Thursday, August 24, 2017

Mustang Nation Rising! August 25, 2017

It has been a great first week of school! Students and staff seem to be getting into the swing of the year.  My favorite conversations with students and staff are about their expectations for the year.  Check out the Friday Focus (link below) to see a sample.



In addition, I'm pleased to see the planning and execution of new programs. During Open House, our staff will share with you these additions during Lunch and Study Hall periods. Open House is a great way for parents to experience what their sons and daughters are doing at MHS. I'm looking forward to meeting you there!



 

Annual Open House at MHS Tuesday August 29
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The formal program will begin in the Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. where parents will hear a brief overview of programs and basic information. Following that presentation, parents will follow an abbreviated schedule of their children’s classes. In class, the instructor will discuss course expectations, grading, content and more. The program will conclude after the final class period.

Please be on the lookout for a mailing from MHS which will include your student’s semester 1 schedule, the Open House schedule, and your Parent Power School Access Code and Password. Your student’s schedule will NOT be available for pick up on the 29th.

Throughout the evening, student leaders will be available to help parents locate their classrooms.

What's Your Passion

Valerie Riley, Special Education Teacher

Valerie Riley, Special Education teacher:

My passion is the satisfaction a student experiences when he/she overcomes obstacles.  Some students have to try so hard to learn or to connect with others.  When they have a teacher who supports them and doesn't give up and then, together, they find a path to success...it lights a spark within that student.  That's what keeps me going!




Announcements

Parent Ambassadors Sponsor Cookouts
Free Food and Fun!!!

The Ultimate Football/Soccer cookouts will be held at MHS to kick off the fall athletic season. Join us Friday, August 25 beginning at 5:00 p.m. before the MHS vs. Larkin football game and Monday, August 28 beginning at 5:00 p.m. before the MHS vs Vernon Hills Soccer game.



Underclass Yearbook Photos

All Sophomores, Juniors, and Freshmen who did not attend orientation will have their yearbook photo taken on Thursday, August 31. Most students will be scheduled during P.E. or Study Hall. Check out the schedule here: https://goo.gl/51qLVU

And here’s the link to place an order:
https://www.vipis.com/group/2e1d4885/mundelein-high-school

The 2016-2017 yearbook is available for pick up at the school bookstore during regular business hours.

Please note price changes for the 2017-2018 yearbook. Through the 2017-2018 school registration, the yearbook can be pre-ordered for the traditional price of $50. Until October 1, the yearbook can be pre-ordered through the school bookstore for the traditional price of $50.

After October 1, the yearbook can only be pre-ordered through the website of the publishing company, Jostens.com. At this time, the cost of purchase will be $55 until May 11. If one is not pre-ordered by May 11, any extra copies that might be available will cost $60 at time of distribution.

Class of 2018 Senior Portraits 

Remember to get your senior portraits taken by Visual Image Photography (VIP). Your yearbook head and shoulder shot (free of charge) must be taken through this company and submitted for publication by the deadline of October 15.

The company’s studio is in Wheeling. To schedule an appointment, visit studio.il.vipis.com or call 847-499-9300.

Activities

Orchesis Dance Club 

First meeting will include Dance Technique and Information on this school year's Dance Recitals. All students interested in ANY style or discipline of dance should attend. NO experience is necessary and both males and females of all grade levels are encouraged to participate.  Club will meet at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesdays starting Tuesday, August 22 in the Upper Gym (Gymnastics Gym). First Semester Show will be Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.  Please see Coach Toland in the Wellness Office for questions or email at toland@d120.org

Spanish Club 

The MHS Spanish Club will have their first meeting on August 23 at 3:30 p.m. in room C201. Spanish Club meets every Wednesday and encourages students to use Spanish outside the classroom. We interact with Spanish speakers in the Mundelein Community and around the world.

Spanish Club is a great way for students to create friendships with new people and to get involved with our school and the Spanish speaking community. For more information, please contact: CarolineGully, Spanish Club Sponsor at cgully@d120.org or call 949-2200 x1144.

 

College and Career Resource Center 

  • Visit the CCRC website for resources regarding college planning and financial aid including scheduled college representative visits and scholarship information.
  • Visit the College Counseling Blog for articles about college planning. 
  • Follow our College Counselor on Twitter: @mundycollege

Service Academy Information Session 

This week, MHS hosted Representative Brad Schneider and the US Service Academies for an informational evening event.  The evening was exceptionally well attended and students received a plethora of information regarding the application process to these prestigious institutions, along with some information about what the programs encompass.

The event also included a surprise guest speaker, Captain James Lovell, who spoke about his own time at the Academy and currently assists Representative Schneider with the interview process for students who are seeking a congressional nomination.

Representative Brad Schneider and Captain James Lovell 

Captain James Lovell

Penwasciz Information Session 

MHS juniors and seniors who are interested in a future career in healthcare program were invited to speak with Ronnie Ryba, one of our very own MHS seniors who participated in the Penwasciz program at Advocate Condell Medical Center last year.  He discussed his experience in the program and the benefits that it provides, along with suggestions for time management for those who are also involved in extracurriculars.

For more information on the Penwasciz program see here: https://goo.gl/RWcTBV Please note that the application is only open on September 5th from 3:30-4:30pm!

Penwasciz program at Advocate Condell Medical Center speaking to MHS students last year.

Upcoming Visits and Events at MHS 

Next week MHS will hold three events to help seniors and families navigate the post-secondary planning process towards 4-year, 2 -ear, technical and vocational schools. These events will provide information about how to make materials requests from MHS and discuss the college application process.

Senior Assembly: Post-Secondary Planning 

Seniors will be released from their 8th period class at 2:50 p.m. and instructed to go to the auditorium. Here they will see a presentation about how to make requests for transcripts and letters of recommendation in our Naviance system and receive important information about applications and upcoming events and deadlines. This event is for students only.

College Planning Night 

Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. – Spanish
Thursday, August 31 at 7:00 p.m. – English


These two evening presentations by College Counselor Andrea Rusk, will include information about the processes and systems used at MHS to deliver materials for students and resources available to our families to assist with the planning process. Each night will also feature a guest speaker from a university who will provide tips and “the inside scoop” about applications.

Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to attend these presentations.

Next week College Representatives will start arriving at MHS to meet with our students.  For students to attend (and to view a complete list of all upcoming visits) they will need to:

  • Log in to their Naviance account.  
  • Under the Colleges tab, select “view all upcoming visits” 
  • Click the “sign up” link next to colleges of interest to put their name on the list to attend the visit

We strongly encourage students to speak to their teachers prior to the event so that they ensure that they receive any material they may miss in class. Most presentations will not take the entire class period, and students will often be able to return to class before the end.

Parents can view the upcoming visits, too!  Click the “Naviance” link on the left side of the MHS Homepage and then select “I’m a guest.”  After this, enter as a guest and follow the steps outlined above. We hope to see you next week and look forward to working with you this year!

Athletics

Mustang Booster Club 

The MHS Mustang Booster Club has kicked off it's 2017-2018 membership drive!  

Memberships start at only $30.00 and as a thank you for joining, you will receive an awesome yard sign and matching car decal.

Yard signs/decals will be available to purchase at the football game on Friday night.  Also available to purchase, for only $2.00, will be the Fall Sports Programs!  See you at the game and thank you to everyone for your support!

Follow us on Twitter @MundBoosterClub, Instagram at MHS Mustang Booster Club, and on our Facebook page: MHS Mustang Booster Club.

Photos from the Week


Old school practice run for the Girls Cross country team

Old School Team bonding Girls Cross Country team

Girls Cross Country Runner of the Week; Abby Ambrose, junior.  Abby worked hard every day this week and will add something that inspires her to run to the ROW bag!  The ROW just stands for “Runner Of the Week”. Each week, Girls Cross Country will recognize a runner who has shown hard work, leadership, growth, and dedication to our team. This runner will get to keep the ROW bag for the week and add something that inspires her to run before passing it along to the Runner Of the Week the following week.

Weight Room dedication - Ed Rogan

Plaque presented to Ed Rogan for his generous donation for weight room upgrades. Life changing for our school. Thank you Mr. Rogan!

Athletic Director, Troy Parola, discusses the Play 2 campaign. Are you interested? Contact Mr. Parola.
Riley Malcolm '19, is catching up on her studying before her first period English class. Photo taken by Lindsay Nootbaar 

Maintaining focus, Kimberly Marcos '19 works on a lab in her third period Honors Physics class on August 21, 2017. Photo taken by Rosibel Gomez

Angelica Diaz '19, left, and Skylar Lucich '19, right, studying together in Honors Physics class. Photo taken by Cayla Manaligod

Freshman at Mundelein High School enjoy the nice weather in the courtyard during 7th period lunch. Photo taken by Morgan Shurtz 

On August 18, 2017, AP Art students, Kayla Raye ‘18, Ryan Story ‘18 and Veronica Rankov ‘18, collaborate while creating a cohesive Chicago art mural. Photo taken by Sydney Blackmer




















Monday, August 21, 2017

Passion for Learning! August 17, 2017

What is your passion?


This week, the halls of MHS are full of energy and excitement for the new school year!  I started the school year encouraging staff to define their professional passions and identify how those passions would look, feel, and exist in their classrooms in order to benefit student learning.  This sparked some amazing and inspiring conversations.  I am proud to see the dedication of my colleagues and energy they bring to their craft.  Through out the year, I will share some of these educators responses.

As a model, I am sharing my professional passion with the greater school community as I did with the staff and Board of Education on Opening Day.   

I am in love with the concept of learning, understanding something new, discussing concepts, and finding  patterns of those concepts within the world around me.   For me, learning includes so much power.  When a person truly learns something, they have the power to create something new, change their environment, and own their desires.  Education allows the learner to have the map to a better life and that inspires me.  I am passionate that high school can be a time for students to fine tune their interests and influence their future work/career.  Finally, I believe every person has the ability to learn, and I love working to find that magically combination of interests for each student.

As a demonstration of their professional passion, a handful of MHS administrators worked to communicate the vision for the new year and take a risk doing it.  Below is the first ever MHS Back to School Car Karaoke!  Enjoy!



It is my hope this school year will be filled with success and growth for all learners (students and adults) for a better future!  Go Mustangs!

Dr. Anthony Kroll, Principal

Freshman Orientation - Class of 2021

First Day of School

Freshman Orientation - Class of 2021

First Day of School

First Day of School

First Day of School

New MHS Teachers

Link Crew!

Link Crew!


Recognition


Senior Gillian Beginski attends Girls Nation
A whirlwind week of late nights, coalition building and campaigning paid off for senior Gillian Beginski, one of two students selected from a group of nearly 500 to represent Illinois at Girls Nation, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA)-sponsored simulated government proceedings held annually in Washington, D.C. Girls Nation activities include in-depth lessons on how government works as well as highlights like a trip to the White House, Congressional offices and national monuments.  “The experience taught me that in order to work with others, you have to be passionate,” Gillian said. At the White House Rose Garden,Gillian shook hands with President Donald Trump as he addressed Girls and Boys Nation participants. She also visited Illinois 10th District Congressman Brad Schneider at his Washington office. “It was a hectic day for Congressman Schneider but I was able to talk with him,” she said. She promoted Girls Nation as an instructive and empowering event, “It’s a program that deserves wider recognition and it’s a great experience,” she told the Congressman.

Senior Gillian Beginski

Mundelein High School has been invited to send representatives to the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program for the past three years and to the American Legion-sponsored  Boys State for a number of years. All costs are underwritten by the Mundelein ALA unit and American Legion post. Students who attended this year’s Girls State at Eastern Illinois University, in addition to Gillian, include Ana Acosta, Lilly Martinez and Jacqueline Shon. This year’s representatives at Boys State were Andrew Owens  and Ben Staroszczyk.

Sophomore Kate Fladhammer completes summer internship
Mundelein High School sophomore, Kate Fladhammer, completed a paid internship during the summer at Shire, a Biotech company.   The internship included time spent in Marketing, Communications, Sales and Learning and Development.  She completed two projects including a leadership newsletter and a Key Opinion Leaders  [KOL] validation project.  At the end of the internship she presented to approximately 30 people on what she had learned.  Included in the presentation was a pitch to return next summer to bring a project from concept to launch.
Fladhammer’s internship came after she spoke with the head of the commercial division and asked for the opportunity to learn from his employees.  She's looking forward to this school year to participate in the Business Incubator course where she hopes to incorporate some of what she has learned in her internship to her project.

Her future plans are to major in business and marketing.  She also hopes to become fluent in Spanish, adding to her skills to market in Latin America. She will be studying Honors Spanish 4 this school year.

Moving on up
For the third year in a row Mundelein High School is in the top 100 high schools according to Niche.
The 2018 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users. This year MHS ranked 76 in Illinois.  Last year we are ranked 87.  During the previous three years MHS has moved up 16 spots and improved a full letter grade from a “B” to an “A”.

Bourcki is a Cool Cat!
Class of 2012 graduate Ryan Bourcki pitches for the Toronto Blue Jays Double “A” Manchester (NH) Fisher Cats
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20170817/SPORTS0102/170819434

Activities


Solar Eclipse
On Monday, August 21 the eclipse will become noticeable at the beginning of 6th period and be pretty much done by the end of 7th period.  The maximum eclipse will occur during the passing period between 6th and 7th periods.

The sun will be over 80% covered in the Chicago area. Mundelein High School has bought several class sets of eclipse glasses that have been officially approved. Teachers will be able to sign up for their class to view the eclipse with the approved glasses on the South Lawn.

Many people may not realize how the environment will feel very different in the odd lighting.  For some that is more interesting than looking at the sun itself.

There will be a telescope set up as well. The image will be projected onto a monitor so multiple people will be able to see the image of the sun’s corona. If your student will be viewing the eclipse, it is absolutely essential you emphasize the importance of not looking directly at the sun without the protection of the glasses, even at the maximum eclipse. The UV lights will burn their retinas.
We will also be allowing students to leave the cafeteria and go directly to the third floor balcony in the C wing for supervised viewing of the eclipse.


Congressman Brad Schneider & MHS host information session United States Service Academy Appointments
Congressman Schneider is pleased to announce that he and Mundelein High School will host a U.S. Service Academy information session for students and families interested in applying for one of these very selective institutions. The event will be on August 22, 2017 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Mundelein High School (1350 W Hawley St Mundelein, IL 60060).

At the session, representatives from each of the service academies will speak about their institution and discuss the admissions process, including U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), and U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA). We will also present information about receiving a Congressional Nomination from our office.

To register for the Information Session, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/y7sknf7r

More information about the application process is available on Congressman Schneider’s website at https://schneider.house.gov/se…/military-academy-nominations. If you have any questions about this event or the nomination process, please contact me at (847) 383-4870 or Greg.Claus@mail.house.gov.


Annual Open House at MHS Tuesday August 29
Mundelein High School will hold its annual Open House for parents of MHS students on Tuesday, August 29 from      6:30 p.m.  to 9 p.m.

The formal program will begin in the Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. where parents will hear a brief overview of programs and basic information. Following that presentation, parents will follow an abbreviated schedule of their children’s classes. In class, the instructor will discuss course expectations, grading, content and more. The program will conclude after the final class period.

Please be on the lookout for a mailing from MHS which will include your student’s semester 1 schedule, the Open House schedule, and your Parent Power School Access Code and Password.
Your student’s schedule will NOT be available for pick up on the 29th.
Throughout the evening, student leaders will be available to help parents locate their classrooms.

Yearbook
The 2016-2017 yearbook is available for pick up at the school bookstore during regular business hours.

Please note price changes for the 2017-2018 yearbook:
Through the 2017-2018 school registration, the yearbook can be pre-ordered for the traditional price of $50.

Until October 1, the yearbook can be pre-ordered through the school bookstore for the traditional price of $50.

After October 1, the yearbook can only be pre-ordered through the website of the publishing company, Jostens.com.  At this time, the cost of purchase will be $55.

If one is not pre-ordered by the end of the year, any extra copies that might be available will cost $60 at time of distribution.

Class of 2018 Senior Portraits
Please do not forget to get your senior portraits taken by Visual Image Photography (VIP).
Contractually, your yearbook head and shoulder shot (free of charge) must be taken through this company and submitted for publication by the deadline of October 15.

The company’s studio is in Wheeling. To schedule an appointment, visit studio.il.vipis.com or call 847-499-9300.

College and Career Resource Center

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

Check the College Counseling Blog for articles about college planning: https://mhscollegecounselor.wordpress.com/

Follow our College Counselor on Twitter: @mundycollege

The CCRC is open! Students are invited to come to B103 before school, during lunch, during study hall, after school or by appointment to get information and plan for college. Students of all grade levels are encouraged to come in at any time to plan for their future. We offer assistance with all aspects of the college application process, including narrowing down 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 the university and more.  Parents can also access all resources in the CCRC, please call in advance so that we can ensure we will be available to assist you.

College representative visits are being scheduled. Last year we had over 200 college representatives come to speak with students at MHS! Students can register in advance through Naviance to attend these visits. Want to know who is coming? Check out the CCRC webpage, or parents can access Naviance via the “Enter as a Guest” function.



Financial resources are available. Schedule an appointment to meet with our ISAC representative, Jhoanna Vega-Rocha.

For Seniors: transcript and letter of recommendation requests must be completed through our Naviance system.  The majority of colleges will require students to submit their transcript as a part of their application process, and occasionally they will require letters of recommendation as well. Students who need assistance can come to the CCRC or check in with their counselors.

Evening Events for 2017-18! We are happy to offer a series of evening events for all families who are working through the college planning process.  These events are open for parents and students, Freshmen through Seniors, to help you feel more comfortable and confident about college planning and applications.  Please see the list of fall events on the reverse side of this page.

Workshop Wednesdays are coming!  This year the CCRC will be offering workshops on late start Wednesday mornings to assist students with the college application process.  Though these workshops are geared towards seniors, juniors who would like to get a step up on the process are welcome to join as well.  Topics will include things like: Using Naviance more efficiently, The Common Application, Essay Writing, Financial Aid and the FAFSA, Campus Visits, Scholarships and more!

After school meeting time is available. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Rusk after school, she is now available Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30.  These appointments will fill up fast – so call 847-949-2200 and speak to Ms. Ocampo to reserve your time in advance.

Thank you for all you do to support your student’s future goals!  Please let us know what we can do to help.

(add College Planning Photo)

Athletics


Many sports teams were busy this summer! Please enjoy the pictures below. Follow us on twitter
@GoMHS_Athletics

New Main Gym school branding!

New weight room branding!
















We are excited to get underway and start playing contests.  Parents can find sports schedules on http://www.d120.org/athletics/default.aspx

Mustang Booster Club
The MHS Mustang Booster Club has kicked off it's 2017-2018 membership drive!  Memberships start at $30.00 and as a thank you for joining, you will receive an awesome yard sign and matching car decal. Yard signs/decals will be available to purchase at the Red/Gray Scrimmage and during home football games.  To download a membership form, please click on the following link: http://www.d120.org/athletics/.




Follow us on twitter @MundBoosterClub, Instagram at MHS Mustang Booster Club, and on our Facebook page: MHS Mustang Booster Club.


Photos From The Week

A five-week summer program with the University of Illinois’ College of ACES (Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences)  in Champaign confirmed career goals for  MHS senior Kabir Fakoya.  Through the university’s Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences department, Kabir examined ecosystem services. Interested in a career in environmental law, Kabir’s plans include an undergraduate degree in environmental science and then law school.
MHS senior Henry Deap interning in a cancer lab at the University of Chicago.

Welcome back Mustangs! MHS Senior Evan Salazar is a recruiter who is currently looking for more tutors to join the Peer Tutor program. Come on up to the Literacy Center to find out more.