Fall Sports Wrap-Up

Moving Ahead

Most of the fall sports have wrapped up, so it’s time to start thinking about what’s next. While the winter sports have already started to practice, some sports will still consider late additions to their squads. Please visit the Athletics page to find out more information and to learn how to contact the coach.

Not interested in a sport? Please consider a Club or Activity! The commitment to most clubs is one day per week, so your student won’t face the same time demand as his/her sports season.

Looking Back

In order to enhance the athletes’ experiences in their respective sports, we have created a survey to be filled out by parents and athletes. Athletic Director David Dick will use the survey results to work with coaches to strengthen the triangle between coach, athlete and parent. The survey can be found on the Athletics page, or by clicking here.

Fall Sports Awards - November 17

Last call for cookies!

Please sign up for Fall Sports Awards Cookie Sign-up!

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/Zeub7K

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)

3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Highlights and Successes

• Congratulations to this weeks Viking Pride winners:  Lauren Barnett, Ana Carmona Navarrete, Amanda Fleischmann, Abby Garske, Isaiah Lancaster, Emily McCaffrey, Nikhil Mistry, Delaney Murrany, Taiki Okamoto, Deion Quackenbush, Madelyn Sipola, Talia Tucci, Kennedy Tyska, and Colin Wood.
• Congratulations to Coach Martin Zacharia and the Fremd Debate Team on their success at the Illinois Congressional Debate Association Tournament :  Congressional Debate, Varsity Division:  Anusha Thotakura, Best Presiding Officer; Leonard Lee, Best Presiding Officer; Leonard Lee, 2nd Place Chamber Award; Congressional Debate, Novice Division; Matthew “Breity” Breitenstein, 2nd Place Chamber Award; Navin Yuvaraj, 3rd Place Chamber Award; Nick Parekh, 3rd Place Chamber Award and Nitin Prakabakaran, 3rd Place Chamber Award.
• Congratulations to Coach Martin Zacharia and the Fremd Debate Team on their success at the 37th Annual William Fremd High School LD/PF Debate Tournament:  Lincoln Douglas: Andrew Ruan, Junior Varsity Champion and Kashif Javid, Novice Champion; Speaker awards were also awarded to the following debaters: Andrew Ruan (3rd JV LD) and Kashif Javid (1st Novice LD); Public Forum: Ishan Taparia & Zach Jordan, Varsity 2nd Place; Speaker awards were also awarded to the following debaters: Zach Jordan (6th Varsity PF) and Adhith Palla (7th JV PF).
• Congratulations to Director Judy Klingner and the cast and crew of the musical “Sound of Music” on their amazing performances.
• Congratulations to social studies teachers Courtney Wilhelm and Jason Spoor-Harvey and everyone involved in making the Veterans Day tribute a success.  $10,033 was raised for The Soldiers Project.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

November 13	FMA Floral Design SHowcase - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
November 14	Speech Tournament - All School, 7:00 a.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Sectional @ Barrington H.S. -10:00 a.m.
November 17	Late Start - 8:50 a.m. start Fall Sports Awards - Gym, 7:00 p.m.
November 18	College Finance Seminar - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. Girls Basketball Tournament @ FHS  7:00 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name: Jeremy Figlewicz

Position: Band Director

Years at Fremd: 3

Life Before Fremd: Proud alumni of Fremd High School and Michigan State University (Go Green!). Before coming to Fremd, taught high school band at Richmond-Burton Community High School (Richmond, IL), and then went on to teach middle school and high school band as the district band director of West Bloomfield High School and Orchard Lake Middle School in West Bloomfield, Michigan for three years before returning to FHS.

Hobbies/Interests: Running, yoga, triathlons, weight lifting and all things fitness in general! Leadership and professional improvement is extremely important to me. I am always seeking out great teachers to learn from! I love exploring the city of Chicago, and am always looking for the next great restaurant, either downtown or in town. Museums and the Art Institute are favorite haunts. I am a huge movie buff, and a slight super hero nerd (the kids can affirm this).

Insider Tip for Parents: Here at FHS, our students are being encouraged to participate in many clubs, sports, and activities. Students will find themselves feeling more in control and confident in themselves if they keep an up-to-date and accurate calendar that details their daily events. Our students need to be their own best advocates for their time, and this skill will be invaluable past the doors of FHS!

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.

November 6, 2015

Veterans Day Assembly

On November 11, at 1:50, Fremd High School will be holding an assembly to commemorate the sacrifices and commitment by those who have served our country to protect our freedoms. Last year's assembly--our first ever at Fremd--provided ample proof why schools should be in session on Veterans Day. Our students treated this ceremony with the respect and reverence our veterans deserve. Parents, you are also welcome to attend this event this year, but please know that seating is limited.

Information for veterans:

All veterans related to Fremd students and/or just members of the community are encouraged to attend and take a place of honor during the assembly.  No veteran will be asked to speak.  

If you are able to participate, we ask that you arrive between 1:00-1:15 PM.  Please let us know that you will be attending by filling out this quick RSVP:  VETERANS DAY OBSERVANCE RSVP. (Parents/non-vets do not need to RSVP.)

Cookie Sign-Up

The Fall Sports Awards Night is Tuesday November 17th at 7pm in the main gym.  As with every Sports Awards, we are asking parents to sign up and bring in cookies for a post event snack.  You can drop them off at the tables in the main hallway on your way into the ceremony.

With over 550 participants this fall, we will need well over 100 dozen cookies to have enough for the kids and their families.  

Please sign up for Fall Sports Awards Cookie Sign-up!

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/Zeub7K

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)

3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.

Highlights and Successes

• Congratulations to the Fremd Chess Team on their win over Palatine with a score of 64.5 vs 3.5. The chess team record this year in the MSL is 6 victories and 0 losses!
• Congratulations to this week’s Viking Pride winners:  Mia Ahlgrim, Justin Beeman, Dean Ganas, Kevin Gnaster, Jada Johnson, Stephanie Judkins, Rachel Kang, Jason Lang, Maria Luca, Kaleb Scharman, Trevor Schmidt, Rocco Stella, Arthur Szacik, Yuming Tian, and Varshini Veeramani.
• Congratulations to Coach Andrew Kittrell and the Girls Swimming/Diving Team on placing  2nd  at the  MSL Conference Meet.  Individuals receiving medals include:  Carly Goodsite was 3rd and Morgan Faulkner was 6th in diving; Grace Grzybek, Rebecca Ballo, Kristina Buzuloiu, and Becca Rutkowski were Conference Champions in the 200 Medley Relay;  Emily Bolger was 3rd in the 200 Free; Jiamin Huang was 6th and Grace Grzybek was 4th in the 200 IM; Becca Rutkowski was 2nd in the 50 Free;  Kristina Buzuloiu was 2nd and Paulina Pappas was 6th in the 100 Fly; Emily Bolger was 6th and Emily Kini was 5th in the 100 Free;  MJ Poss was 5th in the 500 Freestyle; Emily Kini, Becca Rutkowski, Emily Bolger and Grace Grzybek were 3rd in the 200 Free Relay; Jiamin Huang was 5th and Grace Grzybek was the Conference Champion in the 100 Back; Rebecca Ballo was 3rd in the 100 breaststroke; and Emily Kini, Becca Rutkowski, Jiamin Huang, and Emily Bolger were 2nd in the 400 Free Relay.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

November 6	Musical - Sound of Music - 7:00 p.m.
November 7	Musical - Sound of Music - 7:30 p.m. Debate Invite - 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
November 9	Teacher Institute Day - no students
November 10-13	Fine Arts Fest - all school
November 11	Veterans Day - Assembly- 1:45-2:45 p.m.(gym)
November 13	Fremd Music Association Floral Design Showcase - Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

Name: Steven Balsley

Position: Building and Grounds Manager

Years at Fremd: 2.5 years

Life Before Fremd: Purchasing Manager Par Development (Plote Homes), Operations Manager Kraft Foods

Hobbies/Interests: I enjoy golfing, gardening, music and spending quality time with family and friends.   

Insider Tip for Parents: Keep close with your children, get to know their friends and encourage them to think outside the box.

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.

Happy Halloween Edition

State Rep. Tom Morrison - Principal for a Day

On Thursday, October 29, State Representative Tom Morrison spent the day at Fremd as Principal for a Day. Here was his schedule:

Period	Activity
1	Meet with Dept Chairs, Administrators
2	Pass out Spirit Wear Cookies, Visit Business Incubator Class
3	Ride-Along in Driver Education
4	Lead Discussion in Government Class
5	Social Science Survey. Topics included political ideology and business cycle.
6	Lunch/Network
7	Network/Building Tour
8	Social Science Survey. Topics included political ideology and business cycle.

Rep Morrison visiting with Dirk Andreas (left), class mentor,
and Chad Jonas (center), teacher.

Rep Morrison making a presentation to a Senior Government class.

Harper’s Promise Applications Available Now

A few blog posts ago, I talked about a unique opportunity for our current freshmen. If they meet certain attendance, grade, behavior and other requirements, they can attend Harper College tuition free.

To become eligible, you will need to submit an application by December 15. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, so even if you don’t picture Harper College in your future, it won’t hurt to fill it out...just in case.

Students received an application in their VAMP class last week. If you need another copy, please contact your student’s counselor. For more information, visit the Harper College Promise Scholarship website.

Sport Parent Workshop Nov. 4

On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, from 7:00-9:00 p.m, D211 is hosting “The Sport Parent: Helping Your Child Maximize His or Her Potential,“ by Gregory A. Dale, Ph.D.,. at Conant High School.

Parents play a crucial role in determining whether or not children have a positive experience in sports. This thought provoking workshop encourages parents to analyze the type of environment they are creating for their children. Topics covered in this workshop include: the significance of the coach-athlete-parent triangle, lessons parents want children to learn from sports and the importance of modeling those lessons, and effective goal-setting that parents can use with their children.

If you have questions, please contact Augie Fontanetta, High School District 211 director of athletics & activities, at afontanetta@d211.org.

Realtors Against Homelessness

Join Realtors Against Homelessness and District 211 Foundation on Thursday, Nov. 5th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm for an evening of fun with colleagues and friends while making a life changing difference for students facing homelessness in our area! Tickets for the event can be purchased here.

Highlights and Successes

• Congratulations to Julia Smiarowska and Kate Bodensteiner on finishing in the  top 16 for doubles in the IHSA Tennis State Competition.
• Congratulations to Boys Cross Country All Regional runner Danny Peterson.
• Congratulations to Coach Darius Sanchez and the Boys Cross Country Team on their 3rd place at  IHSA Regionals and advancing  to the IHSA Sectionals.
• Congratulations to Ashley Soriano and Student Council on a successful and fun Halloween Fest.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

October 30	Fremd Football first round play off @. Oak Park-River Forest H.S. - 7:00 p.m.
October 31	Girls/Boys Cross Country Sectionals @ Busse Woods - 10:00 a.m. Girls/11:15 a.m. Boys Girls Swimming & Diving Conference Meet @ Barrington H.S. - 11:00 a.m.
November 3	Late Start - 8:50 a.m.
November 4	Sport Parent Workshop - 7:00 @ Conant H.S.
November 4-6	Musical (Sound of Music) - 7:00 p.m.
November 5	Realtors Against Homelessness - 5-8 p.m. Chandler’s Banquets, 401 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg
November 7	Musical (Sound of Music)- 7:30 p.m.

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

Ask the Principal

Q: Will Fremd be offering a free ACT to juniors this year?

A: That is our hope, but it is contingent upon a few factors. First, this test was traditionally offered as part of the Prairie State Achievement Exam, which was budgeted by the State. The ISBE is still unaware of the funds that may be available to pay for such a test. Second, the ISBE is flirting with options besides the ACT, like the recently-reformatted SAT, which is cheaper to administer. I’ve pondered the idea of making this a blog topic, but there are so many unknowns that I don’t know how much factual information I could include. District 211 understands that the ACT is the gatekeeper for many colleges, so we are examining our options to support our students no matter what happens with the State budget and ISBE decisions.

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.

Diamonds and Denim

Booster Club Dinner Dance

On Saturday, November 21, the Fremd High School Booster Club will be hosting their largest fundraiser of the year, the Dinner Dance. There will be music, live and silent auctions, raffle drawings, dinner and much, much more! The theme this year is Diamonds and Denim. “Diamonds” refers to one of the raffle prizes, a pair of diamond earrings. “Denim” refers to the more relaxed, casual attire for the event encouraged by the Boosters this year.

You’ve probably heard the following pitch before, but I’m going to say it anyway: Nearly every student at Fremd High School directly benefits from the support the Boosters provide for our students. Each year, they donate over $100,000 to our school’s Wish List created by classroom teachers, coaches, and activity sponsors. At some point--many points, usually--during your student’s career at Fremd, she will:

• use classroom resources or technology,
• wear uniforms, costumes or athletic gear, and
• learn in a furnished space (classrooms, Media Center, workout facilities)

purchased with Booster Club donations. Additionally, the Boosters contribute thousands of dollars in scholarships for our seniors.

The nice thing about the Diamonds and Denim Dinner Dance is that you get to support Fremd High School simply by going out for a fun night on the town. The added bonus is walking away with holiday gifts or treats for yourself awarded through the auctions and raffles.

• Register for the Diamonds and Denim event here.
• While you’re at it, complete your Booster membership here.
• Already a member? Sign up to volunteer for a Booster-sponsored event here. (I'm positive they'd take your help even if you aren't a member!)

Highlights and Successes

• Congratulations to the following Boys Cross Country All Conference Award winners:  Danny Peterson and Luke Vogelgesang.
• Congratulations to the following Boys Soccer award winners: Luke Schoffstall – All Conference and  All Sectional; Jake Arbour – All Conference; and Rohan Menon – All Conference.  
• Congratulations to sophomores Kate Bodensteiner and Julia Smiarowska on qualifying for the IHSA State Competition.
• Congratulations to Coach Curt Pinley and the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team on winning the Grayslake North Invitational going undefeated 5-0.
• Congratulations to Coach Martin Zacharia and the following award winners from the Lincoln Douglas and Public Forum debate tournament:  Schaumburg Saxon Invitational : Matthew Grabianski & Piyush Biswas, Junior Varsity Champions; Josh Park & Michael Murakami, Novice Champions; Zach Jordan & Ishan Taparia, Varsity Quarterfinalists and Eugene Kim & Abhay Adhyapak, Varsity Quarterfinalists.  Speaker awards were also earned by the following debaters: Matthew Grabianski (1st JV PF), Piyush Biswas (3rd JV PF), and Zach Jordan (4th Varsity PF):  Lincoln Douglas: Kashif Javid, Novice Champion and Angie Peng, Varsity Quarterfinalist.  Speaker awards were also earned by the following debaters: Andrew Ruan (2nd JV LD), Kashif Javid (2nd Novice LD), and Angie Peng (3rd Varsity LD).
• Congratulations to the following Girls Golf All Conference players:  Jaehee Hur, Haezi Jung and Annie Gao.
• Congratulations to the following Girls Volleyball All Conference players:  junior Ysabel Lee and junior Natalie Freund.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

October 23	Girls State Tennis @ FHS Girls Volleyball @ Lake Park H.S. - 4:30 p.m. Fremd Football vs. Schaumburg - 7:30 p.m.
October 24	Girls State Tennis @ FHS Girls Volleyball @ Lake Park H.S. - 9:00 a.m. Girls/Boys Cross Country Regionals @ Busse Woods 10:00 a.m. D15/D211 Orchestra Festival @ PHS, Gym 7:00 p.m.
October 26	Girls Volleyball Regional @ Glenbrook North H.S. - 6:30 p.m.
October 27	Halloween Fest @ FHS, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Girls Volleyball Regional @ Glenbrook North H.S. - 6:30 p.m.
October 29	Girls Volleyball Regional @ Glenbrook North H.S. - 6:00 p.m.

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

Staff Spotlight

David and Da Bulls, courtesy of Mr. T's Photoshop skills

Name:  David Dick

Position:  Athletic Director

Years at Fremd:   3

Life Before Fremd:  Worked as an elementary physical education teacher and an administrator in Barrington for 21 years

Hobbies/Interests:  spending time with my kids and playing golf

Insider Tip for Parents:  stay connected to your child or children, make time to talk with them about what is going on in and out of 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.