
Join our team! Independence Local Schools is hiring substitute cafeteria workers! Interested or know someone who might be the perfect fit? Contact Francine Kane at fkane@independence.k12.oh.us. or 216/642-5853


At the January 21 Board of Education meeting, Independence Local Schools accepted two generous donations totaling $20,000.
Playhouse Square donated lighting fixtures and equipment worth approximately $10,000, which will be distributed between the middle and high school auditoriums. The district extended special thanks to alumnus Dave Synek for facilitating the donation.
Additionally, the district received $10,000 from the estate of an avid supporter of the arts in education, Dr. Sluberski. This gift will help support the schools' mission of providing support programming enhancements for the arts.
Treasurer Jennifer Knapp expressed gratitude for the contributions, emphasizing their positive impact on students and the community.


Hope you all have a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update: https://conta.cc/3Cm3edo


Our 5-8 grade students just rocked their iReady Winter Diagnostics! All grades showed impressive growth, reflecting our students' and teachers' incredible dedication. We're now creating targeted learning groups and launching small-group interventions to support every student's success. Growth mindset in action! 💡


Due to the Independence Local School District being closed Wednesday, January 22nd, tonight's IMS to IHS parent meeting will be postponed. Stay tuned from Mr. Janatovich for a rescheduled date.

Due to extremely cold temperatures, we are canceling school for Tuesday and Wednesday this week. All school activities, including athletic events and practices, are also canceled for these two days. The Board of Ed meeting tomorrow at 6 pm will still be occurring. Please stay safe and warm during this time. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Thursday.


🎊 As we ring in 2025, we're filled with Blue Devil pride looking back at all our amazing students and staff accomplished in 2024! Here's to another incredible year of learning, growing, and achieving together. Happy New Year from Independence Local Schools! 💙💛


HUGE thanks to the IMS PTO and Jaime Grassian for providing our staff with a holiday breakfast this morning! ❄️☃️ We sincerely appreciate everything you do for the entirety of our school community 💕 And special thanks to Mr. Vanek for providing the coffee ☕️ and keeping the students entertained so our staff could enjoy this time together! 💙💛







8th grade science students were getting into the winter/holiday spirit creating bobsled race tracks with provided materials in class. Can’t wait to see the final products! 💙💛







The 6th graders traveled to IPS today to kick off the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival with their 2nd grade partners 💙💛 The theme this year is “Around the World in 80 Days!” 🗺️ Students will explore countries and cultures around the world from now until March!











Hope you've all had a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update, including info about our holiday spirit week! 🎄☃️💙💛
https://conta.cc/3ORVqCX



Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness and injury, we regret to inform you that bus schedules will be affected this afternoon (December 13). 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 to 20 minutes.
• Primary school students who ride Bus 8 will likely arrive home about 20 minutes later than their normal schedule.
• Primary students that ride bus 7 home may be about 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.

The IMS holiday band concert is underway - 5th grade sounds great!!


More pictures from our amazing IMS choirs 💙💛 Congratulations on a wonderful holiday concert everyone 👏 and special thanks to Mrs. Obrovac for preparing such a great show! 🎶



5th grade kicking off our holiday concert tonight! It's not too late to head up to IMS to get in the spirit of the season!! 💙💛🎄


Hope you've all had a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update, including info about the IMS Student Council's upcoming Chipotle night fundraiser!
https://conta.cc/3ZDxdX9



Families,
We are staying with the two hour delay today. Therefore, school will be in session today, Thursday, December 5.
If you did not get a phone call from me this morning, please contact your child's school to ensure your phone number is in the system.
As a reminder, AM Preschool is canceled.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make sure our students and staff are safe.
Thank you,
Kelli Cogan
Superintendent

Independence Local Schools are on a two hour delay due to inclement weather conditions. This is a two hour delay and at this time is not a full day closure. Decisions for the rest of the day will be made within the next hour or two. If you are a bus rider, your pick up time will be two hours later than normal...same thing if you are dropping off your student...two hours later than the regular time. AM Preschool is canceled as well. Thank you and be safe.


🎉✨ The IMS PTO's Homemade Holiday Shop is BACK! ✨🎉
🎁 Get ready for the season of giving! The annual Holiday Shop is returning tomorrow and Friday, and we can’t wait to see our students finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to shop from amazing local vendors offering unique, handcrafted items. 🛍️✨
We’re so excited to have incredible returning vendors like Cutie Pie Yarn, Java Momma with Sally Valenti - Coffee, Tea & Cocoa, Allison's Handmade Creations, Just A Wink, Opal Rose Creative Studio, and Crooked River Naturals. As well as new vendors BAD Wood Creations, Meant to Bead By Erin, plus many more!
Let’s make this year’s Homemade Holiday Shop the best one yet! 🎄❤️


Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness and injury, 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 to 20 minutes.
Primary school students who ride Bus 7 will likely arrive home about 30 minutes later than their normal schedule.
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.
