First-day nerves aren't just for students.

Every new school year brings new faces to campus who are learning their way around, meeting people for the first time, and figuring out what it means to be a Patriot. Some of those nervous newcomers just happen to be the adults.

This year, Independence welcomed a new group of teachers, staff, and administrators to campus. A few weeks into the school year, we asked some of our newest Patriots what has stood out to them about IHS. Their answers were different, but one thing came up again and again: the people.

Dean Mannelly described his first impression of IHS in three words: “Energetic. Welcoming. Unpredictable.” What has impressed him most, however, is the genuine pride he sees throughout the community.

“There is a genuine sense of pride here, and I’ve been impressed by how much our students, staff, and families care about Independence,” Dean Mannelly shared.

That care is something our newest staff members are seeing in action, too. Ms. Brehen has noticed students who want to succeed and the systems in place to help them get there, while Ms. Martinez has seen staff consistently willing to “go the extra mile for students.” For Ms. Martinez, who transferred to IHS from another GUHSD school, that welcoming spirit was apparent before she even arrived on campus. When asked about a moment that made her think, “I’m glad to be here,” Ms. Martinez pointed to the day she was offered the position. “It felt very special because I felt like I was seen and wanted to be here by the team,” she shared.

Sometimes, becoming a Patriot even feels meant to be.

After serving our country for 30 years, new Naval Science Instructor Mr. Rhoad called IHS his “perfect match.” A school represented by the Patriots and red, white, and blue already felt fitting, but his connection to Independence became even more personal when he shared the news of his new position with his father. In 1977, while home on leave from the Air Force, Mr. Rhoad's father helped install plumbing at Independence through his grandfather's commercial plumbing company. Nearly 50 years later, Mr. Rhoad now walks the same campus, continuing his service by helping develop a new generation of leaders.

Maybe seeing IHS through new eyes reminds us of some of the things that can become easy to overlook when we're here every day.

Our newest Patriots see a school full of energy. They see students who want to succeed and staff willing to help them get there. They see pride, support, opportunity, and, most importantly, people who care.

Those are the things that make Independence more than a place to work or learn. They're what make it a community.

To all of the new faces joining us this year: welcome to IHS. We're glad you're here.