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

Solon Middle School

February Newsletter

Student & Staff of the Month - Congratulations to Emma, Maggie, Cece and Mr. Williams!

Iowa Assessments - Students will be taking the Iowa Assessments during the week of February 8.  Additional information, including the testing schedule, will be shared closer to the testing period.

Lock-In & Dance -  

• All 5th and 6th graders are invited to our second Lock-In of the school year on February 12 from 3:15 to 6PM.  A permission slip will be sent home prior to the event which illustrates the variety of activities available. 
• All 7th and 8th graders are invited to our second dance of the school year on February 12 from 7-10PM in the middle school gym. 
• Both events are for Solon Middle School students only.

Dance Marathon - Thank you to those who donated to our "Mini Dance Marathon" last week.  SMS students raised over $2,200 for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.  Thank you to Mrs. Jedlicka and the Jr. Optimist Club members for coordinating this event. 

Conferences - Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, March 3 and Thursday, March 10.  The conference sign up window will open at 8AM on February 15. A separate e-mail with detailed directions on how to sign up will come out closer to that date. 

Winter Activity Pictures - Read Photography will be at SMS on February 2 to take yearbook pictures for the following groups: Art Club, Earth Team, Jr. Optimist, Peer Leaders, Robotics, Team Read, Tech Club and Boys Basketball.

Washington, D.C. Trip - Students planning on attending the 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C. should return their Trip Release and Medication Release to the office. 

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 - 

• Feb. 5 - UW Platteville Jazz Festival
• Feb. 6 - Jack Oats Jazz Festival
• Feb. 8 - Feb. 12 - Iowa Assessments Week
• Feb. 12 - 5th & 6th Grade Lock-In - 3:15 - 6PM
• Feb. 12 - 7th & 8th Grade Dance - 7-10PM
• Feb. 15 - No School - Professional Development Day
• Feb. 15 - Conference Sign Up Begins
• Feb. 16 - HS Orientation for 8th Grade Parents - 6PM 
• Feb. 19 - Show Choir @ Davenport (Synergy only)
• Feb. 23 - Solon Solo & Ensemble
• Feb. 25 - MS Jazz @ Coe College
• Feb. 26 - Show Choir @ Marion
• 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     

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

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD

     

SMS January Newsletter 2016

Solon Middle School

January Newsletter

Student & Staff of the Month – Beatrice Fischer and Andrea Velasquez for being selected as our December Student and Staff of the Month. 

Boys Basketball - Basketball practices will begin on January 4.  Athletes must have a physical and concussion form on file in the office.  
Japanese Exchange Students – Any 7^th grade family who may be interested in hosting a Japanese exchange student for three weeks can contact the office for more information. 
PTO – Please join us for our next meeting on January 25 at 7PM in the Media Center.

• PTO website -  

PTO Wish List - Thank you so much for your generous support of our teachers through the annual Wish List donations.   
Volunteer Needed - Anyone interested in volunteering with a Chess Club, please contact Jody McSweeney in the office.  
Box Tops for Education and Pull Tabs – Box tops and pull tabs can be turned in to the middle school office. 
Christmas Lights - The SMS Earth Team is collecting old Christmas lights for recycling.  Please turn your lights in to the office by January 14th. 
Yearbooks - Orders are being taken for the 2015-16 year book for $19.99. The price will increase to $25.00 after December 31st.  On-line orders may be placed at www.jostensyearbooks.com. 
Assignment Calendar 
PowerSchool Mobile App - The PowerSchool Mobile app can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices (link is here).  Parents may also find the links to download the apps after logging into their parent PowerSchool accounts online.  The district code (GDZH) is available there as well.
Clubs & Organizations – SMS students are invited to join any of the following clubs and organizations:

• Tech Club – Tuesdays – 7:30AM in the Media Center 
• Jr. Optimist – 2^nd Thursday of the month – from 2-3:00PM 
• Earth Team – 4^th Thursday of every month – from 2-3:15PM 
• Robotics – Monday and Wednesday 3:15 – 6:15PM (some Sat.  8:30-12PM)

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

• Jan. 4 – Classes Resume
• Jan. 15 - Show Choir @ West Branch
• Jan. 18 - No School - Professional Development Day
• Jan. 21 - Winter Activity Pictures
• Jan. 23 - SEIBA Honor Band @ Iowa City West  
• Jan. 25 - PTO Meeting - 7PM in Media Center 

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

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD

SMS Newsletter - November 2015

Solon Middle School

December Newsletter

KCRG Student of the Month – Congratulations to 7^th grader Ashley Stinocher for being named KCRG Student of the Month.  If you haven’t already done so, please see the feature here. 

Student & Staff of the Month – Congratulations to 5^th grader Kale Mostrom and Reading Teacher, Francesca Kaiser, for being named SMS Student and Staff of the Month. 

Barnes & Nobel Book Fair - Solon CSD Media Services will be sponsoring a Barnes and Noble Book Fair December 5, 2015 at the Coralville Barnes and Noble from 9:00AM - 9:30PM.  Feel free to shop in-store or online using our book fair ID (a voucher can be located in the virtual backpack). When purchasing in-store, you can present the voucher or inform the cashier that you would like purchases to go towards the SCSD Media Services Book Fair.  When purchasing online, the book fair ID will be entered upon checkout.

On December 5th, there will be demonstrations of computer science/coding tools at 1:00PM, 3:00PM, and 5:00PM, in the cafe area of Barnes and Noble, to celebrate Computer Science Education Week. 
Thank you for your continued support of the Media Services program at SCSD! 

Japanese Exchange Students – Any 7^th grade family who may be interested in hosting a Japanese exchange student for three weeks can contact the office for more information. 

Conferences & Book Fair – Thank you to those who attended our Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences and Book Fair.  Your generous support of the book fair put over $2,000 worth of new books in our classrooms. 

PTO – Please join us for our next meeting on February 1 at 7PM in the Media Center.

PTO website -  
Volunteer Needed:  Anyone interested in volunteering with a Chess Club, please contact Jody McSweeney in the office. 

PTO Wish List - Please see the SignUpGenius to help the MS PTO support our teachers and their classrooms.  Donations (items, gift cards or cash) should be in the SMS office anytime before 3pm on December 17.

5^th Grade
6^th Grade  
7^th Grade   
8^th Grade  
Specials
   
Box Tops for Education and Pull Tabs – Box tops and pull tabs can be turned in to the middle school office.

Yearbooks - Orders are being taken for the 2015-16 year book for $19.99. The price will increase to $25.00 after December 31st.  On-line orders may be placed at www.jostensyearbooks.com.

Assignment Calendar –
 

PowerSchool Mobile App - The PowerSchool Mobile app can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices (link is here).  Parents may also find the links to download the apps after logging into their parent PowerSchool accounts online.  The district code (GDZH) is available there as well.   

Clubs & Organizations – SMS students are invited to join any of the following clubs and organizations:

Tech Club – Tuesdays – 7:30AM in the Media Center 
Jr. Optimist – 2^nd Thursday of the month – from 2-3:00PM 
Earth Team – 4^th Thursday of every month – from 2-3:15PM 
Robotics – Monday and Wednesday 3:15 – 6:15PM (some Sat.  8:30-12PM)

Facilities Usage Meeting  - December 9, at 7:00 pm. in room 403

We will meet to discuss the upcoming facilities needs for January through April.  Please make sure your team or group has a representative present and bring your schedule.  You may call Jody McSweeney with any questions at 319/624-3401, ext. 1300.

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

Calendar

·      Dec. 9 – Facilities Usage Meeting – 7PM Room 403

·      Dec. 15 – 7^th & 8^th Grade Vocal Concerts – 6:30 PM

·      Dec. 17 – 5^th & 6^th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concerts – 6:30

·      Dec. 17 – 7^th & 8^th Grade Band & Jazz Band Concerts – 7:30

·      Dec. 22 – End of 2^nd Quarter – Winter Break Begins – 1:45 Dismissal

·      Jan. 4 – Classes Resume

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

Facebook – Solon Middle School

Instagram – SolonMiddleSchool

Twitter - @MikeHerdliska / @SolonCSD