Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #31

April 10, 2026

Dear Mustangs,

April is officially here—and if the forecast has anything to say about it, we’re earning every bit of those May flowers!

Before we get to the week ahead, I want to follow up on a recent incident connected to an off-campus activity known as Senior Assassins. This situation raised a safety concern on our campus and prompted communication to families. Please remember that Senior Assassins is not a school-sponsored activity, and Mundelein High School does not support participation in this game. We ask all students to make safe, responsible choices at all times.

Now, on a celebratory note, I’d like to recognize Henry Kennicott for earning the rank of Eagle Scout. This is an incredible accomplishment that reflects dedication, perseverance, and strong character. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and all that it represents (see more below)

As we look ahead, there are many great things happening across MHS. Our students and staff are in a strong rhythm—academically, co-curricularly, and personally. Let’s continue to stay focused, support one another, and finish each day with intention. And a quick reminder: today is the last day to purchase Senior Yard Signs!

Finally, I would like to recognize someone who has meant so much to this school—and to me personally. Mrs. Stevee Libert, thank you. During my leave, you stepped in with grace, strength, and care for every member of this community. You didn’t just keep things moving—you led with excellence. Happy Assistant Principals Week!

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

Stress is something we all face, but how we experience it can vary greatly. While there's no one-size-fits-all definition, it's most often described as a state of physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension.

The MHS Wellness Center team is proud to share Mental Health Must-Haves for Mundelein Mustangs, a resource packet filled with tips and tricks to manage emotions and stress, regulate thoughts and anger, improve self-love and self-confidence, increase executive functioning, and enhance overall self-care. Be sure to also check out this month's self-care checklist and list of helpful workshops.

Here are some additional suggestions that you may find useful.

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is Mindful

April Workshops

Self Care Bingo

The MHS Science Olympiad team and two MHS Robotics teams were honored with a State Walk Friday morning for qualifying for State competition. One of the Robotics teams, 499R, also qualified for the World Championship.

Congratulations to these students! We’re proud of how well you represented Mundelein High School.

Tech Campus proudly recognizes the following Students of the Quarter for 3rd quarter.

Henry Kennicott, a member of Troop 198, attained the rank of Eagle Scout on March 14th. Henry completed his Eagle project by leading small teams to build two projects at St. Andrew Church; a fence along Lake Street, and a Little Library for the community.

Henry has also been a member of the MHS robotics team for the last 4 years, and is currently the President of the Byte Club. In the summers he has been working as a climbing wall instructor at Makajawan Scout Reservation.

This fall, he is planning to attend University of Wisconsin Stout, studying Computer Science with a focus on Cybersecurity.

The District 120 School Board Tuesday night proudly recognized a number of student-athletes for their accomplishments. They included: Girls Gymnastics State Qualifier Lexie Ede; Wrestling State Qualifiers Ethan Banda and Michael Vincic; Girls Bowling State Qualifiers Paige Winters and Morgan Pawlak, (not shown: Rhiannon Ellis, Cecilia Osorio-Rodriguez, Alexia Pacheco and Mia Ryan): Boys Swimming and Diving State Qualifiers Jack Hansen, Marek Sikora, Cameron Wiklund, Daniel Tatevosian (not shown Griffin Rogers); and National Merit Scholarship Finalist (not shown) Paige Prochnow.

Congratulations to these students. Thanks for representing Mustang Nation so well!

MHS is proud to welcome Dan Lindahl who will join our staff in the 2026-27 school year as our Math and Computer Science Division Chair. Dan is currently the Mathematics Division Head at Dundee-Crown High School. We’re also pleased to announce that Jim Schiffer, currently the Student Life and Activities Coordinator, will serve as our Assistant Principal of student Services next year. Congratulations to both!

Graduates, do people often mispronounce your name? We'd love to get it right for Graduation.

Use this QR code to fill out the Name Pronunciation by May 8th to help our presenters get it right..

Finalists will be scheduled the week of April 20th to present their speech to the selection committee. Decisions will be made by Friday, April 24th and all presenting students will be notified. If your speech is selected, you will then be given a mentor to guide you through the process of refining your speech and preparing you to speak in front of a live audience on the day of graduation.

The parking permit application will open on Wednesday, April 15 at 8:00 a.m. and close on Wednesday, May 6 at 11:59 p.m. Students may apply at any time during this three-week window.

Please note that late applications cannot be accepted.

Students who are selected to receive a parking permit will be notified via email by the end of the school day on Friday, May 8. The permit fee must be paid by Friday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. or the permit will be forfeited.

Permit Options and Cost

• Full-Year Permit: $250 (non-refundable)
• Single Semester Permit: $145 (non-refundable)

Students who plan to drive to school for the entire year are encouraged to apply for a full-year permit, as there will not be another opportunity to apply during the school year.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a permit, students must:

• Be a junior or senior during the 2026–2027 school year (sophomores will not be considered)
• Be in good academic standing
• Maintain consistent attendance
• Have no out-of-school suspensions
• Have minimal or no parking violations
• Have access to a vehicle
• Hold a valid driver’s license*
• Provide proof of registration and insurance

*Students who expect to receive their driver’s license after the application deadline may still apply. If selected, their permit will be held until they obtain their license.

Selection Process

Students will be selected utilizing criteria decided by the building administration. Criteria may include but is not limited to items such as:

1. Student academic history
2. Student attendance history: all parent call-outs must be entered prior to application
3. Student behavior history

Important Reminder

A valid parking permit is required to park on campus. Vehicles without permits, or those parked improperly, are subject to ticketing and towing.

We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a fair and organized parking system for all students.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Are you interested in Summer School? Our 2026 Summer School Information is now available online.

Click here for academic class options and summer school course guide

We will also offer an AP Boot Camp summer school course for session 1, running Monday through Thursday from June 8 to July 2, 2026. All classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Link will be available soon.

Click here for athletics class options. Summer Athletics Camp Registration will be listed under Programs and available beginning April 1st.

Check out our weekly newsletter for more important event and scholarship information.

The Environmental Club is collecting used footwear in collaboration with SWALCO’s Reuse-A-Shoe program. A big red bin will be stationed outside the main office to collect any shoes you may be getting rid of. While you're doing your spring cleaning, save space in your closet and the landfills by recycling your old shoes!

Here are some guidelines from SWALCO:

Accepted:

• Dress Shoes, Casual Shoes, Work Shoes, Sandals, Athletic Shoes, Slippers, Hiking Boots, Crocs, Slip-ons, Boots, Cleats, and Light-up shoes
• All sizes (adult, children's, and baby)
• All brands
• Any shoes with stains or holes will be accepted

Not accepted:

• Ice Skates
• Roller Blades
• Snow Boots
• Moldy or wet shoes
• Shoes that are so badly damaged that they are in pieces or have no soles/bottoms

The red bin will be out through the end of the school day on Wednesday 4/15. It is helpful if you tie the laces together for paired laced shoes. The Environmental Club will sort and bind the remaining shoes at the end of the collection.

Thank you from the Environmental Club!

PROM

May 1, 2026

6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

The Marriott Lincolnshire

TICKETS ON SALE

APRIL 6TH - APRIL 16TH

ONLINE ONLY (Omella) / $90 PER PERSON

Click here for more information.

*All students must be in good standing in order to purchase tickets.

*All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

Mundelein High School is dedicated to supporting students’ social and emotional wellbeing. On April 13th and 14th, we will be sharing a presentation that supports the state mandate for teaching Erin’s Law (House Bill 6193), which was signed by Governor Pat Quinn in 2013. This law requires schools to implement an age-appropriate sexual assault and abuse awareness and prevention curriculum for grades Pre-K through 12.

For more information, please review out parent letter.

Please join us in supporting the Best Buddies club at Luke’s of Mundelein on Tuesday, April 14. When you mention Best Buddies, 20% of proceeds go back to the club.

Feel free to grab lunch, dinner, or both, as the fundraiser lasts open (10 AM) ‘til close (9 PM). Our BB club members will be meeting for dinner and you are welcome to join us!

Thank you!

Participate in Theme Thursday on April 16th to celebrate unity in diversity by wearing clothing that celebrates your culture, heritage, or identity! You will receive a raffle ticket from your 2nd period teacher if you participate which you can enter to win MHS spirit wear and a gift card to a local restaurant!

Attention Teens (and parents)! Join us for Set to Soar: Teen Resource & Opportunities Fair

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Location: University Center of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois

Event Time: 5-8pm

Join local organizations and employers along with the offices of State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, State Representative Faver Dias, State Representative Joyce Mason, and Lake County Regional Office of Education for this special community event to provide Lake County Teens with vital information.

Students Can Connect with Organizations:

• Talk to employers about jobs, internships, apprenticeships, volunteering & more

• Discover recreational opportunities

• Learn about mental health & well-being resources

Students Can Attend Information Sessions:

• 5:30pm- Future-ready Job Search - Building a Resume & the Interview Process - Presented by the Job Center Lake Count7

• 6:00pm - Healthy Relationships & Safe Dating - Presented by the Zacharias Center for Sexual Abuse

• 6:30pm - Breaking Into the Workforce- Land Your First Job with Confidence - Presented by the Job Center Lake County

• 7pm - Betting on the Fu re: Preventing Gambling Harm in the Digital Age - Presented by Nicasa

This is a free, public event, but registration is encouraged to receive event updates and secure your spot for presentations. Pizza and Bobo Tea will be provided free to attendees. To register visit: tinyurl.com/LakeCountyTeensSoar

Thursday, April 16th

7:30pm

MHS Cafeteria

• Meet the coaches
• Learn about the program
• Get your questions answered

Please save the date for El Baile 2026!

Saturday, April 18th

7:00 to 10:00 PM.

This year's theme is "Noche Bajo Las Estrellas."

Tickets are $5.00

• Online ticket sales through Omella from 4/6-4/17 at 11:59 PM!
• Ticket Sales during lunches 4/14-4/17
• Guest forms are available in the Deans Office and due 4/14.
• Guest tickets must be purchased online through Omella!

NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR THIS YEAR!

The first 50 students to buy their tickets will recieve free food at the dance!

On Sunday, April 19, 2026, Mundelein High School will proudly host the Eleventh Annual Mayor’s Cup STEM Competition. Many of you will remember that in 2019 we expanded the long-standing Math Challenge to include a team-based STEM Challenge—and it has since become one of our community’s most inspiring academic events. This competition highlights the vital fields of science, technology, engineering, and math, and brings together talented students from local middle and high schools.

Click here to learn more.

On April 20th, the MHS English department and Library Media Center will host a visit to our school by Author/Illustrator, Comic Creator, Jason Walz. He is know for sensitive teen portrayals that highlight the drama of being young and coming of age into a larger and often confusing world.

He will talk periods 1, 2 and 4 in the MHS Auditorium.

To celebrate educators around the 26th Senate District, I am writing to request your encouragement of your students to participate in my 2026 My Inspirational Teacher Essay Contest. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to write an essay of 250-500 words on a teacher that has had a positive impact on their life. This year’s contest theme is: How My Teacher Inspires Me.

PARTICIPANTS: All participants will receive a certificate of recognition from State Senator Darby Hills’ legislative office.

FINALISTS: Finalists from grades 6-12 and excerpts from their essays will be featured on SenatorDarbyHills.com. Finalists and their nominated teachers will also be invited to a reception at Senator Hills’ district office in Lake Zurich on Monday, May 4 from 5:30PM-6:30PM to receive their awards. Additionally, the winning essays will be displayed in the Springfield Capitol building to showcase your student’s talent.

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS: Two grand prize winners (one winner from grades 6-8 and one winner from grades 9-12) will each be awarded a $100 Amazon gift card to be used for educational supplies. (Governmental funds are not used for prizes. Amazon gift cards are donated).

Students must submit their essays no later than Thursday, April 23rd to be eligible.

Please send all entries to thankateacher@sgop.ilga.gov.

Mundelein High School

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Mean Girls The Musical

By Tina Fey
Directed by Maddie Martorana

Teenage Cady Heron was educated in Africa by her scientist parents. When her family moves to the suburbs of Illinois, Cady finally gets to experience public school and gets a quick primer on the cruel, tacit laws of popularity that divide her fellow students into tightly knit cliques. She unwittingly finds herself in the good graces of an elite group of cool students dubbed "the Plastics," but Cady soon realizes how her shallow group of new friends earned this nickname.

Thursday, April 23, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 25, 2 PM and 7:30 PM @ Mundelein HS

Click here to Purchase Tickets

We are proud to host visitors to learn more about our programming and facilities. In order to minimize the impact on the educational environment, we have chosen to host visitors on select days throughout the school year.

Therefore, to secure a visitation time, please select from the following options so we are able to provide the necessary information and personnel during your visit.

Our next tour is on April 23th at 4:30pm. Click here to register.

La sesión de abril del Colegio de Padres se llevará a cabo el 23 de abril en la cafetería de la escuela, de 18:00 a 20:00 h. Para más información, comuníquese con Fred Kliora al 847-949-2200, ext. 1410.

It’s time again for our annual MHS Mulch Fundraiser! The dates will be Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, from 8am-4pm (weather permitting). We will be working out of the MHS Transition Center parking lot this year. We offer Dark Brown, Red, and Black... Unfortunately, Natural is not an option for us this year.

Bags are $4 each (No Bulk Mulch). If you normally purchase bulk mulch by the yard, about 18 of our bags is the equivalent to 1 cu/yd. Now for the best part, we can deliver and spread it for you! Why do you want to get your car and hands dirty? If you normally have landscapers spread mulch for you, we can still help.

Delivering bags allows us to do the same job as them, but cleaner, faster, and 90% of the time cheaper than they can. Reach out, and we can work out the details. Our flier is linked here for more information.

To place an order, please fill out this form.

If you’re not sure yet or decide to purchase bags last minute, we should still have what you need available at the school. Stop by anytime between 8am-4pm, during that weekend.

If it's not too much trouble, I would love for you to help us get the word out. Please share the Google Form link and our flier on all of your social media platforms, as well as with your neighbors, family, and friends. Please reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.

MHS Auditorium

7:00pm

(Flyer was designed by MHS student Maddie Reuter)

More information coming soon.

Stanford AI and Emerging Technology Program

Inspirit AI pairs grades 6–12 students with Stanford and MIT researchers to build original AI projects such as cybersecurity threat detection, and intelligent traffic flow optimization. Students publish their research in academic journals and compete at competitions like Regeneron ISEF. Applications close April 30.

MHS Theatre

7:00pm

More information coming soon.

Athletics events week of 4/13/2026

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

Submitted by Coach Willis

It has been a busy week! Varsity went 2-1 at the Highland Park Quad last weekend bringing home wins against both Prospect and a very strong Highland Park team!.This week, Varsity earned a stellar win against Vernon Hills at their home opener on Tuesday night in 2 tight sets bringing their season record to 4-1, and the JV, Frosh/Soph and Freshman teams brought home wins against the Cougars as well for a program sweep.

This Saturday, the JV team heads to the Libertyville Invite, while the Frosh/Soph team heads to the Lake Forest Invite. Good luck to both teams! Looking to the week ahead, MHS heads to Stevenson on Wednesday, April 15. Be sure to come out and support your Mustangs. It is going to be an exciting week!

Varsity on Tuesday against Vernon Hills after taking the first set 29-27.

Submitted by Coach DeVito

The MHS Girls Lacrosse team secured their second win of the season on Monday, defeating the Hampshire Whippurs with a final score of 14 - 8! The game remained tight through the first three quarters, but the Mustangs pulled away in the fourth with a strong, determined finish.

Come out and support the team next week at home! The Mustangs take on Lake Forest Academy on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. and Lake Zurich on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!

Did you know? You can stay on top of all the MHS athletic schedule changes and reminders for your favorite activities!

With Notify Me!, you can set yourself up to receive automatic text and email notifications. Simply log in to choose the teams and activities you want to track, and we'll send you updates directly to your phone or inbox.

It's easy to use and you can log back in anytime to modify your settings. Don't miss a game or important update again!

Https://as3.rschooltoday.com/public/notify/genie/632/school/632

Class of 2027: Start planning for college NOW by reading the Junior Edition of the CCRC Newsletter!

Peer/AP Tutors has updated the link to the Advanced Placement web page where students can access videos that detail nearly two dozen AP courses offered at MHS. We are grateful to senior Sophie Hammer who taped and edited every video, and the cast of seniors and juniors who provided insights behind selecting advanced placement courses.

The link can be found on the Literacy Center and Peer/AP Tutors website.

• Before school, during lunch, free periods, study hall. Staff help and student (peer) tutors available.
• ARC Academic Resource Center B145-147: help with any subject. Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-3:25pm.
• Teacher office hours: contact the teacher for time/day.
• Guidance: Counselors can make arrangements for help. Check Power School for name of assigned counselor.
• Student-led AP and Honors Study Group schedule; Remind codes for each group (Text the code to 81010):

Scan the QR Code below for your weekly menu options.

For those times when you need a little extra support.

• Principal's Blog Archive
• District Developments Newsletter
• The Mustang Newspaper
• The Messenger Newsletter

Website: www.d120.org

Location: 1359 West Hawley Street, Mundelein, IL, USA

Phone: 847-949-2200