The Getting Involved Edition

The Other Half of Education

It is a firm belief of mine that clubs, activities and sports are the other half of education. The life lessons and leadership skills that young people learn through athletics and activities may be just as important as what they learn during the school day.

Photo courtesy of the Fremd Debate Team twitter account

Here at Fremd, we believe that EVERY STUDENT should be involved in at least one activity that extends beyond the school day. These extracurricular experiences facilitate connections. Connections with other students. Connections with staff members. And connections with meaningful learning opportunities.

The other half of education helps your student develop many of the skills that are hard to teach in a class but are of utmost importance beyond high school. Teamwork. Time management. Self-discipline. Persistence. Dealing with success and failure. Overcoming adversity.

Although fall sports have already kicked off, it is not too late to sign up for Girls and Boys Cross Country, Football, or Girls Swimming. If your student is interested in signing up, please visit our Athletics website for more information.

Fremd offers over 60 clubs and activities, many of which will be meeting soon. I encourage you to check out the Activities website for a listing of clubs and activities, as well as sponsor and meeting information for each activity.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

August 22	Boys Soccer vs. Highland Park - 7:00 p.m.
August 23	LATE Start - 8:50 a.m. start
August 25	Boys Golf @ Hilldale Golf Club - 3:30 p.m. Girls Golf @ Rob Roy golf course - 3:30 p.m. Girls Tennis @ Maine South H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving vs. Libertyville - 4:45 p.m. Boys Soccer @ New Trier - 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name:

J.T. Teichert

Position:

Assistant Director of Bands/Music Teacher

Jazz Lab Director

Jazz Combo Director

VMB Assistant Director

Years at Fremd:

1

Life Before Fremd:

I’ve spent the past three years working at Wheeling High School, working with all Marching, Concert, and Jazz Bands. Prior to that, I attended DePaul University for Music Education with an emphasis in Jazz Studies.

Hobbies/Interests:

My hobbies include practicing instruments (mostly saxophone), reading, and watching Chicago sports.

Insider Tip for Parents:

Encourage your students to be involved in a club or activity!

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.

Workshop for Parents of Athletes

Welcome to Mr. Tenopir's Blog! During the school year, I will try to keep you updated with information that goes beyond what we would normally post in a newsletter or on our school website. To get a feel for the format, feel free to review some of the previous posts. For now, I just have one important topic to tell you about. See you in 10 days!

FHS to Host Parent Workshop

On August 16, from 6:00-7:30 pm in the Student Cafeteria, we will be partnering with the Positive Coaching Alliance to host a parent workshop titled, "The High School Sports Parent: Developing Triple-Impact Competitors." This interactive workshop explores the role of Second-Goal Parents, supporting their athlete so they have a fun, positive experience in sports. Parents who attend a parent workshop should be able to:

(1) know what is expected of them as a high school sports parent

(2) understand parent’s and athlete’s goals related to the HS sports experience

(3) match their behavior as a parent to their goals for their HS sports experience

(4) support their athlete to bounce back from mistakes and setbacks

(5) teach their child about the importance of a growth-mindset

(6) understand and manage the relationship between the parent and coach

While our primary emphasis at Fremd is on preparing students to be academically ready for life beyond high school, we understand the important role that athletics play in the high school experience. This parent workshop is one piece of the puzzle for us in providing a positive experience for our athletes. The Positive Coaching Alliance will also be working with our coaches and our athletes to help our teens get the most from high school sports.

As an attendee at this workshop, you will receive a free copy of the book, The High School Parent: Developing Triple-Impact Competitors, which will show parents how to:

• Help their teen become a Triple-Impact Competitor who makes herself, her teammates, and the game better
• Navigate the complicated high school sports landscape
• Use high school sports' endless procession of teachable moments to teach and reinforce positive character traits
• Deal effectively with common dilemmas faced by high school sports parents

This is not a mandatory workshop, and there is no need to RSVP. I think you will find that the content and presentation style will be engaging and informative.

Please contact Athletic Director David Dick at (847) 755-2770 with any questions.

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.

The Qubed Edition

Business Incubator Pitch Night

We are wrapping up the first year of our D211 Business Incubator class. On May 23, a business team from Fremd presented their final product/service pitch to a panel of judges in the hope that their idea would be funded as a true business.

The business, Qubed, had the idea of creating an education app that would allow students to see tutoring services through screen sharing and whiteboard technology. While their idea did not “win” the contest, many of the judges agreed that the team’s idea was solid, and that their presentation was the best of the group.

Pictured here are the member of Qubed, from left to right: Andres Carrero, Yulia Odinokova, Sarah Yoon, Shun Yamamoto, Kristine Yim, and their real-world business mentor.

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to the following Boy’s Track & Field 300 Hurdles Conference Champion Jaden Jackson.
• Congratulations to Boys Track & Field Shot Put Sectional Champion and State Qualifier Ethan Hanson; Jaden Jackson Sectional Champion in the 110m High Hurdles & 300 m Intermediate Hurdles and State Qualifier;  Ryan McMahon State Qualifier in the 200 m dash;  Ben Konopka State Qualifier in the 110m High Hurdles; and  Danny Peterson, Jack Buban, Luke Vogelgesang, Ed Worthem & Alex Lytle State Qualifiers in the 3200m Relay.
• Congratulations to Coach Steve Keller and the Girls Soccer Team on winning the  Regional Championship.  
• Congratulations to Coach Matt Duncan and the Fremd Boys Tennis Team on taking 2nd place at Sectionals. Kazuki Matsuno took  2nd place in singles and is a State Qualifier.
• Congratulations to the cast and crews of this year’s spring play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, on an outstanding production this past weekend.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

May 27	Early Dismissal - 11:50 a.m. Thespian Induction - FHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Boys Track & Field State @ Eastern Illinois University Boys Tennis State Girls Softball Regional @ Elgin Larkin H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Girls Soccer Section @ Paltine H.S. - 6:00 p.m. Boys Volleyball Sectional @ Barrington H.S. - 6:0 p.m.
May 28	Boys Track & Field State @ Eastern Illinois University Boys Tennis State Boys Baseball Regional @ Warren H.S. - 10:00 a.m.
May 30	Memorial Day - no school
May 31	Girls Softball Sectional @ Schaumburg H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Girls Soccer Super Sectional @ Barrington H.S. - 6:00 p.m. Boys Volleyball Sectioanl @ Barrington H.S. - 6:00 p.m. Senior Choir Recognition Reception/Concert -Cafe, 5:00/7:00 p.m.
June 1	Boys Baseball Sectional @ Stevenson H.S. - 4:30 p.m.
June 2	Senior Breakfast @ Stonegate - 8:00 a.m. Senior Recognition Band Concert - Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
June 3	Graduation Rehearsal - Gym, 7:30 a.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 @ Sears Centre - 11:00 a.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name: Courtney Billittier

Position: Social Studies teacher

Boys Diving

Girls Diving

Senior Class Co-Sponsor

Poverty Awareness Week co-organizer

Years at Fremd: 5

Life Before Fremd: Grew up in Mundelein with three older brothers and loved to participate in sports. A proud graduate of Illinois State.. Go Redbirds!

Hobbies/Interests: Running, yoga, baking, traveling and reading.

Insider Tip for Parents: Encourage your student(s) to get involved and try new things

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.

The Color Run Edition

Scenes from the Color Run

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to Jenny Li (Girls Badminton) on taking a 4th place medal in singles at the State Competition.
• Congratulations to the following Sectional Champions and State Qualifying Girls Track members:  4x100 Relay include Hanna Murakani, Anayia, Bethany Ekwonwa, and Cara Ogilvy; 4x200 Relay include: Hanna Murakani, Anayia Veremis, Bethany Ekwonwa, and Cara Ogilvy;  4x400 Relay include Hanna Murakami, Cara Ogilvy, Emma Schultz and Nora Finegan.  The 4x100 broke a 33 year old school record. Nora Finegan (2nd place)  and Linda Varela (6th place) also qualified in the 800.
• Congratulations to Coach Matt Duncan and the Boys Tennis Team on winning 2nd place in the Conference Tennis Tournament and 2nd overall in the standings.  Award winners include:  2nd place 1st singles Kazuki Matsuno, 3rd place 2nd singles Sean Hishinuma, 2nd place 3rd singles Vetrie Senthikumar, 3rd place 1st doubles James Feng/Justin Piotrowski, 2nd doubles 2nd place Chris Stavrou/Advay Mahajan, and 3rd doubles 3rd place Hiro Handa/Kei Matsuoka.
• Congratulations to Coach Tim Hamman and the Boys Gymnastics Team on taking a 3rd place trophy at the IHSA State Finals.  State Finalists include:  Cole Patton: Floor Exercise (2nd place) and Eric Barnd: Pommel Horse (9th place), Vault (4th place), High Bar (9th place), and  All around (10th place).
• Congratulations to this week’s Viking Pride Winners:  Matt Baughman, Sarah Chen, Benjamin Cuthbert, Carly DeFilippo, Darian Gerasta, Chloe Grzegorczyk, Sydney Heinrich, Ashley Park, Andy Rudman, Elizabeth Sealey, Yahsong Tang, Lucy Vaquero, and Michael Zanichelli.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

May 20	Spring Play - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Boys Track & Field Sectional @ Lake Zurich - 4:30 p.m. Girls Track & Field State  @ Eastern Illinois University Boys Water Polo State @ Stevenson H.S. - 4;30 p.m. Girls Softball @ Crystal Lake Central - 5:00 p.m. Girls Soccer Regional @ Carmel H.S. - 6:00 p.m.
May 21	Spring Play - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Boys Tennis Sectional - 8:00 a.m. Boys Water Polo State @ Stevenson H.S. - 9:00 a.m. Girls Track & Field State @ Eastern Illinois University - 12:30 p.m.
May 23	Honors Convocation - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Boys Volleyball Regional @ Buffalo Grove H.S. - 5:30 p.m. Boys Baseball vs. Carmel H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Girls Softball Regional @ Elgin Larkin H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Girls Soccer Sectional @ Palatine H.S. - 5:00 p.m. Boys Volleyball Regional vs. Deerfield H.S. @ Buffalo Grove H.S. - 5:30 p.m.
May 25	Spring Sports Awards - 6:00 p.m. Boys Volleyball Regional @ Buffalo Grove H.S. - 6:00 p.m.
May 26	Senior Picnic - 1:00 p.m. Senior Recognition Orchestra Reception - Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m. Senior Recognition Orchestra Concert - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Boys Tennis State @ FHS - 8:00 a.m. Boys Baseball Regional vs. Deerfield @ Warren HS Almond Campus - 4:30 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Coach Newby is pictured here (middle left, in black) with the State-qualifying Water Polo team.

Name:  Brian C Newby

Position:  Physical Education / Drivers Education Teacher, Aquatic Director, JV Girls Swim Coach, Head Boys Water Polo Coach, and oh yes, also a bus driver for the district. :-)

Years at Fremd: This is my 15th year Teaching and 18th year at Fremd.  My first 3 years I worked  as the teacher’s assistant in the pool.

Life Before Fremd: I grew up in the City of Chicago.  I attended St Ferdinand elementary school (K thru 8th grade).  I started high school at Gordon Tech from 9th thru 11th grade.  In 12th Grade my family moved to Palatine where I attended Palatine HS.   In college I attended Harper and transferred to Northern Illinois University where I graduated with a Degree in Physical Ed. 

Hobbies/Interests:  Scuba Diving, wakeboarding, boating, going on tropical vacations, and figuring out a way to live on the Beach.

Insider Tip for Parents: Help your children understand respect for all will get you far in life.

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.