The Independence School welcomes four new full-time members to its faculty and staff for the 2014-15 school year, including three with previous ties to our community.

Mrs. Jessica Copeland and Mr. Ta Dang are both teaching middle school science.

Mrs. Copeland holds a degree in environmental science and possesses both lab and classroom experience. Her previous Independence involvement includes time on the extended care staff, three years helping with summer camp and also coaching boys' and girls' soccer and girls' basketball.

Mr. Dang earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Johns Hopkins University. Prior to transitioning his career into education, he served as a Medical Laboratory Specialist with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). He also mentored high school students during summer internships, and that confirmed for him that teaching was the direction he wanted to take in his career. Mr. Dang joins Independence from a middle school science placement in the Frederick, Md., school system.

Mrs. Josee Spence returns to the Independence foreign language department after spending the past two years at the high school level. She teaches lower-school Spanish, as well as Spanish and French in middle school.

Mr. Chuck Ristano, who graduated from Independence in 1997, joins our advancement team as Communications Manager and brings several years of journalism experience as a sports editor and reporter with the Cecil Whig in Elkton, Md.

From left to right: Mr. Chuck Ristano, Mr. Ta Dang, Mrs. Jessica Copeland, Mrs. Josee Spence.

While passing through campus this week, visitors may have noticed several wooden black Labrador dogs. The six Lab likenesses currently reside on the field hockey and soccer fields and are being used in an attempt to divert Canadian Geese away from school grounds during their seasonal migration. They were constructed as part of a Boy Scout project for Newark-based Troop 2, which meets weekly at Independence and boasts a rich tradition of school alumni.

"The geese supposedly will not land if they think there's a predator there, which is why we have to move them around, or else they'll figure out the dogs are fake," explained school plant staff member Jim Jones. "We can't guarantee they're going to work, but we're trying what we can to limit the number of geese since they soil the athletic fields."

Mr. Jones noted that the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball team and the White Clay Creek Country Club Golf Course at Delaware Park also employ the tactic.

The Independence School is proud to introduce its brand-new Twitter feed: @IndySchool78. On this page, you will find the latest school news and announcements, sports scores and stats, photos from exciting classroom activities and much more! We invite you to visit Twitter, follow our feed and help spread the word to fellow parents, friends and alumni.

The Independence School Band, under the direction of Mr. Dan Kitching, will take part in the Newark Symphony Orchestra's sixth annual free family concert, "A Musical Tribute to Heroes," on Sunday, Oct. 5 in the Independence auditorium.

The event is scheduled to run from 4-5:30 p.m., and will include performances of the themes from "Superman," "Indiana Jones," "Star Wars," "Harry Potter" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." Indy's band will be playing at least two Halloween-themed selections: an original piece entitled "The Headless Horseman," as well as "Ghost in the Graveyard."

"It will be a great opportunity for the students to hear a professional group, with better intonation, blend, timing, dynamics and everything else that you develop as you become a long-term musician," Mr. Kitching explained.

For more on the Newark Symphony Orchestra, visit www.newarksymphony.org or email info@newarksymphony.org.

Please follow The Independence School on Twitter: @IndySchool78 and 'Like' us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheIndependenceSchool

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

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.

While passing through campus this week, visitors may have noticed several wooden black Labrador dogs. The six Lab likenesses currently reside on the field hockey and soccer fields and are being used in an attempt to divert Canadian Geese away from school grounds during their seasonal migration. They were constructed as part of a Boy Scout project for Newark-based Troop 2, which meets weekly at Independence and boasts a rich tradition of school alumni.

"The geese supposedly will not land if they think there's a predator there, which is why we have to move them around, or else they'll figure out the dogs are fake," explained school plant staff member Jim Jones. "We can't guarantee they're going to work, but we're trying what we can to limit the number of geese since they soil the athletic fields."

Mr. Jones noted that the Wilmington Blue Rocks Minor League Baseball team and the White Clay Creek Country Club Golf Course at Delaware Park also employ the tactic.

The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools announced Monday that The Independence School earned re-accreditation, the gold standard for measuring and evaluating school performance.

Independence first received MSA accreditation in 1996.

Click here for the full press release.

The Independence School is pleased to announce the establishment of the Andrew N. Yatzus Scholarship, a $2,000 award toward tuition for one newly enrolled, rising fifth-grade student.

Mr.Andrew (Andy) Yatzus was the husband of Mrs. Victoria Yatzus, current Head of School, and father of three Independence alumnae: Katie (2004), Erin ('08) and Haley ('11). Mr. Yatzus, who worked as a Senior Vice-President at WSFS Bank prior to his passing in 2012, was a dedicated friend and supporter of The Independence School for many years prior to Mrs. Yatzus' appointment as Head. He served on Independence's Board of Trustees from 1997-2003 and again from 2004-06. Mr. Yatzus' family and former co-workers established the Andrew N. Yatzus Scholarship in his memory.

Among the criteria to be considered, candidates must possess academic potential and the willingness to work hard to achieve success while demonstrating strength of character, as these were all characteristics embodied by Mr. Andrew Yatzus. In order to be eligible for theAndrew N. Yatzus Scholarship,rising fifth-grade applicants must successfully complete the admission process and submit the scholarship application and supporting documents by March 20, 2015.

The Independence School also offers the Young Writer's Scholarship to newly enrolled, rising fourth-grade students and the Founders Scholarship to a newly enrolled, rising sixth grader.

The Young Writer's Scholarship recognizes Independence's focus on excellence in the communication arts and the belief that the elementary years form the foundation for success. The Founders Scholarship is a renewable merit scholarship to help an academically strong student of excellent character benefit from an Independence education.

Further details and criteria for each of the scholarships can be found here.

The Independence School is holding an Admission Open House on Sunday, Nov. 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Open House will begin with a brief presentation by our Head of School and our Heads of Lower and Middle School, followed by tours led by student and parent ambassadors. This is a great opportunity to speak with the Independence faculty and meet members of the school community.  Pre-registration is not required, but is appreciated.  All grade levels (Preschool 3 through 8th grade) are welcome.

Come find out how we inspire our students to work hard, dream big and achieve success!

For more information, please contact the Admission Office at 302-239-0332, or email, Carol Bergner, Admission Coordinator, at cbergner@tisde.org.

We look forward to meeting you.

For the second time in three years, the Independence boys' soccer team completed an undefeated campaign. The 9-0 Patriots outscored their opposition by an astounding 40-4 margin over the course of the season while recording five shutouts! Jack L. led the team in goals (14), assists (10) and points (24).

"This year's team has been the most enjoyable and rewarding that I have had the privilege to coach," Independence coach Joe Santo said. "Every player displayed hard work, focus and perseverance. I look forward to following each player and their success throughout their high school careers. The 2014 Patriots soccer season will be one to remember!"

For much more on Independence's fall sports teams, check out the News & Results Feed.

Please follow The Independence School on Twitter: @IndySchool78 and 'Like' us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheIndependenceSchool

For the third time since 2009, the Independence girls' volleyball team completed an undefeated season. The 10-0 Patriots swept all of their matches, and the program has amassed a cumulative 58-3 mark over the past six years.

"No one is perfect – no one player, no coach – but as a team, we culminated a perfect season never having to play a third set," Independence coach Josee Spence said. "The coaches are so very proud of our volleyball players, having had to focus, knowing when to play hard, when to play safe and when they could let it go. I have no doubt that all of the girls had fun throughout the entire season, and I know the three coaches did."

For much more on Independence's fall sports teams, check out the News & Results Feed.

Please follow The Independence School on Twitter: @IndySchool78 and 'Like' us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheIndependenceSchool

Matt Denn, Delaware's incumbent Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General elect, visited Independence on Tuesday morning, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day and to recognize the efforts of 2014 alumna Meera Garg and her "Help the Veterans" organization.

Miss Garg worked with the school to organize a drive to collect comfort items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, body wash and deodorant for patients at the Wilmington VA Medical Center, where her mother, Shilpa, is a doctor. Items were gathered last week, and in return for a donation, students, faculty and staff at our school had the option to wear jeans as part of a dress-down day on Friday, Nov. 7.

The executive members of the Student Government Association presented nearly two dozen boxes and bags to Miss Garg, as Lt. Gov. Denn, Head of School Victoria Yatzus, Head of Middle School Amy Graham and U.S. military veteran and guest of honor Stan Zgrzepski looked on. Afterward, Mr. Zgrzepski spoke to our eighth-grade history classes about his experiences serving our great country.

The day began with a special raising of the American flag by the SGA, followed by a school-wide Pledge of Allegiance led by SGA co-adviser and Technology Education teacher Jonas Raab.

On Nov. 7, members of The Independence School community honored employees for service milestones, including the second and third people in school history to reach 35 years: Mrs. Kathy Neal and Mr. Russ Ramage.

Throughout her tenure with the school, Mrs. Neal has proven to be a tremendously valuable asset in a multitude of roles, namely her current position as business manager. She also spent time as assistant business manager, bookkeeper and office manager.

Mr. Ramage filled the new Administrative and Data Manager position this fall after 18 consecutive years as Head of Middle School. He also coordinated lower school, taught math to grades six through eight and instructed third, fourth and fifth grade at various points. Mr. Ramage contributed greatly to Patriot athletics by coaching boys' soccer for 17 years and the now-retired softball program, as well as assisting with the boys' basketball and baseball teams.

The remaining list of those honored follows below:

25 Years – Carol Bergner (Admission Coordinator); Debbie Grothaus (Third Grade)

20 Years – Toni Wright (Fourth Grade)

15 Years – Colleen Jordan (Extended Day & Summer Camp); Diane Kirk (Psychologist); Catherine Pomeroy (Director of Development)

10 Years – Claire Brechter (Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing); Kerri Kacmarcik (Middle School Math); Therese Rispoli (Art); Denise Schweizer (First Grade); Marci Sieja (Development Coordinator); Monica Stepek (Business Assistant); Stacy Walsh (Extended Day & Summer Camp); Tom Wayock (Middle School English)

Click here to learn more about the scholarships available for new students entering grades 4 though 6. Financial aid for every grade level is also available through the Independence Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). An Independence education may be more affordable than you expect! Contact the Admission Office, 302-239-0332, or request additional information here.

The eighth-grade Consumer Product Showcase took place Nov. 19 in the gym, culminating weeks of hard work by the students under the guidance of middle school science teachers Ta Dang and Jessie Copeland. Mr. Dang explained the process leading up to the event:

"Students worked collaboratively with a partner to investigate an area of interest in a consumer product that is used daily. At this stage, the valuable lesson of team work was needed, as well as critical thinking abilities. To conduct the research project, the students had to implement the scientific method, a systematic series of steps that scientists use to help answer a question. Once the students developed their hypothesis, an educated guess or prediction, the next step was for them to devise a procedure to test their hypothesis. During the testing phase, the students took an abstract concept and gained valuable concrete evidence. Taking the concrete data, they constructed graphs and tables to help visualize and understand their results better."

At the showcase, the diligent students presented their findings on a trifold with props that they created. Their audience included parents, scientists from DuPont and Agilent and fellow students.

Eighth grader Sydney Kenton and seventh grader Tatum Schutt were both selected for the Delaware All-State Junior Chorus. The pair auditioned on Nov. 22 and will join the best seventh- and eighth-grade singers from across the First State to perform in a concert scheduled for early February.

"Big congratulations to these girls, as they worked very hard for this," said Dr. Tae Sakamoto, Independence's Choral Director.

Tatum Schutt, left, and Sydney Kenton, right.