is one non-perishable food item or $1 per person donated to the Strongsville Emergency Food Bank.
Children must be accompanied by adults. The “Villagers” will be in costumes appropriate for the ‘wee’ ones. They will be handing out treats (some candy and some prizes) to the costumed guests. This is an opportunity for the younger children to have a safe Halloween in the daytime.
The Strongsville Historical Society and Village invites you to become a member. Various membership levels are available. Please learn more about the Strongsville Historical Society by going to www.strongsvillehistoricalsociety.org. Also, visit and follow our Facebook page for more information.
Trunk or Treat at First Lutheran Church - Saturday, Oct. 25
First Lutheran Church of Strongsville (19419 Royalton Rd.) invites you to our annual Trunk or Treat Event. On Saturday, October 25 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm we encourage you to bring your little ghouls and goblins to show off their awesome costumes and get some wonderful treats. We hope to see you there! Click HERE for the event flyer.
Strongsville Rec Center
Jr. Cavs Winter Youth Basketball League - leagues for K-12th grade. Register NOW. Click HERE for additional information.
“Chess is Fun” Class - This chess class is open to youth ages 6-17. Boost IQ, focus, and strategy skills through fun, interactive lessons, and tournaments. Two sessions are available - taught by national expert Damon Rucker. Click HERE for additional information.
Upcycle Academy - Fashion Pop Up Party - These upcycle 1-day workshops will help kids create their own designs in upcycled wear. Click HERE for additional information.
1-Day Dance Workshop - Are you interested in learning the newest Tik Tok trends or practicing your dance moves for the upcoming school dance? Attend one or both of these upcoming dance workshops to stay up to date with all of the latest dance moves! Click HERE for additional information.
Register for any of these upcoming opportunities at https://strongsville.activityreg.com or by calling 440.580.3260
Strongsville Community Theatre - 5th Annual Scholarship Benefit Show (Tribute to the ‘70’s)
Strongsville Community Theatre (SCT) presents their 5th annual scholarship benefit show on October 24th and 25th - 7pm each night. Join Jim’s Little Big Band and the SCT Singers in a Tribute to the ‘70’s show at the St. Adalbert Keller Center (66 Adelbert St. / Berea). Early Bird Ticket Prices ($40 per person) are on sale now through September 30th. Visit strongsvillecommunitytheatre.com or call 440.879.8817 for reservations and additional event information.
Strongsville Historical Society - Ohio’s History of the Underground Railroad: A Theological Tug of War (Oct. 28)
What: Ohio’s History of the Underground Railroad: A Theological Tug of War
When: October 28 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Strongsville Old Town Hall (18825 Royalton Road)
Herbert Addison Burns will be presenting the “Ohio's History of the Underground Railroad: A Theological Tug of War”. This lecture presents certain underground railroad operatives’ methods of helping fugitive slaves escape to freedom in Ohio. The central theme is the biblical view supporting the establishment of the underground railroad in opposition to gross misinterpretations of biblical scripture supporting chattel slavery. This presentation will add considerable context and background to the role Strongsville residents played in the organization of the Underground Railroad and the movement of escaped slaves through Northeast Ohio to freedom.
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 fall 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
November Business Luncheon
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
11:30am-1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Registration Opens October 15, 2025
Holiday Scholarship Dance
Friday, December 5, 2025
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Encore Event Center (formerly Michaud's)
16808 Pearl Rd.
December Holiday Luncheon
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
11:30am – 1:00pm
Ehrnfelt Rec & Senior Center (18100 Royalton Road)
Registration Opens November 19, 2025
Strongsville Library
Please note the following October 2025 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.
Family Chess Program. Saturday, October 18th / 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! Please register the family as a group not individual family members.
Audio & Video Studio Orientation. Ages 11 & up. Monday, October 20th / 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON or Saturday, October 25th / 10 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.
Southwest Health Talk: Is Lymphedema Just Swelling? Tuesday, October 21st / 10:00 a.m. Lymphedema is a chronic condition that affects millions worldwide, but it’s often misunderstood. Join Joni Paris MSN, Wound Program Coordinator at Southwest General Health Center as she helps us better understand this condition. She will discuss the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and the latest treatment and management options available. This session is for anyone living with lymphedema, caregivers, or those simply looking to learn more.
Teen Craft Night: Meet the Heat Press. Grades 6 - 12. Tuesday, October 21st / 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Come in and make a fun project with our heat press. Learn how it works and have a chance to try it out! 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.
Technology Training Classes:
Internet Basics. Wednesday, October 22nd / 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Learn how to use web browsers and search engines to navigate the internet. Also learn how to stay secure while being online. Prerequisite: Computer Basics or experience using a mouse.
What's "Cooking" After School. Grades 1 - 4. Wednesday, October 22nd / 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This month’s culinary creation will be- Haunted Gingerbread House. Registration 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.
Spooky Little Strollers. Ages 2 & under with Family. Friday, October 24th / 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Join us for a not-so-spooky gathering with stories, songs, and a simple craft. There will also be a stroller parade through the branch. Costumes are encouraged!
National Chemistry Week Program. Grades 2- 6. Saturday, October 25th / 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Come join us for fun, hands on activities that let you get close to the action! Be prepared to get in and get messy. Led by volunteers from the American Chemical Society. Registration required. 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.
Monday Afternoon Book Discussion. Monday, October 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 West with Giraffes by Linda Rutledge Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk.
Heroes & Spies with Julie Koenig. Wednesday, October 29th / 7:00 p.m. British enthusiast and expert, Julie Koenig, will return to share more history in a special presentation on heroes and spies. We will talk about Churchill’s favorite spy, Christine Granville’s intelligence gathering and aiding the rescue of 3 soldiers from the Gestapo. Learn about the unassuming opera loving Cook sisters who helped the Jewish community from persecution in the 1930’s. We will also discuss the contribution to the war efforts as part of the resistance movement in WWII known as the SOE (Special Operations Executive: a British organization formed to conduct espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance in occupied Europe.)
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