Greetings, Falcon Families!
We’re excited to announce that Independence has received the “Platinum Implementation Award” for our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports program! This is the highest level of recognition by the State of California - we are so proud of all the students and staff who work to promote a positive school culture at IHS.
If you didn’t see the news last week, here’s a link to an inspiring story from the Bakersfield Californian about our partner site. Students from the Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC), many of whom attend Independence, gathered at our stadium to perform a moving tribute to the first responders who died in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. Students, many of whom are in the law enforcement or firefighting programs at CTEC, walked up 2,200 steps in the bleachers, symbolic of the 100 stories of the World Trade Center.
We’ve also distinguished ourselves academically in the first month of school - IHS scored among the top four schools in the district in STAR reading scores. Our focus on literacy across all disciplines is apparent in our students’ growth, as is your support of your students’ reading.
If you and your student are interested in a tour of UC Santa Barbara, please sign up for the trip sponsored by our Parent and Family Center. Breakfast and transportation will be provided at no cost. Spots are limited - reserve your spot before 9/18 using the QR code on this flyer.
Our counselors have hosted parent informational sessions for seniors and juniors over the past couple of weeks. A session for freshman and sophomore parents is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, at 6pm in the PAC. If you were unable to attend a previous session, please find the presentation materials here: Senior Junior
We’re gearing up for our homecoming season! This upcoming Saturday (September 23) is our Homecoming Dance: Dance the Night Away! Tickets have been on sale for the past week and are still available at the Finance Office. Please make sure your student has asked you to sign a dance contract prior to purchasing a ticket - these outline the rules/guidelines for the dance. More information can be found here: Dance the Night Away!
Our homecoming game against Highland is scheduled for Saturday, September 30 - make sure to purchase your tickets online via GoFan.com. We’ll be crowning our homecoming royalty that night, so be prepared for an exciting half-time show!
Another group busy on campus besides our fall athletes and performers is our FFA program - students will be responsible for managing their booths/exhibits throughout the fair’s duration, so please stop by and admire their hard work!
Please remember to complete the “Alternative Income Form,” sometimes referred to as a “lunch application.” By completing this simple online form, you can help IHS maintain funding we depend on for critical student resources.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 661.834.8001 - we appreciate your ongoing support!
Sincerely,
Guillermo Alvarado, Ed.D
Principal, Independence High School
