Independence High School
8/12/2024
Principal's Update
Sixer Community,
This is our first full week for the 2024-2025 school year. Remember that Wednesday is only odd periods and Thursday is only evens. As you learn to navigate campus and find your classes, this is a good time to start setting your intentions for your classes and year. Learn what it takes to excel in your classes, decide if you want to join a club or sport this year. At Independence we talk about finding your Passion, Purpose, and Path. We encourage all out students to find things they are passionate about on campus, this can be through one of our many Academies (AVID, Construction, Finance, STEAM, Teaching, Transportation) or through our many club and sports offerings.
ESUHSD Family Engagement Videos
What's Happening This Week
It is important that you please complete the Income Eligibility Form upon enrollment. The Income Eligibility Form only counts when completed during the first year a student is enrolled at this school. The State of California provides funding to schools based on Income Determinations, Foster Youth enrollment, McKinney Vento Youth enrollment, English Language Learner enrollment, Justice Engaged Youth enrollment, and Migrant Youth enrollment.
East Side uses this funding to provide vital services to students, families, and staff at this school and across the district. Some of the services provided are:
Academic Counseling for each student
Mental Health Services for students including counseling and wellness centers
$5 Advanced Placement Exams to qualifying students
Tutoring services for students
Classroom bilingual Para Educators in classes
Summer School
College and financial aid workshops for students and parents
Field Trips
Credit Recovery Classes
Parent support and assistance
Smaller class sizes for our English Language Development classes
Primary language support for our limited English speaking students and parents
Resources, supplies and equipment for schools and classes
Thank you in advance for completing the Income Eligibility Form and helping us maintain and increase the services we can provide to students, families and staff. Use this QR code to go directly to the online application.
SIXER Shoutout
A huge Sixer Shoutout to our students and staff for engaging in Sixer Values Friday! It’s fantastic seeing all of our students learn about our Sixer Values and reading the student responses. Our Sixer Values are what connect us in community, building a supportive campus culture. Much appreciation for your participation on Friday! ~Dr. LaMontagne, MTSS Implementation Teacher
See some of our teachers and students participating in our Sixer Values school-wide lessons HERE!
Our SIXER Values in Action
Thank you for joining us and engaging in Sixer Values Friday! This week, we highlight student voices on the importance of being “Spirited.”
“It’s important to embrace spirit within school to have a deeper connection of what your school is. School is not only a place to sit and learn, but to flourish and find yourself. A great way to find yourself is to really express your feelings whether that be with sports, dance, academics, and most importantly having PRIDE and SPIRIT with the community you stand with! Don’t ever be afraid to open your mind to the possibilities of what you can achieve Sixers!” ~Jaden Clark, Junior
It is important to be spirited because it helps uplift the energy and mood of the school and keeps everyone feeling involved and part of the school community. I think it is important to have school pride and be involved because considering that this phase of school is the last phase of education before everyone goes their separate ways, it is best to take advantage of these opportunities now while you can.” ~Tony Luong, Senior
Being spirited is SO important in nurturing a genuine community within our student body. When we are spirited, it is the easiest way for us all to come together despite our differences and celebrate shared goals and interests. Additionally, being involved within our school through extracurriculars relating to our interests gives us personal reason - a motivator - to attend school aside from our obligated classes which get stressful at times.” ~Vivian Vu, Senior
I’m a big believer of “There’s power through experiences,” and having the courage to go through experiences is giving you a chance to grow and learn. At the same time, you are serving as a representation of how sixers can get motivated to do what you love and step up. Through this experience, you can also serve as an inspiration to your peers that there is nothing that you can’t do.” ~Kayleigh Soriano, Senior
“The concept of having school pride and being spirited in general is important because it provides a greater communal and social aspect that academics alone cannot provide. Although a student can get exceptional grades, they still can feel completely unfulfilled without the social aspect that being “spirited” provides. Therefore, it is necessary that a student has this in order to have a fulfilling experience beyond their academics.” ~Eli Obrero, Junior
If you missed the lesson, view it and engage by submitting your response HERE!
IHS Counseling Corner
Schedule Change Requests:
Counselors are currently reviewing schedule change requests and making necessary changes (i.e. missing a class, placed in the wrong level, need class for graduation, have two of the same class). Students will receive an email if/when a change is made.
All other requests (i.e. different elective, order of classes, etc.) will only be made if possible (we can’t overload classes) and if there is room in the schedule.
Please keep in mind:
Making a schedule change may require a change to several classes
Students should attend their current schedule and do their best in case a change is not made
You must be logged into your school email account to request a change
At this time, we are only making the following changes:
Class needed for graduation/A-G
Wrong class (i.e. Common Core Math 3 instead of Common Core Math 2)
Computer error (i.e. the same class twice, missing a class, an open period)
Already passed class and need to be moved to the next level
Discretionary changes will only be made if possible
Monday, August 12 is the last day for students to submit a schedule change request: www.tinyurl.com/ihschedulechange2024.
We are doing our best to make changes as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Counselor Caseload:
Due to personnel changes, there has been a shift in counselor caseload. Please make note of your student’s counselor as it may have changed.
Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Chi | 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Chj-Hd | 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
Ms. Fernandez: Last Names He-Maq | 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
Ms. Huynh: Last Names Mar-Par | 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
Ms. Marquez: Last Names Pas-Sq | 408.928.9568 | marquezl@esuhsd.org
Ms. Liang: Last Names Sr-Z | 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
Athletics Updates
“Just try new things. Don’t be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and SOAR.”
M. Obama
The fall athletic season is upon us. If you ever wanted the opportunity to try a sport, NOW is the time. Feel free to contact the coach from the sport you are interested in (contact information below), or just show up and introduce yourself to learn more.
In order to participate in a sport, you must be registered through www.athleticclearance.com. You can visit our website to learn how to navigate the registration site.
All athletes must have a current physical on file in Athletic Clearance (dated after 6/1/24). The last chance for fall sport athletes to get a physical on campus is Tuesday, 8/13 afterschool in room M-34 ($25 cash only).
Go6ers!
Week of 8/12/24
Fall Sports
Sixer Football: Coach Braun (braunj@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Golf (girls): Coac Richard Lee
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 Nelson trann@esuhsd.org
Winter Sports
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Peralta (coachrayjay14@gmail.com)
Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Singh (singh@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)
Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)
Sixer Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)
Spring Sports
Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)
Sixer Baseball: Coach Fernandes (fernandesp@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Softball: Coach Yenchik
Sixer Swim: Coach Martinez (martinezad@esuhsd.org)
Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)
Sixer Track and Field
Sixer Volleyball: Coach Nguyen (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics
Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets
Activities Updates
Looking to meet new friends and find a healthy hobby? Join us at Senior Stage during lunch this week for…
Interested in welcoming the new school year with a show stopping performance?
Sign ups for Welcome Back Rally on Fri. August 30th is now open.
Complete this form: https://tinyurl.com/ihswbr2024
Slots are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED - Sign up quick to secure your club’s spot!
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
Jennifer Andrade-Chavez - 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!
https://www.p3campus.com/tipform.aspx?ID=3000
Parent and Community Specialist Corner
Welcome families! We hope the first two days of school have been full of excitement. Whether you're experiencing a new transition or marking your final first day of school, we're thrilled to have you with us! We’re here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to drop by and visit us in the "Sixer Community Center" located in D207.
Backpacks are here!!! If you are in need of a backpack / school supplies, please stop by and see us in D207.
Parents: For technology access please see the flyer below. As a reminder your student can share the pairing code for CANVAS.
Please refer to the academic calendar 2024-2025 to support you in the planning of any holiday vacations. As a reminder, vacations are not excuse absences in session days.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Sacred Heart Community Service
Second Harvest Food Bank nearest Food pickup
● 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
Services offered at the Wellness Center
The Mental Health and Wellness team includes social workers, interns, and community based organizations (CBO’s) 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. Visit us in room D-01 to learn more!
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. A social worker, intern or other school staff member 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 to be a place 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. Students who visit the calming space during regular class time are expected to check in with Ms. Johnson, our Wellness Center Clerk, when they arrive and before they return to class. We also ask that students keep their electronics put away and that they do not engage in side conversations with other students.
Community Resources & Events
Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline
If you or your student need mental health crisis support outside of school hours, you may call 988 to request support from the Santa Clara County Mobile Crisis Response Team. If your phone number does not begin with a 408, 669 or 650 area code, please call 800-704-0900 and press 1.
Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline
Downtown Youth Wellness Center
Address: 725 East Santa Clara Street, Suite 105, San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: 408-961-4645
Email: dywc@hhs.sccgov.org
The Downtown Youth Wellness Center is a Behavioral Health program dedicated to promoting a safe, supportive, and youth-focused environment that provides short term Behavioral Health services, focused on prevention and early intervention for youth ages 12-25. Services include same day access to brief behavioral health support, peer support, workshops, well-being groups, social and educational activities, linkage to services/case management (including medical and longer-term behavioral health services), life skills development, education and career planning, independent living skills, and other related care. The DYWC is a partnership between the Behavioral Health Services Department and Alum Rock Counseling Center.
The DYWC is excited to continue to be part of the community that serves the youth in our community. In an ongoing effort to meet the needs of the youth, the DYWC has shifted the hours of operation to Monday through Friday from 10am-7pm.
Where students find their Passion, Purpose, and Path.
Resource Links
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
