February 25, 2025

As IMSA continues its journey toward the bold vision of IMSA 2033, we remain committed to expanding experiential learning opportunities that empower students with more voice and choice in their academic pathways. As part of this commitment, we are excited to announce a shift in the academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year: the traditional January intersession will move to the end of the year as a Maymester experience.

This transition opens the door to greater flexibility and opportunity, allowing students to engage more deeply in research, internships, and travel study. Intersession surveys and feedback from students and families this year were very positive on the ability to participate in both SIR/internship experiences during intersession and the option of an independent intersession designed by the student that could be completed at home or in another location away from IMSA. By shifting intersession to the end of the year, we create an expanded learning window—a required two-week experience with the potential for extended study into three or more weeks while still living at IMSA. Students may also choose to participate from their home communities or other locations. Beyond new learning possibilities, this change also supports students academically, providing targeted support and remediation in classes to ensure all students step confidently into the next school year.

Change brings exciting possibilities, and thoughtful planning is key to making this transition successful. In the coming months, we will actively engage students, parents, faculty, and residence life staff to shape this experience into one that truly enriches student learning at IMSA. We look forward to working together to bring this vision to life!

Graduation Accessory Orders

Due March 1

Time is running out to order graduation merchandise through Herff Jones! These orders include caps, gowns, tassels, etc.

Orders received after March 1 will incur late fees.

Sophomores and juniors should save the dates below for upcoming Course Selection Meetings with the CACs.

After meeting with the CACs, sophomores and juniors are expected to attend the Elective Mini-Fair at 2:00 p.m. in the Main and West Gyms. This event will give students the chance to learn more about elective course offerings and connect with faculty to help make informed course selections.

Attendance at the designated meeting and the Elective Mini-Fair is essential to the course selection process.

MSA and Lexington have put together a food service system for students fasting during Ramadan. For the first week of Ramada, sunset will occur during Lexington dinner hours, so students can partake in regular dining practices. Once sunset occurs after Lexington closes, students who are fasting can go to Lexington during dinner hours and take their hot food in a to-go box. The meal will be whatever was served for dinner that day and will include dates and water.

Students should also grab their food for Suhur (meal before sunrise) at the same time. Lexington will provide a variety of foods such as bagels, egg sandwiches, yogurt, fresh fruits, and more. Lexington will also provide an extra meal/late-night snack that can be taken from the cooler (as much food as you need from the breakfast foods).

In order for Lexington to make a sufficient amount of food, we need an accurate number of students who are fasting this year. If your student is fasting, please make sure they complete this form. MSA will also add them to a group chat with all the for any updates or information regarding the food service.

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's Community Conversation on cafeteria services! Your feedback helps us improve the dining experience.

Key topics discussed:

• Food Lines & Wait Times – Efforts are underway to improve flow.
• Menu Accuracy – Staff is learning the online system and asks for patience.
• Student Feedback – Added better vegetarian/vegan options and more hot grab-and-go choices.
• Food Quality & Cleanliness – Addressing past issues with increased oversight and new management.
• Line Cutting & Lunch Timing – Staff encourages patience and respect.
• Upcoming Improvements – Hot sandwich stations, grab-and-go cooler, faster service, and pre-made sandwich options.

We appreciate your input and are committed to ongoing improvements. Keep sharing your feedback—we’re listening!

THIS WEEK- Join us in the AC Pit during S&E to discuss the proposed 2025-2026 academic calendar with Dr. Rowley and Dr. Berger. We hope to see you there!

The Science Olympiad Team has dominated tournaments all winter, including a first-place win at UChicago and a second-place win at Harlem High School. Most recently, the team took first place in their division at the Crystal Lake Central High School tournament. Congratulations to the following students who took first place in their events:

Vishnu Vijay ‘27 and Aahana Das ‘25 - Anatomy & Physiology

Vishnu Vijay ‘27 and Joshua Mu ‘25 - Chemistry Lab

Aashritha Kukunooru ‘27, Krithik Senthilkumar ‘27, and Kaustubh Bukkapatnam ‘27 - Codebusters

Hariharan Ananthakrishnan ‘27 and Avery Lau ‘27 - Dynamic Planet

Amelia Weingarz ‘27 and Aarushi Das ‘25 - Entomology

Aashritha Kukunooru ‘27 and Joshua Mu ‘25 - Forensics

Avery Lau ‘27 and Hari Ananthakrishnan ‘27- Geologic Mapping

Oscar Chaplin ‘27 and Joshua Mu ‘25 - Material Science

Scholastic Bowl

IMSA’s Scholastic Bowl novice team recently won second place at the 2025 Griffin Bowl! The team competed in the upper division and triumphed over strong opponents, with one match going into a tiebreaker showdown! Ari Mast ‘27 made the all-tournament team, scoring in the top ten for points per game over the entire competition field. 

Congratulations to all team members for an amazing showing: Aarnav Jain ‘27, Ari Mast ‘27, Cinna Davis ‘27, Dhruv Ravinuthala ‘27, Eric Barajas ‘27, Ethan Chang ‘27, and Luke Miao ‘27.

Science Bowl

The IMSA Science Bowl teams had an outstanding showing at the region tournament at Naperville North. A Team placed fifth overall, moving on to the Semifinals, while B Team secured 6th, defeating strong competition like Stevenson A, Fremd A, and Hoffman A along the way!

If you are interested in joining Science Bowl, sign up here. The team meets every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Grainger Hallway.

Student Spotlights

Jordan Henry '25 is making a difference in the health and safety of residents across the state! Jordan has played an integral part in introducing legislation to help combat the opioid epidemic and save lives. With the help of Jordan's data collection and research, State Representative Anna Moeller introduced House Bill 1910, which will provide opioid antagonists, such as naloxone, to public libraries and allow trained library personnel to administer the life-saving drug to anyone experiencing an opioid overdose on library grounds, in the immediate vicinity, or at library-sponsored events.

Regarding Jordan's work, Rep. Moeller stated, “Jordan’s desire to help people in need is a powerful example of how one person, regardless of age, can make a genuine difference in society. I give credit to her for not only bringing this idea to my attention but having already compiled pages and pages of research on the matter.”

Mrs. Emma Wilson Parker, Coordinator of Student Leadership and Service at IMSA, has been recognized by ISBE with the Award of Special Recognition in the Student Support Personnel category for her outstanding leadership in fostering student growth and well-being. She has spearheaded several key initiatives, including the LEAD program, Student Council, Day of Service, the IMSA Student Service & Relations Pilot Program, new student orientation, and welcome week.

Her mentorship in the LEAD program empowers students to develop practical leadership skills. Her commitment to service learning has inspired remarkable student achievements, with students completing over 55,000 service hours as a community during the 23-24 school year. 

To nominate an IMSA Impact Maker for an upcoming Titan Tuesday, email officeofpublicaffairs@imsa.edu.

Student Show

Thursday, February 27, 2025

6:30 p.m.

Auditorium

A dinner reception will immediately follow the show.

Parent Show

Saturday, March 1, 2025

3:00 p.m.

Auditorium

Pizza and Perfectionism Podcast Event

Hosted by Counseling Services

Thursday, February 27, 2025

11:35 a.m.

Horowitz Conference Room

Tired of that negative voice in your head? In an episode of The Happiness Lab, Dr. Laurie Santos shares practical ways to break free from self-criticism and negativity.

Learn how to:

• Reframe your thoughts
• Challenge your inner critic
• Cultivate self-compassion

Tune in to discover how transforming your self-talk can boost your emotional well-being and help you develop a more positive mindset. Pizza will be provided.

Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's Community Conversation on cafeteria services! Your feedback helps us improve the dining experience.

Key topics discussed:

• Food Lines & Wait Times – Efforts are underway to improve flow.
• Menu Accuracy – Staff is learning the online system and asks for patience.
• Student Feedback – Added better vegetarian/vegan options and more hot grab-and-go choices.
• Food Quality & Cleanliness – Addressing past issues with increased oversight and new management.
• Line Cutting & Lunch Timing – Staff encourages patience and respect.
• Upcoming Improvements – Hot sandwich stations, grab-and-go cooler, faster service, and pre-made sandwich options.

We appreciate your input and are committed to ongoing improvements. Keep sharing your feedback—we’re listening!

THIS WEEK- Discuss the proposed 2025-2026 academic calendar with Dr. Rowley and Dr. Berger. We hope to see you there!

If you have ideas for future Community Conversations, submit them here. Students will be able to vote on future Community Conversation topics.

Curious about the latest AI tech? Join the AI Center for a hands-on AI Bytes series where you’ll explore cutting-edge tools and emerging technologies. Whether you're new to AI or looking to deepen your skills, these sessions will give you a chance to learn and experiment. All sessions are held in the AI Center (near the math study area) during S&E (2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.):

March 4 – Introduction to Microcontrollers (Jetson Nanos)

March 11 – Guest Speaker: Vikram Anjur ‘15, Software Developer at Nvidia

March 25 – AI Ethics Series with Dr. Rettberg (Ethical Use of AI Tools and Tech)

Titan Thrift

Prom and Professional Attire Shop

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

E117

Thursday, March 6, 2025

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

E117

Get ready for the ultimate fashion event! Titan Thrift is hosting a Prom and Professional Attire shop in Room E117 (next to the Art Room). Don’t miss your chance to shop a fabulous selection of formal dresses—some still with the tags on! Plus, snag the perfect professional outfits for spring events like SLX, IMSALoquium, and graduation.

This is the FINAL thrift shop event, so make sure you're there to find your perfect look before it's too late! We hope to see you there. 

PAC is seeking parent volunteers and/or donations for BSU 's annual Essence Culture Show. If you are interested in helping out, please use the links below.

Creating a Healthy Work-Life Balance

A healthy work-life balance means effectively managing personal needs alongside work or school demands. With that being said, it is not easy to find that balance between our school and personal life. Here are some tips to help improve your work-life balance:

• Take breaks – These breaks can be short, like grabbing a snack or going for a walk. It is important not to overwork yourself, as it could lead to burnout.
• Improve your time management – Organize your tasks by making to-do lists. Prioritize tasks by importance, and make a plan of action to stay ahead.
• Practice self-compassion – Do not be too hard on yourself. Sometimes we can be our own worst critic. We are doing our best to stay on top of busy schedules. Being kind to yourself can help you navigate challenging times.
• Schedule some "you" time – Incorporate activities that you enjoy into your schedule. Quality time for yourself or with others can go a long way and help you be more productive in the long run.

Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) seeks evaluators for this year's Student Leadership Exchange (SLX) on April 30, 2025. Evaluators will join us for an afternoon of listening to the Class of 27's projects surrounding social entrepreneurship, activism, and data journalism in correspondence with the UN's Sustainability Development Goals.

Evaluators can evaluate both in person and virtually. However, we prefer in-person evaluations. If any professionals in your network are interested in participating, please send them the form below.

The Mental Health Day Lounge needs some renovation! The counseling team, StudCo and SPARK would like to add some more items to the lounge and would love to get some student feedback to make the room better. 

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

February 28 - Countywide Teacher Institute Day (Friday I-Day)

March 7 - Choir Concert

March 15 - Halls close at 12:00 p.m.

March 15 - 22 - Spring Break

March 23 - Halls open at 3:00 p.m.

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.