Independence Local Schools

Today in Design Technology, 2nd graders took on the Spaghetti–Marshmallow Tower Challenge! The big question: Who can build the tallest tower? Students explored how engineers use structure, stability, and strong foundations to build tall creations. After learning what makes a tower stand strong, teams worked together to design, test, and rebuild their structures.

🗞️ Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The Independence Middle School 7th & 8th Grade Drama Club is excited to present Disney’s Newsies JR.! Join us as our talented student-performers bring this high-energy, crowd-pleasing musical to life — from delivering the papers to making the headlines!

📅 November 21 & 22
🕖 7 PM
📍 IMS Auditorium
🎟️ $8 General Admission (QR code on flyer for tickets)

Come support our amazing cast, crew, and production team as they share this inspiring story on stage. You won’t want to miss it! 🎭✨

It’s American Education Week! 🎓 We’re proud to celebrate the teachers, staff, and families who help every student in Independence Schools succeed. Thank you for all you do to support learning! 💙

A little kindness goes a long way! 💙 Join us in celebrating World Kindness Day by sharing a smile, lending a hand, or saying thank you. Together, we make our community stronger.

Today we honor the brave men and women who served our country. 🇺🇸 Thank you to our veterans and their families — including those in our Independence Schools community — for your courage and sacrifice.

It’s National STEM Day! 💡🔬⚙️ Our students are future innovators, exploring science, technology, engineering, and math with creativity and curiosity. Keep reaching for the stars!

Ms. Micki Dotson’s Stock Market I class has officially begun participating in the Ohio Stock Market Challenge. This challenge, sponsored by Ashland University, runs over a 10-week period from October 6 to December 2. Read more online in Lilia Pawuk's story in The Spectator! https://ihsspectator.com/1371/news/business-students-compete-in-the-ohio-stock-market-challenge/

Foods 101 made homemade pizzas this week! They came in all shapes and sizes!

As Veterans Day approaches, here is a great story written by our student "Spectator" reporter Tillie Averre! IHS band director facilitates Purple Star Award https://ihsspectator.com/1525/showcase/ihs-band-director-facilitates-purple-star-award/

We are honored to celebrate and recognize the brave men and women who have served our country. The IMS and IHS Veterans Day Program will take place on Monday, November 10 at 8:20 AM in the Independence High School Auditorium. The event will feature a guest speaker, special words from our students, and performances by our IMS Band and Choir. We warmly invite all veterans to join us for this meaningful celebration. Thank you for your service and sacrifice -we are deeply grateful.

This week at lunch, our IMS students had the chance to spread a little kindness at our “No Tricks, Just Treats” table! Students could send a sweet “treat” to a friend -a positive note, message, or affirmation- to brighten someone’s day. The table was full of smiles, laughter, and thoughtful messages as students reminded each other that the best kind of treat is a kind word. It was a fun way to celebrate the season while building positivity and connection across grade levels!

Mark your calendars! This is a show you won't want to miss!

No school on Tuesday, November 4 for our students!

Just a reminder to 7th and 8th-grade parents!

IMS wrapped up October with our Halloween-themed Grade Gatherings today, and our students did not disappoint! From festive costumes to plenty of school spirit, it was a fun way to celebrate the end of the first quarter together. As we reflect on these first few months, we are so proud of our students for their hard work, growth, and positive choices. Every day, they continue to show what it truly means to be a Blue Devil- demonstrating kindness, leadership, and excellence both in and out of the classroom.

This week, our 8th graders became paleontologists in the making! Students explored the different types of fossils and how they are formed, then had the chance to excavate their own fossils and use them to model rock strata. It was a hands-on learning experience full of discovery and fun!

Remember to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 4. There are several races for both City Council and the Independence School Board. Polls will be open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM at the Civic Center on Election Day. If you missed the Meet The Candidates Night on October 16, you can watch it by clicking the link below. All City Council and School Board members were invited to attend the event, which was organized by Independence Local Schools and led by Independence High School students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHIV6W6cc5Y&t=7409s

🎮🍄 Powering up for Halloween! Our Independence Primary School staff went full Super Mario mode this year — bringing smiles, creativity, and a whole lot of school spirit to Halloween! 💙💛 From Mario and Luigi to Princess Peach and Bowser, our team knows how to make learning (and celebrating!) a game worth playing.

This week, 1st graders at IPS in Design Technology are investigating motion and force by exploring how a ball can speed up, slow down, or change direction. Their design challenge: create a marble run that keeps the marble moving for the longest duration possible. Incredible collaboration and innovation from our young thinkers!