With the increasing use of AI in schools, IHS educators are actively exploring how to embrace AI while ensuring it supports deep learning. Plans are in place to develop AI-proof assignments and integrate lessons on academic integrity into the school’s PBIS framework.
Because of the overwhelming success of the first session of IPS Drone Club, we are excited to offer a second session next week which will run for six weeks. Mr. Gruber will be leading the Drone Club at IPS, and we believe that this will be a cutting edge experience for our students. As part of the March 18th Board Meeting, we will be showing off our drone skills!
The breakdown of the program is ...
Week 1 - Intro to Drones - Laws and Regulations
Week 2 - Basic Operation
Week 3-4 - Flight Skills
Week 5-6 - Drone Skills and Maneuvers (Aerial Photography & Drone Projects)
In collaboration with and through financial support from PTO, IPS has been able to purchase six drones - four mini Drones and two mini-three Drones with RC screens.
The IHS Academic Challenge team recently competed against Midview and Western Reserve Academy in a televised match on News Channel 5. The episode will air on March 5 at 11:30 a.m. Tune in to see our students in action!
No better couple like music and the dance floor 🩷💃🕺 #TBT #ValenentinesDayDance
Seventh-grade students are preparing for an educational trip to Dearborn, Michigan, where they will explore history, innovation, and the Ford Factory. This hands-on experience will bring classroom lessons to life and create lasting memories!
The IPS monthly I-Pride Assembly is a key component of our PBIS program, designed to recognize and celebrate the hard work and positive behavior of students throughout the school. During the assembly, students are acknowledged for their efforts in demonstrating being an I-Pride kid, which fosters a sense of pride and motivates them to continue working hard. This monthly tradition helps build a positive and supportive school culture where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. In January, IPS added a new feature to the I-Pride Assembly by allowing all stakeholders of the school community to nominate a “Staff Member of the Month” to be recognized for their exceptional contributions. We were thrilled to honor Jill Dombrowski, a dedicated paraprofessional at IPS, for her unwavering commitment to supporting students. Jill's hard work and passion for helping students succeed make her an invaluable member of our team, and it was wonderful to celebrate her contributions to the school community.
Students at IMS enjoyed a powerful and inspiring presentation by the Brite Star Performance Group, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual event continues to leave a lasting impact on students, reinforcing values of leadership and equality.
Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness, we regret to inform you that bus schedules will be affected this afternoon (Tuesday, Feb. 11)
To ensure all routes are covered, we will need to consolidate services.
High school and middle school students who ride Bus 7 will be dismissed early at 2:20 p.m. and are expected to arrive home approximately 20 minutes earlier than usual.
Students on Bus 8 may experience delays of 10 - 15 minutes.
Primary school students who ride Bus 8 will likely arrive home about 10 -15 minutes later than their normal schedule.
Primary students that ride bus 7 home may be about 5 – 10 minutes later.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Parents who prefer to pick up their children directly from school are welcome to do so.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these challenges.
Just a reminder that our Independence High School Options Meeting for 8th-grade parents is Tuesday, February 11,. This meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the IHS auditorium!
Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness, we regret to inform you that bus schedules will be affected this afternoon. To ensure all routes are covered, we will need to consolidate services.
High school and middle school students who ride Bus 7 will be dismissed early at 2:20 p.m. and are expected to arrive home approximately 20 minutes earlier than usual.
Students on Bus 8 may experience delays of 10 - 15 minutes.
Primary school students who ride Bus 8 will likely arrive home about 10 -15 minutes later than their normal schedule.
Primary students that ride bus 7 home may be about 5 – 10 minutes later.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Parents who prefer to pick up their children directly from school are welcome to do so. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these challenges.
Students at Independence Primary School who earned 100 dojo points for positive behavior were treated to a glow-in-the-dark celebration, complete with music and dancing. The event rewarded students’ commitment to PBIS values and reinforced positive behavior.
A new bus driver candidate has begun pre-service training, with additional candidates scheduled for interviews. The district is also looking to fill cafeteria positions. Those interested in sub work are encouraged to apply! https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/personnel
Independence Middle and High School students joined Shaker Heights and Orange City Schools for a morning of friendly competition and camaraderie at a bowling event on January 31 at Spins Bowling in Independence. Twenty-five student athletes competed across six lanes, with Orange City School District sponsoring the event. Students sported their school colors while enjoying two rounds of bowling, followed by a celebration lunch featuring pizza and salad!
Independence High School will honor four exceptional alumni athletes in its 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class, featuring a collection of record-holders, state champions, and multi-sport standouts. The recognition will begin during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game against Cuyahoga Heights on Friday, February 7, with the formal induction ceremony following on Saturday, February 8 at Independence High School.
The 2024 inductees represent some of Independence's finest athletic achievements:
Tyler Polman (Class of 2017) leaves a legacy as one of Independence's most decorated runners. In cross country, he earned First Team All-Conference honors all four years (2013-2016) and was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner each season. Polman dominated postseason competition, winning three OHSAA District Individual Championships (2013, 2014, 2016) and capturing the Regional Individual title in 2016. His time of 15:37 ranks third on the IHS all-time best list, and his 22 career race victories set a school record. In track, Polman earned First Team All-Conference honors all four years, was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner in 2016, and achieved First Team All-Ohio status in 2017. His academic excellence earned him Academic All-Ohio recognition and the US Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete Award. Polman continued his success at Youngstown State University (YSU), earning First Team All-Horizon League honors in cross country and placing among YSU's all-time top 10 in both 8K cross country and 10K track events.
Jared McCullough (Class of 2017) excelled in both soccer and track & field. As soccer team captain in 2016, he led the team to consecutive CVC Conference Championships (2015, 2016) while earning First Team All-Conference honors both years and First Team All-Greater Cleveland recognition in 2016. On the track, McCullough rewrote the record books, setting school marks in both the 100M (11.05) and 200M (21.97) dash. He earned District Championships in both events and achieved First Team All-Ohio status in the 100M (2016) and both the 100M and 200M (2017), finishing as state runner-up in the 200M his senior year. His outstanding 2017 season earned him team MVP honors.
Victoria Sirna (Class of 2015) dominated in three sports, particularly softball, where she set school records for home runs and RBIs. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection (2012-2014), she earned First Team All-District honors twice and Honorable Mention All-Ohio recognition twice. As team captain and MVP (2013-2015), she led the softball program to new heights. Sirna also excelled in volleyball, helping secure CVC Conference Championships in 2013 and 2014 while earning Second Team All-Conference honors, and served as basketball team captain in 2013.
Dana Zaccardelli (Class of 2017) established herself as one of Independence's premier distance runners. In cross country, she earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named CVC Conference Most Valuable Runner in 2015. Her time of 19:11 stands as the second-fastest in school history. A three-time state qualifier (2013, 2015, 2016), Zaccardelli earned First Team All-Ohio honors in 2013. Her track career was equally impressive, featuring First Team All-Conference selections (2014, 2016), Conference Most Valuable Runner honors (2016), and a school record in the distance medley relay. She served as team captain in both sports and was repeatedly recognized as Sun News Athlete of the Week.
The ceremony will take place on February 7 during halftime of the boys varsity basketball team against Cuyahoga Heights High School in the gymnasium of Independence High School. It will feature brief introductions of each inductee, who will be escorted by Independence cheerleaders to center court.
The formal induction ceremony and luncheon will take place Saturday, February 8, at 1 p.m. in the high school media center. Master of ceremonies Jim Riley will present detailed background information on each honoree, followed by remarks from the inductees themselves.
“The tradition of the Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates not only the achievements of those being honored but the enduring legacy of excellence passed down through the years,” said Superintendent Kelli Cogan. “This tradition, built on decades of dedication and hard work, continues to inspire our community and reminds us all of the remarkable individuals who have shaped the athletic history of our school district.”
A donation of $15 to attend the ceremony/luncheon is encouraged, but it is not a requirement. If anyone is interested in attending, please contact Tim Skoczen by January 31 at (216) 701-0502 tjskoczen@gmail.com.
Check out these awesome poses from the Indy 70s cheer and basketball team! 🏀🎉 #ThrowbackThursday #Sportsmanship #WinterSports
Independence Schools, in partnership with ESC consultants, recently met to refine the PBIS framework. A key outcome was the agreement to align "I-Pride" values district-wide, emphasizing Integrity at the middle and high school levels and Empathy throughout all schools.
Third-grade students at IPS participated in an interactive Ellis Island simulation, re-enacting the immigrant experience of the early 20th century. Through this hands-on activity, students gained a deeper appreciation for U.S. history and their own family heritage.
Congrats to IPS Preschool for achieving the prestigious Step Up to Quality Gold Award! This recognition highlights the program’s dedication to providing high-quality early childhood education. A banner will be displayed at the IPS preschool entrance to celebrate this achievement.
School counselors are more than advisors—they're mentors, advocates, and champions for student success. We appreciate your dedication Brooke, Natalie, Connie and Kyle, to nurturing our students' academic, personal, and emotional growth! #SchoolCounselingWeek
Students at IHS demonstrated strong results in recent End-of-Course (EOC) exams, particularly in government. The data will be used to inform future instruction and help students achieve academic success.
