was mesmerized.
Kapotas, an English instructor at Mundelein High School, has come full circle from that first reading experience to becoming the author of a recently-released iBook, The Gods of Olympus: An Interactive Experience.
Kapotas began teaching at MHS in 1998 and six years later he was asked to teach the Mythology course. “My enthusiasm met instantly with reality: not every teenager shares my excitement about mythology,” Kapotas said. “I couldn’t ‘tell’ them that the study of mythology had tremendous purpose and value … I had to ‘show’ them … and that’s how the seeds of the book were planted.”
The book is meant to be used as a textbook for students who are studying Mythology. Kapotas was insistent that the book be visually appealing and also interactive. It includes maps, galleries, trivia facts and many other ways for students to explore more beyond what is required in a class. The book also provides fun facts, a review of material covered and “Did You Know” sections in each chapter.
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| Alexander Kapotas on a trip to Greece with two MHS graduates, Ryan Morris and Melissa Rivi, Class of 2014. |
“I absorbed every bit of mythology I could get my hands on when I was first exposed to it. Soon after, I began to see the gods, heroes, beasts and plotlines of mythology in my favorite books, songs and films,” Kapotas revealed. “My knowledge of mythology unlocked the meaning behind works of art and architecture. I got really good at quiz shows and board games, and worked out a deal with my senior-year English teacher to subtly correct her inaccuracies.”
This ability to understand modern-day references to Mythology is something Kapotas passes on to his students and also includes in the book. Some may consider the study of Mythology to be challenging, but once it is made relevant to so many modern-day experiences, Kapotas is able to see students come alive with interest in how Mythology is around us all the time.
The book is currently available through the iBookstore for an introductory cost of $9.99 and may be viewed on ios devices, iPad and iPhone. A sample of the book is also viewable on Twitter @exploremythology.
Recognition
MHS Seniors selected for Lake County Daily Herald Leadership Team & Honorable Mention
MHS Senior Vivian Lee has been selected to the 2015-2016 Lake County Daily Herald Leadership Team. The Leadership Team recognizes high school students who excel in volunteerism and community service. The 10 team members representing Lake County high schools will be featured in a special edition of the Daily Herald's Neighbor section Thursday, January 14. The section will feature profiles of the winning team members along with the honorable mentions."You were nominated by your high school for your outstanding work with volunteer and community organizations and for the leadership you have shown in those endeavors," said Renee Trappe, assistant managing editor of the Daily Herald. "A panel of judges selected the Team from a number of high school students in Lake County," she explained.
MHS Senior Kylie Belle Hecht has been selected as an Honorable Mention to the 2015-2016 Lake County Daily Herald Leadership Team. The Leadership Team recognizes high school students who excel in volunteerism and community service. The 10 team members representing Lake County high schools will be featured in a special edition of the Daily Herald's Neighbor section Thursday, Jan. 14. The section will feature profiles of the winning team members along with the honorable mentions.Wilhelm to be inducted into Sports Hall of Fame
The Lake County High School Sports Hall of Fame was begun in 1997 by the Keith Ryan Scholarship Committee to recognize and honor individuals for their contributions to their high schools and communities. Its purpose is to provide present and future students with a sense of the rich tradition and heritage of high school athletics and to promote the accomplishments of the school to the outside community.
Once a person is nominated, his/her qualifications will be reviewed based on the following: must be a Lake County high school graduate, named to an All-Chicago Area Team or Higher, earned a place in their sport’s state meet/tourney, achieved noteworthy career accomplishments unrelated to athletic participation and named to a Hall of Fame in their sport.
Wilhelm, a 1976 graduate of Mundelein High School, coached softball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis during his tenure at MHS. He earned 10 regional titles in girls basketball, softball and boys basketball, sectional titles in softball along with an Elite 8 finish. Wilhelm also was named Division 2 Athletic Director of the Year by the Illinois Athletic Directors Association in 2013. This award is presented based on peer nominations.
Wilhelm, who will retire from his position at Mundelein High School in June, is the tenth person from MHS to be inducted into this Hall of Fame.
“This recognition speaks highly of Perry’s influence in athletics from the time he was in school at MHS and throughout his successful career,” said Anthony Kroll, MHS principal. “We appreciate all of the contributions he has made to our athletic programs and especially to our students.”
MHS students work with DREAM Team Gamma @ Sandburg Middle School
Well, DREAM Team Gamma, D75 Robotics' all-girl team qualified for State last month in Lake Forest. The 6 girl team range from 6th-8th graders rocked the event with precision robot (2nd highest point total) competition, a solution presentation that wowed the judges and their fun, relaxed spirit that won them the Core Values Award. Now Team Gamma is headin' to State!
MHS provided student leadership as mentors. Neela Boevets led the team preparation while Eric Bishop and Laura Bauman guided them at different parts of the journey. Team Gamma owes these three MHS students a big thanks for their assistance in a good showing at U of I in January.
Announcements
This year, the student newspaper staff has embraced producing school news in two forms: paper and virtually! Click HERE to view a steady stream of student news!
Free ACT exams
1 MHS will be offering a full ACT exam for all 11th grade students on March 15 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.
2. The College of Lake County is offering FREE mock ACT testing for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. There are two dates in January and two dates in May; students will get scores before leaving the testing. Click HERE to register!
New Health Requirement
The state of Illinois has made a requirement for all seniors to receive a vaccine before the first day of school to help prevent meningitis. A suggested due date for this is May 15 of 2016 for all current 11th graders. Please check with your student’s doctor for the administration of this vaccine and submit documentation to the School Nurse’s Office.
Curriculum Night for Class of 2020
The Class of 2020 Curriculum Night and Activities/Athletics Fair will take place at Mundelein High School Tuesday, January 12. Parents/students with last names A-L should arrive at the MHS Auditorium by 6:30 p.m. for a 30-minute presentation while those with last names M-Z should arrive by 7:15 p.m. for the presentation. Both presentations will be in English and Spanish.
The program will include an overview of academic programs, an explanation of the block schedule, orientation to the course selection process and information about new programs like STEM education, Project Lead the Way and the Business Incubator Lab. Incoming freshmen also will receive their academic placements for the 2016-2017 school year.
Following the academic presentation, students and parents will attend the Activities and Athletics Fair where they will learn about the 40 clubs and 29 different athletic teams available at MHS.
College & Career Resource Center
FAFSA Workshop
Attention students and parents: Need help completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ?
FAFSA Workshop at Mundelein High School on Thursday, January 14 at 6 - 8 pm., Rooms A101 & A102
What do I need to bring?
Your 2015 or 2014 tax forms (student)
Your parents’ 2015 OR 2014 tax forms
2015 W-2 forms or 2014 W-2 forms
Your driver’s license or state ID
Social Security card
Information about assets such as savings certificates of deposit, stock shares, bonds; and investment real estate, business and farm.
Trained representatives (including Spanish speaking) will be on site to help you complete the application. Don’t miss this opportunity!
U of I / CLC Engineering Pathway
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an Engineering Pathways program agreement with the College of Lake County. Although students are not able to apply to the program until their senior year of high school, the Pathways program is hosting two upcoming informational nights to learn more about the program. Any student who is interested in attending CLC for the first two years of college and then being offered guaranteed admission to the UIUC Engineering Program is encouraged to attend. Please click HERE for more specific requirements for admission to the program.
The two upcoming informational session are scheduled for:
Thursday January 21 @ 7PM in room C005 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake
OR
Tuesday February 23 @ 7PM in room C003 at the College of Lake County in Grayslake
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Engineering Department Chair, Rob Twardock.
Rob Twardock, P.E.
Department Chair and Instructor
Engineering Transfer, Construction Management, Environmental Health and Science, Civil & Environmental Technology
rtwardock@clcillinois.edu
847-543-2903
ZAPS Test
Looking to improve your student’s ACT score?
ZAPS Test - Prep Seminar is being offered at MHS:
ZAPS Test-Prep Seminars in Your Area
ACT
Mundelein High School
Room A102
Wednesday & Thursday, February 10 & 11, 2016
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
$89.99
Register at www.doorwaytocollege.com or call 877-927-8378
Activities
Universidad de Padres
Spanish Speaking Parents: Universidad de Padres will have it third meeting on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 5:30-8 PM. Please visit the Universidad de Padres page for more information. Hope to see you there. Jesús M. Tirado, Assistant Principal; jtirado@d120.org, 847-949-2200, extension 1402.
Athletics
Track and Field
The indoor track season for both boys and girls will start Monday, January 18th. Please remember all athletes will need a white card for the track season before they start practicing. You can get your white card now up in the Athletic Office. If you have any question please see or call Mrs. Risdon in the Athletic Office at ext. 1340.
Staff Spot Light
Amanda Parola - Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Principal
What are your hobbies/interests? – Gardening, Spending time with family.
Insider tip for parents – Listen to your kids. It is amazing what I hear going on in their conversations in the car ride home from practice.
Best part of working at MHS? – Working with the Mundelein students. It is fascinating to watch these students grow throughout their four years of high school. The students, faculty, parents and community.
You may not know… I am a Minnesota Viking fan and I was captain of my color guard team in high school.
How long have you worked at MHS? – 8 years
Who or what inspires you? – My kids inspire me to be the best mother that I can be; the Mundelein Kids inspire me to be caring and kind.
What is your favorite part of your job? – Greeting the kids and the parents in the community when they walk into the school.
Good book recommendation - Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline
Time Lapse Video of New MHS STEM Building for December 2015
Click HERE to see more videos and photographs of the construction project!