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Student Council poses at their Blood Drive event
Week of November 6 to November 10
 
 
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 just around the corner and we have plenty to be thankful for here at Fenton High School. This week I have one important construction update after showcasing a few truly remarkable acts of kindness that make our community great.
 
 

School Board Members Day

 
November 15 is School Board Members Day and an opportunity to thank members of the Fenton Board of Education for providing a local voice for our community’s education decisions.
 
We honor these school board members for donating their time and commitment toward making Fenton High School a welcoming, safe place for our students to achieve their dreams. 
 
 
November 15 is School Board Members Day and Fenton High School gives thanks for its volunteer board.
 
 
Our school board members wear many hats; they are education leaders, policy makers, contract negotiators, and budgeteers. But they are also our neighbors, our friends, and Bison Nation’s biggest fans. Quite a bit of their work and discussions take place out of the spotlight and don’t get seen or appreciated by the broader public. They could be at home with their families, but instead they’re teaming up with us on an important community mission. 
 
Although it may not always seem this way, we want you to know that your efforts are absolutely appreciated and you are making a big difference in the lives of our children. Thank You, Fenton Board of Education! 
 
 

German Exchange

One heartwarming project School Board Members Kent Kovac and John Radzinski worked on is our German Exchange program. Over the summer we were fortunate to send 20 students to Rottweil Germany for a few weeks as part of an exchange program. Over the last two weeks we returned the generosity and hosted their 20 exchange students. 
 
 
German exchange students pose with their Fenton counterparts on their last day together. 
 
 
Mr. Kovac and Mr. Radzinski were instrumental in acquiring a grant from the Bensenville Foundation to help our students fundraise for their trip to Germany. These board members then facilitated a second grant from the Foundation to help our parents with the cost of hosting our German guests. 
 
 

 
This exchange program is just one of our continuing efforts to encourage and celebrate our multicultural roots. These were very rare and unique experiences for our students. Mr. Lorenzo Rubio, our Division Leader for Multilingual Programs, championed this program and shined as our ambassador.
 
 
Mr. Rubio takes a bow at the German Exchange last supper
 
 
We hosted an early Thanksgiving dinner on Friday, November 10 as a final meal with our German visitors before they returned home. All the Fenton host families and students chipped in for an awesome potluck dinner. I couldn’t be more proud of our students, our families, and our community. Thank you to everyone who made this adventure possible.
 
 
German exchange students experience Thanksgiving on their last day at Fenton.
 
 

Storm Sewer Replacement

A few weeks ago we told you about an underground storm sewer near our bus lane that partially collapsed.
 
Thankfully, our team was able to act swiftly and replacement of that storm sewer will begin on Wednesday, November 15. It should be completed by the time we return from Thanksgiving Break on Monday, November 27.
 
Our construction contractors will dig up the grass area between our student drop off parking lot and the bus lane. They have assured us that pickup and drop off will continue normally, but parents and students should avoid any heavy equipment and construction materials and stay on the designated walkways.
 
 
Fenton will start a storm sewer replacement by the bus lane on November 15, 2023
 
 
A small portion of our bus lane will also be affected, however, authorized school transportation will continue normally. All non-school vehicles should avoid using our bus lane. 
 
Thank you for your continued support.
 

 
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
 
 
 
 
 

By the Numbers

Students in AP Statistics with Mrs. Gibel Cushing recently completed their Response Bias Projects, in which they had to focus on creating the most accurate surveys that avoid words or phrases that could unintentionally lead a respondent one way or another. Students explained how they planned to avoid bias, displayed their survey, revealed the results, and then explained their conclusion. Job well done!
 
 
Students in AP Stats present their Response Bias Projects
 
 
Students in AP Stats present their Response Bias Projects
 
 
Students in AP Stats present their Response Bias Projects
 
 
 
 
 
 

Honoring our Veterans

Fenton High School recognized and honored military veterans in the Fenton Family, among our alumni, and in our Bensenville and Wood Dale communities in a variety of ways Friday, November 10. 

Principal Bentsen led a tribute video that played in all Bison Time classes. Click here or on the YouTube preview below to view the video.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

Military Career Day

 
Students who are curious about joining the armed services participated in a career exploration event Wednesday, November 8 with representatives from military branches that were able to attend. Students were free to ask about job types, responsibilities, and ways to advance. 
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Many of the students asked our guests about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test that is administered in the spring. The ASVAB test provides career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors, such as college, vocational school or a military career.
⁣
Fenton continues to focus on introducing students to different career paths they could pursue after graduation. Narrowing down the possibilities leads students toward valuable opportunities while still in high school.
 
 
 
Students meet with members of the armed services to learn about potential careers.
 
 
Students meet with members of the armed services to learn about potential careers.
 
 
Students meet with members of the armed services to learn about potential careers.
 
 
Students meet with members of the armed services to learn about potential careers.
 
 
 
 
 

PTO Meeting Wednesday, November 15

 
The Bison PTO will be meeting on Wednesday, November 15, from 6-7 PM in room 302/304. 
 
Our parent-generated discussion this month will be on Career Pathways, Internships & Technology Center of DuPage. All parents and families of sophomore and junior students are strongly encouraged to attend this informational meeting. Michelle Papanicolaou, Director of Postsecondary Pathways & Career/Technical Education, and Ms. Lauren Lemm, Applied Technology Teacher & Internship Coordinator, will be at hand to explain these exciting opportunities and what they mean to our students as they begin selecting courses for next year. Don't miss this important, informational meeting hosted by your Bison PTO.
 
If you have any questions or would like more details, feel free to contact Mr. Jon Aguilar (aguilar@fenton100.org) or Mr. Don Cain (cain@fenton100.org).
 
We look forward to seeing you there!
 
 
 

 

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 Blood Drive Helps 168 Patients

Students, staff, and community members were saving lives once again. Fenton’s November 9th blood drive collected 56 units of blood and helped 168 future hospital patients. The goal was 46 units, which Fenton far exceeded.
 
The annual spring blood drive was coordinated and operated by the Student Council, with strong support from Ms. Christine Casterton. A special thank you to Versiti Blood Centers for being our partner and allowing our students to engage in meaningful community service.
 
The next blood drive will be in the Spring on March 20th.
 
 
A Fenton student proudly donates blood on November 9, 2023
 
 
A Fenton teacher proudly donates blood on November 9, 2023
 
 
Fenton students proudly wait their turn to donate blood on November 9, 2023
 
 
Student Council poses at their Blood Drive event
 
 
 

 

Speech Team Opens Season Strong

Congratulations to the speech team for kicking off their season with a 3rd place win at Joliet West High School. Fenton went against 18 teams and had 14 standout performances.
 
 Our varsity members stampeded into their awards: 
  • Sarah Guerrero took 1st in poetry, 
  • Alexa Calderon took 2nd in Info, 
  • Tereza Belej took 2nd in Radio Speaking, 
  • Aldo Benitez took 3rd in Impromptu Speaking, 
  • Ariana Acosta & Lex Mikulski took 4th in Humorous Duet AND Arturo Hurtado Jr. & Faith Wrzeciona took 4th in Humorous Duet, 
  • Daniel Garfias took 4th in Extemp Speaking, 
  • Faith Wrzeciona took 4th in Dramatic Interp, 
  • Febe Reyes took 4th in Poetry AND Wren Hamilton took 4th on Poetry, 
  • Lex Mikulski took 4th in Humorous Interp, 
  • Nate Rodriguez took 4th in Special Occasion Speaking.
 
Speech team poses after taking 3rd place at the Joliet West Invitational
 
 
Speech coaches pose after taking 3rd place at the Joliet West Invitational
 
 
 
 

Noteworthy Dates

  • November 13 – Picture Retakes for Fresh/Soph/Jr
  • November 15 – PTO Meeting, 6 pm
  • November 15 – Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm
  • November 18 – ILMEA District 1 Festival
  • November 22 – Thanksgiving Break
  • November 23 – Thanksgiving Day
  • November 24 – Thanksgiving Break
  • November 30 – Senior Portraits Yearbook Last Call (during school)
  • December 1 – NHS Fall Community Service Deadline
  • December 1 – Students on Stage Showcase, 7 pm
  • 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