And it’s a blast. That’s because this engineering program is fueled by imagination, innovation and learning. From hands-on projects,like building and launching a solid fuel rocket, to solving real-world challenges, including designing and modeling alternative energy sources. And you get to do it all using the latest equipment, materials and information covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics. So enroll this fall, and watch your future education and career opportunities soar.Programming robots. Conducting DNA tests. Designing cutting-edge wind turbines. You’ll find all that and more in a PLTW classroom. Here, you’ll use the latest equipment, materials and information covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics to explore, design, build and put your ideas to the test. At the same time, you’ll be gaining a pathway to future education and career opportunities. So sign up for a PLTW class, and experience a world of imagination, innovation and learning.
It’s rigorous and rewarding. Engaging and expanding. It’s about solving real-world problems – like hunger, housing and healthcare. It’s using the latest equipment, materials and information to explore, design and put your ideas to the test. It’s building a foundation covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while creating a pathway to future education and career opportunities. It’s PLTW – a program that’s right at the crossroads of imagination, innovation and learning.
Imagine a class that’s all about using your imagination. Where you can program robots, explore nanotechnology and design alternative energy sources. Where you can put your ideas to the test using the latest equipment, materials and information covering science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Where you can begin to build a pathway to academic success in high school and beyond. You’ll find all that and more in a PLTW class, which you can now sign up for at MHS. Imagine that.
Today’s STEM Realities
• The U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) will grow 17 percent by 2018—nearly double the growth for non-STEM fields. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs because there will not be enough qualified workers to fill them. STEM is where jobs are today and where job growth will be in the future.• The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (or PCAST) February 2012 report highlighted the problem, stating: “Economic projections point to a need for approximately one million more STEM professionals than the U.S. will produce at the current rate over the next decade if the country is to retain its historical preeminence in science and technology. To meet this goal, the United States will need to increase the number of students who receive undergraduate STEM degrees by about 34% annually over current rates.”
• Another struggle continues to be the under representation of women and minorities in STEM-focused studies and careers. Women constitute 48 percent of the U.S. workforce but hold just 24 percent of the U.S. jobs in STEM. Only 1 in 10 STEM professionals is a minority woman.
Project Lead The Way, a K-12 STEM Solution.
• Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is the nation’s leading provider of K-12 STEM programs. PLTW’s world-class, activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development model, combined with an engaged network of educators and corporate partners, help students develop the skills needed to succeed in our global economy.
• As a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PLTW programs are delivered to more than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. PLTW schools can be found in rural, urban, and suburban districts; across all income levels; as well as in public, private, and charter schools.
Announcements
Picture Re-Take Day
Wednesday, October 21. Visual Image Photography (VIP) will be in the Mundelein Room to take yearbook photos. This is for any Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior who did not already have a photo taken, or if you would like a re-take (maybe the first day was a bad hair day, or your student had braces taken off since then!). Use this link for the VIP order form.Seniors may also take a yearbook only. There is a different set-up for seniors, and there is no opportunity to purchase the senior photos taken this day.
MHS offers ACT
MHS will be offering a full ACT exam for all 11th grade students tentatively scheduled for March 15, 2016 at no cost to the family. Students will arrive at MHS at the usual start time and will be dismissed immediately after the exam. More information will be sent home as this date approaches.Attention Class of 2016
There will be an important meeting on Wednesday, October 21 during Homeroom in the Auditorium to order your graduation cap and gown. The $41.00 cost includes rental of gown, and purchase of cap, tassel and alumni medal. (Rental gowns must be returned before the graduates leave the Sears Center Arena on graduation day). No payment is required at this time.Herff Jones will be at MHS on Wednesday, October 28 and Friday, October 30 during all lunch periods to take orders for class rings, graduation announcements, and many other graduation products including key chain tassels, picture frames, and sweatshirts.
Recognition
Shout Out to MHS Senior Duncan Black. Duncan spent last weekend accompanying Korean War veteran Bernard Stern, 87, of Wheeling, on his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C, to visit war monuments. Air Force Staff Sergeant Bernard Stern, head of a hospital lab in Kimpo, Korea from 1950-54. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. We transport our heroes to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials.
Activities
Mundelein Idol
Mundelein Idol will be held on October 17 at 6:30pm in the Auditorium. Mundelein Idol is based off of the popular TV show, American Idol. Contestants will compete in multiple rounds to win the title of “Mundelein Idol!” The audience vote on the winner in this exciting live performance. Come see great performers and vote for the winner!Spanish/Diversity Club
From October 19 to October 23, Mundelein High School's Spanish & Diversity Clubs will be selling hand-woven bracelets, or ‘pulseras’ in Spanish, to empower the artists who make them in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Uganda. The sale was organized through the Pulsera Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers and educates young people in the U.S. and Central America through pulsera sales.Student and teacher volunteers raise funds that benefit fair trade jobs, worker rights, sustainability, and education, while learning about the culture, lives, and struggles of Central Americans. The Pulsera Project’s goal is to create a more just and colorful world by encouraging conscious consumerism and social enterprise.
Book Club
Book Club will begin Wednesday, October 28. We will meet starting at 7:10am in D24. Our first book will be “Mrs. Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs, but students are welcome to attend and discuss books whether they read it or not.Athletics
On Wednesday, October 21 Mundelein High School will be hosting IHSA Boys Soccer Regionals. Mundelein will be playing the 6:30pm against Waukegan High School, admission is $4.00 per person.Senior Night for football, cheer, dance and marching band will be held on Friday, October 23. Seniors and parents will be asked to line up during the 4th quarter of the sophomore game. Please come out and support this seniors as they complete their final home game. Admission to the football game is free for all MHS students with their school I.D. Adults are $5.00, children 10 and up are $$2.00 and senior citizens and children under 10 are $1.00.
Photos from the Past week:
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| Paige Chang '16 participates in Feed My Starving Children with FBLA to help pack meals for starving children around the world. Taken by Katie Bauer |
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| Senior Running Back Isac Banuelos watches a play unfold at football practice as he waits to jump back into offense. Taken by James Cox |
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| Katherine Chuma '16 and Briana Ventella '18 leap high into the air during their Orchesis routine at the Orchesis Fall show. Taken by Emma Aculado. |
Staff Spot Light
Wes Dawson – Security
What are your hobbies/interests? – Fishing, Golf, Reading, Xbox, Anything Outdoors
Insider tip for parents – The only advice I have is to listen to your kids, they may be trying to tell you something without actually saying it.
Best part of working at MHS? – Interacting with staff, and students on a daily basis.
What college/university did you attend? CLC- Associates Criminal Justice, University of Phoenix
How long have you worked at MHS? – 10 months
Who or what inspires you? – I am inspired by my father who despite never attending college became a design engineer and has worked at the same company for over 40 years.
What is your favorite part of your job? - Helping students when they have questions, or if they are having a bad day.
Good book recommendation? – One Shot at Forever - Chris Ballard