Independence Local Schools invites families to participate in Indy Family First Night on Sunday, March 24. After 6 p.m., there will be no ILS activities so families can spend time together. It's also a homework-free weekend!
Over the past several years, our math department has been working within the existing schedule to add support for our advanced and gifted students. As our student needs are changing, our middle school is being responsive to those learning needs.
Our math teachers, Mr. Vanek, and Ms. Wargo (Gifted Coordinator), set out to understand where we were and how we can leverage our student data to improve where we can be. Our teachers met weekly to create a roadmap to explain math placement and help students and parents understand how best to support their student's learning.
This work is still in progress and growing. As teachers work through the process we are seeing the need to develop math courses that are advanced for the grade level; not just subject-level accelerated. We are impressed with the content knowledge, focus on student needs, and work ethic of this group of teachers. #DidYouKnowFridays
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center students came to IHS for an in-school field trip for the Iron Chef and desserts classes today!
While we focus a great deal of resources on our student technology and infrastructure, our teachers have relied on the same iMac computers for the past 10 years. Our oldest teacher iMac is from 2009! Our iMacs were reaching end-of-life as determined by Apple not allowing them to update. Desktop computers also meant our teachers could only access technology from their desks.
Over the past two years we have worked to give teachers a modern and mobile technology platform. New MacBooks, Desktop monitor, and docking station allows any teacher to walk into any classroom and instruct; with just one cable.
The federal ESSER funding made available as a result of COVID was used to purchase student technology, making it possible to stay within our technology budget during our teacher device upgrades. This allowed us to consolidate a four-to-five year technology upgrade plan into two years.
#DidYouKnowFridays
Independence Local Schools has launched the search for its next superintendent, partnering with Finding Leaders through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio to lead the process. Our Board of Education wants to hear from you!
On Wednesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m., a community focus group discussion will be held in the Independence High School media center. This is a chance to share thoughts on desired qualities and priorities for the new superintendent role. Your perspectives will help shape criteria used to evaluate candidates.
The discussion will last approximately 45 minutes. All parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Your input is valuable for determining leadership goals and the district's vision moving forward.
Would you consider joining this focus group? Please sign up below. Thank you!
https://forms.gle/2ZS1ELzqeEBGJ9NL7
The Pandemic affected our ability to complete our 1:1 student device initiative. It meant scrambling to make every spare part and computer functional until supply chains reopened. Once reopened, federal ESSER funding, earmarked specifically for student technology, allowed us to complete our 1:1 technology goal.
We are now on track to update student devices for every 5th and 9th grade student, every year. Students will then use that device for the duration of their time at IMS and IHS. Our youngest learners, at IPS, will use the same device during 3rd and 4th grade. Kindergarten, First, and Second grade have chromebooks available in carts and remain at school.
This year lenovo did a device refresh. You will noticed, if you have a 5th or 9th grade student, that their devices look different. They are gray instead of black, have a built-in stylus, and are lighter and just a little smaller than previous devices.
We are fortunate not to currently have a technology fee for families. However, the cost of repair and maintenance of student devices increased every year. Please stress the importance of device care to your child.
#DidYouKnowFridays
🇺🇸 This Presidents Day, we celebrate all the leaders 👔who have served our country 🫡 We're grateful 🙏 for the chance to educate students about the presidents' legacy 📜 and the leadership qualities 💪 that make America strong 💥 #PresidentsDay
IMS teachers continue to meet and use student assessment data to drive instructional change. Data teams from IPS and IMS unpacked our fall benchmarking results and talk about supporting student master. Teachers continue to refresh their understanding of the tools we have to support struggling learners and push our advanced students.
iReady benchmark assessments help identify specific Learning Standards where students are "below grade level", "early grade level, "on grade level", and above grade level. This information helps teachers organize small group learning, whole group instruction, and when they might need to return to a lesson that students did not master.
#DidYouKnowFridays
Mark your calendars for the weekend of March 22! Homework-free weekend and Sunday, March 24 there will be no ILS activities so families can spend the evening together!
Many thanks to all our counselors for guiding and empowering our students academically, socially and emotionally! #iPride
Pictures from the IHS Iron Chef's Sandwich Smackdown!
Leaders from the district have been engaged in conversation about AI and its effect on education! #DidYouKnowFridays
If you are curious about AI, here are some great resources:
AIedu.org
ibm.com, What is Machine Learning?
www.commonsensemedia.org/ai
The district secured a grant to update security cameras across all buildings. After months of planning, the new safety-focused camera system is in use providing additional safety at all our locations. #DidYouKnowFridays
No school today - Friday, January 19. While forecasted accumulations of snow were known last night, the forecasts actually became more severe with more snow expected. Stay safe, have a great weekend, and go Blue Devils.
Happy New Year from Independence Local Schools!
Nathan is the @CVCCWorks Student Spotlight for December. He is enrolled in the Media Arts program. Congratulations, Nathan! #iPride
Mark your calendars! The IHS Band and Vocal Ensembles Winter Concert is coming up on Thursday, December 7th at 7pm. 🎵 Bring your family and get into the holiday spirit with festive music. 🎶🎄 See you there! 👋 #iPride
Our last holiday season with the talented class of 2024!
🍪🍫 'Tis the season of giving! Mrs. Whitacre's FCS students are baking up holiday cookies & cocoa to spread cheer at St. Augustine Hunger Center. These thoughtful acts nourish bodies + spirits! #iPride #HolidayCheer #CommunityLove 🎄✨
IHS hosted our 8th graders this afternoon! Thank you to all our IHS students who spoke about their high school experiences, gave tours, and welcomed our 8th graders to their future home! #iPride
Our eighth graders are enjoying their time at the high school this afternoon! Right now they are listening to high school students share their experiences and what IHS has meant to them! #iPride
