The Power of 15 Edition

The Power of 15

For the last couple years, District 211 has been advocating for all students to strive to achieve The Power of 15. This is the idea that students will have accumulated 15 hours of college credit in high school through the successful completion of AP and dual credit courses.

What’s the big deal about 15 credits?

Students who enter college with 15 credits under their belt:

• Are twice as likely to graduate from college on time.
• Earn a higher GPA in college.
• Report higher motivation to earn their degree.
• Save money! How much? Look at this chart that shows the value of 15 credit hours through different means:

While every student may not go on to college, we want to create an environment where college is at least an option. Regardless, AP and dual credit classes offer the following benefits:

• Solid work ethic to tackle rigorous coursework
• Preparation for college-level classes
• Vocational training and certification
• Time and money savings

The Power of 15 does NOT mean that students load up on AP classes. Sure, we offer an abundance of AP classes, but we offer Dual Credit classes (courses where students earn high school and college credit concurrently) in English, Math, Science, Art, Business, Family & Consumer Science, and Applied Tech. Fremd High School offers over 40 AP and dual credit courses across a variety of subject areas.

What should I do now?

First, I recommend assessing how many college credits your student has earned so far. A very rough estimate: one Fremd AP or dual credit course = 3 college credit hours. Check out our Curriculum Guide for more information.

Next, regardless of your student's grade in school, check to see if there is a dual credit or AP class that your student can take. Ideally, you will find courses that serve as college entrance requirements, graduation requirements, or career interests.

And lastly, I suggest setting up the possibility of taking a dual credit or AP course in subsequent years. Many courses have pre-requisites that may require forward planning. Need help? Your student's counselor will be your best resource.

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to Arash Abbas and Aditya Prathap for making the Semifinals session in Congressional Debate at the Glenbrooks Debate Tournament, which hosts over 300 schools from around the country.
• Congratulations to Coach Kacey Kronforst and the Girls Gymnastics Team on their 1st placeTeam All Around finish at the Big Purple Invite.   Invite Results:  Vault: Sam Shirmer (3rd), Mel Ng (14th), Ellyce Wong (17th), Kate Watson (22nd); Bars:  Mel Ng (2nd), Gianna Christodoulopoulos (8th), Sam Shirmer (10th), Ellyce Wong (21st); Beam:  Mel Ng and Gianna Christodoulopoulos (tied 5th), Abby Moran (21st), Ellyce Wong (23rd);  Floor:  Gianna Christodoulopoulos (6th), Sam Shirmer (11th), Kate Watson (12th), Mel Ng (14th) and (4th) Individual All Around.
• Congratulations to the following ILMEA All-State musicians:  Band: Hancine Mok- flute, Nick Szoblik- trumpet, Ryo Terada- Bb Clarinet; Orchestra: Steffi Chen- viola, Cameron Chiu- cello, Gina Kang-violin 1, Hannah Lin- violin 1; Chorus: Mary Kate Baughman- alto II, Denise Carlson- soprano II, Pranit Cheikycharia- bass I, Ria Ravi- alto I, Mayuri Srikanth- alto II, Vaishnavi Vembar- soprano I and Jerry Zheng - tenor I; Composition Student: Arinze Okammor- Opus1/Instrumental (large ensemble)

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

December 8	Winter Play - “Little Women” 7:00 p.m. Boys Swimming & Diving @  Schaumburg- 4:45 p.m. Girls/Boys Basketball @ FHS - 6:00/7:30 p.m. Wrestling @ PHS - 6:00 p.m.
December 9	Winter Play - “Little Women” 7:00 p.m. Wrestling Tournament @ Prospect - 9:00 a.m. Bowling Tournament @ Streamwood Bowl - 9:00 a.m. Boys Swimming & Diving @ Barrington - 1:30 p.m. Girls Basketball Tournament @ Benet Academy - 6:00 p.m.
December 10	Competitive Cheer Invitational @ Rockford (Guilford) - 8:30 a.m.
December 11	Bowling vs. PHS @ Arlington Lanes - 4:45 p.m.
December 13	Bowling vs. Rolling Meadows @ Arlington Lanes - 4:30 p.m. Girls Gymnastics @ Rolling Meadows - 6:00 p.m. Girls Basketball Tournament @ Benet Academy - 7:30 p.m.
December 14	Bowling vs. Glenbrook North @ Arlington Lanes - 4:30 p.m.

For a more complete list, please visit our Athletics Page or the Athletic Department Blog.

Staff Spotlight

Name:

Christi Parsons

Position:

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher/Department Chair

Athletic Coordinator

Years at Fremd:

This is my 11th year

Life Before Fremd:

I was born and raised in Belvidere, IL.  I went to Illinois State University and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising.  After a few years in the retail world, I decided on a career change and went back to school at NIU to gain my education certification.  Prior to Fremd I taught and coached tennis at Belvidere, East Leyden and Glenbard South.

Hobbies/Interests:

In my spare time, I LOVE to Travel—my favorite place being Destin, FL.  I also enjoy cooking, shopping, reading (and listening to audiobooks)  and socializing with friends and family.

Insider Tip for Parents:

Fremd has so many opportunities for students to pursue their interests and skills.  There is something for everyone!  Allow your children to explore courses and activities that offer life skills and  hands-on opportunities they are passionate about.   The hope is they leave here with a good idea of what they want to do in the future.  

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.