December 3, 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.

On Monday, December 2 around 8:15 a.m., the fire alarm in the boy's pool locker room sounded. The IMSA Security team promptly checked the area and determined it was a false alarm. The IMSA Facilities team is investigating the cause of the alarm and will take appropriate steps to address any issues they identify.

We want to thank students, staff, and faculty for their prompt response to the alarm, and use this opportunity to remind everyone of our evacuation procedures as temperatures drop outside. If an alarm sounds, all students, staff, and faculty should report to their designated outdoor accountability site. Considering the weather and potential response times, please ensure you have a coat readily accessible in case evacuation becomes necessary. In the event of a prolonged alarm, students, staff, and faculty may be relocated to a residence hall for shelter until the building is cleared.

The Titan Thrift Shop is the perfect place to stock up on winter clothing, purchase a gift for your friends or family, or create that special outfit for the holidays or New Year's Eve.

The winter event will feature clothing, books, games, décor, jewelry, and accessories. Complimentary gift wrapping will be available while supplies last. Drop in, enjoy the music, and have fun while sustainably shopping on campus!

Top Driver offers a convenient after-school class during the Spring semester at IMSA. 

Top Driver is independent of IMSA and we are not responsible for handling any registration, scheduling, driving instruction, make-up classes, etc.  We simply provide the space for the classes.

For pricing, more information, or to enroll, please contact Top Driver directly at 800.374.8373 or visit their website.

If a student is going to miss class for any reason, parents or guardians must notify the Attendance Office by emailing attendance@imsa.edu or calling 630.907.5029.

All college visits must be pre-approved by the CAC office. Email your CAC and CC Attendance to get permission.

For any pre-arranged absence longer than three days, Dr. White must grant the student special permission. Email Dr. White at awhite@imsa.edu at least one week in advance.

 A parent may not call their student in sick if the student is on campus. The student must be seen by the nurse for evaluation and recommendations for class.  

This information can be found on page 27 of the Student and Parent Handbook.

Join classmates and Peer Tutors to prepare for final exams and projects.

Join the Office of DEI, the IRC, and IMSA's Student Coalition for Racial Justice as they present Pathway to Justice featuring J.L. Harris.

J.L. Harris is an author, chef, activist, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, as well as the founder of Sons of Tomorrow (S.O.T.). As a young adult, J.L. found himself entangled in the violent streets of the Chicago area, eventually leading to a prison sentence for armed robbery.

During his time behind bars, J.L. realized he had to change his path to fulfill his true purpose. He envisioned himself as a lightning rod for change, determined to uplift and empower those who couldn’t help themselves. Upon his release, he vowed to turn his life around—the life he is living today proves that he is doing just that!

Race Talks is an opportunity for all IMSA students to discuss the current racial climate at IMSA. The conversation will be facilitated by Marcus Sibley, a social justice activist and spoken word Artist. Dinner will be provided.

Marcus Sibley is an activist and speaker from Newark, New Jersey, who aims to address environmental and social justice issues through various mediums, including poetry and music. He serves as the New York Metro Director of Conservation Partnerships at the National Wildlife Federation and holds multiple leadership roles in justice-related organizations, advocating for equity and climate justice both nationally and internationally.

Students, parents, and guardians are invited to join the College and Academic Counselors for a special virtual information session featuring Diego Montes '23, IMSA Alum and current Midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.

During this session, Midshipman Montes will share:

• Insights about life at the Naval Academy
• An overview of the application process
• Opportunities available for students interested in military careers, engineering, or public service

This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from an IMSA graduate who was in the students' shoes just a few years ago. Whether students are curious about the Academy or considering a future in these fields, this session will provide valuable information and a chance to ask questions.

Passcode: 603133

Sophomores

College Admissions

December 11

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Auditorium

Juniors

College Selection

December 3 and December 5

S&E Period

Auditorium

Sophomore

Course Selection

January 22, 2025

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

Auditorium

Sophomores will meet with Faculty Department Team Coordinates (TCs) to go over the course selection process.

Sophomore and Junior Elective

Mini-Fair

January 29, 2025

2:00 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.

Main Gym

Sophomores and Juniors can learn more about electives offered next year.

College Admissions Orientation

For Parents and Guardians of Juniors

December 17

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Via Zoom

Passcode: 822504

Has My Child Applied to College Yet?

For Parents and Guardians of Seniors

December 5

6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Via Zoom

Passcode: 292289

Other Resources

• Previous webinars are also available on the CAC webpage under "College Planning Process."
• Click here to view your student's CAC assignment.

Meet in the AI Center during S&E period (2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) to hear from guest lecturers in various AI fields.

• December 10: Ms. Charity Freeman, AI Student Credential Pilot
• December 17: Mr. Dan Campbell, Software Engineering Career

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.

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).

This Thanksgiving, I had the honor of delivering hundreds of gratitude messages to extend appreciation to faculty, staff, and students at IMSA. I know that the Titans receiving these messages felt honored to be recognized. Don’t worry if you missed this round of recognition, because another opportunity is coming, this time to send words of encouragement.

Think about how hard your student is working to excel, how dedicated a fellow parent/guardian is to serving IMSA, or how an IMSA colleague is igniting and nurturing your student. Next week, I will share an IMSA winter holiday card, and I would be grateful if you submitted words of encouragement to offer hope, love, and inspiration. That is my holiday wish as we close out the first semester, knowing that our Titans are working so hard to finish with success. Thank you!

Aarna Patel '25 was recently awarded the Ted Brattin Civic Youth Award by the Aurora Rotary Club. This award recognizes local students for their citizenship, service, and leadership within their community.

Aarna is President of HOSA, Co-President of TEDxYouth@IMSA, and Co-Chair of LEAD Social Entrepreneurship. She also explores her passion for helping others through her SIR research in advanced dermatology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Aarna's research focuses on skin barrier functions and developing treatments for chronic skin conditions, chemical burns, and UV damage.

Using this research experience, Aarna founded her own skincare line that donates profits and products to domestic violence shelters and supports acid attack victims. Through a partnership with WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger), Aarna has donated over 500 products, raised more than $2,000, and reached over 3,500 supporters in her mission to empower women and raise awareness of domestic violence and vitriolage (acid burns) both in the U.S. and internationally.

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! 

December 7 - Admissions Tours

December 13 - Holiday Concert

December 18 - End of 1st Semester

December 19 - Halls Close at 3:00 p.m.

December 20 - January 4 - Winter Break

January 5 - Halls Open at 3:00 p.m.

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.