September 13, 2024

Dear MHS Families,

It's been a fantastic week, with picture day and the first of our graduation activites accomplished. If your student missed picture day on Wednesday, they will have another opportunity on October 23rd during picture re-take day. If your student missed Herff Jones, they can pick up a cap and gown order packet in the main office.

On to next week which begins Sunday with the start of Hispanic Heritge month. This week is also Community Week featuring a number of sports activites...and...our annual Community Cookout. Stop by on Thursday evening for a hotdog, chips and a cookie, courtesy of our MHS Parent Ambassadors!

On Tuesday we celebrate our IT Professionals! Our technology staff is an all-star team of professionals and we are so grateful for all they do on a daily basis to keep us working at our best.

Last, but certainly not least, we have started the search for our next Superintendent...and we want your input. Please join us at the East District office on September 18th at 6:30pm for our first in-person focus group. We look forward to seeing you there!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Go Mustangs!

Mike Souza

Interim Principal and Associate Principal of Operations

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

msouza@d120.org

Sept 3-30 - Welcome Center Restock Drive

Sept 3-30 - Vintage Yearbook Sales Begin
Sept 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month Begins

Sept 16 - 21 - D75 / D120 Community Week

Sept 18 - Rings and Jackets Ordering

Sept 19 - Fall Community Cookout

Sept 20 - Late Start, classes begin at 9:40am

Sept 20 - Home Football Game #2 (Theme - Community Night)

Sept 23 - 27 - Homecoming Spirit Days

Sept 25 - Senior Night/Girls Flag Football

Sept 26 - Parent Book Club

Sept 27 - Homecoming Parade - Early dismissal (12:30pm)

Sept 27 - Homecoming Football Game

Sept 28 - Alumni Building Tours

Sept 28 - Homecoming Dance

Oct 2 & 3 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Oct 2-4 - Rosh Hashana

Oct 4 - Home Football Game

Oct 7 - National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Oct 15 - Last Day for Student Medical Compliance

Oct 16 - PSAT/NMSQT

MHS staff members attended the first of many after school staff art club events this past week! Mr. Shifley and the National Art Honor Society members taught the staff how to make pinch pots and other 3D artwork out of clay. Be on the lookout for more Staff Art Club events coming up!

BWP and Associates has been hired to help the Board of Education in both District 75 and District 120 conduct a comprehensive superintendent search in order to find a wonderfully student-centered and engaged leader to take the helm when Dr. Kevin Myers retires at the end of the 2024-25 school year.

Your voice will play a critical role in this process so we hope you will join us at our upcoming Community Engagement meeting:

September 18, 2024

6:30-7:15 PM

East District Office - Studio 75

Located at: 470 N. Lake Street, Mundelein

We know life is busy. Can’t make our in-person focus groups outlined above? Please consider completing the following survey in which you can share your ideas with the team. To access the survey, please click here. The survey will be available through Friday, September 13, 2024.

The D120 Welcome Center serves a critical function in supporting families in need throughout our community by providing nonperishable food, household supplies, and much more to families who need support. Help us restock our shelves for the beginning of the school year so we can support every family in need!

MHS Club & Activities is hosting a friendly competition to see which club/activity can donate the most items! The winning club will receive a donut party at their next club meeting as a thank you for their contribution. Donate in the main office by September 30th and fill out the form indicating which club you would like to credit.

Click here for a list of most needed items.

We are now selling new, never distributed 2005-2016 MHS yearbooks for $10 each. If you went to MHS during those years and didn't purchase a yearbook, lost your yearbook, or had your yearbook distroyed in a flood or fire, now is your chance to replace those treasures. Also, if you are planning an MHS reunion, wouldn't it be great to have some of those books available for the event? If interested, books can be purchased at the Mundelein High School bookstore during school hours. If you would like more information about purchases, please contact KC Olson at kolson@d120.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy.

The Hispanic Reading Room at the Library of Congress welcomes you to Interconnecting Worlds: Weaving Community Narratives, Andean Histories & the Library's Collections. In this guide, with resources in English, Spanish and Quechua, we seek to facilitate research about Andean peoples, cultures, and knowledges through the themes of language, storytelling and literature, visual arts, and music. Explore the Research Guide

Text Courtesy of: https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources and https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

Click here to view in Spanish

Order Your Official Class Ring and Custom Letter Jacket Now!

Family Order Night is

Wednesday, September 18th

from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

In the Main Lobby

Shop and design online at www.HerffJonesIL.com

Please bring your Letters and Numerals to order night!

Click here to see more.

Join us for a FAN-tasty time...Stop by and treat yourself to a hotdog, chips and a cookie, courtesy of our MHS Parent Ambassadors!

MHS Pool Lot

5:00pm - 7:00pm

English | Spanish

Classes begin at 9:40am.

Buses will run one hour later than usual.

Click here for late start schedule.

Join us for our 2nd home football game of the season! The theme is Community Night.

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Stevenson Patriots

Theme

Community Night / White Out

Start Time

5:00pm

Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan

Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower level game and remain open through the varsity game.

Disallowed Items

Alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, backpacks, large bags, noisemakers, outside food or drink. All bags subject to search.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

MHS Stadium

Freshmen v. Sophomores • 6 p.m.

Juniors v. Seniors • 7 p.m.

8:00pm - 11:00pm

Admission $15

T-shirt and Scrubs $35

Click here to purchase on RevTrak

Permission slips are available outside of the bookstore.

Our school district is committed to fostering a healthy learning environment for all students. To align with this goal, new cell phone expectations are being implemented this year. MHS teachers invite MHS parents to join our book club discussion of "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haid to learn more about how you can support this change and explore the reasoning behind this endeavor.

Part 3

Moved to MHS Media Center

Part 4

Moved to MHS Media Center

Click here to learn more.

Students will enjoy some great homecoming festivities:

Assembly 11:30am - 12:20pm

Early Release at 12:30pm (school day schedule)

Parade at 3:30pm (parade map)

Home football game versus Libertyville at 7:00pm (Purchase Tickets at GoFan)

For the full list of festivities, click here.

Welcome back, Alumni!

Tickets $20

• Online Sales: Sept 16th- September 26th (purchase on RevTrak)
• In-Person (Cash Only) Sales: September 19th, September 24th
• No tickets will be sold at the door
• Guest Forms available in the Dean's Office - Due by Tuesday, September 24th *no exceptions*

• Concessions will be available for cash only.

For financial assistance please contact Mrs. Libert (slibert@d120.org)

October 2nd

Student Early Release

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00pm

October 3rd

No Student Attendance

Day Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00am - 2:00pm

Registration link will open on September 16th

Happy Rosh Hashana!

Join us for our 3rd home football game of the season! The theme is Community Night.

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Warren Township Blue Devils

Theme

Neon Night

Start Time

5:00pm

Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan

Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower level game and remain open through the varsity game.

Disallowed Items

Alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, backpacks, large bags, noisemakers, outside food or drink. All bags subject to search.

The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony will be held

October 7th

7:00pm

MHS Auditorium

The mission of NHS is to recognize and foster enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote the development of strong character, to encourage positive leadership, and to cultivate responsible citizenship through service to school and community.

All 9th-grade students must submit a school physical.

All 12th-grade students must submit proof of the second meningococcal vaccination.

Students without these requirements will be excluded from school on October 15. Visit our health office website for more info.

The PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Mundelein High School. The PSAT/NMSQT is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Students will be excused from class for the periods they are testing but will be responsible for making up the classwork they missed.

Top performing grade 11 students may be eligible for money through National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Scholarship funds.

To learn more about the PSAT/NMSQT, visit www.collegeboard.org/psat or email Dr. Kroll with questions.

Seniors, your first round of graduation activities begin on September 11th when Herff Jones will be here to measure you for your cap and gown. To learn everything you need to know and download a handy checklist to keep you on track, please click here.

The CCRC offers assistance with all aspects of the college application process:

• Narrowing down college choices
• Working through applications
• Checking essays
• Discussing financial concerns and scholarships
• Talking about standardized tests
• Working with potential college athletes
• Discussing military options
• Helping students connect with people at university

Click here to learn more.

Experiential Education describes all opportunities offered to students to give them a chance to explore the world of careers and professions. These include classes like Dual Credit Student Internship, Business INCubator, and Geometry in Construction as well as career treks and featured guest speakers.

On Monday, September 9th, two representatives from the Life EMS Academy presented to students interested in the field of emergency medicine. Approximately 20 students attended the event, which was held in the College & Career Resource Center.

“An EMT position is often a stepping stone to other careers in medicine,” stated Kristy Pruski from the academy. She continued with many testimonies of how people used their experience in emergency medicine to give them open up opportunities in nursing, specialized medicine, and even firefighting.

“This was the first presentation where I actually connected with the presenters,” stated senior Sofia Dawson. “The part where she said that she’s sometimes been the first person patients see when they wake up from a trauma or the last person they see before they pass away really got me,” she added.

If anyone missed this presentation, Life EMS Academy will be hosting a table at our upcoming Career Expo on Thursday, October 17th. Check out photos from the event below!

When I met with Tylea earlier this semester to discuss possible placements for her internship experience, I could tell that she didn’t just think that a career in veterinary medicine was the place for her--it was a decision that she made with her heart. “I really like working with animals,” she stated calmly.

It’s the perfect way to pick a career path to explore, in my opinion. Students--and many adults--often overthink their career choice and end up in an endless loop of cognition. I think this is a paradigm that many people can relate to.

I placed Tylea with Mundelein Animal Hospital, a respected clinic just north of the high school. I was grateful to office manager Heidi Keyler for giving Tylea the opportunity to learn about the field of veterinary medicine during her semester-long experience.

When I walked in the clinic to do a write-up on Tylea’s experience, I was greeted warmly by the hospital staff, who let me conduct a brief interview in one of the exam rooms. When I asked Tylea about what she liked about her experience so far, she smiled and her eyes lit up with excitement.

“I love it here,” she commented. “The place is so organized, clean, and everyone was so welcoming”. “They place animal care as their top priority and everyone here takes care of each other,” she added. “It’s like a big friend group”.

Tylea spends her time observing doctors as they administer care and helping out with small tasks like room setup and spending time with the patients. “I also got to learn how use a microscope to look for signs of infection or illness,” she shared. In addition to being part of day-to-day operations, the staff is giving her glimpses into her possible future career in veterinary medicine.

“Tylea is eager to learn about the field, and she is setting precedence for other students who will follow in her footsteps,” shared Heidi, the hospital manager. “She is learning the reality of the veterinary medicine experience,” she continued. “There’s a lot of love and happiness in this profession, but there’s also a need for lots of patience and empathy.”

“It’s obvious that Tylea loves animals,” she stated, “and loving animals is our core value here at Mundelein Animal Hospital.”

Judging from the comments above and the photos below, it looks like Tylea has found her career path, which is our goal for every student in our internship program!

If you’re interested in learning more about our Dual Credit Student Internship course or any of our Experiential Education programs, contact Alexander Kapotas at akapotas@d120.org or at (847) 949-2200 x1092.

Check out this promo video that captures the spirit of the experiential education program here at Mundelein High School. Your epic future awaits, Mustangs!

Quest is proud to be your dining partner and we are committed to providing the best experience possible to every student, including nutritious food, a wide variety of choices, and a seamless dining experience. We wanted to share a few important reminders about the dining program and we welcome your questions and feedback. Click here for more information.

New Year, New Look! Elevate Your Mustang Pride! Exciting news! We've expanded our spirit wear lineup with premium brands Under Armour and Champion at Mymustangnation.com.

Customize your gear with official school logos using our state-of-the-art DigiSoft printing for a smoother feel. Shop online 24/7 or see our printed merch at Mundelein High School. Visit us at mymustangnation.com or linked through the d120.org website.

Super Seniors is back! If you are a senior citizen who resides in the Mundelein High School District, Mundelein High School cordially invites you to a dinner and show! Be our guest for dinner in the MHS Cafeteria and a seat for the fall play - The Philadelphia Story!

When: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Where: MHS Cafeteria

Time: Dinner served at 5:30pm. MHS Presentation at 6:00pm. Play begins at 7:30pm.

Register by 10:00am Friday, October 4. Super Senior Reservations can be made by clicking here to register or by calling 847-949-2200 ext. 1326 (East District Office) and leaving the name, email address and phone number of each senior citizen who is attending. We start taking reservations approximately four weeks before each event.

Please note that you must reside in the Mundelein High School District #120 to attend. Click HERE to find more information about MHS Theatre.

What is Super Seniors?

• Super Seniors attend dinner events, school plays, musicals, and art shows. Several times throughout the school year you will have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary dinner served by MHS students and to attend an MHS activity.

• Super Seniors was started in 2008 to encourage Mundelein area seniors to become more involved in their community high school. All events are free to our seniors and are sponsored by student clubs at the school. Funding comes from sponsors, grants, and donations.

• Contact akroll@d120.org with any questions.

Athletics events week of 9/16/24

Fall Athletic Department Newsletter

Submitted by Coach Dayton

The MHS JV1 Boys soccer team beat a very tough Barrington High School team to advance to the finals in the Barrington Soccer Tournament. The boys beat perennial state powerhouse New Trier High School in PKs and were crowned tournament champions.

Submitted by Coach Winter

On Saturday the varsity team finished 3rd overall in the 8 team Vernon Hills invitational. Adriana Trotz (12) and Ashley Williams (9) medaled in #1 doubles and Alina Ahmed(10) took 4th place in #1 singles .

On Tuesday Varsity won 6-1 over Zion Benton, #2 doubles of Abi Gora and Kateryna Zhuzhelska won 6-0,6-1 #3 Doubles of Renata Turska and Nishita Kumar won convincingly along with #4 doubles of Annalia Sosa and Sreya Kannappan . #1 singles Ashley Williams and #2 singles Holly Scaramella both won convincingly along with #4 Valerie Gazaeva

Submitted by Coach Rodriguez

Great first meet of the season last Wednesday at the Lake County Invite! Our Varsity finished 7th out of 13 teams & our JV finished 6th out of 11 teams, with multiple PRs at each level! Our Varsity was led by Precious Oyebanji (10th) and Brooklyn D’Ambrosio (12th) who earned All-County honors!

Last Saturday at the inaugural Vicky Piela invite, Varsity had 4 LPRs + 2 SPRs + 2 medalists w/ Precious Oyebanji & Brooklyn D’Ambrosio finishing in the top 20! For JV, we had 7/8 girls running LPRs in the 2 Mile + 2 more medalists of Brylie Horcher & Tania Escobar!

In our first Conference Quad meet on Tuesday, our girls beat Zion but lost to Libertyville and a fierce Lake Zurich squad. We are excited for more conference matchups in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to last week’s Runner of the Week: freshman Yarel Gomez! Yarel has been putting in the miles since summer and it’s paying off as she improves each week! She is a consistent hard worker who never complains, asks great questions, and always gives her best effort!

Submitted by Coach Willis

This week has been a slower week in competition. After the Varsity participated in the New Trier invite and the Sophomore team went to the Libertyville invite and played 5 games each last weekend, the Mustangs took on Zion-Benton on Wednesday. Our Mustang program will play again next week at Grayslake North on Monday and the JV team will play in a quad at Round Lake on Tuesday. Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for our first Home Match of the season during Community Night on Wednesday, September 18th against Stevenson. We will be collecting supplies for Keeping Families Covered.

Please consider donating some period supplies (pads, liners, tampons) and diapers for a good cause. We would also love to pack the gym and show our Mundy Pride! JV and Freshmen A play at 5:00pm and Varsity and Freshmen B play at 6:00pm. See you there!

Photo: Senior Tylea Crow attacks Wheaton North

Our MHS Portrait of a Learner tenets affirm student identity through schoolwide values, expectations and practices.

English | Spanish

Regular school attendance is required and necessary to develop the academic and intrapersonal skills needed for success. Students are expected to attend each class and be on time. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. If your student is going to be absent, leave early or arrive late, please submit the attendance via the monitor application within Power School in lieu of calling the attendance line and leaving a voicemail.

Please log on to the Power School parent portal at the MHS website https://www.d120.org/ to record your student’s attendance.

Attached you will find instructions on how to submit your students attendance.

Power School Attendance Instructions

Guardians will be receiving an email with your parent Power School log in instructions if needed.

If you need further support please call 847-949-2200.

Would you like to know when your student’s bus is going to be late? For Mundelein bus routes, Lakeside Transportation is using the Bus Bulletin notification system to notify parents and students when there are bus delays and schedule changes.

For more information, or to sign-up and start receiving notifications, please visit Bus Bulletin (Find Mundelein Area Schools when prompted for a district) *Note - This is managed by Lakeside Bus Company and not MHS.

Although we take great pride in a dress code that encourages self-expression, we do want to remind students of our student dress code policy as found in our student handbook.

• Clothing must cover all undergarments (waistbands and straps excluded).

• Fabric covering all private parts must not be seen through.

• Clothing that depicts, advertises or advocates the use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other controlled substances is prohibited.

• Clothing that depicts pornography, nudity or sexual acts is prohibited.

With the increased enrollment in recent years, we have been unable to provide a locker for every student at MHS. Since many students do not use a locker, we are assigning lockers to students upon request. Click below to request your locker!

Sign up for a Guardian SchooLinks Account! Be a part of your student’s college and career exploration. Understand more about the benefits of a Guardian Account with this video. If you need assistance creating your Guardian Account, email akroll@d120.org with your student’s name and ID number. A claim code and directions will be provided in response.

View Our Principal's Blog Archive

District Developments Newsletter

Website: www.d120.org

Location: 1359 West Hawley Street, Mundelein, IL, USA

Phone: 847-949-2200