Happy fall, SHS families
We are off to a great start here in quarter 2! Please take time to read through all of the information below as it will keep you as up to date as possible with all things Solon High School. As a reminder, the Big Board (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ibR1mZ4vkLKWN9BHBQCgRW75sv8fii6T6tL5sBR_ecw/edit#gid=1270076547) is available for you to view at any time. It is a great resource to ensure you are on the same page as your child regarding assignments each week.
As we shared earlier this year, our district has identified eight skills that we want all students to become proficient in when they walk across that stage every May. Recently our departments selected one of the skills to infuse into the content they teach. They will be working on ways to reinforce, connect, and even assess these skills at times throughout the remainder of the year. We are looking forward to the continued growth your son or daughter will develop in these areas.
Enjoy the month of November! – Zach Wigle, Principal, Solon High School
Solon HS
performance profile
The most recent Iowa School Performance Profile was released, and I am happy to report that SHS saw growth from the 2022 report. If you want to take a look, go to www.iaschoolperformance.gov (select 2023 and enter Solon in the yellow bar). Overall, that magical number of 58.25 (out of 100) was up just over a full point from the 57.15 in 2022 to keep us in the “commendable” category. Growth in math and ELA are weighted the heaviest, and we saw an increase in the raw score in both of those as well compared to 2022. Another area of great growth was in our Conditions for Learning Survey. We went up from 53.47 in 2022 to 57.2 in 2023. Obviously, we still have room for improvement, but overall, it was a positive report.
Dates to add
to your calendar
Early outs – Thursdays, Nov. 9, 16, 21, 30
Veterans Day – Friday, Nov. 10, assembly starting at 11:15 a.m.
NO SCHOOL – Wednesday, Nov. 22-Friday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Break
2-hour late start schedule
10:00-10:25 a.m. – ZERO Block
10:30-11:25 a.m. – 1st Block
11:25-12:10 p.m. – Lunch
12:10-1:05 p.m. – 2nd Block
1:10-2:05 p.m. – 3rd Block
2:10-3:05 p.m. – 4th Block
Parents of juniors, we
need you for Post Prom!
Please sign up (at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAlpQLScc4vRzwKZPFw6yWPVy74B_979Kwlnr5w3umygnSb5kAKtqJw/viewform) to help with post prom. Sign up today and you will be contacted before Thanksgiving Break to get the planning started.
Resources for
families in need
The Salvation Army is distributing Thanksgiving Baskets to provide assistance with receiving a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Call 319-337-3725 for information and to register. Last day to register is Friday, Nov. 10.
The North Liberty Community Pantry is distributing free winter coats until Tuesday, Nov. 21 during the Pantry’s regular shopping hours. Recipients must live in North Liberty or rural Johnson County with proof of address required if not already a Pantry family. Adults who received a coat last year may not be eligible for a coat this year. Children need not be present to receive a coat.
Johnson and Washington Counties assisting families in need with new toys for Christmas
2023 registration dates (for children ages newborn to 15 years old): Nov. 1-Dec. 1
The following information is required to register:
• Photo ID for Head of Household (adult registering children must be adult picking up toys)
• Proof of Date of Birth for each child (birth certificate or medical record)
• Proof of Johnson or Washington County residency (valid address on photo ID, lease, utility bill, mail from a government agency)
Register in person dates/locations
The Salvation Army, 1116 Gilbert Ct., Iowa City – Monday-Friday 9:30-11:45 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 & 30, 9:30-11:45 a.m. & 1:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 18 & 25, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
North Liberty Community Pantry (Nov. 6 – Nov. 11), 89 N. Jones Blvd., North Liberty – Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-Noon, Tuesday & Thursday 3:00-6:00 p.m. Closed on Friday.
Coralville Community Food Pantry (Nov. 14 & 18), 804 13th Ave., Coralville – Tuesday 2:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Or register online at www.saangeltree.org.
Toy pick-up locations – Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty distribution will be during the week of Dec. 11.
Best Buddies has
re-launched!
Solon High School has re-launched Best Buddies. It is the largest organization where people globally aim to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Any Solon High School student is welcome to join Best Buddies.
For more information go to www.bestbuddies.org/iowa/ or reach out to Ivy Nielson, Carol Ann Richards, or Kate Richards.
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 (SEL)
Student Stress/Anxiety and learning – When students experience either stressful situations or anxiety, their thoughts become muddled. They might be less clear in their thinking. My primary role is to assist students with their social/emotional development. And within that role, my number one job is to listen and help students manage stressful and anxious situations (i.e.: see things more clearly). Parents, if you sense your student is a bit more stressed, I want you to know that I can help. You can reach me, Mike Thompson, either by phone or email (above).
Financial Aid planning information
FAFSA – Mrs. Anderson shared the following link – https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filing-out at the senior meeting for ICAP on October 24. Please make sure to create your FSA ID early, at least 3-5 days before you want to fill out the FAFSA. You will not be able to fill out and complete the FAFSA without your FSA ID and your parent’s FSA ID.
As a reminder, you and one parent will need to have an FSA ID in order to complete the FAFSA. Information will be sent out as soon as possible, potentially in early December.
As a heads up, during the January 25 parent/teacher conferences, we will have an ICAN representative here to help students and parents file the FAFSA. You MUST have your FSA ID if you want help from them that evening. More information and a sign-up will be sent out closer to that date.
Scholarship Information – Any scholarship information that comes to the Counseling Office is made available on the Scholarship Page (http://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/solon-hs-counseling/scholarship-information). Scroll to the 2023-2024 Comprehensive Scholarship List. There you will find links to view scholarship information with deadlines in the designated month.
These pages are continually updated, check back frequently to get the latest information.
Fall II Job Shadow Opportunity #2
After a very successful Fall I job shadow launch, the Workplace Learning Connection team is excited to offer our students a NEW Fall II Job Shadow opportunity! Job shadows are open to 10th-12th grade students. Explore the broad array of in-person and virtual shadow opportunities available and find details on how to apply.
• Explore job shadow opportunities at www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index#categories
• Go to www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index to complete the application.
• The application portal will close Friday, Nov. 17 at 3:00 p.m.
For future planning, the next job shadow application portal window will open Jan. 8, 2024 and close Jan. 26, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
Postsecondary
planning information
Spring 2024 college course registration – Students can now register for spring semester college courses at Kirkwood.
• You can now view and request Kirkwood Alternative Concurrent Enrollment classes for the Spring Semester by going to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tLPUyUWbSq-3Zn0AwehQ0WQJdk276BSF/view for a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process. In Dual Enroll, select Spring 2024-Alternative Credit in the drop down menu to view the correct semester.
• Please complete your request in the Dual Enroll system by Thursday, Dec. 21 to still have a chance of getting into the class you would like. See Mrs. Anderson for assistance if you have questions.
Students can now register for Spring 2024 semester college courses at the University of Iowa. For more information about the process of taking a UI course go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWljuRpGshUGvlfdYdFMP738N7KbgBrN/view.
From the Math Team
We repeatedly hear “How will I ever use this?” in our math classes. So, we are looking for your help. How do you use math in your job or at home? Ideally, we’d love for you to submit a short video explaining the real-life math you use, so that we can share this with our students. But, if you are camera shy, we’ll accept an email explanation that we can read to our students. The HS courses cover everything from using percents and proportions to advanced calculus. We are interested in all of these topics. Feel free to share this request with friends and family members as well. We plan to create a library of stories to share in our courses. Please send your info to [email protected].
Thanks in advance for your help! – HS Math Team
Solon Spotlight fundraiser
Families have the option to purchase a poinsettia ($25 each) in honor of a loved one, to decorate the stage for this year’s middle/high school winter concert season. After the conclusion of the concert season Dec. 14, you may take a plant with you to brighten your home this holiday season. All remaining poinsettias will be donated. Forms and payments are due Monday, Nov. 13.
Solon Optimists
essay contest
The Solon Optimists Club is sponsoring an essay contest for a 700-800 word essay on “Optimism: How it connects us” with a potential $2,500 scholarship.
Three local winners will be selected:
Gold Medallion (1st Place), $500
Silver Medallion (2nd Place), $300
Bronze Medallion (3rd Place), $200
Entries are due to Ms. Nielsen by Jan. 29, 2024.
Yearbook baby ad
for seniors
Just a reminder to all senior parents to send senior/baby pictures, preferred ad size, and a special message (optional) to Jacquie at [email protected].
Activities schedules
Go to https://wamacconference.org/public/genie/150/school/12/ for all things activity related (schedules, locations, dates, and times). Any questions can be directed to Casey Hack, district Activities Director at [email protected].