Solon High School

Mike Thompson, Solon HS Counselor

• 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

• To Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/shscounselor/meeting-with-mr-thompson

From Katie Anderson, College and Career Transition Counselor

Contact Information:

• Phone: (319) 624-3401 extension 1116

• Email: kanderson@solon.k12.ia.us

• To Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/katie-anderson-3/30min

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).

FINANCIAL AID PLANNING INFORMATION

Summer 2023 Internship Opportunity!!! (Current Juniors and Sophomores)

The PORTAL for Summer 2023 internships will open December 12!!! The due date for the application is Friday, February 10, 2023 @ 3:00 p.m..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.

Future Planning: Spring 2023 Job Shadow Opportunity - The application portal for Spring 2023 will open on January 2, 2023, and close on Friday, January 27, 2023 @ 3:00 p.m. Job shadow opportunities are available for sophomores, juniors and seniors. To view individual and group job shadow opportunities and application information go to https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index

POSTSECONDARY PLANNING INFORMATION

Planning

• Planning for your Future: ICAN Resources

• Below you will find links to grade level checklists

• Freshmen

• Sophomores

• Juniors

• Seniors

• Parents

In addition to these great tips, visit the ICAN YouTube Channel and check out our video Tip of the Week. Each week ICAN releases a video tip for students preparing for life after high school. To receive the video tip each week, subscribe to the ICAN E-Alerts

Schedule of ICAN events: Wednesday webinars are scheduled through May 2023 and you can view the full schedule at www.icansucceed.org/videos.

FINANCIAL AID PLANNING INFORMATION

FAFSA

• If you need it, you can get help completing the FAFSA and you can get assistance through Iowa College Access Network (ICAN).

• FAFSA Step-by-Step: Sponsored by Iowa College Access Network

Parents of seniors, on Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 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. You can go here to register for the December 7 event: REGISTER

• 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.

SCHOLARSHIPS

• I have a Scholarship Page on my School Counseling website dedicated to sharing scholarship information. The scholarships listed on my website are those that come across my desk. Solon Dollars for Scholars and Local Solon Scholarships are not listed on my scholarship page. On my Scholarship Page you will find general information about types of scholarships, how to search for scholarships and a Comprehensive List of scholarships we have received for 2022-23. You can click on the links to view scholarship information with deadlines in the designated month.

• Student Planning Pointers for Parents ( for 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

• Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors: Go to my Scholarship Page. Scroll down a bit and you will find a box titled, 2022 - 2023 Scholarship Opportunities for Juniors. In that box is a scholarship called the Hills Bank Leadership Grant. Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM, March 1, 2023 for consideration.

COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES IN HIGH SCHOOL

Spring 2023 College Credit Opportunities (Current Juniors and Seniors)

Parents of seniors and juniors, there is still time for your student to enroll in a college credit course(s) for the spring 2023 semester. I want to have these registration completed by Friday, December 16, 2022. Please see me for assistance in registering for a SP2023 college credit course. More information about college credit courses can be found by using these links:

Kirkwood Community College

The University of Iowa

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Parents of Sophomores

I have shared information with our sophomores about the 2023 Iowa H.O.B.Y. Leadership Seminar. You can find more information about this opportunity for your sophomore here.

SOLON HS COUNSELING WEBSITE

Mr. Thompson is continuing to update his website. You can access the High School Website here.