Sept. 23, 2020
Dear Independence High School Families,
We are starting our third week of school, and so far, I couldn't be more pleased with the beginning of school. The students have been terrific. It is evident each day just how important school is to them by their willingness to abide by all of our new Covid rules. Health checks, doctor's notes, masks, directional staircases, and assigned seating arrangements are all part of the everyday of school in the year 2020. Despite this, our students and staff have worked together to establish a safe and (relatively) comfortable working environment.
The compliance of our students is a key factor in permitting us to attend school in person, every day. This is a tribute to all of our families in Independence. You have done an excellent job raising and teaching your children and, as a result, supporting the school district. Each day I am more and more impressed with the caliber of our students. The staff of IHS truly appreciates all of this assistance and support, especially during this uncertain time.
There are a few informational items that I would like to convey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at the IHS Main Office, (216)642-5860 or you can email me - jhogue@independence.k12.oh.us
Attendance Policy
I want to thank you for helping us with our return protocols. While I know mask policies, health assessments and symptom monitoring can be frustrating, these are a critical components in our being able to do what many districts are not doing - have our school buildings open for students five days a week.
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. As mentioned before, our desire to have our students and staff all in school and to do so in as safe and healthy a way as possible is just too important for us not to follow this protocol.
If a student is tired, has a headache or feels, "off," he/she can be called in sick without any Covid - related changes. If a student is working from home, we can simply identify them as, "Remote Learning."
Daily Health Check
Each staff member and student is required to complete a health assessment each day that they attend school or participate in a school event. This cannot be done the night before the intended school day. If you have not received the email from Mr. Dreiling, please contact the IHS Main Office for the registration information. The easiest way to complete this requirement is to download the WorkSafe ap to your cell phone. This application will send the registered member - probably better if it is the student, but I’ll leave that up to you - a text each morning as a reminder. The actual process takes less than 3 minutes. A few questions, one regarding the student’s temperature, and that is it. If students report to school and realize that they have forgotten to complete this step, they may report to the IHS Main Office upon entering the building and the assessment can be completed in the IHS Clinic.
The honest answering of these questions, and the resulting follow-up questions from our staff, has already served to mitigate our exposure to the virus. Please continue to encourage your students to monitor and identify these symptoms as they occur.
PSAT/NMSQT
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 juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT in preparation for the 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. Any sophomore taking the test should also plan to take it their junior year as well. As a school, we have had numerous National Merit commended students and finalists.
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
College Counseling Info - for Seniors
Join current college students from over 100 universities including Harvard, UCLA, Penn State, CU Boulder, USC, Minnesota, Stanford, University of Michigan and more.
What: Student Panel College Fair, a week-long online event featuring 100+ live Q&A events with current college students
When: September 21st-26th; recordings sent after to registrants
Who: High school juniors and seniors, parents, and counselors
Cost: Free
See the full list of colleges and register here:
Drop Off / Pick Up
Parents dropping off and pick up students is always encouraged, but especially during this pandemic. We would ask, however that drop off and pick up takes place on the side of the building. Students can be dropped off / picked up near the Cafeteria/Gymnasium doors. This allows the turn-around in front of the high school to be used by our busses only. Busses will be picking up and dropping off in both the mornings and the afternoons. When this path is clear for them, it helps to keep the buses on schedule. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
PTO Update
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 majority of all money raised by PTO gets awarded to the kids at graduation time in the form of scholarships.
Throughout the year, things are purchased by PTO to help students on a regular basis. PTO members are working hard to gain funds for generous scholarships, and are asking for full participation.
Your $20 donation goes far, since there are few fundraisers throughout the year. Forms can be found on the school website. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Judy George, the PTO President.
The PTO has provided the whole student body and teachers with a lanyard to assist in their use and wearing of masks. This can prevent them from getting put in pockets, book bags, or on the tables or desks. It is a small effort to help ensure the safety of the kids.
Thank you, PTO!
Athletic Update
Mrs. McGhee sent a comprehensive Athletic Update on Sunday, Sept. 20. Please refer to this update for all current athletic news and information. Our teams have had an excellent fall sports season thus far. Let's hope we can keep it up! Go Blue Devils!
Finally
The Prom Committee is having a fundraiser this evening, 4-8 PM, at the Independence Chipotle.Please, if you read this in time, consider buying dinner at Chipotle tonight.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c9x2NLjs7uP4a37i21HbgLV4JrrOr47O?usp=sharing
Please feel free to contact us at the high school, or me, personally, if you have questions, concerns or ideas. We have had a terrific three weeks, but we need to remain vigilant and cautious. Our students safety and well being will always be our first priority.
With respect & appreciation,
James Hogue
Principal
Independence High School
