Independence High School
2022-2023 - Semester 2, Week 1 (1/9)
Principal's Update
Welcome back SIXERS! Today starts our second semester. This is a time to reconnect with your friends and teachers after the break. Please be aware that there may be some class balancing over the next three weeks, and schedule adjustments made based on progress in the first semester. Progress reports will be mailed out once grades are finalized.
Sixer Shoutouts
Fall Semester Sixer Shoutout Raffle Winners
Congratulations to our Fall Semester T-shirt Raffle Winners!
Soufan Abouhmed, Keyra Aguilera, Michelle Ayala, Taison Barbosa, Katie Chan, Debanshu Ghosh, Stephanie Guerrero, Cristina Guizar, Melissa Hernandez, Tehayadora Hildreth, Annie Ho, Huzayfa Khan, Hylam Le, Jane Lee, Ashley Limon, Duong Nguyen, Aylin Ortiz, Petra Parra, Joseline Ramirez, Marco Sanchez, Leenana Shugan, Sophia Stojanov, Sean Tsang, Samatha Varela, Phillip Woodward
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!
Make Your Senior Portrait Reservation!
Senior Portraits will be taken at Now and Forever Studios in Los Gatos. Act fast to secure a reservation and plan for travel to the event. Contact the studio via phone to make your sitting reservation now: (408) 354-8660. Or, visit www.nowandforeverstudio.com to make an online reservation.
These are the formal pictures that are often sent to relatives and passed out to friends and staff during the graduating year. Senior portraits are optional and include a formal and a graduation photo - the photographer will provide all attire. There is no pressure to purchase photos, but there is a "sitting fee." If students sit for a photo, the studio will provide IHS with a copy to publish in the yearbook.
Graduation Gear
If you missed November’s graduation gear event, then seniors can continue to order all their graduation needs from our vendor, Herff Jones, at hjgradstore.com. Online purchases will be delivered directly to you at school following the Semester Break. Remember, ordering early ensures the best price. The only required element for graduation is the Graduation Kit, which contains a cap, gown, and tassel. IHS provides two color options. Traditionally, students identifying as female wear the white option, and students identifying as male wear blue. Regardless, students may select ANY color they desire. The Class of 2023 will graduate at the IHS Football Stadium on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 6 pm.
Senior Prom
The Senior Prom will be held at Cocoanut Grove in Santa Cruz, CA, on Saturday, April 8th, 2023. Ticket sales will begin in January. Early pricing will be approximately $75 and include chartered bus transportation to the venue. The prom will include finger food/ dessert buffets, DJ and dancing, a variety of photo booths, and 2-hours of private access to the Boarrwalk’s Arcade and Laser Tag. Although bus transportation is preferred, families may arrange for chartered transportation or drop-off if desired. Students will not enter the event until 7 pm and will have enough time to dine at various nearby restaurants in Santa Cruz (at the Wharf or Downtown). More info to come in January.
In Spirited Collaboration with our PE Department, staff members from our administration, safety team, and counseling team, and more participated in the Fall semester final run with 5th period PE 2 classes! Principal Berg finished with an amazing time of 18:45, Mr. Ly 19:05, and Ms. Liang 24:05!
We were reminded how each person has different strengths and challenges, but when we encourage each other and participate together, we can accomplish our goals. We are #StrongerTogether. We are Sixers!
Athletics Updates
Announcements
Spring Sport Athletes: Last Chance Athletic Physicals
1/11/23 in M-34 @ 3:30pm ($20 cash)
Sixer Study Hall Monday (3:45-4:45) in the school library. All are welcome. Contact Coach Carson w/questions carsona@esuhsd.org
Week of 1/9/2023
Monday, 1/9
Sixer Wrestling @ Oak Grove (Subject to Change)
Tuesday, 1/10
Sixer Soccer (g) @ Del Mar @ 7pm
Sixer Basketball (b) vs Leigh JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
Wednesday, 1/11
Sixer Basketball (b) vs Leigh JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
Sixer Soccer (b) vs Silver Creek @ 6pm
Thursday, 1/12
Sixer Varsity Basketball (g) @ Sobrato JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
Sixer Soccer (g) @ San Jose @ 7pm
Friday, 1/13
Sixer Basketball (b) @ Pioneer JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm
Sixer Soccer (b) @ Oak Grove @ 7pm
Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics
Counseling Corner
IHS Counseling Corner Website: www.tinyurl.com/ihcounseling
Counseling Office located in N 02
* Applications for FAFSA (fafsa.gov) & CADAA (https://dream.csac.ca.gov) open October NOW!
* AB 469 - ALL Senior Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) and submit on or before March 2nd - Please attend any Cash 4 College Workshops online or for in person assistance on the applications!
* Parents & Students: After School Workshops & In Class Grade Level Presentations:
*1/10 – SVCTE Presentation for 10th & 11th interested students 7th period 3 pm in C commons
*1/20 – Grade 12 Presentation for all seniors in Government/Economics classes
*1/23 – Grade 11 Scheduling Presentation for all juniors in US History classes
*1/24 – Grade 10 Scheduling Presentation for all sophomores in PE 2 classes
*1/26 – 9th, 10th, 11th Grade Parent Scheduling Night Presentations via Zoom Time: 6-7pm Zoom link coming!
*1/26 – 12th Grade Parent Financial Aid Night via Zoom Time: 6-7pm Zoom link coming soon!
*1/27 – Grad 9 Scheduling Presentations in all PE 1 classes
* Resources to support your students, especially as they are working on their PIQs and applications for scholarships and studying for their classes.
College and career readiness flier
General posters in English and Spanish
Postcards in English and Spanish
* Upcoming teacher office hours & extra help will take place on February 2nd, March 3rd, March 30th, and May 11th from 8:30 - 9:30 am.
* Together with counseling, Mr. Anthony Garcia (garciaa@esuhsd.org) is our 10,000 Degrees Fellow who assists, supports, and guides our students with financial aid, college, questions, and much more! www.10000degrees.org
* In Office Counselor Hours:
Mr. Thompson Ly: 8:45 am - 4:15 pm
Mr. Mark Hennessey: 8 am - 3:30 pm
Ms. Flor Fernandez: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Ms. Thuy Huynh: 8:15 am - 4 pm
Mrs. Lissenia Marquez: 8:30 am - 4 pm
Ms. Bonnie Liang: 8:15 am - 3:45 pm
Mr. Anthony Garcia: 9 am - 4 pm Tuesdays - Thursdays (10,000 deg.)
Ms. Dalia Cuenca: 8 am - 3:30 pm Mondays & Tuesdays (USF Intern)
Ms. Erin Serrano 8 - 3:30 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays (USF Intern)
Activities Updates
The Annual ASB Talent Show: Friday, January 13th @ 7pm
Ticket are on-sale for $8! Purchase and reserve your seats at showtix4u (for a small electronic fee) or purchase a General Admission ticket in the ASB Bank (A06) Monday - Friday! We have a jam-packed show for you and there are a limited amount of seats. Don’t delay! Act fast and purchase, NOW! The ASB Talent Show is a joint effort, and proceeds benefit the IHS Theatre Tech Program.
Yearbooks & Yearbook Ads!
Yearbooks are priced according to a sliding scale, so purchasing earlier guarantees a better price. Right now, yearbook reservations/orders are at $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). Yearbooks will increase to $75 in February so buy now!
Yearbook Ads are a great way to honor graduating seniors, memorialize social groups and clubs, and promote local businesses. One exciting way to celebrate you and your friends are to contribute to a photo collage of all your collective experiences! Select from various packages, layout options, templates, colors, and fonts. Upload as many photos as you desire and submit fro publication!
For further information, please review the Yearbook Frequently Asked Questions document.
Valentine’s Day Spirit Week (February 13th - 17th)
Stay tuned for a list of thematic dress-up days and lunchtime events
Schoolwide Dance #3: Sadie Hawkin’s - Friday, March 3rd @ 6:30pm
The “Sadies” Dance is a long-running tradition at Independence. The dance is designed, organized, and hosted by the IHS Spirit Squad. All proceeds benefit the Spirit Squad, ensuring they can continue to provide training and supplement the cost of cheer uniforms. Tickets can be purchased from any Cheer Squad Member or the ASB Bank (A06), starting in mid-February.
Safety and Attendance
Short Term Independent Studies (STIS)
Please remember that if your student will be absent for 5 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.
CLOSED Campus
A friendly reminder to parents and students that we are a closed campus. Students should not leave the school grounds during school hours–particularly during breaks and lunch for safety reasons. The Public Library and Overfelt Gardens constitute as off campus as they are not on school grounds.
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 in 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
Happy New Year & Welcome to our Second Semester of this school year. We are looking forward to a new beginning in collaboration but most importantly in community to support our students & families.
Join us at our Coffee with the Principal will be via ZOOM this Wednesday, January 11 @ 9am. The zoom link will be shared via email, text & via REMIND.
Our first Family Engagement workshop topic of the year will be on Social Media & Technology Use, on Thursday, January 19, 5:00pm - 6:00pm via Zoom.
Please mark your calendars for future Family Engagement Workshops:
Understanding Changes in Behavior in Your Child Thursday, 2/9 5-6pm
Communication With Your Child Thursday, 3/9 5-6pm
Anxiety: Insight & Skills for Parenting Your Anxious Child Wednesday, 3/29 5-6pm
Supporting Youth With Trauma & Traumatic Experiences Thursday, 4/20 5-6pm
Healthy Relationships: Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Relationships Thursday, 5/4 5-6pm
LGBTQ+ Support for Families Thursday, 5/18 5-6pm
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
County of Santa Clara - Weather Safety Resource
988 Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Get Help - Behavioral Health Services - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org); informational flyer for mental health teams (attached)
LGBTQ Youth Space (ages 13-25): https://youthspace.org/
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)
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. For further questions please contact your attendance clerk.
Metal Health and Wellness
The Mental Health and Wellness Center is located in Room D-05.
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
To Be Honest Mental Health Survey: To Be Honest is a local mental health education program for adolescents and young adults ages 14-25 in Santa Clara County. They want to learn more about what mental health resources and support you need! If you are interested in sharing more about the mental health resources would help you and your peers, please fill out a survey here: tinyurl.com/mhsurvey22 To learn more about To Be Honest, visit ToBeHonest.Today
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. We have an exercise station, an art station, a reading/writing corner, and a kinesthetic area. Stop by to take a look!
Wellness Center Instagram @indywellness76
Reporting Line
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