November 4, 2024

Titan Tuesdays are packed with valuable information. Depending on your email settings, you may need to click "Display Images" to see the full content of Titan Tuesday. If you ever need to refer back to a previous edition, you can find all the information in our Titan Tuesday Archive.

The Academy will be closed on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in recognition of Election Day, a state holiday. While we will not hold regular classes, our residence halls will remain open and staffed. Common areas in the main building will be open for student use, similar to weekend access on campus.

Meal services in Lexington will also follow the weekend schedule:

Brunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Dinner: 4:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Commander Matthew Horr '93

Retired U.S. Navy

Matthew Horr, from Crystal Lake, IL, is a member of the IMSA Class of 1993. At IMSA, he ran cross country, fenced, and was a member of the German Club. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a System Engineering degree and a German Language minor. He was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy, designated a Naval Aviator, and qualified as an H-60 Seahawk helicopter pilot.

After deploying to the Western Pacific and Middle East, he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, where he was awarded an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering. His duties included flying as an engineering test pilot and acquisition management within the Navy's H-60 helicopter program office.



Further sea duty tours included Officer-in-Charge of a helicopter detachment onboard a logistics support ship and Assistant Chief of Staff for Future Plans on a Carrier Strike Group staff based in Japan. He completed his Navy career as Director of European Command Exercises at the Missile Defense Agency and retired in August 2023 as Commander. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Navy “Battle E” unit awards. He currently supports the U.S. Space Force test and evaluation in Colorado Springs, CO, where he lives with his husband, Chris Bocci.

Girls Swim and Dive

The Girls Swim and Dive Team competed at the Southwest Prairie Conference last Saturday. The team saw a lot of personal and season-best times.

The team finished in fourth place with a time drop in the Medley Relay. Sophia Atanassaov '26 medaled in the 200 Individual Medley with a 2.23.03 and took 6th in the 100 Backstroke with a 1:05.78.

The team also finished fourth in the Varsity 200 Free Relay and third in the 400 Free Relay, earning an All-Conference Title! Good luck to the swimmers as they compete in Sectionals!

Boys Soccer

Congratulations to Axel Aguilar '26 and Jeffrey Yao '25 for their recognition as Little Ten All-Conference players!

Speech Team

The Speech Team competed at the York High School Invitational last Saturday, and had a great showing! Congrats to Sonya Patel '26, who took first place in Novice Finals for Impromptu Speaking! 

The Counseling Team will be hosting a post-election discussion for any students who wish to attend. Students are invited to share their thoughts and feelings about the results in a non-judgmental environment.

Thursday, November 7, 2024

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Via Zoom

This training, led by the College and Academic Counselors (CACs), offers a comprehensive overview of Naviance, the free, web-based tool empowering students, parents, guardians, and teachers in college and career planning. Learn about features that support your student’s college journey, from researching schools to tracking application progress for both new and returning Naviance users.

Please Note: Parents/guardians should have received an email with a unique registration code inviting you to create your Naviance account.

Passcode: 021365

Upcoming College Deadlines

• December 1: Anticipated FAFSA opening (the CSS Profile already opened on October 1). View last week's Titan Tuesday for helpful FAFSA resources.

With election day nearby, I thought I would share some perspective about elections and political affiliation. First, you should know that IMSA does not have political affiliation or allegiance to any specific party or candidate. Rather, we strive to work with elected officials from both parties. We believe education is of interest to all elected officials, and it requires all elected officials to support IMSA. 

Second, we recognize families are from all over the state of Illinois and reflect the interests of both political parties. Ideally, we are cultivating opportunities for students to develop their own informed perspectives, feel equipped to promote ideas, and also to develop a sense of empathy to understand those with different viewpoints. 

Even though most of our students are not eligible to vote, we know from past experience that many students are ignited to discuss the issues and will be impacted by the outcomes. Our Student Afairs team will be setting up opportunities for dialogue post-election to process the results and potential implications on their lives, future engagement, and activism. After all, we will want them to feel equipped to vote in the next general election.

Therapists from Stable Mind Equine Center in Elburn will provide a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment that encourages group members to participate in talk therapy and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

This event is free, but only 12 spots are available. Spots are first come first serve. All students participating must turn in a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

If you're interested in attending, or have any questions, please email Alex Pratt (apratt@imsa.edu) or Stephanie Broy (sbroy@imsa.edu).

The AI Center (A-148 by the math study area) is excited to announce DAILY hours staffed by our amazing CS faculty and AI Center student interns. Stop in for CS study, AI/CS mentorship, guest speakers, peer collaboration, and career guidance.

A, C, and D Days

Staffed by CS Faculty for AI Study & Project Help

8:55 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.

12:10 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.



I Days

Staffed by AI Student Interns and IMSA Staff

9:50 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

B Days

AI Bytes Student Programming

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

UPCOMING AI BYTES (S&E 2-2:30 p.m)

• November 12: AI Bytes Guest Speaker Jake Gerstein '95 from CIBC
• November 19: AI Bytes Guest Speaker Bruce Dembofsky from Avantor

In-person and Virtual PAC Meeting

Saturday, November 9, 2024

12:30 p.m. (time subject to change)

In-Person and on Zoom

If you plan to attend the in-person meeting, please RSVP here.

If you missed the October 22 PAC Meeting, you can view the recording here. Use the passcode 9V#&hX@P to access the recording.

Sophomore

November 13, 2024

6:30 p.m.

Gee Lau, Sophomore Parent Representative, will hold the inaugural PAC meeting for sophomore parents. Email questions to 

sophomore@imsapac.org

Junior

November 12, 2024

7:00 p.m.

Nicole Aranas, Junior Parent Representative, will hold the inaugural PAC meeting for junior parents. Email questions to

 JuniorRep@imsapac.org

Senior

November 19, 2024

6:30 p.m.

Darcy Nendza, Senior Parent Representative, will hold the inaugural PAC meeting for senior parents. Email questions to seniorrep@imsapac.org

School Counselor, Emily Cotto and Learning Strategies Coordinator, Amy Keck will share helpful tips on how to support your students while they are living away from home.

Passcode: 954685

PAC is seeking food donations for two upcoming student events. If you are interested and able to donate, please sign up using the links below.

Soul of the Motherland

Monday, November 18, 2024

6:00 p.m.

BSU is seeking food donations from parents to help make Soul of the Motherland a success. If you can contribute, please sign up using the button below.

Food can be dropped off at the front security desk anytime on Monday, November 18. Please inform security that your donation is for BSU's Soul of the Motherland. If you have questions, please contact Tyler Rush or Benicet Konan.

Thank you for helping us create a wonderful event for the students!

Diwali Celebration

Student Show and Potluck

Friday, November 8, 2024

6:30 p.m.

Parent Show

Saturday, November 9, 2024

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Indian Student Association (ISA) has asked the PAC to support the upcoming Diwali celebration.

The student show features a potluck to showcase foods from Indian culture. All parents are invited to attend the parent show on Saturday, November 9, from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please note that there is no potluck following the Parent Show.

As the weather starts to turn colder, and we start to spend more time indoors, respiratory illnesses may begin to become more common.  As members of this community, we share a responsibility to protect each other’s health and well-being. To help reduce the spread, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• If you feel unwell, stay home. Students should visit the health office or notify their Resident Counselor (RC) immediately.
• If you develop symptoms while on campus, wear a mask.
• Practice frequent handwashing.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow.
• Clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Avoid touching your face whenever possible.
• Improve indoor air quality by increasing air circulation, using an air purifier, and spending time outdoors when feasible.

Additionally, anyone exhibiting a fever over 100.0°F, tests positive for influenza or COVID, has vomiting or diarrhea, or is too ill to participate in academic activities will be sent home to recover. Individuals may return to campus when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medications and when their symptoms have significantly improved.

Donors must be 16 years old and meet the height and weight requirements. Students who are 16 years old will need a signed consent form from their parents/guardians. A new consent is required each time a student donates.  

This quick video walks you through the donation process. 

Click here to register for an appointment. Appointments are preferred; limited walk-in appointments will be available. 

Save the date for future blood drives:

• Wednesday, January 8 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 12 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 14 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

November 15, 2024

S & E

Mental Health Day Lounge

Are you looking to make more friends at IMSA? The counseling team is hosting an event for you! Participate in fun activities that give you the chance to meet other students and make meaningful connections!

Campus Security invites all students to join the Student Safety Committee. The Student Safety Committee meets in IN2 on the second Monday of each month. All students are encouraged to contribute their thoughts on how to keep campus safe. We look forward to your involvement!

Upcoming Peer Tutor Review Sessions

Tuesday, November 12 and Tuesday, November 19

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

IN2

Study with tutors and peers in a cool space! All are welcome! Attendance is taken. 

Spring Peer Tutor Application

If you are a junior or senior interested in applying to be a peer tutor, now is your chance! Serving as a Peer Tutor is a great way to get to know each other, support your peers, and build your communication skills! 

The application to be a peer tutor was sent to juniors and seniors via email on Friday, November 2. If you are currently serving as a Peer Tutor, you do not need to reapply. 

All applications are due on Monday, November 11, 2024, by 4:30 p.m. 

The Senior Class Club is pleased to announce the annual Senior Auction. The club is currently seeking contributions for the auction catalog. This event presents an excellent opportunity to share a skill or hobby, offer a holiday gift or service, and connect with the school community, all while supporting the Class Club's fundraising efforts for the senior prom. Many auction items would also make ideal holiday gifts.

Example donations include:

• Physical gifts (food items, handmade crafts, gift baskets, gift cards, etc.)
• Virtual gifts (coupons, e-gift cards, etc.)
• Buying a meal (for an individual, wing dinners, a group of 4)
• Paying for a trip (tickets to a show/game/concert, entertainment attractions)
• Offering lessons (Musical instruments, cooking, knitting, coding, tutoring, etc.)

For those interested in donating, please complete this Google Form by November 18, 2024. Please specify who you are, what you plan to donate, and the quantity of the items or the number of students you are willing to provide for. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Senior Class Club or reach out to Ms. Chloe.

Practicing Gratitude

November is the perfect time to talk about gratitude! Practicing gratitude can not only help you feel better, but it can help others feel better too. Here are some ways to help shape your mind to be thankful:

• Write down three things you are grateful for in a journal – These can be any aspect of your life that you may be thankful for on that given day. Who is one person you are grateful for? What is one item you own that you are grateful for? What is one experience you are grateful for? It can be good to start your day with gratitude and positivity.
• Express your gratitude – You can express gratitude in many ways including acts of kindness. You could also call a family member, write a letter, or give a compliment to a friend.
• Take a mindful walk – What do you smell? What do you hear? Take a moment to center yourself on what is around you.

Carissa Chen '25 is one of five youth delegates representing the Greater Chicago area at the United Nations Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

She will be advocating for the U.S. National Youth Statement on Climate, which she helped co-author, gaining insight from interviewing world leaders, attending panels, and educating others on climate policy.

Carissa will speak on a webinar geared toward high school students on Thursday, November 14, at 10:10 a.m. CST. Watch the webinar here. Club Terra will also be streaming the event on campus. Look for more information from them on where to watch.

IMSA Impact Makers

Dr. Hawker hosted an evening exploration session with the SI Physics students and Titan Astronomy Society so the students could view Saturn, Venus, and the Moon.

Over 50 students attended, sparking their curiosity about our solar system and providing them with a hands-on learning activity outside of the classroom. Thank you, Dr. Hawker, for taking time out of your evening to be an IMSA Impact Maker!

Deforestation alone accounts for 20% of all Greenhouse Gas emissions. This is a serious issue not just due to the GHG emissions but also because deforestation also leads to a decrease in Earth’s ability to balance and restore clean air to the environment. Furthermore, deforestation has also led to a mass extinction on Earth with many species’ habitats being destroyed by deforestation. To combat this problem we need to spread awareness and limit supplies that are known to be products of deforestation, like palm oil and paper.

Group Fitness Classes

There are now two weekly group fitness opportunities for staff and students! No registration is required. Just show up with workout clothes, shoes, and water. If you have any questions, email Counselor/Group Fitness Instructor Alex Pratt at apratt@imsa.edu.

Weight Training

Mondays

1:55 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. (S&E Period)

Multipurpose Room

Group Fitness Class

Wednesdays or I-Days

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Multipurpose Room

Mark Your Calendars! 

November 5 - Election Day (The Academy is closed, but the halls remain open.)

November 9 - Admissions Preview Day

November 11 - Veterans Day Assembly (Special Schedule)

November 23 - Halls Close at Noon

November 25 - 26 - Virtual Engagement Days

November 27 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break

Click below to view the complete 12-month calendar, along with other helpful information about various bell schedules. Please refer to these calendars for important dates and special class schedules throughout the year.

Notice of Nondiscrimination: IMSA prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator.