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Student simulate an asteroid impact in a geoscience class lab
Week of November 13 to November 17
 
 
Para leer este artículo en español, haga clic en la bandera en la esquina inferior derecha y cambie el idioma.
 
 

Update from Superintendent Ongtengco

 
Dear Fenton Families,
 
 
Thanksgiving is upon us and it’s our first extended break of the school year. There is no school the rest of the week. We hope you find time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. It’s also good to take some time and give thanks for people in your life who are supportive and bring you joy.
 
In reflection, I am incredibly thankful for all of our Fenton students. They come to school with smiles on their faces, they find things to be passionate about, and they always try their best. 
 
At our Board of Education meeting on Wednesday we celebrated six outstanding students who were accepted into the Northwestern Medicine GM Grosvenor Discovery Program, which is highly competitive and acceptance is based on applications. Huge Bison Shout Out to: 
  • Paulina Krajewski
  • Giselle Garcia
  • Adamary Gomez 
  • Laylah Ortiz
  • Natalie Ramirez
  • Mariam Rihani
 
A student accepted into the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program shares her gratitude with the Fenton School Board
 
 
Once a month, on a Saturday, these students will visit different medical settings throughout Illinois and participate in hands-on experiences that focus on fields such as oncology, proton therapy, wellness, rehabilitation, nursing, and others.
 
All six of these students were glowing with excitement as they talked about their ambitions and thanked those who helped them get this far.
 
 
A student accepted into the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program shares her gratitude with the Fenton School Board
 
 
Each of these students thanked their families for being so supportive and inspiring. Just like those six students, I’m also extremely thankful for our Fenton parents and guardians. The hard work in mentoring our students begins and ends at home. Family members are the most trusted of all adults and we always strive for school and home to collaborate as one.
 
The family of these six students were so excited to stand next to their children for a photo with our school board Wednesday night. It was our pleasure to highlight their entire family in this next part of their educational journey. 
 
 
Students accepted into the Northwestern Medicine Discovery Program pose with their family and the Fenton School Board
 
 
Our teachers, support staff, security staff, cafeteria workers, maintenance teams, bus drivers, and administrators play a critical role in creating these opportunities and nurturing our students as they find their way. Thank you to everyone on our staff for your tireless efforts for our students.
 
Enjoy your holiday and spread happiness. 
 
 

 
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send an email to fentonhelp@fenton100.org 
 
 
 
Let’s Go Bison!
 
 
– James Ongtengco, Superintendent
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Fenton Student takes her senior portrait
 

Last Call for Yearbook Only Senior Portraits

A photographer from Prestige Portraits by Lifetouch will be at Fenton Thursday, November 30 during Bison Time, lunch periods, and right after school as a last chance to get yearbook-only photos taken.
 
Seniors who haven’t taken their photo are encouraged to by Room 302 for a quick photo. This picture is free and it will be featured in the Highlights Yearbook. The photographer cannot do cap and gown pictures; only the one-pose yearbook portrait.
 
Taking a photo with Prestige Photography is the only way to be pictured in the Highlights Yearbook.
 
Email Mr. Kambic if you have questions.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Course Selection 2024 2025
 
Course Selection for the 2024-2025 school year begins on Tuesday, November 21st, and concludes on Tuesday, December 19th. Students and families can click here to review the 2024-2025 Course and Program Catalog as well as grade-specific presentations. If you have any questions about your child's course selection for the coming year, please contact their school counselor.
 
 
 

 

 
 
Overview of the 2023 ILMEA District 1 Band
 

Three Students Perform at ILMEA District 1 Festival

A Huge Bison Shout Out to the following BAND, CHOIR & ORCHESTRA students for representing Fenton at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) District 1 Festival on Saturday, November 18 at Elmhurst University: 
  • Lita Aguilar (Soprano 1) - Senior Choir
  • Ezrael Lukman (Cello) - Senior Orchestra
  • Benjamin Sanchez (Alto Sax) - Senior Band
Annually over 2,000 Students in Illinois audition to perform in an ILMEA ensemble (band, chorus, orchestra, jazz band or vocal jazz ensemble) within one of nine geographic districts. Based on that audition, Senior Level (grades 10-12 high school) students may be invited to participate in the annual All-District Festivals and Illinois All-State Music Conference.
 
 
Lita Aguilar and Ezrael Lukman pose at the ILMEA District 1 Festival
 
 
Overview of the 2023 ILMEA District 1 Choir
 
 
Lita Aguilar and Mrs. Williams pose at the ILMEA District 1 Festival
 
 
Benjamin Sanchez and Mr. George pose at the ILMEA District 1 Festival
 
 
 
 
 

 

Measuring the Impact

Students in Geoscience with Mr. Strojny enjoyed making craters as part of their most recent lab experiment. Students simulated celestial impacts of different masses and speeds. They used flour and cocoa powder to create the planetary object and then used a golf ball and tennis ball as the colliding asteroids. 
 
Mr. Strojny and his team measured the diameter of each crater and their "ray ejecta," which is the distance that displaced planetary matter traveled as a result of the impact. White butcher paper was placed under the materials for contrast with the cocoa powder impact spray.
 
The class related this activity to the craters on the moon and learned about how craters can help determine ages/pasts of certain planets and moons.
 
 
 
Student simulate an asteroid impact in a geoscience class lab
 
 
Student simulate an asteroid impact in a geoscience class lab
 
 
 

 

 

Art Masterpieces of November
 
 
The Twitter account: @FHSArt1, highlights Fenton's Art Department and community art events. Each month three artists are celebrated in a post titled, "Masterpieces of the Month." November’s selections include photo students Andrew Jakubowski, Krys Texta Olea, and Emily Hernandez. Congratulations to all!
 
 
 

 

Alumni Return to Share Wisdom

Thank you to our four recent alumni who joined us on Tuesday during all lunch periods and shared their experiences after graduation. College and Career Counselor Rachel Georgakis and current students asked a wide variety of questions ranging from time management in college versus high school, how AP courses compare to college courses, and what it’s like to pursue professional goals.
 
Distinguished alumni included:
  • Erica Ayala (Class of 2022) – Amherst College
  • Jenely Desiderio (Class of 2023) – United States Army
  • Delilah Johnson (Class of 2023) – DePaul University
  • Karissa Lara (Class of 2022) – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
 
Recent Alumni visit Fenton and give advice to current students
 
 
Recent Alumni visit Fenton and give advice to current students
 
 
Students listen to a panel of recent alumni as they share their experiences after graduation.
 
 
 
 

 

Parents and Community Invited to Share Their Careers

Fenton High School invites you and your colleagues to participate in the 2024 Career Exploration Fair for students! Your involvement can inspire our students' future career aspirations.
 
Event Details:
Date: January 18th
Time: 10:20 am - 1:35 pm
Location: Fenton H.S.
 
If you sign up to participate, you'll have a table representing your career during the students’ lunch hours. During this time, you can share your experiences, job details, and educational background. Your involvement will help Fenton students explore different professions and answer their questions.
 
If you or anybody you know may be interested in this opportunity, please share THIS LINK  with them or have them contact me at papanicolaou@fenton100.org.
 
 
 
Fenton is seeking parents and community members to volunteer for a career fair in Janaury.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fenton World Language teachers attend the 2023 ACTFL Conference in Chicago
 

A World of Language Educators Unite

Fenton World Language Teachers Jon Aguilar, Kyra Behnke, Aida Zubovic, Annette Valente and Amy Vazquez attended the ACTFL Chicago Conference on Friday, November 17, and learned about innovations in the teaching of world languages.
 
ACTFL is a membership organization of thousands of language educators and administrators from elementary through graduate education, as well as government and industry. Members work together to address challenges and meet the changing needs of language educators and their learners.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Noteworthy Dates

  • November 22 – Thanksgiving Break
  • November 23 – Thanksgiving Day
  • November 24 – Thanksgiving Break
  • November 28 – Mobile Food Pantry, 4 pm
  • November 29 – Clubs Picture Day 1
  • November 30 – Senior Portraits Yearbook Last Call (during school)
  • November 30 – Clubs Picture Day 2
  • November 30 – Students on Stage Showcase, 7 pm
  • December 1 – NHS Fall Community Service Deadline
  • December 15 – Holiday Assembly
  • December 17 – 98th Annual Band & Choir Concert, 2 pm
  • December 20 – Final Exam Day 1
  • December 20 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm
  • December 21 – Final Exam Day 2
  • December 22 – Final Exam Day 3
  • December 25 to January 5 – Winter Break