January 24, 2025

Report Cards


Due to the unforeseen weather conditions and days off, we have extended the deadline for teachers to submit report cards until Monday, January 26. All grades will be posted and are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, January 28.


We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding and patience.

Cleveland Clinic Career Pathway Partnership


Our 8th-grade students had an incredible learning experience today, thanks to our ongoing partnership with Cleveland Clinic! They explored exciting career pathways in the medical field, including Medical Laboratory Science, Respiratory Therapy, Medical Coding, and Nursing. It was an amazing opportunity for students to gain real-world insights into these vital professions and discover the many ways they can make a difference in healthcare. A huge thank you to all the Cleveland Clinic professionals who joined us today and shared their expertise with our students—your time and knowledge are truly appreciated!

Cavs Game and Raffle!


We’re nearing a SELL OUT for the Independence Local Schools Night at the Cleveland Cavaliers game on March 2nd @ 3:30pm. To build excitement and sell out ALL of our tickets - we are doing a raffle contest! Don’t miss your chance to win one of TWO awesome raffle prizes: 


Prize #1: An official autographed Cavs hat by Isaac Okoro! Every ticket purchase is eligible for this prize. 


Prize #2: A Cavs Swag Bag loaded with fan favorites—t-shirt, hat, water bottle, travel blanket, and more! This prize is exclusively for Loudville ticket purchases! 


Thank you to the Cleveland Cavaliers for donating these amazing prizes to support our PTO!


Ticket sales end January 30th—don’t wait! Get your tickets now: https://ips.ptboard.com/formvw?store=5362&form=19 


Let’s cheer on our Cavs and their record breaking season together while supporting our PTO!

Wrestling


This past Saturday, the Blue Devil Wrestling team competed in the CVC Championship Tournament in the field house. Leading the way going undefeated for the day was Mickey Caruso crowned Champion in the 134 weight class, Dominic D'Auito powered to a 2nd place finish. First-year wrestler Brody Schnell fought his way to a 6th place finish while Archer Dlugosinski matched that with a 6th place finish as well!!! With a loaded Bracket Lucas Patacca fought to an 8th place finish.Kaeden Orosz, Sammy Sabol, Able Sanjen, Niky Jaworske all had wins to help the Blue Devils to a 2nd place in the division. Alex Brunovsky and Zach Zimmerman also battled hard for the Devils. A big Thank you to Coach Ken D'Angelis, Mr. Joe Durney for all of their help hosting 22 teams keeping things running smooth. I would also like to Thank Coach Dave Mantz and Coach Joshua Stasek for all their help preparing our wrestlers and coaching them to amazing matches.


Great Job Blue Devils!

7th Grade Basketball

Congratulations to the Boy's 7th-grade basketball team for their conference win last night vs. Fairview 39-24. Caiden Aiello led the Blue Devils with 13 points, Jack Fortesque had 8, Aiden Kwitowski had 6, Dominic geronimo had 5, David geronimo, Nolan Mandridonia, and Easton Hannawalt had 2. The team played outstanding defense the whole game. With the win, the team improves to 4-0. The next game is on Monday at home vs rival Cuyahoga HTS!

Girl Scouts


For any 5th-grade girl interested in joining, please view the attached link for more information.


Girls Scout (VIDEO LINK)

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 Friday, February 14, 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

Fifth-Grade All-Pro Parent Breakfast


All fifth-grade parents and students are invited to an All-Pro Parent Breakfast in the IMS cafeteria on Friday, January 31st, from 7:15 to 7:40 a.m. The All-Pro Breakfast includes a message for both parent and child to take away. Our wonderful PTO provides this event for all.

School Counselor: Ms. Hanna


I hope this message finds you well as we kick off an exciting new semester! I want to take a moment to share how truly happy I am to be a part of this incredible community. Over the past semester, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of you and your amazing children, and it has been such a rewarding experience.


I’m excited to continue working together this semester to support your children in their academic and personal growth. Please know that my door is always open—whether you have questions, need resources, or want to connect, I’m here to help. Looking forward to a successful semester ahead!


Warm Regards,


Natalie Hanna, LPC

IMS School Counselor

nhanna@indpendence.k12.oh.us

Important Dates/Events

January:

31: All-Pro Parent Breakfast-5th grade


February:

5: Popcorn Day-Lunch Periods

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
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