October 8, 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 ourTitan Tuesday Archive.

2024 Alumni Awards

and Tribute to Dr. Leon Lederman


Friday, October 11, 2024

11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Main Gym


All students, faculty, and staff are invited to the 2024 Alumni Award Ceremony and Tribute to Dr. Leon Lederman. This assembly is mandatory as we honor IMSA's founder and the distinguished alumni who uphold IMSA's mission.


Please note that fob access to the halls will be shut off during this event, and no sign-outs will be permitted until the assembly has concluded.

Alumni Award Winners

Jessica Droste Yagan '95

Trailblazer Award

Brian Cudiamat '96

Titan Award

Dr. Sara Goeking ‘92

Distinguished Leadership Award

Learn More About This Year's Recipients
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Fall Break

Fall Break is approaching! As a reminder, the halls will all close on Saturday, October 12, at 12:00 p.m. Please stay tuned for more information from your RCs about check-out procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the RC Team.


If your student has medication in the Health Office, please let the office know if you need a supply of their prescription medication(s) for the break. Failure to notify the health office may result in your student not having enough medication to last the entire break. You can reach the health office at nurse@imsa.edu


Parents/guardians should pick up medication in the Health Office before 3:00 p.m. or in the Hall RC office after 3:00 p.m. Students riding the downstate bus will be given their medications as they board the bus. Please return all medication bottles that are sent home, as we re-use them to send medication to the halls on nights and weekends. 


When sending refills back to campus, please complete the medication receipt form and turn it in with the refill. If your student goes home frequently, please remember to keep a supply of medications at home.  

Cold and Flu Reminders

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Cold and flu cases rise in fall and winter, and the CDC recommends flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older. The IMSA Health Office highly encourages students and staff to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated. 


Students should bring basic care items like tissues, masks, wipes, and COVID tests. Parents must provide additional self-care items, though limited over-the-counter medications are available from the Health Office with parental consent.


Students who have a fever over 100.0, vomiting, diarrhea, look unwell, and those who can not participate in academic classes will be sent home to recuperate. They may return after being fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications and feeling well enough to sit through classes. Students who miss four or more academic days (I days included) must provide a doctor's note to the health office before the student returns to campus.


As a reminder, students on campus must be evaluated in the health office to be excused from classes. The student must be seen before the start of classes. The health office cannot excuse a student for classes they missed before being assessed in the office. 

Yearbook Orders Are Now Open!

Order Your Yearbook

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 are able to 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 reach out to Tyler Rush or Benicet Konan.


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

Donate Food

The Great Dumpling Gathering


Thursday, October 24, 2024

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.


Asian Students in America Club (ASIA) is currently seeking donations for their dumpling event.


Parents are welcome to donate whatever is most convenient, but store-bought chicken or vegetable dumplings (like this one) are preferred over beef dumplings. All donated dumplings must be frozen and uncooked as ASIA will cook them the day of. Parents can have their student drop off their dumplings to1503.


Contact Lily Zhang or Jessica Jiang with questions. Thank you for your support!

Donate Food

Unity of the Soul


Wednesday, October 9, 2024

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

AC Pit


Please join the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Alma Latina, BHSC, and the Black Student Union for our Unity of the Soul Event featuring Michael Reyes, Spoken Word Artist and Social Justice Activist. Please join the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Alma Latina, BHSC, and the Black Student Union for our Unity of the Soul Event featuring Michael Reyes, Spoken Word Artist and Social Justice Activist.

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Upcoming College Visits


The CAC Office is pleased to present the following college visits. All visits will take place during S&E Period in the room listed below unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, October 10, 2024


  • Aurora University (IL) in A112
  • Drexel University (PA) in A110
  • Purdue University (IN) in A113
  • Vanderbilt University (TN) A114
  • Washington University in St. Louis (MO) in the Ac Pit

Monday, October 21, 2024


  • DePauw University (IN) in A114
  • Michigan Technological University (MI) in A112
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology (MO) in A110

Tuesday, October 22, 2024


  • Dartmouth College (VT) location TBD
  • Illinois Wesleyan University (IL) in A110
  • Kettering University (MI) in A114
  • Macalester College (MN) in A112
  • New York University (NY) in A113
  • Syracuse University (NY) location TBD
  • Tulane University (LA) in A110 **at 4:20 p.m.**
  • Lawrence University (WI) in A112 **at 4:20 p.m.**

Thursday, October 24, 2024


  • Bucknell University (PA) in A110
  • Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences (OH) in A116
  • Oklahoma State University (OK) A114
  • U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (MS) in A112
  • University of Rochester (NY) in A113

Senior Class Club Presents

The Senior Auction


Thursday, November 21, 2024

5:00 p.m. - 6:30 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.

Review Session


Tuesday, October 8, 2024

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

IN2


Tutors specializing in various subjects will be available to help you with your coursework! Come to IN2 to study and collaborate with peers and tutors! 


Email peertutor@imsa.edu with any questions.

How's School Going? Fine.

By Dr. Evan Glazer, President

If you ask your child about their IMSA experience, don’t be surprised if you receive a one-word answer. That’s certainly what I did with my parents when I was a teenager. As a family member, you might be puzzled by the simple response, given the challenging and robust environment at IMSA.


Your student is likely experiencing a wide array of emotions while at IMSA, but may not be ready to share them primarily because they are striving for independence. For example, if it’s their first time receiving a low test grade, they want to figure out how to study better or find resources that will support them. Or, if they have a challenge with their roommate, they want to demonstrate they can problem-solve without their parents’ guidance. So, don’t sweat it if you aren’t consulted. Be proud your student is advocating and figuring out their challenges independently.


Here are some questions you might ask during Fall Break to invite more than a one-word response:


  • Tell me about a friend or IMSA staff member who offers great advice. Why are they important to you?
  • Tell me about a project or paper that makes you feel proud or inspired.
  • What do you feel excited about doing later this year? Talk more about what makes this so important.


Keep in mind some students may just want to relax and not talk about their IMSA experience. However, even if they don’t talk much, it’s important you show them you care about their well-being, their inspiration, and their success. 


I hope you enjoy your time together over the break!

AI Bytes

Curious about AI at IMSA? Want to dive into AI research, career opportunities, and ethics? You’re in luck! The AI Center is kicking off October programming for students. Join us every Tuesday this month during S&E at the AI Center (off of the Math Study Area). Plus, throughout the year, we'll have fun competitions (with prizes!), guest speaker panels, and more ways to explore AI.


UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Tuesday, October 22: AI Mini Competition Awards and Adjudication
  • Tuesday, October 29: Careers in AI (Guest Speaker)

Sophomore LEAD Elective Module


Wednesday, October 9, 2024

8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Check your email for your classroom assignments.

Sophomores should bring their laptops, a notebook, and a writing utensil to every LEAD session. Please review the syllabus for your elective by Wednesday to familiarize yourself with the attendance policy and upcoming modules. Attendance is mandatory. Any absences should be reported via email to LEAD Program Coordinator Emma Wilson Parker by Tuesday at 4:30 p.m.

Class of 2025

Please remember to be vigilant in logging your service learning hours into Helper Helper and then following up to make sure they are fully approved. As a reminder, students who do not complete the graduation requirement for service learning, as stated here, will not receive their final transcripts until they have done so. All hours must be submitted and fully approved (present in PowerSchool).

Student Spotlight

Rhea Shah '25 was recently honored as a Spotlight Project by the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation (NeurIPS) for her research in AI. NeurIPS is a prestigious organization that promotes advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning.


Rhea's research will be recognized in the public release of the NeurIPS High School Project Track Results. The NeurIPS High School Track is highly competitive, with hundreds of submissions from around the world. This recognition highlights the outstanding quality of Rhea's work and its potential impact within the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Submit a Student Spotlight

Counseling Services Presents

Triston's Tips and Tricks

Ways to Increase Focus in Class



Sometimes, focusing in class can be a difficult thing. Maybe you have other things on your mind, this is not your favorite lesson, or you did not get much sleep the night before. However, focusing in class can help you feel better about that class and help you do better as well. Here are some tips and tricks for helping yourself focus more in class:



  • Prepare before class - When you are able to prepare before your class it can help you understand the material better and help you concentrate more during class. You may even write down any questions that you have and be able to ask them.
  • Take notes - Taking notes in class is a way to actively engage with the material. Writing your notes instead of typing them could be even more helpful. Make your notes using colored pens and visuals that work for you.
  • Participate - Raise your hand, express your thoughts, and ask questions! Participating and helping yourself understand will help you focus and be more engaged going forward.
  • Eat and get energy out beforehand - Sometimes, you can be hungry or feel like you need to move, making it difficult to focus in class. Try to find a snack if you’re hungry or go for a walk in between your classes to help yourself focus more in that class.

Staying Active on Campus

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! 

October 9 - PSAT Testing

October 11 - Leon Lederman & Alumni Awards Assembly (Special Schedule)

October 12 - Fall Break Begins (Halls close at 12:00 p.m.)

October 20 - Halls reopen at 3:00 p.m.

October 21 - Classes Resume

October 28 - Mental Health Week Assembly (Special Schedule)

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.


View the Calendar and Special Schedules

What else should we include?


Please email the Office of Public Affairs at officeofpublicaffairs@imsa.edu

to share what you'd like to read about in Titan Tuesday!

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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506-1000

630.907.5000 |  imsa.edu

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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.