Calendar
Monday, Dec. 11 – 6th-8th grade vocal music concert, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 14 – 5th-6th grade instrumental music concert, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 14 – 7th-12th grade instrumental music concert, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 15 – December assembly, 2:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 21 – Last day of Q2/S1
Friday, Dec. 22 – Winter Break begins
Wednesday, Jan. 3 – Classes resume
Principal’s Note
As we returned on Monday (Nov. 27) the weather left little doubt that December was upon us. I hope you all had safe and enjoyable Thanksgivings. As you know, December is filled with a variety of fun activities for kids – both in and outside the school setting. Among other events, we are especially excited to see our Choir and Band students on stage for their winter concerts the 11th and 14th.
Have a safe and enjoyable December!
Mike Herdliska, Middle School Principal
2023 Model PLC at Work
We received confirmation this week that Solon Middle School has once again been approved as a Model PLC at Work School. This honor acknowledges our staff’s hard work and dedication to the PLC (Professional Learning Community) process.
Our PLC commitment is evident throughout the building at all times of the school year as teachers collaborate in grade level or content area teams, and with our support staff of coaches, interventionist, administration, and Grant Wood AEA staff. Our PLC work is focused on the “4 Questions” –
• What do we want all students to know and be able to do?
• How will we know that they have learned it?
• How will we respond when they do not learn?
• Ho will we extend the learning for students who are already proficient?
As a Model PLC School, we are required to update our achievement data periodically for re-approval. As a result, this recognition not only honors the work of our previous teachers and the authors of our initial application in 2017, but also verifies that we are continuing to work together at a very high level – and our kids are continuing to achieve at high levels.
SOLON SWAP – Give Spartan Spirit!
SHS senior Mia Stahle asks, “Do you have Spartan gear that you no longer use, or that is too small?
“For my NHS project, I am collecting used Solon gear from now until winter break. You may drop items off at any of the schools or at the Booster Club Store – Room 412 in the Community Center. If you have items that you would like me to pick up for the SOLON SWAP please text me at 319-499-7350 or email me at [email protected].
I plan to organize the Solon gear and hold an open house “Solon Swap” event with all of the merchandise collected in January. People can then take what they want at no cost. Those wanting to give a donation toward items should know that any money raised will go to the Solon Food Pantry, to restock their shelves after the holidays. Looking forward to Spartan Spirit being passed on throughout our community.
Happy Holidays and Go Solon!”
Update from the Nurse’s Office
Please remember to keep your child home for 24 hours after fever (without fever-reducing medication), diarrhea, and/or vomiting. If they have symptoms that may impact their ability to remain in the classroom, those symptoms should be improving before they return to school.
Remember to please call the office if you are getting phone calls or texts from your child to come and get them because they are not feeling well.
Nutrition Update
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c7PLMBQOn79owFqk26TnrayMYtCyvyc/view
Individual ISASP Results
Go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B_MKCC37DKLMhadpY9z2otB5st5ApcDpAFSZCThZpzQE/edit for information on how to access your child’s ISASP scores.
PTO News
Next meeting – Monday, Jan. 29, 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center
SMS Media Center Update
Winter is here! As we fly toward Christmas break, keep encouraging your students to stop by the library to pick up a book or two to read as they wait for practice, a ride, or sibling to finish their game or wrestling meet. Reading can help those long December nights fly by, and it helps check a book or two off their 40 book challenge.
As the snow starts to fall, please make sure that students are transporting their library books separate from their boots and other wet clothing in their backpacks. If you have any questions regarding missing or damaged books, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] or Mrs. Spence at [email protected].
March Sutton, District Librarian
Community Center News
Thursday Early-Out Activities are geared specifically toward middle school aged children and includes a variety of activities such as dodgeball, bingo, movies, and much more. Admission to get in has raised to $2 compared to the $1 it has been in previous years. We also have a yearly pass available at the Community Center for $50.
Thursday Activities
Students involved in co-curricular activities are welcome to remain in the commons area until 3:15 p.m. when released to practices or games. Students not involved in co-curricular activities must make other plans for this time.
Daily Assignments Website
Please see https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/sms-daily-work/home for assistance with knowing what your child is doing in class and what homework he/she may have.
Handbooks
Student handbooks can be found on the SMS webpage (www.solon.k12.ia.us/o/sms) under the “documents” tab. The majority of the expectations, processes, and protocol found in the handbook are covered with students during the opening weeks of the school year.
Sports Physicals & Concussion Forms
Any student wishing to participate in middle school athletics must have an updated physical and concussion form on file in the office.
Absences & Appointments
Please contact the office when your son/daughter will be late or needs to leave early. We will get your child a pass and have him/her waiting for you upon your arrival. You are welcome to come in to sign your child in/out, but it is not required.
You are welcome to use the bus drop off area during the school day for drop off or pick up.
SCSD Classroom Celebrations Guidelines
Please see SCSD guidance on treats and snacks at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LRpxb5zV3eV6glitjtKLJEyb_Rsv365zxl/view.
Activities Schedules
Please 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 at [email protected].