

Independence High School
3/10/2025
Principal's Update
Sixer Community,
This week, members from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) committee will be visiting our classrooms and speaking with staff and students about their experiences at Independence. Thank you to all our parents and guardians who attended the community input session on Sunday. Because of this visit, we are on a traditional 7 period day all week. Wednesday and Thursday will not be block schedule days.
On Friday, 3/7/23 we started requiring students to scan their IDs, Minga IDs, or enter their ID numbers the ensure have have accurate lunch counts. School meals are still free.
Independence is partnering with the PIQE program again as a support for family engagement. This is a program we have partnered with several times in the past and they will be reaching out to recruit families to participate in this series of sessions.
For our students and families that registered after the October Census date, we will be sending texts and emails to qualify students for our UPP counts. This provides reduced AP test fees and brings in additional funding for our school. This information is confidential and protected by FERPA laws.
I also invite all community members to attend our district LCAP meeting on March 24th, at 5:30 PM in our Student Union.
What's Happening this week
FriYAY March 14:
African Culture Club Lunchtime Performance @ Senior Stage
SIXER Shoutouts
3 WAYS TO ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN: (LINE 6 on Order Form)
- Buy cap, gown, & tassel. You get to decorate them and keep them.
- Borrow a sibling's or older friend's gown. Buy cap & tassel only, and you get to decorate and keep cap & tassel.
- 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.
Click here to visit our website.
Questions?
Call the Grad Company office at (925) 736 0679 or Mike Rabago cell (925) 876 7731.
The deadline for Senior Portraits to make it into the yearbook is the end of January.
Our SIXER Values in Action
Our Multicultural Assembly is a vibrant celebration of unity and cultural pride, bringing together cultural clubs for an incredible showcase of talent and heritage. Events like these foster inclusivity and a deep sense of belonging, highlighting the beauty of our diverse community.
One of Independence High School’s most cherished traditions is the Parade of Nations, a breathtaking performance that takes place each year at the Multicultural Assembly.
A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Dodd, Ms. McClelland, and our amazing dancers for making this event so special!
Be sure to check out our Instagram @wearesixers for a glimpse into this unforgettable celebration of culture!
We Are eXtraordinary. We Are Sixers.
IHS Counseling Corner
Financial Aid Application Priority Deadline Extended!
The California Student Aid Commission announced the priority deadline for financial aid has been extended to April 2, 2025! Seniors are encouraged to submit either the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline. Students not planning to attend college after graduating high school should see their counselor to sign an opt out form.
As a reminder, AB 469 requires all seniors to submit a financial aid application. Please contact your school counselor with questions and for more information.
Financial Aid Workshops
Our college access programs are hosting open financial aid workshops to assist students and families with filling out the financial aid application. Open workshops are held Wednesdays during Periods 1 and 7 (if student does not have class) and on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15pm in Room D-208. Students and families who need assistance with filling out their financial aid application are encouraged to attend these workshops.
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.
- Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Chi
- 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8:30am-4pm
- Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Chj-Hd
- 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8am-3:30pm
- Ms. Fernandez: Last Names He-Maq
- 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8:30am-4pm
- Ms. Huynh: Last Names Mar-Par
- 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8:15-3:45pm
- Ms. Marquez: Last Names Pas-Sq
- 408.928.9568 | marquezl@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8:30am-4pm
- Ms. Liang: Last Names Sr-Z
- 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
- Hours: 8:15-3:45pm
College Access Support (located in D-208 & the Learning Center):
10,000 Degrees
Anthony Garcia |415.578.4380 | anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org
Available in person Wednesday & Thursday
Destination College Advising Program (DCAC)
Daniela Navarro | 510.332.3723 | danielan@berkeley.edu
Available in person Monday-Friday
Athletics Updates
“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
Announcement: Due to the impending stadium renovation, we will be hosting our Senior Night for Track and Field on Thursday, 3/13/25 @ 4pm
Week of 3/10/25
Spring Sports
Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)
3/12/25 vs Yerba Buena 6pm
3/14/25 @ Leigh 6pm
Sixer Baseball: Coach Fernandes (fernandesp@esuhsd.org)
3/11/25 @ San Jose - 4pm
3/13/25 vs San Jose - 4pm
Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Softball: Coach Quezada (jorge.quezada@evc.edu)
3/12/25 @ Evergreen Valley 4pm
3/14/25 vs Yerba Buena 4pm
Sixer Swim:Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)
3/14/25 @ Prospect - 4pm
Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)
3/11/25 @ Live Oak - 4pm
3/13/25 @ Overfelt 4pm
Sixer Track and Field: Coach Manav (ihs76ers.xc.tf@gmail.com)
3/13/25 Senior Night - 4pm
Sixer Volleyball: Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)
3/10/25 vs Santa Clara - JV 5:30 | V 7pm
3/12/25 @ Lincoln JV 5:30 | V 7pm
3/13/25 vs Milpitas JV 5:30 | V 7pm
3/15/25 @ Los Altos Tournament TBD (Varsity only)
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)
Winter Sports
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Gajardo (lj_gajardo@yahoo.com)
Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)
Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)
Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)
Sixer Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)
Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics
Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets
Activities Updates
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.
Order your yearbook today!
Yearbook orders are now being accepted at www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/6072
Yearbooks are $70 until April after April, they will then be $75 until the end of the school year,
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.
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 will be in March 15th. 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
***SAVE THE DATE***
Alternative Education Options Information Night: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 6:00pm, Student Union
Is your student falling short on credits? Join us to learn about the Pegasus and Foothill graduation and credit recovery programs, along with the application steps. Counselors and representatives from both schools will be available to guide you through the process. Don’t miss this opportunity!
***Coffee with the Principal on Wednesday, February 12 @ 9:00 am via Zoom.***
Join us at the Family Engagement Conference & Career Fair, Saturday, March 15, 2025 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM @ Andrew Hill High School 3200 Senter Rd.
Please see link for details in Spanish, Viet & English
***SAVE THE DATE***
Monday, Mar 24, 2025; LCAP Community Meeting
We invite you to participate in a discussion focused on improving services and providing the best support for our students.
Calling all Seniors and Senior Parents! Attend the meeting and enter for a chance to win Reserved Seating for Graduation!
As a reminder, Attendance Matters! Consistent attendance in high school is essential for academic achievement, as even missing a small amount of class time can have a notable effect on a student's learning and overall performance.
Attendance Matters. On Time. All Day. Every Day.
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.
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 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.
Where students find their Passion, Purpose, and Path.
Resource Links
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