Greetings, Falcon Families!
We’re excited to announce that Independence has again 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.
Make sure to check out our "Counseling Corner" section. This will be updated weekly with important information from our counselors regarding deadlines, applications, and scholarship opportunities!
Seniors received information about graduation cap and gown orders this past week - Jostens will be on campus again on October 3rd to take orders/payments, so be sure to purchase yours now at the lowest price! You can also order them online at Jostens.com.
Today marks the end of the Kern County Fair, which means our FFA/Ag students and faculty will be packing up their exhibitions. IHS has an outstanding FFA program, and we’re grateful for our teachers who work night and day to help our students achieve success in their business/agricultural ventures. The students participating in the fair have juggled their regular coursework with the major responsibilities of caring for and showing animals - it’s truly impressive.
Our Falcon performers are also busy this month - Band and Colorguard students are rehearsing for their competition season, and Theatre students are preparing monologues and scenes for the 40th-annual Kern Shakespeare Festival at Bakersfield College, while also staging the fall musical, Spamalot!
While it seems as though we've just started our fall season, conditioning for winter sports (soccer, wrestling, and basketball) will begin soon - please make sure you’ve submitted your student’s athletic packet and sports physical!
If your student is struggling with academics, please consider the options available for support. Math tutoring is available after school (late bus is provided) and Independence offers 24-hour access to Tutor.com, which provides individualized tutoring in a variety of subjects. Remember, the first academic quarter ends October 11!
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.
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. Our Parent and Community Center Liaison, Dolores DeLeon, has organized many events throughout the year to provide critical information, support parent involvement, and build community among our families!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 661.834.8001 - we appreciate your support!
COUNSELING CORNER:
The Counselors and Parent Center are hosting Parent Nights!
*Senior Parent Night was held September 25 - if you were unable to attend, please find the presentation HERE (LINK).
*Freshman/Sophomore Parent Night will be held on October 2nd at 5:30pm in the PAC. Freshman and Sophomore parents will learn about graduation and A-G requirements, how to support their student, post educational options, transcript review, ROC and CTEC information.
*Junior Parent Night will be held on October 9that 5:30pm in the PAC. Junior parents will learn about how to get their students ready for senior year and beyond, transcript review, how to support their student, and post educational options.
Sincerely,
Guillermo Alvarado, Ed.D
Principal, Independence High School
