Thursday, September 29, 2016

MHS Moves to 8 Period Bell Schedule in 2017-18

Mundelein High School approves move to traditional 8-period schedule
Following a special Board of Education meeting Sept. 28 to hear a final presentation by the MHS administration concerning the bell schedule, the District 120 Board has voted 5 to 1 to move from the current 4 X 4 Block Schedule to a traditional 8-period day. The new schedule will begin at the start of the 2017-2018 school year.

MHS leadership is enthusiastic about moving to a traditional 8-period schedule and will join 17 other Lake County high schools with that schedule. The new schedule will include eight up to 54-minute periods, including lunch, which will be one of those periods.

“I commend the Board of Education, administration, staff, students and the community for almost two years of extensive study which has led to this decision,” Kevin Myers, superintendent, explained. “This has truly been an open, collaborative process and we are looking forward to moving to the new schedule. It is absolutely the right thing to do for all of our students,” he said. “It has also been an eye-opening experience. For example, the fact that our students only experience 18 months each of English, math, science and social studies during their four years at MHS is alarming. We must be focused on providing the best possible education for ALL of our students and, after looking at our research, we were painfully aware that we are not currently doing that,” Myers said. “We must prepare our students for a successful future.”

Mundelein High School is one of the few schools in Illinois to be on a 4 X 4 Block Schedule which involves four 90-minute class periods each day. One of the major concerns was that with all classes being completed in nine or 18 weeks, rather than in 18 or 36 weeks, students experienced “gap time,” which involved long breaks in time between successive courses.

“We have a responsibility to provide the best education possible for our students and this gap time issue was crucial in our recommendations to changing our bell schedule,” said Anthony Kroll, principal.

Another major issue in the 4 X 4 Block was Advanced Placement [AP] courses. While those courses in most schools last the full school year, on the MHS schedule many students had an AP course that ended in December, but the national AP exams aren’t taken until May. “This created many problems for both the students and the teachers,” Kroll explained. “We look forward to having full-year AP courses so that our students are on a level playing field with other AP students throughout the country,” he said.

Myers also explained that the 8-period schedule will have strong advantages for student wellness. Students will have longer lunch periods which supports the research that says students need some form of a break during their day. Their homework will be spread out over 176 days instead of 88, reducing the workload and the stress that accompanies it. Other advantages include study halls and resource periods, the option of taking six, seven, or for some students, even eight courses if they choose. Research has also shown that students and teachers in year-long courses form stronger bonds and work better together to benefit the students. Myers also stressed that there is no plan at this time for a reduction in [teaching] force due to the change in schedule.

The MHS staff and administration will begin work immediately on making adjustments to the schedule and course offerings in time for students to register for their courses for next year.
“We have an outstanding staff and we know that we will make this transition a smooth one for both students and staff,” Myers concluded.

Announcements


Cocoa and Cram
On, Tuesday, October 4th from 3:30 to 4:30 pm Link Crew will host Cocoa and Cram in the Media Center.  This is a study session hosted by Link Leaders to help the freshman students prepare for Final Exams.  Link Crew will provide snacks as well as Hot Cocoa for students who attend.  There will also be a raffle of 2 Final Exam "Study Buckets" which will include some Link Leader approved study supplies such as highlighters, snacks, and other supplies necessary to ace their exams.  We encourage all freshman students to attend and prepare for exams with their Link Leaders.  Link Leaders will be available to help students study.

Yearbook Updates
1.       Retakes: If students missed the opportunity to have their portrait taken for yearbook or would like to have their photo retaken, they can do so on Wednesday, October 5, from 7:15 to 1:45 pm in the Mundelein Room.
2.       2016-2017 Yearbook Pre-orders: This year’s yearbook can be pre-ordered through the school until September 30 via the bookstore or RevTrak for $50.  Starting October 1, pre-orders will have to be arranged through Jostens, the publishing company. This can be done by phone at 1-877-767-5217.
3.       2015-2016 yearbooks: We still have some left for purchase.  If you didn’t get a yearbook last year, you can still buy one for $55 at the school bookstore.


Activities


Best Buddies

Best Buddies informational meeting on October 14th in b120 at 7:25. Best Buddies promotes social inclusion, integrated employment, and leadership development for unique individuals. Best Buddies is a great way for students to create lifelong friendships and to get involved with the school and the community. For more information, please contact 170364@students.d120.org



Orchesis Show
Mundelein High School’s Orchesis Club will host its first show of the year Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
in the MHS Auditorium. It will be preceded by a Kids Dance Clinic to be held

The Dance Clinic is for area youth Pre-K through eighth grade. Cost for the Clinic is $15 which includes a T-Shirt. All participants will be encouraged to dance in the Orchesis Show.The Monday evening show will feature solos, duets and small group dances choreographed and performed by the Orchesis Club members along with dances performed by the PE dance class. Children who completed the Dance Clinic will also perform.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.Nancy Toland is the club advisor.







Variety Show
One of Mundelein High School’s long-standing traditions is to hold a variety show to benefit local Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.
charities. Previously, the shows have been held in March but the event has been moved to the earlier date of Thursday,

Acts in the past have included singers, dancers, solo and group musicians, magicians, jugglers, comics and more.

The theme for this year’s show is Halloween! There will be opportunities for attendees to win prizes through audience participation, including a costume contest and raffles. Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, a parking pass for next year, prom tickets and more. Admission will be a $2 donation at the door, which will include a raffle ticket.


Voter Registration
This is Voter Registration Week. Any senior born before November 8th is eligible to vote in this years' presidential election. The registration deadline is October 7. They need to bring two forms of ID and can register either with Mrs. Billittier in the main office, or with Mr. Kuhn in Room A15.

You can also register on line https://ova.elections.il.gov/. Please encourage anyone eligible to register before the deadline.

College and Career Resource Center 


College Week-October 17-20, 2016
Follow this link for all the activities going on that week. http://www.d120.org/academics/ccrc/default.aspx

Prospective students: Tour CLC on Columbus Day!
High school students who have the Columbus Day holiday off can explore renovations and additions to the College of Lake County’s Grayslake Campus and get a head start on their college plans.
On Monday, Oct. 10, college representatives will conduct tours of the new Café Willow, the Welcome and One Stop Center and several other facilities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 20-minute tours will originate at the Welcome and One Stop Center in the B Wing, where students can take care of enrollment, course registration, financial aid, transcripts and payments all in one convenient location. Light refreshments will be served.  Read more at http://tinyurl.com/jufgqv2

Resources
Please visit the CCRC website for resources regarding college planning and financial aid including scheduled college representative visits and scholarship information. http://www.d120.org/academics/ccrc/default.aspx


FAFSA opens October 1st!
(Este mensaje sigue abajo en español)

On October 1, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) officially opens for the graduating class of 2017.  At MHS we have a few events coming up to help your family through this process if you feel you would like assistance.

The first event is taking place on October 18.  At 6pm, our Illinois Student Assistance Commission Corps member, Jasmine Jetton Gonzales, will present about the Financial Aid process in the MHS Auditorium.  Jasmine is available to meet with students and families one on one every Tuesday at MHS in the CCRC from 9-2pm.  Please contact her or use this link (https://isacrep.youcanbook.me/)  to schedule a time to meet if you would like personal assistance.

Jasmine Jetton-Gonzales
ISACorps Community Outreach Specialist
Phone: (847) 946-0875
E-mail: Jasmine.Jetton-Gonzales@isac.illinois.gov

On October 25, we are hosting a FAFSA Completion Workshop here at MHS.  This is a session where students and parents can come to MHS to complete their FAFSA with assistance from trained professionals.  If you would like to attend this event, please find more information and sign up using the following link: tinyurl.com/FAFSA17

If you would prefer to complete the FAFSA on your own, please feel free to utilize this YouTube video created by Step Up Utah that provides a step by step overview of the process.


En Español
El primero de octubre, la FAFSA, la aplicación para recibir la ayuda financiera, abre para la clase que gradúa en 2017.  En MHS tenemos eventos para ayudar a su familia con este proceso si necesitan la asistencia para poder  llenar su applicacion.

Jasmine Jetton Gonzales, nuestra representante de ISAC, va a presentar sobre la ayuda financiera a las 7:30 el 18 de octubre en español.  Jasmine está lista para reunir con estudiantes y familias uno por uno todas las martes en MHS en la CCRC de 9 a 2.  Por favor, conéctese con ella o use este link (https://isacrep.youcanbook.me/) para hacer una cita para recibir asistencia personal.

Jasmine Jetton-Gonzales
ISACorps Community Outreach Specialist
Phone: (847) 946-0875
E-mail: Jasmine.Jetton-Gonzales@isac.illinois.gov

El 25 de octubre tenemos una “FAFSA Completion Workshop” aquí en MHS.  Este es una sesión donde estudiantes y sus padres pueden venir a MHS para completar su FAFSA, la aplicación para la ayuda financiera con asistencia de profesionales.  Si quiere asistir a este evento, puede encontrar más información e inscribirse usando este link  tinyurl.com/FAFSA17

Si prefieren completar la FAFSA sin ayuda, pueden utilizar este video de YouTube hecho por Step Up Utah que tiene los pasos del proceso


Athletics


Volleyball Tribute to Ms. Craven
On Monday, Oct 3rd, the Girls Volleyball Program is dedicating their match to Jerri Craven.  This will be the first home match since she has passed.  The team has asked her family and friends to attend.  We will have a moment of silence before the varsity introductions and the varsity team will have a short speech that will be read at the end of the match.  A group of red balloons will be placed on the chair that she sat in for a number of years scoring Girls and Boys Volleyball matches.  We would love for you to attend this special night.

Girls Swimming and Diving
Mustangs took 2nd place in the pool at the Buffalo Grove Invite.  Way to go Mustangs!!!






Girls Cross Country
Fr/Soph girls took 10th place (out of 22) at the Palatine Invite. Andrea Cordova took 2nd place and Clarissa Wienckowski took 12th place out of 350+ runners.

Football
Shout out to Mitchell Sharer who received many compliments from the opposing teams coaching staff. “#74 has been on my heart all night and day.” “Nothing but a STAND UP and RESPECTABLE young man.” “Fate allowed us to cross paths 3 times after the game and he was nothing but gracious and respectful every time.” Way to go Mitchell, thank you for representing Mundelein High school in such a positive light.

All levels defeated Waukegan (Fr. 24-0/ Soph 34-8/ Var 29-14)
                                                                           
Pink out Football Game -vs- Libertyville on 10-7-2016

Boys Golf
Var - took 1st place at the Ram Invite!
Var –placed 3rd in the NSC Conference Tournament, 2nd place in the Conference overall
JV - Hunter Magee JV golf invite Champion!
JV – 2nd place NSC Conference Tournament.



Girls Golf
Isabella Loverde 9th place at the NSC Conference Tournament

Girls Tennis
Varsity Lakes Invite Champs!

Mundelein defeated Lake Zurich 6-1 today. Alviar, Majewski and Brua were all victorious in singles match play. Freshman Alviar in the number one spot and senior Majewski in the number two spot have only lost one match all season.

In doubles, senior team Peterson/Cigelnik won handily. Edquiban/Park (freshman/junior) and sophomores Lukas/Walter were both victorious too.

Girls Volleyball
Breast Cancer Volleyball Match -vs- Libertyville on 10-5-2016:
THE LYNN SAGE CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Wednesday Oct. 5th @ 5pm.
Buy a T-SHIRT, RAFFLE TICKETS or MAKE A DONATION.

Photos from the Week:

While others waited, Coach Rossini catches up with the volleyball team to wish Lake Park High School a good game after the Mustangs dominated them. Rossini said,"The girls played really well and I'm proud of them. Even though we didn't win the championship, it was still a good game." Photo taken by Madison Reichel

Anticipating a great game, Dominic Cristino ‘17 bends to put on his shin guards before playing the Wauconda Bulldogs on Sept. 19. The boys varsity soccer team pulled through with a win of 3-1, scoring all three goals after their halftime break. Cristino had faith in the team, saying “I knew we were the better team the whole game, so it was a relief to finally be leading.” Photo taken by Gabby Antenore

Just before the bell rings, Sabrina Lee ‘18 on Sept. 27, relaxes on the bench near the pool after third period study hall. Focused on her phone, she communicates to her friends about their upcoming lunch plans. Lee said, “I enjoy sitting her because it’s bright and warm after being in such a cold room.” Photo taken by Sydney Blackmer

During the football game against Waukegan, Ray Brinckerhoff ‘19 gets evaluated by the trainer on Saturday September 24th. MHS pushed hard to win the game. Photo taken by Sophie Fiore


Thursday, September 22, 2016

Mustang News - September 23, 2016

MHS family saddened by the loss of long-time Foods teacher, Mrs. Jerri Craven
Jerri Craven, long-time Foods teacher at MHS, died this past weekend. She began her career at MHS in 1989 and has been a beloved teacher among her peers, students and alumni. Everyone knows her
for her enthusiastic support of her alma mater, Purdue University.

Visitation for Mrs. Craven will be Friday, September 23, from 3 to 8 pm at Kristan Funeral Home in Mundelein. A memorial service will follow at 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Mundelein High School. Her family plans to create a scholarship in her honor.


Announcements


PSAT Boot Camp
Join us either before school or after school for a one-hour study session offered by the MHS Literacy Center. The sessions will focus on the Reading/Writing & Language sections and will be held in the Literacy Center.

Tuesday, September 20: 3:30 – 4:30
Thursday, Sept 29: 7:45 – 8:45

Register: Sign up in the Literacy Center


Calendar Correction
Wednesday, April 5 will be a testing day for Sophomores and Juniors, and a non-attendance day for Freshmen and Seniors.  Sophomores will be taking the PSAT.  Juniors will be taking the SAT.

Keep checking the website and the Principal’s blog for updated information regarding busing and length of school day.

Friday Focus
Each week, MHS student reporters create the Friday Focus:  short new features about what the MHS community cares about the most.  Below is last week's Friday Focus program or visit http://www.d120.org/mhs_videos/default.aspx to see all past programs.



Parking Lottery for Term 2
The lottery for parking permits will re-open on Monday, September 26 for Juniors and Seniors.  The lottery will remain open until the winning IDs are pulled after finals on Friday, October 7.  Students can choose to pay $60 for a Term 2 parking permit or $200 for a year parking permit.  Students who win the lottery can purchase the parking permits in the Dean’s Office before school and during lunch from October 10th through October 14th.  If you have any questions please contact the Dean’s Office.

Recognition


MHS earns three awards for publications
Three of Mundelein High School’s publications have earned awards from the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association. The awards were presented to Dr. Kevin Myers, MHS superintendent, at a luncheon held Sept. 16 in Oakbrook.

The Messenger, the District 120 magazine, earned an Award of Excellence. The magazine is sent to
all residents of District 120 and includes highlights about the students, staff and happenings at the high school. A judge’s comment about the publication was “Good story selection of things community members would like to read:  alumni profiles, building updates, etc. It’s clearly distinguished from student-centered and parent-centered news.”

An Award of Excellence also went to the District’s 16-page marketing magazine. This magazine is used for students and parents at Freshman Orientation and also for realtors and families new to the Mundelein area. The judge comment was “All of the content is interesting and relevant and makes Mundelein High School District 120 very appealing.  Creative layout and design; great photos.
An Award of Merit was presented for the 2016 Graduation program. “Easy to read. Nice to be able to highlight all of the graduates and staff,” was one of the judge’s comments.
Ron Girard is the editor of all three publications.

Activities


Book Club
Book Club has started for the 2016-2017 school year! Didn't attend yet, but you're interested? No problem! New students are welcome at any time. Book Club is open to any and all students who like
to read. What do we do at Book Club? You can look forward to book trivia, book discussions, and exclusive book previews (check out titles that aren't even in the library yet!).

2016-2017 Book Club President: To be determined
Faculty Sponsors: Mrs. Graef and Mrs. Plaza

Book Club meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7:10-7:35 in the District Meeting Room (next to the Media Center).

Film Club Kicks Off First Week Of Filmmaking Workshops
The aspiring filmmakers of Mundelein High School kicked off the school year with a week-long series of workshops intended to offer them a chance to create their own filmmaking projects and


collaborate with other students in the production process."An enthusiasm and interest in making
movies is the only requirement to join Film Club," said co-sponsor and broadcasting teacher Kent Meister.

After the first kickoff meeting, students divided up into groups or began working on their own individual projects. "We have a group of students shooting a situation comedy, another group of kids filming a mystery, one student working on content for his YouTube channel, and a number of students experimenting with greenscreen techniques," added co-sponsor and English Alexander Kapotas.  "These kids just need an idea and a place to start and they just take off." Film Club meets periodically throughout year, ending in the spring with students entering their work into a Midwest regional conference.

If students are interested in joining Film Club contact Mr Kapotas (akapotas@d120.org) or Mr Meister (kmeister@d120.org).


Marching Mustangs
On Saturday, September 17 the 260 member Marching Mustangs took the field at the Chicagoland Marching Band Festival at Wheeling, IL.  The students leaders in the Marching Mustangs are led this year by Drum Majors Thomas Ferro, Nick Manaligod, Ricky Rodriguez, and Chloe Wilkins as well as Drum Captains Anna Desfor and Jack Olorvida and the Color Guard Captain is Julie Specht.

On Thursday, September 22 the band performs an indoor concert in the Gymnasium.  The concert begins at 7:00pm.



Robotics
The MHS Robotics Team attended the International Manufacturing Technology Show 2016 last week.




Recycle Club
MHS produces over 100,000 pounds of trash a year!* YOU can make sure that all doesn’t end up in a landfill!  It only takes about 30 minutes each time we meet to make a huge difference! Sign up if you are interested or want more info! Recycle Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday after school  in room B147. Club Sponsors are Mr.Thakkar and Ms. Noonan.

Spanish Club Pulsera Sale
MHS Spanish Club will be selling handwoven bracelets through The Pulsera Project.  Students can purchase bracelets from October 3rd – October 7th  before school in the commons and during Friday’s home football game.  Each bracelet costs $5 and all profits go right back to the artists that wove them.



Four middle school choirs to join MHS choirs in concert Sept. 29
Mundelein High School’s vocal music department will host its first concert of the year Thursday, Sept. 29, beginning at 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

Four MHS concert choirs [Treble Choir, Bel Canto, Concert Choir and Master Singers], as well as three show choirs [SoundFX, Lights and Sound] will be joined by four area middle school choirs. Those include Sandburg, Hawthorn North, Fremont and West Oak. The four middle schools will sing “Shine on Me” with the MHS Concert Choir and Master Singers. Young men from the middle schools will sing “Brooklyn’s Here” with the men of SoundFX. Prior to the concert, the middle school students will take part in a clinic with the high school directors and students and then perform with the high school musicians.

MHS choir directors are Cory Thompson and Stevee Bellas, who also directs the newly-formed Sandburg choir.

Variety Show
One of Mundelein High School’s long-standing traditions is to hold a variety show to benefit local charities. Previously, the shows have been held in March but the event has been moved to the earlier date of at 7 p.m.

Acts in the past have included singers, dancers, solo and group musicians, magicians, jugglers, comics and more.

The theme for this year’s show is Halloween! There will be opportunities for attendees to win prizes through audience participation, including a costume contest and raffles. Prizes will include gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, a parking pass for next year, prom tickets and more. Admission will be a $2 donation at the door, which will include a raffle ticket.

Mentor Match Day
On Wednesday, August 31 the Business Incubator classes held their 1st Mentor Match Day!

Seventeen student groups presented their business ideas to a group of 20 Mentors,  all of whom were paired with the student team that best matched their area of expertise. The successful  day ended with a Mentor training session and  Q&A, followed by lunch.  (Mentors are volunteers  who come from an entrepreneurial  or corporate background.  They  provide strategic guidance and work one-on-one with a team of students to help in the strategic execution of their business idea.) "

Want to get involved?  Contact Rosangela Fiore @  rfiore@d120.org .



Athletics


Boys Cross Country
Shout out to BXC runner Noah Colon (2020) who stayed with an injured runner from Lake Forest during their latest meet. We all know that cross country is a timed sport and Noah sacrificed his own time to show what sportsmanship is all about! Thank you Noah Colon for representing MHS is such a positive light.

Girls Cross Country
The MHS GXC team was 4th out of 22 teams at the Frosh/Soph Level on Saturday at the Warren Invitational!

Andrea Cordova took 12th in the Varsity race and ran 18:29 Clarissa Wienckowski took 4th in the Frosh/Soph race with a time of 18:58

Boys Golf
Mustangs had a  stunning win over visiting Lake Forest.  In the battle of two undefeated teams the Mustangs edge out a one stroke victory.

Mundelein 144
Lake Forest 145

Mundelein - Tyler White (34), Colin Wade (36), Brett Parola (37), Ryan Magee (37)

Mundelein Boys Golf ties New Trier in all 6 scores for first out of 12 with 297 at Steeple Chase. Parola 72 (2nd) Magee 73 (3rd) Wade 74 (4th) Zentz 78 (8th)

1st Place - both Mundelein and New Trier tied with a score of 297.  Went to 5th score tiebreaker and both remained tied at 80.  Then went to 6th score tiebreaker and remained tied with both guys shooting 82.   Championship remains tied as both teams declared Co-Champs!

Mundelein Boys Golf  defeated Lake Zurich 154-160

The Boys Varsity golf team is 7-0


Girls Tennis
Mundelein's young team showed some prowess vs Waukegan as  #1 singles (Isabel Alviar), freshman #3 singles Mikayla Edwuiban and #3 doubles sophomores, Maggie Lukas and Abbie Walter didn't allow a single game to be taken in their matches vs Waukegan. (#2 Waukegan singles forfeited.)
#1 doubles (seniors) Jessica Peterson and Kelli Cigelnik and #2 doubles (a junior/ freshman combo) with Bree Park and Kylie Brua also dominated in straight sets.

Girl Tennis vs. Warren the girls tried to pull out a win but as a team lost 3-4 however all of our three singles players won their matches - that would be Isabel Alviar #1 singles, Kalli Majewski #2 singles and Mikayla Edquiban #3 singles.

Girls Volleyball
MHS Girls Varsity Volleyball went 2-3 at the Hersey Tournament
MHS Girls Sophomore went 2-3 at the  GBN-New Trier Girls JV/Sophomore Volleyball invite
MHS Girls Freshman A Volleyball took 4th place at the Sophomore tournament this past weekend at Conant.

Kirk of the Lake parking
Athletes/coaches using the church parking lot please adhere to all Enter and Exit signs.
To keep everyone safe, including community members, please use the correct entrance and exit ways.

Photos from the Week:

During a tennis match at Libertyville High School, Esther Kim '19 and Heidi Siren '18 anticipate their opponent's serve on a Tuesday afternoon. This is both Kim's and Siren's first year playing tennis. Kim said, "Heidi and I work very well as doubles partners, our skills and techniques combine and lead to great things." Photo taken by Rosie Gomez

Keeping up with her classes, Jacqueline Shon '18 studies in the library after school on Monday Sept. 19. Jackie is working on her AP Gov homework and has done AP classes in the past so she has a previous perspective of how the class should be. Shon said, "AP Gov is a challenging class but it's very interesting. You start understanding how the world of power works, but you create your own judgements as a citizen."  Photo taken by Myah Strokosch


Determined to get another goal, Daniel Bronfeyn ‘18, midfielder, crosses the ball into Wauconda’s box in hopes to get another goal and have the chance to win at home. After a nice match between Mundelein’s Boys Varsity Soccer team and the Wauconda Bulldogs on Monday Sept. 19, Mundelein came home with a win 3-1, making their record 3-0 in conference. After the win, Daniel Bronfeyn ‘18 said, “I feel accomplished because we were able to come back and win!” Photo taken by Sydney Blackmer

During the Cross Country meet on Saturday Morning, Sept 17 away Vs Lake Forest, Alan Salgado '19 and his cross country teammates push themselves more to bring home the victory. Alan and his friends have been on the same team supporting each other for the past two years. Photo taken by Erika Lara



Congratulations to MHS Social Studies Teacher Andy Hirshman for receiving $650 from National Educators Association (NEA) Member Benefits for his work in the classroom and with the NEA.



Thursday, September 15, 2016

New Building Addition Ribbon Cutting - September 5 Mustang News

Last Saturday, District 120 held the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new building addition.  This event acknowledged the completion of a large construction project for Mundelein High School but it also celebrated a commitment to all of our students.  MHS has worked to offer every student what that student needs to become successful.  Whether it is a new building, new programming, or removing barriers for students to stretch themselves, the staff of MHS is dedicated to growth of every student.

Personally, the Ribbon Cutting ceremony denotes the commitment the residents of Mundelein have for the next generations of Mustangs.  The new building addition offers opportunities and expresses pride in our students.  May many generations of Mustangs benefit from this renewed commitment to the future.  Thank you to the residents of the Village of Mundelein for your support!

Board of Education President Joanne Anderson









District 120 Superintendent, Dr. Kevin Myers

Board of Education cuts the ribbon to the new building addition.

State Congresswoman Carol Sente

U.S. Congressman Bob Dold





Mayor Protem Ray Semple



Recognition


2 MHS Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation [NMSC] have announced the names of 16,000
Semifinalists in the 62nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring.

Two Mundelein High School students have earned the semifinalist designation in the competition, Alexander Frumkin and Joshua Larson.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his/her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application where they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school and be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2017 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. These scholarship recipients will join more than 323,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Four students earn scholarships at Mundelein Arts Festival
Four Mundelein High School artists earned $500 scholarships at the sixth annual Mundelein Arts Festival which took place Sept. 10 and 11 at Kracklauer Park in Mundelein. The juried art festival

Emma, Nichole, Nicole and Dr. Myers, D120 Superintendent

By Emma Jamison

By James Rector

By Nichole Babiez

By Nicole Casler
showcased the talents of 45 artists and craftspeople who work in a variety of media.
Students who earned the awards include Senior Nichole Babiez for painting, Senior Nicole Casler for photography, Freshman Emma Jamison for drawing and Junior James Rector for 3-D.
Michael Bale, Jonathan Pruc and Peter Schrenk make up the art faculty at MHS. David Mork is the department chair.

National Arts in Education Week
This week is National Arts in Education week, a weeklong celebration and focus on the importance of all kids having daily access to challenging and engaging arts programs.

Please take 3 minutes for this quick video featuring Neil Degrasse Tyson, noted astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium, and all-around awesome guy David Byrne.




An excerpt:

“For anyone to say, let us cut art for anything else... suppose they did that in Renissance Europe. What would Europe be without the support and interest in a thriving culture of art? As we readily spend money to visit these cities and go to their museums, to turn around and say, "now I'm going to cut the art budget here?" That makes no sense to me. And it may be that science and art, which we know go together....it may be that art and science thought of in that way might be the only things we create that last beyond ourselves. Everything else comes and goes: the leaders, the politics, the economies. So am I biased? I don't know. But what I do know is that if there is a country without art, it's not a country I want to live in. If there's a country without science, you're living in a cave. We measure the success of a civilization by how well they treat their creative people.”

        - Neil deGrasse Tyson

Puertas Homecoming spirit bead sale a huge success
Why was school spirit so rampant this year at MHS?  Puertas, the Mundelein High School Latino Cultural Organization, held their first fundraiser during Homecoming Week selling red and silver spirit beads and victory coins.  Students and staff around the building wore the beads to show their Mustang pride--and we sold in just two days!  Next year, we'll certainly be ready for more!  Here's looking forward to Homecoming 2017!

Activities


Best Buddies

First activity on Sunday, September 18 at Kracklauer Park in Mundelein from 1-3. Please stop by Mrs. Baker's room in B120 to pick up a permission slip with more information! Best Buddies promotes social inclusion, integrated employment, and leadership development for unique individuals and groups. Best Buddies is a great way for students to create lifelong friendships and to get involved with the school and the community. For more information, please contact: Mrs. Baker; mbaker@d120.org or Mrs. Penuel; kpenuel@d120.org

MHS to present College Planning Night on two evenings
Mundelein High School’s Guidance Department will present English and Spanish versions of its traditional College Planning Night Wednesday, Sept. 21 and Thursday, Sept. 22 beginning at 7 p.m. both nights.

The Wednesday evening presentation will take place in English in the MHS Auditorium. MHS College Counselor Andrea Rusk will host the event and present along with Aaron Boettcher from the University of Illinois-Springfield and Jasmine Jetton-Gonzales from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission [ISAC].

Rusk will also host the Thursday evening presentation, “Información Sobre Colegios,” in the District Meeting Room. She will be joined by Adrian Flores from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.

Both evening presentations will focus on general college preparation, the application process at MHS, tips for completing applications and financial aid information.
Parents and their children are encouraged to attend.

Chess Club
Chess club meets every Thursday after school in A109. If you are a beginner or an expert come to
learn or come to play. If you can't make it on Thursdays stop by A109 and talk to Mr. Drier. The club plays competitive matches in the North Suburban Chess League.



Recycling Club
Join the Recycling Club! Did you know MHS produces over 100,000 pounds of trash in year (estimation based on stats from recyclenow.com). You can help make sure that all doesn’t end up in a landfill. It only takes about 30 minutes each time we meet to make a huge difference. First informational meeting will be held Tuesday, September 20 at 3:30pm in Room B147 (there will be pizza and snacks!!). Please contact Ms. Noonan and Mr. Thakkar for more information. knoonan@d120.org, sthakkar@d120.org.

Film Club
Students at Mundelein High School are invited to join Film Club, an after-school activity that turns teenagers into filmmakers!  From themed short-films to mini-documentaries, Film Club gives students a chance to collaborate with others on video creations.  Turn an interest into a valuable skill in this exciting and creative learning environment!


Marching Mustangs
The Mundelein High School Marching Mustangs will perform in concert Thursday, Sept. 22, beginning at 7 p.m. in the MHS Main Gymnasium. Admission is free and open to the public.
The band will perform traditional favorites in addition to music from its 2016 halftime show, “The Music of John Williams.” Featured will be Olympic Fanfare and Theme, selections from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the Fanfare from E.T. – The Extraterrestrial, and themes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Jerald Shelato and Andy Sturgeon direct the instrumental program at MHS.



Variety Show Tryouts
The Variety Show will be held on Thursday, October 13th at  7pm in the Auditorium.



Auditions are being held on Tuesday, September 20th  and Tuesday September 27th after school in the Auditorium.  The link to sign up is: https://goo.gl/forms/Ut46z3hMH14KkVF73 . Students can also email Ms. Sharp at msharp@d120.org.

A $2.00 donation will be collected at the door which will provide funds to buy gifts for children who are at Lurie Children’s Hospital during the holiday season. Each entrant will receive a raffle ticket for prizes.

The Variety Show theme is Halloween. There will be many opportunities to win prizes through audience participation (including a costume contest), and raffles. Prizes may include gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, a parking pass for 2017-2018, Prom tickets, and more!

Heart Smart Cardiac Screening at MHS
Mundelein High School students who are enrolled in a Wellness or in select Fine/Applied Arts courses during Term 1 will have the opportunity to participate in Screens for Teens on Wednesday, September 21.  The event is sponsored by the Max Schewitz Foundation which strives to provide
high quality, low cost cardiac testing and relies extensively on volunteers to achieve its goals. The student test at MHS is $15 per student.

According to the Foundation, high school is an ideal time for someone to have a baseline EKG [electrocardiogram] since the greatest risk of sudden cardiac death is between ages 17 and 22. The EKG is a visual representation of the heart’s function. It is quick and painless and can detect many potentially life-threatening heart conditions.

Students will be tested at the building adjacent to the MHS west parking lot, formerly known as Kirk of the Lakes. Students being tested will remain at that location for the entire period while that class is being tested. They will walk to and from the building as a class.

Athletics

This Saturday, September 17th  Mundelein High School will be hosting a Boys JV Golf Invite at Countryside Golf Course starting at 8:00 AM, along with  a Boys Varsity Golf Invite at Steeple Chase Golf Course at 1:30 PM.

College and Career Resource Center

Upcoming Events
College Planning Night: 7pm Wednesday, September 21st in the MHS Auditorium
Información Sobre Colegios (Spanish College Planning Night): 7pm, Jueves el 22 de Septiembre en MHS.

Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
Saturday, September 24th from 1-3:30pm at the DePaul University Theatre School

Representative Visits Next Week
University of Denver                             9/19 12pm
University of Illinois at Springfield           9/19 1pm
US Army Recruiter                                     9/20 Outside cafeteria, during lunches
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign    9/20 8:30am
Ripon College                                             9/20 10am
University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee         9/20 11am
Florida Atlantic University                         9/20 12pm
Illinois College                                               9/20 1pm
Saint Louis University                                    9/20 2pm
US Marines Recruiter                                     9/21 Outside cafeteria, during lunches
College of Lake County                             9/22 8am
Drake University                                         9/22 11am
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale      9/22 12pm
Fashion Institute of Design
and Merchandising, Los Angeles               9/22 1pm
Marquette University                                     9/23 8am
Western Illinois University                       9/23 2pm

Photos from the Week:

Enjoying the hot sun, Stephanie Villagomez 17' is sitting outside the school after an early release on Wednesday September 14, 2016 while talking to a friend. Photo taken by Leslie Cuna 

With eyes focused on a successful season, Nick Rameriz '17 dribbles through defenders during the boys varsity soccer teams first game. They came out as victors during this homecoming game against Zion. Josue Infante '18 says, "this team is excited for our season and has been putting in work and getting after it, the homecmoing game win was our first step to a succesful season." Photo taken by Myah Strokosch

While selling snacks, Melissa Sarabia '19 and Bryan Vallejo '19 were gathering customers by playing the guitar."We're raising money for our club temas latinos" said Sarabia. Photo taken by Rebeca Rodriguez

On Friday’s homecoming game, the MHS varsity football team storms the field as tradition before every game.

Meghan Ehemann '17 holds up a poster and smiles at her friends during the homecoming assembly in the main gym on september 9. "It was really fun, especially cause I got to hold the scoreboard and we go to like taunt the juniors about it." Photo taken by Kyle Ehemann

Ongoing reconstruction of the tennis courts.

Ongoing reconstruction of the tennis courts.

Ongoing reconstruction of the tennis courts.

Photos from Homecoming: