Independence High School

Tomorrow evening is our Graduation Ceremony for the class of 2023.

Over the past few weeks, I've had the honor of witnessing several student finals and celebrations for some of our programs (STEAM, Teaching, Beautification, among others). This has been a long and productive year for Independence and our students. Thank you, SIXERs, for showing up and being part of our wonderful community. You have achieved this in your classes, in our athletics, our activities, clubs, and in our larger community. Congratulations on all you have achieved so far this year. Let's finish strong through the next few days before taking some time off for summer.

For our graduating seniors or students leaving the district. Access to your district google drive will end by September 1st, 2023. Please make sure to copy any necessary documents before that date.

Today we start our Finals schedule.

We will start again in the first week of August, with the 2023-2024 school year starting for students on Thursday, August 3rd.

Parents and Guardians, if you have any updates for contact information, please visit N02 or contact Ms. Suba, our Registrar, to make sure we have updated information.

Seniors: All seniors are expected to attend school next week; attendance is required and mandatory. Students will not be attending classes, but will be AT school and attending required meetings and events in preparation for graduation. Be sure to be on time for everything - don't be late!

Monday, 5/29:

• Memorial Day Holiday (no school)

Tuesday, 5/30:

• Finals Day 1 (1st, 2nd, 7th)

• Senior Kickback (Catered Pool Party & Picnic 11am)

Wednesday, 5/31:

• Finals Day 2 (3rd & 4th)

• Senior Grad Practice (8:45 am - Large Gym)

• Graduation Ceremony (6pm - Football Stadium)

Thursday, 6/1:

• Finals Day 3 (5th & 6th)

• Senior Diploma Pick-up

Student Shoutouts

Shoutout to the Mural Club for creating such a beautiful piece of art for our campus! It is truly a treasure to see our own students documented in a living history on our campus buildings.

“This mural encapsulates what it means to take care of the earth, our home and our overall community. Our generation is working so hard to ensure there is a future for our children and for ourselves. We wanted to promote the continual practice of cutting down on what we throw away by reducing, reusing and recycling so we can conserve our natural resources and landfill space. It is also so important to maintain the Sixer community by continually beautifying and maintaining our communal space. This promotes overall respect for our earth, our community and ourselves.” ~Ms. Eye, Mural Club Advisor

Mural Club members: Lin Ho, Kelly Ngo, William Zeng, Willson Zeng, Darvia Ford, Crystal Nguyen, Elaine Ho, Thanh Nguyen, Brianna Luong, Mimi Nguyen, Queenie Tran; Advisors: Ms. Ingelfinger and Ms. Quach

Staff Shoutout

“Mr. Jon Bishofberger is always supportive and helpful. He helps me and my students take photos of physical work for submitting portfolios to AP College Board as well as any other photographic needs we may need in our department and school! He went to PROM! and took photos for the students!” ~Ms. Brandi Fabricius, Teacher

For a complete list of *ALL* Fall Semester Shoutout Winners, click HERE! Our Sixer Staff awarded 154 Sixer Shoutouts during the Fall semester! Congratulations to all!

By Ms. Chau Quach, Academy of Finance Coordinator

This year's Mock Interviews took place on Wednesday (5/24) & Thursday (5/25) in D-Commons!

We had a total of 42 volunteers interview 95 of our students, who are mostly part of the Finance Academy, Intro to Business, and/or Mr. Chan's ERWC class.

Volunteers came from companies such as Deloitte, Apple, Jr Achievement, Excite Credit Union, Roche, Zoom, Somos Mayfair, CBRE, Stanford Medical, Ernst & Young, Silicon Valley Education Foundation, Paving Your Way Forward, Pizza Bocca Lupo, Hennessy Automotive, and Slingshot Connections.

Several Sixer alumni came back to volunteer including: Alejandro Soto, Jessica Yu, Tony Nguyen, Lori Higashi, Chelsey Prewitt (neé Cartwright), Randy Hoang, Vy Nguyen, Jadrien Ishimaru, and Trang Dinh.

Our interviewers had only great things to say about our students and were very impressed with their preparedness, professionalism, questions, and unique perspectives. Our students were thrilled to share how the experience made them feel more confident, connected to our community, and clear on how to take that step towards achieving their career goals.

Check out more photos of the event HERE!

2023-24 Athletes registration for athletic clearance opens on Saturday, 6/3/2023. Please remember that all physicals for 23-24 athletes must take place on or after 6/3/2023.

Thank you to all athletes and coaches for a successful 2022-23 athletic campaign. Your hard work in the classroom, on the field, and in the community is appreciated. Our efforts between the lines are all made possible by the support and guidance of our parents, teachers, and administrators, so we’d also like to thank all of the adults that support our athletes’ endeavors. Have a great summer season and Go6ers!

GoFan.co is now a vendor of ESUHSD. Now there are (2) options for purchasing tickets to basketball and volleyball games; pay via cash at the Box Office or electronically via mobile app/phone at IHS & GoFan.co. (Note: GoFan does charge a $1/ ticket fee for each transaction)

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

Summer School Application

The summer school application has closed. Counselors are currently reviewing summer school sign ups to ensure students are placed in the correct courses they need. Notification will be sent out shortly. Contact our Summer School Coordinator, Ms. Huynh (huynhtt@esuhsd.org), for any questions.

Scholarships for Seniors

We are now accepting applications for scholarships aimed for Independence graduating seniors. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. See scholarship details below.

• 10,000 Degrees Scholarship | Flyer
• Priority deadline has passed, but 10,000 Degrees is still accepting applications! Award amount varies
• No requirement
• Contact Mr. Garcia (anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org) if you have questions

College Opportunities Summit 2023

Our community partner, 10,000 Degrees, is hosting a summer program for current juniors to learn more about college, majors, careers, and resources available. For more information and to apply, please see the attached flyer or contact for 10,000 Degrees fellow, Mr. Garcia at anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org.

Counselor Availability:

Ms. Pham (A-Cg) - 8am-3:30pm

Mr. Ly (Ch-Garc) - 8am-3:30pm

Mr. Hennessey (Gard-Le, I) - 8am-3:30pm

Ms. Fernandez (Le, J-M) - 8:30am-4pm

Ms. Huynh (N-Ph) - 8:15am-3:45pm

Ms. Marquez (Pi-Ta) - 8:30am-4pm

Ms. Liang (Tb-Z) - 8:15am-3:45pm

Mr. Garcia (10,000 Degrees Fellow) - 9am-4pm | Tuesday-Thursday

Ms. Cuenca (USF Intern) - 8am-3:30pm | Monday & Tuesday

Ms. Serrano (USF Intern) - 8am-3:30pm | Tuesday & Thursday

Hey Seniors!

Did you know? There is a special Senior Newsletter! Check out the special link for ALL senior-specific information, such as: professional portraits, graduation, FAFSA, and Prom! Just scroll, locate, and CLICK on the Senior Button!

Senior Honor Night Photos - posted

Check out the excellent photos from our resident photographers. Senior Honor Night (5/17) celebrated the great academic accomplishments our seniors made throughout their four years of high school.

Click HERE to check out the ceremony candid shots courtesy of Unwavering Camera Photography.

Click HERE to check out the individual backdrop photos as shot by our Photo Club and their Advisor, Mr. Bischofberger.

2023 - 2024 IHS Club Charter Applications (due June 1st)

Looking to start a club at IHS? Then, stop by the School Bank (A06) to pick up an application for the 2023-2024 School Year. All new applicants must submit, and all existing clubs must apply for renewal by the end-of-year deadline. Don’t delay!

Yearbooks:

We’re still taking yearbook orders for $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 processing fee for online purchases).

For further information, please review the Yearbook Frequently Asked Questions document.

Follow us! Social Media Handles:

Stay up to date on all student activities and events at IHS - follow your ASB-endorsed accounts:

• https://www.instagram.com/indyactivities/

• https://www.instagram.com/indyathletics/

• https://www.instagram.com/indyperformingarts/

And, be sure to also follow your class account for information specific to your year:

• https://www.instagram.com/ihsco2026/

• https://www.instagram.com/ihs.co2025/

• https://www.instagram.com/ihs.co2024/

• https://www.instagram.com/ihsco2023_/

***ATTENTION Seniors***

Dear Students and Parents:

The end of the 2022-23 school year is fast approaching with only five weeks of school left. As underclassmen prepare to move up another grade level and seniors prepare for graduation and life beyond high school, please remember your student responsibilities and the student behavioral expectations of the school. There are many extracurricular activities to close out the school year, such as the end-of-the-year dance, Wrap it Up rally, and Senior activities (including the graduation ceremony). This is a reminder that participation in extracurricular activities and senior activities (including graduation ceremony) is a privilege, and can be revoked if school rules are violated.

Examples of such violations which may cause a student to lose their privileges are:

• Suspension for fighting, possession, or under the influence of illegal substances/paraphernalia, controlled substances, alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, and/or vapes.

• Partaking in hazing, pranks, and/or vandalism of school property.

• Cutting class or excessive, unverified absences, and/or chronic tardiness.

• Academic honesty and plagiarism.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards,

Ricardo A. Salgado

Associate Principal of Administrative Services

Independence High School

(408) 928-9520

SalgadoR@esuhsd.org

CLOSED Campus

As Spring has sprung and our students enjoy the change in weather, this is a friendly reminder to parents and students 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 constitute as off campus as they are not on school grounds.

Additionally, students should not be hanging out in the parking lots during passing period, break and or lunch. Staff members will ask the students to go back to the main campus.

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 how there is a correlation between attendance and grades. We are happy to report that as a site we are making an improvement in the right direction. Let’s keep it up SIXERS!

Semester Average: 86.94%

April’s Average: 87.29%

Last Week’s Average: 85.22%

We will continue diligently working with students, and having parent conferences with students to address attendance and generate a plan to help support and motivate the students to be in class.

The IHS Attendance Office is located at N-01

Attendance Secretary

Naicila Vidal - 408.928.9521

Student last name A - L

Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552

Student last name M-Z

Thao Pham - 408.928.9542

Congratulations to our Senior Class of 2023 and also to our parents, guardians, family, friends and community members! Together you have supported and cheered on your students on this milestone!

Mark your calendars: First day of School August 3, 2023

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

Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center is a convenient, welcoming, and safe space committed to advancing the health of SCFHP members and East San José residents. The Center collaborates with safety-net agencies to offer community-responsive and culturally competent health and wellness programs and helps connect residents to resources. https://crc.scfhp.com/

Bay area Community Health provides affordable full-service healthcare throughout Santa Clara County.

• 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

Our Independence Clothes Closet has a number of gently used clothing items. Please reach contact Ms. Maggie in N01 if you are in need of any items (ie…sweaters, jackets, socks, blankets)

As a reminder please refer to the academic calendar to support you in the planning of any holiday vacations. As a reminder, vacations are not excuse absences in session days. Please refer to the calendar below for next school year, 2023-2024

For any questions or concerns please contact Ms. Maggie rodriguezm@esuhsd.org 408.928.9541.

Please ensure we have your email so you are able to receive Parent Meetings and school updates. Please complete the Parent Survey by using this link https://forms.gle/mY7aQo6c37KW5S64A to get your feedback regarding Parent Workshops.

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

Office Closures: The office is closed on Wednesdays from 11:30 until 2:00 pm. If you need support from an adult, please go to C-05, N-1, or N-2 for assistance.

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 15-20 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!

Daybreak Webinars: Daybreak has offered several online webinars to parents and guardians on a variety of topics. If you were unable to attend or just want to look back for a refresher you can follow the link to a spreadsheet with all past presentations: Classes Registration Reports - ESUHSD & Daybreak

Parent Education: The ASPIRE programs at El Camino and Hoag Hospitals are very excited to share, the Parenting CURVE Collaborative. Parents and the community have the opportunity to join mental health experts on Tuesday May 9th, 2023 from 6-8PM PST as we explore topics facing our youth and young adults in this complex world. Parents can explore strategies, receive resources, and ask questions during our live panel to strengthen their ability to respond to parenting obstacles. By working together as clinicians and parents and destigmatizing the conversation, we do our best as a community to stay ahead of the youth mental health curve. For additional information about the event and to register, please visit: https://www.elcaminohealth.org/landing/aspire2023

Wellness Center Instagram @indywellness76

Independence makes use of the SaySomething Anonymous Reporting System from Sandy Hook Promise. If you, or your student, have a tip to report, you can use the following link, and it will be routed to the appropriate individuals. https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips/

Email: bergbj@esuhsd.org
Website: https://independence.esuhsd.org/index.html
Location: 617 North Jackson Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: 4089289500
Twitter: @IndependenceHS

Archives of previous newsletters can be found at https://independence.esuhsd.org/About-Us/Principals-Newsletter-archive/index.html