During Marking Period 4, Mr. Warren challenged his Expository Reading and Writing students to take the existing structure of an ERWC module and create their own ERWC modules. Students had to select an engaging topic for their peers, then choose ERWC standards and reading selections. They created activities for each reading, an end-of-module project, and corresponding rubric.

Check out a short video featuring the assignment and one of the student-created modules

“What are the Effects? Online Activity and Use” HERE!

“After completing this Module Project in Mr. Warren’s Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum, I have learned many new skills, not without difficulties throughout the process. At the beginning of this unit, I was very excited on the thought of being able to create a module with a group of my choosing. It was a little bit of a slow process as finding article readings for our module was tedious and time-consuming. My biggest takeaway from this project would be that communication in a group setting is the most important thing in order to get any work done. It wasn’t until my group was able to communicate well with each other that we were able to find a steady pace to have our work done by the due date. In addition to that, having the creative freedom to make a manga for our end-of-module project did exhilarate me as art is one of my hobbies and looking back at all the work my group and I have done together, I think all four of us have developed a lot of team building, problem solving, and active listening skills.” ~Vincent Tan, Senior

“This project really challenged me on my soft and hard skills. It was my first long term project in a while and it taught me how great communication mattered. The whole project was fun and engaging compared to other schoolwork. It’s not easy to be a teacher, but it’s fun because you get to think about what students want. I’m a student and I tried to fill the activities of what I would want to learn in class. It was a great learning opportunity to see the field of teaching.” ~Eric Quach, Senior

This project came about from a student course survey that Mr. Warren gave to his students at the end of fall semester. Thank you, Mr. Warren, for always creating opportunities for students to engage in truly innovative curriculum!

We Are Innovative. We Are Sixers.

Kimberly Elizarras is part of our teaching academy. She shared an "aha" moment during her teaching practicum class. Kimberly shared with me that she was assisting an elementary student who had a learning disability. The elementary student was struggling with the assignment. When her co-teacher asked Kimberly to follow up on the student, Kimberly learned the student was having a difficult day. Instead of focusing on the assignment, Kimberly took the time to listen to the student and built rapport with them. After the student was in a better space, Kimberly was able to support the student in completing the assignment. She felt happy with herself and the impact she made.” ~Mr. Thompson Ly, School Counselor

Staff Shoutout

“When I first started at IHS, Ms. Nedra Zausch made me feel like a celebrity. I volunteered at College Night and students asked for my autograph or a picture throughout the night. I had no idea what this was about until the next day; it was extra credit for her AVID class. Ms. Zausch is also instrumental in helping her AVID students connect with professionals tailored to their career interests. This past semester, we put on a career fair. Unsure of the turnout or process, we just did what we felt our students deserved. Ms. Zausch is such an asset to our campus. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is a strong advocate for our students' success. Thank you for all you do!” ~Mr. Thompson Ly, School Counselor

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.

Scheduling Process for 2024-25 School Year:

Counselors are in the process of following up with students who were absent during their one-on-one meetings at the beginning of February. Any student who has not met with their counselor to confirm scheduling selection for next year is encouraged to see their counselor during break or lunch as soon as possible.

Students who would like to make changes to their scheduling selections are to wait until course verifications are sent in April. Please do not email your counselor requesting a change. A link for students to request any changes to their intended courses for the 2024-25 school year will be sent with the course verifications. This will be the last opportunity for students to make any changes.

Scheduling Process for 2024-25 School Year

This week, IHS Counselors will be meeting with juniors (through US History) and sophomores (through PE 2) to confirm their course selections for next year. We encourage students to bring their questions regarding course selections, if any, to these meetings to discuss with their counselors. Students will also receive a copy of their evaluated transcript during their meeting with their counselor.

Please note: Counselor availability will be extremely limited during this time. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

“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)

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

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

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.

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.