January 23, 2015

Now We’re Cooking!

Since my last blog post, I have received emails from several parents with comments or questions, many of which were in response to my posts about our use of technology. Other questions were in response to current events, either at Fremd or in surrounding districts. These questions, and my corresponding answers, will serve as the “headline story” this week.

Q1: I see that Barrington High School is beginning to examine the start time for the regular school day. Has there been any discussion about this at Fremd High School or District 211?

Here is a link to a recent article from the Daily Herald about Barrington’s interest in examining a later start time. District 211 officials are aware of what is happening in Barrington, but we haven’t had any formal discussions about this topic. As the article points out, there is a balance between what is best for teens and their need for sleep and other factors, such as additional costs for transportation. Barrington High School predicts that added bus routes would cost at least $1.5 million per year. District 211’s transportation costs would also increase, though I don’t know how much.

Q2: What about final exams? Can’t we at least change the starting times for final exams to allow my student to take their tests with a solid night of sleep under his/her belt?

This is an interesting idea. But if we shift the starting time at Fremd, we would also have to shift the starting time at PHS since we share bus routes. Doing so may require us to provide a lunch for students, which is an added cost. It also breaks students out of their usual routine, which may create other unintended problems.

Q3: Speaking of testing, how much testing is too much? I feel like my student is constantly taking tests in some of her classes.

The end of the semester can be rough. Teachers are trying to finish up the course content while assessing the students’ preparation for the final exam. We have ongoing conversations about how to gather this evidence in formats that won’t stress out students and that will afford optimum learning time in class. As with any other concern you may have, I suggest that you begin this conversation with the teacher to share with them what life looks like through your student’s eyes.

Q4: I appreciate that you are using iPads to improve instruction, but can’t we disable the games? They are a major distraction to my student!

We evaluate this possibility from time to time. It would make everyone’s lives much easier to allow only educational apps. There are several reasons why we have chosen not to limit the students’ access to games. Toward the top of this list is the desire to educate students about using the devices appropriately. Informally, teachers speak to students about appropriate use. Formally, we offer many educational opportunities through guest speakers, staff presentations, and our student-run Digital Democracy Committee. High school is the time for students to learn these skills, before they try to navigate the freedom and independence that college affords them.

And if you’d like to discuss this topic in more detail, please plan to attend our...

Parent Technology Academy: Learning to Love Social Media.  Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 – 8:00 PM, Fremd Media Center.  Join us for an interactive discussion on how students use social media and the role of parents in helping students manage technology.  Technology Coordinator Keith Sorensen, Assistant Principal Craig Kersemeier, and a panel of Fremd students will review the most common social media services, discuss ideas for establishing family expectations, and brainstorm tips for talking with students about social media.  Afterwards we’ll stick around to answer questions regarding technology at FHS.  We’ll also provide tech assistance – all devices welcome!  We hope you’ll come be part of the conversation!

Highlights and Successes

• Congratulations to the Boys’ Swimming Free Relay Team on their 3rd place finish at Hinsdale South College Events.  The relay members are Austin Yurasek, Roshan Rajan, Nick Nevins and Alex Nicholas.
• Congratulations to the following Varsity Speech Team award winners at the Glenbard West Topper Tourney:  Emma Davies, 1st place Informative Speaking, 5th place Radio Speaking; Abby Cohen, finalist Original Comedy; and Alex Bazil, finalist Impromptu Speaking.
• Congratulations to the following Varsity Debaters who won Chamber awards at the Deerfield Congressional Debate Tournament: Anusha Thotakura (1st Place), Leonard Lee (2nd Place), and Kamalesh Srikanth (2nd Place).

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

January 23	Varsity Wrestling Senior Night vs. Barrington - 6:00 p.m. Boys Swimming & Diving @ PHS - 4:30 p.m. Girls Basketball @ Barrington - 7:30 p.m.
January 24	Boys Swimming & Diving @ Glenbrook N Art Van Aman Invite-Diving - 9:00 a.m. Art Van Aman Invite-Swimming - 1:00 p.m. Wrestling vs Libertyville/Cary Grove @ Cary Grove - 9:00 a.m. Girls Bowling vs. Leyden Invite @ Stardust Lanes-9:00 a.m. Boys Basketball vs. Conant - 6:00 p.m.
January 26	Girls Bowling vs. HEHS @ Arlington Lanes - 4:30 p.m. Girls Basketball vs. Conant - 7:30 p.m.
January 27	Late Start Day - 8:50 a.m. Parent Principal Network - 7:00 p.m. in Media Center
January 28	Girls Bowling vs. SHS @ Arlington Lanes- 4:30 p.m. Parent Technology Academy - 7:00 p.m. in Media Center
January 30	Boys Swimming & Diving Senior Night vs. CHS - 4:30 p.m. Girls Basketball Senior Night vs. SHS - 7:30 p.m.

For a more complete list, please visit our Athletics Page.

Staff Spotlight

Name: Kim Glaser

Position: Assistant Principal

Years at Fremd: This is my third year at Fremd.

Life Before Fremd: Before coming to Fremd, I taught English for six years at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville. I also coached Neuqua softball, directed several NVHS theatre productions, and served as an advisor to Fremd’s Viking Logue. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and did my master’s degree work with Olivet Nazarene University. I grew up in Naperville and attended Neuqua Valley High School.

Hobbies/Interests: I have two young boys so many of my hobbies revolve around their interests—soccer, t-ball, and Transformers to name a few. I also enjoy reading, working out, trying out new restaurants with my husband and friends, and catching up on my DVR recordings when I have the time.

Insider Tip for Parents: Encourage your student to move outside his or her comfort zone when it comes to taking opportunities in high school. Fremd has a wide variety of clubs, activities, and events that can enhance your student’s high school experience. In addition to teachers and counselors, your student’s administrator is another resource who can help him or her make positive connections to our school.  

Ask the Principal

Are you curious about something at Fremd but have never asked? Email me at ktenopir@d211.org. If your question is pertinent to a wider audience, I will include it in the next blog post.