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Independence High School

5/12/2025

IndependenceHigh School5/12/2025

Principal's Update

Sixer Community,


This Friday, we will complete our AP testing.


We are now four weeks from the end of the semester. On Friday, May 23rd, we will be on a staff meeting (early release) schedule. On Monday, May 26th, there is no school for Memorial Day. And, on June 2, 3, and 4, we will be on our Finals schedule.


Thank you to everyone who participated in the Spring 2025 Panorama Survey administration. Attached are the results.

What's Happening this week

Monday, May 12: AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and Music Theory Exams

Tuesday, May 13: AP French, Precalculus, & Environmental Exams

Wednesday, May 14: AP English Language, German & Physics C Exams

Thursday, May 15: AP Spanish Language & Computer Science Exams

Friday, May 16: AP Physics 1, Spanish Literature, & Psychology Exams

SIXER Shoutouts

“Ms. Meniado is always attentive and caring of student's needs and always brightens my day! She's always curious about our personal lives an makes an effort to connect beyond her role as not only a teacher, but a mentor as well.” ~Tran Nguyen, Senior


“The IHS Cafeteria ladies and guys are amazing. They help prep food, give food to us and other schools. Making sure us kids and adults are fed. I really appreciate them all, and you should to!” ~Isabella Barrera, Freshman


“Ms. Ko deserves a SIXER Shoutout because she is the most caring, devoted, and truly passionate person when it comes to helping students with problems that they are unable to solve. She always helps her students stay engaged when it comes to getting classwork done! Ms. Ko has a generous heart and is very respectful when it comes to talking to other adults such as teachers, staff, parents, her students, and even students she doesn't know! She takes the time out of her day to continue helping her students pass math and sets a positive environment in her classroom with all her posters in her classroom. She is an eXtraordinary person as she impacts the school community by attending and supervising for Math Recovery everyday. Overall, she always appreciates her students' hard work, dedication and always guides her students to success!” ~Mickaelah Garcia, Junior


Thank you to all of our students who submitted shoutouts to staff members. Check out some of our Staff Appreciation Shoutouts HERE! (Shared with permission.)

Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony

6/4/25 at the SJSU Event Center

@ 5:00 PM, Doors open for the public @ 4 PM

290 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

Event Information

Class of 2025 Graduation

When?

Wednesday, Jun 4, 2025, 05:00 PM

Where?

290 S 7th St, San Jose, CA 95112

location_on Open maps

3 WAYS TO ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN: (LINE 6 on Order Form)


  1. Buy cap, gown, & tassel. You get to decorate them and keep them.
  2. Borrow a sibling's or older friend's gown. Buy cap & tassel only, and you get to decorate and keep cap & tassel.
  3. Borrow cap and gown from the school. You may not alter or decorate them, and cap & gown must be returned immediately after the ceremony.



Click here to view the full Product Catalog.

Click here to visit our website.

Questions?

Call the Grad Company office at (925) 736 0679 or Mike Rabago cell (925) 876 7731.

Our SIXER Values in Action

IHS Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Week

By Tim Gale and Ilse Ruiz

IHS Social Workers


Hello Sixers! Last week, the Mental Health and Wellness team hosted a week's worth of lunch time activities to bring attention to mental health. Throughout the week we invited several of our community partners to come join us on campus to introduce students to a wide variety of resources. This week we had members from Indy's Bring Change to Mind Club, The Q Corner, Tobacco Use Prevention and Education, and Ujima bring swag, information, and a good time to center campus.


Mental Health and Wellness Awareness Week is part of an ongoing effort by the mental health and wellness team to connect with students and let them know about support systems available on campus. We are happy to announce that our newest team member, Erin Silverman, was a big part of the week and assisted kids with each new activity. She is the new wellness clerk and ready to help students the moment they walk through our doors.


We know May can be stressful with the end of school approaching so remember to ask for help before getting overwhelmed!

IHS is here to support you. Let’s continue to build our networks of support!

We Are Spirited. We Are Sixers.

IHS Counseling Corner

De Anza College Orientation Workshop:

Representatives from De Anza College will be on campus Wednesday and Thursday for an orientation workshop. Seniors planning on attending the workshop should already have completed their De Anza College application and must have their De Anza College student ID number. Students only need to attend one workshop, either on Wednesday or Thursday. Contact your school counselor with any questions.

Counselor Contact & Availability:

Counselors are located in the Learning Center (Student Union). Counselors are available for student walk-ins before and after school and during break and lunch. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with your student’s counselor.


College Access Support (located in D-208 & the Learning Center):
Making the Spartan East Side Promise

Athletics Updates

“Finishing strong is a powerful demonstration of commitment, character, integrity, and heart.” - Blair


Shout Out:

Congratulations to Junior Teagan Hum who will represent Independence High School in the CCS Semi-finals in the 100m and 200m events.

Congratulations to Freshman Octavia Fujdala who will represent Independence High School in the CCS Semi-Finals in the 1600m race.


Good Luck and Go Sixers!


Week of 5/12/25

Spring Sports

Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)

5/17/25 CCS Finals @ Independence


Sixer Baseball: Coach Fernandes (fernandesp@esuhsd.org)

5/13/25 @ Gunderson 4pm


Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)


Sixer Softball: Coach Quezada (jorge.quezada@evc.edu)

5/12/25 vs James Lickl 4pm

5/16/25 vs San Jose 4pm


Sixer Swim:Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)

5/6/25 - 5/8/25 CCS Swim Finals @ Independence


Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)


Sixer Track and Field: Coach Manav (ihs76ers.xc.tf@gmail.com)

5/17/25 CCS Semi-Finals @ GilroyHigh School


Sixer Volleyball: Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)


Fall Sports

Sixer Football: Coach Braun (braunj@esuhsd.org)

Sixer Golf (girls): Coach Richard Lee (rlee@fusdk12.net)

Sixer Volleyball (girls): Coach Kenny (leilani.buckner10@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)


Winter Sports

Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Gajardo (lj_gajardo@yahoo.com)

Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)

Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)

Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)

Sixer Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)


Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics


Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets

Activities Updates

Attention ALL Sixers Students!

If you haven’t already done so, please download the MINGA app on your phone to access your Digital Student ID. This is a REQUIREMENT to get into ALL home sports games that require a ticket for FREE and will be required for check-in at dances and other school events.


No phone? No problem..MINGA is accessible on your chromebook via ARMS.

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:

Student Accomplishments

2025 MESA Nor Cal Regionals Results 4-12-25

On Saturday April 12 the MESA Northern California Regionals were held in Richmond CA at Contra Costa College. Indy Mesa team took 17 members comprising 8 teams, competing in 6 different events. All these members had to score first or second place on MESA Day March 1st at SJSU to compete. The Northern California Mesa Region comprises schools from Fresno State and UC Santa Cruz in the south to the Oregon Boarder in the North. Some schools traveled over 8 hours to compete in Mesa Regionals.


We did extremely well with four of our 8 teams getting awards. For Mesa Machine 9-10 grade we won second place and the innovation award (Ginnie Tang and Soriya Tran). For Moon Base 11-12 Grade we won first place (Mesa President Kaylee Tran, Jaap Chahal and Jenny Grey). For Coding Solutions Novice Division we won first place (Daylin Mendoza). For Math Escape we also won first place (Ethan Huang, Kendrick Remy Yen and Kian Lau).


Congratulations to all the students who went and competed in Mesa Regionals

Bio Breakthrough 9-10 grade Cinnie Ly and Deeksha Bharadwaj

Cargo Glider 9-10 grade Calvin Than and Kyle Gomez

Cargo Glider 11-12 grade

Team 1 Tram Nguyen and Vattanak Dalton

Team 2 Cody Nguyen, David Zavala and William Ng


MESA Regional Students in front of SJSU

STEAM Academy Students Explore History and Innovation at Rosie the Riveter Museum

On Friday, April 11th, students from the STEAM Academy’s engineering program took a deep dive into American history and the power of innovation during a recent field trip to the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. The visit offered an inspiring blend of engineering, social studies, and career exploration for the high schoolers, many of whom are preparing for futures in science, technology, engineering, art, and math.


The museum, which honors the contributions of women and civilians during World War II, provided students with a unique perspective on how engineering and manufacturing shaped not only the war effort but also the role of women in the workforce. Through interactive exhibits, original artifacts, and first-person stories, students learned how “Rosie the Riveter” became a symbol of strength and resilience—and how her legacy continues to inspire innovation and inclusion in STEM fields today.


The trip was more than just a history lesson. Students saw how industrial design, problem-solving, and teamwork were applied under pressure. Seeing it in a real-world historical context helps them understand why these skills matter.

Santa Clara County Students Showcase Innovation at 2025 S4CA Design Competition

San Jose, CA – May 1, 2025 — Innovation, imagination, and engineering excellence were on full display at the 2025 Santa Clara County Construction Careers Association (S4CA) Student Design and Build Competition, held on May 1 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. This year’s event centered around the theme “Tiny Homes and Unique Alternative Housing,” inviting students to creatively tackle California’s housing challenges with forward-thinking design solutions.


Participants from across the county submitted 3D-modeled entries using Autodesk Inventor software, showcasing functional tiny homes designed to attach to Automoblox T9 trucks. Each student-designed home featured a custom-built attachment mechanism and demonstrated scaled-down architectural innovation that fused mobility with sustainable living.


A standout among the competitors was the Independence High School STEAM Academy, which entered two groups into the contest. Ten students from the Introduction to Engineering Design course took on the challenge, and six of them walked away with top honors—earning cash prizes, gift cards, and even a tablet for their designs. Their models impressed judges with their structural creativity, clean aesthetics, and real-world practicality.


Not to be outdone, a team from Independence’s Aerospace Engineering course made waves with a futuristic “moon rocket tiny house” concept, blending science fiction with scalable engineering. The rocket-inspired habitat earned high praise and secured a winning spot among the top entries.

Judges from the S4CA panel—including industry professionals, city planners, and educators—commended all student participants for their inventive designs, technical skills, and thoughtful approaches to alternative housing. “The quality of work and depth of thought these students brought to the table was truly remarkable,” said one judge. “They’re not just designing structures—they’re thinking like future engineers and city planners.”


The competition not only celebrated engineering skill and creativity but also highlighted how youth can contribute to meaningful solutions for California’s housing crisis. Through this hands-on project, students explored principles of sustainability, mobility, and urban planning—laying the foundation for future careers in construction, architecture, and design.


The S4CA continues to inspire the next generation of builders and thinkers, and this year’s competition proved once again that the future of housing design is in good hands.

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.


Parents, Cookies is a marijuana reference. Cookies clothing or accessories are not permitted. Parents, please partner with us on this!


Saturday School!

Come to Saturday School this year and recover an unexcused absence or an excused illness absence. A teacher will be there to help you with your academics. Use the time to study or work on missing assignments. Our next Saturday School is Saturday, May 17th. We will feed you! Please plan to stay until 12:45pm. Please see Ms. Goltzer or Ms. Andrade in C05 for questions or concerns. Use the form to sign up!

https://forms.gle/YLYgSvMsCKkrNba48


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 Student Union. 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

Jennifer Andrade - 408.928.9521


Student last names A - L

Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552


Student last names M-Z

Thao Pham - 408.928.9542


Say Something

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!


https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000

Parent and Community Specialist Corner

** Upcoming AP Testing** May 5, 2025 - May 16, 2025

As we approach the AP (Advanced Placement) testing period, we want to share some important information to help your student be prepared and successful.

Students must arrive on time. Morning exams begin promptly at 8:00 AM and afternoon exams at 12:00 PM. Late arrivals may not be allowed to test.

What to Bring:

  • Valid photo ID

  • Several No. 2 pencils (non-mechanical)

  • Black or blue pens

  • Approved calculator (if applicable)

  • Snacks and water for breaks (must be kept outside the testing room)

What NOT to Bring:

  • Phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices

  • Books or notes

We encourage you to help your student by ensuring they get adequate rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school with all needed materials. Your support during this time is invaluable.

***SAVE THE DATE***

ELAC Celebration: Tuesday, May 13 @ 6pm

Coffee with the Principal : Wednesday, May 14 @ 9am


As a reminder, Attendance Matters! Consistent attendance in high school is essential for academic achievement, as even missing a small amount of class time can have a notable effect on a student's learning and overall performance.


Attendance Matters. On Time. All Day. Every Day



Please refer to the flyer below for information on upcoming parent meetings.

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.

Parents: For technology access please see the flyer below. As a reminder your student can share the pairing code for CANVAS.

Please refer to the academic calendar 2024-2025 to support you in the planning of any holiday vacations. As a reminder, vacations are not excuse absences in session days.

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.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Sacred Heart Community Service

Martha's Kitchen

Second Harvest Food Bank nearest Food pickup


● 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

Services offered at the Wellness Center

The Mental Health and Wellness team includes social workers, interns, and community based organizations (CBO’s) 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. Visit us in room D-01 to learn more!


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. A social worker, intern or other school staff member 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 to be a place 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. Students who visit the calming space during regular class time are expected to check in with Ms. Johnson, our Wellness Center Clerk, when they arrive and before they return to class. We also ask that students keep their electronics put away and that they do not engage in side conversations with other students.


Daybreak Health - Online Therapy


We are thrilled to share that we have partnered with Daybreak Health, a school-based mental health company, to provide 1:1 teletherapy services to ESUHSD students with qualified clinicians.


When kids are mentally healthy, they can think clearly, pay better attention, and learn new skills. These evidence-based teletherapy programs have proven to positively impact academic outcomes like behavioral improvements, better grades, and higher attendance.


If you have a student who you think could benefit from virtual mental health support click here to make a referral, or reach out to your social worker for more information. #mentalhealthmatters


Community Resources & Events


Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline

If you or your student need mental health crisis support outside of school hours, you may call 988 to request support from the Santa Clara County Mobile Crisis Response Team. If your phone number does not begin with a 408, 669 or 650 area code, please call 800-704-0900 and press 1.


Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline


Downtown Youth Wellness Center

Address: 725 East Santa Clara Street, Suite 105, San Jose, CA 95112

Phone: 408-961-4645

Email: dywc@hhs.sccgov.org


The Downtown Youth Wellness Center is a Behavioral Health program dedicated to promoting a safe, supportive, and youth-focused environment that provides short term Behavioral Health services, focused on prevention and early intervention for youth ages 12-25. Services include same day access to brief behavioral health support, peer support, workshops, well-being groups, social and educational activities, linkage to services/case management (including medical and longer-term behavioral health services), life skills development, education and career planning, independent living skills, and other related care. The DYWC is a partnership between the Behavioral Health Services Department and Alum Rock Counseling Center.

The DYWC is excited to continue to be part of the community that serves the youth in our community. In an ongoing effort to meet the needs of the youth, the DYWC has shifted the hours of operation to Monday through Friday from 10am-7pm.

Where students find their Passion, Purpose, and Path.

School Vision

Independence High School is an intercultural community that provides students with rich opportunities for personal and academic growth while embracing diversity, belonging, and open access for all.

Newsletter Archives

Archives of previous newsletters can be found at https://independence.esuhsd.org/About-Us/Principals-Newsletter-archive/index.html
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