October 20, 2026

To reference previous Titan Tuesdays, visit the Titan Tuesday Archive.

Important Updates

NEW! Opt In to Get Safety Text Alerts

School Messenger Icon and Logo image

As part of our ongoing commitment to campus safety and timely communication, we are launching SchoolMessenger, a new emergency communication platform for safety alerts, building closures, and other time-sensitive updates. 


Students, staff, and families will now receive notifications regarding safety alerts automatically by email, with no action required. Students, parents, and staff can also opt in to receive these important notifications via text message as well.

We encourage you to opt in to text messaging using the two easy methods below: 

  1. Scan the QR code using your mobile device and follow the prompts to opt in; OR
    
  2. Text “Y” or “YES” to 67587 from the mobile phone number associated with your PowerSchool account.
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Supporting Student Health and Well-Being

Partnership with the Ecker Center for Behavioral Health

IMSA is partnering with the Ecker Center for Behavioral Health to support students experiencing a behavioral health or safety crisis outside regular counseling hours. The Ecker Center has a Mobile Crisis Response Team that can assist with:


  • Assessing immediate safety concerns and determining the student’s level of risk.
  • Gathering information from IMSA staff and the student’s parent or guardian.
  • Developing safety recommendations and determining whether additional assessment or care is needed.
  • Connecting families with services and additional behavioral health resources.


Read the full message for details about available support and family options.

 

Need a Charge? Check Out the New Charging Stations!

Blue computer charging tower on wheels

Running low on battery? As a quick reminder, the ITS Help Desk does not loan out laptop chargers.


However, you can power up at any of our Charging Stations located throughout the building:

  • IRC
  • IN2
  • B154 Study Area (New!)
  • A108 (New!)


Stop by any of these spots to charge your devices during the day!

 

AP Exam Registration

Registration closes on October 22 at 4:00 p.m.

Students will be able to register for AP Exams starting October 1, 2026, through Total Registration and College Board. Detailed instructions will be available in Naviance for Juniors/Seniors. Sophomores can pick up a copy of the instructions in the Principal's Office.


Payment is due by October 22 through MySchoolBucks or personal check.

  • If paying by check, please bring the confirmation page, the check, and a photocopy of the check to Ms. Staci Marsden.
  • If paying through MySchoolBucks, please bring the confirmation page to Ms. Staci Marsden.


NOTE:  You are not fully enrolled until you visit Mrs. Marsden and provide her with your confirmation page.



If you have questions regarding which exam to take, please speak with your CAC.



Explore Quantum Science and Research Opportunities with Chicago State University


Friday, October 23, 2026

2:00 p.m.

Lecture Hall

Representatives from the Chemistry, Physics and Engineering Department and the Chicago State University's Quantum Education, Science & Technology Center (CQuEST) will be on campus to talk to students about opportunities in the areas of research, internships, accelerated undergraduate programs, and partnerships with UIUC and other colleges. The research opportunities include both spring and summer projects.


Chicago State University is Illinois' first public university to launch quantum and semiconductor workforce programs.

Starved Rock Trip


Sunday, November 1, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Starved Rock State Park


Dr. Glazer will be taking a group of students on a hiking trip to Starved Rock State Park. Priority will be given to those who sign up by October 24.


The trip includes a five-mile hike, beautiful rock formations, waterfalls, and ice cream afterwards. 

Students and chaperone pose for a selfie in front of a rock formation at Starved Rock

Help Keep Pests Out of Our Spaces

As temperatures drop, mice and other rodents may seek warmth, shelter and food inside our buildings. Recent residence hall inspections with our pest control provider identified rooms with open food and debris that can attract mice.


Everyone has a role in keeping our campus clean and comfortable. A few simple steps can help prevent pest activity:

  • Store food securely. Keep food and candy in sealed, hard-sided containers made of metal, plastic or glass. This applies to residence hall offices, kitchens and common areas.
  • Keep spaces clean. Wash dishes, clean up crumbs and spills, empty trash containing food waste, and reduce clutter.
  • Secure your space. Keep doors closed, ensure windows have screens, and report gaps or openings that could allow pests inside.
  • Respect shared spaces. Open food and food debris can attract mice and contribute to activity throughout a building.
  • Report concerns. Notify Facilities if you see signs of rodents or other pests. Students living in the residence halls should contact their Resident Counselor (RC), who will coordinate with Facilities.


Our pest control provider conducts inspections every two weeks and maintains pest control measures across campus, including traps and bait stations in designated areas. Facilities will continue to monitor and address concerns as they arise.


Thank you for doing your part to help keep our campus clean, safe and comfortable for everyone!

Message from the President
 

Inspired by IMSA Faculty and Staff

Students are not the only innovators on IMSA's campus. During fall break, over 50 IMSA colleagues shared their recent initiatives at our Inspire and Ignite symposium. We truly embrace our commitment to being a pioneering educational community by exploring what's possible for our students and beyond. The symposium is a chance for faculty, staff, and administration to gain insight into emerging ideas and learn about the impact of various programs.  


Through our presentations and discussions, we develop a deeper appreciation for our students' needs and what we are trying to accomplish together. For your reference, here is the program booklet so you can learn more about our presentations. Within the booklet, click on the right side of each page to view the different offerings. Don't hesitate to reach out to an IMSA faculty or staff member if you'd like to learn more about their latest efforts.

 
News from PAC

Get Involved with Multicultural Shows

Casa de la Tierra Theme Artwork

PAC's Multicultural Shows Committee helps coordinate student-led cultural performances and showcases organized by campus clubs like Alma Latina, ASIA, ISA

(Indian Student Association), and BSU (Black Student Union). The student shows are followed by receptions to further celebrate the culture through food.


These fun and enriching events are great opportunities for parents and guardians to get involved. Parents and guardians can assist PAC'S Multicultural Shows Committee by donating themed food or funds, or by volunteering as servers during receptions.


The next culture show will be hosted by Alma Latina, IMSA’s Latinx Culture Club that strives to educate the IMSA community on current and past Latinx topics. This year, their theme is “Casa de la Tierra.”


The student show will take place on Friday, November 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a dinner reception to follow in the cafeteria from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The family show is on Saturday, November 7, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.


Please consider supporting our students by making a monetary contribution towards the student dinner reception. Any amount is much appreciated!

You can also donate funds via Zelle to: treasurer@imsapac.org


Food donation and volunteer sign-ups are forthcoming.


Please reach out to our PAC Multicultural Committee if you have any questions.

multicultural1@imsa.edu. Thanks in advance for your support!

Upcoming Events

Prioritize your peace, connection, and well-being. 

Mental Health Awareness Week

October 19 - October 23

As a community of driven, curious minds, we know that true excellence includes taking care of your mind.



Explore and make connections during interactive wellness workshops and activities that are planned throughout the week. 


Be kind to your mind—because your mental health matters.

A full schedule of events can also be found on the Reach calendar.

Study Session


Tuesday, October 20, 2026

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

IN2



Peer Tutors and Writing Center Tutors will be available.

Portillo's Fundraiser

Hosted by the Senior Class Club

Portillos logo with the words hot dogs, beef, burgers and salads

SCC is bringing Portillo's to IMSA on Thursday, October 22! SCC will sell hot dogs and Veggie Dogs for $7 each, plus the famous Portillo’s Chocolate Cake for $6. You can also make a combo with a Hot Dog or Veggie Dog and a slice of cake for just $12.


You can still pre-order your meal today after school in the CAC Commons! Don’t forget to pick up BEFORE 5:30 p.m. at the security desk on October 22!


All proceeds from the sale will go towards SCC's fundraising efforts for Prom.

 

Upcoming College Visits

 
Spotlights and Good News

Student Spotlight

This past weekend, the IMSA Congressional Debate team competed at Yale's National Speech and Debate Tournament. While this year's tournament had the largest applicant pool with 240 competitors, IMSA debate had a record placement, with Akshara Nair '28 making the semifinals and Meimei Litowitz '27 qualifying for the final round.


In the finals, Meimei Litowitz did incredibly well against the top competitors in the nation, placing 4th overall! Congrats to IMSA Debate, and an incredible start to the season!

A student poses with an award plaque from the Yale Congressional Debate Tournament

Good News

IMSA Girls Tennis Shines at IHSA Sectional Tournament

A Titans tennis player poses with her sectional medal on the tennis court

The IMSA Girls Tennis team delivered a strong performance at the 2026 IHSA Girls Tennis Sectional Tournament, led by Srimedha Veerathu '27, who captured the sectional singles championship and qualified for the IHSA State Tournament. Srimedha dominated her matches, winning all four without dropping a set.


In doubles, Chloe Doo '29 and Elise Gross '29 earned a first-round victory before falling to the tournament’s No. 3 seeds in the state-qualifying round. Iris Wang '28 also represented IMSA in singles competition, demonstrating determination against a challenging opponent.


Congratulations to Srimedha on her sectional title and state qualification, and to all six athletes for their dedication and for proudly representing IMSA!

IMSA Boys Soccer Earns Runner-Up Finish in Little Ten Conference Tournament

The Boys Soccer team earned a second-place finish in the Little Ten Conference Tournament after a hard-fought championship match against Somonauk High School.


The Titans’ tournament run highlighted their growth, perseverance and teamwork as they rose to challenges throughout the season. Their second-place finish reflects not only their efforts on the field but also their resilience, dedication and commitment to one another.


The championship match also brought together players, coaches, families and fellow students in a strong show of community support. Thank you to those who came out to support our Titans!


Congratulations to the IMSA Boys Soccer team and coaching staff on an outstanding tournament and a memorable season!

Staff Spotlight

New Faces in Res Life

Please join us in welcoming the new members of our Residence Life Team!

Randall Reed

Resident Counselor


Randall Reed is a new staff member in 1503 C Wing. Randall holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from North Central College, where he most recently worked as a social media coordinator.

Brogan Long

Resident Counselor


We're happy to welcome Brogan Long back to IMSA after he graduated in 2022. After IMSA, Brogan earned a Bachelor of Arts in University Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He previously worked as a child and youth worker at North Side Youth and Senior Services in St. Louis, Missouri. Brogan is based in 1505 A Wing

Asaiyah Franklin-Bryant

Resident Counselor


Asaiyah Franklin-Bryant holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences with a concentration in nursing from DePaul University in Chicago. She previously worked as a registered behavioral therapist at Action Behavior Center. You can find Asaiyah in 1502 B Wing.

Jaedyn Hudson

Resident Counselor


Jaedyn Hudson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Grinnell College, where she also worked with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and served as an events coordinator for the Black Student Union. Jaedyn’s residence hall assignment is 1506 A Wing.

Elizabeth Dunne

Resident Counselor


Elizabeth Dunne earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon’s Robert D. Clark Honors College. She previously worked as a student-athlete tutor. Elizabeth is located in 1506 C Wing.

Your Guide to Support

Find a Peer Tutor

Students can search for tutors by residence hall and subject using the directory linked below. Please note that you must be on IMSA WiFi to access the peer tutor directory.

 

Upcoming Therapy Dog Visits

Take a break from schoolwork with the Counseling team and the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club volunteers and their dogs this year!


Save The Dates

  • November 18, 2026, 1:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • December 15, 2026, 1:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • February 9, 2027, 1:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • March 17, 2027, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • April 7, 2027, 1:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • May 5, 2027, 1:55 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.


Check announcements for specific location and/or updates.

 

The Writing Center

Located in A109

The Writing Center offers free, in-person writing assistance for academic papers and projects, public speaking coaching, and help preparing for in-class essays. No appointment necessary. Just stop by! 


Writing Center Hours


A, B and C days: 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

I days: 10:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

D days: 9:00 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.


The Writing Center is closed during midday but open during S&E. 

Elior Dining Services Survey

Elior School Dining, IMSA’s food service provider, will be conducting a student dining survey to gather feedback from IMSA students about their dining experience.


The fall survey will be available October 1–31, 2026. Students are encouraged to share their feedback to help Elior better understand what’s working well and where there may be opportunities for improvement.

Please use IMSA Wifi to access the direct link. If you are using an external wifi, you can navigate to IMSA's survey by selecting "VP- Todd Hickman and District O- Stephen Manno."

 

PAC Meeting Slides

Thanks to all who were able to attend the first Monthly PAC meeting on Saturday, September 26 as part of the Family Day event. Click here to view the slides from the meeting.

 
Calendar

October 19-23 - Mental Health Awareness Week

October 30 - Choir Concert

October 31 - Band/Orchestra Concert

November 3 - Election Day (no classes, but res halls remain open)

November 6 - Casa de la Tierra and Dinner Reception

November 7 - Casa de la Tierra Parent Show

 
 

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!

 
 

Titan Tuesday

Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy

1500 Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506-1000

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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.