Independence HS
10/09/2023
Principal's Update
SIXER community,
As we return from our October break, I hope everyone is rested and caught up on any outstanding classwork. We have four more weeks to the end of the second marking period, which often serves as a strong indication of final grades in courses. Make sure to check your grades regularly, and reach out to your teachers for support if needed. Collaboration this Thursday is Office Hours. Please take this opportunity to meet with your teachers if you need additional support in a class to maintain your eligibility for the Spartan East Side Promise.
Thank you to everyone who has already filled out the Panorama Survey. Parents, if you have not done so yet, please follow the link below.
Our learning management system is set up to help you keep track of your child’s progress. Please view this video to see all the features parents/guardians can take advantage of on Canvas including:
1. When the course grade goes below a percentage you choose
2. When your student has a missing assignment
3. Course announcements
Parent Panorama Survey
Students and staff will be receiving this survey separately.
What's Happening This Week
10/9 - 10/13: Homecoming Spirit Week
Thursday, Oct. 12: College Information Night/Financial Aid Overview | 5:30-7 pm | C-Commons
Friday, Oct. 13: Homecoming Football Game vs. Gilroy
Saturday, Oct 14: Homecoming Dance 7 pm - 10 pm.
This week, our Sixers share eXtraordinary learning experiences that happen both inside and beyond the classroom.
eXtraordinary People
My teacher last year, Ms. Q taught me the importance of selflessness and unconditional kindness. She takes care of her classes, offering a safe space to learn and talk. She has food and tea available during break/lunch, and her classroom is such a calming space. I went through a bunch of changes last year and I would mostly stay after school to relax in the green areas, and Ms Q on her way to her car would visit me. She told me something along the lines of “you don’t owe me anything in return, all unconditional here” which I think is so important. Everyone deserves care and respect, maybe not everyone deserves attention at times and the time of day, but we all still deserve kindness no matter what. Being kind to people and not expecting them to be in return is something important I am learning. And taking a bad impression or experience with someone not personally is also important. My experiences talking with Ms Q and being in her class has helped me to learn that :). “ ~Leah Griffith, Junior
One extraordinary thing I’ve seen an adult do would be taking time to show that they genuinely care about students. The adult I am talking about is Ms. Grover. In the classroom, she provides a safe environment for anyone to ask any questions, always offers to help, and reaches out to anyone she thinks needs support. Even outside the classroom, she’s a very friendly spirit and still shows care for students, even if they aren’t her students.” ~Rovin Inocencio, Junior
eXtraordinary Classroom Experiences
“During history I was assigned to make a presentation with a group and instead of making an explanation video, I decided to make a skit that had a random musical backdrop. It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had with an assignment and if I could do it again I would. This time with a different song and a different plot. I got an opportunity to learn about a lot of social injustices that occur in modern day that also had a lot of prevalence in history.” ~Duong Nguyen, Senior
“One extraordinary experience in school would be the STEMPalooza project around Spring of 2023. Working with my classmates on a topic outside math and even including important information about certain basketball statistics was a fun experience that allowed me to help my group spread more creativity.” ~Seth Tambua, Senior
eXtraordinary Life Learning
“An eXtraordinary learning experience was going to Ecuador through Global Glimpse and being less shy with people I didn’t know but at the end of the trip everyone was so close to each other.” ~Lizbet Magana, Senior
“As a member of AAWA, I had the privilege to see professors and professionals in the field doing their jobs while also giving back to the youth community. I always thought that was something truly extraordinary.” ~Nathan Quach, Senior
“I learned that making mistakes is okay and something we should not beat ourselves about. Making mistakes means that we are growing as people and can move forward as the best version of ourselves.” ~Catherine Dizon, Senior
School-wide lessons are opportunities for our students to acknowledge our strengths, reflect on our learning, and build upon our values. Check out the School-Wide lessons on our Sixer Values HERE!
Sixer Shoutouts
Student Shoutout
Magaly Lopez Soto is an extraordinary young lady. She is strong and resilient and no matter what she is always respectful and a pleasure to have in class. She exhibits positiveness and goodwill every day, and she strives to do her absolute best every day, no matter the circumstance. ~ Sra. Alvarez, World Languages Teacher
Vairon Yaren Chirinos is a delight in class. He is very respectful and inquisitive. He always makes sure he fully understands the task at hand before he completes it. He greets me every day with a smile and is very thankful. Vairon always does his absolute best in every assignment, and he does it with pleasure. ¡Es un gusto tenerlo en clase! ~ Sra. Alvarez, World Languages Teacher
Counseling Corner
IHS College & Financial Aid Night
IHS Counseling, along with 10,000 Degrees, will be hosting a College Information Night followed by Financial Aid Overview Presentation on Thursday, October 12 at 5:30 pm in the iCafe. Come join us to learn more about college requirements, different college systems, the financial aid process and more.
Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 11: St. Mary’s Presentation (2:10pm in N1 Purple Room)
Oct. 11: Common App Workshop (2:40pm in iCafe)
Oct. 11-12: Freshman Counseling Lesson in PE 1
Oct. 12: College Information Night & Financial Aid Overview (5:30pm in C-Commons)
Oct. 16-17: Senior Counseling Lesson in Am. Government/Economics
Oct. 17: Cal Poly Pomona Presentation (9:15am in iCafe)
Counselor Caseload Update:
IHS Counseling has made a shift in caseload. Please make note of who your student’s counselor is, as it may have changed.
Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Cd, Saf-Saq | 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
Mr. Ly: Last Names Ce-Gak, Sar-Sin | 408.928.9547 | lyt@esuhsd.org
Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Gal-Ld, Rj-Sae | 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
Ms. Fernandez: Last Names Le-M, Ran-Ri | 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
Ms. Huynh: Last Names N-Pha, Phb-Ram | 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
Ms. Marquez: Last Names Phb-Tal (currently on leave)
Ms. Liang: Last Names Tam-Z, Sio-Tal | 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
Ms. Ho: Counselor In Training | 9am-3pm | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | hok@esuhsd.org
Athletics Updates
“We(coaches, players, parents/fans) are always respectful and display good sportsmanship throughout and after the game.”
Kevin Johson
Sixer Boys’ Basketball meeting on Thursday, 9/28 at 3:30 in M-34. All boys interested in playing this year should attend.
Week of 10/9/23
Sixer Football: 10/13/23 vs Gilroy JV @ 4:30 pm | V @ 7pm
Coach Braun (braunj@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Golf (girls): Coach Carson (carsona@esuhsd.org)
10/9//23 vs Live Oak @ Spring Valley GC @ 4:15
10/12/23 vs Live Oak GC @ Santa Teresa GC 4:15
Sixer Volleyball (girls): Coach Kenny (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
10/9/23 vs Santa Teresa JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
10/12/23 vs Christopher JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
Sixer Cross Country (boys & girls): Coach Kevin (ckwang91@gmail.com)
10/12/23 @ Montgomery Hill Park @ 4pm
Sixer Tennis (girls): Coach Scott (rl20ii@yahoo.com)
10/10-10/13/23 BVAL Santa Teresa East Divisional Tournament
Sixer Water Polo (boys & girls): Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)
10/10/23 vs Santa Teresa Girls @ 6pm | Boys @ 5pm
10/12//23 @ Yerba Buena| Boys @ 5pm
Sixer Girls’ Flag Football: Coach Baker (bakerl@esuhsd.org)
10/9/23 @ Hill @7pm
10/11/23 @ Pioneer @ 7pm
10/12/23 @ Lincoln @ 7pm
Activities Updates
Hey Sixers!! Are you excited for our Homecoming dance this year? Well you’re in luck because this year’s homecoming theme is… I SEE THE LIGHT! This theme is based off of the Disney movie Tangled! You can buy your tickets now during lunch and after school in front of the school bank, A-06. Tickets this week are $15!
2023-2024 Yearbook Promo!
Right now, yearbook reservations/orders are $65.Students and parents/ guardians can order a yearbook at the school bank (A-06), or visit www.yearbookordercenter.com (enter code 6072) to purchase online (there is a $4.99 processing fee for online purchasing). For further information, please review the Yearbook Frequently Asked Questions document.
Seniors! Check out the special Senior Button in this Newsletter for all things relevant to you and graduation!
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And, your class account for important information specific to your grade level:
Safety & Attendance
We are a CLOSED Campus!
This is a friendly reminder to students and parents that we are a closed campus. Students should not be leaving the school grounds during school hours, particularly during break and lunch for safety reasons. The Public Library and Overfelt Gardens are off limits.
Students should not be hanging out in the parking lots during passing periods, break and or lunch. Staff members will ask the students to go back to the main campus.
NO DOORDASH!
Doordash is not allowed. We are a closed campus and we do not want strangers driving onto our campus and delivering food to minors. Students may not walk off campus to get a delivery either. This is a safety issue!
Parents, please do not send food deliveries to your student. ALL students may eat for free at break and lunch.
Dress and Attire
The expectations for clothing are clean, covered, and appropriate. This means no clothing that displays explicit or derogatory language, no drug or alcohol references, no sexually explicit images or nudity, and no gang references or symbols.
Any clothing or accessory item that the Administration deems a safety issue will be addressed with the student, and we will work with them to find a solution.
Attendance Matters!
The C-05 office will continue to focus on attendance as we continue to strive towards our mission: Students Engaged in the Classroom. We would like to continue to remind SIXERs the importance of being on time, all day, every day, and that there is a correlation between attendance, grades, and graduation. Avoid the truancy process!
Students who are consistently tardy or absent will meet with Ms. Goltzer and/or one of our Parent Community Involvement Specialists or a Student Advisor. We may request a parent meeting as well.
Parents, if you need to report a student’s tardiness or absence, please do so as soon as possible. The Attendance Office is in the N1 building. If you would like to phone instead, use the following phone numbers based on your student’s last name:
Attendance Staff
Short Term Independent Studies
Naicila Vidal - 408.928.9521
Student last names A - L
Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552
Student last names M-Z
Thao Pham - 408.928.9542
Reporting Line - SaySomething
Students and Parents,
Our highest priority is safety. If you witness or experience something that makes you feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or that could potentially become a safety issue, please report it. You can do so anonymously. We have a link to the SAY SOMETHING app on our Independence website. Please give the Administration as much information as possible so that we may investigate the issue. You do not have to use your name. I am providing the link here as well. Let’s work together to keep our campus and community safe!
Saturday School
We will continue our Saturday School series this year. It is a great way to make up an absence and clear it from your record, and avoid truancy! Saturday School will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 pm. It is an opportunity to work on homework, makeup work or just work ahead! A teacher will be there to help you with your work. We will also have food available.
Bring your Chromebook, as there will be a limited amount for use.
Please join us for our next Saturday School on 10/21.
Use the following link to sign up!
Parking Permits
Students who park on campus must have a parking permit. Please register your vehicle in C-05 and get your permit. Please display it in your vehicle when you park on campus. We ask that students park in the N1 parking lot (the large parking lot in front of the N1 Administration building).
Please drive safely in our parking lots. They are regularly monitored and any unsafe driving or driving at high speeds will not be tolerated. You may be cited and asked to park on the street in the future if you participate in these behaviors. We are a busy campus and you do not want to cause an accident or injure pedestrians.
You are not permitted to “hang out” in your vehicle during the school day.
Use the following link to register your vehicle. Pick up your permit in C-05.
https://forms.gle/WYhojwBqVvRouXUGA
Parent & Community Involvement Specialist (PCIS) Corner
Congratulations, Sixers, on this school-wide accomplishment! We had over 95% attendance in the month of September!I IHS staff is proud of you! Who got pie-ed in the face today at lunch?! Watch it here …. Sixers Attendance: Pie-ed
Good attendance habits pay off! More school days attended increases a student’s academic success and improves their chances of earning a high school diploma. Please encourage your students to attend all of their classes regularly and on time. As a reminder, if your student will be absent or late to school, please contact your attendance clerk.
Attendance Matters. On Time. All Day. Every Day.
Although all students receive free brunch & lunch, we are asking for your support in completing the “alternate Income form.” Please use this link to apply online or have your student pick up a form in N1, N02 or A202.
For any questions or concerns, please contact your Parent & Community Involvement Specialists (PCIS) Ms. Ha phamha@esuhsd.org 408.928.9598 or Ms. Maggie rodriguezm@esuhsd.org 408.928.9541. We are located in what we are calling the "Sixer Community Center" located in A202. Please call us for an appointment or feel free to stop by and visit us.
Please ensure we have your email so you are able to receive Parent Meetings and school updates. We offer a variety of support services for our school community. Please complete the Parent Survey by using this link https://forms.gle/mY7aQo6c37KW5S64A to get your feedback regarding Parent Workshops.
As a reminder please refer to the academic calendar 2023-2024 to support you in the planning of any holiday vacations. As a reminder, vacations are not excuse absences in session days.
Make sure your child is present to learn and grow.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
● 988 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Get Help - Behavioral Health Services - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org); informational flyer for mental health teams (attached)
● Black Youth & Suicide: A guide on suicide risk and mental health support for Black youth in Santa Clara County
● LGBTQ Youth Space (ages 13-25): https://youthspace.org/
● allcove: https://allcove.org/centers/palo-alto/
● Downtown Youth Wellness Center (ages 12-25) – flyer attached; Programs – Alum Rock Counseling Center (alumrockcc.org)
● Santa Clara County Office of Education - Department of Youth Health & Wellness
● Headspace for Teens: https://www.headspace.com/teens
● Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org
For any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Ms. Ha phamha@esuhsd.org 408.928.9598 or Ms. Maggie rodriguezm@esuhsd.org 408.928.9541.
Mental Health & Wellness Corner
The Mental Health and Wellness Center is located in Room D-05.
Services offered in D-05
The Mental Health and Wellness team includes social workers, interns, and community-based organizations (CBOs) that work together to provide mental health support to IHS students. The Wellness Center team offers referrals to community resources, group counseling, short-term individual counseling, crisis intervention, and education about mental health and wellness.
How do I submit a referral?
Students, parents, teachers, and community members may submit a referral for any student at Independence by visiting the link below and filling out a Care Team referral form. A social worker or intern will follow up with the student.
Care Team Referral form: https://forms.doc-tracking.com/48252/48252/2416
Calming Space: The Calming Space is designed as a space for students who are experiencing stress in class and need a short break to self-regulate. Before students visit the Calming Space, we ask that they check in with their teacher and request a pass. Students may spend 15 minutes in the Calming Space; if they need more time, a wellness center staff member will check in to discuss additional resources and support. We ask that students always check in with an adult when they arrive and before they leave the Calming Space, keep their phones away, and that they try at least one station in the space. Stop by to take a look!
Calming Space Hours:
Monday: 8:30-3:45 (all day)
Tuesday: 11:16-3:45 (beginning of break - end of 7th period)
Wednesday: 11:55 - 3:45 (beginning of lunch - end of 7th period)
Thursday: 10:58 -3:15 (beginning of break - end of 6th period)
Friday: 8:30-3:45 (all day)
To Be Honest Mental Health Art Contest
To Be Honest is hosting an art contest now through November 15th! Students can create either a 2D, 3D, 4D piece or Short Film that reflects the theme “A Love Letter to Myself.” Through this theme, we really want youth to reflect on all of their positive qualities and how their uniqueness contributes positively to their communities! All pieces are scored by a panel of 8 community members who are passionate about mental health and art. The Top 3 winners in each category will receive $300, $200 and $100 gift cards to either BLICK Art Materials (2D & 3D prize) or B&H Photo & Video (4D & Short Film prize) to help further their crafts.
Where students find their Passion, Purpose, and Path.
School Vision
Contact us
Email: bergbj@esuhsd.org
Website: https://independence.esuhsd.org/index.html
Location: 617 North Jackson Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 4089289500
Twitter: @IndependenceHS