The Resilience Edition

Developing Resiliency in Your Teen

Have you ever asked yourself if your teen is resilient? Why does it matter anyway? For those of you who are returning readers of my blog, you are aware of the importance of grit, the growth mindset, and resilience on a person’s future success. Check out this blog post for more information.

Recently, I read an article entitled, “5 Steps Closer To A More Resilient Teen,” and I found the steps to be worth sharing. In case you don’t want to read the article in full, here are the 5 Steps Closer:

1. Don’t address issues with teachers before your teenager does.
2. Let go of your fear of teacher retaliation against your teenager.
3. When your teen gets home from school, don’t talk to them about school.
4. Ignore the manifestations and look for underlying issues.
5. Help your teenager develop lifelong skills.

Many of these tips will help your student develop stronger self-advocacy skills, and I think we can all agree on the importance of this skill in life. I would like to posit two of my own Steps to developing a more resilient teen:

Teach the difference between an excuse and a legitimate concern.

There can be a million and one reasons why your student failed the quiz or wasn’t selected for the team. Resilient people will look beyond those reasons and ask, “What is my own personal responsibility?”

Find the lesson in failure or setbacks.

Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” Education research is focusing on the importance of allowing students to struggle in the classroom, as this is one of the purest forms of the learning process. We need to relish these challenges, not shy away from them. This is how we grow.

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to Coach Darius Sanchez and the Boys Cross Country Team on winning the Crystal Lake South Invite (21 teams).  Danny Peterson took 2nd place and Luke Vogelgesang took 9th place.
• Congratulations to Coach Lauren O’Donnell and the Girls Tennis Team on taking 1st place at the Buffalo Grove Quad Meet.
• Congratulations to Coach Lauren O’Donnell and the Girls Tennis Team on winning the Fremd Invite.  Award winners include:  1st place - 1st singles Diya Matt; 1st place-2nd singles Elsie Ha; 3rd place-1st doubles Kate Bodensteiner and Julia Smiarowska; 1st place-2nd doubles Selin Parmaksiz and Kellie Ha; and 1st place-3rd double Jane Bodensteiner and Rachael Carlins.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

September 9	Football vs. New Trier H.S. - 7:30 p.m. Boys Golf @ Poplar Creek Country Club - 3:30 p.m. Girlsl Swimming & Diving vs. Glenbrook South H.S. - 5;30 p.m. Boys Soccer @ Marquette University H.S. - 5:30 p.m.
September 10	Boys Golf Invitational @ Shepherd’s Crook Golf Course - 7:30 a.m. Girls Tennis Invitational @ FHS - 8:00 a.m. Girls Swimming vs. Glenbrook South H.S. @ FHS - 5:30 p.m. Girls Diving Invitational @ Lyons Township H.S. - 9:00 a.m. Girls/Boys Cross Country Invitational @ Detweiller Park - 10:20/11:00 a.m. Boys Soccer @ Marquette University H.S. - 3:00 p.m.
September 12	Girls Golf @ Palatine Hills Golf Course - 3:30 p.m. Birls Volleyball @ Lake Zurich H.S. - 6:00 p.m.
September 13	Girls Golf vs. Elk Grove @ Highland Woods Golf Course - 3:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball vs. Schaumburg H.S. @ FHS - 5:00 p.m. Boys Soccer vs. HEHS - 7:00 p.m. Parent Network Meeting - 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center
September 15	Boys Golf vs. Prospect H.S. @ Hilldale Golf Club - 3:30 p.m. Girls Golf vs. Prospect H.S. @ Mt. Prospect Golf Course - 3:30 p.m. Boys/Girls Cross Country vs. Schaumburg H.S. @ Harper College - 4:30/6:00 p.m. Girls Tennis vs. Palatine H.S.  @ FHS - 4:45 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving vs. Palatine H.S. @ FHS - 4:45 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name:  Charles Nichols

Position:  Math/Computer Science Teacher

Years at Fremd:  Rookie year!

Life Before Fremd:  I have previously taught middle school for one year and high school for two.  I’m a graduate from Illinois State University.

Hobbies/Interests:  I enjoy living an active lifestyle, whether that’s playing basketball, working out, or taking a stroll outside to get some fresh air…I’m always moving.  I love music, am a musician, and have been playing the guitar for around 12 years.  MUSIC = MATH ladies and gentlemen…you’ve been jamming to fractions and numbers this entire time!  Therefore if you like music, you’re secretly a huge fan of math.  I knew you had it in you. :-)

Insider Tip for Parents:  I wish us teachers had a magic key that opens the door to student success in school, but at the end of the day it comes down to perseverance, dedication and hard work.  With this set of skills anything can be accomplished!  Oh ya, don’t forget to have fun once in a while too.

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 Join Boosters Edition

The Boosters and You

Did you have an opportunity to visit the Booster Club table last night? Did you stop by the Booster-sponsored Spirit Shop? If you didn’t, let me tell you what you’re missing!

The Viking Booster Club is an organization that supports more than just sports at Fremd. In fact, about half of their financial support goes into curricular materials that ALL students can use. Real-world technology is expensive, but the Boosters’ support means that classrooms like Project Lead the Way or Art are equipped with technology that meets industry standards. It means that fine and performing arts at Fremd can purchase instruments, costumes, and choreographers. And it means that your student-athlete’s sports team can purchase the equipment and training gear to keep them competitive.

I encourage you to lend your support for this organization. A membership can be purchased for as little as $25, and Booster membership is one of the main sources of revenue. So your $25 membership fee ensures that we are able to continue to provide outstanding educational and extracurricular experiences for your student throughout his or her high school career.

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to Coach Darius Sanchez and the Boys Cross Country Team on their Dual Meet win over Hersey High School.
• Congratulations to Coach Christine Vlaming and the Girls Golf Team on placing 3rd at the Conant Early Bird Tournament.  Ann Marie O’Sullivan took 5th place with a score of 77 and Annie Gao took 10th place with a score of 81.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

September 2	Girls Volleyball @ Conant H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Fremd Football @ Hersey H.S. - 7:30 p.m. Girls Tennis @ Buffalo Grove H.S. - 4:30 p.m.
September 3	Boys Cross Country @ Crystal lake South - 8:00 a.m. Girls Tennis Invitational - 8:00 a.m. Girls Volleyball Invitational @ Conant H.S. - 9:00 a.m. Boys Golf @ Buffalo Grove H.S. - 10:30 a.m. Boys Soccer @ Naperville North H.S. - 12:00 p.m.
September 5	Labor Day - No School
September 6	Late Start Day - 8:50 a.m. start Girls Golf vs. St. Charles North @ Palatine Hills Golf Course - 4:00 p.m. Girls Volleyball vs. Buffalo Grove H.S. - 6:00 p.m.
September 7	Boys Golf vs. Conant H.S. @ Hilldale Golf Club - 3:30 p.m. Girls Golf vs. Conant H.S. @ Fox Run Golf Course - 3:30 p.m.
September 8	Collage Concert - Cafeteria 7:00 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving vs. Hersey H.S. @ FHS - 4:30 p.m. Girls Tennis @ Wheeling H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Boys/Girls Cross Country vs. Barrington H.S. - 4:30/6:00 p.m. Girls Volleyball vs. Conant H.S. - 6:00 p.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 Open House Edition

Top 5 Open House Tips

In preparation for Open House on September 1 at 7:00pm, I thought I would supplement the information you’ve already received through email with insider tips to help you navigate through your Open House experience like a pro.

Arrive early. As any parent of a junior or senior knows, parking is extremely limited at Fremd. Arriving early will (nearly) guarantee a parking spot in our student lot along Quentin Road. Additional parking is available east of the school at Birchwood Park and the Palatine Township Office, and west of the school at Hunting Ridge Elementary. Limited street parking is also available. If you live nearby, I’d urge you to consider walking.

Wear comfortable clothes. Our building is air conditioned, but it will likely be warm in the building that night. There will also be some walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

Use your “free period” wisely. Buy Fremd gear from the Spirit Shop. Visit your student’s counselor in Media Center. Stop by the Book Fair. Sign up to join the Booster Club.

Bring a writing utensil. There will likely be details beyond teacher contact information that you will want to record. Since you will only have 10 minutes with each teacher, it is a good idea to jot down your questions and ask them through email in the following days. This will also serve as a nice way to extend the conversation and build relationships with the teachers.

Stop by and say hello. I will be standing in the main hallway for most of the evening. I’m looking forward to meeting you!

Highlights and Successes:

Congratulations to Coach Christine Vlaming and the Girls Golf Team on placing 3rd at the Conant Early Bird Tournament.  Ann Marie O’Sullivan took 5th place with a score of 77 and Annie Gao took 10th place with a score of 81.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

August 26	Girls Tennis @ Winnetka Park District - 3:00 p.m. Fremd Football @ Lake Zurich - 7:30 p.m. Boys Soccer vs. RMHS @ Celtic Park - 8:30 p.m.
August 27	Girls Tennis @ Winnetka Park District - 8:30 a.m.
August 29	Boys Golf @ Inverness Golf Club - 2:00 p.m. Girls Golf vs. St. Viator @ Palatine Hills Golf Course - 3:30 p.m. Girls Tennis @ Lake Zurich H.S. - 4:30 p.m.
August 30	Boys Golf @ Chevy Chase Country Club - 3;30 p.m. Girls Golf @ Schaumburg Golf Club - 3:30 p.m. Boys Cross Country Crossover vs. Hersey H.S. @ Harper College - 4:30 p.m. Girls Cross Country Crossover vs. Hersey H.S. - 6:00 p.m. Girls Tennis vs. Elk Grove H.S. - 4;45 p.m. Boys Soccer vs. Benet Academy @ Naperville N. H.S. - 7:00 p.m.
August 31	Girls Swimming & Diving vs. Elk Grove H.S. - 4:45 p.m. Boys Soccer @ Naperville North H.S. - 5:00 p.m. Girls Volleyball vs. Naperville Central - 6:00 p.m.
September 1	Open House - 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name:

Hali Yoshimura

Position:

World Language Department Chairperson and Spanish Teacher

Years at Fremd:

17

Life Before Fremd:

After graduating from Fremd (Go Vikings!) in 1995, I earned my bachelor’s degree in both Spanish and English at the University of Virginia (Thomas Jefferson’s University!), while simultaneously completing a Master’s degree in Foreign Language Education (also from UVA).  During this time I enjoyed two different culturally-rich travel abroad experiences in San Jose, Costa Rica and Valencia, Spain. Additionally, I was fortunate to participate in a rigorous English major’s summer program at the University of California-Berkeley.

In the fall of my last year at UVA,  I ran into a one of my former Fremd teachers who told me there was going to be a Spanish teaching position available at Fremd the following year. I was super excited to apply since I knew there would be no other greater place to begin my teaching career than at my prestigious alma mater. Seventeen year later I still feel that same excitement and passion to be leading and teaching here at Fremd!

Hobbies/Interests:

In my free time I love spending time with my husband James, our three young children, my parents, and our community of family and friends.  Additionally, I enjoy running, reading, and traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad (especially to Spanish speaking countries).        

Insider Tip for Parents:

There are endless benefits to learning a world language!  These benefits, coupled with cultural knowledge, help to prepare our students to be better citizens of the world. Encouraging your son or daughter to also participate in our Language Clubs (Chinese, French, German and Spanish), our Foreign Exchange Club and/or our Foreign Exchange/Travel Abroad Programs will provide them with additional enriching opportunities to “go deeper” with their language study.   

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 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.