February 14, 2025

Security Visitor Management System

Independence Middle School now has enhanced security with the newly installed visitor management system.

Guests will register using their driver's license and receive a printed badge for identification while inside the building. This system will also be utilized to sign students in/out when arriving late or needing to leave school early for any reason. Thank you for your patience as we phase in this wonderful new system!

Outdoor Recess

This is a friendly reminder that when we have outdoor recess, students will have a choice to go outside or do classwork in the media center. In the coming weeks, we are also working to have a return for the game room. If your child is headed outside, please remind them to bring and wear their coats, gloves, and hats. Thank you!

Yearbook Order

It's time to order your 2024-2025 IMS Yearbook! Please see the flyer for information on how to order.

WIMS Needs Videos!

At the end of the third quarter the WIMS students will be featuring their 3rd Quarter Newscast. We are in need of videos of 7th grade boys basketball, 8th grade boys basketball, and middle school wrestling. Videos can be sent to rpietrzak@independence.k12.oh.us. If you have Google Photos, you can share them with rpietrzak@independence.k12.oh.us. Please take/send videos in landscape mode, holding your phone sideways. WIMS welcomes videos from students, parents, staff... ANYONE! Thank you! If students or staff have them on their phone they can stop by and see Mrs. P. to transfer them to the WIMS crew instead of sending through email. Thank you!

IHS Girls Golf

Please fill out the information using the QR code or click the link to enhance communication between High School Coaches, Coach Gruber and Coach Krysiak, regarding scheduling time to utilize the golf simulator during the winter and spring. This sign-up form is designed for girls currently in grades 6, 7, and 8 who intend to participate in golf at Independence High School.

https://forms.gle/LxLeBwr9KFGct91d8

Thanks Coach Gruber

IHS Girls Golf Coach

mgruber@independence.k12.oh.us

Attention Seventh-Grade Parents!

Please be on the lookout for a parent letter regarding the seventh grade trip to Michigan on May 22, 2025. Students will receive their letter on January 27, 2025. The purpose of the letter is to disseminate general information regarding the trip; an itinerary is posted on the backside. As stated in the letter, cost is contingent upon participation.

Whether participating or not, the permission portion of the letter must be signed, dated, and returned no later than Tuesday, February 17, 2025. Letters regarding definitive cost and payment due dates will follow.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to a wonderful, fun-filled, educational experience with your children. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 216-642-5865, ext 1334.

Dana M. Yaro-Linderman

Eighth-Grade Parents

Mrs. Satola is starting to work on the eighth-grade slideshow, which will be shown at the end of the school year. Please submit a baby picture of your son/daughter, preferably one in which they are less than two years old. Please make sure no one else is in the picture. Pictures are needed by the end of January and should be emailed to Mrs. Satola. Please include the name of your son/daughter in the subject line. Thank you!

Preschool

The Integrated Preschool Program at Independence Primary School currently has openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Information about our program and application can be found below. The application deadline is Friday, January 24th, 2025. A screening for all incoming peers will take place on Friday, February 7th, 2025. For more information, please contact Lauren Salcer at 216-642-5870, ext. 1408 or lsalcer@independence.k12.oh.us.

Preschool Peer Applicants must:

be residents of Independence
be three (3) by May 1st, 2025
less than six (6) by August 1, 2025
be fully toilet trained
demonstrate strong communication and language skills

2025-26 Peer Application

Blue Devils: Beyond the Classroom

IMS has several of our students competing locally and even nationally in gymnastics. Keep up the great work and good luck in competition season!

Eliza- Gym World Level 4

Harper- Gym World Level 4

Sadie- Gym World- Level 4

Thea- Above The Bar- Silver

Lindsey-Johnson Gymnastics- Platinum

Ava- Gym World- League

Sofia- Gym World- League

Important Dates/Events

February:

17: No school-Presidents Day

18: PTO meeting-5:30pm

28: All-Pro Parent Breakfast-6th grade

March:

2: ILS Cavs Game vs Portland

5: Popcorn Day-Lunch Periods

7: Waiver Day-No school

18: PTO meeting-5:30

21: End of third quarter

28: All-Pro Parent Breakfast-7th grade

April:

11: State Testing for ELA (all grades)

15: PTO meeting-5:30pm

18-25: Spring Break-No School

30: State Testing for Science (grades 5 and 8)

May:

2: State Testing for Math (all grades)

20: PTO meeting-5:30pm

23: Spring Fest

26: No School-Memorial Day

30: All-Pro Parent Breakfast-8th grade

June:

2: 8th grade promotion

3: Last Day of School

3: End of 4th quarter

Safe Schools Helpline

This Helpline has been developed for you and other students, parents, and staff members to help maintain your safety and the most positive school environment possible. The purpose of the Safe School Helpline is to promote school safety and report wrongdoings or illegal activity. Any type of information involving a threatening situation to students, the school, or staff should be reported. Examples include thoughts of suicide or self-harm, violence, weapons, bullying, drugs and alcohol, and theft.

Access Link: https://www.safeschoolhelpline.com/

800-4-1-VOICE ext. 359

800-418-6423/ Text:66746, TIPS

Independence Local Schools | www.independence.k12.oh.us