Press Releases

Hybrid Plan to continue through Thanksgiving Break

October 28, 2020

The Independence administration team has decided to continue utilizing its current hybrid plan through Thanksgiving Break. Throughout the course of the last month, our staff and students have done a great job in adjusting both teaching and learning. In addition, the number of positive COVID-19 cases has dropped significantly among students and staff, and fewer…

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BankIowa installs ATM at Independence Jr/Sr High

August 27, 2020

INDEPENDENCE – BankIowa has provided the Independence Jr/Sr High School with an ATM for student, faculty, and visitor use. Installation of the new ATM was completed just in time for the first day of school, complete with a Mustang-themed wrap. The ATM is available for use in the JSH Mainstreet.  BankIowa has a continuous history…

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Positive Case of COVID-19 in District

August 5, 2020

Dear Independence parents, staff and community members: We have learned that a member of our Independence staff has tested positive for COVID-19. I am writing to update you with some important information, and to reassure you that we will continue to take every step possible to ensure the health and safety of our students and…

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2020-2021 Return-to-Learn Plan

July 22, 2020

  Dear Parents, Students, and Community, As you know, we have been working and planning for our return to school on August 24​th​. The Independence Board of Education met at its regular July board meeting and discussed administrative recommendations for its Return-to-Learn Plan. Please know the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff…

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Important COVID-19 Update

June 29, 2020

The Independence School District was informed of an individual who attended the graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 28 who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. We are working closely with Buchanan County Public Health and through contact tracing, individuals identified as a close contact will be notified. This process does take some time so if you feel…

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Independence’s Tia Shaffer named AAFCS Teacher of the Year

June 18, 2020

INDEPENDENCE – One of Independence Community School District’s very own educators has been honored as a top Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) educator in Iowa. FCS teacher Tia Shaffer has been named Iowa’s 2020 American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Teacher of the Year. Iowa’s AAFCS Awards Chair Cindy Waters says Shaffer met…

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Independence hires new head baseball coach

May 6, 2020

INDEPENDENCE – Independence’s baseball program recently gained a new head coach. Matt Miller, an Independence native, recently returned to his old stomping grounds after teaching in Texas and southern Iowa. After graduating from Independence High School with the Class of 1993, Miller played baseball at Upper Iowa, making an appearance at the Division III World…

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School Closure Extended

April 3, 2020

Dear Students and Families, As you may have heard, Governor Reynolds announced on yesterday that schools in Iowa should remain closed through April 30 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. While we are disappointed knowing that it will be several more weeks before we see our students, the safety of our community and state comes…

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COVID-19 Update from Superintendent Reiter

March 17, 2020

Statement:  On Sunday evening, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a recommendation for all schools in the state of Iowa to close for a period of four weeks. This is to prevent and stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVUD-19). The Independence Community School District will adhere to this recommendation. This closure affects all-district programming, including before and after…

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Continuing a Tradition of Excellence: Independence Wrestling finishes another successful season

March 6, 2020

INDEPENDENCE – Decades of last-minute pins, roaring crowds, and unlikely victories support one of Iowa’s best traditions – wrestling. Here in Independence, there is no exception. At Independence, a 67-year tradition of excellence in wrestling was established over time through dedicated athletes and coaches. Most recently, head coach Michael Doyle and his coaching staff have…

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