Independence High School
3/25/2024
Principal's Update
SIXER community,
Congratulations to the cast, crew, orchestra, and staff for their successful run of Mean Girls, our Spring Musical.
The Spring Panorama survey is now collecting responses. All students will be receiving this survey through their English classes. Students will go to https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/ to fill out the surveys. Your access code is your student ID. For families, the link is surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family, and you can choose Independence and your preferred language.
Please remember that there is no school this Friday as we observe Cesar Chavez Day at the start of our Spring Break. The week we return in April, we will be on a special schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for testing. That week also ends the fifth marking period.
What's Happening This Week
This week is our annual Battle of the Classes (BOTC) student spirit week.
Our SIXER Values in Action
Since 1992, Independence High School and Ravensberger Gymnasium in Herford have been exchanging on a (mostly) yearly basis through the German American Partnership Program (GAPP). Over 700 students have participated in GAPP exchanges between our schools. The powerful lifelong impact on participants cannot be measured by any standardized assessment. GAPP's core values are:
Fostering international friendships
Developing intercultural competence and interculturality
Promoting German / English language study
Gaining perspectives, encouraging empathy, and building understanding
View photos of the summer trip to Germany and videos of student reflections HERE!
23 of our Independence High School students are serving as host families for 23 German students! Thank you to: Juan Camilo Agudelo, Ayesha Camp, Ellissa Cartwright, Leticia Chen, Jacob Cingolani, Issac De Anda, Katrina Dinh, Huyen Ha, Diep-Van Pham Nguyen, Owen Rosslee, Tyler Tran, Jiachen Tai, Chloe Truong, Oliver Weber, Ashraf Mohammed, Amy Bradford, Angelina Camacho, Ellissa Cartwright, Sebastian Castro, Camille Fuqua, Areli Ramirez, Isabel Reinke, Megan Tran.
“One of the best things about being an exchange student in Germany is learning about how people live in different parts of the world and seeing how it varies from country to country.” ~Ellissa Cartwright, Junior
“My favorite part about being an exchange student is getting to know [Ellissa’s] family and building the connection because it’s so beautiful to be welcomed into their home, eat their food, see what they love to do, sit in their car, get to know their dog, everything like that…Just the connection you can build interculturally. I love that.” ~Tadeja, Ellissa’s exchange student from Germany
“I want our exchange students to know that San Jose and Independence is mixed culture, where there is a lot of ethnicities, race, and cultures, and this is a really good thing. You don’t have to travel far to meet other people and new ideologies, cultures, and people, and that’s really a good thing.” ~Huyen Ha, Junior
*Thank you to Herr Lynch and Ms. Dang (coordinating teachers for GAPP) who traveled to Germany with our students in the summer of 2023 and are currently hosting the German Teacher-Coordinators.
Sixer Shoutouts
I'd like to give Rebecca Duran a shoutout for her outstanding communication skills and reliability as a resource for her family and friends. I recall her actively seeking information to assist a friend who isn't part of our school community. Additionally, she has shown remarkable resilience. Rebecca intends to major in Psychology next Fall. I'm excited to see her continue to positively impact the world and the lives of those around her. ~Mr. Thompson Ly, School Counselor
I want to give Isabel Reinke a SIXER Shoutout for her welcoming attitude towards our students. This week, a student I've been working with faced challenges attending school and participating in class. When I inquired about what helped them attend class and school, the student mentioned that Isabel was always welcoming and friendly whenever they attended class. I also have Isabel in my dual enrollment class, and I can attest to her friendliness and genuine care for her peers and education. Thank you for your kindness, Isabel. ~Mr. Thompson Ly, School Counselor
IHS Counseling Corner
Community College Workshops:
IHS Counseling will be hosting a series of workshops to help students through the community college application, orientation and registration process. Representatives from the community college will be on campus to assist students and answer any questions they may have. Please check the IHS Counseling Calendar for up-to-date dates and information.
Upcoming Dates:
- March 25: San Jose City College Orientation Workshop
March 27: Evergreen Valley College Application Workshop
March 27: Mission College Application and Orientation Workshop
April 11: De Anza Application Workshop
Counselor Caseload:
Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Cd | 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
Mr. Ly: Last Names Ce-Gak | 408.928.9547 | lyt@esuhsd.org
Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Gal-Ld | 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
Ms. Fernandez: Last Names Le-M | 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
Ms. Huynh: Last Names N-Pha | 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
Ms. Marquez: Last Names Phb-Tal | 408.928.9568 | marquezl@esuhsd.org
Ms. Liang: Last Names Tam-Z | 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
Ms. Dela Cruz: Counselor in Training | 8:15am-2:30pm | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday | dealcruzcharissamae@esuhsd.org
Ms. Ho: Counselor In Training | 9am-3pm | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | hok@esuhsd.org
Mr. Garcia: 10,000 Degrees Fellow | 9am-4pm | Tuesday-Thursday | 415.578.4380 | anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org
Athletics Updates
“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” ~Kobe Bryant
Congratulations to sophomore Andy Dinh for his hole in one on the par 3, 125 yard 2nd hole at Los Lagos GC. Perspective: .01% of amateur golfers have a hole in one. A truly awesome feat! Go6ers!
Week of 3/25/24
Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)
3/27 - @ Evergreen Valley @ 6pm
3/29 - vs Leigh @ 6pm
Sixer Baseball: Coach Fernandes (fernandesp@esuhsd.org)
3/27 @ Yerba Buena @ 4pm
3/22 @ James Lick
Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)
3/25 vs Lincoln @ San Jose Muni GC 4pm
3/28 vs Lincoln @ Santa Teresa GC @ 4pm
Sixer Softball: Coach Yenchik
3/27 vs Mt Pleasant 4pm
3/29 @ Andrew Hill 4pm
Sixer Swim: Coach Martinez (martinezad@esuhsd.org)
3/28/24 vs Sobrato 3:30pm
Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)
3/26 & 3/28 Santa Teresa Division Single/Doubles Tournament @ Independence HS @ 12pm
Sixer Track and Field:
3/28/24 @ Andrew Hill 4pm
Sixer Volleyball: Coach Nguyen (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
3/26/24 @ Pioneer 5:30 | 7pm
3/28/24 @ Leland 5:30 | 7pm
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Yenchik
Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Singh (singh@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)
Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)
Sixer 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 $70. 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!
https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000
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.
Our next date is 4/20! See you there.
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 and Community Specialist Corner
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.
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
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
Sacred Heart Community Service
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.
Bay Area Community Health
- Complete physical examinations, including sports physicals
- Screening for vision, hearing, asthma, obesity, and other medical conditions
- Medical care, including treatment for acute and chronic conditions
- Medications and prescriptions, Immunizations
- Medical laboratory tests
- Family planning and confidential services
- Behavioral Health Counseling and services
- Health Education and Counseling
- Dental Care
What services do the School-Linked Mobile Clinics provide?
- All services listed above are available via our mobile clinics; however, each mobile clinic deployment will have a targeted focus. So, if multiple services are requested, we will cover those services with numerous deployments. For example, we may have dental on the first Monday of the month and medical on the third Monday of the month; then, we may have additional targeted deployments for school enrollment physicals and immunizations or sports physicals as needed seasonally by the school community.
- Vision and dental services are available on the same day if there is space to accommodate two units.
How are students referred to the health center?
Students can be referred to health services by teachers, social workers,
school administration, and parents. They can also self-refer. Each school will have a unique process for the scheduling flow and attendance exceptions that allow the students to attend their appointments. BACH will work with the team at each school as requested to ensure this process is smooth.Are parents/guardians required to give consent for their child to receive services at the health center?
- Many of the services at the SBHCs do require parental consent; however, there are many services that students can access without the consent of a parent or guardian. BACH has a general consent form that can be filled out and signed one time while the student attends the same school.
- Are there any fees associated with using the health center's services? If so, how are they determined?
- BACH participates in many public and private health insurance networks and will collect insurance information from all patients, but patients will never be turned away due to inability to pay.
- MedicalServices-
Private health insurance – no copays are collected; insurance
reimbursement is attempted. If insurance does not pay, the cost is determined on a sliding scale.- Kaiser insured students
- Kaiser Medi-Cal–no cost
KaiserPrivate- $20 for most medical visits including sports
physicals- Medi-Cal – no cost
- Confidential Services including family planning
- No cost for any student
- Dental and Vision Services –
- All dental services are subject to copays according to the patient’s insurance. If insurance coverage is inadequate, the patient will be placed on a sliding fee scale.
- Behavioral Health Services -
- BH services, including counseling, are currently being offered at no cost, regardless of insurance status, for the 2023-24 school year. We are still billing MediCal and hope to sustain this no-cost service through the 2024-25 school year.
Are there any eligibility requirements for students to use the health center's services?
- BACH school-based services are open to all students in the ESUHSD. Students in schools that do not have a brick-and-mortar health center can visit Mt Pleasant High School Clinic on Mondays from 10 am-7 pm and Tuesday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm.
Mental Health & Wellness Corner
Services offered in D-05
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.
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, 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. 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!
Wellness Center Hours:
Monday: 8:30-1:53, 2:55-3:45 (closed 6th period for weekly Care Team Meetings)
Tuesday: 8:30 - 3:45
Wednesday: 8:30 - 3:45
Thursday: 9:30 -3:15 (Closed during weekly staff collaboration)
Friday: 8:30-3:45
Santa Clara County Youth Mental Health Input Survey
The To Be Honest Youth Advisory Board is a program of Momentum for Health that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health among youth, young adults and families in Santa Clara County. Please share your input on the following questions. We value your input in coordination of our efforts to enhance student wellness policy and services in the educational environment.
Access the Survey here: Santa Clara Youth Mental Health Survey
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. We are grateful this month for the love and support our partners have shown to the DYWC! Don’t miss our new program offerings this month including:
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