August 26, 2025

Welcome To Titan Tuesday!

Titan Tuesday is a weekly newsletter sent to students, parents, faculty, and staff throughout the school year. These newsletters are packed with valuable information, so make sure to click 'View Entire Message' at the bottom of this message. 


If you ever need to refer back to a previous Titan Tuesday, visit the Titan Tuesday Archive.

Upcoming Events

Day of Service


Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Check your email for location assignments

Sophomores should report to the auditorium at 8:30 a.m. to learn more about HelperHelper and the service learning program.

DayofService2022-1

Day of Service Meal Times

Please note that Lexington will have adjusted hours to allow all students to eat in the cafeteria.

Breakfast

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Lunch

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Dinner

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Kane County Cougars Game


Friday, August 29, 2025

Depart IMSA at 5:15 p.m.


Dr. Glazer is taking students and IMSA staff to the Cougars game and fireworks show on Friday, August 29. The cost is $10 and includes your ticket, a meal, ice cream, and a baseball cap. All attendees will also receive a Snoopy bobblehead while supplies last.


Those interested in attending must sign up by August 27, and payment must be received by August 28.

Blood Drive


September 3, 2025

3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Student Union


For information on how to donate blood, please view the attached flyer.

Fall College Visit Program

Hosted by the CAC Office

The CAC office is pleased to announce the start of the Fall College Visit Program!


Visiting with college admissions representatives when they come to campus gives students a valuable opportunity to explore a variety of schools. All sessions are open to juniors and seniors. Sophomores may attend any military school visit and any session that does not say “Seniors/Juniors ONLY.”


Tuesday, September 2:

Case Western University, OH - Seniors/Juniors ONLY

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), IL 

Texas Christian University, TX 


Wednesday, September 3:

College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University, MN 

Syracuse University, NY

Knox College, IL

Lewis University, IL


Thursday, September 4:

Ohio University, OH

Important Updates

Parent IDs

Parents will be able to stop by Campus Security and get their Parent ID starting on Monday, August 25, 2025, during Front Desk business hours:


Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.


To obtain a Parent ID, please ensure the following:

  • Present a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state ID)
  • Be listed as a parent/guardian in PowerSchool


We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and secure campus. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Downstate Bus Interest Form

If you are a downstate student looking to utilize the downstate bus as transportation to and from campus during extended weekends and breaks, please complete this interest form.

Join the IMSA PeerTech Support Team!

Do you love technology? Are you the go-to person your friends ask for help with computers, printing, or tech questions? Now’s your chance to take those skills to the next level!



The PeerTech Support Team is a volunteer group of students passionate about tech. Members will have the opportunity to:

  • Assist fellow students with technology needs
  • Support the IMSA Help Desk with laptop imaging & health checks
  • Gain hands-on experience in general IT and organizational tasks
  • Help manage printing and other tech support services

 Benefits:

  • Receive internal service hours
  • Build valuable real-world IT experience
  • Strengthen your problem-solving and teamwork skills
  • Be part of a tech-focused community at IMSA


If you’re ready to learn, lead, and support your peers with technology, apply today to join the IMSA PeerTech Support Team! Send inquiries to sdutcher@imsa.edu.

IMSA Merch Sale

Closes August 27!

There's still time to order your IMSA merch! All proceeds from orders will support the Senior Class Club. Order your Titan Spiritwear today!

Important Attendance Reminders

  • When you are tardy, you must stop in the Attendance/CAC Office to get a pass.
  • If you feel your attendance record is incorrect, please speak to your teacher or email them and CC attendance@imsa.edu.
  • If your attendance record needs to be corrected, the teacher will contact attendance.
  • While students are on campus, parents/guardians can not call a student off for any health reason. Students must go see the nurse. Only the Health Office can excuse students from class for health reasons while they are on campus.
  • If you are off campus for any reason (illness, college visit, or doctor's appointment, etc.), you must have your parents/guardians call the Attendance Office. 
  • All college visits must be pre-approved by your CAC.
  • Any pre-arranged absence that will exceed 3 academic days must have special approval from Mr. Donelson.


You can contact the attendance office via email at attendance@imsa.edu or by phone at 630.907.5029.

Class of 2026 College Applications

Seniors - As a friendly reminder, you should have already set up your Common App account (due August 1, 2025). Please remember to:


  1. Populate “Colleges I am applying to” on Naviance Student with the names of schools you will be applying to.
  2. Complete and submit the College Application Plan for the Class of 2026 to your CAC by August 31, 2025.


Your College Application Plan should list the same colleges as your "Colleges I am applying to" list on Naviance Student. Additionally, the plan must be signed by your parent or guardian. For questions, please reach out to your CAC.

Spotlights and Good News

Good News

The Girls Golf Team forged a new path for future Titans, competing in their first official meet in school history at the City of Aurora Tournament, held at Phillips Park Golf Course.


The team had a steady all-around performance, taking 5th place overall with numerous standouts, including Alyssa Smith '27, who sank a remarkable 35-foot putt. The Titans showed poise and promise in their debut, and the tournament served as a strong foundation for the newly formed program. Their coach, Brad Snead, stated:


“Tonight was a proud moment for IMSA athletics. These young women not only represented our school with class but also showed they can compete right away. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see how they grow throughout the season.”

Student Spotlights

Congratulations to seniors Neel Shanbhag '26 and Laksh Patel '26 for presenting their AI research at the International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) 2025 in Vancouver, Canada, where they earned the Best Poster for Data in Generative Models Award. They were also among the youngest presenters at this conference, making their achievement even more impressive!


Their project, “Data Cartography for Detecting Memorization Hotspots and Guiding Interventions in Generative Models,” addresses how to recognize and manage memorization in AI, ensuring models are trustworthy, safe and effective.

Staff Spotlight

Brandon Ducoing

Student Activities Associate



Meet Mr. Brandon Ducoing, our new Student Activities Associate!


Mr. Ducoing will help run numerous campus activities throughout the year, including Homecoming and Clash. He will also oversee student organizations like the Campus Activities Board (CAB), class clubs and Student Council.


Mr. Ducoing earned his AA from Waubonsee Community College and a BS in Criminal Justice from Rockford University. Before joining IMSA, he served as an Area Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College.


We’re excited to welcome Mr. Ducoing to our Titan community!

Message from the President

Explore Science and Technology in Washington, DC

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Intersession is a period of time where students can take exploratory trips and engage in unique learning seminars that typically aren't available during the academic semesters. Students typically sign up for Intersession during the Spring of the previous year because the sponsors need time to plan the trips and book international travel. New students will have plenty of other opportunities on campus, as well as domestic trips, as space is available.


This academic year, I plan to take a group of students to Washington, DC, for one week to explore science and technology in the region. Tentatively, the trip is January 5-11, 2026, during Intersession. Personally, I lived in DC for over 10 years and feel quite equipped to navigate the rich culture, history and sites. There are a vast array of museums and national associations to explore, as well as understanding the role of science and technology in the federal government. Additionally, we will visit with alumni who work in the region to understand more about their career paths. From past trips, students cite the connection with alumni in their workplace as being quite meaningful and memorable. If this type of trip interests you, please fill out this form.

Belize Medical Mission Trip

Intersession 2026

Are you interested in medicine and global health? Travel with Nurse Angie and fellow IMSA students on a medical mission trip to Belize during the January 2026 Intersession. Work alongside doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, promote health and wellness, and earn 30+ service hours through Global Medical Squads.


The Program Fee is $3,230 per student. Click the button below for more information on fundraising and what is included in the fee.


Please use the Registration & Funding Page Link to confirm your participation in the program by September 10 and start raising money for the trip. Beyond the registration donation, you will only need money for gifts, souvenirs, and shopping at local markets. 

Ireland and Scotland Intersession

These lands were once home to ancient Celtic and Gaelic tribes, and now their histories blend into the modern day.


Students on this Travel Study experience can step back into the Middle Ages on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, admire the soaring spire of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and discover Belfast’s restored 19th-century architecture and thriving arts scene.


Primary Travel Destinations - Dublin and Belfast, Ireland; Edinburgh, Scotland

Tentative Travel Dates - January 6-13, 2026

Study Program Fee - $4,429

Prerequisites - Junior or Senior in good academic standing

Staff Sponsors - Samantha Rivera Miller and Shari Katich-Rogers (in partnership with Education First Tours)

Campus Resources

Writing Center Hours


The Writing Center will open for the semester starting Tuesday, September 2! Students can work with peer tutors on essay composition, organization, and proofreading.


The Writing Center is located in A109, 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.

ITS Support Sessions


IMSA Help Desk will host special Student Support Sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during S&E in the ITS Conference Room.


These special Student Support sessions will continue until September 19. Staff and Faculty are also welcome to come for help during these hours. 

The Makerspace is Open!

Explore 3D printers, sewing machines, a laser cutter, and more!


This space is open to students, faculty, and staff. Just stop by IN2 during school hours to try out these amazing tools and learn how they work.


Contact Grant Bell at gbell@imsa.edu with any questions.

Group Fitness Classes


Wednesday, August 27, 2025

3:00 p.m.

Multipurpose Room


Thursday, August 28, 2025

S&E Period

Multipurpose Room



Start your fitness journey or level up your workouts! Group fitness classes bring the energy, motivation, and accountability you need to crush your goals in strength training and cardio!


Classes are led by Counselor Alexis Pratt, a certified group fitness instructor. If you have any questions, you can email her at apratt@imsa.edu.   

Dual Credit Information

Students enrolled in a dual credit course at IMSA will need to complete forms for one or both partner institutions. Courses through Waubonsee Community College will require students to complete a "High School Student Registration/Authorization Form," which will be provided in class by their IMSA faculty member. This form only requires basic information (student name, home address, etc.).


Dual credit courses taken in partnership with SIUE will require the completion of the Pre-Collegiate Application online form. These forms must be completed in order to earn dual credit.


For questions, please reach out to Dr. Paul Gaszak.

Internship Program

If you're looking for an internship opportunity or you're interested in learning more about the program, check out The Internship Brochure and Business Mentor Guide. If you already have a mentor for your internship, make sure they register here.  


Students are always welcome to stop by IN2 during S&E period to discuss internships, ask questions, or get help building a resume. Email sfricano@imsa.edu if you'd like to schedule a meeting at another time.


Sign up below for continuing information about the Internship Program. 

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program

Do you have an idea you want to bring to life? Email IN2’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation program at sgoldblatt@imsa.edu for more information or to set up an appointment.


Plenty of competitions are already lined up for the ’25–’26 year! Competition categories include:

  • Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Pitch
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Writing (essays, poetry, etc.)
  • Finance, Economics, and Investing
  • Design and Art
  • Scholarships
  • …and many more!


Join the Competitions Interest List to automatically receive updates as opportunities open.

Calendar

August 27 - Day of Service

September 1 - Labor Day (Academy is closed, but the residence halls remain open and staffed for students staying over Labor Day Weekend).

September 10 - First day of SIR/Internship travel

September 20 - Schwartzwalder Volleyball Tournament


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!

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.