The Independence School launched the Eighth Grade Capstone Project this year.  The purpose of this challenging project was to research a topic of particular interest in order to stretch beyond current knowledge and skills.  The multi-faceted, student-directed, long-term investigative Capstone Project allowed students to practice written and oral communication skills while demonstrating what they learned. The project consisted of four major pillars: research paper, Capstone portfolio, product/performance, and a presentation, which included a multi-media component.

Parents of eighth grade students are invited to the Capstone Event on Monday, April 28, from 6:30pm-8:00pm, during which there will be an opportunity to see first-hand the fascinating topics that were selected by members of the class of 2014.  The event will take place in the middle school English hallway area.

Watch for photos in an upcoming Patriot Page. 

The Independence School's Stage Bands set an upbeat, enthusiastic tone for Indy's Spring Concert Series with their performance on April 10.  From classic jazz favorites to some modern rock arrangements, the students demonstrated their passion for playing and performing.  The addition of vocalist, 8th grade student Maddie Law, was a terrific addition and a first for an Independence Stage Band concert.  Bravo to all who participated, and thank you to Director of Bands, Mr. Kitching.  Check out photos here.

Laura Hurff '10 is in her senior year at Ursuline Academy. Laura has committed to play field hockey at Syracuse University where she will be majoring in Engineering. In 2013, she was named to the U.S. U-17 National team, the #1 player in the conference, and made First Team All-State. Throughout her time at Ursuline, Hurff has consistently received Ursuline’s Scholar-Athlete Award, which recognizes students who maintain a 3.50 or higher GPA while earning a varsity letter. Congratulations Laura!

At The Independence School we love traditions, and Founders' Day is one of our favorites.  This is the day we celebrate and honor those who established this exceptional school in 1978.  While much has changed, much remains the same.  We gathered at an all-school assembly, dressed in red, white, and blue, to sing and recognize our commitment to our mission and values.  As is our tradition, we welcomed special guests, including present and former members of our Board of Trustees and Faculty Emeriti.  During the Assembly, the following Founders' Day Awards were announced:

The Board Presidents' Scholarship:  Halie Berkowitz and Christopher Kerwin
The Anne G. Hurt Memorial Scholarship: Margret Tsao and Dante Principe
The Marsh Wiltbank Uebler Scholarship: Bridget Schutt and Dalton Munson
The Jack DiMaio Memorial Scholaship: Jordan Osborne and Miguel Soares
The Margaret C. and William H. Cantwell Award for Musical Excellence: Katie Bruxelles and Sydney Kenton
The Young Writer's Award: Amelia Gattuso and Nathan Jensen 

All enjoyed the favorite Founders' Day tradition of all -- cupcakes!  We thank everyone who has contributed to The Independence School's 36 years of educational excellence and exceptional spirit.  Happy Birthday Independence!

By all accounts, STEMfest was a great success.  More than 500 people attended, including many from outside the Independence community. Children and adults alike enjoyed the evening, particularly the fantastic and fun Mind Trekkers' activities.  Guest speakers, Dr. Nicholas Petrelli of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center of Christiana Care, and Dr. Vijay Kumar, of the University of Pennsylvania, enlightened the audience with their insightful and fascinating presentations. Opening remarks by Lt. Governor Matthew Denn reaffirmed the importance of STEM education for our students.  STEMfest was created by the school's Growing STEM Committee, led by Independence Trustee, Dr. Sunjay Shah.

Many thanks to our lead sponsors: Christiana Care Health System/Helen F. Graham Cancer Center; ENT & Allergy of Delaware; First State Orthopaedics; Radiation Oncologists, P.A., and supporting sponsors: Wilmington Infrared Technologies; Simon Eye Associates; Mallard Financial Partners, Inc.; ANP Technologies, Inc.; Penna Orthodontics, and All About Smiles. Thanks also to the dozens of volunteers who helped with all aspects of the event.  We appreciate the dedication of the many parents, Independence alumni, faculty, and staff, who devoted their time helping to create the activities for the enjoyment and education of the participants. Click here for the photo gallery.  

View the Story & Video From Delaware Online

Beginning on April 28, the "Adopt-A-Book" program is open for business! Now is the time to "Adopt-A-Book" for the Founders' Library.  

The Adopt-A-Book program is a wonderful way to say an end-of-year thank you to your student’s favorite teacher, to celebrate your graduate, or to honor a loved one “in memoriam” while supporting Indy’s library and the IPA.

When you “Adopt-A-Book,” a dedication is attached to the inside front cover of the book which allows your tribute to be seen by everyone who borrows it. 

The majority of the money raised goes to the library, with a smaller portion going towards the IPA’s annual financial gift to the school.

• Link to find list of books offered with reading levels and prices :  Adopt-A-Book List

• Link to find order forms with book plate dedications: Order Forms

   HOW TO ADOPT BOOKS

1. In the library: Mon., April 28^th –Fri., May 2^nd (daily 8-8:30)
2. At May Fair on Sunday,  May 4^th.

Thanks to all of you who joined us at the Brandywine Brewing Company (BBC) in Greenville for our 2^nd Guest Bartender Event. It was a very fun evening filled with laughter, delicious food and great drinks. Our bartenders did a wonderful job earning those tips! Your generosity resulted in $4,000 raised for the Annual Giving Family of Funds. There are almost 90 fantastic pictures on the school’s Facebook page, so be sure to check them out! Thank you to all our volunteer bartenders: Mike August, Claire Brechter, Nicole Comer, Tom Czerwinski, Diane Finocchiaro, Mark Fiss, Bruce Georgov, Michele Harra, Kevin Heitzenroder ’85, Heather Mark Horsey, Jim Jones, Christy Koense, Lisa McMahon, Jason Motta, Greg Roach ’04, Mara Schmittinger ’84, Cullen Worsh ’06, and Vicky Yatzus. Congratulations to Vicky Yatzus, who earned the most tips for the school, and to Mark Fiss, who won the Basket of Cheer raffle!

Is there life after trash?  Ask any Independence 6th grader and they will tell you "yes." The 6th grade Math and Science students were challenged to build a useful product using materials from a school-created "landfill." It was amazing to see the students use the Engineering Design process to build their products.  Each group was allowed a limited amount of landfill items, and bonding material, such as tape and string.  The landfill contained recycled items, including cardboard, paper, juice boxes, chip bags, newspaper, milk cartons, etc.  Students gave new life to to this "trash" by creating innovative products.  These included a box phone, a combination fly-swatter/back scratcher, an iSpeaker (that really worked!), and a food tower (self-feeding device for pets).  In the end, students learned that utilizing recyclable and reusable materials is a critical way to decrease our pollution levels for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Graduates of The Independence School are often recognized for their exceptional writing ability.  This is the result of a strong writing curriculum that begins in the early grades and builds through the middle school years.  In honor of Founders' Day, fourth grade students were given the opportunity to write poetry and essays about their favorite school - Independence!

Here are just two samples --

Independence is like a Blooming Tree
by Payton Smith

EC is the seeds
It is where it all starts
New beginnings form.

Lower School is the trunk
 Holding us strong
In every way. 

Middle School is the branches
Reaching out in all directions.

The students are the flowers
Each unique in their own way
Blooming at different times
Sometimes together. 

Excerpts from an essay by Jake Wolhar....

The teachers teach us many helpful subjects such as math, science, reading, history, English, and more. Teachers are great at explaining complicated matters so students can understand more easily. Teachers at Independence are kind, and they keep all the students entertained by making class fun.  They are smart and they have a lot of knowledge to teach us. The best part is, they do it in a creative way.

The students at Independence are very including, and they love to make new friends.  They will include almost anyone in their activities, like football or soccer.  They are kind and will share materials and toys. Everybody works and plays together well at Independence.

Nice work, fourth grade!

The annual third grade "Patriotic Program" took place on April 23 with students presenting songs, speeches, and snapshots of American history in an enthusiastic fashion.  For 24 years, this performance has warmed the hearts of all who attend as young Independence students remind us how fortunate we are to reside in America. 

This year, 8th grade student, Meera Garg, spoke about her service project to help local veterans. She has started a charitable organization, www.HelptheVeterans.org, to give back to the many people who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.  As citizens, we owe a debt to those who fought for our security, yet many Veterans are poor and homeless.

The goal of HelptheVeterans.org is to aid veterans in need of basic living comforts, daily needs, and personal hygiene. Through the VA Hospital, Meera has worked on providing items that are distributed locally to veterans. As part of the Patriotic Program, the Third Grade organized a collection of personal care items and monetary donations for HelptheVeterans.org. 

The Independence School is extremely proud of the work the third grade students (and their teachers) have put into this program, and of Meera, for her extraordinary effort in establishing this important organization. Congratulations to all involved.

Members of the Class of 2014 recently presented a selection of their impressive Capstone Projects to an audience of parents, faculty, and administrators.  The Capstone Project is designed to encourage students to think critically and to practice skills that will be needed in high school, college, and beyond:  written and oral communication, public speaking, research skills, media literacy, planning, pacing, and organizing.  

The multi-faceted, student-directed, long term investigative project has several components.  Each student researched a topic that was of particular interest to him or her, wrote a formal paper, created a product or artifact which demonstrated gained knowledge, and delivered an oral presentation utilizing Power Point slides. Here is a list of some of the Capstone Project topics by this year's 8th grade class:

The History of Auschwitz Birkenau
The Expanding Universe
Fracking
Capturing Sound over Time
Comet ISON - What is it, and Why is it so special?
Bharatanatyan and Mindfulness
The History of Gaming
Alzheimer's - A Ticking Time Bomb
Breast Cancer: Effects and Treatments
The Connection of Music and Autism Spectrum Disorder Individuals
Women Suffrage in Great Britain
Physical Therapy - Making Today's Weaknesses Tomorrow's Strength 

Congratulations to all the 8th graders on this significant accomplishment and to the English Department for their leadership:  Mrs. Paula Boettner, Ms. Amy Graham, Mr. Kevin McDonald, and Mr. Tom Wayock.

Students of the Latin language recently participated in "Latin Day," an annual event celebrating the language, culture, and customs of ancient Rome.  Independence students joined students from Upland Country Day School, Tatnall, Sanford, and Tower Hill for the festivities.  A highlight of Latin Day is the athletic competition, which includes: Atalanta's Golden Apple Race; Discus Throw; Stygian Stomp; Tantalus's Grape Tossing Contest; and Grey Sisters' Eye Throw.  There is also a costume contest, artifact display, and a "quiz bowl" event.  Photo Gallery.

Registration is now open for the KEARNS 5K RUN/WALK FOR INDEPENDENCE 

Whether you are a serious runner or just looking to enjoy a fun evening with fellow members of the Independence community, come on out to run, walk, or cheer on the racers.  More than 200 participants turned out last year for this great event which benefits The Independence School's Endowment, Scholarships, and Tuition Assistance Program. Prizes this year will include an award for the "Most Spirited."

Race Date/Time:  June 3, 6:30pm (registration opens at 5:30)
or Register at Races2Run. Click here to print a registration form.

2013 Top Finishers

On Thursday, May 22, The Independence School third grade students presented their “Patriotic Program” to veterans at the Wilmington VA Medical Center.  This is the first time since the program was created 24 years ago, that the students presented the program in its entirety off-site to an audience of veterans.

Third grade Independence students have warmed the hearts of all who have attended this annual salute to America. Through songs, photography, and recitations of excerpts from historic speeches, these young students reflect on our country’s history and remind us how fortunate we are to reside in the United States of America.  The Patriotic Program began during the Persian Gulf War in support of deployed Independence faculty family members.  Citizenship and patriotism are strong elements of an Independence education.

The connection to present at the VA Medical Center was made possible through the work of Independence 8^th grader, Meera Garg.  Meera has started a charitable organization to help local veterans, HelptheVeterans.org, to give back to the many people who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.  The organization sponsored the students’ visit to the hospital.

The goal of HelptheVeterans.org is to aid veterans in need of basic living comforts, daily needs, and personal hygiene. Through the VA Medical Center, Meera has worked on providing items that are distributed locally to veterans. As part of the Patriotic Program, the third grade organized a collection of personal care items and monetary donations for HelptheVeterans.org. 

The students brought letters written by Independence third and fourth graders to be distributed to the hospital patients.  It was a wonderful learning experience for all.

These students will be continuing their educations at the following schools:

ARCHMERE ACADEMY

CHARTER SCHOOL OF WILMINGTON

DELAWARE MILITARY ACADEMY

LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL

MALVERN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

NEWARK HIGH SCHOOL/CAMBRIDGE PROGRAM

PADUA ACADEMY

ST. ANDREW'S SCHOOL

ST. GEORGE'S TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

ST. MARK'S HIGH SCHOOL

SALESIANUM HIGH SCHOOL

THE TATNALL SCHOOL

TOWER HILL SCHOOL

WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Anna Evans, a member of The Independence School Class of 1993, has organized and will be performing in a benefit concert that will be held at Independence on Aug. 17 at 4:00 p.m.  Anna is trying to help a local 5-year-old boy named Charlie Kahler who has several life threatening allergies. His allergies are so severe that he needs a service dog to alert him if allergens are present. 

Anna will be visiting from Leipzig, Germany, where she has a successful career as an opera singer.  The concert will feature a wide array of music and will include the participation of a few Independence parents and members of our music department. 

Here is Anna's video with more details.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Registration forms for Extended Day as well as the Vacation-Holiday Registration forms for the 2014-2015 school year have been sent to parents by email.  Forms are also available on the website here. Please feel free to contact Mr. Kevin McDonald (kmcdonald@tisde.org) with any questions or concerns. Please note that the first Vacation-Holiday Registration form is due by Wednesday, August 13, and the contract for the school year is due by Friday, August 22. The second and third forms for Vacation/Holidays are not due in the office until later in the school year. Notification will be posted to remind parents of the due dates for these forms.

Extended Day forms may be sent to the main office and addressed to the attention of Extended Day or Colleen Jordan.

Please continue to check the website as we update the after school activities that we will be offering through Extended Day.

Best of luck to the members of The Independence School's Class of 2010 as they prepare to head off to college.

"We are extremely proud of our 2010 graduates as they continue working toward achieving their academic goals," Head of School Vicky Yatzus said. "We have no doubt they will excel during this exciting part of their lives and serve as fine representatives of some of the top institutions in the country."

A partial list of schools these students will attend follows below:

American University

Boston College

Carnegie Mellon University

College of Charleston

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

University of Delaware

Drexel University

George Washington University

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

Mount Holyoke College

University of New Orleans

New York University

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Penn State University

University of Pennsylvania

Savannah College of Art and Design

University of South Carolina

Temple University

Texas Christian University

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Tech

Washington and Lee University

West Virginia University

Worchester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Opera singer Anna Evans, a member of The Independence School Class of 1993, organized and performed in a recent benefit concert that raised $3,001 for local 5-year-old boy Charlie Kahler. Charlie suffers from several life-threatening allergies, some of which are so severe that he needs a service dog to alert him of the potential presence of allergens.

"A Concert for Charlie," held Aug. 17 in the Independence auditorium, also featured faculty members Alessandra Cuffaro on violin and Tae Sakamoto on piano. Ms. Evans noted that an additional $4,000 came in from donations during the weeks leading up to the event.

"If there was one lesson above all that I am proud to have learned as a student at Independence, it would be the lesson of giving back," said Ms. Evans, who visited from Leipzig, Germany, for the performance. "Over 20 years later, I returned to give this concert, and once again, The Independence School, its faculty and its greater family of alumni and supporters proved their strong sense of community in selflessly helping a boy from the Newark community.

"Our concert was a wonderful mix of music and laughter, and the warmth of the audience was an inspiration to the musicians involved. I am overwhelmed to see, after all these years, that the Independence spirit is still so strong within and beyond those walls."

Those still wishing to make a donation can visit http://www.gofundme.com/Charlies-peanut-dog.

Summer Camp at The Independence School offered a wide variety of programs and brought a countless number of smiles to more than 400 children, including many non-Independence students.

Adventure Week camps were full, as usual, and proved to be the most popular of the summer. Create Your Own Video Game, Oceanography and Indy Master Chef were favorites for the older children, while the younger campers enjoyed Messy Mixtures, Books and Cooks and Superheroes Camp. The top sports programs included basketball, lacrosse and tennis.

For a photo gallery of 2014 Summer Camp, click here.