SIS Monthly Newsletter

Happy New Year, SIS Families!

We are so excited to be entering into our second semester of learning and even more excited to share all the new experiences and fun that the spring semester brings! As we reflected on the first half of the year, our staff was so encouraged by the growth our students have made! We want to take this opportunity to share that with you and CELEBRATE students' reading progress! Check out the graphs below!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Holtz

Our 4th and 5th graders work hard day-in and day-out growing as readers! Not only to our young readers engaged in large group learning but they are each also part of a reading small group! These groups help to differentiate the learning students receive based on their reading readiness levels.

During core instruction students learn various skills to help the read intensely, paying attention to the details of a story, how characters are developed and change throughout the story, how dialogue is used to develop a story, how to ask questions about what they are reading, and how to identify the theme and lessons from a story among many other skills.

Small group reading instruction helps students develop those skills in relationship to the core content. Oftentimes groups are focused on summarizing and inferring strategies when working in small groups. Groups are ever-changing and are updated and revised periodically as we collect and analyze student performance.

Here's a just a small picture of the growth students are making in reading!

This month we will be exploring the different genres of books we have in the SIS library and giving students a chance to “taste” a new book or two. Who knows? Maybe some picky readers will discover something that will get them excited about reading on these long winter nights! We will also be reviewing our library skills and enjoying some STEM activities.

As we anticipate some indoor recesses this month, I am looking for a few more chess boards to add to our collection. If you are interested in donating one here is a link: Portable chess set

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out at msutton@solon.k12.ia.us.

Spartan Dash Registration is CURRENTLY OPEN!

Forms are available at https://spartandash2024.cheddarup.com.

Please note: A form will go home with the students at a later date which will explain how to register.

As winter weather arrives, be sure YOU stay in the know! Earliest notifications will be available through our Solon App! Download the app to your smartphone or other device and be the first IN THE KNOW!

Once you download the app, be sure to set notifications to ensure you are alerted to any weather related schedule changes! Here's how:

1. Download the app (see image in upper right corner)
2. With the app open, tap in the 3 lines to the bottom left of your screen
3. After completing step 2, tap on the "settings" gear wheel in the lower right of your screen
4. When a new menu appears, tap on "Push Notifications"
5. Select the notifications you wish to receive (district, by school)
6. When finished selecting, tap "done"

It's that easy!

Now is also a good time to check that your email and phone number are up-to-date in our Powerschool system. To do this, please log into your Powerschool account, click on "forms" and then edit your contact information.

Jan. 15 -- No School -- Teacher Professional Development

Feb. 19 -- No School -- Teacher Professional Development

Feb. 22 -- Parent Teacher Conferences (2:00 - 7:00 pm)

Feb. 29 -- Parent Teacher Conferences (2:00 - 7:00 pm)

Mar. 8 -17 -- No School -- Spring Break

As the weather continues to drop and we prepare for the potential of snow, please keep the following in mind:

• Recess is held outdoors as long as the real feel is 10° or higher.
• Students can ALWAYS use encouragement to wear their coats, gloves, and hats outside.
• It's a good idea to write your child's name in his/her personal belongings.
• When snow begins to fall, students will need boots and snow pants to go off of the concrete during recess.

Solon Intermediate School is excited to be bringing Girls on the Run back for the Spring 2024 season, but we need your help! We are in need of 3-5 more coaches to ensure that our team will have the opportunity to participate. Coaches do not need to be runners, they simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the limitless potential within our kiddos. The spring season starts the week of March 18th and ends the week of May 20th. Practices are held twice a week (two-non consecutive days) for 75-90 minutes.

Learn more and sign up at https://www.girlsontheruniowa.org/coach."

Email: mholtz@solon.k12.ia.us
Website: www.solon.k12.ia.us
Location: 200 West 5th Street, Solon, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 624 - 3401
Twitter: @theholtzfamily4