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Independence High School

12/9/2024

IndependenceHigh School12/9/2024

Principal's Update

Sixer Community,


We are just two weeks from the end of the first semester. In many classes, the work on final presentations and projects has already started. This Friday, we are on a special staff meeting schedule and next week we will be on our Finals Schedule for December 18-20. These schedules are all at the bottom of this newsletter.

What's Happening This Week

Holiday Spirit Week & Lunch Time Activities


Mon 12/9: Snowed in Day- Roll out of bed and head to school in your Coziest Pajamas

Lunchtime Activity - Decorate a Sugar Cookie


Tue 12/10: Winter Wonderland Day - Wear your favorite Winter outfit of day

Lunchtime Activity - 12 Days of Xmas Airband performance


Wed 12/11: Christmas Movie Day - Cosplay your favorite Christmas movie character!

Lunchtime Activity - Cookie Eating Contest


Thu 12/12: Family Photo Day - Coordinate matching outfits with your friends for a portrait!

Lunchtime Activity - Blind Gift Wrapping Contest


Fri 12/13: Santa’s Hattitude Day - Put on your Santa Hat and Wear Red!

Lunch time Activity - Ho Ho Ho Challenge

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. Catalogs and order forms will be handed out to all seniors on 11/18. Extra copies will be available in the main office, and also attached below.

Click here to visit our website.

Questions?

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

SIXER Shoutout

Shoutout to Cynthia Fuentes!

“Thank you so much for your kindness! Your generosity and dedication will make a real difference for our students and families who are currently in need of a little extra support. You are truly incredible! You are a shining example of an eXtraordinary SIXER!!!” ~Ms. Maggie Rodriguez, Parent Involvement Community Specialist

Our SIXER Values in Action

What is the Sixer Spirit? It’s our Sixer community—students, staff, alumni, parents, caregivers, grandparents, and neighbors—coming together to make a positive impact. With nearly 1,000 unhoused students in the East Side Union High School District, we have an incredible opportunity to support and brighten the season for our East Side families.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqBvi9RQ5z4



Thank you to everyone who has helped by donating. We have seen an outpouring of support recently, which has been truly heartwarming. All of this is part of our district's work to support students throughout our entire community. If you are sharing the request or thinking of donating, we work with the East Side Education Foundation for these donations and can accept donations through the following link www.eastside-fund.org/mckinney-vento.


We Are Spirited. We Are Sixers.


IHS Counseling Corner

Financial Aid Applications Now Open:

The financial aid applications have officially opened. Students and families can now submit either the FAFSA or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). Counseling visited American Government/Economics classes on Friday, December 6 to walk students in launching their financial aid application through California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI). All seniors should launch their financial aid application through CCGI. Visit the senior page of the counseling website to view step by step instructions. As a reminder, Assembly Bill 469 requires all seniors to submit a financial aid application.

  • Save the Date: Financial Aid Workshops

    • FSA ID Workshop | Tuesday, January 28 from 3-6pm | The Learning Center (Student Union)

    • Cash for College | Thursday, February 6 from 3:15-6:30pm | Student Union


Empowering Young Women in STEM: OASES Outreach Opportunity

OASES (Outreach and Academic Support for Engineering Students) is a completely free mentorship and outreach initiative at Stanford University aimed at empowering young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).


This program is completely free—students only need to arrange their own transportation to Stanford campus. We provide food and all materials required for the projects.


Program Highlights:

  • 6 visits to Stanford University during each session.

  • Hands-on STEM projects led by undergraduate and graduate mentors.

  • Opportunities to connect with inspiring role models in STEM.

  • A supportive environment designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and excitement about STEM careers.

For more details, please visit: https://swe.stanford.edu/

Application Link: https://forms.gle/qCa4xKQsXZewFTnh6


Application Deadline: January 10th, 11:59 PM

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

“Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way..”

  • Satchel Paige


“Success is not final failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

  • W. Churchill



Week of 12/9/24

Winter Sports

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

12/12-12/14 Varsity Scattini Tournament @ Palma HS (Salinas, CA) - TBA

12/11-12/13 IHS JV Tournament @ 7pm


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

12/10/24 vs Piedmont Hills JV - 5:30 | V - 7pm

12/12/24 @ James Lick JV - 5:30 | V - 7pm

12/14/24 vs Yerba Buena JV 1:00 | V @ 2:30pm


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

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

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


Spring Sports

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

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

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

Sixer Softball:

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

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

Sixer Track and Field

Sixer Volleyball: Coach Nguyen (ng.kenneth02@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)

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


Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets

Activities Updates

Got a little extra to spare this holiday season?

Check this out: Holiday Pantry Donation List

If you have any unexpired, non-perishable food items or hygiene products or gently used warm clothing items like jackets/sweaters/socks you might have lying around the house that you may not use, please send them our way!


Donations will help to kick start our pantry for students and families who need a little extra support this holiday season.

Order your yearbook today!

Yearbook orders are now being accepted at www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/6072

Yearbooks are $65 until 12/8/24.


Then they go up to $70 until April, and will then be $75 until the end of the school year,

South Asian Student Association Celebrates Diwali

Independence High school students were thrilled to be involved in various activities led by SASA this year. The objective was to expose rich Indian culture and traditions to the school. Diwali, otherwise known as the Festival of Lights, is a religious festival celebrated in India and various parts of South Asia. The word originates from the Sanskrit word “deepavali,” which means “row of lights.”

The students participated in Diya (clay lamp) painting, Henna tattoos, Rangoli designs and tasted delicacies from different parts of South Asia under the guidance of Ms. Jain who serves as an advisor for the Club.


Club members dressed up in ethnic vibrant attires that showcase the delicate artwork of the artisans. Many students felt a sense of belonging and thanked IHS for providing us a platform to include everyone in our celebrations.


Bollywood, Indian Music was played and kids from different backgrounds grooved on the beats while participating in different activities. The students learned the significance of clay lamps which are biodegradable, sustainable and nature friendly. Clay lamps are lit on Diwali day using any cooking oil and a cotton wick and can last a whole night.


Rangoli designs were made using colored side-walk chalks. Students used geometric patterns, symmetry and traditional designs to learn how to make Rangoli. For example, the curved patterns that join the dots symbolize the infinite nature of the universe, positive and symmetric forms are a way to invite Gods and positive energies. Some patterns also resemble the wave harmonics of the sound. The world has already recognized the potential of sound waves in treating many ailments including depression and mental disorders.


Thus, the scientific reason behind Rangoli implies that these art designs are visual sound and energies.

For more information about Rangoli : Rangoli - Wikipedia


Henna : The application of henna is often associated with love, joy, and auspiciousness. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings and protection to those adorned with its artistry.


In some cultures, henna is considered a representation of the moon's blessings, and its use during festivals and religious events adds to the sense of divine connection and spiritual significance.

HEY SIXERS!

It's time for our annual Talent Show! Sign-up to sing, dance, crack a joke, act, or PERFORM in general! We want to see your best talent! The talent show is open to ANYONE, including teachers, staff, alumni, and, of course, STUDENTS!


Click Link to Sign Up: Talent Show Audition Sign Ups


ASB will not provide lighting, music, or a microphone at tryouts SO MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR OWN MATERIALS!


Your tryout performance DOES NOT have to be perfect; we simply want to ensure commitment and a well-rounded show! Please know that even though we cannot accept all acts, we appreciate your courage to try out as it can be very scary and vulnerable to put yourself out there. Be proud of yourself no matter what happens!

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!


School Pictures

It's not too late to order school pictures! You can do so by going to mylifetouch.com click on the button that says Start Using Student ID Enter the city, state and school name, followed by entering the first name, last name and the student ID. The name entered needs to exactly as it appears on the ID card and in the school's data base. All packages will be shipped to the home address, for additional support please call customer service at 1.800.736.4753 Images are only available for 11months after picture day.


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.


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 12/14/24 at 8:45am in the Student Union. 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

Please use this link for last weeks’ Coffee with the Principal

As the holidays draw near, please be sure to notify the attendance office as soon as possible if you intend to extend your vacation beyond the school schedule.

Student last names A - L

Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552


Student last names M-Z

Thao Pham - 408.928.9542


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.


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.

Coming Soon: The Body Project at IHS


Are you interested in learning more about accepting your body? This January, The Body Project will be hosting 4 one-hour sessions where you can learn ways to accept your body and improve your self-image. If you would like to participate, please email Tim Gale galet@esuhsd.org and Ilse Ruiz ruizilse@esuhsd.org to request more information.

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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