The Muraski Tribune: Issue 9

It is hard to believe, but we are already almost a quarter of the way through the school year. This means routines have been established, expectations for the classroom and school have been taught and reviewed multiple times, and learning and instruction are full steam ahead. These next few weeks are often chaotic, as they are busy and full of various events, whether it be school related, extracurricular, or just for fun, but also increased demands; just walking into Costco shows you that holiday preparation is right around the corner. But, please remember to focus on what's important, time for your family, time for yourself, and time for what you prioritize at home.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Mike Griffen

On Friday, October 31st, our students will have the opportunity to celebrate Halloween with classroom parties, wearing costumes, and a parade. Below is information about the parade, parties, and costume guidelines. This information will also be shared in the newsletter that will be sent out this weekend.

Costume Guidelines: Students are invited to wear costumes on October 31st, but please remember that dressing up is always optional.

• It is recommended that students come to school dressed in their costumes.

• There isn’t time provided to change into costumes nor are adults available to assist them.

• Students must be able to independently manage their costume, participating in classroom activities, including encore, recess, and lunch.

Costume Rules:

• Head/Face Coverings can be worn during the parade, but ARE NOT permitted at any other time during the school day.

• No inflatable costumes - these are very difficult to manage for our students in walking in the parade and engaging in the parties/activities.

• No costumes or face paint that depict blood or gore in any manner. Face paint that is related to the costume and doesn’t depict blood or gore is appropriate in moderation.

• No weapons (swords, guns, etc.) or objects that look like weapons are permitted at school.

• Attire should be school appropriate and meet our guidelines for dress code.

• Props, like wands, are allowed, but must fit inside the book bag for easy transport to and from school.

Parade Plan:

All students, K-5, will participate in a parade where they walk the exterior of the building, on the sidewalk. Parents are welcome to line the sidewalk to see their children walk in the parade. Our Half Day Kindergarten students will do their own parade within the school at a time shared by Ms. Kavinsky.

• The Parade will start promptly at 2:20pm and end between 2:30-2:40pm

• Parents are invited to line the sidewalks all around the building starting between 1:45 and 2:00pm.

• Students will walk the exterior of the building twice, looping around and then entering the door that they exit.

• See the direction of the parade and map in the image above

• A plan for inclement weather will be shared in the event there is rain. In is To Be Determined if there will be a plan for an indoor parade.

Party Plans:

Immediately after the parade, students will enjoy a party from 2:30-3:15pm. Parties will be planned by PTA Room Parents. Guidelines are below:

• 4 Parents in addition to the head room parent are permitted in classrooms for the parties. Volunteers should have been established by room parents.

• The room parent is responsible for organizing the food/drink for the party. They have given specific information about the allergies in each classroom and will ensure that any food/drink meets the criteria for allergies in each specific classroom.

• Students will enjoy fun activities and games planned by the head room parent with the goal of including all students in the fun.

Below, you will find information related to everything you need to know about Food Services, Breakfast & Lunch at Muraski and links that you will need to access.

Breakfast Prices: $2.00

Lunch Prices: $3.00

IMPORTANT: If you are a family that could utilize assistance for free or reduced lunch, please see that link below and fill out the necessary forms.

Policy for Free & Reduced Lunch

Free & Reduced Lunch Application Instructions

Free & Reduced Lunch Application

Pay Schools Parent Guide

Pay Schools Link

Shared Food Guidelines

Fax Line

Attendance Line

Bus Transportation

Counseling Office

Clinic

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:
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.

Blood Drives. Wednesday, October 1st / 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. AND Friday, October 17th / 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).

Kindergarten Countdown: Sorting and Patterns. For Children entering Kindergarten next Fall & a Caregiver. Friday, October 3rd / 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 sorting and patterns.

Digital Navigator at Strongsville Branch. Monday, October 6th AND Tuesday, October 7th from 12:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Call us at 216.749.9420 to make an appointment with one of our Digital Navigators at a CCPL branch.

Teen Knit & Crochet Club. Grades 6 - 12. Monday, October 6th / 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Do you like to craft? Do you know how to knit, crochet, or hand sew? Join us in the TEEN SPACE and bring your own project to hang out with other teens who also love to make things! NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

Technology Training Class:
Google Sheets. Monday, October 6th / 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Learn how to enter, modify and organize data using Google’s free web-based spreadsheet application. (Please note, a Google account is needed to participate in the class).

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.

Southwest Health Talk: HIPPA Privacy & Practice. Tuesday, October 7th / 1:00 p.m.

Yvonne Wolters, Chief Compliance Officer for Southwest General Health Center, will review the reality of how your health information is shared, such as through a health information exchange, and help you understand your rights to better control the actual use and disclosure of your private health information.

Young at Heart. Tuesday, October 7th / 7:00 p.m.

A book club for adults who love Children's and Teen books. The title for our next discussion is The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. Please call the branch to register.

Yoga Nidra with Sound Bath. Tuesday, October 14th / 11:00 a.m.
An hour of deep relaxation. No yoga experience is necessary. You will lie on the floor and need a yoga mat or large towel; a blanket is suggested to stay warm.

Wednesday Evening Book Discussion. Wednesday, October 15th / 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 Three Days in June by Anne Tyler. Copies of the book will be available for check-out at the circulation desk of the Strongsville Branch Library.

Toddler Sensory & Art Play. Ages 1 - 3 with a Caregiver. Friday, October 17th / 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Engage your little one's senses, develop skills, and build brain connections through open-ended art using a variety of tactile materials.

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.

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.)

School Age Craft: Printmaking. Ages 9 - 11. Thursday, October 30th / 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Create your own printmaking masterpiece to hang in your room or locker by using a plate to transfer your design on to paper.