Archived Posts

Independence, MO – August 15, 2024 – The Independence School District ushered in the new school year by welcoming back district employees at the 2024 Convocation ceremony. More than 2,500 educators, administrators, and support staff came together to kick off the start of the school year. Facilities Lead Groundsman Jason Whitaker was named this year’s […]

As we gear up for the upcoming 2024-25 school year, we are excited to invite you to be a part of the ISD community through volunteering. Your involvement can make a profound impact on the lives of our students and the overall success of our schools. Why Volunteer? Volunteering in the ISD school district is […]

Project Shine, the Independence School District Foundation‘s annual community project, refreshed three ISD schools this year: Hanthorn Early Education Center, Fairmount Elementary, and Truman High School. Volunteers spread a total of 2,400 pounds of mulch and covered 322,292 square feet of classroom and hallway walls with 550 gallons of paint. Thank you to all the […]

Fourteen ISD schools have earned the 2023-24 Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) Award of Excellence for their exemplary implementation of multi-tiered systems of behavioral support. Spring Branch Elementary was honored as the Dr. Mary Richter School of Distinction Award Recipient for their building-wide strategies to continuously renew and improve their implementation of school-wide positive […]

Congratulations to the ISD graduating class of 2024! See galleries from the graduation ceremonies below. All graduation ceremonies can be viewed at this playlist: Youtube Graduation Playlist

The senior class of 2024 revisited schools in their high school feeder pattern to pay tribute and say goodbye. Truman High School Chrisman High School Van Horn High School Independence Academy

Art Capstone student Bri Thurmon was selected as a 2024 Missouri Senate Student Fine Arts Exhibit honoree. Her work was specially selected by Independence’s Senator John Rizzo to represent his district. Bri travelled to Jefferson City for the exhibition and met with Senator Rizzo. Her artwork now hangs in the Missouri Capitol building.

Truman High School senior Ian Ferguson was named a recipient of MO Scholars 100, a prestigious honor awarded for his academic achievement and involvement in his school community. Ian will be honored along the other MO Scholars 100 at a luncheon April 21, 2024. Ian was nominated for this award by Truman Principal Ronda Scott. […]

Van Horn High School’s Dr. Justin Woods was named High School Principal of the Year by the Greater Kansas City MO Principals Association (GKCMPA). Dr. Woods will be honored at the GKCMPA banquet April 17th. The ISD is so grateful for Dr. Woods’ leadership at Van Horn and throughout the district.

Full video: https://youtu.be/LqFELRnH1Vs?si=C9UfQvSlieIYSN69ISD Employee Health Clinic: https://sites.google.com/site/isdhealthclinic/ISD Wellness Center: http://sites.isdschools.org/wellness/wellness-centerHenley Aquatic Center: http://sites.isdschools.org/henley/index In the ISD, we’re not just educating minds; we’re nurturing the health and wellness of our ISD employees and their families. That’s why all district ISD employees and retirees, and their families, have access to the ISD Health Clinic, ISD Wellness Center, and the Henley […]

Full video: https://youtu.be/vu4RfMmmgMw?si=NjCez7yh3FcN-FEz The Independence School District is grateful for the partnership of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in our mission of building a community of support and excellence for the benefit of our students.  “‘Home and school should work together for the good of the child’,” reads Board of Education Director Jill Esry from the […]

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5diWZdRLt70 The Independence School District has integrated mental health education into the curriculum because we understand the importance of nurturing both academic growth and student well-being.  “Mental health care is really important and I believe the ISD is really taking the steps that they need to take to make sure that our kids […]

Full video: https://youtu.be/W6tpvA4KRWg?si=T7Mu8LuPALoZdUMp The Independence School District believes in creating a safe and inclusive school environment where all students feel protected from bullying. The ISD utilizes different methods to educate and spread awareness about the impact of bullying, like anti-bullying coordinators and classroom lessons. “Bullying is a very present concern, I think across the world,” […]