Sept. 7, 2020

Dear Independence High School Families, 
 
Our first three days with students went very well. While there was some level of anxiety among students and staff, it seemed to dissipate with each hour, with each day, we were in session. While tomorrow is our first day with all of our students reporting, I feel the excitement of our staff and students, as getting back to school takes another meaningful step. As long as each of us does our individual part, no matter how small, we believe that this will be a successful school year.
  It has been a successful start to the fall sports season already! Our soccer teams have played well, the volleyball team is its old self, the cross country and golf teams have been strong and the football team has started the year 2-0. Attending these events, it is easy to see the increased level of appreciation among the athletes. If there is one good thing to come from this pandemic, it is this lesson of appreciation. 
  As we begin our first (almost) full week of school, I thought that I would mention a few things to assist in the daily operation of school, both for students, staff and parents.
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.
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. I apologize for not communicating this information earlier.
Technology
Freshmen & sophomores that completed the technology survey requesting a Chromebook have received them. Juniors and seniors that have done the same will receive their Chromebooks this week. When our Chromebook order is delivered, ALL of our students will be given a Chromebook. We will let you know, as soon as we know, when this is scheduled to occur.
Dress Code
The most important rule this school year is the wearing of masks. However, a quick note about dress code. Half shirts, or belly shirts, will not be permitted, even if there is a sweatshirt being worn on top. Typically the problem occurs when students have a zip up sweatshirt that doesn’t always remain zipped. We will be patient with students, but we will also address each instance as a way of supporting students in their decision making. One other popular violation is the wearing of caps in school. Especially with masks on, hats or caps can make it difficult to identify a student - especially if you’re just meeting them. Again we will be patient, but I wanted parents to know that these conversations will be taking place. We may not disrupt a student’s schoolday in order to find a remedy, but we will always address these violations with students.
MS/HS Classes - Heat Days
It is likely that we will have a few ‘heat days,’ this fall in which the elementary & middle schools will learn remotely for the day, while IHS still has regular attendance. These other buildings do not have the benefit of air conditioning. This fact, coupled with the mask policy, may make learning in their environment difficult. We are lucky enough that we don’t have this problem. However, we do have a few classes that are ‘shared’ classes between the two schools. Middle school students that are members of a high school class will be permitted to learn remotely on these days. High school students will still have class, but it may be in a different location. For example, Mrs. Corrigan’s high school Spanish classes, which usually meet in her middle school classroom, will meet in the high school. AP US History, with Mr. McGuiness, will meet in the same middle school classroom, as it has the benefit of a local AC unit. In the even that there is a heat day, we will communicate any changes. Students should also be in contact with their teacher as a method of staying informed.
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, in addition to the form for starting your fall off with some nice Mums from Boyerts Greenhouse. 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.
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 Friday, Sept. 4, at 3:35 pm. Please refer to this update for all current athletic news and information.
I would like to thank the Athletic Booster for organizing the Top Golf Fundraiser in another effort to financially support our programs - your work is much appreciated!
Finally
Please feel free to contact us at the high school, or me, personally, if you have questions, concerns or ideas. It is an unconventional school year, to be sure, but together, we can have an excellent school year. I am excited to watch our staff work with our students, even if it is from behind masks. I am also excited to see Independence High School Students working, achieving and succeeding this year.
 
With respect & appreciation,
 
James Hogue, Principal


 
 

 
 
 
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