What You Need To Know: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

  • EFFECTIVE 3/11/22: REPORTING OF SCHOOL COMMUNITY CASES HAS BEEN SUSPENDED. THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS LIFTED THIS REPORTING REQUIREMENT.

    SOLON SCHOOLS COVID-19 DASHBOARD 

    2021-22

    These numbers are updated continually based on direct reports of positive COVID-19 cases to our district from families, staff members and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. In compliance with an Ohio Department of Health order, the Solon Schools conduct initial contact tracing for school-based high-risk close contacts and report all positive cases to CCBH. The Board of Health is responsible for a complete and thorough process of contact tracing and our initial tracing efforts within the school community allow for a quick response to positive cases and exposures. 

    Exclusion from school exemptions for in-school exposure, include the Mask to Stay protocol effective 10/30/21 and updated CDC/ODH guidelines effective 1/5/22. 

    Please consult the Mask to Stay Guidelines

    Solon Schools COVID-19 Student Vaccination Survey - Optional: https://forms.gle/aHvA2kDdyqvK9rWY6

    Last updated: Friday, March 11 , 2022 - 6:30 p.m..:

    Current Week Totals for the 2021-22 School Year Will Begin Again Each Monday:

    CURRENT WEEK - Positive Cases of COVID-19

    2021-22

    On-Campus Student Positive Cases: 0

      Staff Member Positive Cases: 0

    Student Cases: 0 Staff Cases: 0 

    (Last Week: Student Cases: SHS - 2  Staff Cases: SMS - 1 OMS - 1 ) 

    Cumulative Totals - Positive Cases of COVID-19

    2021-22

    On-Campus Student Positive Cases: 876

    All-Virtual/Prior to the Start of School Student Positive Cases: 5

     Staff Member Positive Cases: 165

    2020-2021

    On-Campus Student Positive Cases: 138

    All-Virtual Student Positive Cases: 52

     Staff Member Positive Cases: 90

      Weekly Student & Staff Reports of COVID-19 Cases & Close Contacts Excluded from School

    Students

    Date

    New Cases

    # Isolated

    (Tested positive = 10 days + symptom free)

    # Excluded from School (Quarantined) [Direct contact

    of positive case - Vaccinated Students/Staff Do Not Need  to  Quarantine/Exclude - Mask to Stay Protocol in effect 10/30]

    Week of 3/7

    0

    0 0

    Week of 2/28

    2

    2 0

    Week of 2/21

    2

    2 1

    Week of 2/14

    2

    2 0

    Week of 2/7

    5

    5 0

    Week of 1/31

    7

    7 0

    Week of 1/24

    17

    17 17

    Week of 1/17

    52

    52 79

    Week of 1/10

    59

    59 81

    Week of 1/3

    107

    107 95

    Week of 12/27

    103

    103 27

    Week of 12/20

    138

    138 44

    Week of 12/13

    173

    173 296

    Week of 12/6

    22

    22 57

    Week of 11/29

    17

    17 51

    Week of 11/22

    15

    15 38

    Week of 11/15

    21

    21 52

    Week of 11/8

    32

    32 118

    Week of 11/1

    7

    7 18

    Week of 10/25

    6

    6 8

    Week of 10/18

    9

    9 10

    Week of 10/11

    6

    6 22

    Week of 10/4

    6

    6 41

    Week of 9/27

    4

    4 18

    Week of 9/20

    4`

    4 3

    Week of 9/13

    14

    14 48

    Week of 9/6

    20

    20 49

    Week of 8/30

    17

    17 66

    Week of 8/23

    10

    10 62

    Week of 8/16

    5 (All cases prior to the start of school)

    5 9

    Week of 8/9

    0

    0 16

    Week of 8/2

    0

    0 0

    Week of 7/26

    0

    0 0

     Weeks of 6/30-7/21

    0

    0 0
    Week of 6/23

    0

    0 0
    Week of 6/16

    0

    0 0
    Week of 6/9

    0

    0 0
    Week of 6/2

    0

    0 0
    Week of 5/26

    0

    0 0
    Week of 5/19

    0 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    0 1
    Week of 5/12

    0 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    0 11
    Week of 5/5

    2 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    3 10
    Week of 4/28

    2 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    2 108
    Week of 4/21

    7 (On Campus)

    2 (Virtual)

    9 64
    Week of 4/14

    4 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    5 30
    Week of 4/7

    3 (On Campus)

    2 (Virtual)

    5 25
    Week of 3/31

    4 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    4 30
    Week of 3/24

    1 (On Campus)

    2 (Virtual)

    3 20
    Week of 3/17

    2 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    3 13
    Week of 3/10

    0 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    0 1
    Week of 3/3

    0 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    0 4
     Week of 2/24

    3 (On Campus)

    2 (Virtual)

    5 37

    Week of 2/17

    3 (On Campus)

    3 (Virtual)

    6 82

    Week of 2/10

    1 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    2 40

    Week of 2/3

    6 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    6 61

    Week of 1/27

    8 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    9 42

    Week of 1/20

    5 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    5 88

    Week of 1/13

    4 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    5 49

    Week of 1/6

    13 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    13 92

    Week of 12/30

    11 (On Campus)

    3 (Virtual)

    14 55

    Week of 12/23

    1 (On Campus)

    0 (Virtual)

    1 1

    Week of 12/16

    6 (On Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    7 66

    Week of 12/9

    12 (On-Campus)

    3 (Virtual) 

    15  39

    Week of 12/2

    8 (On-Campus)

    10 (Virtual) 

     18  65

    Week of 11/25

    13 (On-Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    14 115

    Week of 11/18

    9 (On-Campus)

    6 (Virtual)

    15 113

    Week of 11/11

    2 (On-Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    3 134

    Week of 11/4

    3 (On-Campus)

    1 (Virtual)

    4 25

    Week of 10/28

    3 (On-Campus)

     2 (Virtual)

     5  67

    Week of 10/21

    1 (On-Campus)

    1

    43

    Week of 10/14

    1 (Virtual)  1

    8

    Week of 10/7

    0 0

    3

    Week of 9/30

    0 0

    3

    Week of 9/23

    0 0

    2

    Week of 9/15

    0 0

    0

    Week of 9/8

    1

    Prior to 9/8

    5

    5

    5

    Staff Members

    Date

    New Cases

    # Isolated (Tested Positive = 7/10 days + symptom free)

    # Excluded from School (Quarantined) [Close contact of positive case - Vaccinated/Masked Within 3-6 ft Students/Staff Do Not Need  to  Quarantine] Mask to Stay in effect 10/30/21

    Week of 3/7

    0

    0 0
    Week of 2/28

    2

    2 0
    Week of 2/21

    0

    0 0
    Week of 2/14

    3

    3 0
    Week of 2/7

    0

    0 0
    Week of 1/31

    1

    1 0
    Week of 1/24

    3

    3 0
    Week of 1/17

    4

    4 1
    Week of 1/10

    5

    5 1
    Week of 1/3

    13

    13 0
    Week of 12/27

    45

    45 0
    Week of 12/20

    24

    24 1
    Week of 12/13

    16

    16 2
    Week of 12/6

    4

    4 1
    Week of 11/29

    3

    3 0
    Week of 11/22

    4

    4 1

    Week of 11/15

    3

    3 0

    Week of 11/8

    5

    5 2

    Week of 11/1

    1

    1 0

    Week of 10/25

    4

    4 0

    Week of 10/18

    3

    3 1

    Week of 10/11

    4

    4 2

    Week of 10/4

    2

    2 0

    Week of 9/27

    2

    2 1

    Week of 9/20

    2

    2 0

    Week of 9/13

    1

    1 1

    Week of 9/6

    4

    4 1

    Week of 8/30

    5

    5 1

    Week of 8/23

    1

    1 0

    Week of 8/16

     1 (prior to the start of school)

    Week of 8/9

    1 1 0

    Week of 8/2

    1 1 0

    Week of 7/26

    1 1 0

    Weeks of 6/30-7/21

    0 0 0

    Week of 6/23

    1 1 0

    Week of 6/16

    0 0 0

    Week of 6/9

    0 0 0

    Week of 6/2

    0 0 0

    Week of 5/26

    0 0 0

    Week of 5/19

    1 1 0

    Week of 5/12

    2 2 0

    Week of 5/5

    0 0 0

    Week of 4/28

    2 2 0

    Week of 4/21

    1 1 0

    Week of 4/14

    0 0 0

    Week of 4/7

    0 0 0

    Week of 3/31

    0 0 0

    Week of 3/24

    0 0 0

    Week of 3/17

    2 2 0

    Week of 3/10

    0 0 0

    Week of 3/3

    0 0 1

    Week of 2/24

    1 1 3

    Week of 2/17

    2 2 3

    Week of 2/10

    6 6 5

    Week of 2/3

    5 5 10

    Week of 1/27

    4 4 9

    Week of 1/20

    5 5 8

    Week of 1/13

    2 2 4

    Week of 1/6

    10 10 17

    Week of 12/30

    9 9 7

    Week of 12/23

    3 3 0

    Week of 12/16

    7 7 11

    Week of 12/9

    1 1 5

    Week of 12/2

    5 5 13

    Week of 11/25

    2 2 19

    Week of 11/18

    3 3 22

    Week of 11/11

    4 4 27

    Week of 11/4

    1 1 5

    Week of 10/28

    5 5 8

    Week of 10/21

    1 1 9

    Week of 10/14

    1 1 6

    Week of 10/7

    0 0 0

    Week of 9/30

    0 0 0

    Week of 9/23

    0 0 1

    Week of 9/15

    1 1 1

    Week of 9/8

     0  0

    8/21-9/7

    3

    3

    3

     

    *All data based on known cases and close contacts only. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ARCHIVED MESSAGES REGARDING THE COVID-19 DASHBOARD
    September 9, 2020
     

    Dear Solon Schools Families and Staff,

    We hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. Beginning right away, our notification procedures district-wide are expanding in compliance with a new state order outlining very specific COVID-19 reporting and notification requirements for K-12 Ohio schools. The goal of this public health order issued by the Ohio Department of Health and announced by Gov. DeWine is to prevent and minimize the spread of COVID-19 through more complete transparency on the prevalence of COVID-19 among students and staff for not only our schools and district, but also for the community at-large. 

    The order contains requirements for families of students in our schools as well as our staff members. Compliance and cooperation with these new reporting and notification procedures will help with more timely contact tracing to minimize the spread of COVID-19 especially as we continue our planned and phased return to in-person participation in activities and in-person education at school. Although there is no set date for the return to school in person, it continues to be our intention to return to in-person learning as soon as possible. 

    Regarding the new protocols outlined in the order, staff members and parents or guardians of students who have received a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 through a positive test result or medical examination need to notify the building principal within 24 hours.  

    The school will then notify the families and staff members who shared a classroom space, participated in a school activity or were in close contact with the person who tested positive. 

    The district will report the case, including the known school-based contacts, to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health

    The district is recording these reported cases of COVID-19 among students and staff, along with the number of students and staff members who are quarantined due to close contact with a person who has tested positive, on the Solon Schools COVID-19 Dashboard. The numbers on the dashboard are only those that are reported to the school and district directly by staff members, families and the CCBH. 

    We thank you in advance for your cooperation in complying with these reporting procedures.

     

    FOR BACK-to-SCHOOL 2020 and CURRENT-YEAR FAMILY MESSAGES, GO TO: Our Family Messages Page.

     

     

    End of 2019-20 School Year. 

    JUNE 1-4 REMINDERS:

    We hope everyone had a good last day of remote learning. We will miss you even more this summer!

    Please be sure to consult the email messages from your school for pick-up/drop-off procedures for students materials this week. Copies of the messages are also posted below.

     

    Graduation Plans and Other Student Celebrations

    The end of the school year brings many important celebrations for students and families. We are working to bring meaningful closure to the school year for all of our students.

    Throughout this month, we are celebrating our senior class. We hope you have been enjoying seeing the creative doors and windows senior families have decorated to honor their graduate as much as we have. The week of May 11 will culminate with #FutureFriday, a virtual display highlighting the future plans – college, military service, safety forces or workforce – of the Class of 2020. We will share the link to view the “virtual wall” when it goes live on May 15.

    On May 28, what would have been the students’ graduation night, features a Pomp & Circumstance Graduation Parade. The graduates and their families will ride in their cars through a specially decorated parade route that winds onto the Solon High School campus, where teachers and staff members will stand outside their cars, socially distanced, to cheer on the Class of 2020. The parade will culminate in front of the school, where our 414 graduates will receive their diplomas and have a professional photo taken to commemorate this important milestone.

    The Class of 2020 Virtual Graduation Ceremony, which includes all of the traditional elements of Solon High School commencements such as the reading of all graduates’ names, student speeches, moving their tassels and tossing their caps, will air on June 11. We will share that link with the entire community so everyone can enjoy the official graduation program.

    The circumstances of the pandemic have impacted so many events and programs important to our students and their families. As we work to implement the events we can, such as the Pomp & Circumstance Graduation Parade, we do so putting the health and safety of students, families, staff and the community first. 

    Thank you for your support of our Class of 2020 and all Solon students. We look forward to sharing details of additional upcoming events, such as Virtual Award Programs and 4th Grade Clap Outs at Lewis, Parkside and Roxbury, that can be carried out in safe, socially distant ways.

     

    End-of-Year School Year Procedures

    Solon Preschool End-of-Year Procedures Message to Families - May 8

    Lewis End-of-Year Information for Families - May 8

    Parkside End-of-Year Information for Families - May 8

    Roxbury End-of-Year Information for Families - May 8

    Orchard End-of-Year Information for Families - May 8

    Solon Middle School End-of-Year Information for Families - May 8

    Solon High School Grade 9-11 End-of-Year Message for Families - May 8

     

    Solon High School Pomp & Circumstance Graduation Parade

    Dear Students and Families of the Class of 2020,  

    It is hard to believe today is the last day of classes for our SHS seniors. We missed the glitter, whistles and morning breakfast cookout to start the day. But most of all, everyone at Solon High School missed the end of the day when we could say good-bye in person to the seniors as they all left the building together on their last day in the Solon Schools.

    This sense of community is an important part of what makes Solon High School and our We Are SC culture so special.

    As we previously communicated on May 1, we will have a formal Virtual Solon High School Graduation Ceremony on June 11. This plan remains unchanged. The production will include all of the traditional elements of our SHS commencement ceremonies. Attached to this message are the specific instructions for students to submit their individual photo and video of them moving their tassels and throwing their caps. We believe this video ceremony will be a treasured keepsake for students and families.

    Also announced in the May 1 message was a parade celebration to take place on May 28, the originally scheduled date for the Class of 2020 graduation. The promised details to follow are now finalized and we are sharing today that the May 28 event will be a Pomp & Circumstance Graduation Parade during which our graduates will receive their diplomas in the presence of family members. Students and their families will remain in their vehicles throughout the decorated parade route to the front of Solon High School, where our graduates will have their picture taken in specially designed SHS Class of 2020 photo frame and receive their diploma.

    These plans have been in the works for many weeks and we spoke with many families and students. As you can imagine, the logistics of staging a 400-plus vehicle parade that includes the presentation of diplomas are complex. We are confident, however, that this plan allows us to meet both of our fundamental goals for a graduation:

    • Families safely seeing their child receive a high school diploma, and
    • Bringing the class together to be celebrated at the same time.

    We have reviewed all possible options for graduation activities. This Pomp & Circumstance Graduation Parade adheres to the recommendations of the Governor’s office, the Ohio Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Education and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. This celebration was envisioned and planned keeping the health and safety of graduates, families, staff members and the community as the priority. Solon’s safety forces participated in the planning of this event and will participate that night.

    On the evening of May 28, the Class of 2020 and their families will meet and be ready to go at 6 p.m. in assigned staging areas in one of six parking lots along SOM Center Road and Portz Parkway. In one car per family, students and their families will proceed along a parade route specially decorated with fun banners and signs onto the SHS campus to take “one last celebratory lap” around Solon High School. Solon teachers and staff members will be parked and socially distant along the parade route on school property to cheer on the graduates. The scoreboard will be lit honoring the graduates and festive music will be piped out from the stadium. The parade will continue east on Inwood Road and turn into the horseshoe driveway in front of the school. Remaining in their car, students will receive their diplomas and the moment will be captured with a professional photograph. (Students should wear a mask or face covering to receive their diploma, but will remove it for the photos.)

    To further celebrate each of our graduates that evening, families will receive a Class of 2020 yard sign in advance to personalize with their own senior’s name, photo or any other decorations. These tribute signs to the members of the Class of 2020 will line the parade route. The decorated doors and windows around town look amazing and we know these signs will too. Families will pick up the sign along with a numbered parking permit for the graduation parade on May 22 (details will be sent closer to that date).

    Thank you for your patience waiting for the details of the Pomp & Circumstance Parade. We are all looking forward to this celebration of our graduates and sharing in your pride as they receive their diplomas.

    Erin Short, Principal, Solon High School

     

    Chromebook Repair/Exchange Schedule for May:

    If your Solon Schools-issued Chromebook needs repair during the school closure, please complete this form and bring the device to main entrance of Arthur Road School on the north side of the building (up the stairs facing Orchard Middle School). Press the buzzer to be admitted to the building. Hours of exchange are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    Chromebook Exchange/Repair will be available during the times scheduled below:

    Week of May 4: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of May 11: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of May 18: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of May 25: Wednesday and Friday -- 11 a.m. -- 1 p.m.

    Please also tape the following information to the Chromebook before turning it in at Arthur Road.

    Social distancing measures will be in place for the safety of students, families and our staff.

    Chromebook Repair/Exchange Form

     

     

    Update from the Solon Board of Education Meeting April 20

    SOLON STUDENTS CONTINUE REMOTE LEARNING

    As we start our fourth full week of remote learning, we are seeing our students engaged in meaningful learning. With little warning or preparation time, our staff transformed their classrooms from the brick and mortar school buildings to digital platforms. Their professionalism in putting the needs of students first has been exemplary.

    Individually and in collaboration with their grade-level or content teams, teachers are creating innovative learning opportunities for students. Teachers are conducting science labs, leading class discussions and helping students deepen their understanding of the day’s learning targets – all using digital tools. They are videotaping themselves reading books for elementary literacy lessons and factoring quadratic equations for a high school math lessons, as well as leading mindfulness activities and providing recorded feedback on student music compositions.

    Nothing can completely replicate the in-person interaction between students and teachers and students with their classmates. And we look forward to the day when our students are back in their classrooms. But as the Governor has made clear, school for the foreseeable future will look different. So, for now, everyone is adapting and building capacity within this new learning paradigm.

    We know families and students are experiencing serious hardships and flexibility remains critical. Our students are not only dealing with the inability to connect in person with their friends, they are also dealing with major disappointments caused by the many cancellations of school events, programs and trips. To focus on the whole student in the face of these challenges, we are also working to provide families and students with social-emotional support and recommendations for adjusting.

    The community’s long-term investment in our district technology plans helped position us well to transition to remote learning. We are grateful for that support and the continued partnership with our families. We know this is not easy, but we are doing everything possible to smooth the journey.

     

    Update from Solon Board of Education Meeting April 6

    MOVING INTO FULL REMOTE LEARNING PREK-12

    Today marked the first day of full remote learning for all students in the Solon Schools. With the Governor’s order to keep Ohio schools closed through at least May 1 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the next phase of the district’s instructional plan started today and completes the shift for all students from preschool to high school to remote learning.

    Although our students and teachers cannot be together in their school buildings now, they are fully connected in their daily learning. Our teaching, technology, curriculum and associated services personnel have been working tirelessly to transition our Solon educational program from the school building classrooms to digital platforms. The watchword throughout this shift has been flexibility, with a focus on establishing a measure of balance for students, staff and families. We are keenly aware of the significant challenges and disruptions families are facing.

    Like our staff, students and families are up to this challenge. As educators, we have long known that our students are digital natives, which enables them to more easily adapt to this change in how they access their learning. 

    We are grateful for the partnership and support we have experienced as our remote learning plans have launched. There will certainly be additional obstacles along the way, but our team is committed to not only keep education going as the Governor has asked, but to do so with excellent quality.

    In times of crisis, communities come together. Our Solon Schools community is doing just that.

    Event Updates for April & May

    Class of 2020 Updates

    Solon High School Updates for Grades 9-11

     

    Updated Chromebook Exchange/Repair Schedule - April 6 Update

    If your child’s Solon Schools-issued Chromebook is in need of repair during this time, it can be dropped off at Arthur Road School and exchanged for another device. Please use the main entrance to the building on the north side of the school (up the stairs and facing Orchard Middle School). The doors are locked, but please use the buzzer and a member of our technology team will let you in to exchange the device. Please use the following Google Form to let our tech team know you will be exchanging a Chromebook.

    If there are other students or parents waiting in line, please be sure to keep the recommended minimum of 6 feet between you and the person in front of you.

    Chromebook Exchange Form: Click Here to Submit a Chromebook Exchange/Repair Request

    Chromebook Exchange/Repair will be available during the times scheduled below:

    Week of April 6: Monday and Wednesday and Thursday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of April 13: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of April 20: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    Week of April 27: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

     When submitting a student Chromebook repair form, please include the following in the Google Form (Please also tape this information to the device):

    • Student name, grade and school
    • Solon student ID for verification
    • Phone number/email in case our technology team has any questions
    • The problem with the Chromebook                         

    Thank you for your cooperation as we update plans to be sure students have the digital tools they need to support their learning at home.

     

    K-4 Optional Chromebook/Hard Copy Workbook Drive-Through Pick Up Reminder

    UPDATE - K-4 Chromebook-Workbook Pick Up - Last Names A-L 4/1 and M-Z 4/2

    Reminder to Complete the Request Form for the April 1 & 2 Pick Ups at Lewis-Parkside-Roxbury

     

    GETTING READY FOR AT-HOME LEARNING STARTING APRIL 6

    Special Education Update for Families - Getting Ready for April 6

    Solon Preschool - Continuing At-Home Learning Starting April 6

    Solon High School - Continued At-Home Learning Starting April 6

    Solon Middle School - Continued At-Home Learning Starting April 6

    Orchard - Getting Ready for At-Home Learning April 6

    Lewis Elementary - Getting Ready for At-Home Learning April 6

    Lewis Pick-Up Map April 1-2

    Parkside Elementary - Getting Ready for At-Home Learning April 6

    Parkside Pick-Up Map April 1-2

    Roxbury Elementary - Getting Ready for At-Home Learning April 6

    Roxbury Pick-Up Map April 1-2

     

    NEXT PHASE OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN: CONTINUING AT-HOME LEARNING AFTER APRIL 6 - MARCH 23 UPDATE

    We hope this message finds you well. In ordinary times we would not contact you with important educational information over spring break. But these are far from ordinary times.

    Over the past week, our administrative, curriculum and technology leadership teams have been meeting virtually to lay out the next phase of our at-home instructional plan for Solon students. While we do not have any official notification, it has become clear in recent days that Ohio school closures will likely continue far past the original April 6 end date.

    The information you will receive in the next few days will lay out how your child will continue learning virtually at home beginning April 6 in ways that are meaningful and engaging, not just keeping them busy. This is an important distinction as we honor both our district mission and the Governor’s request to keep learning in place.

    At the same time, we understand and empathize that families are under stress and dealing with circumstances beyond imagination just weeks ago. We know the Governor’s stay-at-home order further heightens these challenges. We are doing everything we can here to foster the necessary partnership with you in furthering your child’s education.

    There will undoubtedly be some bumps along the way, but your child’s teachers, counselors, building principals and our other support team members will be here working with your students every day we are in session at home. Education is an essential state service and we take that responsibility seriously.  

    What you can expect

    March 23-27

    This is spring break and there are no additional instructional expectations for students.

    Be on the lookout for a school-specific information sheet that details the changes you and your child will see for their learning starting April 6. These detailed plans will include such information as new daily teacher office hours, what your child needs to do to access lessons and what your child can do to receive help or have questions answered.

    March 30-April 3

    For next week, March 30-April 3, your student will follow the learning opportunities and assigned work as outlined at the beginning of the mandated school closure. (Google Classroom/teacher websites for grades 5-12 and teacher websites/packets/emailed lessons for grades PreK-4.)

    Our teachers will continue their work adjusting instruction to be flexible and deliverable through a virtual platform. Your child’s teachers will be available through email and Google Classroom to answer questions with a 24-hour turnaround time. As a reminder, all Solon staff emails are FIRSTNAMELASTNAME@solonboe.org.

    Beginning April 6

    As we enter phase 2 of education at home, our district K-12 instructional platform will shift entirely to Google Classroom. Prior to April 6, students will receive any information necessary to log in and begin learning in their Google Classrooms, if their teachers have not yet used a Google Classroom this year. Google Classroom was selected for ease of student access and flexibility for virtual instruction with opportunities for teacher feedback to students on their work.

    For our older students already using Google Classroom, their experience will look similar.

    Daily instruction will include video lessons to create a stronger connection with students and better foster student learning over a digital platform.

    Assessment of student learning will also continue using electronic assessments students already know. For those students not yet using electronic assessments, their teachers will provide explicit help and practice. All assessments will have a 24-hour completion window providing students and families with flexibility as we know family schedules are altered.

    There are still many questions to be resolved regarding issues such as future scheduled events and return to school. As that information becomes available and decisions are made based on guidance from the Governor and the Ohio Department of Health, we will communicate with you right away.

    FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION INFORMATION

    We know the COVID-19 social distancing measures enacted by the Governor and Ohio Department of Health are creating financial hardships for many of our families.

    Our Nutrition & Food Services team will continue providing daily Grab and Go lunches for students in need each scheduled school day with pick ups every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is not a scheduled school day).   

    If your family circumstances have changed recently, please consider filling out a Free & Reduced Lunch application. This application can be completed at any time.

    FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION

    STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO COMPLETE THE FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION

    INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOLON SCHOOLS GRAB & GO LUNCH

    If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Lynne Hutchison, director of Food & Nutrition Services, at lynnehutchison@solonschools.org.

     

    STUDENT CHROMEBOOK REPAIR/EXCHANGE - UPDATE FOR MARCH 18, 2020

    Today is the first day of at-home learning for our students. As this rapidly changing situation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates and adjustments to our instructional plans for your child’s continued learning opportunities at home.

    If your child’s Solon Schools-issued Chromebook is in need of repair during this time, it can be dropped off at Arthur Road School and exchanged for another device. Please use the main entrance to the building on the north side of the school (up the stairs and facing Orchard Middle School). The doors are locked, but please use the buzzer and a member of our technology team will let you in to exchange the device. Please use the following Google Form to log your child’s name, grade, Solon student ID number and the problem with the Chromebook. Please also tape this information to the device.

    Chromebook Exchange Form: https://forms.gle/gVALui2qnjbKBvw66

    Chromebook repair exchange will be available during the times scheduled below:

    Week of 03/18 – Wednesday and Friday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Week of 03/30 – Monday and Thursday – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

     

    When submitting a student Chromebook for repair, the following information must be provided:

    Student name and grade:

    Solon student ID for verification:

    The problem with the Chromebook:                         

    At the time of the drop off, a loaner Chromebook will be issued if all of the above information is provided. The contract concerning your child’s original school-issued Chromebook still remains in force during this time as well.

    Thank you for your cooperation as we implement plans to be sure students have the tools they need to support their learning at home.

     

    MESSAGE FROM THE SOLON BOARD OF EDUCATION - MARCH 16, 2020

    Never before have the careful words of our Solon Schools mission and core beliefs been more relevant.

    Most often, you hear us reference our commitment to “Every child every day.” But in these exceptional times, we will lean into the backbone of that mission: our collaborative partnership among our families, students, staff and community.

    As we always do, our Solon Schools team is taking a measured and systemic approach. At all levels we are engaged in incremental decision-making to meet the most-immediate needs of our students today while keeping an eye toward the bigger picture that lays ahead as this situation unfolds. 

    Throughout this crisis, we have been in constant consultation with local, state and federal public health authorities and elected officials to ensure our decisions are rooted in the best information and data available.

    All around us, daily life is changing. We are in uncharted waters and everyone is doing their very best to anticipate the next steps in a constantly evolving situation. We don’t have all the answers yet, but our school community is doing everything possible to make this a smooth transition. Closing a school district and continuing the learning for all students at home is beyond difficult. It is complicated and requires a patient and tolerant response from our families and community, who are partners in this effort. The sheer magnitude of this process and the yet-unknown challenges we will need to tackle in the weeks and months ahead will certainly create temporary inconveniences and disappointments for us all. 

    During this unprecedented event, it is our feeling that centralized communication is the best way to avoid confusion, therefore, all questions and concerns are being forwarded to our Superintendent Pro Tempore, Fred Bolden, who is handling district-wide responses. Rest assured, the Board has worked in close partnership with the administration throughout this very difficult time and will continue to do so.

    As members of the Solon Board of Education, we fully support all of our administrators, teachers and support staff. We greatly appreciate the considerable time and energy they are devoting to this ever-changing situation to ensure our students’ education continues. Notably, our key administrative leaders, Fred Bolden, Debbie Siegel and Tim Pickana, have demonstrated focused and clear leadership, using a collaborative approach to develop a blueprint to deliver the essence of our proven educational program in a way we never imagined. In addition, we would like to recognize Tammy Strom for her unfailing support and superb crisis management skills. 

    Together as a community, it is time to band together and adhere to the recommendations to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This includes supporting one another to provide a sense of security and help manage the stress of this major change.

    Solon Board of Education

    Julie Glavin, President

    John Heckman, Vice President

    Leanne Jones

    Kevin Patton

    Marilyn Thomas

     

    UPDATE FOR MARCH 15:

    SOLON SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED ON MONDAY, 3/16.

    SOLON HIGH SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for 3-15-20

    SOLON MIDDLE SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for FAMILIES and STUDENTS 3-15-20

    ORCHARD MIDDLE SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE FOR STUDENTS and FAMILIES 3-15-20

    LEWIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for FAMILIES 3-15-20

    PARKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for FAMILIES 3-15-20

    ROXBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for FAMILIES 3-15-20

    SOLON PRESCHOOL - COVID-19 UPDATE for FAMILIES 3-15-20

     

    At-Home Learning Opportunities Message to Families - March 13

    These are certainly unchartered times. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is creating challenges and disruption for all families. Our entire Solon Schools team is working as quickly as possible to implement our plans for continued learning during this unexpected and mandated school closure. Our buildings will be closed but student learning will continue.

    At every level, our administrative team, curriculum leads and classroom teachers have been creating lessons and resources for student learning opportunities at home. This is a fluid situation and we will build on and alter our plans as this situation unfolds.

    Our Solon spring break will go on for students as scheduled from March 20-27. At home learning opportunities will be available for students on March 18-19 and again March 30 to April 3.

    Additionally, the district’s Nutrition & Food Services Department is planning for the continuation of the National School Lunch Program to ensure there is no interruption of meal service to students who need it. Details on the meal service will be communicated to families on Monday.

    While the buildings are closed, our custodial team will be sanitizing and disinfecting every building to be ready for when students return.

    Monday, March 16, is a regular school day and the end of 3rd quarter for all Solon Schools.

    FOR EACH SCHOOL:

    Solon High School students need to take home their Chromebooks and chargers as well as all books and educational materials they need for every class. SHS students will continue to see assignments, lessons and class information from their teachers in Google Classroom. If students have questions about any material, they should email their teachers or use the method of communication teachers requested students use to connect with them during this time away from the building. For our students with disabilities, their interventionists and related service personnel will provide them with learning opportunities through email to complete at home that are aligned to their goals.

    Our technology team will provide support for students who experience issues with their Chromebooks during office hours at the Arthur Road School building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 18, 20, 30 and April 2.                   

    ALL clubs, activities and athletics are SUSPENDED.  

    Solon Middle School students need to take home their Chromebooks, chargers, books and any other materials they will need for all of their classes. SMS students will follow the mini-lessons and complete the practice posted in each of their teachers’ Google classrooms. Students should log into their teachers’ classrooms each day March 18, 19, 30 and 31 and April 1-3. For our students with disabilities, their interventionists and related service personnel will provide them with learning opportunities through email to complete at home that are aligned to their goals.

    If students have questions or need help, they should email their teachers.

    Our technology team will provide support for students who experience issues with their Chromebooks during office hours at the Arthur Road School building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 18, 20, 30 and April 2.       

    Orchard Middle School students need to take home all educational materials they will need for all of their classes. Orchard students will access online learning at home just as they do currently for homework. Students will log into their teachers’ Google classrooms for literacy, math, science and social studies each day on March 18, 19, 30 and 31 and April 1-3. For our students with disabilities, their interventionists and related service personnel will provide them with learning opportunities through email to complete at home that are aligned to their goals.

    In literacy, students should read an independent reading book for at least 30 minutes per day as well as complete the writing prompt teachers will provide with their Google Classroom.

    For specials classes, Orchard students should visit their teachers’ Google Classrooms or the Orchard website once each week

    If students have questions or need help, they should email their teachers.       

    For Lewis, Parkside and Roxbury students, learning opportunities will posted online through teacher websites at www.solonschools.org

    Each student should read for 20 minutes each day. For writing, students will follow a posted prompt each day from their teacher’s website.

    For our students with disabilities, their interventionists and related service personnel will provide them with learning opportunities through email to complete at home that are aligned to their goals.

    If your child has questions or needs help, please email their classroom teacher. Teachers will correspond with families in response to messages each day school is “in session” during the closure. 

    At Solon Preschool, teachers will be emailing parents with a packet of learning materials connected to what students would be working on if they were here at school.

    The Preschool teachers will also send home a weekly newsletter with ideas for parents aligned with the learning targets, concepts and skills students would have been covering in the classroom.  

    If you have questions, please connect with your child’s teacher through email.                      

     

    DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS & UPDATES:

    Governor Announces Mandatory School Closures March 17-April 3

    District Program & Event Cancellations & Postponements March 11-19

    Message to Solon Schools Families - Coronavirus Update 3-10-20

    Message to Solon Schools Families - Two Students in Self Quarantine 3-9-20 

    Universal Precautions - Help Stop the Spread of Coronavirus 3-3-20

    INFORMATION LINKS:

    Stop the Spread of Germs - Respiratory Diseases

    Stop the Spread of Germs - Wash Your Hands

    Talking to Your Child about the Coronavirus

    Managing Fears & Anxiety of the Coronavirus