Sept. 30, 2020
Dear Independence High School Families,
Typically, as we enter the month of October, the high school has a lot of activity. Seniors are completing applications, writing essays and applying to college, juniors and sophomores are taking PSATs, considering college or career options and freshmen are just now getting acclimated to high school. In addition to all of this, our fall sports season and extracurricular clubs start to pick up their level of activity. I am glad to tell you that this year is no exception, in this case. We have a good deal of information to convey to you, so I will try to do so clearly and efficiently.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - virtual
In accordance with our DIstrict Return to School plan, all parent-teacher conferences this fall will be virtual. On the afternoon and evening of Thursday, Oct. 8, parents will have the opportunity to meet via Google Hangouts with their student’s teachers. To schedule an appointment, parents should email the teacher and request a conference time. Parents trying to manage multiple conferences are encouraged to call the IHS Main Office. Either Mrs. Pappas or Mrs. Panteck can schedule multiple conferences for you over the phone.
PSAT Day - Wednesday, Oct. 14
On Wednesday, October 14th, we will be administering the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) to any interested juniors and sophomores.
The PSAT/NMSQT is normed for juniors. We recommend all college bound sophomores and juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT in preparation for the ACT and SAT College Placement Test. Students taking the PSAT will also have access to “My College Quickstart”, a College Board site where students can research colleges, explore majors and careers, get a personalized SAT study plan, learn about scholarships, and even take a personality inventory. The College Board charges a fee of $17.00 for all students registering for the test.
Checks should be made payable to Independence High School and given to Mrs. George in the Guidance Office by Thursday, October 10th. When students turn in the check, they will receive their PSAT Student Guide. Students must complete one of the following pre-administration sessions prior to the test date during their advisory.
Thursday, October 8th - periods 6-9 in Room 107
Monday, October 12th - periods 1-5 in Room 107
All non test taking students will be learning remotely on Oct. 14. Students that are not taking the PSAT will not need to physically report to school, but will be required to complete assignments that day online.
CVCC Update
Students that attend Cuyahoga Valley Career Center will not have school at CVCC Friday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 14. Also, Thursday, Oct. 8 will be a remote learning day for all CVCC students. Students will complete CVCC assignments without attending school on that day.
Junior & Senior Parents
If you are the parent of a junior or senior, please take a few minutes to complete the following Google form - thank you!
School Lunches
The district is happy to announce that the USDA has extended free meals to ALL students. Your student is now eligible to get a full lunch, every day at no cost. The district provides registered dietitian approved menus that include fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, whole grain and milk.
The Food Service Department is taking all precautions in accordance with regulations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Ohio Health Department to ensure the utmost food safety.
This is a TEMPORARY program that is expected to last through December 31, 2020 or when funds cease to be available. The district will communicate if the program ends before December 31, 2020. Students can log on to their personal device to order their lunch. Lunches will be free for now but students still need to place their order in the morning. Parents do not need to complete any paperwork, there will not be a charge for any lunch that is ordered.
Attendance Policy - review
As the cold and flu season approaches, we are aware that illnesses will become more prevalent and that often-times non-Covid illnesses may present similar symptoms as Covid-19. Simply put, our schools being open for staff and students is too important for us to relax our symptom policies. We are enforcing these policies for all staff and students who enter into our school buildings:
Daily health assessments (WorkSafe App)
Monitoring of Covid - related symptoms:
Fever (100.4 or higher) or chills
Persistent Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Muscle Pain/Fatigue
New loss of taste or smell
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
*If a student is absent with any one of these symptoms, then they must get a note from a personal physician clearing them to come back to school. If a student does not get clearance from a medical doctor, then they may return to school following a 10-day period of absence. During this time, students will not be marked absent, but they will be identified as learning remotely.
*If a student has direct contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, then they will be required to serve a 14-Day Quarantine. This is monitored by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. We will work in collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBOH) on contact tracing and quarantine procedures in the event of a positive case.
I realize the 10-day period of not attending school may seem overreaching, especially in the event you are confident the symptoms are caused by something other than Covid-19. It is important, if we want to have some semblance of a ‘normal’ school year, that all students and staff follow this protocol.
Daily Health Check
Please do what you can to ensure your student completes the daily health check. If they arrive at school having forgotten to do so, students should report to the office to complete the health check - thank you to all of you that have done this so well.
Drop Off / Pick Up
If you are dropping students off or picking students up, please avoid the traffic circle in front of the high school. This circle is reserved for school buses only during start of school and dismissal times.
Please consider joining the IHS PTO
Your IHS PTO welcomes you back to a new school year! Parents and teachers working together to make the school successful is their main goal. The membership form can be found on the IHS website. Please join the group to help the kids have a great year. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Judy George, the PTO President. Thank you, PTO!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the Girls Golf Team for winning the CVC and Sectional Tournament championships! Great job, ladies!
Finally
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families that were affected by last week’s tragedy. We, as a school community, will do everything in our power to support one another. Independence is a small, but cohesive community, and this translates to our school, as well. Please know that the social and emotional health of our students will always be our primary concern.
With respect & appreciation,
James Hogue, Principal
