End of Semester Schedule Reminders | | |
December 8-12: Regular class schedule
- Major summative assessments in English, History/Social Science, World Languages, Wellness, and Fine Arts
December 15-18: Modified schedule.
- Major summative assessments for Mathematics, Science, and Computer Science
- Summative assessments scheduled for the week of December 15 must be taken during the assigned slots.
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If a student has two or more assessments scheduled for the same time slot, please contact the Principal’s Office at prinoffc@imsa.edu.
Thursday, December 18, will be reserved for make-ups and rescheduled assessments, as needed.
Main Building Access and Move Out
- Students will remain in the academic building on December 16-17 when not participating in a summative assessment. Students can participate in study sessions, games, and physical fitness sessions. Look for a full list of activities this week from the Principal's Office.
- Students must depart campus within 24 hours of their final summative assessment.
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ATTENTION SENIORS
Cap and Gown Orders Due Friday
Cap and gown orders are due this Friday, December 5. Orders placed after this date will be charged a $10 late fee.
Order using the link below, or call
(815) 756-4743 during regular business hours.
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Mandatory Training for Dual Credit Courses
Due Tomorrow!
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Students enrolled in one or more IMSA courses that are being offered for dual credit with Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE) in our Fall or Spring semesters must complete the university's mandatory Sexual Harassment Training as a condition of their enrollment with the university by December 3. This is applicable to ALL IMSA Sophomores and Juniors, and many IMSA seniors.
As a reminder, a list of which courses are being offered for dual credit with SIUE can be found on the Dual Credit page of IMSA's website.
Directions:
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Access the training here
- At the conclusion of the training, there is a form to complete. The form will ask the following:
- Your name. Use your name as it appears in IMSA's PowerSchool records.
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An Optional 800#. Leave this blank.
- Questions about the training module to check that you completed it.
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Did you know that there is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole purpose is to support IMSA? The IMSA Fund provides resources to help with student travel, student fees, extracurriculars, faculty development, mental health initiatives, and more. Last year, the IMSA Fund provided roughly $700,000 in support to the Academy.
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement that focuses on philanthropy and making our world a better place. At IMSA, we do that by fostering community, innovation, and curiosity. In honor of Giving Tuesday, and what IMSA means to you and your family, please consider a gift to the IMSA Fund today.
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Join the IMSA Student Philanthropy Network for a fun
Scavenger Hunt!
Wednesday, December 3rd
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
AC Pit
Join the Student Philanthropy Network (SPN) for a fun scavenger hunt around the main building! Join as a solo participant or work as a team for a chance to win some awesome prizes, including IMSA swag and a DoorDash gift card! Along the way, you’ll see how IMSA Fund donors make a lasting impact on our community.
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Poetic Justice
Poetry Slam
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
IRC
In collaboration with the Office of DEI, CCE, and Poetic Justice, the IRC will host the Poetic Justice Poetry Slam featuring IMSA alumna, Dr. Cindy Lyles Reed '02.
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Peer Tutor Study Session
Thursday, December 11, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
IN2
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IMSA Parent Book Club
Thursday, December 11, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Zoom
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The next book choice for the Parent Book Club will be The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop.
Book Summary
Adolescents are hardwired to explore and grow, and learning is mainly how they do this. But a shocking majority of teens are disengaged from school, simultaneously bored and overwhelmed. This is feeding an alarming teen mental health crisis. As kids get older and more independent, parents often feel powerless to help. But fear not, there are evidence-backed strategies to guide them from disengagement to drive, in and out of school.
All are welcome, whether you read the book or not!
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| Staff and Student Spotlight | | |
We applaud Resident Counselor Tyson Brown, whose rapid response allowed him to safely extinguish the small fire in the cafeteria before Thanksgiving Break. His calm, decisive actions were instrumental in preventing a more serious situation.
We are also proud to recognize Lisa Choi '27 for her quick thinking in pulling the fire alarm. Her prompt action ensured that everyone evacuated the building.
We would also like to recognize our Security and Facilities staff for assisting the Aurora Fire Department in securing the scene, assessing the area, and ensuring the building was safe for everyone to return. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our students and staff, the situation was handled safely and swiftly.
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Boys Basketball
The boys basketball team handed St. Ed’s their first loss of the season last night with an impressive 66-49 victory. The Titans secured their second straight win for an excellent early-season record of 2-1. Go Titans!
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Scholastic Bowl
Congratulations to the IMSA Scholastic Bowl Team, who took 4th place at the IHSSBCA Kickoff at Auburn on November 22, 2025, at Auburn High School.
| Raj Patel '26, Arnav Jain '27, Hariharan Ananthakrishnan '27, Jeev Hora '26, and Ethan Chang '27 pose with the team trophy. | | |
At each IMSA Board meeting, we take time to review our path forward as an institution. IMSA 2033, Elevating IMSA Everywhere, outlines efforts and outcomes to make IMSA more accessible and sustainable into the future. At our November meeting, Principal and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Angela Rowley presented new pathways of opportunity for both IMSA students and IMSA scholars -- those students who participate in IMSA programs, but do not earn an IMSA diploma. Some implications for IMSA students will be opportunities to earn IMSA credentials, take courses at different times and modalities, and have an option to participate in experiential learning opportunities during fall break, intersession, and spring break. For IMSA scholars, they will have an opportunity to work alongside IMSA students in research experiences during a June term. And, based on space availability, enroll at IMSA for a semester as a scholar in residence starting in 2027. Take a look at Dr. Rowley's presentation to learn more about what's in store for academic pathways in the near future. I'm delighted to observe IMSA becoming more nimble and accessible, and I want to express my gratitude to the Academic Team and Mission & Impact Team for making these opportunities possible for students throughout Illinois. | | |
Senior Auction
January 30, 2026
Senior Auction is a beloved IMSA tradition where students, staff, and community members can donate and bid on unique experiences and exclusive items. In the past, these donations have included dinners with favorite teachers and trips to Chicago with friends!
But before bidding begins, we are seeking contributions from the entire IMSA community. Whether you are a student, staff member, or parent, we welcome any special items, talents, or experiences you'd like to offer. Donations can be just about anything, so feel free to be creative. All proceeds from the Senior Auction will directly support our Senior Prom.
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2026 Power Pitch.AI Competition
Register by January 5, 2026
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The IMSA Center for Artificial Intelligence invites Illinois high school students to participate in the second annual Power Pitch.AI Competition. This event challenges young innovators to pitch creative business ideas that integrate artificial intelligence. Participants will develop their entrepreneurial, design thinking, and problem-solving skills while competing for recognition as emerging leaders in innovation and technology. Any Illinois high school student is invited to register!
Prizes:
- First Place: $500.00
- Second Place: $250.00
- Third Place: $100.00
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| The National Community Service Award | | The National Community Service Award applications from the United Nations Association have been released! | |
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Students can create an account, insert service learning opportunities that have been completed, AND be rewarded for their hard work and dedication to their community and other communities around the at home or around the world. See previous IMSA award winners here and the IMSA profile here!
All community service activities between June 1, 2025, and April 15, 2026, can be counted. Physical award packets will be mailed to IMSA in May!
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| | Supply Drive for Medical Mission Trip | | |
• Sanitary pads
• Baby wipes
• Diapers (sizes 3, 4, and 5)
• Pacifiers
• Diaper rash cream
• Toothbrushes (adult & child)
• Toothpaste (adult & child)
• Body soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Lotion (adult & baby)
• Deodorant
| | | This January, a group of students will be taking a medical mission trip to Belize. Part of their work will include bringing much-needed supplies to help care for the residents. If you would like to donate to their trip, they are collecting the following items. | |
| A collection box will be located in the Health Office after Thanksgiving break through January 7, 2026. | |
| Use the peer tutor website to find out more information about IMSA's peer tutors and how to get in touch with them. | |
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Writing Center Hours
The Writing Center is open! Students can work with peer tutors on essay composition, organization, and proofreading.
The Writing Center is located in A109, next to the CAC Office, and the hours are:
A Day: 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
B Day: 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
I Day: 10:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
C Day: 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
D Day: 9:00 a.m. - 4:20 p.m.
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December 13 - Admissions Campus Tours
December 15 - 18 - Summative Assessments (special schedule)
December 18 - Halls close for Winter Break at 8:00 p.m.
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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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Titan Tuesday
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.
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