We are in full swing! a message from the Principal
September is here and we have much to be thankful for! We have had a stellar start to the 2023/2024 school year and much of that can be attributed to the support our students have from each and every one of you. Thanks for your support, open lines of communication, and willingness to go above and beyond for your child. Please remember to check out the BIG BOARD (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ibR1mZ4kLkWN9BHBQCgRW75sv8fii6T6tL5sBR_ecw/pubhtml) for all “big” assignments each week. If you ever have questions regarding anything with your child’s classes, please reach out directly to the teacher. Have a great month and don’t forget you can visit our website (www.solon.k12.ia.us/o/shs) for all things Solon High School. Both Dawn and Jacquie are in the office Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Zach Wigle
Check PowerSchool
Please double check PowerSchool (https://solon.powerschool.com/public/) every week to see grade updates, attendance by class, and more!
Activity Passes
It is not too late to purchase 23-24 activity passes. Activity passes are good for all home sporting events at Solon Middle School and Solon High School. Having a pass not only saves you money, it gets you through the gate faster. Please contact Dawn Fisher or Casey Hack in the High School office if you have any questions or would like to purchase passes.
Class schedule
for this year
Regular day
8:00 a.m.-8:35 a.m. ZERO block
8:35 a.m.-9:55 a.m. 1st block
9:55 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Passing time
10:00 a.m.-11:20 a.m. 2nd block
11:25 a.m.-11:45 a.m. SEMINAR
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m.-1:50 p.m. 3rd block
1:50 p.m.-1:55 p.m. Passing time
1:55 p.m.-3:15 p.m. 4th block
Early dismissal
8:00 a.m.-8:35 a.m. ZERO block
8:35 a.m.-9:25 a.m. 1st block
9:25 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Passing time
9:30 a.m.-10:20 a.m. 2nd block
10:20 a.m.-10:25 a.m. Passing time
10:25 a.m.-11:05 a.m. Character Strong
11:05 a.m.-11:10 a.m. Passing time
11:10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 3rd block
12:00 p.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m.-1:35 p.m. 4th block
2-hour late start
10:00 a.m.-10:25 a.m. ZERO block
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 1st block
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Lunch
12:20 p.m.-1:20 p.m. 2nd block
1:25 p.m.-2:25 p.m. 3rd block
2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 4th block
Dates to add to your calendar
Thursday, Sept. 7, 14, 21, and 28 – Early dismissals
Wednesday, Sept. 13 – ICAP morning (special schedule with details will be emailed separately)
Thursday, Sept. 21 – Parent/Teacher Conferences
Monday, Sept. 25-Friday, Sept. 29 – Homecoming Week
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Homecoming Dance, 8:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. at the high school
Post Prom…it’s never too early!
Class of 2024 parents interested in helping with post prom this year, please sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAlpQLSdK9CbSjdSOJZcZWBgzq5e5XR6Xrz7hH3kNw4amyWhyTcmuOQ/viewform.
Media Center news
Welcome back to the SHS library! Just a few things to keep in mind as we look forward to a great year.
Circulation:
• Students can check out up to two books at a time for a two week time period.
• Books can be renewed for an additional two weeks if no one has placed the book on hold.
• Overdue notices will be emailed to students once a month for them to take home.
Lost or damaged books:
• Lose a book? No worries, just contact the media center and we will let you know what to do next. Generally there is a $15 replacement fee per book, or a replacement copy can be purchased from a bookseller of your choice.
If you have any questions about the SHS library, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can access our library online at https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/scsdlibraries/. The best way to contact me is through email at [email protected].
From the Counseling Office
Mike Thompson, Solon HS Counselor
Phone — 319-624-3401, extension 1117
Email — [email protected]
Website – https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/solon-hs-counseling/home
Katie Anderson, College and Career Transition Counselor
Phone – 319-624-3401, extension 1116
Email – [email protected]
To schedule an appointment – https://calendly.com/katie-anderson-3/30min
Social/Emotional Learning – The start of the school year can be an exciting time for students, families, and teaching staff. For some students however, the start of the year can bring feelings of sadness and anxiety. Each new school year means a new transition experience for all of us. If your child is experiencing any negative emotions, please reach out. I am here to help in any way I can. – Mike Thompson.
Career exploration and information – Last school year, the Solon CSD purchased Xello (https://xello.world/en/), a Career Information System that we use to assist our students with their career exploration and post-secondary preparation. Xello has already proven to be a valuable tool for our ICAP Programming. Look for more information about Xello in the coming months.
Work-based learning experience: Job Shadows and Internships
Job Shadows – Current seniors, juniors, and sophomores are eligible to participate in the Workplace Learning Connections (WLC) fall 2023 Job Shadow Program. WLC is offering three job shadow opportunities to our students. Both in-person and virtual opportunities available. The application portal for Job Shadow No.1 is currently open. Go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tRQuZiZEmGexRddNi1JQoEQulkE9jRJR/view#1%20opportunities &w=w7227100731&i=&l=l-2016627463 to see the job shadow opportunities available. For information on how to apply go to www.kirkwood.eud/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/job-shadows-fall/how-to-apply. Applications are due Friday, Sept. 22 at 3:00 p.m. The next job shadow application window will be open Nov. 6-17 at 3:00 p.m.
Internships – WLC’s internship program is transitioning from a high school credit course to a dual-credit course. Some of the basic changes are listed below. Additional information can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x CbQxhqAp4HN75kOEcI0AqyPl6VOfbPxVIKrl8go3fA/edit.
Some things remain the same:
• Students will apply through the online portal at the same times as before. The application process has not changed.
• Students still interview for the opportunity.
• Students still attend three mandatory meetings.
• The content of those meetings will change slightly during the school year because materials have been updated.
• The meeting and workbook content still covers professional skills in areas of professionalism, social awareness, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
• Students will complete the workbook.
• The content of the workbook will change slightly due to updated materials.
• Students will still complete an online survey after the internship is complete.
Some things have changed:
• Internships are now dual credit meaning students will receive both high school and college credit upon successful completion of the internship.
• Schools and students will have to comply with registration. Assistance is available.
• In the past, internships were offered once in the fall, twice during 2nd semester, and in the summer. NOW internships are offered during 1st semester, 2nd semester, or summer.
Post-Secondary information
It’s College Admissions Season! College admissions representatives visit Solon HS to visit with prospective students. Visiting with an admissions representative is a great way to begin to explore schools that will offer the training needed to reach career goals.
Representatives will meet with prospective students in the School Counseling Suite (Room 101).
September
Monday, Sept. 11 – Simpson College (11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), Admissions Counselor Kimberly Roberts
Wednesday, Sept. 27 – Cornell College (11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m.), Admissions Counselor Maia Augustine
Thursday, Sept. 28 – Iowa State University (11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Admissions Counselor Cole Westphal
October
Wednesday, October 11 – Northwest Iowa Community College (11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Admissions Counselor Ashley Peters
Monday, October 23 – Iowa Central Community College (11:25 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), Admissions Counselor Ashlyn Craven
Go to https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/solon-hs-counseling/post-secondary-visit-schedule for the most up-to-date information on college representatives visiting SHS.
Activities Schedule
For all things activity related, go to https://wamacconference.org/public/genie/150/school/12/ to find schedules, locations, dates, and times. Any questions can be directed to Casey Hack, district Activities Director, [email protected].