Independence High School
12/16/2024
Principal's Update
Sixer Community,
This week ends the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. This week should be a celebration of the learning that has happened during this semester, as we ask students to demonstrate what they have accomplished and learned in the last five months.
These final grades are posted to transcripts, and every grade of a D- or higher earns 5 credits toward the 220 required for graduation. Remember, a C- or higher is needed to earn credits toward A-G status and the Spartan East Side Promise.
Once January starts, our counseling team will balance classes and make changes where needed for graduation purposes. They will also meet with students to start scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year.
What's Happening This Week
Finals - Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday
3 WAYS TO ORDER YOUR CAP & GOWN: (LINE 6 on Order Form)
- Buy cap, gown, & tassel. You get to decorate them and keep them.
- Borrow a sibling's or older friend's gown. Buy cap & tassel only, and you get to decorate and keep cap & tassel.
- Borrow cap and gown from the school. You may not alter or decorate them, and cap & gown must be returned immediately after the ceremony.
Click here to view the full Product Catalog.
Click here to visit our website.
Questions?
Call the Grad Company office at (925) 736 0679 or Mike Rabago cell (925) 876 7731.
SIXER Shoutout
“Paul Haberstroh continues to work hard and has proven to not give up. I enjoy having him in German and it's always a joy to hear about it every time he defeats Kamil in Valorant. Way to go, Paul!” ~Herr Lynch, World Language Teacher
“Sunny Tuazon absolutely deserves a SIXER Shoutout for her exceptional respect, enthusiasm, and positive energy! Her curiosity, thoughtful participation, and genuine kindness make a meaningful impact. Sunny's dedication and engagement reflect her strong character and commitment to learning. Thank you, Sunny, for being such a wonderful part of sixth period familia—keep up the great work!” ~Sra. Alvarez, World Language Teacher
“Karen Restrepo merece un SIXER Shoutout por su respeto excepcional y su actitud positiva, incluso frente a las dificultades. A pesar de los retos que enfrenta, siempre demuestra compromiso, amabilidad y entusiasmo. Su dedicación al aprendizaje y su capacidad para mantener una energía positiva son un ejemplo para todos. ¡Gracias por ser una inspiración y por aportar tanto valor a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje!” ~Sra. Alvarez, World Language Teacher
Our SIXER Values in Action
On Friday, 12/13/24, we welcomed our Independence community to Winterfest 2024! This event is truly a collaborative effort between staff, students, community, and alumni.
Our community enjoyed performances by Latinx Student Union (LSU) and Vietnamese Student Association. Teaching Academy, Sewing Club, LSU, Key Club, AVID, and leadership hosted crafts and activities for kids. The Academy of Finance developed and built games for kids to play. STEAM Academy, AVID, LSU, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Teaching Academy donated decorated holiday trees that were given away at the end of the night. We even welcomed and supported 16 small business vendors for a holiday shopping experience.
Check out all of the fun in this VIDEO HERE!
We want to wish all of our Sixers the best of luck this finals week! Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate all that you’ve learned in and out of the classroom this semester. Thank you for your continued efforts to be Spirited, Innovative, eXtraordinary, Engaged, and Respectful!
Thank you to all of our staff members who teach, listen, advise, and support our students each and every day. Thank you to all Sixer caregivers who support at home. Wishing you a warm and happy holiday.
We Are Sixers.
IHS Counseling Corner
Financial Aid Applications Now Open:
The financial aid applications have officially opened. Students and families can now submit either the FAFSA or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). Counseling visited American Government/Economics classes on Friday, December 6 to walk students in launching their financial aid application through California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI). All seniors should launch their financial aid application through CCGI. Visit the senior page of the counseling website to view step by step instructions. As a reminder, Assembly Bill 469 requires all seniors to submit a financial aid application.
Save the Date: Financial Aid Workshops
FSA ID Workshop | Tuesday, January 28 from 3-6pm | The Learning Center (Student Union)
Cash for College | Thursday, February 6 from 3:15-6:30pm | Student Union
Mixed Status Families:
We understand that with the incoming administration and potential changes to federal policies, especially around immigration status, there may be heightened fears and concerns surrounding the safety of undocumented family members. Please know there are California laws that safeguards individual and student information (FERPA), ensuring that all students, regardless of documentation status, can access financial aid resources.
If your family prefers not to disclose information on the FAFSA, students have the option to complete the CA Dream Act Application, which is designed to protect your family's privacy and ensure access to financial aid opportunities available through the State of California.
Please do not hesitate to contact your school counselor and/or our college access advisors, Mr. Garcia (10,000 Degrees Fellow) or Ms. Navarro (DCAC Fellow), if you have any questions or need assistance in choosing which application to apply for. Our goal is to ensure students have access to financial aid so they can pursue higher education as well as ensure the safety for students and families.
Empowering Young Women in STEM: OASES Outreach Opportunity
OASES (Outreach and Academic Support for Engineering Students) is a completely free mentorship and outreach initiative at Stanford University aimed at empowering young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
This program is completely free—students only need to arrange their own transportation to Stanford campus. We provide food and all materials required for the projects.
Program Highlights:
6 visits to Stanford University during each session.
Hands-on STEM projects led by undergraduate and graduate mentors.
Opportunities to connect with inspiring role models in STEM.
A supportive environment designed to foster confidence, curiosity, and excitement about STEM careers.
For more details, please visit: https://swe.stanford.edu/
Application Link: https://forms.gle/qCa4xKQsXZewFTnh6
Application Deadline: January 10th, 11:59 PM
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
Destination College Advising Program (DCAC)
Daniela Navarro | 510.332.3723 | danielan@berkeley.edu
Available in person Monday-Friday
Athletics Updates
“Never let your head hang down. Never give up and sit down and grieve. Find another way..”
Satchel Paige
“Success is not final failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
W. Churchill
Week of 12/16/24
Winter Sports
Sixer Basketball (b): Coach Gajardo (lj_gajardo@yahoo.com)
12/19-21 Firebird Holiday Tournament @ Fremont HS (Sunnyvale) TBA
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)
12/18 vs Willow Glen @ 6:30pm
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:
Sixer Swim:Coach Martinez (rodriguez.adrian1821@gmail.com)
Sixer Tennis: Coach James (jesse316james@yahoo.com)
Sixer Track and Field
Sixer Volleyball: Coach Nguyen (ng.kenneth02@gmail.com)
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)
Visit Sixer Athletics for up to date information about athletics! Follow us on Instagram: @indyathletics
Visit GoFan.co to purchase tickets
Activities Updates
Got a little extra to spare this holiday season?
Check this out: Holiday Pantry Donation List
If you have any unexpired, non-perishable food items or hygiene products or gently used warm clothing items like jackets/sweaters/socks you might have lying around the house that you may not use, please send them our way!
Donations will help to kick start our pantry for students and families who need a little extra support this holiday season.
Order your yearbook today!
Yearbook orders are now being accepted at www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/6072
Yearbooks are $70 until April after April, they will then be $75 until the end of the school year,
Attention ALL Sixers Students!
If you haven’t already done so, please download the MINGA app on your phone to access your Digital Student ID. This is a REQUIREMENT to get into ALL home sports games that require a ticket for FREE and will be required for check-in at dances and other school events.
No phone? No problem..MINGA is accessible on your chromebook via ARMS.
Seniors! Check out the special Senior Button in this Newsletter for all things relevant to you and graduation!
School Pictures
It's not too late to order school pictures! You can do so by going to mylifetouch.com click on the button that says Start Using Student ID Enter the city, state and school name, followed by entering the first name, last name and the student ID. The name entered needs to exactly as it appears on the ID card and in the school's data base. All packages will be shipped to the home address, for additional support please call customer service at 1.800.736.4753 Images are only available for 11months after picture day.
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.
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 January. 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
Parent and Community Specialist Corner
Thank you to everyone for your generous support through gifts, gift cards, clothing, shoes, and essential items. Families had the opportunity to come together, enjoy a delicious meal, participate in arts and crafts, visit with Santa, and take home extra warm items.
As the holidays draw near, please be sure to notify the attendance office as soon as possible if you intend to extend your vacation beyond the school schedule.
Student last names A - L
Diana Castillo - 408.928.9552
Student last names M-Z
Thao Pham - 408.928.9542
Please refer to the flyer below for information on upcoming parent meetings.
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.
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.
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.
Coming Soon: The Body Project at IHS
Are you interested in learning more about accepting your body? This January, The Body Project will be hosting 4 one-hour sessions where you can learn ways to accept your body and improve your self-image. If you would like to participate, please email Tim Gale galet@esuhsd.org and Ilse Ruiz ruizilse@esuhsd.org to request more information.
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