Independence HS
12/11/2023
Principal's Update
SIXER community,
This is our final full week of the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year. In many classes students have started working toward their final demonstrations and celebrations of learning. Friday of this week, 12/15, we will be on a Staff Meeting Schedule then Finals start the following Tuesday,12/19, and go through Thursday,12/21. Bell schedules can be found here - https://independence.esuhsd.org/About-Us/Bell-Schedule/index.html
Friday, 12/15/23, the state will also release the 2023 State Dashboard Data. More information about this assessment of our performance data is available at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/cm/dashboardtoolkit.asp.
Being a SIXER is all about being Spirited, Innovative, eXtraordinary, Engaged, and Respectful. IHS students, staff, and alumni will be coming together to host a fun holiday event for our community this Friday evening from 5:30pm - 8:30pm: WinterFest ‘23!
Meet Independence Alum, cartoonist, and community mural painter Mr. Alfonso Salazar!
Come and shop from our community vendors including: Plant Cultura San Jose, Harji Naturals LLC, Illuminare Apotheca, Pinatas la Fiesta, Ms. Naicila Vidal’s jewelry, and SpellBinding Treasures
Food will be sold by: el Almanacer Taqueria
We are excited to announce performances by PurDance, Latinx Student Union, and Ukulele Club. We will also be hosting two live bands!
Our own student entrepreneurs include: mishmelcloset Vanny’s & Juggsie’s Corner, m4ngosteen, FF Shop, Kitty and Sosa, Jewelsfrommangie, West Walkway, k.ariotoe, Kassiopeia, Five Star Clothing, and Silly Goose Crystals
Come to enjoy free kids’ activity booths and games hosted IHS Clubs and Academies including: Academy of Finance, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Recycling Club, Sewing Club, CSF, German Club, Chinese Club, Indy AIAS Club, Teaching Academy Club, Ukulele Club, Mural Club
Stay until the end of the evening where we will raffle off decorated Christmas trees to families!
Sixer Shoutouts
Student Shoutout
“Derek Doan, Duong Nguyen, Leon Nguyen heard that I was having issues with my bike, which I ride to school one day a week. On their own, they came by at the end of the day and while I was teaching they fixed it for me. It was one of the kindest things I have had a group of students do for me.” ~Mr. Will Brown, English Teacher
Staff Shoutout
“Ms. Kim Ho, our counseling intern, has been instrumental in implementing supportive 1:1 meetings with students before the end of the semester. She has provided valuable support to students facing mental health challenges while recruiting students for small groups and collaborating with parents, teachers, social workers, and support staff.” ~Mr. Thompson Ly, School Counselor
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:
Financial Aid FAQ: English | Spanish | Vietnamese
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.
Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Cd, Saf-Saq | 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
Mr. Ly: Last Names Ce-Gak, Sar-Sin | 408.928.9547 | lyt@esuhsd.org
Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Gal-Ld, Rj-Sae | 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
Ms. Fernandez: Last Names Le-M, Ran-Ri | 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
Ms. Huynh: Last Names N-Pha, Phb-Ram | 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
Ms. Marquez: Last Names Phb-Tal (currently on leave)
Ms. Liang: Last Names Tam-Z, Sio-Tal | 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
Ms. Ho: Counselor In Training | 9am-3pm | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | hok@esuhsd.org
Mr. Garcia: 10,000 Degrees Fellow | 9am-4pm | Tuesday-Thursday | 415.578.4380 | anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org
Athletics Updates
“Nobody who ever gave their best effort ever regretted it.”
George Halas
Congratulations to our Girls’ Soccer team for kicking off their 2023/24 season with a 4-1 victory over Milpitas High.
Congratulations to our Girls’ Basketball for going 2 and 0 last week with victories over Overfelt and North Salinas High School.
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 12/11/23 & 12/18/23
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Yenchik
12/14-16 Fremont (Sunnyvale) Tournament Varsity Only @ TBA
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)
12/11/23 @ Yerba Buena JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7
12/12/23 vs Saratoga JV @ 5:30 | V @ 7
12/15/23 @ Sequoia V @ 7pm
Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)
12/14/23 @ Live Oak @ 7pm
12/21/23 vs Andrew Hill @ 6pm
Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)
12/15/23 vs Evergreen @ 6pm
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
IHS Beautification
Many thanks to the IHS Beautification group for their work on our campus. Pictured above are Janissa Le, Oliver Weber, Ajay Singh, Reangsy Dalton, Franklin Do, Tobijah Luzano, Tommy Vo, Elissa Cartwright, Kha Le, and Cassie Truong seen after planting a tree donated by Rhina Quezada. Thanks to Alex Nguyen for the photograph.
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!
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.
Please join us for our next Saturday Schools on 12/16!
Use the following link to sign up!
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
Celebrate the Holidays as a Community at our family friendly First Annual IHS WinterFest: December 15, 2023 (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Come to enjoy kids’ activity booths, holiday trees, performances and do some holiday shopping!
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
● 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
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