Independence High School
3/4/2024
Principal's Update
SIXER community,
Thank you to everyone who participated in and helped put together our Multicultural Rally on Friday. This annual event is a celebration of the diverse cultures within the Independence Community. Thank you to Alexander Le from Unwavering Camera for sharing the images below and Ms. McClelland for putting together this video montage.
We now in the testing season, seeing how our students have progressed throughout this year. This week we are in the windows for the PE FitnessGram testing and ELPAC testing.
Next week, we welcome everyone to attend the Independence In-Person LCAP session on March 13th at 6:00 PM.
What's Happening This Week
Our SIXER Values in Action
Each year, Mr. Paul Fernandes, English Teacher, hosts a special event on campus to honor and recognize the Asian-American experience through history and literature.
This year, in collaboration with Ms. Shannen Rose, students presented at the luncheon. In preparation for these presentations, Ms. Rose hosted a six-week lunch time event on Asian-American literature, where students had the opportunity to make up missing work and be exposed to Asian American young adult literature they might not be exposed to in English 2.
Check out a short video featuring Mr. Fernandes’ and Ms. Rose’s Asian-American History and Literature Festival HERE!
“[Ms. Rose] gave us the opportunity to attend Asian-American literature lunches, which we could make up late assignments and missing work. We would gather and discuss several works of Asian American literature. I appreciated the way she introduced us to work that we wouldn’t necessarily explore in our normal English classes. It gave us an extremely important outlet to talk about important issues that affected Asian-American communities– assimilation, conflict between eastern and western values, and other cultural issues that surrounded the Asian-American experience and how certain authors utilized those issues and expressed them through literature.” ~Eli Obero, Sophomore
Every year, Mr. Fernandes coordinates and cooks food for the students.
We Are eXtraordinary. We Are Sixers.
If you would like to submit a photo and short quote about an eXtraordinary assignment or project you’ve been a part of, email Dr. LaMontagne at lamontagnec@esuhsd.org
Sixer Shoutouts
Vincent Tan and Eric Quach– Thank for your willingness to reflect on and share your learning experience creating the ERWC Module in Mr. Warren's class. It is so important for our community to hear your voices about what students are learning at Independence High School. Bravo for taking an assignment and truly being Innovative and eXtraordinary! ~Dr. LaMontagne, MTSS Implementation
Ms. Dodd and Ms. McClelland– Thank you for your continuous passion and hard work in creating opportunities for students to experience, appreciate, and be moved by the beauty of multiculturalism with IHS’s annual Parade of Nations performance. You are both treasures to our school community. ~Dr. LaMontagne, MTSS Implementation
IHS Counseling Corner
New Location:
The IHS Counseling Office is now located in the Learning Center of the new Student Union on the south end of campus, next to the theater.
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 14: De Anza App Workshop
March 14: Cash 4 College | 3:15-6:15pm | Student Union
March 18: San Jose City Tabling and App Workshop
March 21: Mission Workshop 3 for EL/1st Gen
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
Week of 2/26/24
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 3/16! 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.
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
Classroom Calming Kits
During this week’s All Staff Collaboration, teachers were introduced to our new Classroom Calming Kits. These kits are designed to provide some activities that students can use to self-regulate in the classroom. The kits include coloring sheets, fidget toys, and a collection of mindfulness exercises that students can use if they begin to feel stressed while in the classroom.
NEW CBO: Alum Rock Counseling Center’s Truancy Abatement Program (TABS)
We would like to welcome one of our newest CBO’s, Alum Rock TABS! TABS provides case management, linkage to community resources, individual mentoring, and group services. Their goal is tro prevent truancy by helping students and families address situations that may be preventing them from attending school on a consistent basis. Their staff are in D-05 on Wednesdays. If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact a social worker. To submit a referral, please complete a Care Team Referral and indicate that you are interested in TABS.
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