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
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.
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
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
Time for a day of OMEA D4/7 Honor Band and Choir rehearsal!
Want to support our Independence HS Musicians? Of course you do!
Come check out both bands and choir performances tomorrow! The choir performs at 2:30pm and the bands perform at 4:00pm in Waetjen Auditorium at Cleveland State University! We hope to see you there!
Substitute teachers play a vital role in our schools! We thank you for stepping in on short notice to keep classrooms running smoothly. Your dedication allows uninterrupted learning when teachers are absent. We celebrate your service to our students!
🍎 Celebrating Ohio's incredible educators during Public Education Appreciation Week! 📚 Thank you, Independence teachers & staff for lighting up young minds and shaping the future. Your dedication makes a positive impact every day! 🌟 #OhioEducation #Gratitude #iPride 🎉”
This Veterans Day, we honor the courageous men & women who have served our country in the armed forces. Their sacrifice and bravery have protected the freedoms we cherish. We are grateful to all the veterans in our Indy family - staff, students, parents, and community members.
