Greetings, Falcon Families!
This past week marked some of our most beloved traditions - on Wednesday, a group of students and teachers representing the many programs/services we offer at IHS welcomed members of the community to “Principal Partners Day” to learn about our school and tour the campus. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with high praise for our teachers and student engagement. We also had our first Food Sale Day of the year, which is a fundraising opportunity clubs have four times each year to bring food/beverage vendors on campus - from KFC to Jamba Juice, students were thrilled with the options they had throughout the quad!
On Friday, our Advanced Theatre students performed a scene from Romeo and Juliet in the annual Shakespeare Festival produced by Bakersfield College - both our actors and technicians showed incredible skill in their student-directed interpretation. Four of our students were recognized for outstanding performances/directing. Our Visual Arts teachers traveled with 40 students to the Otis College of Art and Design and the Getty Museum to experience masterpieces in person and to learn about college and career options in the arts.
We continue to celebrate student achievements with our Senior Nights - tomorrow we’ll recognize the 11 water polo seniors, and before Friday’s home football game, we’ll celebrate seniors from football, band/color guard, cheerleading, and cross country! It’s a great opportunity to also recognize the families of our seniors who’ve been instrumental in their students’ success.
Report cards were mailed out on Friday! Remember, if your student participates in a sport or activity, they must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Eligibility will be determined tomorrow, October 23, and coaches will be given information about students who have fallen below the GPA requirement. If your student needs some additional help in one or more subjects, we have an excellent after-school tutoring program that runs from 4:15pm to 5:15pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with a bus provided for students needing later transportation.
This Thursday, from 6:00 - 8:00pm, IHS clubs invite the community to participate in our 2nd-annual Trunk or Treat event, where clubs compete to design the most creative display for candy distribution! Admission is only $2 (children under 2 are free), and all are welcome!
Independence is proud to present our new “SOAR” center - this is a “student advocacy” resource in which student mentors are trained in problem-solving techniques with the goal of improving campus culture and creating a welcoming environment for all Falcons. Under the direction of teacher Victoria Hopkins, several groups are already being trained and prepared to provide peer mentoring, along with lessons in mindfulness and building positive relationships.
Senior parents! Jostens will be on campus this Tuesday during lunch to take orders for caps and gowns! You can pick up an information packet from the front office or visit the Jostens website to order online.
Interested in more ways to get involved at IHS? Looking for some additional resources? Our Parent and Family Center is here to help! Find out how to become an “observer” on Canvas to track your student’s academic progress.
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 all you do!
Sincerely,
Guillermo Alvarado, Ed.D
Principal, Independence High School
