Friday, June 3, 2016

The Thank You Edition

Thank You, Class of 2016!

As the principal of Fremd, I pour a lot of time and energy into monitoring our school culture. Why? School culture influences EVERYTHING. When you have a positive school culture, students want to be here. They want to participate in sports, clubs and activities. And they have a great deal of success in these activities due to their commitment. And when things are going well outside of the classroom, there is usually a positive impact inside the classroom, too.


I want to thank the Class of 2016 for maintaining--better yet, IMPROVING--our school culture. Sure, they were extremely active in our school. Sure, they found a great amount of success in and out of the classroom. But it is the attitude they modeled for the rest of the school that makes me most proud.


Here are a few examples:


When the bleachers broke at a football game, we moved the student section into the endzone behind some flimsy barricades. I could overhear several students planning to storm the field immediately following the game. I explained to the students that I wanted all of the PHS players to exit the field safely first. That was all it took--they stayed off of the field; the seniors led by example, and the rest of the students followed their lead. And we all took great joy in beating our cross-town rival...without incident.

This senior class will be known as the class that started what we hope becomes a thriving tradition here: Fremd After Dark. Sure, there were a lot of fun activities, but it was the way the students came together as a class (once again, without incident) to enjoy each other’s company that I will remember most. The only negative part? I allowed two students to paint my face, and the pictures just won’t go away!

When the fog machine set off the fire alarms at Winterfest, our seniors made sure the party continued in the cafeteria. Not an ideal situation, but I’ll bet this mishap will make the event even more memorable for the seniors, who handled this with class.

During graduation practice this morning, our senior class sponsors (Sarah Braverman and Courtney Billittier) praised the class for their collective attentiveness and respectful behavior. I’ve lost count of how many time I’ve heard this.


The Class of 2016 had fun, but not at others’ expense. They formed positive relationships with their peers and their teachers. And they left Fremd High School better than they found it. Thank you, Class of 2016!


Highlights and Successes:
  • Congratulations to sophomore Jaden Jackson on taking 6th place at the State Boys Track Meet in 300 Intermediate Hurdles.
  • The Fremd Music Department is proud to announce that the Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Marla Caballero) and Jazz Ensemble (under the direction of Matthew Moore) have been selected to perform as featured ensembles for the 2017 Illinois Music Education Conference and All-State Festival – January 25-28, 2017 in Peoria.  The ensembles were selected through an audition process consisting of recordings, past programs, letters of recommendation from music colleagues, and bios/accomplishments of the ensembles.  Both conductors are honored to have the ensembles’ musicianship recognized in this way as we represent Fremd High School and District 211 at this state-wide conference for music educators.



Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events


June 3
Boys Volleyball State @ Hoffman EStates H.S. - 6:00 p.m.

Girls Soccer State @ North Central College - 7:00 p.m.
June 4
Boys Baseball Sectional @ Stevenson H.S. - 11:00 a.m.

Girls Softball Sectional @ Schaumburg H.S. - 4:30 p.m.

Boys Volleyball State @ Hoffman EStates H.S. - 6:00 p.m.

Girls Soccer State @ North Central College - 7:00 p.m.
June 5
Graduation - 11:00 a.m. Sears Centre
June 6
Girls Softball Super Sectional @ Rosemont Stadium - 4:30 p.m.

Boys Baseball Super Sectional @ Boomers Stadium - 4:30 p.m.
June 8
Finals - early dismissal 12:20 p.m.
June 9
Finals - early dismissal 12:20 p.m
June 10
Finals - early dismissal 10:40 a.m


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


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.