Our resident educator group of mentors and mentees met with Technology Integration Specialist Melissa Garcar today. Always learning, always growing!
Independence High School Students Explore Leadership and Career Opportunities at Kent State University
Eight Independence High School students participated in a Leadership and Career Exploration Day at Kent State University on October 20, 2026, through the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC).
Accompanied by Independence Local Schools Athletic Director Danny Zillich, students Jakob Dabrowski, Kameron Grendel, Rachel Mack, Jeremy Jacob, Owen Malone, Claire Exl, Isabella Patacca and Avery Bechlem joined peers from other CVC schools for a day focused on leadership development, college readiness and career exploration.
Throughout the day, students had opportunities to interact with current Kent State students, hear from coaches and experience a college campus firsthand. The experience also introduced students to potential college majors and career pathways, including opportunities in athletics and sports administration.
Students shared that they particularly enjoyed conversations with Kent State students, hearing from college coaches and exploring the campus.
Beyond career exploration, the event encouraged students to develop leadership skills they can bring back to their schools and communities. It also provided opportunities to connect with students from other CVC schools and build relationships beyond their home districts.
The experience was part of a broader CVC initiative to support student leadership and career readiness while strengthening partnerships with Kent State University. Organizers hope to make the Leadership and Career Exploration Day an annual opportunity for students throughout the conference.
Eight Independence High School students participated in a Leadership and Career Exploration Day at Kent State University on October 20, 2026, through the Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC).
Accompanied by Independence Local Schools Athletic Director Danny Zillich, students Jakob Dabrowski, Kameron Grendel, Rachel Mack, Jeremy Jacob, Owen Malone, Claire Exl, Isabella Patacca and Avery Bechlem joined peers from other CVC schools for a day focused on leadership development, college readiness and career exploration.
Throughout the day, students had opportunities to interact with current Kent State students, hear from coaches and experience a college campus firsthand. The experience also introduced students to potential college majors and career pathways, including opportunities in athletics and sports administration.
Students shared that they particularly enjoyed conversations with Kent State students, hearing from college coaches and exploring the campus.
Beyond career exploration, the event encouraged students to develop leadership skills they can bring back to their schools and communities. It also provided opportunities to connect with students from other CVC schools and build relationships beyond their home districts.
The experience was part of a broader CVC initiative to support student leadership and career readiness while strengthening partnerships with Kent State University. Organizers hope to make the Leadership and Career Exploration Day an annual opportunity for students throughout the conference.
Our new Independence Local Schools educators came together today for a morning of learning, connection and reflection!
The New Educator Check-In began with a presentation on food allergies by Mike Suhay of the Allison Rose Foundation. The group then headed to Independence City Hall for breakfast with Mayor Kurtz and city leaders.
The morning concluded with an opportunity for our newest staff members to share their successes, ask questions and reflect on their experiences so far this school year.
Thank you to the Allison Rose Foundation, Mayor Kurtz and our city leaders for supporting our educators. We are grateful to have these dedicated professionals as part of the Independence Local Schools family!
The New Educator Check-In began with a presentation on food allergies by Mike Suhay of the Allison Rose Foundation. The group then headed to Independence City Hall for breakfast with Mayor Kurtz and city leaders.
The morning concluded with an opportunity for our newest staff members to share their successes, ask questions and reflect on their experiences so far this school year.
Thank you to the Allison Rose Foundation, Mayor Kurtz and our city leaders for supporting our educators. We are grateful to have these dedicated professionals as part of the Independence Local Schools family!
Michele Crum, Gifted Coordinator & Gifted Intervention Specialist for our district, presented to a standing-room-only audience at a recent gifted education conference.
Her session, “Smart Isn’t Simple: Reframing and Serving the Diverse Gifted Learner,” challenged the traditional high-achiever stereotype and explored the diverse needs of gifted students.
Michele shared practical classroom strategies, AI-driven tools to expand learning opportunities, and ways to better support neurodiverse learners. She also discussed how educators can effectively communicate students’ unique strengths to colleagues and families.
We are proud to see Independence High School senior Carmen Chen featured by Playhouse Square!
Carmen was named the 2026 Spirit of the Dazzle Awards recipient, becoming the first Technical Apprentice to receive this honor. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies camaraderie, passion and a positive attitude throughout rehearsal week.
In this special Q&A, Carmen shares her love of theater, her passion for stage management and how the performing arts have helped her find a sense of belonging.
Congratulations, Carmen! We are proud of you!
Read her inspiring story: https://www.playhousesquare.org/news/detail/q-a-with-the-spirit-of-the-dazzle-awards-recipient
Carmen was named the 2026 Spirit of the Dazzle Awards recipient, becoming the first Technical Apprentice to receive this honor. The award recognizes a student who exemplifies camaraderie, passion and a positive attitude throughout rehearsal week.
In this special Q&A, Carmen shares her love of theater, her passion for stage management and how the performing arts have helped her find a sense of belonging.
Congratulations, Carmen! We are proud of you!
Read her inspiring story: https://www.playhousesquare.org/news/detail/q-a-with-the-spirit-of-the-dazzle-awards-recipient
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Tomorrow morning, Wednesday, October 21, we will be conducting our mandatory school bus evacuation drills.
Middle School: Drills will take place at the Middle School for Middle School and St. Michael students.
Primary School: Drills will take place at the Primary School for Primary School students.
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather, as the drills will take place outdoors.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support as we prioritize the safety of our students!
Our seventh-grade scientists are making learning visible! Students are exploring how air moves through hands-on experiments using smoke to “color the air.” By observing the movement of smoke, students can see air currents in action and better understand how air flows and moves through our atmosphere. What a fun way to bring science to life!
Election Reminder: November 3, 2026
Independence Local Schools has a 1.25-mill, five-year Permanent Improvement (PI) levy renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
Permanent improvement funds generate approximately $700,000 annually for facility improvements, transportation and technology throughout the district.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
The levy was last renewed by voters in November 2021.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016
Independence Local Schools has a 1.25-mill, five-year Permanent Improvement (PI) levy renewal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
Permanent improvement funds generate approximately $700,000 annually for facility improvements, transportation and technology throughout the district.
The renewal is separate from the district's long-term facilities planning process and would not increase taxes for property owners.
The levy was last renewed by voters in November 2021.
https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/article/3040016
We're back at it with one of the most anticipated Design Technology projects at IPS! Using the Design Process, our 3rd graders are collaborating to build mazes and code Dash robots to navigate through them. Teams will test and share when completed. Teamwork and problem-solving in action! 🤖 ✏️ 📐
More pics from our Family Movie Night! 🍿 🎥
Families are enjoying Toy Story 5 under the stars tonight on Alumni Field! We hope everyone enjoys the movie!
What a beautiful night to watch a movie under the stars at Alumni Field! See you soon!
Congrats to our 2026 Homecoming Queen Katie Ksiazka and King Nolan Ghann! The pair were crowned tonight during halftime of the Blue Devils’ Homecoming football game.
Congrats to all members of the 2026 Homecoming Court! What a special night to celebrate Blue Devil pride!
Today is National Custodian Day! Thank you to our dedicated custodial staff for keeping our schools clean, safe and welcoming each day. Your hard work makes a difference for our students and staff, and we appreciate all you do!
October is National Principals Month!
Independence Local Schools is proud to recognize our incredible principals who lead with heart, support our students and staff, and help make each school a place where students feel known, supported and challenged to grow.
Thank you to IHS Principal Matt Faska, IMS Principal Haley Mueller and IPS Principal Jodie Hughes for the countless ways you serve your students, staff, families and the entire Independence community each day.
We appreciate your leadership, dedication and commitment to making our schools the very best they can be. Happy National Principals Month! 💙💛
Independence Local Schools is proud to recognize our incredible principals who lead with heart, support our students and staff, and help make each school a place where students feel known, supported and challenged to grow.
Thank you to IHS Principal Matt Faska, IMS Principal Haley Mueller and IPS Principal Jodie Hughes for the countless ways you serve your students, staff, families and the entire Independence community each day.
We appreciate your leadership, dedication and commitment to making our schools the very best they can be. Happy National Principals Month! 💙💛
“Programs, curriculum and initiatives matter, but relationships are what make schools work. The best schools are places where students and adults feel supported, challenged and connected. Haley Mueller, our IMS Principal, was featured in Kent State’s alumni article on inspirational educational leaders who empower students and transform lives. Ms. Mueller is doing exactly that at IMS, building relationships and creating a school community where students and staff feel supported, challenged and connected.
https://www.kent.edu/alumni-and-giving/news/empowering-students-1910-normal-school-world-class-education
Our Staff Appreciation Pre-Game Cookout, sponsored by Dollar Bank, was a great way to kick off the evening!
A special thank you to our amazing teachers and staff for everything you do each day for our students, families and community. We are grateful for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Independence Local Schools.
And thank you to Dollar Bank for helping us celebrate our incredible staff! 💙💛
Together, we are Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence!
A special thank you to our amazing teachers and staff for everything you do each day for our students, families and community. We are grateful for your hard work, dedication and commitment to Independence Local Schools.
And thank you to Dollar Bank for helping us celebrate our incredible staff! 💙💛
Together, we are Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence!
Congratulations to IHS Senior Penny Averre on being accepted into the 2027 Ohio All-State Choir! Along with hundreds of other students across the state, she submitted auditions in May, which went through a blind screening process to be selected. She joins other singers from across the state in regional rehearsals throughout the fall, culminating in a performance at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference in Columbus in late January 2027. Penny was also selected for the 2026 Ohio All-State Choir. This marks a first for an Independence student to be selected to the All-State Choir two consecutive years.
Snap, crackle, pop! Foods 101 students celebrated National Rice Krispie Treat Day by whipping up this classic sweet treat in the kitchen. A fun (and delicious!) way to put their culinary skills to work!
We are up for the Fox 8 Game of the Week! We are playing Wickliffe in a Battle of the Blue Devils on Friday night. Vote here: https://fox8.com/sports/friday-night-touchdown/vote-game-of-the-week-6/ and share with your family and friends!