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 DivingMustangs 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:
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
