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Independence HS

12/18/2023

Independence HS 12/18/2023

Principal's Update

SIXER community,


This is our final week of the first Semester of 2023-2024 and we are on a special schedule. These grades will be entered on final Transcripts in January. Remember that grades of a "D" or higher will result in earning 5 credits per course but a "C" or higher is required for A-G credit and to qualify for the Spartan East Side Promise.


Congratulations to our Marching Band and Color Guard as they travel over break to perform in the London New Year's Day Parade!


There is no school Friday, 12/22/23, and then we return for the second semester on Monday, January 8, 2024. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the Holiday Break.

CLICK HERE to watch the video!


Dear Students,


Congratulations on all that you’ve accomplished this semester! Over the last few months, through school-wide lessons you’ve learned about time management, personality types, academic resources, and more. Regardless of your grades, you continue to show up and be present. We recognize all the growth you’ve made as an individual. We see you together in community, building each other up and growing in support of one another. Continue to develop the “SIXERS Values,” continue to learn and be a SIXER– Spirited, Innovative, eXtraordinary, Engaged, and Respectful.


To all the adults who support our students at home and at school, thank you for your continued partnership. We see you interpreting, discussing, debating, analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing! Our campus is becoming more beautiful with our students selecting and caring for and selecting new plants!


We see you choosing to come to the wellness center as part of your journey to being healthier by participating in groups, visiting the calming space, or seeking individual counseling. So many of you have participated in Wellness Wednesday and you have brought friends to the calming center when they needed support. Thank you for joining us and supporting each other.


We have seen you overcome many challenging tasks and learn skills from figuring out how to use equipment, how to move your body properly, and improve your health with daily activity. We see you grinding in the classroom and on your sports team. Keep up the hard work and the passion, and keep getting those Dubs! Good luck!


We see you learning about the world around you as you hypothesize, experiment, and draw conclusions. We see you taking on the challenge of learning a new language. We hear you speaking and pronouncing new sounds. We see you embracing the new culture and making connections with your own. We see you practicing your critical thinking while we discuss the past and present. We have seen you grow from being shy and nervous to being brave enough to try new things.


Be sure to rest and not overwork yourself! Your best is always enough. 76ers, don’t forget. 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 semester!!


Congratulations, Sixers, we are incredibly proud of you. We are SIXERS!


Click here for Spanish or Vietnamese translation.
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Sixer Shoutouts

Student Shoutouts

A Sixer Shoutout to the 7 students who participated in the San Francisco Model United Nations: Katie Hion, Chloe Troung, Adelynn Le, Rovin Inocencio, Katie Chan, Chris Vazquez and Sue Nguyen

The San Francisco Model United Nations is an annual two day conference and is one of the Bay Area’s premier conferences, its location in San Francisco attracts delegates worldwide to participate in a MUN conference made by youth for youth. Schools from all over the Bay Area participate.

  • IHS students Katie Hion and Chloe Troung received outstanding delegates in the WHO committee

  • Chris Vasquez received a verbal commendation in the EU specialized committee.

  • Rovin and Adelynn got both of their resolutions passed.


This conference was a huge success for every single one of the students and for Independence as a whole!


A Staff Shoutout to Ms. Val Grover, our Model United Nations advisor!

Counseling Corner

Financial Aid

This past Friday, IHS Counselors presented to seniors about the financial aid process. California State Assembly Bill 469 states all seniors must submit a financial aid application (either the FAFSA or CADAA). The U.S. Department of Education announced they will launch the FAFSA on December 31, 2023. Resources links are below:


Counselor Caseload Update:

IHS Counseling has made a shift in caseload. Please make note of who your student’s counselor is, as it may have changed.

Athletics Updates

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

  • George Halas


Community Reminder: All tickets for Sixer Athletic Winter Team home games will only be available for purchase online. Please visit Gofan.co for all tickets.


Week of 12/18/23

Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Yenchik

12/19/23 vs Piedmont Hills F @ 4pm | JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7

12/20/23 vs Cupertino JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm


Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets


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


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

12/21/23 vs Andrew Hill @ 6pm


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

12/19/23 vs Andrew Hill @ 6pm


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. 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.


We had approximately 80 students attend our December dates!


Our next date is Saturday, January 13th. 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

Thank you everyone for joining us last Friday at our First WinterFest Celebration! It was wonderful to see our Community come together and enjoy an evening in community.


Check out a few photos and videos HERE!


We wish all of you a safe and healthy Holiday and a Happy New Year!


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

The Mental Health and Wellness Center is located in Room D-05.


Services offered in D-05

The Mental Health and Wellness team includes social workers, interns, and community-based organizations (CBOs) 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 or intern 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 as a space 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!


Calming Space Hours:

Monday: 8:30-3:45 (all day)

Tuesday: 11:16-3:45 (beginning of break - end of 7th period)

Wednesday: 11:55 - 3:45 (beginning of lunch - end of 7th period)

Thursday: 10:58 -3:15 (beginning of break - end of 6th period)

Friday: 8:30-3:45 (all day)

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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