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Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #7

 Principal's Blog 2025-2026 #7
Principal's Blog2025-2026 #7

Principal's Blog #7

September 26, 2025

Message from Dr. Taylor Message from Dr. Taylor

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Dear Mustang Families,

As we continue through the end of September, our school community has the opportunity to honor and learn from two meaningful observances that reflect the rich diversity of our families.


Yom Kippur

This upcoming week marks Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. For our Jewish students and families observing this sacred time, it represents reflection, forgiveness, and new beginnings. We recognize the importance of this spiritual observance and encourage our entire school community to appreciate the values of introspection and compassion that Yom Kippur embodies.


Hispanic Heritage

We're also in the heart of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino students, families, and community members. This month offers all of us the chance to learn about the rich traditions, achievements, and perspectives that strengthen our school and our nation. From art and literature to science and community leadership, Hispanic heritage enriches our shared learning experience.


Both of these beautiful observances remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, creating opportunities for all students to develop empathy, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.


Parent-Teacher Conferences

Finally, this upcoming week also means the opportunity to meet with teachers during Parent-teacher conferences. Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on September 30 and October 3, see below for more info.


September 30th

Student Early Release Schedule

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00pm


October 3rd

No Student Attendance

Day-time Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00am - 2:00pm


If you have not yet had an opportunity to sign up for conferences, the online scheduler closes on September 29th so be sure to click here and reserve your time slots.


Go Mustangs!

Dr. Alexandria Taylor

Principal

Mundelein High School

847-949-2200

www.d120.org

ataylor@d120.org

Important Dates Important Dates

Sep 29 Principal Profile Session - English

Sep 29 CLC Application Drive

Sep 29 - Oct 3 Essentials Drive

Sep 30 Principal Profile Session - Spanish

Sep 30 Parent Teacher Conferences / Early Release

Oct 2 Senator Darby Hills Visit

Oct 2 Principal Student Advisory Council (PSAC)

Oct 3 Parent Teacher Conferences / No Student Attendance

Oct 6 National Honor Society Induction

Oct 6-10 College Week

Oct 8 MHS Community Read-In

Oct 9 Free College App Day

Oct 9 Autumn Choir Concert

Oct 10 Late Start

Oct 10 Home Football Game v Lake Zurich

Oct 11 Band Competition

Oct 13 NO SCHOOL - Federal Holiday

Oct 14 8th Grade All Stars

Oct 15 PSAT/NMSQT - Regular School Day

Oct 15 Deadline for Physicals

Oct 16 Career Expo

Oct 17 Home Football Game v Waukegan

Oct 21 Fall Jazz Concert

Oct 23 Building Tour

Oct 25 Band Competition

Oct 30 HallowSTEAM


Due to MHS building construction efforts, school days will be slightly different for the next couple of years. Our Board of Education has approved school-year calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 so we may all have an opportunity to do some advanced planning.

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Important Message from Associate Principal Libert

There has been a rise in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases among children and/or staff in our facility. HFMD is caused by many different viruses. It is spread through close contact with nasal mucous, blister fluid, and stool. It spreads through the air when someone with it coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus can spread when we touch things like doorknobs or desks with our hands and then touch our mouths. HFMD can affect anyone but is more common in infants and children younger than 5 years old and those living in congregate settings (e.g., military barracks).


Please click here for important information. ENGLISH | SPANISH

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Important Message from Your MHS Security Team

Reminder – Student Parking Rules


We’ve recently had several vehicles parked in our student lots without a valid parking permit. To ensure a smooth start to everyone’s day, please note the following:


  1. Parking Permits Required: All students must have a valid parking permit to park in student lots.
  2. Park in Legal Spots Only: Vehicles must be parked in designated, legal parking spaces.
  3. Consequences: Vehicles without permits or parked illegally will be stickered and towed at the owner’s expense. No exceptions.


Let’s work together to keep our parking areas organized and accessible for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!

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Important Message from the MHS Library

The Atlantic is now free to high school students (and teachers) when accessed in the building. It has a 168 year archive that is available too.


If you have exceeded free articles to EdWeek, the library has a subscription.


FLIPSTER is an online magazine app where you can read the latest issues of Time, The Week, Wired and Motor Trend.


National Geographic and Car and Driver are delivered to the MHS Library: you can check them out.

October is... October is...

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Hispanic Heritage Month

Featuring - Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist


The phrase “Si se puede!” (Yes, it can be done!) rings true with Latin labor leader Cesar Chavez. After all, he is one of the major forces for labor rights in the 20th century. Growing up, he witnessed how farmers were mistreated through his parents, who were farmers migrating to the US. This, along with his own experience, motivated him to fight for the rights of farmers.


In the 1960s, he led a series of non-violent protests for farmer’s rights. Part of it was the Delano grape strike and boycott, where over 17 million Americans boycotted grapes for five years. These protests bore fruit with the establishment of unions that will serve and protect farmers.

He later co-founded the National Farm Workers Association with Delores Huerta.


Text Courtesy of: Rayio de Sol - https://www.rayitoschools.com/blog/hispanic-historical-figures-12-people-to-teach-your-kids-about/


Image by Arthur Schatz, Courtesy of: The Cesar Chavez Foundation - https://chavezfoundation.org/about-cesar-chavez/

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Bullying Prevention Month

Don’t be spooked, it's almost October! October is Bullying Prevention month, and Red Ribbon week. There will be multiple activities done throughout the month in the commons during lunch periods to provide students with knowledge and resources. We will celebrate Red Ribbon week from Oct 27- 31st. There will be theme dress days and activities in the commons each day of the week. The week will end with a mental health resource fair in the commons on Halloween. Students will be able to trick or treat for candy and resources! I will send another email closer to Red Ribbon Week with promotional materials to post. There will also be weekly social emotional workshops throughout the month.


Wellness Center Newsletter

Workshop calendar- October Calendar

Hope Squad Coping Strategies of the Week for October

Character Value Slide: Resilience

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National Principal's Month

Thank you to our fearless leader!
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Friday Focus Friday Focus

Friday Focus 9 26 25

Shoutouts! Shoutouts!

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The District’s Final Budget Is Now Available

The Mundelein High School District 120 final annual budget has been posted and is available for public viewing.


You can access it here: Business Office Page on the Mundelein High School Website.

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MHS Graduate Does Engineering Intern at MHS

We were so proud that MHS graduate and current Bradley University student Jill Kennicott worked at MHS during this past summer as an intern for Elara Engineering. Jill impressed her employers with her skills, work ethic and ability to learn.


Her career choice was shaped at MHS where she was a part of our Project Lead The Way program.


To learn more about Jill and her internship, watch this video where Jill tells about the experience in her own words:

MHS Engineering Intern 2025

Mustang Pride - Student Edition

Congratulations to the seven students who received a coveted Mustang Pride Award during a special breakfast program on September 18th.


The award recognizes students for demonstrating one or more of our Profile of a Learner tenets: Agile; Self-Assured; Proactive; Information-Seeking; Resilient; and Empathetic.


Those receiving awards were Jimena Torres Gonzalez, Charles Stoffel, Deisy Martinez Olmos, Nancy Michelle Macia Olmos, Sophia Whipple, Jacob Irabagon and Shalin Mehta.


Congratulations to these students - they are setting a high standard for all of our students.

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Food and Nutrition

Our Food and Nutrition students completed a project that aligns with Hispanic Heritage month this past week. Elotes were served to the Main office as well as amongst the students and staff in the Foods classroom! It was delicious!

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MHS Puertas Club performs Baile Folklorico

Our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations kicked off with a dazzling display this morning! Juniors Fernanda Delabra and Barbara Maya-Resendiz from the MHS Puertas Club performed Baile Folklorico.


Click here to see the scrapbook.

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Community Cookout

Great weather, great friends and great fun at the MHS Community Cookout hosted by the Parent Ambassadors. Thanks to all who helped and to all who attended. This is what community is all about!


Click here to see the scrapbook.

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Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

College and Career Resource Center (CCRC)

Join us this coming week for some exciting college visits! Register in SchoolLinks today!


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

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2025 Career Expo and Networking Event

The 2025 Career Expo and Networking Event is an opportunity for our 2000+ students to learn about the exciting careers that await them after graduation, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!


We are looking for professionals from all industries! Volunteers will be asked to host a table and speak with students about your profession during the entire event. The expo is a relaxed way for students to explore career options, it's a great deal of fun, and lunch is on us!


If you're fired-up about your profession and would like to be a part of this event, fill out the linked survey. If you have questions, feel free to contact Alexander Kapotas at akapotas@d120.org or (847) 949-2200 x1092. Please note that space is limited, and no fee is required to participate.



P.S. Take a look inside our programming by following us on Instagram and viewing this student-produced segment on our 2024 Job Expo. There's an energetic vibe happening, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!

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September 29th and 30th - Principal Profile Sessions

We're taking the first steps in hiring a new principal following this school year and we're looking for input from our MHS parents.


Please sign up to attend one of our Principal Profile Sessions on Sept. 29 (English) or Sept. 30 (Spanish). We'd like to start building a profile of the characteristics we want in our next principal and we'd love your help.


Click here to sign up.

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September 29 - CLC Application Drive

Thinking about attending CLC after graduating? Join Mr. Kamper in the CCRC on Monday to walk through the CLC application, and get the chance to find out what YOU need to do to get ready to pick out classes.

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September 29 - October 3 - Essentials Drive

This week, Help One Club will be starting our Essentials drive, collecting necessities for the Lake County Haven. Bins will be located in the main office, through the week of September 29th until the October 3rd.


Click here for ideas on what to donate.

September 30th and October 3rd - Parent Teacher Conferences

September 30th

Student Early Release Schedule

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30 - 8:00pm


October 3rd

No Student Attendance

Day-time Parent Teacher Conferences 8:00am - 2:00pm


Registration link is open September 15th through September 29th.

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October 1 - AP Exam Registration Begins

Advanced Placement Exam Registration begins October 1 for students enrolled is Semester 1 AP Courses. See the testing website for more information.

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October 1- - Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” in Hebrew. It is the single holiest day of the Jewish year and marks a time for atonement. This somber day of fervent prayer and fasting ends the 10 days of the High Holidays, or “Days of Awe,” which begin with Rosh Hashanah.

If you are Jewish or have a Jewish friend, a common greeting is “G’mar chatimah tovah.” This means, “May you be sealed [in the Book of Life] for a good year ahead.” In Jewish tradition, the Book of Life is written on Rosh HaShanah, and the decree for the New Year is sealed on Yom Kippur.


Text adapted from: https://www.almanac.com/content/when-yom-kippur

October 2 - Senator Darby Hills Visit

Mundelein High School welcomes Senator Darby Hills to be Principal for a Day.


Darby Hills is a passionate advocate for children and families, a community leader, and the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District. She has spent her life fighting for those in need, rolling up her sleeves to get things done, and making a real difference in her community.


Her drive to give back comes from personal experience—she was raised in a working-class household by a single mother who worked two jobs to put food on the table. Her mother was not only her greatest role model but also her first teacher, instilling in her the belief that hard work, perseverance, and generosity are the keys to making a difference.


Click here to read more.


Text excerpted from: https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/about/

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October 2 - Principal's Student Advisory Council

All students welcome.

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October 2 - National Maintenance and Custodial Workers Day

We couldn't do it without you!

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October 6-10 - College Week 2025

MHS is thrilled to once again be celebrating our annual College Week with a variety of events throughout the week of October 6-10 during lunch periods to help our seniors apply to college and find their future fit. Read on to learn more, and then register for all events in your SchooLinks account.


Click here to see the full schedule of events.

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October 6th - NHS Induction Ceremony

The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony will be held:


October 6th

7:00pm

MHS Auditorium


The mission of NHS is to recognize and foster enthusiasm for scholarship, to promote the development of strong character, to encourage positive leadership, and to cultivate responsible citizenship through service to school and community.

October 8 - MHS Communuty Read-In

Book Bans Silence Stories and Limit Voices


Since 1990 the American Library Association has been tracking banned and challenged books in American libraries. Banned means the books were removed from the shelves, challenged means an attempt was made to remove the books.


In 2024, 38% of the challenged and banned materials and services happened in US school libraries.

The MHS community is invited to celebrate our freedom to read what we choose by joining the library for a Read-In on Wednesday, October 8 during all lunch periods.


Contact rplaza@d120.org with any questions.

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October 9 - Autumn Choir Concert

7:00pm

MHS Auditorium


Free

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October 10 - Late Start

Classes begin at 9:40am.


Buses will run one hour later than usual.



Click here for late start schedule.

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October 10 - Home Football Game Versus Lake Zurich

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Lake Zurich Bears


Theme

Senior Night: Marching Band

Red Rage Student Section: Neon


Start Time

7:30pm


Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan


Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower-level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower-level game and remain open through the varsity game.


Permitted Items

Permitted items that are allowed are sealed water bottles, carried rain gear, baby food, blankets, coats, and umbrellas, wheelchairs and walkers, service dogs trained to aid patrons with a disability and pre approved signs or posters.


Disallowed Items


Mundelein High School is reminding our parents/guardians and students that we have a list of items that we do not allow into the stadium on game days. Disallowed items that are not allowed in the stadium are backpacks, large purses, beach bags, outside coolers, outside food or drink, noise makers, balls, inflatable toys, laser pointers, paint, baby powder, streamers, alcoholic beverages, tobacco of any kind including e-cigarettes, drones (except for MHS School Issued Drones), pets. If someone has these items they will be confiscated at the entry gates. All bags are subject to search.


Can't make it in person? Watch Live!

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October 13 - NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL - Federal Holiday

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October 14 - 8th Grade Rockstars

This unique event invites all incoming 8th grade Choir students from Fremont, Carl Sandburg, and West Oak, to participate with the choir students from MHS. Workshops and rehearsals occur from after school into the evening and culminate in a large performance in the auditorium. Students get to spend time with upper classmen over dinner while they get unique perspectives on what it means to be in Choir at MHS.


Join us at 7 p.m., in the MHS Auditorium for the 8th Grade Rockstar Concert featuring the Class of 2030. Free Admission!

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October 15 - Deadline for Physicals!

All 9th-grade students must submit a school physical.

All 12th-grade students must submit proof of the second meningococcal vaccination.


Students without these requirements will be excluded from school on October 15. Visit our health office website for more info.

October 16 - Career Expo and Networking Event

The 2025 Career Expo and Networking Event is an opportunity for our 2000+ students to learn about the exciting careers that await them after graduation, and we'd love to have you be a part of it!


Take a look at this student-produced segment from our 2024 Job Expo.

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October 17 - Home Football Game Versus Waukegan

Contest

Mundelein Mustangs versus Waukegan Bulldogs


Theme

Community Night

Red Rage Student Section: White Out


Start Time

7:30pm


Tickets

Current MHS Students with ID - Free

Child (ages 3-10)/Seniors (65+) - $3

General Admission $6

Purchase Tickets at GoFan


Gates open 60 minutes before kickoff for single varsity games. On nights when we have a lower-level game prior to varsity, gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff of the lower-level game and remain open through the varsity game.


Permitted Items

Permitted items that are allowed are sealed water bottles, carried rain gear, baby food, blankets, coats, and umbrellas, wheelchairs and walkers, service dogs trained to aid patrons with a disability and pre approved signs or posters.


Disallowed Items


Mundelein High School is reminding our parents/guardians and students that we have a list of items that we do not allow into the stadium on game days. Disallowed items that are not allowed in the stadium are backpacks, large purses, beach bags, outside coolers, outside food or drink, noise makers, balls, inflatable toys, laser pointers, paint, baby powder, streamers, alcoholic beverages, tobacco of any kind including e-cigarettes, drones (except for MHS School Issued Drones), pets. If someone has these items they will be confiscated at the entry gates. All bags are subject to search.



Can't make it in person? Watch Live!

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October 21 - Fall Jazz Concert

Save the date. More information coming soon.

October 23 - Building Tour

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 October 23rd at 4:30pm. Click here to register.

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October 25 - Band Competition

Save the date. More information coming soon.

October 30 - HallowSTEAM

This is a free event. Kids will explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities—each one a fun stop on our “Ghost Trip.” From eerie experiments to creepy crafts, every station is filled with thrills, chills, and discoveries.


Costumes welcome • Treats included • Fun guaranteed!

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Athletics Athletics

Athletics events week of 9/22/2025

Athletic Department Newsletter (coming soon)

2025-26 Sports Season Start Dates

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Notify Me!

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

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Red Rage Spirit Store

MHS Students! Check out the Red Rage Spirit Store to get ready for our Friday Night Lights.


The store will be open until the end of the season! Every shirt closes after a certain amount of time, so make sure to purchase your shirts before the time runs out.


Head to our Instagram page for more info.

Click Here to Visit the Red Rage Spirit Store

Coaches Corner - Girls Varsity Tennis

Submitted by Coach Winter


The Girls Varsity tennis team beat Warren in conference play, the team is now 7-7 overall 2-2 in NSC. #1 doubles of Alina Ahmed and Ashley Williams won 6-4,6-0. The #2 doubles team of Kat Zhuzhelska and Abi Gora won 6-1,6-2, #3 team of Paige Scaramella and Brianna Mondragon won 6-2,5-7,6-1 and #4 squad won 6-3,6-2 from Nahomy Benitez and Aubrey Anderson.

Coaches Corner - Girls Volleyball

Submitted by Coach Willis


This week’s win against Wheeling on Monday was a fun one after a tough loss to Stevenson last week, and now Varsity sits at 8-9 and 3rd in conference. We are now in the whirlwind part of the Girls Volleyball season facing some heavy hitters on the road at Libertyville, Wauconda, and Warren, all within a week’s time. All levels have been working hard, developing their communication skills and team efficiency, all while balancing their school responsibilities. We are so proud of the progress they have made so far this season.


Be sure to mark your calendars for our Cancer Awareness Night on Wednesday, October 8 at our home match against Lake Zurich. There will be a 50/50 raffle and themed baskets to win. Please mark your calendars and join us for this special event!

Student Resources Student Resources

College and Career Resource Center (CCRC)

Check out our new CCRC Newsletter at:https://app.smore.com/n/8r5pk

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CCRC Calendar of Events

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Fall 2025 Resource Roadmap

Peer/AP Tutors

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.

Tutor Time at Fremont Public Library

MHS students will provide tutoring (English and Spanish) at Fremont Library several times this semester. All K-8 students are welcome for homework or subject help.


Fremont Public Library

1170 Midlothian Rd

Mundelein, IL


6:00pm - 7:00pm


October 8th

November 12th

December 10th


For more information, please contact:


Fremont Public Library: (847) 566-8702

Mundelein High School: hbabowice@d120.org

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Quest

Scan the QR Code below for your weekly menu options.

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Student Support Services Student Support Services

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Literacy Center is Now the ARC

Visit the ARC for homework help. Adult and student tutors are available. Stop in or click here to learn more.

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Media Center

Do you have a question, suggestion or request? Ask a librarian! Complete this Google form, and a librarian will respond to you ASAP.

Click here to learn more.

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Wellness Center

The 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.


Grief Awareness

September Newsletter

September Workshops

Hope Squad - Monthly Theme is Hope

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MHS Supports

MHS has many supports to offer students. Students can access a quick-reference guide of all supports available on this page. Available is everything from social-emotional support, to financial support. Check it out!


Click here to see all the student support areas we have to offer.

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26-26 School Profile

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25-26 Perfil de la escuela

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Go Mustangs!

For some additional reading, view our:


  • 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

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