Independence High School
5/28/2024
Principal's Update
SIXER community,
We have just three short days left to the 2023-2024 school year. Congratulations to the class of 2024 for all you have accomplished through your high school careers. For everyone else, today starts our finals schedule.
Starting next week, while school may be out, our offices will remain open for registration and other questions.
What's Happening This Week
Tuesday, May 28: Finals 1, 2 & 7
Wednesday, May 29: Finals 3 & 4
Thursday, May 30: Finals 5 & 6
For Seniors:
Tuesday, May 28: Senior Pool Party
Wednesday, May 29: Graduation Practice | IHS Large Gym | 8:45am
Wednesday, May 29: Graduation Ceremony | IHS Football Stadium | 6pm
Thursday, May 30: Diploma Pick Up | Student Union
SIXER Shoutout
Congratulations to Ms. Chau Quach for being named Teacher of the Year 2024 for Independence High School! Ms. Quach is a social science teacher, Finance Academy lead teacher, and has contributed so much time and energy into guiding our ASB and class officers in activities this year! We are so grateful to Ms. Quach for her passion in making our IHS community a better place. ~Dr. LaMontagne, MTSS Implementation
Our SIXER Values in Action
Congratulations, Sixers, on all that you’ve accomplished this year!
You’ve grown as individuals and come together in community. You’ve continued to develop the “SIXERS Values,” continued to learn and be a SIXER– Spirited, Innovative, eXtraordinary, Engaged, and Respectful.
Remember, your best is always enough. No grade, no final assessment, or final assignment defines you. You do that every single day. Every day is another chance to succeed and redefine yourself. You’ve accomplished so much this year and we look forward to seeing and participating in your continued growth as a spirited, innovative, extraordinary, engaged, and respectful citizen in our community.
To all the adults who support our students at home and at school, thank you for your continued partnership.
Congratulations, Sixers, we are incredibly proud of you. We are SIXERS!
IHS Counseling Corner
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
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
Another year in the books.Thank you to all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work. Thank you to all of our parents and fans for their support. Thank you to all of our teachers and admin for your support and effort to help make the seasons work.
If you are planning on playing a sport next year:
Registration in Athletic Clearance begins on 6/3/24.
All athletes MUST get a new physical after 6/1/24.
Week of 5/20/24
Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)
Sixer Baseball:
Sixer Softball: Coach Yenchik
Sixer Track and Field
Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Swim: Coach Martinez (martinezad@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)
Sixer Volleyball: Coach Nguyen (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
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. his office number is 925-736-0679.
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
Sixer Community,
This is a gentle reminder that water guns are prohibited on school grounds, and imitation firearms are strictly prohibited. Water guns can easily be confused with actual firearms, and this can quickly become a serious safety issue that will involve the police. Disciplinary consequences may also follow.
Senior pranks (or pranks of any kind) are also strictly prohibited. Vandalism on our campus may result in financial, legal, and school disciplinary action.
Thank you for keeping our campus safe for all.
Seniors
Tuesday is your Senior Picnic at the pool. Please keep this event safe and fun for everyone involved. Drugs, alcohol and nicotine are strictly prohibited. The Administration will be checking all bags upon entry. If you are in possession or under the influence, your parent/guardian will be called and you will be picked up immediately. Disciplinary consequences may follow.
Also, there will be no in and out privileges. If you leave the event, you will not be allowed back inside.
Do not bring water guns. They will be confiscated.
Enjoy your long weekend and the festivities to come next week. You've earned a celebration! We are very proud of you.
Please see any Administrator for questions or concerns.
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
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
Thank you for your continuous support this school year. We look forward to a great finish and appreciate your partnership. We wish you a safe & relaxing summer.
Congratulations once again to the Class of 2024!
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
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
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:
Youth Liberation Movement - Housing Coalition
The Youth Liberation Movement is putting together a set of 4 Design Days for a Youth Housing Coalition. We are looking to gather 20 Youths with lived experience in housing injustice and instability to come together to discuss and identify actionable solutions.
I am reaching out to you specifically to share this with any Youth from the ages of 17 - 26, who have lived experience and interests in policy-creating with the community. See the following registration link and a flier with a QR code to register for these events!
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