November 26, 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.

Recently my 10-year-old son was given an assignment to write a letter to someone who has shaped his life in a positive way. I was delighted he selected an educator. I know they work non-stop to nurture and inspire students to love learning and believe they can take on new challenges. Educators sometimes don't see their impact until years later, so it's quite rewarding when it's noticed and appreciated.

At IMSA, not only do faculty deeply care about student development, but also a countless array of staff who make IMSA work day in and day out. What's so rewarding at a residential academy is getting to know the students in all facets of their lives. Ask your children who is making a difference in their lives. I encourage you to fill out the season of gratitude form with a note of appreciation. It can be directed to faculty and staff, or students and parents who make a difference each day, and hopefully, that is felt for a lifetime. 

For those who receive a message of gratitude, it certainly feels great to know when and where you've made a meaningful impact. Have a great Thanksgiving, Titans!

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.

Looking to stay warm? Purchase Senior Class Club’s new merch! Starting November 12 until December 1 you can purchase a hoodie or crewneck through the link below. All proceeds will go to the Senior Class Club to help offset the student cost of Prom.

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

Class Meetings with the CACs

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

Seniors

December 2

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 3: Dr. Eric Rettberg and Mary Zuidema, Teachers in the Hot Seat
• 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.

Last month, the Girls IN2 STEM program wrapped up its fall cohort, uniting over 70 mentors and mentees to explore STEM online and in person. 

The cohort featured various exciting activities, thanks to collaborations with Chasewood Learning and IMSA clubs like the Titan Astronomical Society, Med 4 Minorities, and TALENT. On the final day, mentees proudly presented their projects and gained valuable insights from IMSA’s admissions team.

Do you know any students or mentors interested in joining the Spring Cohort? If so, please fill out the form linked below!

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.

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).

SCIA (Student Committee for IMSA's Advancement) and the Alumni Relations Coordinator are collaborating to host a spring career fair for IMSA students. We'll invite Alumni from many fields to share their experiences and for students to network with. Please fill out the survey to gauge your availability and interest.

During this season of giving, this week's student spotlight features someone who is using his gifts, talents, and passions to make an impact in his home community.

Victor Fernandes ’26 spent his summer interning with the City of Bloomington Police Department, a unique opportunity that allowed him to work closely with Sergeant Kiel Nowers from the Community Engagement Unit. During this internship, Victor was actively involved in a variety of community events and activities.

He actively participated in monthly neighborhood check-in walks and attended various local gatherings, including Jump4Joy, the Bloomington Golden K Kiwanis, and Faith in Action. Additionally, Victor volunteered his time with children at local daycares. He also took part in an Engineering Shadow Day, where he interviewed professional engineers and technicians, gaining valuable insights into the engineering field.

Through these diverse experiences, Victor not only strengthened his connection with the Bloomington community but also honed his interpersonal, communication, and community-building skills. Thank you for giving back to your community, Victor!

IMSA's International Youth Neuroscience Association (IYNA) and Psychology Club recently hosted a brain dissection event. Dr. Amacher helped facilitate the dissection of sheep brains for over 40 student participants so they could get a first-hand look at how brains function.

Ways to increase motivation

It can be really difficult, especially after a long semester, to continue to find the motivation to finish strong. But, you are so close to finishing this semester! Here are some tips you can use to increase your motivation for the end of this semester:

• Make goals for difficult tasks – Sometimes the work we have to do can feel like a chore. We can change our perspective and shift how we view a task from a chore to a manageable goal to make it more attainable. By making goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time-bound (SMART), it will make you feel and notice the progress you are making. 
• Reward yourself – Tasks can feel much more rewarding when you have a treat you enjoy waiting for you afterward. Find something that you enjoy, and make it a reward for yourself after completing your goal. 
• Help others who are also struggling with motivation – It can be obvious when a friend loses motivation, and helping them feel inspired can have an affect on you too! Setting the example for a friend or offering a little encouragement can go a long way.

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! 

November 25 - 26 - Virtual Engagement Days

November 27 - 30 - Thanksgiving Break

December 1 - Halls Re-open **at 3:00 p.m.**

December 2 - Classes Resume

December 7 - Admissions Tours

December 13 - Holiday Concert

December 18 - End of 1st Semester

December 19 - Halls Close 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.