Thursday, November 19, 2015

New Courses For 2016-2017 School Year!

As the new building addition opens beginning in August of 2016, MHS students will have real world experiences in state-of-the-art 21st century learning spaces equipped with the cutting edge technology that most high school students do not currently have access to.  MHS students will have opportunities to experience real world problem solving in a collaborative environment with up-to-date technology tools that are used by experts in the field.

New Courses: 


Mobile App Creating and Coding:  With the rise of smartphones and mobile devices has come the explosion of mobile applications known as apps.  Students will explore the exciting world of coding and app development for mobile devices. Beginning with the fundamentals, students will be guided through the development of a variety of apps of growing complexity, culminating in the creation of a custom app of their own design.

AP Computer Science Principles:  Students will learn the foundational concepts of computer science and explore how computing and technology can impact their world. This course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, the digital representation of information, cybersecurity concerns, among other computer science topics.  AP Computer Science Principles will give students the opportunity to use technology to address real-world problems and build relevant solutions. Click HERE for additional information!

Introduction to Engineering-Project Lead The Way (PLTW):  PLTW  is a nationally recognized pre-engineering program designed to introduce high school students to various aspects of engineering. Next year we will launch the first course in our PLTW program, Introduction to Engineering.  The students will explore the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering concepts to hands-on projects. They will work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software.  Click HERE for additional information.

STEM Inquiry and Research: The STEM Research Program is designed to provide students with opportunities to perform research techniques that are commonly found in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers in industry and academics. Students design original experiments to help answer their own research questions.  Using state of the art instrumentation, students will learn the technical and theoretical aspects of experimental design.

Nanotechnology and Research:  Students will learn how scientists are working at the nanoscale (atoms and molecules) to create new products, tools, and technologies to address some of the world's biggest problems.  With the use of electron microscopes, students will have an opportunity to design research questions and experiments that help tackle issues such as affordable energy, clean drinking water, medical devices to treat disease, techniques to improve environmental issues, among others. Click HERE for additional information.

Independent STEM Inquiry and Research: Students will apply the research skills developed in STEM Inquiry and Research or Nanotechnology and Research to investigate their own independently developed research questions.  Students will develop their own original questions, design and conduct scientific investigations and experimentation, and analyze the results.  Additionally, they will work with mentors from academic institutions and/or industries and present their work to a panel of experts in the field.

Business Incubator:  Students will learn about becoming true entrepreneurs.  This course will challenge students to develop products or services that meet the needs or wants of a targeted market.  They will research their markets, design the products/services to appeal to their markets, and then develop a prototype and marketing strategies.  Real-world entrepreneurs and business experts will serve as coaches and mentors, guiding student teams through the process of ideation, market research, and business plan development.  Click HERE for additional information.

Industrial Design:  A new art course is going to make its debut in 2017-18.  The course will focus on how industrial designs impact the aesthetics and form of the products that we use and see in our daily lives.

Please encourage your son or daughter to consider these new exciting courses at MHS.  The course registration process for the 2016-2017 school year will begin the first week of December and continue through January.  Please contact the Director of Curriculum, Mrs. Stacey Gorman (sgorman@d120.org or 847-949-2200 x 1592) or your child’s counselor with any questions.

The 2016-2017 Course Selection Guide will be posted on the D120 Webpage on Monday, November 23.  Click HERE to go the Course Selection Guide.

Interesting Fact

Did you know how many plastic bottles MHS has saved using the water filling stations in just 1 year?
99,800 bottles

  • Avg bottle is 8 inches long
  • Lay them down end to end…
  • 798400 inches
  • 66533 ft
  • 12.6 miles
  • Six Flags is 11.2 miles from MHS, so 1.4 miles to spare

Submitted by Dr. David Greenwood, Science Department Chair


Recognition


Mundelein High School’s Byte Club took the Top Overall Award at the CodeDay Chicago competition held at the Blue1647 Tech Innovation Center in Chicago. The event is a 24-hour code-a-thon where students pitch project ideas to each other and then work to create an app, game, website or program within a set time limit. The projects are then judged by local and regional technology professionals and some of the projects earn awards.

“Our students created a game called ‘Exit Strategy’ where the player must escape randomly-generated walls closing in on their position by moving quickly off the screen,” said Matt Farmer, MHS instructor and advisor to the group. “The game earned our kids the Top Overall award at the event which is quite an achievement,” he said.

MHS students who participated in person are Rygar Carvajal, William Fitzgerald, Dinyar Kadkhodaian and Kenney Stepney while Pawel Michalski took part remotely from another location.

CodeDay is a series of student programming events held across the world. It's the world's largest series of educational programming marathons.


Jazz Band plays at Fitzgeralds!
The Mundelein Jazz Ensemble performed at Fitzgerald’s Night Club in Berwyn this past Sunday.  During the Jazz Ensemble’s class period today, we discussed the entire experience and the students were still buzzing with excitement.

Senior Alto Saxophonist Gabe Martinez reflected, “It was an incredible experience overall.  It was really nice performing at an authentic venue that isn’t our own auditorium.  As always, it was awesome seeing such a tight band!”

Patricia Roques, a three-year member of Jazz Ensemble, said “This was one of my favorite performances with the jazz band.  Having the audience that close to us in such an intimate setting allowed us to feed off the energy of the audience.  For those of us looking to continue music later in life, this experience is essential, for both professional and non-professional musicians.  It gives you a good appreciation for the jazz scene in Chicago.

If you want to see a video of the performance, click HERE!

Mundelein’s performance starts at 8:09 in the video and ends around 49:30.  The band that performs after MHS is the Chicago Skyliner’s Big Band.





College & Career Resource Center

College Representative visits are winding down for the year. Don’t miss your opportunity to stop by the CCRC to visit with a college rep.!

                       College                                    Representative                      Date                   Time
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale       Michara Lane              Thu November 19      1:00 PM

College of Lake County                                  Miguel Mireles            Fri November 20       9:00 AM

College of Lake County - Engineering Pathways   Rob Twardock    Fri November 20     10:00 AM

United States Military Academy - Army        Ian O'Connor               Mon November 23  10:45 AM

Auburn University                                          Jessica Goodson          Wed December 2     11:00 AM

University of Wisconsin, Parkside                 Karen Wislocky           Tue December 8        2:00 PM

University of Pittsburgh Betsy Bates                  Wed December 9     10:00 AM


Activities


Fall Play
Mundelein High School Theatre will present Moliere’s Tartuffe Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. An additional performance will take place Nov. 19 at 3:45 p.m. which is free for all MHS students. Tickets for the show are a recommended donation of $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. Tickets may be reserved by calling 847.949.2200, Extension 1407, or at www.mhstheatre.net.

Students Against Destructive Decisions
Mundelein High School's SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) will oversee Toys for Tots again this year.  Students, staff, and community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys in the marked boxes.  MHS student groups will be competing with each other to see who can donate the most toys.  The US Marine Corps, SADD, and Mundelein High School appreciate your generosity during this holiday season.   Our community can make a big difference in the lives of young children during the holidays!

The drop-site at MHS will continue through Friday, Dec. 18, the last day of school before the winter break.  “It’s all for a great cause,” said Ryan Buck, SADD advisor. “Every kid deserves a toy for the holidays and Toys for Tots works to make that happen.”

Girls Dance Team 
The Mundelein High School Girls Dance Team will host its fourth annual “We Came To Dance” Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performances will begin at 10 a.m. and will include 48 performances by more than 30 dance teams from across the state.
competition Sunday,

Cost for admission is $5 for the day and the groups will perform in the main gymnasium.
MHS will host and compete on both the junior varsity and varsity levels. MHS Dance Team Coaches are Melissa Schaefer, Nancy Toland and Carol Lemerand.



MHS 1st Annual Run for the Paws
Last month, students in the Wellness Leadership course hosted the first ever Run for the Paws.  The event was well attended.  Here is a student produced video of the event.

 

Athletics



Mundelein High School Girls Cross Country 2015 DVD Yearbook Story.
Created by Lizzie Meister


Photographs and Videos from the 2 Weeks:


Congressman Dold's welcome to participants at the 21st Century Automation Night held at MHS!




Members of the MHS drumline march through the hallways of the school before class on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.

Mitchell Alberts and Douglas Alberts ‘16 get together with FCA -Fellowship of Christian Athletes- on Tuesday morning.

Staff Spotlight


Peter Schrenk - Art Teacher


Life Before MHS:  I have taught art for the past 11 years. I have taught everything from Kindergarten to high school art.

What are your hobbies/interests? –  gardening, jewerly/fine metalwork
     
Insider tip for parents –   Just show an interest in the things they create in art class. Ask them how they did things or what was challenging/rewarding about their work.

Best part of working at MHS? – I work with some very talented and smart teachers. I am excited about the future of the Art Department at MHS.

You many not know… I love reading history books.

What college/university did you attend?  University of Illinois - BFA Industrial Design; Northern Illinois University - MS Art Education, MS Educational Administration

How long have you worked at MHS? – This is my first year!

Who or what inspires you? – My wife has inspired me to work harder and be a better person than I would have otherwise been.

Good book recommendation? –  REAMDE by Neal Stephenson

Thursday, November 12, 2015

MHS Welcomes the Schuler Scholar Program

Mundelein High School District 120 was recently selected as a partner in the renowned Schuler Scholar Program. This program will give Schuler program participants an advantage as they move through their high school and college careers.

Launched in 2001 by Jack Schuler and his daughter, Tanya Schuler Sharman, the Schuler Scholar Program was originally conceived as a vehicle for the Schuler Family Foundation to provide college scholarship assistance to bright, motivated high school students. These awards would make it possible for them to attend selective, private colleges and universities. Students at partnership high schools in the Chicago area would be chosen to receive mentoring and college counseling in high school and a scholarship award for college.

Following a rigorous application process, 20-30 high-achieving incoming freshmen will be accepted into the program. From that point on they will be encouraged and mentored by an on-site director, scholar coach and college/career counselor. They will also have AmeriCorps tutors available to them. The Schuler Scholar Program invests about $8,900 each year per student for programming during high school to get them well-prepared for college. It also provides $1,000 college scholarships each year along with leadership and personal development activities and summer college classes and visits.

“Our partnership with MHS represents an exciting opportunity to help first-generation college bound students matriculate into the nation’s most selective colleges,” said Candace Browdy, Schuler Executive Director. “By providing academic support, college counseling, exposure and much more, the Schuler Scholar Program and MHS will help young people overcome the barriers their families have faced for generations and will allow the students to be highly successful in choosing their future paths,” she explained.

As students progress through the four-year program they must continue to demonstrate high achievement, earning A’s and B’s in their classes and achieving high standardized assessment results. The Schuler Scholar Program believes that by remaining focused on their commitment to being the best they can be, Schuler Scholars will value the long-lasting impact of the program on their lives.
“We are honored to be part of the Schuler Scholar Program,” said MHS District 120 Superintendent Kevin Myers. “We appreciate the organization believing in Mundelein High School students and we anticipate a long-lasting and successful future as partners,” he said.

Other area high schools that are partners with the Schuler Scholar Program include Highland Park, Warren Township, Maine East, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Zion-Benton Township, Waukegan and North Chicago.

What in the world is this?

Check out these photographs in the main hallway along with the explanation of their origin!  How cool would it be to have the ability to take photographs like this?  In the next school year, students will be able to create photographs like these at MHS!  More to come next week!





Recognition

Mundelein Chess Team is undefeated in one of the toughest conference in the state. This past Friday the Chess Team competed against Deerfield and Waukegan taking away two victories. They have several new players this year and the kids are having a great time playing.Congratulations! Keep up the great work!

Activities


Fall Play
Mundelein High School Theatre will present Moliere’s Tartuffe Nov. 19, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. An additional performance will take place Nov. 19 at 3:45 p.m. which is free for all MHS students. Tickets for the show are a recommended donation of $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. Tickets may be reserved by calling 847.949.2200, Extension 1407, or at www.mhstheatre.net.

Tartuffe is a tale of how true piety wins out over false hypocrisy. In this classic comedy, religious fraud Tartuffe fools the wealthy and naïve Orgon who is ready to award him his daughter’s hand in marriage. But the wily, wicked “imposter” has his sights set on even loftier goals, such as seducing his host’s wife, ruining the family name and taking over the household.
For this production, the audience will be seated on the MHS stage in a 200-seat thrust configuration [audience on three sides of the performing area]. “We have been using this setup once per season for the last few years,” said MHS Theatre Director Jonathan Meier. “The response has been tremendous from both our students and our audience members, so we are continuing the tradition.”


French Club
French Club!
All MHS students are welcome to join French club!!  French club members do not need to be HERE in order to check out the French club new website for more information.
students of French.  Click





Athletics

November 11 was early signing date for athletes that plan on participating in sports at a Division 1 College.
Tara Lawson signing with Valparaiso for Girls Swimming!

The following athletes signed a National Letter of Intent:

Tara Lawson - Valparaiso - Girls Swimming

Reese Dolan - SIU - Baseball

Congratulations Tara and Reese!





Staff Spot Light

This week, the Staff Spotlight focuses on two staff members who have served their country to preserve and protect our freedom.  


Paul Ruske - Special Education Teacher





















Served in the United States Marine Corps

I was a career Marine.  First ten years was as Intelligence Analyst and taught Counter-Terrorism course.  Second half of career was a Airborne Radio Operator/Loadmaster on the KC-130 aircraft conducting air refueling, cargo, hazardous cargo and passenger transport and airdrops.  Held additional billets as Marine Corps Primary Marksmanship Instructor and Cold Weather Survival Instructor.

Primary hobbies - travel, hunting and fishing in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan

Best part of working at MHS - Sense of belonging to a community of professional educators, highly collaborative individuals who work hard every day to provide the best for their students

College Attended - Western Illinois University for Bachelor of Arts in History
Rosary College for Master of Science in Special Education

How long have at MHS - This is my 15th year.

Favorite part of my job:  When a student who has struggled to learn, works hard and achieves their goal of a MHS diploma and when that student comes back to see you and tell you that you made a difference.

Book recommendation:   The Village by F.J. West the true story of 17 months  in a Vietnamese Village  and Long Time Passing, Vietnam and the Haunted Generation

Who or what inspires me? The men with whom I served.



Krista Alloy - Security










Served our country in the United States Army
I spent four years in the Army as a Military Police Officer. 
What are your hobbies/interests? –  My hobbies/interests include dancing, watching Minnesota Vikings football, working out, and spending time with my family. 
Best part of working at MHS? – Watching the students grow and mature over their high school career. 
What college/university did you attend? I graduated from the College of Lake County in December of 2014 and I am currently attending North Park University. 
How long have you worked at MHS? – 3 years
Who or what inspires you? – My son is my biggest inspiration in life. He makes me want to be a better person and work harder to help make a better life for him.
What is your favorite part of your job? - I love interacting with the students. We have a great student population at MHS. 
Good book recommendation? – I enjoy reading and learning about Autism. Two books I would recommend do anyone wanting to learn more about the topic would be, "The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum" by Temple Grandin and also, "The Reason I Jump," by Naoki Higashida.

New Messenger Available!

Click HERE to read The Messenger online.



Photographs from this week:

Ship in a bottle - Aerial Photograph of new MHS building.  November 2015
Veterans visit MHS for Veteran's Day.
Drum Line parades veterans through school as students applaud.
Veteran's Day opens with Master Singers singing the National Anthem.
Veterans share their story with MHS students.



Full House at the 21st Century Automation Open House!
MHS Senior Darwin Harms & Junior Neela Boevets talk with MacLean-Fogg!


Spotlight 2015!

Spotlight 2015!

Spotlight 2015!


Thursday, November 5, 2015

November 6 Edition of Mustang News

Photographs from the Week

The varsity and JV hockey teams practice lunges during off-ice conditioning at Palmieri Personal Training on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Taken by Marybeth Stone

Douglas Alberts ‘16 and Alex Guiritan ‘16 posing in their High School Musical costumes on Nov. 4. Taken by Emma Mizialko

James Rector ‘18 practices his music for symphonic band during the early morning late start on Thursday Nov. 5. Taken by Dinyar Kadkhodaian. 

Recognition


Spanish Club raised $710 for Nicaraguan artists, their families, and their local schools through the Pulsera Project Bracelet Sale last week! Great job.

The Puertas Latino Cultural Organization  did their recent fundraiser? They raised close to $500 for their student activity fund during a week long sale! Great Job.



College & Career Resource Center


Attention Seniors!

College application deadlines are looming.  Have you applied yet?

If you haven't started the college planning process yet, it’s not too late. Find schools with later deadlines (click HERE) to create and finalize your list of choices, and work on completing your applications.

If you have any questions, please see your guidance counselor about the college search and application process.



Activities

Broadcasting Team
Click HERE to see the NHS Induction Ceremony Video (also posted on the d120 web page).



Poetry Slam
MHS be heard Poetry Slam Club meets every Wednesday @ 7:00am in room A105. Come to A105 where the letters come alive, music to your ears, here you’ll have no fear. Any questions please see Mrs. Teuber and Mrs. Penuel.

Puertas Latino
The mission of the Puertas is to offer the students of Mundelein High School activities and experience that deepen their appreciation for Latino culture. Some of these activities include after- school film viewings, food festivals, and field trips. If you are interested in finding out more about this club please contact Alexander Kapotas; akapotas@d120.org and Laura Garcia; lgarcia@d120.org .

Show Choirs Spotlight Concert and Dessert Extravaganza
Saturday, November 7 at 7:30pm in the MHS Auditorium. Tickets for the concert and dessert extravaganza may be purchased before the event for $20.00 (reserved seating) or $15.00 (general admission). General admission tickets may also be purchased at the door for $20.00.
Mundelein Sound, Mundelein Lights and Sound FX will perform accompanied by the MHS Noise Band.

Click HERE for reservations and information.

MHS Show Choirs are directed by Stevee Bellas and Cory Thompson. MHS Noise Band is directed by Andy Sturgeon.

Athletics

White cards for all winter sports are available in the Athletic Office.   Winter sports Parent/Athlete meeting is Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM in the main gym.  Winter sports team pictures are Tuesday, November 17.