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Save the Date!
Family Day
Saturday, February 15, 2025
On Campus
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PowerSchool Data Breach Follow Up | |
As a result of PowerSchool's nationwide data breach, PowerSchool is offering two years of complimentary credit monitoring for families and educators impacted by the breach. If you are interested in enrolling in this free resource, follow the link below. | |
Community Conversation
Thursday, February 6, 2025
S&E Period
Ac Pit
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Each Thursday, IMSA will host Community Conversations in the AC Pit during S & E. The purpose of Community Conversations is to bring together different IMSA colleagues with students to talk about topics of interest at IMSA and in our wider communities.
This week's Community Conversation will be hosted by Dr. Katie Berger, Chief Student Affairs Officer, and Dr. Adrienne Coleman, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Students will work with Dr. Berger and Dr. Coleman to design the format and generate topic ideas for future Community Conversations. Bring your questions and your ideas!
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Elective Mini Fair
*Revised Date*
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
2:00 p.m.
Main and West Gyms
The Elective Mini Fair provides sophomores and juniors with an opportunity to engage with faculty and learn about various courses that will be offered next year across all disciplines.
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Congratulations to the Chess Team for securing a sectional win! The team will head to the State Championship in Peoria on February 14, 2025. Good luck, Titans! | |
Congratulations to the number of art students who were selected to present work for the State Art Competition. A number of works also received awards at the University of St. Francis art show. | |
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Aarushi Das '25
Untitled
Honorable Mention
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Aahana Das '25
Untitled
Honorable Mention
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Ellen Hsuan '25
"Mother"
Honorable Mention
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Brent Rodrigo '25
"Long Climb"
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Cameron Eddington '25
"Sea Exploration"
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Vivian Ludwig '26
"Jellies"
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Jordan Henry '25
"Jazz Singer in Pin Curls"
Excellence in Art Award
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Megan Onorato '26
"Capital Reflections"
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This week's IMSA Impact Maker is Rick Reynolds, maintenance mechanic, for his exceptional dedication to helping students and maintaining IMSA's campus.
This year, Rick has been helping students with their SIR project focused on wastewater surveillance. His expertise and willingness to help have been invaluable during the students' data collection process. Despite the challenging nature of the work, Rick has stepped up with enthusiasm and expertise to identify optimal sampling locations and contribute innovative ideas. He provided key insights on plumbing maps, helped refine the sampling process, and offered hands-on assistance every step of the way—all while maintaining his usual responsibilities. His commitment to safety, efficiency, and teamwork has made him an IMSA Impact Maker!
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The HBCU Experience
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
IRC
Join Dr. Anita White and other graduates of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as they share their experiences and advice.
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Black History Month Read-In
Monday, February 10, 2025
4:30 p.m.
IRC
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Join the IRC in celebrating Black Excellence at our Black History Month Read-In featuring Mayor Richard Irvin. He will share his story and experience of what it was like to grow up in the City of Aurora, where he now serves as mayor.
Students and staff members will also recognize and highlight literature from underrepresented authors and artists. You too can participate by sharing a poem or an excerpt from a reading if you'd like! Need something to read? Visit our research guide.
This event is being co-sponsored by BSU, BHSC, CCC, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and the IRC.
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Badminton Informational Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025
4:45 p.m.
E121
The Badminton coaches will be hosting an informational meeting for those looking to join Girls Badminton. Please arrive on time and plan to stay for the entire 45-minute meeting. Students must have up-to-date sports physicals submitted to the Athletic Trainer. If you are not sure if yours is up to date, please contact Josiah Douglas directly.
The coaches will also be hosting open gyms on the following dates from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. in the West Gym:
- January 28 and 30
- February 6, 11, 13, 20, 25, and 27
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Spring Sports Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025
7:15 a.m.
Ac Pit
If you are planning to participate in a spring sport (Boys Tennis, Girls Badminton, Boys Volleyball, Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Track & Field) as an athlete or team manager, but you have not attended one of the previously offered athletic meetings, you MUST attend this last session or you will not be able to participate.
If you are unsure if you attended a session, please email Chris Moment at cmoment@imsa.edu so he can confirm you attended a previously offered meeting.
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The Veil of Anonymity
When I was in college, I remember reading the news that a student was arrested for sending an anonymous death threat to the United States president over email. I perceived it to be a prank, but learned pretty quickly that we can't assume that online interactions are anonymous or confidential, and that intent cannot be perceived online.
This past week we issued a survey where we informed students their input about our culture and DEI programs was anonymous. While one might conclude this was not the best approach, for me it was a reminder that we need to teach students how to express themselves in a manner that provides meaningful feedback -- that anonymity is not an invitation to be cruel. While this current round of feedback was clouded, we're going to use other means to obtain student voice because we use feedback as a guide to get better.
The experience also reminded me how vigilant we have to be with young adults, reminding them that their online interactions leave a trace, even when it's anonymous. Students do not immediately think about the consequences of what they post, even in closed chat rooms/forums, and how that may carry with them into colleges they wish to attend, relationships they pursue, or jobs they may wish to land in the future. We can see the potential landmines, so we have a responsibility to process this with young adults.
I realize it's a difficult conversation to have with your students, given the frequency with which students use their phones. However, it's worth it to remind our students of the potential dangers of posting raw thoughts online and how that can carry with them. Perhaps you have a personal example that will make the conversation more relatable. Regardless, remind them often. Even if that guidance is not received well, you know you are helping them, and should you become aware they post thoughts that might cause harm to themselves or others, seek help. You're not alone in worrying and supporting your child, and we believe parents/guardians are important partners in the education process.
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Group Fitness Classes
Counselor Alex Pratt will guide you through group fitness exercises. Participants should come in athletic clothing and shoes and bring their own water.
I Days at 3:00 p.m.
Fridays at 2:00 p.m. (during S&E)
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Counseling Services Presents
Triston's Tips and Tricks
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Managing Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is more common than we think, as most people experience it at some point. Imposter syndrome occurs when we doubt whether we are good enough, or feel like a fraud despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Here are some tips to manage and overcome imposter syndrome:
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Identify your negative self-talk - Notice and pay attention to when your inner dialogue starts to criticize yourself. As you notice these thoughts, try to challenge them and practice self-compassion.
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Note your achievements - Make yourself a list of your achievements. Sometimes we forget or overlook our accomplishments. When you start to doubt yourself, you can revisit this list and remind yourself of your accomplishments.
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Focus on your strengths - Everyone is different and has different strengths. Focus on the things you are good at and how you can use those to put your best foot forward.
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Writing Center Hours
A, B & C days: 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. (closed during midday)
I days: 10:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
D days: 9:00 a.m. - 4:20 p.m. (closed during midday)
Tutors are also available in the halls in the evenings and on weekends as needed.
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Spring Standardized Testing
This year, sophomores and juniors will take weekday ACT-suite exams as part of the annual Illinois State Board of Education-mandated assessments. These ACT exams are replacing the SAT-suite exams taken in previous years in the spring. Sophomores will take the PreACT Secure exam, and juniors will take the ACT with Writing exam. The dates for these tests are below:
April 9 (Wednesday morning) - PreACT Secure
April 23 (Wednesday morning) - ACT with Writing
Please keep an eye on your emails for more information about these exams, including testing day reminders, resources, and the TestNav web application information that will be used to administer the exams.
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Driver Education Grade Verification | |
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The Illinois Secretary of State requires that all students who enroll in a Driver Education Program show proof that they are in good standing with their high school.
A completed Grade Verification Form is required and must be submitted before the first day of class.
If you are enrolled in the upcoming Top Driver course, or any driver's education course within the State of Illinois, and have not submitted your Grade Verification Form, please check with the Principal's Office to have your completed form finalized.
Make sure to fill out all necessary information, and signatures must be handwritten, not typed.
If you have any questions, please speak with Mrs. Katich-Rogers in the Principal's Office.
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February 10 - 14 - Clash of the Halls
February 14 - Clash Pep Rally
February 15 - Family Day
February 15 -19 - Extended Break (Halls close at 3:00 p.m.)
February 17 - Academy Closed (Presidents Day)
February 19 - Halls Reopen at 3:00 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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