Independence High School

📢 You're Invited! Join us for the Monday, April 7, 2025, Board of Education Meeting at 6 p.m. in the IHS Media Center to hear from Architectural Vision Group, Ltd. (AVG) about the results of our facilities assessment. AVG evaluated 23 critical building systems—including heating, roofing, electrical, security, and technology infrastructure—helping determine the best path forward for modernizing our schools. Don't miss this important discussion about the future of our district! 🏫🔍 #IndependenceSchools #FacilityPlanning #LegacyofExcellence

Looking for a great summer job? ☀️ Independence Local Schools is hiring high school (16+) and college students for summer work! Flexible hours, a fun crew, and a great work environment await! 🏫💼 📅 June 5 - August 15 (or any time in between) 💰 Competitive pay 📌 General cleaning + other duties Fill out our interest form today: https://forms.gle/gpoTTQ1Qvb5SRdD86

🌍📚 Books take us anywhere we want to go! This School Library Month, let’s celebrate the magic of reading by visiting our school libraries and thanking the media specialists in our buildings who make them special.

🌍 This Earth Day, let’s challenge ourselves to make one small change that helps the environment—walk or bike instead of drive, bring a reusable water bottle, or pick up litter in your neighborhood!

April is Month of the Military Child! We honor the strength, resilience, & sacrifices of military-connected children in our schools and beyond. These incredible students navigate unique challenges with courage and grace, and we are proud to support them. Join us in celebrating them all month long!

Paraprofessionals are the heart of our schools, providing encouragement, guidance, and support to students and teachers alike. 📚 From the classroom to small group instruction, they help make learning possible! Join us in thanking them today!

Happy Administrative Professionals Day! We celebrate the incredible administrative professionals who keep our schools running smoothly. From managing offices to supporting staff, students, and families, your hard work does not go unnoticed. 💙💛 #LegacyofExcellence

Happy National Volunteer Recognition Day! We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who give their time, talents, and hearts to our schools. From classroom helpers to event organizers, your dedication makes a lasting impact on our students and community. 💙💛 #LegacyofExcellence

Our Independence High School Academic Challenge team competes on Newschannel 5 today at 11:30 AM! Be sure to tune in!

Order on the court! Blue Devils are fighting to win! 🏆🏀 #ThrowbackThursday #BlueDevilBasketball

📢 Stay in the Know with Independence Local Schools! 📢 Are you receiving our district emails? 📨 If not, you're missing out on important updates, upcoming events, and news! Stay connected and be the first to know what's happening in our schools. 🔗 Sign up now! Click the link to start receiving district emails straight to your inbox. https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/fNfHjS0 #StayConnected #DistrictNews #BeInTheKnow #LegacyofExcellence

Memories fade, but photos are forever! 📸💙 #TBT #Classof2003

Independence Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tues., February 18, because of the extreme windchill expected. All afternoon activities are canceled, but as far as athletic events, the coaches will be contacting athletes. The Board of Ed meeting in the evening will still be held.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.