“Jade Simpson volunteered to participate in two additional debates after her own was completed. A huge thank you to Jade for attending my 5th period class to debate against students that are not in her regular class. You did great!” ~Ms. Gretchen Larese, English Teacher

“A huge thank you to Sophia Stojanov for volunteering to come to an additional ERWC class and prepare a case with her team to debate against my 5th period students.” ~Ms. Gretchen Larese, English Teacher

Our recent high school accreditation visit was a success, highlighting the growth and supportive culture within our school community.

Thank you to all of the students who shared reflections on their educational experience at IHS, noting significant academic and personal growth since their freshman year. Their voices reinforced the school's commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging learning environment that prepares them for the future. Our parent group, who met on Sunday, expressed confidence in the school’s ability to equip students for success beyond high school, recognizing the safe atmosphere that allows students to learn.

The visiting committee affirmed the integrity of our self-study process and fully supported the five key goals that emerged from our inquiry:

• Implement staff-centered professional development through collaborative learning and peer observation.

• Improve the preparation of all students for post-high school success through inclusive and comprehensive readiness strategies.

• To establish and implement consistent data-driven practices for assessing student performance, monitoring schoolwide progress, and making informed decisions.

• Establish holistic support for English Language Learners, including classroom engagement and family partnership.

• Enhance transparency and knowledge of school systems in order for students and families to engage in progress monitoring and empowering students to become advocates for their own needs.

The committee recognized the dedication of our staff, the effectiveness of our interventions, and the collaborative spirit that drives continuous improvement. Their validation of our efforts reaffirms our commitment to academic excellence, student well-being, and a culture of continuous growth.

We Are Sixers

Financial Aid Application Priority Deadline Extended!

The California Student Aid Commission announced the priority deadline for financial aid has been extended to April 2, 2025! Seniors are encouraged to submit either the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline. Students not planning to attend college after graduating high school should see their counselor to sign an opt out form.

As a reminder, AB 469 requires all seniors to submit a financial aid application. Please contact your school counselor with questions and for more information.

Financial Aid Workshops

Our college access programs are hosting open financial aid workshops to assist students and families with filling out the financial aid application. Open workshops are held Wednesdays during Periods 1 and 7 (if student does not have class) and on Thursdays from 3:15-4:15pm in Room D-208. Students and families who need assistance with filling out their financial aid application are encouraged to attend these workshops.

Mar. 27: Financial Aid Application Workshop | 3:15-4:15pm | D-208

Counselor Contact & Availability:

Counselors are located in the Learning Center (Student Union). Counselors are available for student walk-ins before and after school and during break and lunch. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with your student’s counselor.

• Ms. Pham: Last Names A-Chi
• 408.928.9680 | phamm@esuhsd.org
• Hours: 8:30am-4pm
• Mr. Hennessey: Last Names Chj-Hd
  
• 408.928.9563 | hennesseym@esuhsd.org
  
• Hours: 8am-3:30pm
  
• Ms. Fernandez: Last Names He-Maq
  
• 408.928.9574 | fernandezf@esuhsd.org
  
• Hours: 8:30am-4pm
  
• Ms. Huynh: Last Names Mar-Par
  
• 408.928.9567 | huynhtt@esuhsd.org
  
• Hours: 8:15-3:45pm
  
• Ms. Marquez: Last Names Pas-Sq
  
• 408.928.9568 | marquezl@esuhsd.org
  
• Hours: 8:30am-4pm
  
• Ms. Liang: Last Names Sr-Z
  
• 408.928.9546 | liangb@esuhsd.org
  
• Hours: 8:15-3:45pm

College Access Support (located in D-208 & the Learning Center):

• 10,000 Degrees

• Anthony Garcia |415.578.4380 | anthony.garcia@10000degrees.org

• Available in person Wednesday & Thursday

• Book appointment here

• Destination College Advising Program (DCAC)

• Daniela Navarro | 510.332.3723 | danielan@berkeley.edu

• Available in person Monday-Friday

• Book appointment here

Spring Sports

Sixer Badminton: Coach Allen Trinh (atrinh1219@gmail.com)

3/26/25 vs Hill 6pm

3/28/25 vs Evergreen 6pm

Sixer Baseball: Coach Fernandes (fernandesp@esuhsd.org)

3/24/25 vs James Lick - 4pm

3/25/25 @ Silver Creek - 4pm

3/27/25 vs Silver Creek

Sixer Golf: Coach Bartholomew (bartholomewr@esuhsd.org)

3/24/25 vs Hill 4:30 Spring Valley GC

3/26/25 vs Hill 4:00 Las Lagos

Sixer Softball: Coach Quezada (jorge.quezada@evc.edu)

3/26/25 vs Evergreen Valley 4pm

3/28/25 vs Gunderson 4pm

Sixer Swim:Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)

3/28/25 @ Westmont - 4pm

Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)

3/25/25 vs Mt Pleasant - 4pm

3/27/25 Bye

Sixer Track and Field: Coach Manav (ihs76ers.xc.tf@gmail.com)

3/27/25 @ Lincoln 4pm

Sixer Volleyball: Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)

3/25/25 vs Evergreen Valley - JV 5:30 | V 7pm

3/27/25 @ Branham JV 5:30 | V 7pm

Fall Sports

Sixer Football: Coach Braun (braunj@esuhsd.org)

Sixer Golf (girls): Coach Richard Lee (rlee@fusdk12.net)

Sixer Volleyball (girls): Coach Kenny (leilani.buckner10@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)

Winter Sports

Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Gajardo (lj_gajardo@yahoo.com)

Sixer Basketball (g): Coach Buckner (leilani.buckner10@gmail.com)

Sixer Soccer (b): Coach Mendez (fmendez888@gmail.com)

Sixer Soccer (g): Coach Kimball (mskimball1997@gmail.com)

Sixer Wrestling: Coach Thompson (njakeg1209@yahoo.com)

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

Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets

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:

• https://www.instagram.com/indyactivities/

• https://www.instagram.com/indyathletics/

• https://www.instagram.com/indyperformingarts/

And, your class account for important information specific to your grade level:

• https://www.instagram.com/ihs_co2027/

• https://www.instagram.com/ihsco2026/

• https://www.instagram.com/ihs.co2025/

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.

Parents, Cookies is a marijuana reference. Cookies clothing or accessories are not permitted. Parents, please partner with us on this!

Saturday School!

Come to Saturday School this year and recover an unexcused absence or an excused illness absence. A teacher will be there to help you with your academics. Use the time to study or work on missing assignments. Our next Saturday School will be in April 12th. We will feed you! Please plan to stay until 12:45pm. Please see Ms. Goltzer or Ms. Andrade in C05 for questions or concerns. Use the form to sign up!

https://forms.gle/YLYgSvMsCKkrNba48

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 Student Union. 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 - 408.928.9521

Student last names A - L

Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552

Student last names M-Z

Thao Pham - 408.928.9542

Say Something

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

As a reminder, Attendance Matters! Consistent attendance in high school is essential for academic achievement, as even missing a small amount of class time can have a notable effect on a student's learning and overall performance.

Attendance Matters. On Time. All Day. Every Day.

Please refer to the flyer below for information on upcoming parent meetings.

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.