![I student waives to her fellow graduates as she crosses the stage at the 2026 Commencement Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782871404/fenton100org/xdxwd8qzfxcvpvcrpzhp/Preview-of-Graduation-2026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782871404/fenton100org/xdxwd8qzfxcvpvcrpzhp/Preview-of-Graduation-2026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782871404/fenton100org/xdxwd8qzfxcvpvcrpzhp/Preview-of-Graduation-2026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782871404/fenton100org/xdxwd8qzfxcvpvcrpzhp/Preview-of-Graduation-2026.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782871404/fenton100org/xdxwd8qzfxcvpvcrpzhp/Preview-of-Graduation-2026.jpg","width":1284}])
Summer 2026 Newsletter
Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic en la bandera en la esquina inferior derecha y cambie el idioma.
Final Message from Superintendent Bentsen
Dear Fenton School Community,
As June comes to a close, so does my time at Fenton High School. I'm retiring effective June 30 with countless wonderful memories as my family and I begin a new chapter together.
We have a lot to be thankful for here at Fenton. I have served this community in various roles since 2018 and it’s truly a special place. Our students are incredibly kind and hard working, our teaching staff is passionate and professional, our support staff works tirelessly to anticipate and meet our needs, and our administrative team has great vision for the future of our school.
I can’t say enough about the elected members of our Board of Education. The trust they’ve placed in me and my team is humbling, and the dedication they have for the students of our community is admirable.
Throughout my eight years I’ve told countless students and staff “Once a Bison, always a Bison” and now that’s being said to me, and I understand why it’s so meaningful. I will miss walking the halls and saying hello to students and staff. I’ll miss the creative ideas that blossom into real events, real policies, real inventions.
Fenton is a hidden gem, and I’m thankful to have served this community.
The table has been set for even greater things. Dr. Jason Klein is taking over as Superintendent on July 1 and he was an excellent choice to lead our district. Fenton is in good hands.
Don’t forget “Once a Bison, always a Bison” !!
Graduating Class of 2026
In early June the Illinois State Board of Education featured a photo from Fenton’s graduation ceremony in one of its state-wide newsletters. Congratulations to Gavin Stewart for being featured in this prominent way. Gavin’s usually a bit low key, so when he boomed with Bison Pride we all knew it was genuine.
As a quick recap, here are some impressive facts about the Class of 2026:
-
326 graduates
-
25 were recognized as Illinois State Scholars
-
48 were members of the National Honor Society
-
72 earned the Seal of Biliteracy (fluent in two or more languages)
-
9 joined the United States Military
-
Collectively earned more than $4.754 million in scholarships and grants
-
Clocked 14,083 hours of Community Service (1.6 years)
Plenty of other great photos and videos can be found on our social media @fentonhs on Facebook and Instagram.
TCD Donation
I have one last example of what makes this community special. Fenton is part of the consortium that makes up Technology Center of DuPage, a separate school for highly specialized programs that students spend half the school day immersed in learning about.
Well, I guess I never thought about what happens to fire trucks once the fire department is ready for an upgrade, but in Mid-June the Wood Dale Fire Protection District DONATED their fire engine to the TCD fire science program.
I’m sure the fire district could have received a sizable amount of money if they sold the truck but instead they’re investing in the future of their profession by providing our students (and others in DuPage County) real world equipment to use while learning.
The firefighters and staff of the fire district already team up with the Bensenville Fire Protection District to provide two scholarships at Senior Awards. That generosity in itself is already remarkable. Donating a fire truck is next level.
Thank you to Fire Chief Patrick Johl, Deputy Chief Christopher Steines, and the Board of Trustees at the Wood Dale Fire Protection District. Thank you for the donation, and thank you for your dedication to keep us safe.
Once again, thank you to the residents of Bensenville, Wood Dale, and Addison for allowing me to serve your families for eight wonderful years.
With Bison Pride,
Sam Bentsen, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Important Upcoming Dates
As summer progresses we have important dates for families to be aware of leading up to the new 2026-2027 school year:
- July 6: Registration Begins
- July 28: Class of 2027 Senior Portraits 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)
- July 29: Class of 2027 Senior Portraits 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)
- July 23: Class of 2027 Senior Portraits 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (by appointment)
- August 5: Textbook and Supplies Pick Up starting at 8 a.m.
- August 6: Textbook and Supplies Pick Up starting at 8 a.m.
- August 13: Freshmen Orientation at 8:30 a.m.
- August 19: First Day of School
- September 2: Class of 2027 Senior Portraits Make Up / Retake (after school)
Meanwhile, as summer school classes continue, we want to remind our community that free meals are available for all children who reside within District 100.
Fenton offers breakfast between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and lunch between 10:30 and 11:05 a.m. Monday through Thursday during two summer sessions:
- June 8 to July 1 (Session 1)
- July 6 to July 29 (Session 2)
Children must be present to receive food and must eat their free meals on-site, inside Fenton.
These free "Sun Meals" are part of the Summer Food Service Program funded through the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Freshmen Orientation Set for August 13
Rising freshmen who are about to start their Fenton career should mark their calendars for Freshmen Orientation at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 13.
Our Bison Link Crew consists of returning students who volunteer to be the link between freshmen and everything Fenton. They will guide our newest Bison on an introduction of all things Fenton, including tours of the building.
Rising Freshmen Get Started Early
Learning continues over the summer at Fenton! A group of Rising Freshmen are here for class Monday through Thursday to get a head start on the math they will learn in high school. Their first few weeks at Fenton and they're already showing incredible #FHSBisonPride
Getting a Head Start on Learning About Money
Learning continues over the summer at Fenton! Students are taking summer courses for a variety of reasons, including creating more flexibility in their schedules during the regular school year. Students in Mr. Garcia's Consumer Education class are earning credit while building valuable life skills. At one point they learned how to create a resume — a tool that will help them prepare for future jobs, internships, and other opportunities. Then later they had to submit the resume and participate in a mock interview with Fenton staff and older students who have experience in the work force.
Give the Gift of Life – Donate Blood
Fenton's Student Council is seeking donors for their July 14, 2026 blood drive, which will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the Community Room.
All students 16 and older, their parents, siblings, and members of the community are invited to participate.
Student Council members will be assisting the staff from Versiti Blood Centers. Each donation can save up to three lives!
Please read the following helpful tips:
-
Bring a photo ID
-
Students under the age of 18 will need a signed permission slip
-
Make sure to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating blood.
-
Enter through Door 1 (our main entrance) and proceed to the Community Room.
-
Do not plan to participate in any sports or strenuous activities for the rest of the day after donating blood.
For more information, contact Christine Casterton by sending an email to casterton@fenton100.org.
Two Bison Selected to the Softball All-State 3rd Team
Congratulations to Sophia Hollis and Bella Delgado for being selected to the 2026 Illinois Softball Coaches Association All-State Third Team!
Both student-athletes played key roles in helping the Bison softball team earn 22 victories this season, which was the fourth-most wins in program history. Here are some impressive stats from the 2026 season:
**𝗦𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗮 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀**
- 57 hits (2nd-most in a season in Fenton history)
- 59 runs scored (2nd-most All Time)
- 5 home runs (4th-most All Time)
- .491 batting average (7th-highest All Time)
Sophia is on pace to finish among Fenton's all-time leaders in nearly every offensive category.
**𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗼**
- 9 wins
- 3 saves (tied for the most in a season in Fenton history)
- 172 strikeouts (3rd-most All Time)
- 2.59 ERA (6th-best All Time)
Congratulations to both athletes on this outstanding recognition and season!
Class of 2026 Athletes Continuing to Compete in College
A variety of graduated seniors recently made decisions on continuing their athletic careers in college. The latest commitments include...
Josslyn Wade
Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland, Ohio
Cross Country & Track
Michael Wrona
Edgewater University - Madison, Wisc.
Volleyball
Amari Kelley
Rome City Institute - Rome, Italy
Basketball
Alex Kowalczyk
DePaul University - Chicago, IL
Hockey
Future Bison Run the Courts at Fenton
Future Bison are hard at work this summer!
Fenton is proud to host a variety of Youth Athletic Camps, giving young athletes the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and have fun.
We are also excited to welcome Fenton's new varsity boys basketball coach, John Manthey (far right), and to welcome back Alejandro Diaz (far left), a 2024 alum who scored more than 1,000 career points as a Bison and now plays for North Central College.
It's never too early to start building #FHSBisonPride!
A Marathon of Healthy Habits
Sophomores earned a new appreciation for consistent exercise routines and accepting daunting challenges after participating in a makeshift "marathon" during their PE classes with Ms. Izabelle Kopczewski and Mr. Chaz Taft in their last few days of school.
Students trekked around the Fenton stadium until they completed two miles. Inflatable characters and upbeat music welcomed students as they progressed through the journey. Principal Kate Ward and other teachers visited to cheer and celebrate the sophomores.
Not many finished the "marathon" in one stride; most slowed to a walk or paused for snacks and water. But everyone eventually finished, proving that any challenge can be overcome. Ms. Kopczewski and Mr. Taft encouraged students to channel that feeling of accomplishment into a continuous healthy habit.
VNA Health Care Offers Affordable, Local Options for Physicals and Immunizations
As we fast approach the start of the new school year, it is important to make sure that your child is up to date with any required school, sports, and camp physicals and immunizations. These check-ups are essential to maintain your child’s health and meet school and state guidelines—helping to prevent any missed days from school, sports or camp.
In Illinois, students are required to have a school physical along with updated immunizations at specific grade levels and for certain activities. Here’s when your child may need them:
-
9th Grade: A physical exam is required to begin high school, along with any required immunizations
-
12th Grade: Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine – All 12th graders must show proof of receiving the vaccine
-
New to Illinois Schools or Change in School District: Any student enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time or moving to another school district must have a physical exam, along with required immunizations, regardless of grade.
-
Sports Participation (Grades 6–12): A sports physical is required annually prior to tryouts for students who plan to participatein school athletic programs.
-
Camp Participation: Many camps also require a recent physical to ensure children are healthy and cleared for activities.
VNA offers comprehensive and affordable school, sports, and camp physicals at 15 convenient locations (www.vnahealth.com/locations) with or without an appointment.
Now is the best time to schedule your child’s physical. Click here to read the full letter from VNA Health Care.