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Independence High School

2022-2023 - Semester 2 (5/15/23)

IndependenceHigh School2022-2023 - Semester 2 (5/15/23)

Principal's Update

With only three more weeks to the 2022-2023 year, this is a great time to reflect on our accomplishments this year. We will honor several of our Seniors at Senior Honor's Night on Wednesday evening. Congratulations to all the students who completed their Advance Placement Tests over the last two weeks; all of our students who have performed, competed in Spring Sports, participated in our Wrap-It-up Rally, the Water Walk, and our many other Independence Activities.


Our art department has a reception and end-of-the-year show starting on Thursday, May 18th. The reception is Thursday the 18th and lunch. The art will be up, and the doors to the gallery will be open at break and lunch until May 25th. The AP students will showcase some of their work from their AP portfolios, and all other art classes will also be represented.


Parents & guardians, please take a moment to complete the survey through the following link surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family. First, select Independence from the drop-down menu. Once you start the survey, you can choose a preferred language from the drop-down menu.


Students will be asked to take the survey through their English classes. The student survey link is https://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/. Students will enter their access code (student ID). You will then see a list of the survey(s) to take. Remember to hit the blue "Submit" button to enter their survey. If you do not hit this, your responses will not be saved.

What's happening this week

Senior Honor Night (Wednesday, May 17 at 6pm in Large Gym)

Come celebrate the great academic accomplishments our seniors have made throughout their four years of high school. Seniors being honored should have received an email to their student email account. Parents with emails in Infinite Campus should have also received email invites.


IHS Art Showcase (debuts Thursday, May 18th @ lunch)

Visit the B-Villa art building at lunch for a reception with free snacks and tons of art to look at. Come see photographs, drawings, paintings, digital paintings, ceramics and more in this show celebrating art students and all the hard work they have done in second semester. AP Art students have completed their portfolios, and their amazing work will be on display. Artwork will remain on display until the following Thursday, May 25th, and the building will be open at break and lunch during this time. Don't miss it!


Wrap it Up Dance (Friday, May 19th)

Tickets are now on sale! The final dance of the year is hosted by the Junior Class Office of 2024, and this will be the last opportunity for our seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to enjoy an indoor/outdoor dance! Tickets are $10! Guest passes are also available. Buy at lunch (senior stage), afterschool (Bank), or online at GoFan.co

Sixer Shoutouts

“At the beginning of assignments, Marycruz Valencia is sometimes lost, but she continues to work until she can understand what we are doing. Her ability to persevere in difficult situations is going to help her succeed in life.” ~Ms. Gomez, ELD 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!

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This week our Mental Health and Wellness Center led a week-long campaign to spread awareness about the importance of mental health!


In January, our Safety Team presented school-wide data from the Fall Student Panorama Survey to our Math 1 and 2 students. We noticed 24% of our students reported the energy of our school was neither negative nor positive.


So, we asked our students, “If you could choose one priority area of focus to change the way we feel about the energy of our school, what would it be?” The options we gave them included focusing on athletics, activities/clubs, school-wide lessons, community engagement, and classroom instruction.


Our students ranked mental health awareness as the number one priority to focus on in trying to increase the positive energy on our campus.


Knowing that week was important for students; our MHWC collaborated with school counselors, school psychologists, and MTSS to host a full week of fun events at lunchtime. Special thanks to student groups: Bring Change 2 Mind, the Student Governing Board, and the Self-Care Club for supporting our lunchtime activities!


This last week was not only a week of mental health awareness but a week to let our students know that we truly see you, hear you, and want to do our best to use your voice in guiding school-wide vision.


“We hope this week was just the beginning of a larger conversation surrounding mental health on our campus. By bringing awareness to a topic that impacts all of us, we hope to show our students that they are not alone.” ~Mr. Tim Gale, School Social Worker


View all of our lunchtime activities for Mental Health Awareness Week 2023!

Athletics Updates

Congratulations to Ben Tsang Ho for advancing to the CCS Finals in the 300 Hurdle event. Finals will be on Saturday, 5/20 @ Gilroy High School.


Congratulations to Praceda Gaddampally and Emily Kung for advancing to the CIF State Badminton Playoffs.


Week of 5/15/23

Saturday, 5/20

CIF Badminton Championships @ Independence - TBA

CCS Track and Field Finals @ Gilroy High School - TBA

CCS Softball First Round - TBA


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

Counseling Corner

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

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Activities Update

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!


Wrap it Up Dance (Friday, May 19th)

Tickets are now on sale! The final dance of the year is hosted by the Junior Class Office of 2024, and will be the final opportunity for our seniors, sophomores, and freshmen to enjoy an indoor/outdoor dance! Presales have begun - tickets are only $6! Hurry and buy now. They will go up to $10! Guest passes are also available.


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.


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:


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


Safety and Attendance

***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.


One way to recoup a FULL DAY absence is by attending Saturday School.



Saturday School

Our LAST Saturday School for the school year occurred this past Saturday, May 13th. We had over 40 students, and most of them helped with our mini-beautification day! Thank you SIXERS for your contributions making our campus look presentable.



Short Term Independent Studies (STIS)

Please remember that if your student is absent for five days up to 14 days, they may apply for short-term independent studies through the C-05. Please have your student come by C-05 to speak with Ms. Vidal or Mr. Salgado regarding the process.


Student Parking Permits

This is a friendly reminder that if students are driving their car to school, they must fill out a student parking permit application.


The student parking permit application will be completed online. Once the form has been submitted, please bring your driver's license, current motor vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance to C-05 to receive your parking permit.


The online application can be found here:


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUdLoXqaupme8lYk5rdzpOl3hWnfXKSbJGF9PsL4WqSiYNjA/viewform


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

Parent and Community Involvement Corner

Join us for our last DELAC meeting via ZOOM: Wednesday, May 17 at 10am or 6pm. Use this link to join the meeting https://esuhsd.zoom.us/j/85937908328


ELAC Parent Meeting end of the Year Celebration, Thursday, May 18 at 6pm, N02/I-Cafe. (*ELAC - parent group of students who are learning English as a second language)


Join us for our final Family Engagement Workshops: Thursday, May 18 via Zoom 6pm-7pm , LGBTQ+ Support for Families ←-Click to register

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.

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/


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.

Metal Health and Wellness

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!


Mental Health Awareness Week

Hey Sixers! Are you interested in learning new ways to better care for your mental health? Join us on the Senior Stage at Lunch the week of 5/15-5/18 to learn more!


To Be Honest Mental Health Photography Walks

In honor of Mental Health Month, To Be Honest is hosting a series of 5 photography walks throughout the East San Jose Area! Each session will be led by a professional photographer who will teach you the basics of photography on a Canon EOS Rebel. We want you to capture your environment, explore a new park, and practice mindfulness through a new art form! This is a free activity open to all young adults ages 14 to 25; priority will be given to East San Jose Residents. The first session, held on 5/2 at 3:15, will be at Overfelt Gardens Park, located next to the IHS campus! Register Here: https://linktr.ee/tbhtoday

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

Reporting Line

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/

Newsletter Archives

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