Solon High School
Monthly Update-December 2020
Welcome to December!
Good Morning Solon High School Families,
I trust your break was different from years past, but I hope you were able to connect in some way with family. As we finish these last 14 days leading up to break with some of your kids quarantined and others here with us on site, please let us know if there is anything you need. In past years the semester has ended when we head off for break, but with COVID this year we had to push it back to January 15th. This will only be a one year deal, but we also want to make sure your son or daughter can turn it off for a couple of weeks......so encourage them to stay caught up and finish these last 2.5 weeks strong.
Please know that we plan to make a decision on 2nd semester structure prior to winter break, but the fluidity of the situation will also factor into the decision. The final "quarter" will start December 9th with our switch back to 2nd and 4th block. As always, reach out with questions. Thanks, Zach
For ALL things Solon High School please remember to visit this page.
2020-2021 Yearbook
Please use the following link to upload any school candid photos:
*Please note: It allows for a nice variety of picture choices in your yearbook when used. This is a great way to get the most pictures possible for our book this school year and a good way to include our e-learning students too!
We encourage adding a tag to the photo uploads before uploading, so that pictures get categorized correctly in your yearbook. (Examples: Musical, 2nd block Algebra, lunch outside)
Solon Optimist Opportunity
Solon Optimists Essay Contest
Enter your 700-word essay on "Reaching Your Dreams by Choosing Optimism," and you could win a $2,500 scholarship! Entries are due to Ms. Nielsen or Mrs. Stahle by January 29th, 2021. Instructions, rules, and applications are outside Ms. Nielsen's room or at https://cutt.ly/lhkn5Hb . Anyone under 19 can enter. If you have any questions, contact inielsen@solon.k12.ia.us. Good luck!
Community ZOOM book Discussion
Structure of our first semester
Hey Senior families!
SUPPLY LIST
Dates to ADD to your calendar
12.9 - Switch to Q2 2nd and 4th block classes
12.3, 12.10. 12.17 and 12.18- 1:45 Dismissals
12.19-1.3.21- NO school: Break
1.4.2021- Back to School
From the Counseling office....
rom Mike Thompson, Solon HS Counselor
Contact Information:
Phone: (319) 624-3401 extension 1117
Email: mithompson@solon.k12.ia.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/solon.k12.ia.us/solon-hs-counseling/home
Social/Emotional Learning: Student Stress/Anxiety
At Solon HS, we have three weeks until Winter Break. Besides the focus on academics, our Winter Sports season is now in full swing. And we are fully into the holiday season. On top of this, each of us, students, staff, parents, etc., are in the midst of a pandemic. This time of year can be stressful for students as they try to balance and prioritize each of these things.
For many students, when they 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 either by phone (624-3401 ext. 1117) or email (mithompson@solon.k12.ia.us).
Parents of Sophomores
I have shared information with our sophomores about the 2021 Iowa HOBY Leadership Seminar. You can find more information about this opportunity for your sophomore here.
Parents of Juniors
Last week I shared the following information about scholarship opportunities for juniors:
“I want to share information about a scholarship opportunity that is available to juniors. Go to my Scholarship Page. Scroll down a bit and you will find a box titled, 2020 - 2021 Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors. In that box is a scholarship called the Hills Bank Leadership Grant. That scholarship opens November 20 and closes on March 1, 2021.
I encourage each of you to follow the directions and read about the criteria and steps required to complete the application. Looking at this now will be good practice as many of you will transition to college and will be involved in the scholarship process.
Parents of Seniors
Last week I shared the following with Seniors:
FINANCIAL AID: The Financial Aid Page on my School Counseling website has information about completing the FAFSA. The page also contains FAFSA Priority Deadlines for colleges/universities in Iowa. FYI ... the FAFSA priority deadline for ISU & UI is December 1. If you need it, you can get help completing the FAFSA. Let me know. Finally, here is a video of me sharing this FAFSA information. Financial Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS: The Scholarship Page on my School Counseling website contains information about how to search for scholarships and a list of scholarships with monthly deadlines (e.g. Scholarships with December Deadlines). These are scholarships that come across my desk. This is not scholarship information related to the Solon Chapter of Dollars for Scholars. (That information will come to you in January/February 2021.) Here is a video of me sharing this scholarship information. Scholarships
FAFSA Step-by-Step: Sponsored by Iowa College Access Network
Parents of seniors, on December 2nd at 6 pm, ICAN is doing a Facebook Live event where they'll be going over the FAFSA step-by-step, page by page. Any students/families wanting to get their FAFSA completed, this is a good opportunity to get it done with ICAN's guidance. This session will be interactive. People will be able to ask questions as they go along. Special guests include financial aid representatives from both ISU and U of I.
https://www.facebook.com/events/672213853439806/
Student Planning Pointers for Parents (all parents)
Iowa Student Loan is offering a free service to parents of students in grades eight through twelve. Receive two emails per month designed to:
Provide you with timely content, plus tips and tools relevant to your student’s grade level.
Involve you in your high school student’s four-year academic plan.
Help you and your students plan for education and training beyond high school.
Parents who participate are entered into quarterly drawings for college savings plans and deposits.
For more information visit: www.SP3.org
Spring 2021 College Credit Opportunities (Current Juniors and Seniors)
Parents of seniors and juniors, there is still time for your student to see me about taking college credit course(s) for the spring 2021 semester. More information about college credit courses can be found by using these links:
2021 - 2022 KCC Academy Programs (Current Juniors and Sophomores)
It is kind of hard to fathom but The Kirkwood Regional Center @ The University of Iowa (KRCUI) is starting its registration process for 2021 - 2022 Academy Programs. The registration process will look a little different this year. This week I will share information about academy programs with our students. Below you will find both a letter and a timeline explaining KRCUI’s academy registration process.
Summer 2021 Internship Opportunity!!! (Current Juniors and Sophomores)
The PORTAL for Summer 2021 internships will open December 14!!! Solon High School Juniors and sophomores ... check out this opportunity!!! You have an opportunity to complete a 60 hour work-site internship and earn three elective credits for your experience. For more information visit the Career Planning page of the School Counseling website.
Activities Schedules
Thanks!
Solon High School
Email: zwigle@solon.k12.ia.us
Location: 600 West 5th Street, Solon, IA, USA
Phone: 319-624-3401
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolonHighSchool/
Twitter: @wiglezac
