
A group of IMS Student Council members attended a Leadership Conference at North Royalton Middle School where they were inspired by keynote speaker Dee Hankins. The conference focused on the importance of resiliency and how it helps us overcome challenges and stay motivated in the face of adversity. Through engaging activities and insightful discussions, our students gained valuable tools and strategies to build their own resilience. They are now eager to share the lessons they learned with their peers, empowering everyone to embrace resilience and continue growing as leaders!



Independence Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tues., February 18, because of the extreme windchill expected. All afternoon activities are canceled, but as far as athletic events, the coaches will be contacting athletes. The Board of Ed meeting in the evening will still be held.

Happy Valentine's Day 💕 and hope you all have a great holiday weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update:
https://conta.cc/4gAYxuf


Seventh-grade students are preparing for an educational trip to Dearborn, Michigan, where they will explore history, innovation, and the Ford Factory. This hands-on experience will bring classroom lessons to life and create lasting memories!


Students at IMS enjoyed a powerful and inspiring presentation by the Brite Star Performance Group, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This annual event continues to leave a lasting impact on students, reinforcing values of leadership and equality.


Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness, we regret to inform you that bus schedules will be affected this afternoon (Tuesday, Feb. 11)
To ensure all routes are covered, we will need to consolidate services.
High school and middle school students who ride Bus 7 will be dismissed early at 2:20 p.m. and are expected to arrive home approximately 20 minutes earlier than usual.
Students on Bus 8 may experience delays of 10 - 15 minutes.
Primary school students who ride Bus 8 will likely arrive home about 10 -15 minutes later than their normal schedule.
Primary students that ride bus 7 home may be about 5 – 10 minutes later.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Parents who prefer to pick up their children directly from school are welcome to do so.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these challenges.

Just a reminder that our Independence High School Options Meeting for 8th-grade parents is Tuesday, February 11,. This meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the IHS auditorium!


Due to unforeseen staff shortages caused by illness, we regret to inform you that bus schedules will be affected this afternoon. To ensure all routes are covered, we will need to consolidate services.
High school and middle school students who ride Bus 7 will be dismissed early at 2:20 p.m. and are expected to arrive home approximately 20 minutes earlier than usual.
Students on Bus 8 may experience delays of 10 - 15 minutes.
Primary school students who ride Bus 8 will likely arrive home about 10 -15 minutes later than their normal schedule.
Primary students that ride bus 7 home may be about 5 – 10 minutes later.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Parents who prefer to pick up their children directly from school are welcome to do so. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work through these challenges.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update:
https://conta.cc/40QvwVt


A new bus driver candidate has begun pre-service training, with additional candidates scheduled for interviews. The district is also looking to fill cafeteria positions. Those interested in sub work are encouraged to apply! https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/personnel


Independence Schools, in partnership with ESC consultants, recently met to refine the PBIS framework. A key outcome was the agreement to align "I-Pride" values district-wide, emphasizing Integrity at the middle and high school levels and Empathy throughout all schools.


School counselors are more than advisors—they're mentors, advocates, and champions for student success. We appreciate your dedication Brooke, Natalie, Connie and Kyle, to nurturing our students' academic, personal, and emotional growth! #SchoolCounselingWeek





Congrats to our Power of the Pen writers!
First Place 7th-Grade Team award!
Seventh-grade individual awards:
Cam Bauman - 12th Place
Scarlett Lewis - 10th Place
Aubrey Volk - 3rd Place
Freddie Averre - 2nd Place
Eighth-grade:
Nicole Mehosky - 12th Place
There were 14 teams and 144 writers total! Proud of our Blue Devil writers!




Independence Primary, Middle and High School will now experience enhanced security with the newly installed visitor management systems. Guests will register using their driver’s license and receive a printed badge for identification while inside the building.


Good luck to our 7th- and 8th-grade Power of the Pen teams as they compete at the Roxboro creative writing tournament today!


Hope you all have a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update:
https://conta.cc/3PVVTnZ


Join our team! Independence Local Schools is hiring substitute cafeteria workers! Interested or know someone who might be the perfect fit? Contact Francine Kane at fkane@independence.k12.oh.us. or 216/642-5853


At the January 21 Board of Education meeting, Independence Local Schools accepted two generous donations totaling $20,000.
Playhouse Square donated lighting fixtures and equipment worth approximately $10,000, which will be distributed between the middle and high school auditoriums. The district extended special thanks to alumnus Dave Synek for facilitating the donation.
Additionally, the district received $10,000 from the estate of an avid supporter of the arts in education, Dr. Sluberski. This gift will help support the schools' mission of providing support programming enhancements for the arts.
Treasurer Jennifer Knapp expressed gratitude for the contributions, emphasizing their positive impact on students and the community.


Hope you all have a great weekend! Here's a look at what's on the horizon from this week's IMS News Update: https://conta.cc/3Cm3edo


Our 5-8 grade students just rocked their iReady Winter Diagnostics! All grades showed impressive growth, reflecting our students' and teachers' incredible dedication. We're now creating targeted learning groups and launching small-group interventions to support every student's success. Growth mindset in action! 💡
