page background
page background

Independence High School

1/22/2024

Independence HighSchool1/22/2024
open_in_new zoom_out_map

Principal's Update

SIXER community,


Friday, 1/12/24 was our annual talent show. Many thanks to Alex Le and Unwavering Camera for capturing the event. Here is a link to his album - https://unwaveringcamera.passgallery.com/-ihstalentshow2024/gallery


In just over a month, at the end of February, our new Student Union is scheduled to open. The building includes a new kitchen and will be serving brunch and lunch for students with an indoor seating/eating area. This will also take over the iCafe as an open and dry space for students before school and during break and lunch. We have 4 new Performing Arts Classrooms to house our Band/Orchestra, Piano, Guitar, and Choir classes. Our Administration, Health Office, Attendance, Registration, Counseling, Library, and School Finance Centers will all be relocating into the new student union.

What's happening this week

  • AP Lunchtime Meet and Greet: For course offerings, dates, and times, click here

  • Tuesday, Jan. 23: Sophomore Scheduling Lesson in PE 2

  • Wednesday/Thursday, Jan. 24-25: Counseling Lesson in Am Gov’t/Econ

  • Friday, Jan. 26: Freshman Scheduling Lesson in PE 1
zoom_out_map

At the beginning of the year, before students did any lessons in art in Ms. Fabricius’ Crafts, Art 1, and AP2D Studio Art and Design classes, they were free to do an art piece, a poem, or a written article with the prompt "Entre Nos" (Between Us). Many used to prompt to communicate the pride they have in their community.

Four of Ms. Fabricius’ students are prominently featured in the Oct/Nov/Dec issue of EASTSIDE Magazine:

  • “The Unseen Side of Eastside” Written piece by Jetzabelt Morales, Sophomore

  • Art piece by Bless Magro, Senior

  • Art piece by Rocio Campa, Senior

  • “Belleza Oculta” Poem by Ziyanna Lopez, Senior


Read this particular edition of EASTSIDE Magazine with the student work online HERE.


See the full gallery of student work featured online HERE.

Sixer Shoutouts

“Señora Alvarez goes out of her way to help students. She even helps students who are not in her class. I asked for her help with a student, Sra. Alvarez went out of her way to help him read in Spanish (along with me teaching him how to read in English). She volunteers her precious time during her block prep to help a student and fellow teacher in need. We are so lucky to have teachers like Señora Alvarez at Independence.” ~Ms. Helga McHugh, World Language and ELD Teacher

Counseling Corner

Scheduling Process for 2024-25 School Year

IHS Counseling has begun the scheduling process for the 2024-25 school year. This week, current sophomores and freshmen will have their scheduling lesson during their PE class. At the end of the lesson, students will have access to the scheduling form. Deadline to submit course requests is January 31, 2024 at 4pm. Counselors will meet one-on-one with students in February to confirm their course selections.


For more information on the scheduling process and resources, visit the scheduling page of the counseling website at www.tinyurl.com/ihscheduling-24-25.


Please note: counselor availability during the scheduling process will be limited. We ask that if you need to get a hold of us, send us an email and we will do our best to get back to you in a timely manner. We appreciate your patience and understanding.


Spring Counseling Parent NightThank you to all the parents and families who attended our Spring Counseling Parent Night this past Thursday. Visit the Parent section of the Counseling Website to view the presentation. For more information about the scheduling process and resources to help your student select courses for next year, visit the scheduling page of the counseling website at www.tinyurl.com/ihscheduling-24-25.

AP Lunchtime Meet and Greet

Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and current AP students will be available over the course of the next week and a half during lunchtime for AP Meet and Greet. This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in taking AP course(s) for the 2024-25 school year to get more information about the course, its rigor, what it takes to be successful in the AP course and get their questions answered.

Financial Aid Application - Update

Although both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act (CADAA) have opened, the FAFSA is currently experiencing some difficulties that are being fixed. These difficulties are specifically affecting students with mixed family status such as students with parents who don’t have a social security number. California Student Aid Commission is advising families with mixed status to wait until the end of January to complete the FAFSA. Currently, the CADAA is not experiencing any major issues.


IHS Counseling will be hosting a Cash 4 College Workshop on Thursday, February 1 from 3:30-6:30pm in the iCafe. We will have financial aid representatives present to answer any questions for either application. We recommend students and parents to attend this workshop for assistance on completing either the FAFSA or CADAA.


Upcoming Dates:

  • Jan. 23: Sophomore Scheduling Lesson in PE 2

  • Jan. 24: SVCTE Information Meeting at 2:15pm

  • Jan. 24-25: Senior Counseling Lesson in Am. Gov’t/Econ

  • Jan. 26: Freshman Scheduling Lesson in PE 1

  • Jan. 31: Deadline to submit scheduling form

  • Feb. 1: Cash 4 College Workshop from 3:15-6:15 in the iCafe


Counselor Caseload:

Athletics Updates

“Nobody who ever gave their best effort ever regretted it.”

  • George Halas


Announcements: Spring Sports begin on 1/29. All Spring Athletes need to be cleared through Athletic Clearance prior to the start of the Spring Season. See website for more details.


Week of 1/22/24

Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Yenchik

1/24/24 @ EVHS JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7

1/19/24 vs OGHS F @ 4pm | JV @ 5:30 | V 7pm

Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets


Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Singh (singh@esuhsd.org)

1/23/24 @ AHHS JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7p

1/11/24 vs Live Oak JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7p


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

1/23/24 vs JLHS 6pm

1/25/24 vs. Gilroy 6pm


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

1/24/24 vs STHS @ 6pm

1/26/24 @ JLHS @ 6pm


Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)

1/24/24 vs OGHS @ 7pm


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

Seniors - the deadline for Senior Portraits is February 2, 2024.

Activities Updates

ASB Officer Applications

ASB Officer Applications are now available. See the image below for details.


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 Saturday, 2/3. See you there!


Use the following link to sign up!

https://forms.gle/FUESw4JdS5gzVPRj8

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** January 24, 2024: ELAC Parent Meeting

Parent Empowerment Conference: March 2, 2024

Parent Empowerment Conference: March 2, 2024

Winter is here! If you are in need of warm items, such as socks, gloves, beanies, sweater come by A202 (Sixers Community Center) or contact Ms. Ha phamha@esuhsd.org or Ms. Maggie rodriguezm@esuhsd.org


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

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 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


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.


Art Of Yoga Project begins 1/29

Art of Yoga Project is back! We will hold our first session of the semester on Monday, 1/29 during 3rd period in D-Commons. For schedules and session times, please visit D-05.


Ujima Life Skills Group: Time Change on 1/30

Ujima has changed their next group meeting from 1st period to 5th period, and the group will still be held in the D-Commons. We hope to see existing group members there!


Lunchtime Wellness Event Recap

Last Week, we asked the Sixer Community to share What went well in 2023, what would you like to bring to 2024? Common themes included new friendships, academic achievements, time with family and friends, and taking the time to better care for ourselves. Thank you to our students and staff for participating!


Next Door Solutions Youth In Action Conference 2/17

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence (NDS) will be hosting the Youth in Action Conference on Saturday, 2/17/2024, at the Mayfair Community Center from 9am – 1:30pm.


This year, the focus is creating spaces where youth can connect with each other, learn about healing, and uplifting their community. We are thrilled to collaborate with other organizations to promote the needs of youth and move them towards action.

We will have a parent component at the same time! Providing an opportunity for parents to learn, understand, and reconnect with their teens while learning about the LGBTQ+ community, communication, and self & community care.

The youth conference will be in English, and the parent component will be in Spanish.

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
Bjorn Berg
Bjorn is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters