February 24, 2026

Most of you know IMSA's residential halls are fairly aged and don't offer spaces to foster students' connection, care, and curiosity needs. In the coming years, we hope to update our residential halls to promote these key pillars of the IMSA experience for future students.

Last week, we received news of the first big step in that direction. Governor Pritzker proposed a $100 million allocation to rebuild our residential hall complex in his FY27 budget. While this is not the full funding needed, it is meaningful support that reflects the state’s confidence in IMSA’s promise and its continued success well into the future. Now that the budget has been proposed, the General Assembly needs to vote on it during the spring legislative sessions starting in March.

How can you help? Send a letter to your local representatives in the state House and Senate, and share how your child’s experience has made a meaningful difference in their education and growth. Let them know you are aware of the prospect of rebuilding the halls and how impactful these spaces will be for future students. It’s important for legislators to understand how IMSA benefits students and why investing in IMSA is an investment in the future of students across Illinois.

Don't hesitate to reach out to me (eglazer@imsa.edu) should you have any questions. This spring could be a historical opportunity for IMSA, and you play an important role in reminding your legislators, no matter where you live, that they are all part of IMSA.

Due to changes in ACT/Pre-ACT testing protocols from ACT, the spring testing dates have been adjusted. Each class will be split up into two testing groups.

• ACT for all Juniors - April 1
• Students with last names starting with A through K will test in the morning.
• Students with last names starting with L through Z will test in the afternoon.

• Pre-ACT for all Sophomores - April 22
• Students with last names starting with A through K will test in the morning.
• Students with last names starting with L through Z will test in the afternoon.

The FRC Robotics team is planning a series of craft-based events and is seeking donations of newspapers to support these activities. If you have any newspapers that you are looking to get rid of, they would greatly appreciate the help! They do not need to be in perfect condition.

Those interested in donating can drop off newspapers to Grant Bell in the Makerspace.

Ticket sales are open for the Class of 2026 Senior Banquet happening on May 22, 2026. 

Don't wait! Tickets not spoken for will be released on March 14 for families who want to buy additional seats, and we anticipate selling out. Tickets are NOT guaranteed after March 14 for graduating seniors and their families.  

Additionally, please send your student's photos to 2026photos@imsapac.org for a slideshow that will stream throughout the banquet. Please send photos by March 21. (Senior Graduation photos can be sent by April 22 if you don't have them yet.)

If you have any questions please reach out to the Senior Banquet Committee at seniorbanquet@imsapac.org 

The Black Student Union will host its annual Cultural Show this year, “The Asé Awards,” an award show in celebration of Black culture, excellence, and empowerment.

“The Asé Awards” Performances Dates and Times

BSU is seeking parent volunteers to help make this event a success. Families can support in one of three ways: donating food, volunteering time, or making a monetary contribution to support the student reception on Friday evening. Please sign up using the buttons below. Thank you for your support!

Please reach out to our PAC Multicultural Committee (Julie Weingarz at multicultural1@imsapac.org or JoEnn Choi at multicultural2@imsapac.org) if you have any questions.

Summer Regional Picnics

The IMSA Parent Association Council is seeking parent volunteers to host Regional Picnics this summer! These gatherings provide meaningful ways for incoming students and their families to meet other students and families from their region and feel welcomed into the IMSA community.

PAC is currently seeking parent volunteers to lead coordination for picnics in these regions: 

• Region 1 (610, 612, 613) 
• Region 2 (614, 615, 616, 617)
• Region 4 (623, 625, 626, 627)
• Part of Region 5 (628, 629) Carbondale/Marion-area 

A budget of approximately $150 from the PAC will be available for each regional picnic, covering the cost of things like a picnic shelter rental, basic items like ice, soda, food, etc. Gatherings should be scheduled during the first two weekends of August 2026 to avoid conflicting with the Excel Program for incoming sophomores. 

If you are willing to host a gathering in early August for your region, please reach out to Natalie Knight at VP@imsapac.org!  

TONIGHT!

Peer Tutor Study Session

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

5:30 -7:30 p.m.

IN2

Peer Tutors will be available to help with a wide range of subjects tonight in IN2!

As a reminder, you can always use the peer tutor website to find out more information about IMSA's peer tutors and how to get in touch with them. Use the "Find Tutors Now" link to view the tutor profiles and subject specialties. 

Note: The website is only accessible when using IMSA BYOD or AIRIMSA networks. 

Avaneesh Sirikonda '28 has been selected from thousands of applicants to serve as a BigFuture Ambassador for the College Board’s 2026 spring cohort. Through this national program, Avaneesh will help support and encourage peers in exploring college and career pathways using bigfuture.org, a free platform that provides tools for researching colleges, exploring careers, and planning for financial aid.

As a BigFuture Ambassador, Avaneesh will help inspire peers to take key steps toward their futures and share helpful resources through social media, school events, and peer networks. Congratulations to Avaneesh on this impressive achievement and on making a meaningful impact on his peers' future.

Multiple IMSA staff members submitted Eleanor Haberthur '26 for consistently exemplifying what it means to be a member of the Titan community. Eleanor continually goes out of her way to ensure her classmates feel included, supported, and welcomed at IMSA. Through her everyday actions, she helps build a stronger sense of belonging across campus by reaching out to peers, fostering positive relationships, and creating spaces where others feel comfortable participating and being themselves. Her kindness, leadership by example, and commitment to community reflect the core values of the Titan community and help strengthen the supportive environment that makes IMSA special.

Molly Federici '26 Represents the Titans at the State Speech Competition

Congratulations to Molly Federici ’26 for placing 6th in the state in Radio Speaking at the IHSA State Speech Tournament!

After two highly competitive preliminary rounds, Molly advanced to the finals, outperforming top competitors from across Illinois to earn her place among the state’s best. Her performance reflects exceptional dedication, preparation, and perseverance, particularly in one of the most competitive speech regions in the state.

Scholastic Bowl Wins Sectionals

Congratulations to the Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team on going undefeated at their Sectional competition at the Masonic Academic Bowl Tournament last Saturday. The team will now move on to compete in the Masonic State Tournament on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Bloomington High School. 

Special congratulations to Jeev Hora '26 and Tony Han '26 for being voted to this year's All-Sectional team! 

Table Tennis Club is Heading to State

Congratulations to the Table Tennis Club for qualifying for the State Final Four Championship Tournament of Interscholastic Table Tennis! We wish them the best of luck as they compete for the championship title at Niles West this Saturday!

Fourteen SIR students working with mentors from Argonne National Laboratory recently toured the facility to learn about advanced scientific research and technology.

Students explored the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, where powerful supercomputers support research in areas such as climate science, materials science, nuclear engineering, and quantum information science. They also visited the Visualization Laboratory, where large-scale scientific data is turned into interactive displays to help researchers study complex phenomena. In addition, students toured the Rapid Prototyping Laboratory, where scientists use robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing to speed up innovation and discovery.

Peer Tutors will be available in IN2 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on the following dates to help with a wide range of subjects.

• Tuesday, March 17
• Tuesday, April 21
• Tuesday, April 28
• Tuesday, May 12

Group Workout Classes

I Days at 3:00 p.m.

Fridays during S&E

Multipurpose Room

Sweat your stress out during the group fitness class led by Counselor Alex Pratt. Classes include cardio, weight training, and core exercises. Beginners welcome!

Email apratt@imsa.edu with questions.

The Math Department is excited to introduce two new math Courses launching next year for juniors and seniors who are ready to explore data, statistics, and real-world applications of math! We are hopeful that they may also be dual credit.



Both of these elective courses can be taken during the same semester as your MI or Calculus classes. No approval needed, see prerequisites below. 

You do not need to take Statistics to take Advanced Topics in Data Analysis. Talk with your math teacher, or stop by the Math Office and see Mr. Rummelhoff or Dr. Trainor to learn more!

Registration with special with early-bird pricing is now open for Summer@IMSA day camps at IMSA’s Aurora campus!

These camps are perfect for elementary and middle school students eager for a summer of hands-on STEM experiences.

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.