Mustang News - January 29, 2021

Announcements

High School Aerospace Seminar Opportunity for MHS students!

University of Illinois Educational Outreach Group invites MHS students to participate in a high school Aerospace seminar series this February. The plan is to have one hour-long seminars twice a week for two weeks, covering topics regarding Aerospace Engineering and Engineering in general. The dates and times for these lectures are listed below. We are currently finalizing some details about potential aerospace corporate partnerships as well. Week 1: Monday, February 15 at 4 pm CT Thursday, February 18 at 4 pm CT Week 2: Monday, February 22 at 4 pm CT Thursday, February 25 at 4 pm CT If you are interested, please fill out this sign-up form! Please contact me (Komol Patel, MHS Class of 2023) at komolp2@illinois.edu or Sophie Pieta (our Logistics Lead) at sipieta2@illinois.edu with any questions or concerns you may have. Komol Patel University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign B.S. Aerospace Engineering, Class of 2023

Discounted Registration Fee Deadline!

For Current MHS Students

The 21/22 Early Registration Fee item has been added to the PowerSchool fee accounts for the Class of 2022, 2023, and 2024.  If you choose to pay the Registration Fee by March 31, 2021, you will receive the $25 discount currently applied in PowerSchool.  Starting April 1st, the discount will be removed and the regular Registration Fee of $275 will be listed. Please know that all prior Registration and Course fees must be paid off before paying the Early Registration item. If you have any questions, please reach out to KC Olson in the MHS Payment Center at kolson@d120.org.

For Incoming 9th Grade Students Mundelein High School offers a discounted Registration Fee rate of $250 if paid by March 31, 2021. After that, our standard Registration Fee of $275 will be in place. Because the Class of 2025 does not have access to our PowerSchool system yet, we have created a fee item in RevTrak specifically for your Class. In the upper right hand corner of the MHS main web page, you will find a shopping cart. This will take you to RevTrak where you can create a login and access fee payment options. Please look for the button labeled ‘Class of 2025 Registration Payments’. From now through March 31, an Early Registration Fee item will be shown. After that, the standard Registration Fee item will be the option. Any course fees for our incoming students (Band or Show Choir) will be added to the student account once active in PowerSchool.

Please reach out to KC Olson in our Payment Center with any questions or concerns at kolson@d120.org or 847-949-2200 x1235.

Recognition

Mundelein FBLA Competes at Virtual Area Conference; 36 headed to state

Mundelein High School’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at the Illinois Northern Area Conference, held as a virtual event this year, from January 11-17, 2021.  

This year presented many obstacles, of course; however, students still had the opportunity to put their business and leadership skills to the test by competing in various events for the conference. Students were tested remotely, some recorded a presentation to be judged, while others presented their event live via Zoom with judges present.  

A total of 36 Mundelein FBLA students competed well enough and qualified, either as an individual or a team, to continue on to the State Leadership Conference, which will also be held as a virtual event this year in April.

“Overall, we are very proud of our students for their ability to adapt to the circumstances and still do their best for this competition. We are excited for them to have the opportunity to compete at the state level,” said FBLA adviser Sarah Wilson.

Mundelein High School FBLA members took home the following awards for competitive events:

First Place: Journalism: Ashley Cline; Digital Video Production: Lauren Geary, Cameron Gilbert; Introduction to Public Speaking: Alicia Brak; Publication Design: Ava McQuain

Second Place: Business Calculations: Nathan Clapp; Personal Finance: Animesh Bijawat; Political Science: Ilya Vynnyk

Third Place: Cyber Security: Matthew Kawa; Sports and Entertainment Management: Cale Sethna, Kevin Strelecki, Jeffrey Weiss

Fourth Place: Advertising: Gladdie Greenfield

Sixth Place: Social Media Strategies: Angelica Hernandez, Polina Rubin

Seventh Place: Organizational Leadership: McKenzie Begg

Eighth Place: Introduction to Financial Math: Kurt Dumblauskas

Ninth Place: Business Law: Diya Patel; Introduction to Business: Raffi Rosillo; Marketing: Lily Coutre, Elianna Pearson

Calhoun Earns Credential

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) is pleased to announce that Larry Calhoun, Department Chair at Mundelein HS District 120, has been recognized by this association as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

Larry Calhoun

To earn this distinction, Larry has demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.

Larry is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 12,000 individual members.  It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.

College and Career Center

NACAC Virtual College Start this Week

NACAC Virtual College Fairs start this weekend (01/31/2021), and run through May 2, 2021. All high school students, transfer students, and families are welcome. To get further information, and to sign up, please go to : https://virtualcollegefairs.org/events.

FAFSA Verification Workshop

The CCRC and ISACorps member Alexis Alvarez invites students who need FAFSA assistance to join the virtual meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. The meeting will take place at 6:15 p.m. in English, and 7:00 p.m. in Spanish. Click on the appropriate link below to join.

English Link

Spanish Link

CollegeBoard BigFuture Days

CollegeBoard’s first-ever Virtual College Fairs, begin on Saturday, February 6th with BigFuture Day West+Southwest, and will take place on three(3) future dates for the Southeast, Northeast, and Midwest regions. To get more information, and to sign up, please go to: cb.org/bigfuturedays

College scholarships for Seniors are in full swing, so be sure to catch up on any of the scholarships that are being offered through Naviance. http://https//:bit.ly/2YcqSBI

Also check out our Twitter and Instagram accounts for upcoming events.

As a reminder, if you have not yet done so, please take a moment to review and bookmark the Virtual College and Career Resource Center. (Virtual CCRC)

Financial Aid Assistance: Don’t forget, MHS has a wonderful representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission who is happy to help you work through your financial aid questions! Reach out to Alexis any time, or connect with him on Wednesday during his dedicated MHS hours! You can find Alexis’ information in the Virtual CCRC or by using the link below.

Connect with Alexis

Remember, if you have questions at any time you just have to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Rusk, our College Counselor, and we can connect via Zoom to talk through any questions or concerns you may have!

Athletics

New sports seasons released from IHSA. 

Updated 1/27/21 new sports seasons

Order your sign here:

https://ultimate-screen-printing.printavo.com/merch/mhssigns/

Fundraiser - Boys Track  Field

It's that time again!  The Boys' Track and Field team is hosting its annual Mattress Sale Fundraiser..  With Covid still running rampant, we were able to make this a virtual sale.  All mattresses are available for purchase, and they can be delivered anywhere!  So now is the time to get that mattress you need. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions krutz@d120.org .

Thanks in advance on behalf of Boys' track.

Coach Kurt Rutz - Boys' Head Track and XC Coach

Mustang News - January 25, 2021 - 1st Day of Hybrid Schedule

 First Day of Hybrid Schedule - January 25, 2021

Students began entering the building at 8:20am this morning with no issues from the main entrance and from the bus doors.  Certainly, the process was a little slow as students were getting used to the new process of taking their temperatures and showing their Blue Cards and school ID.  

MHS sent home a second mailing for Blue Cards to address an incomplete mailing last week.  All students should have their Blue Cards had their home address by Tuesday.  Please contact the principal's office if you have a change in address:  847-949-2200 EXT 1230.

www.d120.org/communications

If parents or students ever have the need to look back at past communications, the above link has been developed to house all the past communications sent from MHS to your homes.  

First Day of Hybrid Schedule

Thank you parents for trusting that MHS could create a safe atmosphere for learning.  In addition, I want to thank the MHS staff for their preparations to make the hybrid schedule successful.  There are some tweaks we will need to make but today was a successful start to the hybrid schedule.

Choir with Mrs. Liebert.

Wellness class

Health with Ms. Erickson.

Engineering with Mr. Aldana.

French with Madame Ambrey.

Math with Mr. Harding.

Biology with Mr. Doyle.

Students in the Support Learning Program - Go Seniors!

Spanish with Mrs. Stanisz

World Studies with Mr. Piland and Mr. Skelton.

English with Mr. Kapotas.

Government class with Mr. Kuhn.

Mrs. Theotokatos reviews disinfecting procedures for her students.

Parent Ambassadors handout boxed lunches to staff on the first day of the hybrid schedule.

Mustang News - January 22, 2021

 Start of Hybrid Schedule for ALL students - January 25, 2021

Switch to Hybrid Schedule

On Monday, January 25, all MHS students, remote and hybrid, will follow the hybrid schedule.  Click HERE to see the  hybrid schedule or go to https://www.d120.org/resources/bell-schedule/

Instructional Videos

The following videos have been created to inform students on particular hybrid procedures while in the building.  Students and parents are encouraged to review these videos and contact the school with any questions.

Each video has Spanish subtitles.  To access the subtitles, click on the “CC” in the youtube video menu bar.

MHS Back to School Plan:  https://youtu.be/QgTDq8u0Mx4 

Hybrid Protocols & Visiting the Nurses Station: https://youtu.be/6D-J7SmjMxM

Student Schedules

Students must check PowerSchool before Monday, January 25 to confirm their classroom locations.  This information may change up and through Monday morning before school starts.

Student Parking

Please note that NO parking permit is needed for students wishing to drive to in-person instruction.  There is not a cost to student parking this semester.  However, students must provide vehicle information to security (Make, Model, Color, and Registration Information).  All parking rules and regulations need to be followed in the Student Handbook.  Student parking is designated to the junior and senior parking lots only.  Students may not park in the pool, west or north parking lots.

The link to register can be accessed at www.d120.org > Students > On-Campus Parking & Security > HYBRID STUDENT DRIVING FORM  -  “Click” fill out all questions.

Drinks and Food

Students may bring a water bottle.  Bottle fillers are operational in the building.  Drinking fountains are not operational.  

Food is not allowed in the building during in-person instruction.  

Lockers

Lockers and locker rooms will not be used during in-person instruction.  Students will not change clothes for Physical Education classes.

Leaving the Building

Juniors and Seniors are able to leave the school when not in class.  During 2nd semester this school year, parents may give permission for their freshman and sophomore students to leave campus when not in class.  Parents/Guardians may have already done this when choosing in-person learning.  Parents may call 847-949-2200  EXT 1230 to change this designation.

Bus transportation will only be available at the start and end of four periods of instruction.

Students will not be allowed to sit in cars in the school parking lot.

Thank you for your support in Mundelein High School’s work towards beginning in-person instruction.  At any time, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

Announcements

To order your 2020-2021 student athlete yard sign, click HERE.

Photos from the Week

The Class of 2025, current 8th grade students, heard about coming to MHS this week.

Parent Ambassadors Nancy Brown and Amita Bijawat offer MHS staff breakfast treats as staff return to the building.

Current freshmen students take a tour of the school to find their classes before the start of in-person instruction next week.

Dr. Kroll and Mr. Pope demonstrate 6 ft social distancing!

Mustang News - January 15, 2021 - Start of Hybrid Schedule

MHS Starts Hybrid Schedule on January 25, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,

On Tuesday night, the District 120 Board of Education set a date for the beginning of hybrid learning.  Families who have chosen hybrid learning for their student will begin attending class in-person the week of January 25.  Therefore, MHS will transition to the hybrid schedule beginning on Monday, January 25.  Below, the January calendar shows the change from the remote schedule to the hybrid schedule.  Under the hybrid schedule, MHS will continue with Red/Gray days where hybrid students will attend in-person instruction and Yellow days where all students and staff are conducting class remotely.

All students and staff returning to the building are required to:

• Wear a mask at all times

• Maintain a 6 foot distance from others

• Wash hands regularly during the day

• Use blue card (students) to be allowed into the building

• Stay home when not feeling well

How to Return to School Video

Hybrid Schedule Student Group Assignments

For the families who chose the hybrid schedule, students are divided into two groups, Group 1 & Group 2.  Group 1 students will come to the building on Monday and Tuesday.  Group 2 students will come to the building on Thursday and Friday.

For the families who chose to continue with remote learning, students will continue to learn as they have been this year.  MHS teachers will be teaching concurrently the students attending in-person and remotely.

Printable Version - Click HERE

Student Group & Transportation Assignments 

Hybrid schedule group assignments and transportation details will be emailed by Tuesday, January 19.  Please call the Assistant Principal’s Office at 847-949-2200 EXT1260 with any questions about hybrid schedule group assignments.  

For transportation questions, please call the Deans’ Office at 847-949-2200 EXT1250.

Remote students will not receive this communication.

As MHS prepares to welcome students back to in-person instruction while maintaining quality virtual instruction for student learning remotely, I want to thank families for their patience in our transition.  Our goal will be to continue to provide the highest quality education at all times.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 847-949-2200 EXT1230.

Current Freshman (Class of 2024) & New Student Orientation

Dear Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2024 and Transfer Students,

At the D120 Board of Education this week, a date of Monday, January 25 was set for the start of the hybrid schedule and in-person instruction.  Since our freshmen class and transfer students have never had the opportunity to be in the building this school year, MHS is offering a shortened Freshman and New Student Orientation on Friday, January 22.

All freshmen and new students are invited to attend this event regardless if they are scheduled to come to the building during the hybrid schedule or continue learning remotely for the semester.  

This event is scheduled for 1 hour and will include a welcome, presentation on supports and expectations and a building tour to locate student classrooms.  There are multiple 1 hours sessions during the day to choose.

Students who wish to attend this event must register.  Registration opens at noon on Saturday, January 16.  Click HERE to register!  Students will be asked to select a particular time and group.  Groups are filled on a “first come, first served” basis.

When arriving at the building, students will be temperature checked and answer the COVID19 health questions.  Students must wear a mask and maintain a 6 ft social distance the entire time they are in the building.

It is my hope this event will jumpstart friendships, create new interests and excitement and start the second semester off in a positive direction.  Please encourage your student to register for this event.

Classroom Cleaning and Visiting the Nurses Station

Mustang News - January 8, 2021

 Announcements

Course Selection for the 2021-22 School Year

The course selection process for the 2021-22 school year will begin next week (January 11) and run through the first week of February.  Each grade level is designated a specific week to make their selections. Students/Parents will receive an email prior to their scheduled week with course selection information.  Students will complete a Google Form with their course requests.  Counselors will be available by zoom, phone and email to meet with students/parents to discuss course selection and academic planning.

Class of 2022 – Week of January 11

Class of 2023 – Week of January 18

Class of 2025 (incoming 8th grade students) - Week of January 25

Class of 2024 – Week of February 1

Recognition

Three band students chosen for state ensembles

Three Mundelein High School band students have been chosen to represent Illinois Music Education Association District 7 (ILMEA) as members of the 2021 ILMEA All State ensembles.

The students chosen include Junior Natalie Altenhoff, bassoonist and Sophomore Leila Moon, clarinetist in the All State Concert Band. Senior Isabel Sioson was chosen for the All State Jazz Band. These students submitted audition recordings earlier in the fall and were chosen from among hundreds of applicants to attend the District 7 festival in November 2020. During most years, District-qualifying students chosen to advance to the All State ensembles would travel to Peoria in late January for several days of rehearsal and a culminating performance with their peers. A tentative late spring 2021 festival is currently being planned.

Student’s film nominated for national award

A film created by Mundelein High School 2020 graduate, Allan Rodriguez, has been nominated for a national award by the Foundation of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) in the 2020 National Student Production Awards. Nominees were selected from high school student entries across the country in 24 programming and craft categories.

Allan Rodriguez

Rodriguez was nominated for his film, Somnum (Sleep), in the Short Form, Fiction category. He was a student in several film-related courses taught by Kent Meister at MHS.

“For Allan to have gotten this far, the best videos from the Midwest are funneled into the Midwest chapter, from all of those he won, he is now one of a handful being considered for a National Emmy,” Meister explained. “Being nominated is an honor in itself.”

NATAS is a service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry.

“This is the same organization that hands out television Emmys each year to professionals in the television and film industry,” Meister explained.

Award recipients will be announced in early February via a web stream produced by NATAS.

Activities

In lieu of the annual December Concerts, the students in the bands developed and shared their musicianship in other creative ways.  We are proud to share with you some of their music projects. 

December Holiday Performance Projects WEBSITE

Please notice that the website is organized by band. We encourage you to check out the fantastic work from students in all of the bands and jazz bands.  Within this website you will see some virtual collaborative recordings and holiday recording projects.  The students who created the “Holiday Recording Projects” fully learned, recorded, mixed, and edited these holiday classics on their own using Soundtrap.

Each student in an honors band developed a music project goal and presented their final projects to their peers during the last week of the semester.  It was awe-inspiring to see the creativity, imagination, and hard work that the students put into these projects.  We encourage you to check out their work!  If your child’s work is not on the website, they asked for it not to be included at this time.

Strive Team Parking Lot Party

The parking lot party was awesome! The fact that a bunch of teenagers chose to come to school to hang out with their teachers on a freezing cold day is testament to the positive relationships built between teachers and students. 

College scholarships for Seniors are in full swing, so be sure to catch up on any of the scholarships that are being offered through Naviance. 

Also check out our Twitter and Instagram accounts for upcoming events.

As a reminder, if you have not yet done so, please take a moment to review and bookmark the Virtual College and Career Resource Center. (Virtual CCRC)

Financial Aid Assistance: Don’t forget, MHS has a wonderful representative from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission who is happy to help you work through your financial aid questions! Reach out to Alexis any time, or connect with him on Wednesday during his dedicated MHS hours! You can find Alexis’ information in the Virtual CCRC or by using the link below.

Connect with Alexis

Remember, if you have questions at any time you just have to schedule an appointment with Mrs. Rusk, our College Counselor, and we can connect via Zoom to talk through any questions or concerns you may have!