Summertime in the Principal's Office

I had to break out a new "Hiring Folder" then sift through applications, interview and make reference calls.  It is always fun to call the top candidate and say, "We'd love to have you as a member of our middle school family."

In preparation for our move to a new building next fall, I took the opportunity to clean out some files, which meant lots of recycling...

and lots of shredding...

and lots of paperclips.

Of course there are shipments of supplies that come in...

and someone has to fill the pop machine.

Summer Band Lessons

Vocal and Piano Lessons

SMS is home to Mr. Thompson and Mr. Jedlicka and the Driver's Ed kids.

I had to take time out a couple of days a week to check in on Payton and the freshmen baseball team.

7th grade softball provided a nice break during some sunny lunch breaks.

In addition to cleaning the inside of the building, the Maintenance Staff improved the landscaping.

July is time to close the door - or at least hope to - for awhile.

Summertime means less homework, and time to enjoy the neighborhood kids.

One was proud to show me she can ride her new bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gym floor got it's annual shining.

Summertime is a great time to try out new recipes.

No summer vacation, but the annual trip to Fort Dodge continued.

Ali and Emily had to wear the spectator bands this time.

An unexpected trip to Des Moines for the State Baseball Tournament rounded out July.

A lighter schedule allows me to keep up with my lawn...

and for a friendly Grandfather, Father, Son round of golf.

I continued to drive by the new middle school on a daily basis.

Our Media Center might be a slight upgrade.

And what summer would be complete without a driveway game of Don't Break the Ice?

The grill gets used a little more regularly in the summer months.

August officially brings me back to the office and our annual SAI conference in Des Moines.  I'm thankful for such motivating speakers, helping us us gear up for the start of another school year.

SMS May Newsletter

Solon Middle School

May Newsletter

Student & Staff of the Month - Congratulations to Matthew Tandy and Mr. Harnack!

Iowa Assessments - If you were unable to attend the March Parent Teacher Conferences you may pick up your child's Iowa Assessment results in the office at your convenience.  Please contact the office if you would like them sent home with your child. 
Washington, D.C. Trip - Thank you to Mrs. Jedlicka, Mrs. Velasquez and Mrs. Wittich for providing our 8th graders with a safe and enjoyable trip to our nation's capital. 

Volunteer Needed - We are looking for an individual, or group, willing to coordinate our Pioneer Day for the 2016-17 school year.  Please contact Jody McSweeney at jmcsweeney@solon.k12.ia.us if you are interested. 
5th & 6th Grade Track & Field Day -  Our annual Track and Field Day for 5th and 6th graders will be held on May 17 at Spartan Stadium.  The event will begin at noon and run until dismissal time.
8th Grade Celebration - The 8th Grade Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 18th at 7PM, followed by a reception in the cafeteria.  Please contact Mary Ann in the office if you are interested in volunteering.
Academic Round Table - All students are welcome to drop-in to Academic Round Table.  Academic assistance, or just a quiet place to study, is available in Room 403 from 7:30 to 8:00AM. 

Hearing Screening - Hearing screening will take place the morning of May 9th.  Students who are new to Solon Middle School and all 5th graders will be tested, in addition to any student with known hearing loss. Parents who do not wish for their child to be test must e-mail Mrs. Jedlicka before May 9 at majedlicka@solon.k12.ia.us.   
Transitions - Families of 4th and 8th graders should be receiving a number of separate communications regarding the transition to and from Solon Middle School.  Please contact Mr. Nicol or Mr. Herdliska if you have any questions regarding your child's transition to a new building.
2016-17 Schedules & Class Lists - Next year's 7th and 8th grade students will receive a draft of their schedule in early May, with a final copy to be distributed on Step Up Day.  HomeBase lists will be provided for next year's 5th and 6th grade students during Step Up Day on May 24.
Students' Last Day - Our last day with students will be May 25, with a 1:45 dismissal schedule. 
PTO News - Please join us for our next meeting on May 11. - PTO website

Middle School Links -

• Assignment Calendar
• Athletic Schedules – Middle school schedules, including directions to WaMaC venues. 

Upcoming Events - 

• Apr. 30 - 5 Seasons Honor Band
• May 3 - Band Concerts and Awards Night
• May 5 - 5th Grade to Herbert Hoover Museum
• May 10 - Vocal Concerts and Awards Night
• May 11 - PTO Meeting 6PM
• May 11 - 5th Grade Parent Orientation (this year's 4th graders) - 7PM
• May 12 - National Archery Tournament
• May 17 - 5th & 6th Grade Track & Field Day - 12PM (Rain Date - May 18)
• May 18 - 8th Grade Celebration
• May 20 - Bike to School Day
• May 24 - Step Up Day
• May 25 - Student's Last Day - 1:45 Dismissal   

Follow Us - Please feel free to follow along via social media:

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD

SMS April Newsletter

Solon Middle School

April Newsletter

Student & Staff of the Month - Congratulations to Eleanor Gnida and Mrs. Protheroe!

Conferences - Thank you to those who were able to attend our March Parent Teacher Conferences.  We appreciate the opportunity to celebrate your child's progress and plan for a successful 4th quarter.

Iowa Assessments - If you were unable to attend the March Parent Teacher Conferences you may pick up your child's Iowa Assessment results in the office at your convenience.  Please contact the office if you would like them sent home with your child. 
PTO Supper - Thank you to our amazing PTO for organizing wonderful meals for our teachers during Parent Teacher Conferences.  Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
School Climate Survey - Please look for a separate e-mail which will include the results from our recent School Climate Survey.  Thank you to our students, staff and parents who completed the survey.  Your honest input is much appreciated and very helpful as we plan for the future. 
Washington, D.C. Trip - Please wish safe travels to our 8th graders traveling to our nation's capital on April 12-14. 

Volunteer Needed - We are looking for an individual, or group, willing to coordinate our Pioneer Day for the 2016-17 school year.  Please contact Jody McSweeney at jmcsweeney@solon.k12.ia.us if you are interested. 
8th Grade Celebration - The 8th Grade Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 18th at 7PM, followed by a reception in the cafeteria.  Please contact Mary Ann in the office if you are interested in volunteering.
Academic Round Table - All students are welcome to drop-in to Academic Round Table.  Academic assistance, or just a quiet place to study, is available in Room 403 from 7:30 to 8:00AM. 

Absences Due to Illness - Please remember that it is district policy that students must be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. 
PTO News - Please join us for our next meeting on May 11.

• PTO website

Middle School Links -

• Assignment Calendar
• Athletic Schedules – Middle school schedules, including directions to WaMaC venues. 

Upcoming Events - 

• Apr. 1 - SEIBA MS Large Group Contest @ SMS
• Apr. 3-22 - Pennies for Patients 
• Apr. 5 - 5th Grade Music Showcase
• Apr. 6 - 6th Grade Career Field Trip
• Apr. 7 - Spring Activity Pictures 
• Apr. 9 - Coe College Elementary Honor Band
• Apr. 12-14 - 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip
• Apr. 12 - Girls Track - Solon Invitational 
• Apr. 14 - Boys Track - Solon Invitational
• Apr. 22 - Earth Day
• Apr. 23 - SEIBA Honor Choir
• Apr. 30 - 5 Seasons Honor Band
• May 3 - Band Concerts and Awards Night
• May 10 - Vocal Concerts and Awards Night
• May 11 - PTO Meeting 6PM
• May 11 - 5th Grade Parent Orientation (this year's 4th graders) - 7PM
• May 12 - National Archery Tournament
• May 17 - 5th & 6th Grade Track & Field Day - 12PM
• May 18 - 8th Grade Celebration
• May 25 - Student Last Day     

Follow Us - Please feel free to follow along via social media:

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD

SMS March Newsletter

Solon Middle School

March Newsletter

Student & Staff of the Month - Congratulations to 6th graders Logan Gruchow and Eva Born!

Iowa Assessments - We will distribute Iowa Assessment results as soon as possible upon their arrival.  We will communicate the distribution process via e-mail.  

School Climate Survey - Please look for a separate e-mail communication with a link to our annual school climate survey.  Your anonymous feedback is extremely valuable as we assess our current climate and plan for the future. 
Lock-In & Dance - Thank you to the many volunteers who made our February Lock-In and Dance an enjoyable experience for our students.

Conferences - Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, March 3 and Thursday, March 10.  The conference sign up window will close at 4PM on the Friday prior to each conference date.  

Washington, D.C. Trip - Families of 8th graders attending the Washington, D.C. trip, please check your billing statement.  Profits from the magazine sales should have been credited to your account.
High School Dance Team - 8th Grade students interested in being a part of the high school dance team should plan to attend a meeting on Tuesday, March 8th at 3:15 in the middle school lobby.  A parent meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 6PM in the high school FCS room. Please contact Coach Lane at mlane@solon.k12.ia.us with questions.   

Academic Round Table - All students are welcome to drop-in to Academic Round Table.  Academic assistance, or just a quiet place to study, is available in Room 403 from 7:30 to 8:00AM. 
Absences Due to Illness - Please remember that is it district policy that students must be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. 
PTO News - Please join us for our next meeting on May 11.

• PTO website

Middle School Links -

• Assignment Calendar
• Athletic Schedules – Middle school schedules, including directions to WaMaC venues. 

Upcoming Events - 

• Mar. 3 - Parent Teacher Conferences
• Mar. 5 - Show Choir @ Xavier
• Mar. 5 - SEIBA Jazz Festival @ IC West  
• Mar. 7 - All School Concert
• Mar. 10 - Parent Teacher Conferences
• Mar. 11 - 20 - Spring Break
• Mar. 25 - 1:45 Dismissal - Good Friday

Follow Us - Please feel free to follow along via social media:

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD