We Are Respectful

Teachers at IHS promote social development and responsibility within a caring community where each student is treated fairly and respectfully.

Peek Inside to see how IHS staff create physical and virtual learning environments that:

• Promote mindfulness - (an emotionally safe space)

• Reflect diversity

• Encourage constructive and productive interactions among students 

Through classroom routines, procedures, and norms, our staff works daily to maintain high standards for individual (self-respect) and group behavior (respect for others and respect for community).

 Feature: IHS Model United Nations

At a recent Model United Nations conference in Fremont on Saturday, April 5th, Independence High School students showcased the results of their extraordinary dedication, research, and preparation beyond their regular coursework. Over the course of a challenging 12-hour competition, our delegates excelled across every committee, achieving an impressive Indy sweep!

From our determined freshmen to our seasoned seniors, IHS students demonstrated remarkable poise, knowledge, and leadership. Special acknowledgment to the Model United Nations advisor Ms. Valerie Grover. Experiences like Model UN are so important for developing civic-minded leaders who stay engaged, informed, and ready to make a difference in the world. 

Congratulations to all our delegates for representing Independence with such excellence!

January 18-19, 2025: Independence High School sent 17 students to Foothill High in Pleasanton, CA for a conference called Norcal MUN.

“Seventeen diplomatic students conquered their fears by participating in lively debates, coming up with impromptu speeches on the spot, and working with like minded delegates to form solutions. This is the most amount of people our Model UN team has ever gotten for one conference. I’m so proud of every single one of them for being able to step outside of their comfort zone and learn something new. I can’t wait to see how much more our club will blossom.” ~Adelynn Le, Junior

“Each and every student participated in debate, learned something new, and teamed up with delegates from schools throughout the Bay Area. We even had freshmen attend and participate! It was a great experience for all. All students deserve special recognition for their efforts and commitment to social and political understanding of the United Nations and global issues.” ~Ms. Grover, Model UN Advisor

Congratulations to all participants: Royce Castro, Michael Hua, Felix Orozco, Paakhi Manglik, Adelynn Le, Rovin Inocencio, Katie Hion, Katie Chan, Ryan Matlob, Hanaya Maaz, Wen Cai, Yathaarth Tomar, Alex Thach, Frank Shau, Kushleen Kaur, Arlene Bui, Luke Nguyen

Feature: Silicon Valley Urban Debate Partnership

In 2023, English teachers Ms. Gretchen Larese and Mr. Graham Haworth worked directly with SVUDL (Silicon Valley Urban Debate League) and Assets to provide two days of speech and debate practice each week and the opportunity for students to compete in six tournaments.

Frank Shau and Chloe Truong, both sophomores, competed in the Philhistorian’s High School Public Forum online division last month. They won every one of their preliminary rounds! The pair ended up placing 4th in the overall tournament. We are so proud of you, Chloe and Frank! Please read the entire article about Chloe and Frank HERE! 

Senior Nuha Khan was also featured in an article by the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League. “Aside from all the communication, public speaking, and research skills that I have learned within SVUDL, I think the skill of turning passion into vision and eventually into success is an experience composed of a variety of tools, such as teamwork and delegation, that I will take to college,” shared Nuha. 

All students on our Speech and Debate have worked hard this year and it’s exciting to see our SIXERs learning about communication and how to leave the world a better place.