About Our School

Welcome to Independence Middle School. We are home to more than 300 middle school students in grades five through eight. All students receive classroom instruction from highly qualified teachers across all grade levels. Independence Middle School offers one multi-handicapped unit, small-group classes for at-risk learners and enriched classes at various grade levels.

At IMS, we strive to focus on the development of the whole child, with emphasis on character development, academic excellence and citizenship. We are pleased to offer a wide assortment of clubs, activities and enrichment opportunities for our students to be active and engaged while they grow and develop. I want to encourage you to be as involved as possible in your student’s middle school years. By working together with families, the possibilities for our students are endless!

Core Subjects
All students are enrolled in Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Reading, and Language Arts. Enriched reading is available to students in each grade level. Accelerated math courses are available to students in grades seven and eight. IMS is proud to offer students in eighth-grade Algebra and Spanish I, both of which count for Independence High School credit.

Cornerstone Classes
Cornerstone classes are offered at every grade level. At IMS, we believe all students should have access to a wide range of fine arts and computer classes.

5th grade – Health, Physical Education, Family Consumer Science, Music Appreciation, Guidance, Art, Keyboarding, Improv/Theater, Leadership
6th grade – Health, Physical Education, Computer, Music Appreciation, Spanish, Art, Family Consumer Science, Genius Hour, Leadership
7th grade – Health, Physical Education, Computers, Art, Leadership
8th grade – Computers, Fundamentals of Design, Industrial Technology, Spanish, Leadership, Television, Digital Music

Students in all grade levels have the option of enrolling in Band and/or Choir. During a student's eighth grade year they may choose to participate in the Independence High School Marching Band program.

Special Services
The following school professionals are available to students at IMS: Intervention Specialist, School Psychologist, School Counselor and Speech and Language Pathologist

Technology
The technology department is continuously working to ensure students at Independence Middle School have up-to-date technology. IMS has a 1:1 program for all students in grades 5-8. Students in grades 5-6 have access to iPads and students in grades 7-8 have Asus Flip Chromebooks.

Athletics
Fifth and sixth-grade students may participate in intramural football, volleyball and golf. Students are eligible to play school sports during their seventh and eighth-grade years. Boys have the opportunity to play football, basketball, wrestle, or run track and girls have the opportunity to play volleyball, basketball, or run track.

Extra-Curricular
Art Club
Bowling Club
Builders Club
C.L.O.N.E.
Drama Club
Golf Club
Intramurals
Pep Club
Show Choir
Ski Club
Student Council
WEB
WIMS

Student Recognition Programs
Student of the Month
Student of the Quarter
Four Star Society
Student Leadership Core

James (Jamie) Vanek, Principal of Independence Middle School

Phone: 216-642-5865
Email: jvanek@independence.k12.oh.us
Twitter: @CoachVanek

Jamie Vanek has been principal of Independence Middle School since 2019. Prior to joining IMS, he was assistant principal at Learwood Middle School in Avon Lake since 2015. While at Learwood, he performed various duties such as serving as one of the representatives for Avon Lake City School District curriculum council, district supplemental committee, and attendance council. He created, implemented and presented a safety management plan for all grade levels, and was part of a team that created current research-based schedules for seventh and eighth-grade students. In addition, he managed various in-service opportunities for teachers, organized a district-wide grant writing program that earned more than $25,000 in grants, and spearheaded several parent programs related to anti-bullying and social media. Vanek also created a "Streets to Cleats" program promoting positive relationships between local police and students.

Prior to Learwood, Vanek was employed at Parma City Schools. He was the health and physical education teacher, head football coach, health and physical education department chair, and district facilitator for the health and physical education programs.

Vanek received his Superintendent Certification in 2018 from Ursuline College, his Master of Education degree in Administration in 2015 from Ursuline College, his Master of Arts degree in Health and Education Promotion in 2009 from Kent State University, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from Ohio Wesleyan University. Vanek resides in North Royalton with his wife, Erin, and two daughters, Kinley and Mackenzie.