2016 was a crazy year for most of us. With all the crazy stuff happening nationally, it’s about time to look at some local news.  Here are ten significant things that happened in and around Solon City Schools this year:

10. The Courier going all online

Let’s start this list off with one that hits closest to home. With The Courier previously putting out eight print issues a year, then last year with four print issues, the school newspaper switching to only online articles was a big change.

9. New vending machines

   

Between clubs, sports and academics, students can have a difficult time staying awake during school. With the new vending machines brought in this year, students can buy the energy drink Mountain Dew Kickstart and Propel flavored water. As someone who has bought both these products, I can say the new drinks are definitely popular with students.

8. Change in guidance

With Wendy Dingman leaving for the middle school, former senior commons adviser Cynthia Russell stepped in. Brad Sims also joined guidance this year and is already taking over the freshman mentoring program. While these changes seem minor, guidance is more helpful than ever.

7. Chromebooks

This year, SHS gave freshman and sophomore students their own Chromebooks to use for the 2016-17 school year. Bringing more electronics into our classrooms is a big step for Solon, especially with the strict rules against other electronics in the school. Check out Meredith Maiorana’s news piece on this topic.

6. Music program’s trip to Orlando

SHS holds a trip every four years for the music program, which includes band, orchestra, Starlettes and Music in Motion. Last year they traveled to Orlando, Fla. in eight buses to perform at Universal Studios. Check out the photo story of the trip.

5. Arthur Road School shuts down

For many years, Solon has been home to four amazing elementary schools: Parkside, Roxbury, Lewis and Arthur Road. With decreased enrollment and building efficiency, it was in Solon’s best interest to shut down the school. R.I.P Arthur Road, you’ll be missed by many.

4. Spirit Squad

Breaking away from the typical norm of select senior boys and girls being Spirit Boys or Spirit Girls, SHS administrators created the Spirit Squad. This group includes students from all grades who want to spread school spirit at various school sporting events. Despite some call outs on school spirit this year, I think this idea was great. Inclusion of everyone who wants to cheer for Solon is one step closer to having a more inclusive view on school spirit.

3. The Coffee Bar

This spring, SHS created a coffee bar where students can purchase iced coffee and breakfast in the Snack Line of the cafeteria before school. If you arrive at  school early enough, you can see many students with an iced coffee or other snack in their hand. This addition really helps kids who don’t have enough time in the mornings to grab breakfast.

2. Merging parking lots

Ever since their freshman year, most seniors have dreamt of the rite-of-passage senior parking lot that is closer to the school entrance. This year, Solon announced that they will be merging said parking lot with the junior parking lot. While this seems like a petty thing to get upset about, most seniors were just mad since they had to wait three years before using that parking lot and now they have to share it with another grade, making it more crowded.

1. No homework during winter break

Finally. The dream we’ve all wanted to come true. Teachers are no longer allowed to give students homework over winter break. So burn your books and notes, this winter will be dedicated to sleeping in and relaxing before school starts up again. With the new semester starting after break, no new material should be covered over break.

There’s a lot to reflect on this past year, locally and globally. With the new year coming, I think we can all agree a new start sounds good after such a crazy year. Welcome 2017, I hope you bring only good things to SHS this year.