Happy Monday,

Last week we concluded 20% of the school year and have 20 schooldays until the end of the next Marking Period on November 4th. Thank you to everyone who has registered with Canvas and is using this platform to monitor grades and communicate with staff. If you haven't yet, here is a video on how to become an observer - https://vimeo.com/105957000

As we go further into the Fall Sports season, please help us model and teach the SIXER values. These are being Spirited, Innovative, eXtraordinary, Engaged, and Respectful. Also, as members of the Blossom Valley Athletic League, we follow the ideals of Victory with Honor in teaching positive sportsmanship to all our athletes.

This Thursday, 10/13/22, we will be having our Academic Progress Night.

It is the beginning of Attendance awareness month and we want to stress that attendance does matter. On time. All day. Every day.

Did you know…

• 3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence

• Late arrival interrupts student’s learning

• Late arrival interrupts the learning of others

Saturday School

Our next Saturday School is scheduled for Oct. 22nd. Saturday School is a way students can recover a FULL day of absence. This is to clarify that it will not excuse tardies.

You may sign up by clicking the following link:

https://tinyurl.com/SaturdaySchoolatIHS

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

Closed Campus

A friendly reminder to parents and students, that we are a closed campus and students should not be leaving the school grounds during school hours–particularly break and lunch for safety reasons.

The public library off of Educational Parkway as well as Overfelt Gardens is considered off campus and students should not be visiting these locations during school hours.

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

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 1st!

* AB 469 - ALL Senior Students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aide) or the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) and submit on or before March 2nd - Please attend any Cash 4 College Workshops for in person assistance on the applications! Here is one coming up! Please mark your calendars -

* 11/3 - IMPORTANT! Financial Aid: Cash 4 College Workshop (All Senior Parents & Students invited!) From 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm in D Commons - PLEASE ATTEND!

* Parents & Students: After School Workshops & in class grade level presentations: Coming Up ...

* 10/10 - SJSU/Cal State Apply In-Person Workshop: 7th period in C commons

* 10/11 - 11th Grade Presentations in US History classes

* 10/12 &10/13 - 9th Grade Presentations in PE 1 classes

* 10/19 & 10/20 - 10th Grade Presentations in PE 2 classes

* 10/19 - USF & Common App/Recommendation Letters: I-Cafe (N 02) 7th period * 10/19 - SJSU/Cal State Apply Zoom Workshop: 5:30-6:30 pm

* 10/24 - Sonoma State Presentation: 7th period in the I-Cafe (N02)

* 10/25 - UC PIQs #2: 5 Questions to ask yourself: I-Cafe (N 02) 1st & 7th periods

* 11/3 - IMPORTANT! Financial Aid: Cash 4 College Workshop (All Senior Parents & Students invited!) From 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm in D Commons

* Upcoming teacher office hours & extra help will take place on November 3 & December 1st from 8:30 - 9:30 am.

* Our Head Counselor Mrs. Pham is out on maternity leave (Congratulations Mrs. Pham!). Based on the student's last name, students can reach out to the following counselors for assistance in N 02.

A's = Ms. Fernandez & Mr. Hennessey

B's = Ms. Huynh & Ms. Liang

C's = Mr. Ly & Mrs. Marquez

* 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 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: 9 am - 4:30 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)

Winter Sports (basketball, soccer, wrestling) will begin on 10/31/2022. All winter athletes are expected to be registered on Athletic Clearance by 10/24/2022. Visit our website to learn more.

Athletic Physicals on Tuesday, 10/11/2022 in M-34. Doctor will begin at 3:30. Cost is $20 (cash only)

Shout Out

Congratulations to Junior Cassie Ly (Sixer Water Polo) and Senior Sean Weber (Sixer Water Polo) for being named Athlete of the Week for the week of September 26th.

Week of 10/10/2022

Tuesday, 10/11/2022

Sixer Tennis (g) West Valley Division Tournament (singles/doubles)

Sixer Water Polo vs Prospect Boys @ 5:00pm | Girls 6:00pm

Sixer Volleyball (g) vs Oak Grove HS JV @ 5:30 | V 7:00pm

Thursday, 10/13/2022

Sixer Tennis (g) West Valley Division Tournament (singles/doubles)

Sixer Volleyball (g) vs San Jose High JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7pm

Sixer Water Polo @ Yerba Buena Boys 4pm | Girls @ Evergreen Valley 6pm

Sixer Golf (g) vs Branham @ Los Lagos @ 3pm

Sixer Cross Country @ Montgomery Hill Park @ 4pm

Sixer Football @ Gilroy Varsity @ 6pm

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

Homecoming Events, 10/17 - 10/22:

Class Officers are currently organizing and preparing for our annual Homecoming Traditions, including: Airband Competitions, Quad Day, and the Outdoor Dance. ASB is currently prepping clubs and organizations for the Homecoming Royalty Nomination Process. Significant dates include:

• Mon - Wed: (Class Specific Events)

• Thurs: IHS ClubTailgate Market & Homecoming Football Game vs. Branham High School

• Fri: Schoolwide Homecoming Rally

• Sat: Outdoor Homecoming Dance and Monarchy Reveal: 7pm-10:30pm @ IHS Memorial Grove

• 
  

Homecoming Dance: Through the Looking Glass is a thematic outdoor event, including photo booths, food trucks, games, music, and dancing! The event occurs on campus and in Memorial Grove on Saturday, October 22nd. Tickets will be available for $10 for a limited time only. After that, the price will go up and continue to go up until all tickets are sold. Be ready to purchase your Homecoming Tickets starting this Friday! Be sure to plan in advance - last year, we SOLD OUT five days before the dance!

Homecoming is a semi-formal event. Unlike prom, no one needs to wear a full suit/ tuxedo, but students shouldn't dress up in something they could wear to school. Typical homecoming attire for guys is a button-up shirt with dress pants or khakis, maybe a tie or bow tie, dress shoes, and perhaps a sweater, blazer, or vest. Since this is an outdoor event taking place on grass, long gowns are not recommended. Similarly, stilettos and heels over 2” are strongly discouraged. It is safer and more comfortable to wear a blocked heel or wedges.

Yearbook SALES ARE ON!

Yearbooks are priced according to a sliding scale, so purchasing earlier guarantees a better price. Right now, the yearbook is at its lowest cost, $65! Act now, the price will increase soon!

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. In addition, the YOC offers packages for purchasing advertisement pages to honor graduating seniors and promote local businesses.

Student Picture Orders Have Arrived!

For students, parents/guardians who ordered school pictures, your photos have arrived. Please send your student to the A06 Bank to pick them up!

Make Your Senior Portrait Reservation

Senior Portraits will be taken at Now and Forever Studios in Los Gatos. Act soon 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. Online Reservations may be made starting in November @ www.nowandforeverstudio.com

These are not the ID card/ transcript photos. These are the optional, formal pictures that are often sent to relatives and passed out to friends and staff during the graduating year. Senior portraits include a formal and a graduation photo - all attire will be provided by the photographer. There is no pressure to purchase photos, but there is a "sitting fee." If students sit for a photo, then the studio will provide IHS a copy to publish in the yearbook.

Graduation Gear

Coming in November, all seniors will meet in assembly with Herff Jones, our graduation vendor. There they will learn about purchasing graduation cap & gown kits, formal invitations, 2023 apparel, and commemorative jewelry and accessories. Students will be provided with ordering forms and the option to purchase these items, onsite, for a much cheaper rate than online. More details to follow soon.

Extraordinary Learning

“I learned about how to be in a team and doing so, something that’s even bigger than me. I learned how to be a teammate and not just a random teenager in high school. ~Jonathan Cuella, Freshman

“Something extraordinary that I saw in myself was the time I was at school and noticed I actually enjoy learning. When I was living in Mexico, I didn't like school. I didn't like learning. Since I got here, I started noticing that life is a lot more different and that here school is essential. I started worrying more about school so I studied a lot and got very good grades in freshman year and I plan to do the same next few years.” ~Isaac DeAnda, Sophomore

“Something I’ve learned is that you could always make a big change for someone if you go towards them when they need help with something.” ~John Figueroa, Junior

“I learned the importance of consistency in order to achieve my goals.” ~Khanh Nguyen, Junior

“I had a great experience in Mr. Taylor's class. Despite it being over distance learning, I learned a lot about the state of the world and about myself. We discussed many different topics and considered differing perspectives and formed our own opinions on them. Although it was a math class, it was also a humanities and ethics class at the same time and I really appreciated that because it broadened my perspective and even today, I use the lessons I learned in his class and apply them to my everyday life. ~Charity He, Senior

View our School-Wide lesson on what it means to be an eXtraordinary Sixer HERE.

A multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students social, emotional, and behavior needs from a strengths-based perspective.

Student voice is an important part of the narrative data we collect to inform decisions made around school improvement and high quality instruction. One way we collect student voice is through school-wide lessons carried out in 4th period classes.

ThisThursday, October 13, 2022 at 6:00 pm in the C-Commons, we will be hosting our Academic Progress Meeting for students who have received a D/F in their Marking Period 1 progress report. Please refer to the flyer below

CANVAS: Please refer this video https://vimeo.com/105957000 for assistance in created a CANVAS account and link your students ‘Pairing Code”

Community updates:

Student Shoutout

Chaelar Mendoza goes above and beyond in his duties as a student. I see him in the morning conditioning with other students. He is a great example to the community. ~Mrs. Roberts, PE Teacher

Staff Shoutout

Ms. Shubra Jain's dedication and commitment to our students is eXtraordinary. For her students learning English, she has gone out of her way to learn a few words in their native language and connect her English learners to peers who speak their native language. She implements a classroom encouragement system and opens her door at lunch to positively engage with students. Ms. Jain is an eXtraordinary educator! ~Dr. LaMontagne, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

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

We are open from 8:30 am - 3:45 pm every school day.

Office Closures

Unfortunately, the calming space is closed until further notice. On Tuesday a pipe burst in our building and flooded our space. The space is currently being dried out. When we determine it is safe for students we will reopen the calming space.

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

Wellness Center Groups: Our groups are in full swing. So far we have Ujima’s Life Skills group, Art Therapy, New Hope for Youth, Art of Yoga, City Peace Project and City of San Jose Female Intervention Team all providing groups! Our YWCA Teens Ending Abuse (TEA) Club will begin in the middle of October. Please see a social worker in D05 for more information.

Wellness Wednesday: We went wild with arts and crafts in front of C commons this last week. Students joined us for origami, painting, and drawing. There are now paper cranes scattered throughout D-05. Stop by and see if you can spot them! Make sure to keep an eye out for us next week!

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

Parents and Guardians,

Please use the following directions to take the Panorama Survey. Students and staff will have separate links.

As we begin the 2022-23 school year, we need your feedback to ensure that schools continue to provide inclusive, high-quality, rigorous, and safe learning experiences for all students. This email includes a link to a survey for you to share your opinions about what is going well and what could improve.

Directions for Survey-Taking:

To submit the survey online, please visit the website listed below by October 28th. You may use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to access the online survey.

Your survey link

http://surveys.panoramaed.com/eastsideunion/family

If you have more than one child enrolled in the same school and or at different schools, please fill out one survey for each child, as your answers may vary.

All survey responses are anonymous. Panorama Education is managing the survey process to ensure data privacy and security.

By taking this survey, you will be helping us to better support you, your students, and the whole school community. Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your voice and for being a valued partner.