Independence HS
11/27/2023
Principal's Update
Welcome back SIXER community,
I hope everyone was able to enjoy some downtime with loved ones last week.
We are now three weeks from finals and four weeks from the end of the first semester. These next few weeks will go quickly so be sure to stay organized and communicate with your teachers about any questions you may have.
The holidays can often be a stressful time for students and families. Remember that we have supports available through our D-05 Mental Health and Wellness Center, our C-05 Safety Office, or our N-02 Counseling Office to support as needed.
On Friday, December 15th, 2023 (5:30pm - 8:30pm) our community will come together to celebrate the holiday season at our first IHS WinterFest! When we connect with each other and engage in activities that contribute to our community, we build pride in our neighborhood and one another.
Come to enjoy kids’ activity booths, holiday trees, and performances by IHS Clubs and Academies including:
Academy of Finance
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Recycling Club
E-Sports
Sewing Club
CSF
German Club
Chinese Club
Indy AIAS Club
Teaching Academy Club
Ukulele Club
Mural Club
Current clubs or academies can still sign up to participate HERE! Each family that attends will be entered into a raffle for a free Christmas Tree!
**We’d love to feature your small business as part of the festivities, too!**
If you’d like to be a part of IHS’s first WinterFest as a local vendor, please fill out the Community Vendor Interest Form
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! We are eXtraordinary. We are Sixers.
Sixer Shoutouts
Staff Shoutout
To the IHS Safety Team: Ms. Lisa Baker, Mr. Doc Curtis, Mr. John Hererra, Mr. Greg Duarte, Mr. Nelson Tran, Ms. Yarelin Rosales, Ms. Naicila Vidal, and Ms. Stephanie Gonzalez.
Counseling Corner
College Applications:
As we are in the month of November, seniors planning to apply to four year colleges are hard at work on their applications. The UC and CSU application deadline is November 30 at 11:59pm. We encourage students to submit their application before November 30. Private colleges (via Common App) have various deadlines. Students need to check each school for specific deadlines. Please check the counseling website for application workshop dates.
Community College applications will open in Spring 2024. IHS Counseling will be scheduling application and orientation workshops with our community college partners. Dates will be announced as they are scheduled.
Financial Aid:
Due to changes to the financial aid application, the application will now open in late December. Assembly Bill 469 states all seniors must submit an application (either the FAFSA or the CADAA). IHS Counseling will be providing students and families with information on when and how to complete the application. Upcoming dates include:
Dec. 1: Classroom Lesson in Am. Government/Economics class
Dec 7: Financial Aid Night Presentation/FSA ID Workshop at 5:30pm in the iCafe
Financial Aid representatives will present an in depth overview about the financial process and application. The presentation will be available in three languages (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
FSA ID Workshop will help parents and students complete the first step of the application process.
Financial Aid FAQ Handouts: English | Spanish | Vietnamese
How To Guide Teens with Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Two-thirds of high schoolers have heard of ChatGPT and 20% have used AI to complete assignments. Here's an article with some simple advice about how parents can talk with their children about the benefits and potential dangers of using AI.
Upcoming Dates:
Nov. 30: University of California (UC) & California State University (CSU) application deadline
Dec. 1: Senior Counseling Lesson in Am. Government/Economics
Dec. 7: Financial Aid Presentation/FSA ID Workshop | 5:30-7pm | 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
“Here’s how I’m going to beat you; I’m going to outwork you. That’s it. That’s all there is to it.”
Pat Head-Summitt
Shout Out to our girls’ basketball season for opening their season with a victory over Wilcox high. Our girls’ basketball team will be back in action at Piedmont Hills on Tuesday, 11/28/23. Good luck and Go Sixers!
Community Reminder: All tickets for Sixer Athletic Winter Team home games will only be available for purchase online. Please visit Gofan.co for all tickets.
Week of 11/27/23
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Yenchik
11/29/23 JLIT @ James Lick @ 8pm (Varsity)
12/1/23 JLIT @ James LIck TBA (Varsity)
12/2/23 JLIT @ James Lick TBA (Varsity)
11/29/23 Ram Rumble @ Willow Glen 6:30 (JV)
11/30/23 Ram Rumble @ Willow Glen TBA (JV)
12/1/23 Ram Rumble @ Willow Glen TBA (JV)
Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets
Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Singh (singh@esuhsd.org)
11/28/23 @ Piedmont HIlls JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
11/30/23 vs James LIck JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
12/1/23 Pioneer Tournament @ PIoneer HS TBA (Varsity)
12/2/23 Pioneer Tournament @ PIoneer HS TBA (Varsity)
Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)
11/28/23 Scrimmage @ IHS @ 6pm
Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)
Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)
Sixer Football: Coach Braun (braunj@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Golf (girls): Coach Carson (carsona@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Volleyball (girls): Coach Kenny (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
Sixer Cross Country (boys & girls): Coach Kevin (ckwang91@gmail.com)
Sixer Tennis (girls): Coach Scott (rl20ii@yahoo.com)
Sixer Water Polo (boys & girls): Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)
Sixer Girls’ Flag Football: Coach Baker (bakerl@esuhsd.org)
Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics
Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets
Activities Updates
Caps and Gowns
Seniors still wishing to purchase Caps and Gowns can visit http://HJGradstore.com. or contact our Rep. Mike Rabago. Office number 925-736-0679
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!
Follow us on Instagram:
Stay up to date on all student activities and events at IHS - be sure to follow your ASB accounts:
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 Schools on 12/2 AND 12/16!
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
***SAVE THE DATE*** December 15, 2023 : Celebrate the Holidays as a Community at our family friendly First Annual IHS WinterFest.
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. For confirmation of Free & Reduced please contact Child Nutrition Services at cns@esuhsd.org
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.
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)
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