December 16, 2025

Mental Health Days (MHDs)

Students may continue to use Mental Health Days (MHDs) this week. However, due to end-of-semester time constraints, students may not be able to reschedule assessments or presentations.

While MHDs remain available, we ask that parents or legal guardians submit the MHD form and have conversations with their student(s) about being mindful of final assessments, presentations, and projects when making this decision.

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 from the Principal's Office.
• Students must depart campus within 24 hours of their final summative assessment. 
• Campus closes to all students on Thursday, December 18, at 8:00 p.m. 

ATC Shuttles

• Students must sign up for the ATC shuttles at the RC office with their RC.
• Additional ATC shuttles may be added on the day of service if student demand is high, though availability cannot be guaranteed. Please check the updated ATC train schedule.
• The times listed below are the times the shuttle will depart campus. Please be sure to be at the shuttle ready to go a few minutes before departure time.

Returning from Break

The ATC Shuttle will pick up students after break on Sunday, January 4, at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Students must sign up ahead of time to ensure enough room in vehicles.

The ATC shuttle will wait at the train station for 15 minutes before returning to campus. 

The Summer Research and Experiential Learning Opportunities (SRELO) program is returning for Summer 2026, and it’s bigger than ever!

SRELO connects motivated sophomores and juniors with expert research and internship mentors for authentic, hands-on projects across a wide range of fields. This is your chance to dive into real-world research, build meaningful professional connections, and explore potential career paths. Students will have the opportunity to work with mentors from IMSA and our expanding network of partner institutions.

Key Dates and Program Details

• A full listing of 2026 SRELO projects, along with program modalities (residential, commuter, remote, and hybrid) and summer session dates, will be released at the end of January, and student–mentor pairings will begin in February.
• Programs will begin in June.

As you start planning your summer, make room for an experience that can shape your future!

Class of 2026

Please remember to be vigilant about logging your service learning hours in Helper Helper and ensuring they are fully approved. As a reminder, students who do not complete the service-learning graduation requirement, as stated here, will not receive their final transcripts. All hours must be submitted and fully approved (present in PowerSchool) by May 4th, 2026. Check your email for more information on completing this requirement.

CLASH Service Learning Eligibility

To participate in class, all students must meet the requirements listed below. Eligibility is based on the hours logged in PowerSchool.

• Sophomores need 35 hours
• Juniors need 85 hours
• Seniors need 160 hours

The National Community Service Award opportunity from the United Nations Association has been released! 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 State of IL, the United States of America, and internationally.  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!

Student Spotlight

Michael Anderson '26 Named a Top 100 Emerging Innovator

Congratulations to Michael Anderson ’26, who was named as one of the Top 100 Emerging Innovators of 2026 by the Emerging Innovator Awards through the Horn Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Delaware.



Michael’s low-cost 3D printer concept earned him a spot among the top applicants from 29 countries and 25 states. We wish him the best of luck as he advances to the semifinal round for Emerging Innovator of the Year.

Ted Brattin Civic Youth Awards

The Aurora Rotary Club recently awarded Wura Charles-Wiwa '26 (right) and Kendall Adkins '26 (left) the Ted Brattin Civic Youth Award. This award recognizes eight local students for their citizenship, service, and leadership within their community.

Wura was recognized for her work with The Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago, Hesed House, the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, the City of Aurora Festival of Lights, the Illinois Association for Gifted Children, Feed My Starving Children, Smithsonian Digital Transcription, and Student Ambassadors. Her commitment to a variety of service activities reflects a genuine desire to contribute wherever she is needed. She consistently works to build strong communities, support organizations in pursuit of their missions, and foster inclusive, welcoming environments.

Kendall was recognized for her significant contributions to the IMSA community through her involvement in the Athletics Program, particularly as a dedicated member and leader of the Girls Volleyball Team and as the manager for Boys Volleyball. Kendall has been a key force in elevating athletics as a space for teamwork, mentorship, and belonging. She has created an environment of accountability, inclusivity, and passion, inspiring both her teammates and incoming students to engage meaningfully with the program.

Good News

IMSA dominated St. Edward's last night, jumping to an early lead and winning 51-32! Lota Onwuameze '27 led the charge with 17 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the middle of the court. Omar Njikam '26 added 12 points and 14 rebounds, and Neil Sitapara '26 knocked down 12 points from long range.

With their teamwork and leadership on full display, the Titans are building a season that could go down as one of the best in IMSA basketball history!

The Chicago Tribune profiled Lota and the Titans' historic start to the season here.

LEAD Program

On Wednesday, December 10, the Class of 2028 creatively wrapped up their first semester of the LEAD by designing board and card games inspired by the leadership theories and models. Students shared their games with their classmates, explaining the concepts behind them, then jumped in to play together.

Thank you to our incredible Class of 2028 students, and to our parents and guardians, for an amazing semester of learning, growth, and leadership. LEAD students will learn their second-semester elective placements in January 2026.

Service Dogs

Students had the chance to relax and connect with some amazing therapy animals from DuPage Paws for People today, bringing plenty of smiles and calm moments. Visits like this remind us how powerful human–animal connections can be in supporting student well-being and learning. Thank you to the incredible volunteers for making our day a little brighter!

We are excited to welcome Ms. Amber Lange to IMSA as our Chief Mission and Impact Officer. Since joining IMSA on November 3, Amber has jumped right in, leading initiatives to expand access for students across Illinois, guiding enrollment strategy, engaging with districts and higher education partners, and using data to evaluate and strengthen IMSA’s impact.

Amber comes to IMSA after nearly two decades at Clemson University, where she held senior leadership roles, advanced STEM access, secured funding for educational programs, and championed opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation students. She is completing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on rural Black families navigating the education system and brings national experience in research, board service, and publications focused on equity in education.

Titan Tuesday will return on January 6, 2026.

Have a wonderful winter break!

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.