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Independence High School

5/6/2024

Independence HighSchool5/6/2024

Principal's Update

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SIXER community,


Happy Teacher and Staff Appreciation week! We are now just 4 weeks from the end of the 2023-2024 school year. The next few weeks are often extremely busy with testing, celebrations, and the last push to complete this year while still preparing for summer school and next year.


Today we are starting the two week AP testing window. This is a chance for our students in AP courses to challenge themselves and see how much they have learned. Based on their AP scores, many colleges and universities may grant them college credit. We also have a number of students taking advantage of dual-enrollment opportunities to earn college credit while enrolled in courses on our campus.


Thank you to everyone who completed the Spring 2024 Panorama surveys for us. Over 60% of our students completed these surveys, over 140 staff members and and impressive 222 families.



On Thursday, 5/2/24, we held our Senior Honors night where we recognized students based on their GPA and scholarships. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this event happen. Thank you to Mr. Bischofberger for capturing this evening for us. The images are available here.


Thank you to Ms. Brunsdon's forensics class for including me in one of their field labs and teaching me how to test for blood in unknown samples.

What's Happening This Week

Our SIXER Values in Action

Originating in 2023 with an idea by alumni Nicholas Bui, the Calculus Bee is a student-organized academic competition, in which 32 participants solved calculus problems to progress through a bracket.


“This event is important to continue because it encourages school spirit and involvement. After the pandemic, class participation dropped. With this event, we tried to encourage people to come out on their own.” ~Vincent Nguyen, Senior


Shoutout to student organizers: Tony Dang, Vincent Nguyen, Haoyun Snow Luo, and Dan-vy Nguyen


Congratulations to our winner Wes Le and all the students who participated including: Prajwal Agrawal, Kevin Castillo, Isaac De Anda, Ojas Gandhi, Keith Ha, Katie Hion, Robert Ho, Nelle Huang, Q-Tang Huynh, Quang Huynh, Cruz Jimenez, Leo Khong, Brian Le, Chris Le, Tanish Kumar, Andy Mai, Ryan Matlob, Muntazir Mohamed, Ashraf Mohammed, Alexander Nguyen, Justin Phan, Chloey Serafica, Ajay Singh, Jaichen Tai, Danny Tat, Andre Tran, Kaylee Tran, Aldrin Udasco II, Oliver Weber, Ivan Xian, and Kendrick Yen.


Click HERE to hear to see the competition in action,

along with student reflections and lessons learned!

Sixer Shoutouts

Teacher and Staff Appreciation Shoutouts from Students


“Mr. Ponticelli has done so much for me this year, and does so much for everyone else the whole year. He starts off the year coordinating marching band, then he took care of London trip, then the musicals, and then the winter guard and that all takes the whole year. Not only does he coordinate all those extracurriculars, he does great work in his classes. He starts off teaching his very big orchestra commuting 2 hours everyday, then he switches instruments and teaches his wind ensemble and then teaches his freshman band. And he puts so much work into every single class it's insane he has so much energy. He has also done so much for me as an individual, he helped me increase my skill as a musician, made me first chair, and promoted me into his wind ensemble as a freshman which is such an accomplishment. Not only that but in the time after school he has to do his work, instead of keeping the band room closed and silent, he lets his students come in to get their instruments, and practice their instruments, and then he continues to instruct one of his many extracurriculars. He's such an amazing teacher, I look forward to having him for 3 more years.” ~Marco Villafuerte, Freshman


“First of all, Mrs. Hinchey has the sweetest soul ever. She is always greeting and smiling to her students when they enter the classroom. She is always understanding towards her student's needs. She genuinely is so adorable and sweet I cannot imagine this woman hurting a fly. Second, she organized our school's earth day event. She went above in beyond in putting together a bunch of activities students could do to show appreciation to our school and earth. The event went extremely well and educated students on the importance of not littering, recycling and planting plants. She even takes care of our school's plants on the weekends and just does so much to keep our school looking nice.” ~Amy Tran, Junior


Check out more of our Teacher and Staff Appreciation Shoutouts 2024 HERE!

IHS Counseling Corner

CalKids

CalKids is a state initiative to help provide children born in the state of California with college savings. Many students and families are unaware that they qualify for this initiative, thus leaving money unclaimed. To see if your student is eligible, visit CalKids at calkids.org.

Counselor Caseload:

Our Summer School Application is now out. Please use the link below to apply for summer school.


https://bit.ly/IndySummerRegistration24

Athletics Updates

“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” ~Kobe Bryant


Congratulations to the Sixer Track and Field Team.

Representing IHS at the upcoming CCS track finals:

Kaylie Nishioka, Teagan Hum, Rebecca Sicotte, and Chloe Cabales (4 x 100)

Joshua Hall (triple jump)

Cameron Chatman (triple jump, long jump, 100, and 200)


Week of 5/6/24

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

5/11 CCS Finals @ Independence HS


Sixer Baseball:

5/6 vs James Lick @ 4pm

5/8 vs James Lick 4pm @ PAL Stadium


Sixer Softball: Coach Yenchik

5/8 vs Del Mar 4pm

5/9 vs San Jose 4pm


Sixer Track and Field

5/11 CCS Semi Finals


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.


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.


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 and Community Specialist Corner

***URGENT***Alternative Income Forms / Lunch Forms

We currently have many students who qualify but have not submitted their forms. Although meals are provided to all students it is important that you please complete the Income Eligibility Form as you are enrolled at Independence High School.


Income Eligibility forms allow us to provide you with:

  • Academic Counseling for each student

  • Mental Health Services for students including counseling and wellness centers

  • $5 Advanced Placement Exams to qualifying students

  • Tutoring services for students

  • Classroom bilingual Para Educators in classes

  • Summer School

  • College and financial aid workshops for students and parents

  • Field Trips

  • Credit Recovery Classes

  • Parent support and assistance

  • Smaller class sizes for our English Language Development classes

  • Primary language support for our limited English speaking students and parents

  • Resources, supplies and equipment for schools and classes


Please use this link >>>>https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application<<<< to submit your application electronically.


If preferred, paper copies are available in the counseling office. Please submit all Alternative Income forms/lunch forms to the registrar located in the Student Union.


Coffee with the Principal, Wednesday May 8, 2024 @ 9:00 am

ELAC End of the Year Celebration, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 @ 6:00pm

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

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


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:

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Teen Mental Health First Aid Course

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Law Day Video Contest

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

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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